Welcome back to Maximum Letdown, Powet’s go-to guide on games that either had that one fatal flaw, didn’t quite live up to the hype, or just plain suck. Because today is St. Patty’s day, I’m gonna give you something extra: a math lesson. If you’re an RPG fan you’ll want to pay attention to this, as I’ll tell you the formula to making a good game (hint: the exact opposite of this). There is even some homework, so break out your pencils and notepads, because there will be a pop quiz on all of this.

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So, it seems that not only are BottleRocket and Namco not working together on the newest Splatterhouse game set for release this year, but now the former bed-buddies are getting nasty with one another over the issue.
Last month, Namco cut ties with BottleRocket, the original developer of the new Splatterhouse game, abruptly and out of the blue. No reason was given for why Namco packed up and left so suddenly, though each side has their own story to tell. Now BottleRocket is shooting back at Namco.

“Splatterhouse had been in development for over eighteen months and up to having the title taken away from us we had not missed any contractually defined milestones. So either there were no performance issues during that timeframe or Namco’s management of the title was inept.”

BottleRocket doesn’t seem to be pushing the issue past mere words, though, as they admit to fearing the larger development corporation could easily crush their smaller one if slander starts affecting their image.

The new Splatterhouse game is due out April 28th.

The Transformers Animated series started with some skepticism, which soon turned into delight for many Transformer fans. Now with two seasons down, and the soon-to-premiere third season all but confirmed as the final season of the series, fans are of the show are left wanting more. Fear not fans! Its not over yet. It may be the final season, but its only starting this Saturday with a 90 minute premiere entitled ‘Transwarped’.

This season is sure to have quite a few things under its sleeve. Derrick Wyatt has posted a couple teaser images on his blog, A Delightful Tedium.

Join us after the jump for a fun look at what’s to come.
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Right on the heels of Resident Evil 5 being released overseas, and tomorrow here in the states (though some got it sooner), it seems the momentum of the Resident Evil franchise is still running strong and plans to for some time.
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles has been announced for the Wii, and will follow up big brother Umbrella Chronicles as another rail-shooter in terms of gameplay. Darkside Chronicles will be filling in the gaps left by the previous title by exploring the Resident Evil 2 part of the story. As seen, Leon and Claire will make their candid appearances as primary character to control, while other characters and additional story will be shown and explained. Game producer Masachika Kawata also hinted to the inclusion of other game scenarios from the series being explored as well. Code Veronica, anybody?

No release date has been set, as the game’s development has been rumored to not even be halfway done yet, though we do at least have some nice eye candy to show for what has been completed.

RE: Darkside Chronicles

Many people know Capcom from their fighting games, most recently, Street Fighter IV. Many others like their classic action games such as Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Bionic Commando, or the soon to be released Resident Evil 5. Older gamers even recall their multitude of beat-em-ups, based on everything from Dungeons and Dragons to the Punisher. However, they aren’t too bad at making role playing games either, as these two Super Nintendo games show. While they stick to the genre’s conventions for the most part, these two games contain some innovative quirks that help the series establish its own identity alongside the Final Fantasies and the Dragon Quests.

Note: None of these guys are anywhere near as cock diesel in the game as they are depicted on the cover. Well, maybe the horse-armadillo guy.
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Although this movie is not available in North America, you can import it from Amazon Japan. The new Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Blu-Ray disc has English subtitles. The original Ghost in the Shell movie Blu-Ray has an English dub track and English subtitles. Both this and the new version are available in the box set. Both Blu-Ray releases will play in a North American PS3. I am not familiar with the DVD details, but it will likely not play in a standard North American region 1 DVD player.

In ancient Rome, the Gladiators were basically what pro wrestlers and basketball players are today. People would shell out money to see them, and a big name or skilled combatant could draw insane crowds. Many video games have incorporated the high risk and brutal action of the ancient sport in some way, be it Oblivion’s arena storyline or the forgettable Xbox game Circus Maximus. However, Lucasarts’s Gladius really brings the ‘sport’ home. It’s turn based RPG strategy with a twist, and it’s one of Lucasarts’s best games not named Star Wars. Come to think of it, it’s one of their best games period.
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