Following last month’s announcement of the latest installment in Capcom’s Ace Attorney series, and the release of Ghost Trick for Apple’s iOS, Japanese fans were pleasantly surprised to hear that the first three titles from the series would also be released in HD. While Capcom USA hasn’t made any announcements regarding the localization of either Ace Attorney 5, or the HD iOS collection, some recently posted screenshots show just how beautiful the games can look in high definition.

Given how well the iOS port of Ghost Trick performed, and its staggeringly positive reviews, I imagine porting the Ace Attorney HD collection would be a no-brainer. Sure, they’re not the same kind of game by any means, but I’m positive they share the same audience. I just hope Capcom USA feels the same way.

IRL – In Real Life is a warmhearted look at one fanboy’s journey from being a non-stop World of Warcraft addict to getting a real life. What I loved about this film is that it’s a video diary of how one fan fall in love with game — leaves his non-virtual friends behind — meets the fangurl of his dreams — is then dumped by the fangurl of his dreams — and then, well here is the result:

Sadly I guess that there is life after warcraft! And here is the entire film for your enjoyment:

And remember — nothing is bad for you, so long as it’s in moderation! That and don’t fall in love with fangurls from Norway…

It’s been nearly a week since Final Fantasy XIII-2’s North American release, and gamers are just now finishing their first play-throughs. While some have labeled the game too short, many fail to realize the game actually has multiple endings since it isn’t explicitly stated during the gameplay. In addition, the message “too be continued,”  appears during the final moments. This has led some to speculate that the title may be part of a proposed trilogy, but recent comments by director Motomu Toriyama offer a different explanation.

When asked during a group discussion at the Taipei Game Show last week, Toriyama mentioned that in addition to the aforementioned multiple endings, gamers can expect downloadable content to extend their experience. An episode focusing on Lightning’s story is still in the works, and the upcoming Lightning/Amodar Coliseum DLC should be ready soon. Famitsu recently hinted to the possibility of future episodes including Snow and Sazh could be in the works, but Toriyama never verified it. While Toriyama’s statements may lay some of the rumors to rest, it would be fair to point out that he never outright denied that Final Fantasy XIII-3 could happen. Whether or not it does remains to be seen.

[news via andriasang]

With the success of Minecraft, it appears a whole new sub-genre of games has sprouted up: cube/pixel based worlds. Terraria took on the 2D aspect of this, Brick Force is focusing on guns and combat, and Cube World is dropping you into the RPG side of things – a bit like if Minecraft fell into a melting pit and emerged as a cubic, sword-wielding monster with better shadows and draw distance and then someone sprinkled some Zelda on top. A fan recently created a trailer for the game (which will hopefully be arriving soon) to show off how the game is coming, and it looks great!

Be sure to pay attention to the developer’s blog for more updates as they come!

The Mario Bros. theme song has been done over and over again by every instrument ever (even banana). In fact, most Mario songs have received this treatment, including the Super Mario World theme, so you have to be really unique to stand out now. The latest? Tap-dancing! Scott Bradlee takes to the piano while his buddy Alex McDonald taps out the rhythm to one of the catchiest game tunes, giving us a short and sweet tribute to Mario. Classy!

Seen via Best Week Ever.

Good news for PC gamers: you can now get games that have already been out for a while! Ok, joking aside, PixelJunk Eden and Mortal Kombat Kollection are now on Steam at great prices ($7.99 and $8.49 respectively). Both are great games, but I understand Mortal Kombat features Games For Windows Live DRM on it, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Eden has a few new features added as well, and the Steam page claims “completely re-imagined controls for the mouse.” Sounds great!

This has got to be one the most unique Smartphone accessories we’ve come across yet. Introducing the XAPPR pistol, a $30 peripheral that fits most Android and iOS devices. You’re probably wondering how it works. First you mount your phone to its stand, then the device connects to your phone with the trigger sending its signals via the headphone port. Currently, there are only a few apps that support the device, most of which require the use of augmented reality. It works well with iOS titles like Spray’Em, or AR Wars and AR Invaders. There’s also an Android app, ATK, currently in open beta that supports it. If you’re interested in picking one up, you can currently pre-order one from the official website via Paypal, but it won’t be ready to ship ’til June.

Square Enix dished out their latest trailer for Final Fantasy XIII-2 this weekend, hoping to hype the title a little more before it hits North American stores this week. The demo has been available to download for several weeks now, and so far has met with mixed reviews. While some have praised the game for its fast-paced action, and improved mechanics, others feel that the introduction of quick-time events, or QTE, has ruined it. As far as the story is concerned, the addition of time travel seems interesting enough, but like Final Fantasy XIII, this sequel is littered with similar sounding pronouns like fal’Cie and l’Cie that are sure to confuse anyone who isn’t paying close enough attention. Still, as far as fans of the series are concerned, this may be the entry you’ve been waiting for. If you’re expecting Final Fantasy Versus XIII instead, keep waiting — Square Enix only really started working on it back in September.

Capcom and Namco recently announced that the PS3 and Vita versions of Street Fighter X Tekken would feature several exclusive characters. We already knew about Cole from Infamous, but let’s just say the rest of the bonus characters are very, uh, unique. Mega Man, Pac-Man, and Kuro and Toro (the Japanese Sony mascots). And it’s not the usual Mega Man, it’s the cheesy American boxart Mega Man – which is either hilariously awesome or incredibly disappointing, depending on your point of view.

Also, if Pac-Man is so short he needs a suit to stand up to the regular fighter’s size, why can Kuro and Toro go without? Oh well, check out the trailer and see for yourself.

Last Monday, GameStop surprised many of their European customers by closing their shops throughout Northern Ireland and Portugal. Reports state that employees were only given a days notice, and were subsequently required to sign non-disclosure agreements until the retailer made an official statement. It wasn’t long before a spokesperson commented on the closures, stating that the move was part of an existing plan “to exit the UK market from a brick and mortar perspective…” They went on to state “…our go-forward plan is to serve the UK market with enhanced digital and online offerings.”

That statement alone would seem to suggest that every store throughout the United Kingdom could potentially close in the coming months. Additionally, if the closings in Portugal are any indication, the plan may extend beyond the United Kingdom. Could the US be next? It’s not likely, but the retailer has previously stated that it intends to evolve with the times. Its current locations throughout the US offer digital content via redeemable codes, and the impending release of Sony’s Playstation Vita may add fuel to the growing digital market. The handheld with offer both digital and retail releases, though its digital releases may come at a considerable discount.

I’m not sure if Gamestop is simply predicting the direction the wind will blow, or the closings are truly a sign of the times. What I do know is that their employees and the customers who rely on the retailer will be the ones hurt the most. While some may count on the retailer for their employment and lively-hood, many others who live and game offline patron it. Fortunately for them, other retailers exist throughout the United Kingdom, and mega-stores like Wal-mart and BestBuy may provide a welcome alternative stateside — even if they may lack the customer service or expertise GameStop claims to have.

Here’s a few more awesome game-related prints for your perusal: David Anthony Wood recently posted 3 prints featuring some cool NES-inspired work, but with a little more dimension added to them. I’m sure something like this has been done before, but David did it simply and well. Boiling it down to the most iconic elements – I can appreciate that. You can find them on his Society6 page for order if you’re interested.

Seen via it8bit.

While the real Doomerhammer would probably be a little too heavy to wield normally, you can still settle for the next best thing with ThinkGeek’s Foam Doomerhammer Replica, now on sale at their website. It’s made from polyurethane and PVC piping, which ThinkGeek claims makes it “strong, yet lightweight.” It’s also 22 inches long, so you’re sure to be the envy of everyone at your next LARP. You can pick it up for $149.99, here.

Now this is a pretty great looking tie, and it’s gaming-related. How often do those cross? It’s not too overdone, but still geeky in the right ways. Maya Pixelskaya recently posted this fantastic Duck Hunt-themed tie on her web site as well as Ebay for sale. Sadly, this tie is one-of-a-kind so you’ll have to out-bid everyone else if you really want it. Only 2 days left to bid! That said, this tie looks good enough for mass-production, so let’s get that rolling – please?

Let’s hope Maya goes back on her word about not making any more. Here’s a few more images from her site.

On January 18, 1982 the cover of Time magazine proudly proclaimed “GRONK! FLASH! ZAP! Video Games are Blitzing the World”. The article went on to give an interesting picture of a new industry that was coming of age:

“Of the hundreds of video games introduced each year, most flop utterly, as if their screens and chips gave out algebra rays or tax-audit emanations. A few do moderately well And once every year or so a new game jumps into the public’s lap and licks its face, and proves so endearing that money in unbelievable abundance falls on the heads of its fortunate makers. It is very hard to predict which game will be a lap jumper.”

In retrospect it’s easy to see that this was really the dawn of a golden age of early videogames — here are the top ten games from almost a year earlier in April 1981 (from the book Defending the Galaxy) that inspired a mainstream publication like Time to cover a new industry:

#10. Crazy Climber

#9. Astro Blaster

#8. Galaxian

#7. Star Castle

#6. Gorf

#5. Phoenix

#4. Berzerk

#3. Asteroids

#2. Pac-Man

#1. Defender

Released only for the Japanese Sharp X68000 computer in 1991 from MNM Software, here’s a unique adaptation of the classic Star Wars arcade game rendered in vector graphics:

I love the concept of tablet gaming, I really do, but like many of you, I find the touch controls absolutely maddening at times. This is especially true for any game or app that requires the use of a directional pad. Thankfully, the chaps at Ten One Design could read my mind. Introducing the Fling Joystick and Fling mini — a simple analog nub that sticks to your tablet, or smartphone and holds in place via small translucent suction cups.

The clear plastic design prevents the nubs from being to obstructive, while the nubs themselves deliver the precision one would demand from a traditional control surface. As pictured, the nubs fit perfectly on iOS devices such as the iPhone or iPad, but something tells me the people who stand to benefit the most from these are running emulators on their Android devices. I have yet to run into an emulator that doesn’t rely heavily on a virtual D-pad.

A single Fling Joystick nub for full-sized tablets will run you $19.95, and is available in two other colors in addition to the translucent original; two packs are available $29.95. The Fling mini is only available as a dual pack but retails for just $24.95. If you need help figuring out which size would best fit your device, their online store has a widget at the bottom to better assist.

I’ve always loved the design of Isaac Clarke’s suit from Dead Space. It has a strong, iconic look to it that you don’t see very often. Maybe it’s just because he slightly resembles a cranky old grandpa of the Daft Punk guys… In any case, Sideshow Collectibles agrees on the awesomeness of Isaac Clark and is releasing a 16″ high statue of him, ready to take on whatever alien menace he might encounter next.

Pre-orders are being taken now and will ship in the 2nd quarter of the year. He’s going for $274.99 and you can choose to pick the regular or Sideshow Exclusive version, which includes a bonus ripper saw weapon. And yes, the helmet visor lights up.

If you’re a Persona fan, Bandai’s D-Arts series probably just made your day: take a look at this stellar figure of Thanatos from Persona 3. They did a great job replicating him in plastic, especially the coffins and chains above him. There’s not a whole lot of extra features listed for it, but when the figure looks this good, I’m sure I need them. If you’re looking to pre-order him, be sure to do so soon.

Thanatos releases in April and will run you 4,500 yen. Pre-orders be found at Hobby Search or AmiAmi.

Images from Hobby Search, seen via Tomopop.

Now this is really neat: a Mario Question Mark Block lamp! This stylish lamp was made by Pete Betcher in his TheBackPackShoppe on Etsy and is probably the coolest thing I’ve seen today. This lamp looks like an official product, and is probably the best thing to put on your end table since… well, anything! You can pick it up for $60 on their Etsy page. I’d recommend checking out their other neat products, like Pokeball coasters or a Tetris-themed drinking glass. Fantastic stuff!

Some things never change. The internet will always create parody videos of pop culture, and some of them end up being funny, too! And in this video, Skyrim is still the same in the year 2012. Sure, technology has advanced, but pickpocketing and placing baskets on people’s heads are still the preferred way of doing business, apparently. I’ll let the the Gro Pro Bros explain.

Sure, the “great great great grandfather” joke is tired and overdone, but the rest is fairly clever and I can’t help but admire their restraint to not do an “arrow in the knee” joke. Thank you, guys.

This is kind of cool news for those of you like me who can’t stand heavy handhelds. Nintendo’s Masahiro Sakurai recently revealed that the upcoming 3DS title Kid Icarus Uprising will come packed with a special stand to help keep the system steady while you play. Truth is, I love the concept behind Nintendo’s 3DS, even if I don’t really own too many games for it, but unfortunately, the system is a bit hefty, especially when I want to play for any extended period of time. Although I wasn’t looking forward to Kid Icarus Uprising so much, having played a demo at last year’s San Diego Comic Con International, this little addition might just change my mind. Keeping the system balanced could potentially improve the gameplay, and I’m sure I’ll be making use of the stand for future titles.

When I think about it, it’s kind of sad that the system would even need a stand. I recently held a PlayStation Vita, which comparatively speaking, felt like air in my hands. It might also explain why I’ll often opt for my iPhone rather than booting up my 3DS. I’m sure Nintendo must have realized it was a bit heavy, but then again, they’ve been doing so well that I’m sure it didn’t bother them as much as it should have. Hopefully, it’s something they’ll take into account when they release the Wii U later this year.

To be fair, I’m not sure what to think of Cyanide Studio’s upcoming Game of Thrones RPG. Seeing as A Song of Fire and Ice is a bit of a hot commodity right now, we would expect the license to land in the hands of an experienced developer. However, that didn’t happen. Instead, in what I can only imagine was a stroke of luck on their part, Cynaide Studios will be delivering several games based on the popular series, the first of which will be a third-person roleplaying adventure. Entitled simply Game of Thrones, the plot follows two survivors of Robert’s Rebellion as their decisions lead them on separate paths throughout the land, only to once again unite them against common enemies in an attempt to save the kingdom.

This trailer reveals some familiar characters and locations, many of which resemble the actors and sets as they were depicted in the recent HBO series. George R.R. Martin supposedly supervised the writing as well, so at least that much should be good. The visuals, if the trailer is any indication, could use more than a bit of polish. I’m not expecting every fantasy title to look like Skyrim, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Then again, this could be early footage for all we know. For more information about the game in the coming months, check out the official website here.

The back of my mind is screaming out, “No, no, this isn’t real!” But if it’s fake it’s the best fake I’ve seen in a long time. And let’s face it, I don’t think any of us are that surprised here: Sonic is featured in a Progressive Car Insurance commercial. I love the guy, so it’s kind of sad to see this… and yet, amusing.

Also: terrifying CGI Flo? I’m curious a) who thought this was a good idea, and b) who approved it.

What have you been doing for the past 6 months? Working? Saving? Well Sven Junga has been building an enormous replica of the Hyperion battle cruiser from Starcraft II. In my opinion? Totally worth it. It’s incredibly detailed, all the way down to the small windows on the front. Tons of “greebles” (the LEGO builder term for the small technical details all over the surface of the ship) cover the body of the vessel to help make it look authentic. Amazing job, Sven.

It’s 115 LEGO studs long and made up of roughly 15,000 pieces. And, he even has characters to go with it. Those are fantastic too! Now if only this could be an actual LEGO model…

A little bit of pop-art never hurt anyone, especially not these great-looking prints from BiscottoCotto, featuring tons of different systems, from the Dreamcast to the Gameboy. These look like great additions for an arcade room or any place you’re trying to brighten up a bit. They allow for some customization as well, so you can pick your background color if you wish. They’re going for $15 for a single print on BiscottoCotto’s Etsy page.

I’m not particularly a fan of the head icon designs of Mario and Sonic, but the rest are ace.

Seen via it8bit.