RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

Finally got to upload this, would’ve had it earlier if not for an inopportune (though easily fixed) network hiccup.  Anyway, hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful Labor Day weekend!  It’s time for the news:

• Famitsu unveiled a cornucopia of Persona news: a Vita port of 4, a fighting game, and a lot of dancing around Persona 5.  So much speculation, so little time.
• Bethesda does the timed exclusivity song-and-dance with Skyrim DLC, setting a new record by doing so before the game launches.  The power of the money hat is strong.
• Zeboyd Games gets a crack at Penny Arcade Adventures: Really Long Subtitle: Episode 3.  Don’t underestimate them; Breath of Death VII is deceptively good.
• Sony plans another head-mounted TV screen monstrosity.  No, Sony, the “3D” part of it doesn’t make it any more likely to succeed than your last attempt.
• Square Enix plans to boost the staff at Eidos Montreal, Doom‘s 17-year ban in Germany is removed, and more!
• Plus, a spotlight on the recent financial workings of Zynga, Groupon, and LinkedIn: fuzzy accounting practices, pending market headaches, and the SEC asking pointed questions like “Why do all these numbers have asterisks by them?” and “Why did your accountant introduce himself with air quotes?”

Continue reading ‘What Happened This Week – Summon Your Accountant’ »

Summer rolls on and the heat just isn’t letting up. Who said suburban Chicago could turn into southern Louisiana? How’s everybody else out there holding up? If you’ve got time for the news, gather ’round and listen up. In this week’s episode:

• One of Sony’s insurance groups sues to avoid being legally liable for damage from the hack.  Next time Sony, get them to agree before showing the bill.
• Gameloft stands accused of forcing its employees to work 100+ hour weeks and faking deadlines to maintain crunch time.  And they thought Gameloft wasn’t ready for the big leagues!
• Capcom’s Twitter Guy accidentally implies fans are to blame for Mega Man Legends 3‘s cancellation.  The internet reacts in the usual reserved and dignified manner.
• 1UP posts some interesting analysis on the decline in JRPG localization.  It sure would explain an awful lot.  Looking right at you Square Enix.  Sega, you too.
• Wal-Mart prepares to publish its sales data for video games.  I’m sure that internal memo marked “Join Us Or Die” is just for marketing purposes.
• Zeboyd Games announces that jumping to Steam caused sales to skyrocket.  #pcgamingmasterrace

Continue reading ‘What Happened This Week – Appetite for Production’ »

I just want you all to know I wrote this all with that Yogurting flash synced to the Droyds remix of Armand van Helden’s “In Your Eyes” playing in the background.  I don’t know why, I think I forgot it was on at some point. Catchy song, though. I digress.  Welcome back, guys!  In What Happened This Week, we discuss the following:

• Namco-Bandai files suit against CD Projekt’s parent company over The Witcher 2 distribution rights in Europe.  Players express shock that Namco distributes games in other countries.
• Square Enix pursues legal action against unnamed individuals over the Deus Ex: Human Revolution leak.  Unnamed… or Anonymous?  Probably the first one.
• My reaction to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Ehhhhhhhhnnnnn….
• Zynga opens a studio in Toronto by buying an existing developing and absorbing them.  Guys you already filed for your IPO, you can stop worrying everybody now.  Guys?
• Indie developers voice their discontent with Xbox Live’s indie game service.  Steam offers to be shoulder-to-cry-on guy while winking knowingly at the camera.
• I offer commentary and analysis on Senate Bill S.978, and where it fits in the larger picture of US political discourse.  Short version: don’t panic, our problems are much bigger.

Continue reading ‘What Happened This Week – Visibility and Perspective’ »