It’s my pleasure to announce that Fate/unlimited codes will be available today, exclusively on the PlayStation Store for your PSP! This deep and insanely fun fighting game is developed by Eighting, the team responsible for the Bloody Roar series and Tatsunoko Vs Capcom.

Oh, by the way, if I’m slow to respond to your questions or comments today, it’s because I’m in Seattle for PAX. If you see me at the show, perform a PlayStation Home dance and say, “Hey John D, it must be Fate!”, I’ll hook you up with some free Fate shwag! It’s the least I can do for making you perform the Cabbage Patch in this day and age.

Anyway, here’s a cool video that one of our summer interns, Arya, created to give you a quick preview of the game. (Hey Arya, don’t let school work get in the way of your partying, ok?) Check out Capcom-Unity for more of his strategy videos.

Also, Kazuhiro Tsuchiya, the producer of the game, has this to say:

Hi there PlayStation fans. I’d like to share with you an overview of the different modes you’ll see in Fate/unlimited codes. There are a total of eight modes that are available, giving you a variety of gameplay experiences.

Arcade Mode: This mode pits you against the CPU controlled opponents as you advance through the story as the character you’ve selected. Each of the selectable characters has their own storyline. Play through them all and see how each character is connected in the Fate universe.

VS-CPU Mode: Battle against a CPU character of your choice. Different characters can be selected after each battle.

Spectate Mode: Watch a duel between any two CPU characters. This is a good way to observe the tendencies of each fighter.

VS-2P Mode: Battle another player in local ad hoc matches.

Survival Mode: This mode challenges you to battle against a constant stream of opponents until your life bar is depleted.

Additionally, there is the Tutorial Mode which can be absolutely useful for both beginners and skilled players. In this mode, you learn how to execute each character’s move set. Standard and Expert settings are available to learn different levels of gameplay techniques, from basic moves to high level combos.

The Practice Mode will help you improve your skills by allowing you to configure the CPU settings such as conditions and reactions. In addition, on-screen controller/button prompts will assist you to study combos while allowing you to record and replay the inputs.

Last but not least, there’s the Mission Mode. This mode sends you on special missions, consisting of battles bound by particular conditions. Each character has a unique set of missions. New missions are unlocked for each mission cleared. The goal for each mission varies from accomplishing a set combo to defeating the opponent with a certain move. There are over 250 missions in total! This is a great way to increase your technical fighting skills. I highly recommend you try this out. Moreover, there are surprising extra missions provided for each character, such as a side-scrolling shooting game and other non-VS fighting style games.

The development staff members at Eighting not only have a deep passion for fighting games but are also top class, tournament fighting gamers themselves. The Capcom QA team also has first class gamers who are ranked at national fighting competitions in Japan. We have tapped into their vast fighting knowledge and experience to tune and balance Fate, and we’re definitely happy with how this game turned out. I can tell you with confidence that we have created a special fighting game that appeals to both the casual fighting fan and the expert tournament player. I hope you try it out today. Thank you so much for your time!

Kazuhiro Tsuchiya (CAPCOM)

Anyway, I’m here to talk about Capcom’s next fighting game, Fate/Unlimited Codes, specifically designed for the PSPgo. This game will be available next week, September 3, and is exclusive to the PlayStation Network. Fate is developed by Eighting, the talented group responsible for the Bloody Roar series and Tatsunoko Vs Capcom.

Based on the popular Japanese visual novel/anime, Fate/unlimited codes takes place in a local town in Japan where 7 pairs of ‘Masters’ and ‘Servants’ compete for the ‘Holy Grail’ that will grant them any wish. This compelling combat experience features a deep roster of characters and unique fighting moves, while employing a fast-paced, weapons-based fighting system that is sure to meet any Capcom fans highest expectations. It also features beautiful 3D graphics and a pseudo-3D fighting system. (Side-stepping evades FTW!)

Kazuhiro Tsuchiya, the producer of this game and known for his work on the Street Fighter Alpha series, loves the PS community and wants to share a few things about Fate. Take it away Tsuchiya-san!

Fate/unlimited codes is an ultimate fighting game made available on PSP, which was originally a popular arcade VS fighting game in Japan. In addition to arrangements made to fit to the PSP platform, almost all the fighting systems known for Capcom games and Fate’s original systems have been implemented to enhance the gameplay.

Speedy combination attacks are the core of this game. You’ll discover a very intuitive move canceling system that adds variety and depth to the gameplay. For instance, while you are attacking your opponent with a sequence of combos, your opponent dodges, then counters with a special move. You can swiftly cancel your own move to throw a counterattack! This is sure to excite even the most seasoned fighting gamer.

Of course, high level techniques are not all what Fate is about. Each command input is made so simple that anyone can freely play any character. The in-depth training mode will allow anyone from the beginner to the veterans to improve their moves.

Additionally, the game content is as voluminous as a packaged version. It offers 17 playable characters, 8 game modes, 250+ stage missions, and more to meet your expectations.

Next week, I’ll share with you about enriched game modes and unique characters. Stay tuned!

Kazuhiro Tsuchiya (CAPCOM)

Tsuchiya-san is one cool cat. I played against him at Comic-Con and he demolished me with his Shiro, pulling off push blocks, air combos, and special cancel links to ultra combos. I was not worthy.

I’ll leave you with these short, but flashy combo videos. ‘Till next time my friends!

-John “HIERO9D3” Diamonon

UPDATE: Your friend John D has officially overloaded the PSB servers with his gigantic comment contest. In response, we have temporarily disabled comments for this post. But fear not…the contest lives on! The first 10 people to message John Diamonon at PSN ID: HIERO9D3 with their name and address get a free vinyl!

What’s new PS Nation? Me? Well, I’m still recovering from all the Rock the Bells festivities last weekend where we sponsored Raekwon and MC Supernatural. And no, Capcom’s got beef with no one. That’s what’s up.

Anyway, it’s my pleasure to announce that Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 arrives on PSN today for only $14.99. (Take that eBay!). Go check out the reviews and you’ll find out that this is THE definitive version, complete with new hi-res graphics, widescreen support and lag-free, online play. Marvel was nice enough to provide an exclusive offer to the PSN faithful. The first 15,000 purchasers of the full game will receive a code for a free one month subscription to Marvel Digital Comics! If you are one of the lucky ones, you’ll receive an email sometime early next week with your redemption code.

Wait, there’s more. Since I know you all have mixed feelings about the original Jazz soundtrack, we decided to implement in-game XMB music so you can choose what tracks you listen to while executing your 100-hit DHCs on unsuspecting n00bs. “I’m gonna take you for a ride. I’m gonna take you for a ride. I’m gonna take you for a ride.”

Speaking of music, we collaborated with some of hip hop’s true artists to come up with a mix tape inspired by the game. The soundtrack includes songs from Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Hieroglyphics, Living Legends, E-40, Planet Asia, Havoc from Mobb Deep, Mc Supernatural, DJ Qbert, Oh No, DJ Toure and more. If you were lucky enough to go to Comic-Con a few weeks ago and snag one of the super limited vinyls we pressed, well, congrats! I see you up on eBay, don’t lie. We will be offering the full soundtrack on PSN next week, don’t trip.

Oh, and I’m offering one of these limited vinyls to post #5000 plus a code of the game (Continental US shipping only! PM me your name and address if you win.).

Did I mention there’s a limited edition, retail package of MvC2 for GameStop available today (I know I didn’t.)? If you see one, pick it up. It includes a PS3 box, and codes for the game and the Marvel Digital Comics one month subscription for only $14.99. Why even bother if you can download it directly from the PSN you ask? Well, you don’t have to use your credit card, you get a collectors box and it’s the same price. OK?!?

Lastly, I know many of you are upset that you had to wait two weeks for the game. Hey, don’t let those “other” fanboys get you down. This was the first time we had to coordinate a true global launch while synching up with the release of a retail package, and it wasn’t easy. I’m glad we could at least offer you the exclusive Marvel offer plus the upcoming soundtrack next week.

I’ll be back in a couple weeks to talk about our next fighting game, Fate/unlimited codes, designed for the PSPgo and exclusive to the PSN!

Peace,
John “HIERO9D3” Diamonon

UPDATE: Due to the massive amount of comments (thanks for the goodies, John D), we have disabled the comments section of this post to keep things running smoothly.

First of all, happy two year anniversary PlayStation Blog!

So to celebrate, we’re going to make good on a promise we made a while back. After all of the constructive (sometimes, brutally constructive) feedback from the community, Capcom USA and GRIN decided to go back to the lab and work on an update for Bionic Commando Rearmed. But wait, it gets deeper. Not only are we adding trophy support (that’s right son), those over-delivering, son-of-a-guns got a little crazy and are offering a bit more:

New “Normal” difficulty setting. In this setting, the following changes are made:

• When you die, you respawn at the last solid ground or checkpoint
• The level Albatross B was cut
• The ability to reel out the cable when hanging or swinging to its full length
• If the player swings into a wall, they will no longer disconnect and be thrown away from the wall. Instead, they will keep connected and reel in
• Unlimited lives

Super Joe Machine Gun bug fix:

• When upgraded, the weapon also becomes more powerful in addition to the larger clip
• Fixed for all difficulty levels.

I hope all of you recognize the important role you play in helping us make better games. Our dialogues on PlayStation Blog and the Capcom Unity forums were the primary motivators for this update, and as long as this open communication is done constructively, good things can and will happen (Honestly, all the Eff Crapcom stuff didn’t help the process, lol). We may not be able to follow through on every request from the community, but I guarantee you, we are listening. Thanks to all of you for the feedback and the involvement, please keep it up!

So, to recap, the score is:

Vocal PS Community – 1
Vocal Capcom Accountants – 0

When does the update go live you ask? Well, it’s currently in QA, so it should be available real soon.

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Friends?

Warm regards,
John “Hiero9D3” Diamonon

P.S. The magic numbers are 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000. Same rules apply. No consecutive posting but you can post more than once. PM me if your comment lands on these numbers. You get a choice of Flock, BCR, 1942, Age of Booty, Mega Man 9 or SFHD Remix. Enjoy!

What’s up P-Essers? I’m here today to announce the imminent arrival of one of the worst kept secrets in the industry. You’ve seen the ESRB leak. You’ve seen the MadCatz joysticks. You probably visited a cryptic sight called www.tu4ar.com that just counted down to zero.

If you’ve been paying attention to my blogs and interviews, I’ve been leaking info about this day for quite some time. We conducted this Gamespot poll back in March of 2008 to gauge interest on what games you want to see us bring back. We listened to your feedback and tried to work quietly on the project. Well, as you know, I’m not the quiet type (the PR Ninjas here don’t like me so much). There was this MTV interview in June of last year, my PS blog on August 14th alluding to a Street Fighter surprise, and numerous blogs after that teasing this announcement.

So what’s the announcement? Here it is, officially:

Yes that’s right. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 will finally arrive on PSN this summer! For more information on the full game, go visit Capcom-Unity.com.

But wait, there’s more. Here’s the freaking ace up our sleeve:

This Thursday, April 30, PlayStation Network users will enjoy a free, exclusive MVC2 demo! No need to purchase another game, just download it straight to your PS3 and get ready for some triple tag team action (A big thank you goes out to Rommel Hernandez who helped make this exclusive demo possible).

Here are the details of the demo:

• Two-player local matches
• Six available characters – Ryu, Chun-Li, Strider, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Wolverine
• Seven selectable environments
• Upscaled 1080p graphics
• Widescreen or 4:3 aspect ratio
• Two graphic filter options for character sprites
• And other cool options to check out

Make sure you visit www.tu4ar.com for the latest MVC2 news and follow us on Twitter for special promotions and prizes!

And I’ll leave you with one last, cool little video, exclusive to the PlayStation Blog. This is an alternate music version of the trailer on tu4ar.com.

Enjoy!

From your friendly neighborhood Capcom employee,

John “HIERO 9D3” Diamonon

OK, I would like you all to stop with the FLOCK innuendos. I mean, we’re adults here, most of us anyway. Flockin’ stop that sheep now! I’m telling ya, it’s getting real old.

Here were some of your, uh, witty comments:

“What the FLOCK!? I want to play it!” – Thrasher20
“Why the flock won’t John Diamonon respond to my question?” – Realaride
“Give me a FLOCKING prize!” – XxBigP123xX

LOL. I don’t know about you, but no matter how many times I read your flockin’ comments, it never gets old.

So the wait is over. FLOCK! finally lands on PSN today. Here’s what you can expect:

• Over 50 levels of intense flocking action!
• Level creating, sharing and rating!
• Trial mode! (Basically a demo with an in-game purchase option) Trophies!
• In game XMB music support!
• Two player local co-op!
• Cow poop!
• Flies on cow poop!
• Pigs rolling on cow poop with flies!
• UFOs and a Motherflocker!
• A $14.99 price point.
• Commenters complaining about said price point!
• Gamers purchasing FLOCK and exclaiming that it’s totally worth it!
• More harassment about trophy support for previously released games!
• Shameless cameo appearance by Blanka from Street Fighter!
• Many more surprises and prizes!

I want to set the record straight because I’m not one to hide from anything. We will NOT, I repeat, NOT be charging for extra animals in FLOCK! Yes, the game will be complete with all the sheep, roosters, pigs and cows you can herd to your heart’s desire.

I want to congratulate last week’s contest winners: Jon_Mclane and Corran. Jon won a FLOCK code and a copy of SF4. Corran was the lucky winner of a FLOCK code, FLOCK play set and a Mega Man 9 press kit. If you want to purchase the FLOCK play set, you can buy this extremely limited collectors piece at the Capcom Store tomorrow.

This wouldn’t be a John D blog without a crazy contest now would it? Post #1000 gets a FLOCK code, play set and Mega Man 9 press kit. Only continental US and Puerto Rico will be eligible for the play set and press kit. Please type complete sentences and no consecutive posting. You can post more than once just not consecutively. PM me if you’re the winner.

Also, check here at the end of the month for an awesome announcement!

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Enjoy!
John “HIERO9D3” Diamonon

The real reason I’m here, and it’s not to keep you updated on my life, is to let you know that next Thursday, FLOCK! finally arrives on PSN. Soon you’ll be able to manipulate cute, cuddly animals with the help of your trusty UFO. You don’t even have to be in a farm to flock sheep, Capcom is giving you the ability to do this in the privacy of your own home. You can even call a friend over and flock.

If you’ve never herd of FLOCK! before, here’s a video with the beautiful Veronica Belmont and one the folks at Capcom going over some of the cool features in the game (I’m loving the outfit Veronica!).

Did I mention trophy and in-game XMB music support? Another cool feature is the level editor where you can create your own plushy environments and share them online. There’s also a rating system where you can praise the brilliant work of others, or pan some of the more awkward levels that are made available (Giving fans creative freedom is not always a good thing).

So, if you’ve been keeping up with my blogs, I’ve been hinting for months about a cool surprise for PSN gamers this year. Well, stay tuned. I’m ready to talk about it at the end of the month.

Oh and finally, comment number 200 gets a free, redeemable token of FLOCK! and a copy of Street Fighter 4 (No spamming allowed. If you post two times in a row and hit number 200, the prize goes to the next person. Send me a PM to my PSN ID and give me your address to get your prize.).

Yours truly,
John Diamonon
PSN ID: HIERO9D3

In my last post, I promised that you’ll see a whole slew of PSP and PSone games on the PlayStation Network. To kick off 2009, I’m happy to announce that Ultimate Ghost ‘n Goblins will be available tomorrow in the PSP store for $19.99. For those of you not familiar with the game, UGG is a side-scrolling platform game featuring the heroic knight, Arthur, as he battles hordes of undead in his quest to save Princess Prin Prin. (total run on sentence) I think just having the name “Prin Prin” is reason enough for saving. UGG maintains the 2D gameplay mechanics of this classic franchise and is the only game in the series to employ 3D graphics. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is intuitive yet addicting, everything you want in a quality PSP game.

Check out the video!

I also have a new Flock trailer. Peep these sheep!

With over 55 stages, two player co-op, level creating-editing-rating-sharing, trophy support and custom soundtracks, this game is a motherflockin’ good time!

And for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, I hope to see you at the Street Fighter Fight Club this Friday. I’ll be the one fitted with the new Triumvir Street Fighter Shadaloo jacket and jeans. Come by and say what’s up and play a few rounds with me.

Till next time PlayStation Playas.

Your friend from Capcom,
John Diamonon
PSN ID: HIERO9D3

Before I go on, I want to list my top 5 favorite PSN remakes. Since Jeff and Chris both left out Capcom’s titles on their lists [Editor's note: I *did* mention Street Fighter II HD Remix], I was going to omit any SCEA game, but two wrongs don’t make a right. So here goes:

1. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix – The game whose acronym is longer than most game titles. Critically acclaimed with record breaking sales means that Street Fighter is officially back!
2. Wipeout HD – A graphic update to an already great game? Now you’re talking my language. Noobs, take 2 Dramamine tablets and quit your whining. This is a remake done right and shows me what can be possible in the digital space.
3. Bionic Commando Rearmed – blowing up a dictator’s head was never so fun, and so vivid. M rated digital games FTW!
4. Prince of Persia Classic – I’m a sucker for platformers and the original redefined the genre. Playing this is like going to your high school reunion and seeing that the prom queen got even hotter. But this time around, I get to date the prom queen. (Uh, that analogy just got a little obscure and creepy, sorry.)
5. Mega Man 9 – Graphics? We don’t need no stinkin’ graphics. Give me pixel perfect jumps, an epic music score, and an 8-bit art style and I’m happier than Marty McFly going 88. Mega Man 9 proves you don’t need a time machine to enjoy classic style gameplay.

You know, looking back at my past blogs, I don’t think I ever formally introduced myself. I think I just right up and went, “Hey PS Fans… Rocketmen!”, and you were like, “WTF? Who is this guy?” Well, my name is John Diamonon, and I’m a PSBlogger reply-aholic. I also oversee the marketing of Capcom’s digital titles. In my past lives, I was a game tester for both Sega and SCEA and a former graphic designer. I get joy from doing things out of the ordinary and you can expect more fan driven programs from me in the future.

From the launch of our Capcom Store, to the release of 8 digital games on the PSN, 2008 was a pivotal year for us as we move closer to our goal in becoming the #1 publisher in this space. A personal highlight of mine this year was producing the Street Fighter Underground Remix exclusive to PSN. It made sense since the store launched a new music area. I love the idea of integrating different forms of media with gaming. Wait ‘til you hear the next album…

So what’s in store for 09? Well, I’m working with Grace and Ro at SCEA to come up with some innovative ways we can offer games and programs on the PlayStation Store. You can expect to see a whole slew of downloadable PSP and PSone titles from our vault next year.

I’m also excited by one of our upcoming PSN games, FLOCK! which will arrive sometime early next year. I know, I know. I said January last time but you might have to wait just a little longer. We’re working on some cool features that I know you’ll enjoy. In-game XMB music anyone? In the meantime, you can download the winter demo from the next Qore issue (You don’t need to be a yearly subscriber this time). It may be a family fun-type game, but it has something for everyone. When you make sheep mate, pigs fart and cows turn into t-bone steaks, you’ll see what I’m talking about. You’ll discover that flocking sheep with a UFO is a strange yet satisfying activity. You can flock by yourself or invite someone over and flock together. It’s even better that way.

Oh yeah, there’s also a big (sentence deleted by Capcom and SCEA PR ninjas)….Can you believe it? Wow, how can you not be excited about that? I’m just glad that I was finally able to talk about it. It’s been a long time coming but I’m ecstatic that it’s actually going to happen.

So, in the spirit of giving, I want to do something special for my PS homies. Every 10 comments or questions (up to comment #250) will receive a free redemption code for one of Capcom’s digital titles. No double posting allowed prior to the winning number. That means if you post on comment #9 and comment #10, the person who posted comment #11 gets the code. You are only eligible for one code. If you already have the game I give you, be nice and give it to a friend.

To redeem your code, you must register on www.capcom-unity and PM me (www.capcom-unity.com/johndmoney) your comment number.

I’ll also be on Home now and again, so the first 15 people who come up to me, do the cabbage patch and say, “Please Hammer, don’t hurt ‘em!” will receive a free code.

Oh, and special shout outs to my “Home” boys and girls – Voozie, EvoAnubis, JBruno, cityof_trees, Asuka424, will_orz, Anubis006, grasshopper, quailbert, rockmanjoey, ROAM1304, theroness, erico316ecw, SicboyGS, bluetwilight, eaglefan129, OverlordSpike, julian2682 and XxBIgP123xX.

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

Your friend,

John D

PSN ID: HIERO9D3

I want to introduce you to one of my co-workers, Robby Zinchak. Don’t let his young looks fool you. He’s an up-and-coming associate producer extraordinaire who’s ready to answer all your questions regarding this truly unique, downloadable game. Just don’t ask him to show you his ID. (Just kidding Robby.)

Hi! This is my first time posting here, so I figure I should introduce myself first ;) My name is Robby, and I’m the Associate Producer on FLOCK! here at Capcom. As mentioned previously on this blog, the new episode of Qore (available today!) includes both a video feature on FLOCK! and a fully playable demo!

The premise of FLOCK! is simple: you’re a UFO (the ‘Flocker’) which seeks to abduct animals. Through the levels, you’ll abduct these cute animals by herding them into your Motherflocker (yes, really, we named the ship that :P). But it’s not a simple point A to point B operation – all sorts of peril and surprises lie between the animals and their destination. For instance, in one level you’ll play, there are crops between the sheep and the ship, so you’ll have to make crop circles with your UFO’s depressor beam to make a path for them to cross (finally we know the true purpose behind all those crop circles!). Through the game, you’ll have to contend with numerous challenges. Among these challenges, your flock will face pits, scarecrows, water, bridges, and even trampolines that’ll send them flying!

The full game also includes co-op gameplay, so you can bring a friend in to help you herd the animals. In co-op levels, you’ll have to work together to get your objectives met. For instance, one player may need to lift a gate while another player herds the animals through the gate. It’s a lot of fun, so look forward to it! One of our more unique features is the ability to create your own maps with our built in map-editor. We use the same tool to make the official levels, so you’ll have a lot of flexibility and power in the kind of maps you’re able to make. Plus, you can even upload your maps online where you’ll be able to share them with other players.

Each of the levels (over 50!) is replayable – there are bonuses to beating the map quickly and also beating the map perfectly by collecting all animals. As you beat levels, you’ll unlock new abilities to use and items to place in the editor. Sometimes you’ll need to unlock something later in the game that’ll help you beat a level earlier in the game perfectly. Between all the levels and modes included, we think you’ll be getting a lot of gameplay value out of this downloadable game! :)

So, hopefully that’s a good introduction to FLOCK!. Don’t forget to download the FLOCK! Winter Qore Demo — you’ll be among the first to ever play the game! It includes a full six levels, with three of the four animals unlocked to play with. We’ve even included the level editor to make your own levels! I’ll keep an eye out for comments here and reply where I’m able to. Keep your eyes out for more FLOCK! news in the coming weeks – we’ll have lots more information coming soon!