We hope you weren't holding your breath for an Xbox 360 port of Ninja Gaiden Sigma. Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki has confirmed that the team has no plans to port the PS3 title. Of course, Xbox 360 owners can play both Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden Black, the games on which Sigma is based, but it's somewhat disheartening to know that 360 owners won't get a taste of Sigma's additions. According to Itagaki, Sigma was designed for Playstation followers who never had a chance to experience the game on the original Xbox. Not to worry though, as he assures the world that Team Ninja is "taking new challenges" on the Xbox 360. Here's hoping that these challenges are related to an actual Ninja Gaiden sequel and not the next generation of breast physics.
The latest issue of EGM reports that Team Ninja is currently working on an exclusive Dead or Alive title for the Playstation 3. Considering the series has been a flagship title for the Xbox since Dead or Alive 3, this presents an interesting twist for DOA fans. The rumor doesn't clarify the actual title of the game, so it's possible that the PS3 will be receiving an updated Dead or Alive 4 (similar to Ninja Gaiden Sigma). In other words, the game in question isn't necessarily Dead or Alive 5. Hell, it might be another DOA Xtreme title for all we know. Come to think of it, the jiggle probably would look better in 4D.
Speaking to CVG, Team Ninja head honcho, Tomonobu Itagaki, revealed a teeny tiny little tidbit about the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 2. Those of you who venture outside the safe and comforting walls of X3F may have heard that Ninja Gaiden is making its way to the Nintendo DS. Cleverly titled Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword (get it? Dragon Sword?), the game utilizes the stylus to pull off all of Ryu's sick ninja moves. When asked about possible similarities between Dragon Sword and Ninja Gaiden 2, Itagaki responded, "Well... I am personally overseeing the development of everything from the story through to the gameplay elements for both games, so if you're observant you may be able to extrapolate some similarities between the two, yes, and not just in the area of story."
We're assuming that Ninja Gaiden 2 won't magically turn any HDTV into a touch screen, so it's likely that the two games will share some other gameplay related features. We have no idea what those would be, and Ninja Gaiden: DS doesn't arrive until the end of this year, so we'll have quite a while to guess.
In a 1UP interview, Team Ninja's main man Tomonobu Itagaki talks about everything DOAX2. Itagaki explains why certain decisions were made that affect DOAX2's gameplay, online functionality, exploits, and future updates. Not only does he have no remorse for the game's craptacular online options, but even goes far enough to say that the game's multiplayer "would have been better just to not have it to begin with". Also, a patch is going to be released removing the free money exploit, but don't worry because Team Ninja will be selling all the goods via micro-transactions. It's the old "we're removing this cheat so you can buy it from us" routine. And if you've ever questioned Team Ninja's dedication to their games; when asked about putting up a demo on the XBLM Itagaki stated that "for people who are looking for a demo it's unfortunate, since I've already begun moving on to the next game". Is it us or is Itagaki totally back peddling in this interview, stumbling over his own response, and seems totally clueless to what the fans actually want?
It didn't take long, and DOAX2 videos are already flooding YouTube. It's a veritable bevy of busty digital babes, with videos of the various minigames everywhere. The pole dancing sequences, however, take the cake. While most of the minigames, from butt battles to beach races, can be written off as innocent excursions, the pole dancing can be called nothing other than what it is ... um ... it's pole dancing. Sample a digital vixen shaking her stuff after the break. Be warned, the video is not safe for work (and some of the other ones we've found are very not safe for work).
Earlier this month, we reported that a former Tecmo employee was charging Tomonobu Itagaki (creator of the DOA series) with sexual harassment. After completing its own internal investigations, Tecmo has publicly responded, categorically denying the sexual harassment claims. Furthermore, the company clarifies that the woman was not fired but quit of her own volition. After that, however, things get a little sticky. From what we can gather, something definitely happened. According to Tecmo, the woman (and presumably Itagaki) "mingled personal affairs with their corporate responsibilities," resulting in "unnecessary confusion." In the aftermath, both the woman and Itagaki were demoted and had their salaries reduced. Something tells us "unnecessary confusion" must be pretty serious if it results in a pay cut. In an attempt to counteract the defamation of his name, Itagaki plans to countersue his accuser for damages.
Sexual harassment is no joke, but one has to wonder if this has affected the sales of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2.
Tomonobu Itagaki, the man behind Xbox hits Ninja Gaiden and the Dead or Alive series, has been formally charged with sexual harassment. According to ZAKZAK, the former employee -- she quit on September 10th -- claims that she had a physical relationship with Itagaki since 2003 and is asking for the sum of 10 million yen (US $85,000). Itagaki acknowledges the relationship, but claims that it was consensual. Itagaki has reportedly been demoted at Team Ninja, though it is unclear if this was done as punishment or if it was done to downplay his image in court.
We have to admit the grim humor of the situation. He is the creator of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, after all. We're fairly certain that it's at least a little funny that the man who basically introduced 3D bouncing breasts to the world is now being charged with sexual harassment. Whatever the outcome, we hope it doesn't interfere with Ninja Gaiden 2. We'd also like to note that this news traveled very fast; Itagaki's Wikipedia page is already updated for crying out loud! For our Japanese savvy readers, feel free to translate the original article.
Man, first there are movies on Marketplace, and now Tomonobu Itagaki is busted for sexual harassment. This is shaping up to be a weird day.
Tim Buckley takes on everyone's favorite gravity defying breasts in his latest comic on Ctrl-Alt-Del. He also takes the time to give a little rant on the game (and links us in the process. Thanks, Tim!). In his own words:
"Seriously, did you see those things? They're out of control. Breasts are supposed to be soft, attractive, harmless. Not constantly spazzing out like someone strapped Gloop and Gleep to some girl's chest. Those things have reached critical mass, and no one is safe. I don't think those tiny little bathing suits can contain that shit."
We love the comic, especially the title, "Secession" -- it'll make sense once you read it. Good stuff, and definitely worth checking out. Do we smell a winner in the next Joystiq Webcomic Wrapup?
We never thought we'd say this, but the new Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer may be too bouncy. Available on Marketplace right now (the old E3 trailer has been re-re-released as well), the trailer is very long and very bouncy. So bouncy that it's disturbing, and, dare we say it, unrealistic. But that's really what it's all about, right? Still, this trailer is naughty. Lei Fang on a stripper pole, a little girl on girl "back rub" action, and more tiny swimsuits than you can shake a stick at. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if DOAX2 becomes a media target when it ships this winter. Seriously, it's just south of actual porn. See what all the fuss is about after the break. Oh, and they're all technically wearing clothes, but it's still probably NSFW.
Xboxygen has scored some scans of DOAX2 from the latest Famitsu. To be honest, some of these pictures are downright shameful. But, what should we expect from a man who designs his games drunk? Take a look at the upper left corner of the first scan for a little scissor icon. Digital pin-ups? Just for a change of pace, the second scan features actual volleyball and jet skis.
Anyone care to translate, or are the pictures universal?
In case you missed it the first time, the E3 Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer has been re-released on Marketplace. The trailer shows off some of the titillating activities the lovely ladies of DOA will be performing. These include jet ski racing, watersliding, taking pictures, and -- ahem -- hip wrestling.
It's an old trailer, but I'll do anything to post that picture again (rawr!).
Gamedaily sat down with Tomonobu Itagaki and got some new details on DOAX 2. For instance, the trailer on Marketplace is confirmed real time!
I'm sure the same people who skeev out over Rumble Roses will continue to complain about this game's fixation on jiggling polygonal flesh, despite volleyball's inate moral superiority to professional wrestling. Besides, don't they know we only want this disc for the jet ski mini-game.
In a 1UP interview, Team Ninja's main man Tomonobu Itagaki talks about everything DOAX2. Itagaki explains why certain decisions were made that affect DOAX2's gameplay, online functionality, exploits, and future updates. Not only does he have no remorse for the game's craptacular online options, but even goes far enough to say that the game's multiplayer "would have been better just to not have it to begin with". Also, a patch is going to be released removing the free money exploit, but don't worry because Team Ninja will be selling all the goods via micro-transactions. It's the old "we're removing this cheat so you can buy it from us" routine. And if you've ever questioned Team Ninja's dedication to their games; when asked about putting up a demo on the XBLM Itagaki stated that "for people who are looking for a demo it's unfortunate, since I've already begun moving on to the next game". Is it us or is Itagaki totally back peddling in this interview, stumbling over his own response, and seems totally clueless to what the fans actually want?
Earlier this month, we 
Tim Buckley takes on everyone's favorite 
