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

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.

With the announcement of the remake of Pokemon Gold / Pokemon Silver renamed Heart Gold and Soul Silver for the DS, a recent issue of a magazine has released the redesign for the major characters includeing the main character’s rival Silver.

However, there is something familiar about the design…

Silver = Roark? hmmmm…

Aside from unveiling the new redesign, it has also been revealed that Groudon and Kyogre will be available for the catch – however, only one is available for each version. And when the two are reunited, Rayquaza will appear for a special event. The Arceus event will also be available for this game.

So this is game is more than just a remake, it is an opportunity to relive Gold/Silver + Ruby/Sapphire.

So how do you alienate people and lose friends? It seems that Sony has found the perfect formula in the form of the PSP go! which will be unveiled in the upcoming E3.

The new PSP go! is much smaller and much lighter than the original PSP and PSP Lite. It also features a smaller sliding screen to be more compact and easier to carry around. It also has an internal 16GB memory for all your gaming and multimedia needs. However the good feature stops there. Don’t be fooled by this product. It is merely a way for Sony to give a middle finger to game distributors and customers.

And guess what? Sony says screw you old PSP owners. Your UMD games are no longer playable. Too bad, the new PSP Go! no longer has a UMD drive, and instead sports and internal memory for downloadable games. Oh, and by the way, you retailers and distributors are cut off from Sony’s slice of profit. Games would have to be bought directly through their online store. Take that! You can no longer resell your game! I guess the used game sales market will no longer be a problem for Sony now. Also, why let distributors and retailers get a small profit on our products when Sony can have it all to themselves?

What is that? You don’t have a wi-fi internet connection? Well sorry you’re also screwed. Games can only be bought and downloaded that way. I guess you can always use the wi-fi from the nearest coffee shop. Sony doesn’t really care that wi-fi is not available to all of its potential customers. If you’re not cutting edge enough to use wi-fi, then the PSP Go! is not for you.

And lastly, remember how everybody complained about the analog nub on the original PSP? Well don’t fret, Sony made it even flatter and harder to use! Even the buttons and the directional pad are flatter! Who cares if they feel uncomfortable as long as its portable and lightweight. Because portability is the most important thing in a handheld right? right?…

If you analyze all of this, you’ll realize that the PSP Go! is not a product made for customers. It is a product made for Sony’s interest.