Has all that waiting finally paid off?

Yes, it’s another Street Fighter II-related post. Like many of you, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release LONG before SFIV was officially on the radar. Earlier today, IGN published one of the first official hands-on reports of the PS3/360 release launching next week. (No, a PC version isn’t in development for those of you wondering). I won’t give away the final verdict, but the tone was mostly in favor of the new next-gen sheen and tweaks introduced by David Sirlin.

What I don’t get is why there wasn’t enough discussion about the animation bugs that greatly impacted fans from enjoying the beta. Were those fixed? How does the game truly handle under network issues with the PS3 and Xbox 360? Well, ok, the editor did state his connection was solid and suggested people with slower speeds settle for local matches. Looks like the verdict is still out for how the GGPO-esque connection fares for the console build.

Click here for the full IGN report.

Tis the season to love SF…la, la, la, la, la…

I can’t remember the last time Capcom has put so much marketing behind a Street Fighter release until now. To help create an even greater excitement over the imminent release of SSF2T HD Remix, Capcom has launched a special campaign called the “Season of Street Fighter”, featuring an wide assortment of SF-related goodies, music and other various exclusive content created for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

If you haven’t already heard, Capcom recently launched a special downloadable pack featuring a pinball theme for Pinball FX, one of the most popular games currently available on Xbox Live. Though I am sure a LOT of fans will be especially stoked about the upcoming Street Fighter UNO! pack featuring new Street Fighter command cards and signature SF power moves, backgrounds and music inspired from the franchise. Capcom has hinted that another treat is in the works for the PlayStation Network which will be revealed sometime this holiday season.

Music enthusiasts can look forward to an exclusive direct-to-download album featuring underground hip-hop artists including DJ Qbert, Hieroglyphics, Redman, Oh No, Mistah FAB, Zion I and DJ Toure. Even if you don’t know who these talented artists are, you definitely don’t want to pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The tribute is being made available exclusively and free of charge when Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is launched on the PS3 November 25th.

Meanwhile, Xbox Live will be getting its own share of exclusive goods, though it seems the PlayStation Network got the better end. Capcom has released a special “branded destination” theme, offering fans tons of downloadable content featuring new Premium and Basic themes. If you haven’t been able to get around to updating your system yet; stop what you’re doing and be sure to jump on that asap. Full details of the NXE can be found here.

As if you have to ask, yes, TNL will feature an official hands-on report which should materialize around the first week of December.

Fallout 3, Wii Music, and more.

Monday: A couple weeks ago, Bethesda requested that any and all Fallout 3 trailers be pulled, with the implication that pressure from the ESRB was the concern.  Said trailers created quite a stir due to their depiction of several Washington landmarks as they might appear after a nuclear attack.  While the images were certainly intense, they were far from gratuitous, and certainly appropriate for a game that, well, takes place in Washington after a nuclear attack.  In their most recent roundtable, the gentlemen at GameTrailers share their rather colorful thoughts on the matter.  You have to skip to the last few minutes of the clip, but their accusations of the organization’s heavy-handedness are absolutely worth a listen. (more…)

It won’t be long now…

Capcom officially broke their code of silence behind the highly anticipated release of Street Fighter IV. The console release will make its simulataneous release in North America and Europe on September 17th for the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms. So either way, you’ll be getting your brawl on with all the legendary SF favorites and newcomers introduced to the series. Capcom Unity STRONGLY suggests that you reserve a copy of this game as it’s very likely this title will arrive in limited quantities.

If you’re looking for an excellent way to pass the time, or simply brush up on your virtual fisticuffs - be sure to pick up Super SF II Turbo HD Remix scheduled to debut sometime this month. Hey — how about the release date on that little gem big C, hmm?

A tour of Long Island’s Nassau County

Our friends over at Press Start Comic has a few more episodes of Arcade Hunters for us. This time, they’re touring Nassua County in New York and visiting 3 different arcades in a single day! Did they find any gems? Watch and find out! If you happened to miss the first couple of episodes, all you need to do is follow this link here.

Episode 3: Tri-County Flea Market
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Episode 4: Nathan’s Fun City
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Episode 5: Q-ZAR
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