Since the old Atlantica Online emoticons are gone, here is a reminder for the good old creepy emoticon days. Just click the image below to download.

PS: This can also be used for MSN emoticons

What happens when you give the Japanese the tools to mod a game? Well crazy things happen that’s for sure.

In this case, they have modified the skins on the PC version of Street Fighter IV.
M. Bison as Doraemon
El Fuerte as Korosuke

and hilarity ensues…

Given enough time, it won’t be too long to see Ronald and other 2chan memes make it to the game.

For those who have already played tales of the Abyss on the PS2, here is another treat for you. A user from nicovideo has posted a new rendition of TOA’s opening with a twist. He made a new version featuring the cast of FF7 instead, and the opening really fits like a glove for FF7’s cast:

For those who haven’t seen the original opening, here is the video with the 2 versions side by side:

and if you want to view the original video on niconico:

http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm7652274

And you thought the Japanese weren’t crazy enough, and then comes another new single from Yazima Beauty Salon (矢島美容室). This time, their new single Hamaguri Bomber (はまぐりボンバー) sings about summertime fun.

Its not the song that is actually creepy, its the video… Go check it out below:

Beware of Strawberry Yazima… those hairs…

In one of the most intriguing (or scary depending on your point of view) news of the week, Zenimax (Bethesda) acquired id software studios. id software is well known for its FPS franchises DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein series, while the WRPG behemoth Bethesda is well known for its Elder Scroll series. At first glance, one might think that first-person shooters and role-playing games have nothing in common until you realize what each company can offer to the other.

With id software’s specialty in game engines, it could help Bethesda further optimize its game. At the same time, Bethesda’s expertise in story-telling and open exploration could help improve id software’s FPS games. One could only imagine the possibilities when both of their franchises become merged with an optimized engine and a good story-telling.

Doom on an open environment? Elder scrolls on a modern setting? We will have to wait to find out if these will ever come true.