LittleBigPlanet Done Live

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LittleBigPlanet (and its recently released sequel) encourage players to build their own levels, and some industrious people have taken that to the logical extreme. Show About Games Show presents a really well done human-powered skit.

Verizon Offering Unlimited Data For IPhone 4 . . . For Limited Time

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Verizon’s chief operating officer Lowell McAdam has confirmed that the carrier will be offering an unlimited data plan for the iPhone 4 at the price of $30.

While AT&T has stopped offering an unlimited data plan, millions of their customers are still locked into the new program; this offer gives them more of an incentive to switch. I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot, said McAdam.

However, the offer will be for a limited time before Verizon switches over to tiered pricing, like AT&T.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Saw Frank West Cut

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Frank West appeared in Tatsunoko vs Capcom and many thought that he’d appear in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, especially after some teaser images implied his presence. However, Producer Ryota Niitsuma says that the Dead Rising star was cut from the game deep in development.

“As for Frank West, he was actually in the process quite deep, and in one of our high quality CG trailers he was actually part of it,” said Niitsuma. “But we’ve taken him out, due to the fact that we’ve foreseen some extra work involved, just from the nature of his moves. We felt we could direct our resources to better use, so we’ve taken Frank out.”

When asked about the possibility that lawyer Phoenix Wright will appear, Niitsuma responded, “Phoenix Wright is obviously a famous franchise – especially in Europe, actually. It would be interesting to see him, although he distinctively lacks the number of moves he might have [in a fighting game]. But if Marvel vs. Capcom 3 does well, he’s definitely up on the list as one of the characters to add, given the chance.”

Source: Videogamer.com

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Being Made With Consideration To Criticism

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Final Fantasy XIII sold fairly well in the West, but it was not as well received critically as previous entries in the franchise for a variety of reasons. While Square Enix has admitted that the focus testing with Westerners was done too late to affect the overall arch of Final Fantasy XIII‘s development, Final Fantasy XIII-2 producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama said that they’re taking oversees comments to heart about the characters, story, and interface.

They were also keen to stress that Final Fantasy XIII-2 won’t have a pop feel like the first Final Fantasy direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. The story, which naturally continues that of Final Fantasy XIII, is said to have a darker, more mysterious feel to it with a revamped battle system.

Source: Siliconera

Pokémon Planning Big 2011

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Pokémon is having a large year with the launch of Pokémon Black/White for the DS, along with an expansion to the trading card game and a new toy line. This will be supported by a comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign supporting the various initiatives of the brand.

“The release of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version gives us the opportunity to launch brand-new entertainment that our existing and new fans will love,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Every major pillar of the brand-including video games, TV animation, feature films, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game-will see exciting changes throughout the year.”

One of the biggest initiatives will be the launch of the movie Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusionson February 5 at 7:00 PM, followed by the debut of the animated series Pokémon: Black and White-on February 12 at 9:00 AM, all on Cartoon Network. There will also be the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Tour, arriving at major malls at the same time, Play! Pokémon events internationally, and chances to download unique Pokémon at select retail partners.

Champions Online Now Free For All

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Atari and Cryptic Studios have announced that Champions Online: Free for All is now available. Players can now play the game as long as they like for free, other than certain special Adventure Packs subscribers can continue as Gold Members, which nets them extra features for $14.99 a month.

“We’re thrilled to finally be able to launch Champions Online: Free for All,” said John Needham, CEO, Cryptic Studios. “The Champions team has put an incredible amount of effort into making Free for All an amazing free-to-play MMO every gamer can enjoy at no cost.”

Find out more at www.champions-online.com.

Catherine Goes Avant-Guard

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In Japan, it’s not uncommon to see a wide variety of promotions tied into the release of games, with the most common being cell-phone cards adorned with character artwork. Atlus really went out of their way with the art on the cards for the upcoming Catherine, reflecting a style of mid-20thcentury pop-art.

Source: cathy.atlus.co.jp/blog

Konami Announces ‘Be Buried In Silent Hill!’ Promotion

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Konami has announced that they have launched a Facebook promotion for Silent Hill: Downpour. The publisher is asking that fans submit their own creepy burial sculpture for potential use in the latest game.

The stipulation about this contest is that the sculptures must be original works, not based on existing characters or creature designs from previous Silent Hill games. The top six submissions will be posted for public voting on Silent Hill‘s Facebook page from February 10 to 16, where the top three will be revealed.

To find out more, visit the official Facebook Silent Hill page.

Resistance Gets ‘A Hole In The Sky’

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Insomniac today announced that they will be launching another novel set in the Resistance universe. Set after the conclusion of Resistance 2, the book follows Joseph Capelli’s journey up until the beginning of Resistance 3. Resistance: A Hole in the Sky will release this Summer from Del-Rey Books.

For those of you wondering what s going on with Resistance 3 itself, you ll be happy to know that we re super busy preparing both Resistance 3 and Ratchet & Clank All 4 One for an upcoming media demo in London followed by the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco next month, noted James Stevenson, Senior Community Manager for Insomniac Games. We’ll be sharing new screenshots and gameplay video, and press will get their first hands-on impressions of both games. To keep up with all the latest, follow us on Twitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Source: PlayStation Blog