Capcom revives a few more killer franchises. 

I remember as a kid playing Commando at the local Pizza Hut.  The controls were stiff and the bullets were tiny.  I don't think I ever made it past the first stage.  Then MERCS came along to the arcade just across the street, and it seemed like insane destruction and top down blasting action for me and two other Rambo-wannabes until we ran out of quarters.  Capcom has been on a trend of reviving their nearly forgotten gems to the delight of former arcade junkies, with the latest offering of Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 for XBLA and PSN.  Outside of the more cartoonish gleam, the latest footage shows a game that sticks surprisingly close to its roots, with a variety of scrolling, destructible environments for up to three players, both online and off.  The action is quick and furious, while the weapons are insane and highly destructive.  It's already looking better than the upcoming pretender to the throne, Assault Heroes 2, though both pale next to what else Capcom has up its sleeve.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix has been a long time in coming, but hey it takes a long time to draw all those frames at 1080p.  They must be close to release now, however, because coming with Commando 3 will be an online beta of SSF2THDR (on XBLA at least).  Yeah, it's only going to be Ken and Ryu, but outside of seeing how high Chun-li still kicks, they were going to be your first picks anyway.  This is a series that kicks in even more nostalgia, but these new visuals are a lot better than I remember, while the rebalanced mode should end cries of cheap among friends.  Maybe it'll even stop the droppers online.

Backbone's Producer discusses how the game stacks up so far. 

No, I am not here to announce an official launch date, though I imagine it's gotta be before summer's end with Evo 08 fast approaching. Actually this post exists only to get a few of you over to the latest blog presented by the talented David Sirlin diligently working on Super SF2 Turbo HD Remix. (Jeez, that's quite a mouthful to say in casual conversation.) In his latest update, Sirlin provides a solid summary of the cast's current list of changes and minor modifications (where applicable). Overall, I have to say that I am really impressed with how the game is turning out and the art direction has shown a lot of promise. (Cammy's new look though, eh - not loving that so much).

Now if only this digital gem would be released already. I am getting antsy. Click over here for the whole scoop.

It's got our vote of approval.

With all the frequent updates surrounding Street Fighter IV, you might be wondering if Capcom started to overlook a certain remixed coin-op classic was going to see the light of day. Yes, that would be SSF2T: HD Remix and contrary what some may want to believe, the project has NOT been forgotten. In fact, they've been working very hard to polish every aspect which should delight even the most diehard fan. Art direction appears to be one of the major areas that have been addressed over the past several months, something which the community have been especially vocal about with mixed feelings. Like Ryu's over-the-top 'roids look? Yeah, me either. (Too bad it's coming back HARD in SF4, but that's a discussion for another time).

Moving on, Rey Jimenez just published a spectacular update at Capcom-Unity, which offers some big highlights where the game's current progress is. For those of you've been getting restless as each month goes by, perhaps reading this new info should put your mind at ease. A good chunk of it talks about the art direction, but there's some other tidbits that's definitely going to bring a smile to your face. No, I am not kidding.

Last, but certainly not least, be sure to visit Gamespot and check out Backbone Lead Producer David Sirlin's interview on the game. There's a sweet mention on how fans can get their first taste of the game by purchasing… (no, I am not telling ya, go check out the link!) :p

Arcade-in-a-Box releases the first authentic peripheral for diehard fighting fans. 

With the highly anticipated release the next iteration of KOF and SF2 Turbo HD Remix on the horizon, third-party developers have already begun working on some remarkable must-own peripherals. And if you're like one of the many diehard fighting vets who cherish the ability to recreate an an arcade experience, you'll want to keep an eye on what Arcade-in-a-box has in store for you!

This morning, the company announced the immediate availability of authentic single (see left image) and dual-player arcade sticks for the Xbox 360 console. Each stick is composed of authentic arcade controls identical to those used in such classic arcade cabinets including Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Galaga. (Yeah, I know Galaga isn't a fighting game, but it was mentioned in the press release.) :p

Check out the following specs:

42- 15" L x 10" D x 4.5" H

Authentic Arcade Buttons and Joysticks

Optional Custom Overlay

You choose the colors for T-molding, buttons and joystick D-Pad, A, B, X, Y, RB, LB, Start, Back, and Guide buttons are included

Optional Headset Jack - Wired USB controller means it's also compatible with Windows XP and Vista-

Constructed with 3/4 black melamine coated wood to give that authentic arcade weight and feel

Optional joystick upgrade to the Mag-Stik Plus or Sanwa JLF

Your choice of button types, either Concave or Convex Pricing

Single-Player $149, Dual-Player $299

It should also be noted that the sticks are Windows XP and Vista compatible, which should delight those of you who often play Kawaks, MAME, or even on GGPO.net! Up till now, gamers haven't been blessed with a high-quality stick (short of creating their own custom model that is) but Arcade-in-a-Box Owner Ed Farias is looking to change all that. "Our goal was to design and deliver a product for the gamer who wanted the most elite, most authentic, and most thrilling Xbox 360 arcade experience possible."

We're hoping to get our hands on one of these awesome sticks to playtest. Stay tuned for further updates and be sure to check out the site for the entire arcade stick lineup!

You know the drill by now — Capcom Digital has released another update, revealing the first official sneak peek of the Native American fighter, T. Hawk. I must say, his revision is sooooo much better than his traditional sprite design. In addition, Rey unveiled a slew of new details which addressed some recent concerns of the community (i.e. Chun Li's design, aspect ratio, and even something that I've personally missed in the commentary: custom quotes? Hmm… pass!).

And that's not all, if you loved the first edition of the SSF2T: HD Remix informal developer diary (sorry, I don't think they have an official term), there's a new one on the site dedicated to Sagat who apparently has presented some challenges to the team. Read up (via the jump link below), there's some good stuff there that's begging for your attention.

[Via Capcom Digital]