Hit the ground running. Criterion's making Paradise cooler. 

Things have been so crazy lately that I've been slipping with my usual current events reporting. I just stumbled upon this news about Burnout Paradise receiving an upcoming patch for the PS3 and 360 versions, conversely delivering some much-needed tweaks to satiate diehard players. Funny thing is, among the 30 different areas being refined, I've probably only found one or two of them to be glaringly obvious. Perhaps I just wasn't paying enough attention eh? Reportedly this patch will address everything from audio peformance to some in-game gaming logistics.

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The most important tidbit of all is the street date, of course. 

Konami revealed new promotional initiatives related to the upcoming release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. In other words, details that we actually care about like the online multiplayer, pre-order campaign and oh yeah, a street date too! In case you've been sleeping over the past few months, then you should already know that this installment marks the final chapter in the Metal Gear Solid series (though we've heard this tune before). Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the Earth to foil Liquid Ocelot's plans for total world domination.

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The scale of interest seems to be tipping toward (more) mixed emotions.

Last month, EGM gave us our first official impressions of SF4 which to be honest, was written in a very mild, political tone. I can't blame Shane though, he's trying to keep an open mind. Whether you've been a longtime fan or someone who got recently caught up with the Street Fighter phenomenon over the years, we all want to wish the best for this highly anticipated release. Recently players from SRK (the biggest online destination for fighting game discussion, news and more) presented some solid impressions based upon the arcade test location release and well, let's just say there wasn't a whole lot of fanfare in their words. (I like just noticed this so cut me some slack if you've already went there k?)

No, I am not going to hop on that soapbox I rode last week. You already know what I think. The collective thoughts are more or less what I feared and thankfully Capcom has more than enough time to actually correct the issues fans are addressing. Seriously, we don't even know about the rest of the undisclosed characters and look at the reception it's getting so far! This is a sign Capcom - FIX the GAME!

Moving on, IGN recently gave their take based upon a visit at this year's AOU event which didn't actually make me any more interested in the game before I read the article. I just didn't think there was enough personal insight in the article. 

Meanwhile, former GN editor Jared Rea offered his two cents via GameTap based upon the arcade location test featured at this year's GDC and it's by far one of the most solid articles I've read on the game so far. This cat has gone head to head with some of the most skilled players throughout the globe and has the writing chops to match. Here's a small clip: 

…after spending hours upon hours with the game, dissecting it with equal players and debating endlessly with Yoshinori Ono, I'm convinced that Street Fighter IV will turn out to be something special. It may not be there just yet, but the hurdles that Capcom faces aren't terribly tall and at this point, its more a question of whether or not they actually care enough to leap them. Seeing as how Ono never kicked me out of this suite with my near endless whining, I'd say they care.

We ALL saw this coming. (Yes, we did).

Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD reminds me of all the major corporate battles that go on with Pepsi vs. Coke; Apple vs. PC. Nike vs.,… well you get the point. There's lots of competition out there but in the end, there can only be one company who stands on top. Whomever came out with the HD-DVD standard must have took this into account when they decided to introduce this alternative video format which we now know is basically on its way out. Forever. Ok, eventually it will be considered obscure or something.

At the risk of sounding apathetic, Microsoft's unceremonious dismissal of the HD-DVD format in the 360 doesn't faze me one bit. Ever since the whole high definition video saga began, I was extremely indifferent to Blu-Ray AND HD-DVD. Why? Well, because I was too comfy enjoying the very format that's still cheaper and visually appealing: DVDs. Yeah, you remember those right? I've had the opportunity to experience both of the new next-gen video standards (if you want to call it that) and to the naked eye of most consumers… they look the same. 

In any case, here's an official statement released over the weekend confirming Microsoft's plans which were disclosed to the public earlier last week:

As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD.  Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market.  As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace.  HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own.

So now this makes how many Xbox 360 SKUs on the market? I believe we're up to three if you count the core, standard and the recent HDMI unit… and yes, you KNOW they're going to end up releasing another unit which I am sure will have the HDMI WITH Blu-Ray to combat the PS3. It's such an easy conclusion based on all that's going on. Watch, you'll see. :p

This blog article should be recognized as the sole opinion of the editor and does not necessarily reflect GotNext's official position on the subject.

SNK's upcoming KOF installment shows the competition how it's done. 

Is it so wrong of me to feel drawn to the upcoming King of Fighters XII? I don't think so. In my opinion, the video showcased at AOU 2008 represents everything that SF4 should be. True 2D high-res bliss. Don't get me wrong, in the right hands, a 2D engine meshed with 3D elements sounds ideal and innovative. This my friends is a truly BEAUTIFUL game. 

Sorry, but I am just not totally sold on what Ono and his team have been working on. The latest videos showcase a very floaty flow. It doesn't look intense enough in spite of the fact interviews suggest this will be the most offensive fighter in the franchise. I also don't get why the classic characters couldn't sport some new outfits. After all these years, I am supposed to believe that Ryu and company never felt a design to change their wardrobe?!? C'mon. Namco, Sega, and SNK have done it - why does Capcom insist on being so non-creative with what should be the turning point for the series? Where's the bold charge to be try out some new ideas? I can't be the only person who's been pondering this. In fact, I know that I am not. Ever since this trailer of KOFXII has hit the web, I know a lot of people went back and looked at SF4 with great skepticism.

This is a sign to head back to the drawing board and start of with something fresh. Something that's really going to resonate with the fans, appeal to newcomers and ultimately make that fourth moniker represent more than just another number slapped on the title. Of course, we know the reality of Street Fighter 4. It's going to continue as planned; and that actually disappoints me because I want to really love what Capcom is planning to roll out, but somehow I think that over time that I'll lose interest and look elsewhere for entertainment. Somewhere like where many 2D enthusiasts will flock to later this year: to King of Fighters XII!!!! Woo! 

This blog article should be recognized as the sole opinion of the editor and does not necessarily reflect GotNext's official position on the subject.