Author: Ian "iantothemax" Walker

During a recent interview with 4Gamer, Bandai Namo Games’ Katsuhiro Harada went a little more in-depth about who exactly they are targeting with their upcoming Pokémon spinoff, Pokkén Tournament.

According to Siliconera, the longtime Tekken producer said that, while they are still focusing on making the title appealing for schoolkids, the main demographic they are trying to appeal to a much older crowd. “[If] we’re talking about age demographics,” Harada explained, “we’re aiming for something over 18 years of age to the early 30s.”

He went on to mention that they are thinking of Pokken as an “adult” Pokemon game, specifically calling out those who grew up with the video game and anime series.

And I personally think that’s a fantastic goal to aim for. While the Pokémon series is still loved by children the world over, it also has a very devoted adult following, a group I most definitely count myself among. Many of us who were kids when early installments like Pokémon Red and Blue (or Red and Green, depending on where in the world you spent your childhood) hit the scene still remain fans today, waiting eagerly for each new generation with bated breath. Sure, they’ve lost some of their wonder over the years, but the series still holds much of the same magic it did so many years ago.

In focusing on the adults that continue to hold Pokémon near and dear to their hearts, Bandai has alleviated a few of my own personal fears about Pokkén Tournament, most notably that it would be further simplified for a younger crowd, and made me look forward to the fighter even more than I already was. Hell, this new development may even be indicative of the kind of Pokémon we’ll see populate the cast, with earlier creatures taking the spotlight instead of relative newcomers.

But what do you think? Is this focus on older players a good thing in your eyes? Let us know in the comments.

Pokkén Tournament is currently slated to launch sometime next year.

Source: 4Gamer via Siliconera, tip sent in by Anon

Over the past few months, fighting games being localized for the North American market have made the journey from Japan lacking an important feature: cross-region netplay. While Persona 4 Arena Ultimax’s was an issue with dissimilar post-launch content releases that has since been corrected, Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!! still does not allow users to play against online competitors using versions from different regions. This effectively cuts down on the number of people one will find online, especially for those who decide not to import.

That’s why, when Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-‘s North American release date was announced earlier this morning, many were afraid it too would meet the same fate.

Fortunately, publisher Aksys Games was quick to dispel such notions, saying on Twitter that there will be no restrictions placed on cross-region or -platform online play. They also mentioned that Xrd will come with dual audio tracks, allowing fans to choose between English or the original Japanese depending on their preferences.

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- is first scheduled to launch for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan on December 4 before heading to North America on December 16.

Source: Aksys Games

If you’re among the many fighting game fans planning to be in San Francisco later this year for Capcom Cup, you’ll be pleased to know that tickets for the event just went on sale.

General admission, which will grant you access to basic seating in the historic Warfield Theatre, is on sale at $8.77 for the balcony and $14.04 for the premium loge. Special VIP packages can be purchased for an even $75.

So what exactly do these upgraded tickets get you well? Well, for starters, premium seating on the main floor, as well as a gift bag filled with swag like a special event shirt and program. Also, VIPs will be granted access to the exclusive after party at Folsom Street Foundry.

Only 300 VIP packages are being put up for purchase, so be sure to jump on them soon if you’re interested.

Capcom Cup is scheduled for December 13. Tickets are now available through Eventbrite.

Source: Eventbrite

Looking to try out a new fighter but strapped for cash? I know the feeling…fortunately, Valve is providing a very cool service this weekend for all you fighting fans out there with light wallets.

This weekend, a sizable lineup of games will be free to play on Steam. While there’s a ton to take in, from the survival gameplay of Don’t Starve to the tactical alien hunting of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, one NetherRealm Studios title in particular is sure to interest our readers.

Steam has seen fit to include Injustice: Gods Among Us in this useful promotion, allowing players to jump into the game and duke it out with some of DC Comics’ most popular characters.

Fortunately, you won’t have to wait that long, or at all really; if you find yourself with a little extra time today, Injustice is currently available to download, so feel free to jump on your PC and start the brawl. Even cooler, you’ll also be able to play around with the various post-release content courtesy of the Ultimate Edition update.

Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well as the rest of the offerings, will be free to play until Sunday, October 19, at 1 PM PDT.

Source: Steam

If you thought Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!!’s title was a little unwieldy, hold onto your butts; EXAMU is set to update the third installment of their leading fighting franchise for a third time later this year.

In addition to attaching even more words (and punctuation marks) to the name, the SIX STARS!!!!!! revision will bring with it a brand new character, another Arcana style, and a host of balance adjustments for the existing cast.

While very little information has been relayed about the new cast additions, we do have some background details courtesy of Gematsu. Playable character Minori Amanohara (also known by the self-appointed “Subaru the Exterminating Fairy” title), sees the other girls of Misono Academy defending the world and thinks, “Hey, if I have my own power, why can’t I fight too?” While she sounds a little delusional, those gauntlets sure look mighty nasty, so we’ll have to see how her story develops as we near the game’s release date.

Additionally, the Arcana lineup will be expanded by Ichor, whose power resembles that of blood and houses the ability to draw out hidden potential, supposedly of whichever fighter it’s attached to.

Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX SIX STARS!!!!!! will arrive in arcades sometime this winter. You’ll find its teaser site here.

Sources: Dengeki Online via Kirinope, Gematsu, 4Gamer