Namco Bandai has announced it will finally be porting IdolMaster to the PS3, the first time the title has reached the PlayStation after having long been renowned as the mainstay of Microsoft’s few Japanese Xbox exclusives.

The major differences between the port and the original are that the PS3 version will be a “complete edition” incorporating some of the DLC from the Xbox 360 version, and that the game now has an easier difficulty for novice players.

Supposedly the value of the included DLC comes to ¥25,500 – something which looks set to aggrieve the existing victims of the game’s merciless DLC marketing.

Release is due on the 27th of October.

The decision probably follows disappointing sales of IdolMaster 2 on the Xbox 360 – the notoriously fickle nature of existing IdolMaster fans and the now token size of the Xbox 360 market in Japan presumably overcame whatever under-the-table deal Bandai had in place with Microsoft to keep the series exclusive, and the franchise in any case would probably have been doomed had it maintained its aloofness from 95% of otaku gamers.

A sense of betrayal and the memory of Bandai’s notorious beta test ports of its Tales games have ensured outrage amongst Xbox IdolMaster fans – although the boycotts and petitions have yet to surface.

The “Red Zone” edition of No More Heroes is finally taking the franchise to new extremes of sexiness (on the PS3 at any rate) – not only is it Z-rated, its “18+” DLC pack allows nude female characters to be ogled in unprecedented detail…

The video:

Gratuitous caps:

The game has been subjected to a complicated series of multi-platform, multi-regional release arrangements with various levels of censorship and wildly differing release dates – previously Japan only received a massacred by censors edition, with Japan and the US still yet to receive the uncensored PS3 version, whilst more mature Xbox 360 users and Europeans have already gained access to the title.

The Japanese edition is due for release on the 21st of July, and is available internationally now, as is the US edition, due August.

Solid Snake fans are lamenting the yawning gulf between the highly promising preview images of Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D(S) and the actual gameplay images.

That promotional images of games should never be believed has sadly never been more true.

Monster Hunter fans (most of the gaming population of Japan it would seem) have been excitedly greeting the announcement that Monster Hunter 3rd Portable is to be remastered on the PS3.

The game, a straight remaster of the PSP original incorporating “HD” graphics and 3D display support, is due for Japanese release in the summer.

Graphically the game offers a vast improvement over the PSP original, although for a PS3 title the graphics are not so impressive:

The announcement has prompted huge excitement in Japan, where the Monster Hunter series is to gaming what One Piece is to manga.

Monster Hunter games have usually remained mysteriously unpopular overseas however, so whether the title will be greeted with as much enthusiasm there seems doubtful.

Ranking the best selling Japanese RPGs of the current generation of consoles provides evidence of some less than inspiring trends in gameplay and production values, amongst what is often considered the Japanese gaming industry’s flagship genre.

The ranking (strictly per-platform, barbarian sales not included):

1. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) – 1,904,313

2. Monster Hunter 3 (Wii) – 1,041,174

3. Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen (Wii) – 489,112

4. Tales of Vesperia (PS3) – 362,359

5. White Knight Chronicles (PS3) – 339,690

6. Tales of Graces F (PS3) – 313,215

7. White Knight Chronicles 2 (PS3) – 249,350

8. Demon’s Souls (PS3) – 218,546

9. Star Ocean 4 (PS3) – 208,521

10. Tales of Vesperia β (360) – 204,305

Another Namco beta almost manages to appear in the list, with 203,770 sales for the Wii’s all but unplayably buggy Tales of Graces β – having people pay to beta test their games appears to be a depressingly effective business model.

Final Fantasy XIII, though by far the best seller and the shiniest of the lot, is also the worst selling Final Fantasy title since FFIV, dimming its lustre rather substantially.

Some of the recently hyped Wii RPGs do even worse – Last Story managed only a pathetic 114,722, and Xenoblade a slightly more respectable 141,059, barely equal to the likes of Disgaea despite mainstream design and the huge install-base of the Wii.

Sexy puzzle game Catherine is being released on both the PS3 and Xbox 360 (presumably for the sake of the American release), and detailed comparisons of the graphics of the two versions have also surfaced.

For once the PS3 apparently comes out on top, if only thanks to the advantage in video quality offered by Blu-ray…

The comparison images:

Frame-rates and image quality are said to be all but identical in both versions, with the only difference being the somewhat superior quality of the PS3 version’s anime scenes.

Also there is the matter of the cover:

PlayStation 3 fanatics are crowing over the fact that 2011 appears all but devoid of exclusives for lesser platforms.

Not all are convinced (“Those North American cockroaches are so desperate they even put in trashy Japanese games!”), but the lack of Xbox 360 and Wii exclusives is rather obvious all the same.

A number of exclusives for an obscure platform known as the “PC” are also present,  something sure to please owners of torrent sites if nobody else.

Square Enix has sacked the team behind Final Fantasy XIV, announced the game will be free until they “can provide customers with quality service,” and indefinitely delayed the PS3 port of the game.

The announcement comes from none other than the man responsible for the mess in the first place, CEO Yoichi Wada:

While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.

After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.

[Spiel about the replacement team (their leader even goes so far as to admit nobody has ever heard of him) redacted]

We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV’s new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.

Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.

The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.

President and CEO, Yoichi Wada

Player numbers became so embarrassing that Square Enix had to hide them, so just what state server populations are in is no longer known – given the scope of the announcement it seems likely they have declined even further.

In light of Square Enix’s other comments it seems increasingly likely the game will end up being sidelined as permanently free to play with players being nickelled and dimed for items and extras – certainly recovering from the existing PR cataclysm seems unlikely.

With the game almost universally considered a lost cause, presumably the only thing forcing Square Enix to keep throwing good money after bad is the determination of Wada to avoid the humiliating resignation which seems likely to be the company’s only chance at salvation.

The release of Tales of Graces F, the non-beta version of Tales of Graces, has prompted fans to celebrate with delicious cake.

There is some speculation as to whether the maker was otaku or fujoshi – either seems possible.

Namco’s team of Wii beta testers (some would call them customers) seem to have done their work well – the “perfect” PS3 edition shows improvements in every area, from graphics to gameplay.

Extensive side by side comparisons will have to wait until after the release it seems, as this is rather a sensitive topic for Namco.

The new features, probably not quite as extensive as Vesperia, although the Vesperia beta never had any bugs as such:

A new character
New ougi
New cooking elements
New alchemy/crafting elements
New sub-events
New costumes and “attachements”
The addition of new skit features including chibi character
More cards

Some of the new DLC (not free, of course) and other extras:

The Wii version was actually subject to a recall due to severe bugs this time, so the “beta” moniker has never been more appropriate.

Tales of Graces F is to be available at the start of December, with no still no international release in sight.

The PS3 port of not-so-Wii-exclusive Tales of Graces has been given the usual slew of expansions, including a set of Code Geass costumes and even a Hatsune Miku outfit.

Costumes on offer include Karen, C.C. and others:

It is not clear whether the costumes will be included or supplied individually as ridiculously priced DLC, although with Namco the latter seems likely.

The justification for the otherwise inexplicable connection is apparently that the seiyuu for Geass character Suzaku also plays one of the heroes in Tales of Graces, Asbel.

The game itself is due at the start of December.

The PS3 version of Capcom’s zombie massacre game Dead Rising 2 is being criticised for exhibiting major graphical issues on the PS3, whilst the Xbox 360 version is unaffected.

The issue, one of screen tearing, is said to be quite problematic:

When the game starts, screen tearing is EVERYWHERE. But frame rate persists at about 30fps even when a map is full of zombies. Which is quite impressive to watch.

On the flip side, going through the map with such horrendous screen tearing is really bad for your health. My eyes got VERY sore after half an hour playthrough.

There is some suspicion that this is the result of a patchable bug rather than a slipshod port, but whatever the case the PS3 seems to deserve its reputation for getting the short end of the stick in any multi-platform release.

Square Enix’s decision to release Final Fantasy XIII on the Xbox 360 in Japan, after repeatedly promising it would be a PS3 exclusive, has driven fans into a frenzy, with some becoming so angry as to begin delivering death threats to Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada on his own Twitter account.

After the news of the port’s release became widely reported and confirmed as more than a mere rumour, irate fans descended upon Yoichi Wada’s Twitter account:

Is it true? After saying so many times it would never be released on the Xbox in Japan, if you really do release it nobody will trust your word again.

Say something!

You’re going to betray us after saying it would never come out? I’m cancelling my pre-orders.

You liar!

Lying to customers is how you do business, eh? I’ll never buy a Square Enix title again.

With all the illegal lies and misdirection about FF13 you made, I reported you to the ministry of consumer affairs. And you promised DLC and quietly abandoned it – you’re detestable.

Charlatan!

Stop your pompous waffling and resign! Haven’t you made enough money yet? Next time put a guy who actually loves games in charge.

What’s up with game developers? Practically everything they say is a lie…

Well done, Scrooge.

Hey Wada! What the hell is this about FF13 on the 360 in Japan? You kept advertising the game in all the mags as a domestic PS3 exclusive! If you go through with this nobody’ll trust you again… Honestly I hate you so much I’d like to kill you. Quit soon. This is your last chance.

You’d better be prepared to run, or you’ll be killed! At the very least you ought to be prepared for a few rocks thrown your way!

Whilst such threats can be dismissed as the standard ravings of Square Enix’s increasingly desperate fanbase, Japanese police will make arrests for less, and they certainly demonstrate yet another looming PR disaster.

Wada himself was conspicuously silent in the face on of the onslaught.

PS3 owners looking forward to playing GTA-alike Mafia II have been dismayed to learn that the game features notably degraded graphics on the PS3 as compared to the Xbox 360 version, a repeat of the minor fiasco surrounding the release of Red Dead Redemption.

Foliage and grass suffers particularly badly on the PS3:

A video comparison shows the PS3 version has significant tearing issues:

Of course, at this stage for anyone with an up-to-date PC the graphics should be far better than either console.

Namco’s practice of allowing users on other platforms to pay for the privilege of beta-testing Tales games for PS3 users seems to have reached its pinnacle with Tales of Graces – comparing the PS3 version (above) to the Wii beta (top) shows some rather stark differences.

The latest preview of “Tales of Graces F”:

International fans of Namco’s blockbuster Tales series of RPGs desperate to see English releases have launched that most effective of pressure campaigns, an Internet petition.

The petition, currently enjoying modest success and with the high proportion of approvals which might be expected of a fan petition, is of course completely non-binding upon either Sony or Namco.

Namco has already denied it has any plans to release Vesperia’s non-beta version to the hairy barbarians.

Namco’s recent international releases of the series have for whatever reasons not done very well (although its Japanese releases are only enjoying a shadow of their former popularity as well) – as a result it seems Namco has completely shelved localisation plans in favour of releasing pathetic God of War knock-offs for the western market.

With Tales of Vesperia, Tales of Graces and an unnamed Tales PS3 exclusive all lacking any sign of English PS3 release, it seems the stakes are high for non-Japanese speaking Tales fans – with enough neglect whatever release sustaining fandom currently remaining could be dissipated, reducing the chances for a successful release even further..

In a move unlikely to surprise many given its handling of “Xbox 360 exclusive” Tales of Vesperia, Namco has announced a perfect edition of Tales of Graces on the PS3.

The port promises new story, ougi, and character costumes, and is widely expected to follow the example of Vesperia in introducing all new characters. The elimination of the vast array of bugs which plagued the original can also be expected.

A winter 2010 release is scheduled.

In addition a new PS3 Tales title has been announced, although details are completely lacking, and a 2011 release of PSP crossover Tales title Tales of the World: Radiant Anthology 3 is confirmed.

At this point it seems Wii owners will be sympathising with Xbox 360 owners, having themselves also been granted the honour of being able to buy the chance to beta test the latest Tales game for PS3 owners.

The location test of Love Plus Arcade reveals some significant graphical upgrades sure to capture the hearts of lonely otaku whilst they wait for a 3DS or PS3 port… The first screens are visible below.

The pictures:

The end result.

Konami, not content with creating the game that had turned countless Japanese men into the proud boyfriends of hunks of plastic by way of Love Plus on the DS, are now are plotting to extend their control over the  Japanese population at larger scale, via the introduction of the Love Plus Arcade.

The arcade versions are now undergoing a test run at Tokyo Leisureland in Akihabara for a limited period.

While not much info on the arcade machine is yet available, it is widely believed that it will also use a touch interface, as with the DS version of the game. Myriad paid extras seem likely as well.

Konami has also doubtless been investigating the success of the original IdolMaster arcade experience – these machines hooked countless men into virtual relationships which could only be progressed by dutiful attention to the coin slot, a promising business opportunity if ever there were one, even more so considering the power of Nene.

Compensated friendship and drunk groping simulator Dream C Club has been confirmed as soon be available on the PSP, enabling the brigade of sexy hostesses to be at the side of their ronery suitors at all times.

The announcement comes over six months after the developers expressed a desire to make the 360-exclusive game available on the PlayStation, cunningly neglecting to specify at the time whether that would be the PS3 or PSP. The game is set for an autumn release, but no exact date has been given.

Perhaps most relevant to the success of the PSP port will be the promised downloadable content – the 360 version’s DLC catered to a myriad of fetishes, from shimapan to BDSM and beyond.

The reported “vertical-hold” feature of the PSP version also ensures this content is able to be used to its full potential.

Sony’s PlayStation platforms currently finds themselves devoid of major virtual girlfriend titles, whilst the soon to be updated IdolMaster and Love Plus series both continue to maintain cult status on their respective platforms – Dream C Club is however only a shadow of these two titles in terms of popularity, so this lack of PlayStation otaku girlfriend material seems set to continue.

Massively multiplayer rat-bashing grind Final Fantasy XIV will not be appearing on the Xbox 360 “because Microsoft doesn’t want it,” says Square Enix.

Producer Hiromichi Tanaka reportedly explained that although Microsoft allowed the preceding Final Fantasy XI to be launched on the infant Xbox Live service, it wanted nothing to do with Square Enix over the release of Final Fantasy XIV.

The previous month he claimed the reason there would be no Xbox 360 version was because Xbox Live was too “closed” – it appears keeping a story straight is not amongst his strongpoints, for in the same month he also claimed the PC and PS3 versions would be nearly identical, only to announce a delay shortly after based on difficulty getting the PS3 port working satisfactorily.

The strain of porting the graphical finery of the PC version of Final Fantasy XIV to the ageing hardware of the PS3 appears to have proven too much for Square Enix – after delaying the PS3 version’s release to March 2011, 6 months after the PC version, Square Enix has admitted they are struggling with a host of technical problems trying to get the game running on the PS3.

Lamenting the delay, producer Hiromichi Tanaka frankly admitted the port was not going well:

“Yes, it’s a shame. We understand the wrath of players and the developers are sorry because they did everything they could to have a simultaneous release date, but unfortunately they have encountered many technical problems on the development of the game for PlayStation 3.

We strive to release the game as soon as possible. If possible, we would publish the game sooner.”

This from the man who claimed players “wouldn’t notice” any difference between the two platforms:

Q. Can you enjoy both PC and PS3 versions at the same quality?

A. They don’t really look all that different. There’s no “3D Surround” [Nvidia multimonitor 3D gaming], of course. The textures are a quarter the size, and the resolution halved, but you won’t really notice.

Sega has released a preview of its DLC pseudo-expansion, Project Diva Dreamy Theater, and the results show Miku at her finest yet:

Player 1

Observant souls may notice a few flashes of Mikupan have been not only preserved, but upgraded with new styles of underwear – how well Sega knows its fanbase.

The usual bemusement at why this was made to require the original and a PSP rather than being a stand-alone release hardly bears repetition at this stage.

Coincidentally, the artist responsible for “The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku,” featured in the preview, has just landed a record deal – it is not hard to see why:

The mysterious appearance of a “Shin Megami Tensei: Persona” entry in an official Australian classification database, with the platform specified as PS3, has caused a great deal of consternation amongst Persona fans hoping for a belated Persona PS3 debut.

The page in question:

Speculation ranges from some kind of mistake with a PSP title (although the database stands unamended), to a remastered release of an earlier title (though only 3 and 4 carry the “Shin Megami Tensei” label), or the long sought release of Persona 5, itself previously rumoured. The lack of numbering only adds to the confusion.

Clarification can probably be expected at E3.