Keiji Inafune Resigns from Capcom

Perennial Capcom guy Keiji Inafune has abruptly stepped down from his position as head of Research & Development and Online Business and Global Head of Production. How does all that fit on a business card? 

Inafune, CEO of Capcom's online subsidiary Daletto, character designer for the Megaman series, producer of Dead Rising, Onimisha, Resident Evil, everything else that Capcom has done, and all around nice guy had seemed uncomfortable in his position as of late. He mentioned on multiple occasions the decline of the Japanese games industry, as well as flat out stating he hated his job. Damn Keiji, that shit could get you fired!

According Andriassang's translation of Inafune's blog, he stepped down as Daletto's CEO due in part to "losing the authority to evaluate my subordinates and the qualification to speak about my dreams." Regarding Capcom, he feels he's reached the peak of software development, and now he has no higher to go. He wrote, "It would probably be good for me to sit gracefully in this seat and become a leading figure in the industry. However, I cannot do this. Settling down means death for a creator. As long as you are a creator, you cannot settle down." Attaboy Keiji, shoot for the stars! 

Inafune also closes the door on working again with Capcom. While it's still unclear exactly as to why he has come to this decision, he had apparently made his decision long ago. He stepped down in the midst of working on three high profile projects, Mega Man Legends 3, Asura's Wrath, and DmC.

In speaking with Kotaku, Capcom has stated their creative focus will not change, nor will any of Inafune's games in production. They are ready to move on without him, and have shuffled their executives to fill the subsequent holes accordingly. 

Inafune signs off on his blog simply by saying "thank you". We haven't seen the last of Keiji, and I for one am looking forward to where he appears next. 

Impressions: Deadpool MAX #1

Written by Eric Blackwood

Deadpool MAX from Marvel Comic's Max line stars everyone's favorite anti-hero in a story meant for mature readers. The first issue was written by David Lapham and illustrated by Kyle Baker. Deadpool definitely belongs under this imprint, however, this first issue needed more Deadpool. Sounds a bit backwards, doesn't it?

The general premise appears to be that the CIA hires Deadpool to do what he does best to their enemies. Also, to kill them. The first issue tells a complete story - no cliffhangers - but the mature content is provided more by the supporting cast instead of the title protagonist. I just hope that Wade gets some more spotlight in the next issue. All in all, it was good read and I look forward to Deadpool MAX #2.

Logical Progression: Create Scribblenauts, then Create Futuristic Shooter

5th Cell, the minds behind the incredibly cutting edge Scribblenauts series for Nintendo DS, have just revealed their next project, a futuristic shooter named Hybrid. 

A huge departure from the colorful, kid-friendly world of Scribblenauts, Hybrid seems to fit the mold of a Vanquish or Crysis in the teaser trailer; bleak urban setting, fancy super suit, and soldiers performing crazy feats of superhuman agility, guns a'blazing.

Why 5th Cell decided to take their new IP to the overdone genre is beyond me. Though as innovative as the Scribblenauts series is, hopefully they'll discover a way to make this Xbox Live Arcade exclusive stand apart from the truckload of similar titles out there. 

Impressions: Superman: Earth One

Written by Eric Blackwood

Superman’s origin has been re-told countless times throughout the years in various media formats. What can J. Michael Straczynski bring to Jerome "Jerry" Siegel’s tale to keep it fresh and relevant for readers both new and old?

DC: Earth One is a series that allows writers to tell stories free of continuity. Superman: Earth One is a fresh take on the origin of the Man of Steel (originally published in Action Comics #1, June 1938). J. Michael Straczynski's story brings the origin of Superman to the 21st Century and depicts Kal-El's struggle to find his place on Earth. The focus of the story is the transition of Clark Kent to his superhero alter ego.. Another point that is addressed is the “why”. Why would Clark feel the need to fly around in tights and save people? Why does the world need Superman?

Shane Davis and Sandra Hope do an excellent job with the art. There is a lot of detail in the scenes, and the way the artists subtly capture Superman's abilities really impressed me. There is also consistency with the look of the characters.

There has been some talk around the web that Clark Kent seems too ‘emo’ in this book, but I disagree. Clark's angst is realistically illustrated as an alien who can do anything as far as a profession (athlete, scientist, architect, artist, etc), but decides to become far greater with his extraordinary ability. In the midst of trying to find himself, Earth is invaded by an alien race. I won’t divulge anymore for the sake of the story but expect to see Lois Lane putting herself in danger to get the scoop.

I appreciate that Superman: Earth One is a complete story, with cancels the itch found while waiting for a second issue. Though Superman’s origin has been told countless times already, this book is definitely worth checking out, whether you're a long-time fan or mildly interested to learn more about the Man of Steel.

Black Ops Multiplayer Details

Okay kids! Today's phrase of the day is Black Ops. Can you say Black Ops? Bla, khops. Very good. 

Treyarch community manager, Josh Olin, has written up a post on the ever helpful PlayStation.blog, detailing some of the lesser known facts about Call of Duty: Black Ops. 

Most pressing; the addition of split-screen online multiplayer. Sweet! You can log in as a guest under any profile and immediately start blowing stuff up. The guest will be able to gain rain, earn unlocks, the whole nine. Unfortunately, all guest progress is lost when the player signs out. Bummer. 

Also of note is the Custom Games Editor, which will allow you to fine tune the parameters of any custom game you create; time limit, weapon set, perks, gear, and on. When you're done creating your very own boring ass custom game, you'll be able to drop it in a file share, where your friends and the anonymous community alike can ridicule how terrible your decisions are. Hooray! 

Make sure you get the lowdown in full at the PlayStation.blog.

Call of Duty: Black Ops releases on November 9th

Ice Cube; Once Gangsta, Now Otaku?

History lesson time! You may remember Ice Cube from such smash hits as Are We There Yet, and Barbershop 2: Back in Business. What you may not know is that Mr. Cube was a well respected (or feared) gangsta rapper in his heyday, as an integral part of groundbreaking crew N.W.A. 

According to Ice Cube's Twitter, he managed to snag a voice part in Activision's upcoming title, Call of Duty: Black Ops. Playing the part of Corporal Bowman, Ice will bring his unique style to the realm of video games for the first time.

Along with honorary Otaku But Gangsta Ice-T's appearance in Gears of War 3, once gangsta rappers appear to be expanding from traditional acting to include voice acting in their resumes. Rumor has it Tupac Shakur will play a major part in the soon to be revealed Uncharted 3: 2Pac's Treasure.

via VG247

Here's the Super Meat Boy Soundtrack Instead of a Sequel

Just a mere ten minutes into Super Meat Boy and I knew I was head over heels for the downloadable platformer of nearly insurmountable difficulty. It's fun, addicting, and while hard, you will always know that you die because you done goofed, not because the game is cheap. 

Sadly, the incredible work of art that is Super Meat Boy will not be seeing a sequel.. Yet. Speaking with Eurogamer, developers Team Meat have revealed that their next game will be a totally new IP. Fortunately, no where in the interview did Team Meat state that Super Meat Boy 2 won't happen somewhere down the line. That looks like a glimmer of hope to me! 

In related-but-unrelated news, SMB's incredibly amping soundtrack is now available for download. You can name your own price, but you can't go any lower than $3.99, cheapskate. This is 33 jumpin' and heart pumpin' tracks, I think the least you could do is cough up five bucks. 

Super Meat Boy Soundtrack

Explodemon! Explodes on to PSN This Winter

Remember Explodemon!, the sidescrolling action game than looks like a mash up of Mega Man X and 'Splosion Man? You don't? Probably because it's been flying under some radars, unjustifiably so. 

Curve Studios' colorful and boombastic upcoming PSN exclusive has been given a loose release of Winter 2010. That's like, next month yo!

Explodemon! will feature 12 levels of play, a "deep" control system, upgradeable abilities, comic book styled cut scenes, to go along with the pulse-pounding, up close and personal, spontaneous human combustion battle system. Not to mention a busy-as-hell hud. What are all those marvelous meters for? I have no idea, but I do know they look rad! 

We're looking forward to this one, so you'll be the first to know when Explodemon! finalizes it's release date.

via PlayStation.blog -- Click through for more images

Say Hello to the New PSP: PlayStation Phone

It's heeeeeere. The oft-speculated PlayStation Phone has finally made its first appearance, effectively silencing its doubters and knocking the pants off anyone who didn't see it coming. 

The crafty folks at Engadget have gotten their hands on what appears to be a prototype model, which looks pretty impressive. Rumored to run the yet-to-be released Android 3.0 OS, the PSPhone runs on a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655, 512MB of RAM, 1GB of ROM, with an approximately 4-inch screen. Fancy! 

To go along with all that's under the hood, the PSPhone's touchscreen slides up to reveal a directional pad and the usual PlayStation face buttons. I suppose analog sticks would be too bulky for this tight little package, so they've been replaced by a multi-touch pad. Shoulder buttons included, Memory Stick not. In place of Sony's much pushed, less than ideal storage solution, is the more universal MicroSD slot. That's a good look. 

As a prototype model still, it's hard to say the PSPhone Engadget got their hands on won't change, but even if it didn't, it's still an impressive piece of phone. Sony turned a lot of heads when they confidently entered the console wars years back, can they do the same in the mobile market? Will they send the police to kick down Engadget's door and reclaim the device? Will the PSPhone be any good? Stay tuned. 

via Engadget.com

Playstation Phone gallery

Take a Look at the Halo: Reach Noble Map Pack

Come November 30th, you'll have a few more maps available to get your Killionaire on. The kind folks at Bungie.net have constructed three slick new settings for us would-be Spartans to craft our kills. What this means is just new locales to play SWAT and Infection, over, and over, and over. 

The maps - Tempest, Breakpoint, and Anchor 9 - should tickle the fancy of most Halo: Reach players, as it appears there is a good balance of open-space, thinking men's battles and cramped, clusterfuck action between them. Never hesitant to pile on the achievements, there will also be an extra 250 Gamerscore for the seasoned achievement whore to earn.

The $10 price tag seems reasonable, though maybe that's in part to expecting any little piece of DLC to cost at least 1200 points.