Arc System Works Providing Twelve Different Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- Bonus Items to Retailers in Japan

In order to capitalize off collectors, Arc System Works will be providing a dozen different bonuses to the same number of Japanese retailers for them to give away with Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- when it releases in December. These range from items like large pieces of tapestry art and posters to clear files and mousepads.

ArcSys recently updated Xrd’s official website with all the details, which also gives us a great look at some of the amazing art that will adorn these bonuses. While there’s very little chance of these reaching western shores, those of you well-versed in the process of importing purchases from Japan may want to check it out.

And for the rest of us, well…the art is really nice.

In addition to the shops below, Joshin and Stellaworth will be offering a smartphone wallpaper and bromide set, respectively, but previews have yet to be provided.

Imagine Web (life-sized fabric poster)
ebten (A2 tapestry)

GEO Online (clear file)
Sofmap (B2 tapestry)

WonderGOO (B2 tapestry)
amiami (mousepad)

GAMERS (cleaning cloth)
Neowing (badge set)

Fammys (B2 tapestry)
Rakuten (IC card sticker)

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- will arrive in Japan on December 4, with a North American release planned for December 16.

Source: Arc System Works

GCYoshi13 Offers Up More Hard Tag Goodness for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3’s Chris Redfield

Below you’ll find the third and (likely) final part in GCYoshi13’s Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Chris Redfield hard tag combo series. As with the previous two entries, these combos display the incredible meter-building potential that the gun-toting fighter brings to battle.

In addition to building massive meter, these combos often deliver fatal damage and include a vast array of cast members to show that Chris can get along with pretty much anyone. While some of the openers appearing in this segment aren’t the most practical, there’s nothing wrong with keeping them in the back of your mind for when the zombie hunter’s trigger finger starts itching.

Source: GCYoshi13

2 Old 2 Furious: 2 Dead 2 Furious feat. Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha 2, and Other Classics Streaming Live

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The time has come once again to give some love to older fighting games, the titles that got many of us interested in the genre to begin with, via another installment of Arturo Sanchez’ 2 Old 2 Furious tournament series.

This event, subtitled 2 Dead 2 Furious, will feature competition in a wide variety of classics, including Capcom vs. SNK 2, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter EX2 Plus, and Super Street Fighter II Turbo. As always, some of the east coast’s best competitors will be in attendance at Next Level Arcade to show they still have what it takes to throw down in these games of yesteryear.

If you’re interested in checking it out for yourself, you can tune in below or head on over to Twitch to join the chat.

Watch live video from nycfurby on www.twitch.tv

Sources: FacebookArturo Sanchez

Killer Instinct Season Two’s Third Character Called “Trap Grappler” by Development Staff, Early Gameplay Details Revealed

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Microsoft creative director Adam Isgreen recently took to the Ultra-Combo forums and, as he is often wont to do, provided some details on Killer Instinct’s latest update as well as season two’s upcoming third character, who is scheduled to launch sometime next month. Since today’s patch is rather minor in scope, let’s jump into the juicier information.

According to Isgreen, focus tests for Mr. Not A Mummy recently wrapped up at Iron Galaxy Studios’ offices in Chicago and Orlando. While he will be receiving a bit of adjustment, player feedback was very positive in nature.

As for how he will play, that’s a little more tricky. He seems to have a lot as his disposal, including zoning tools, a long-range grapple attack, promising mobility depending on the situation, traps, and some sort of curse feature that may hamper the abilities of his opponents. He’s referred to as the “trap grappler” by the developers, though Isgreen says even that isn’t enough to describe the mysterious new fighter. “My mind boggles at the mixups and setups people will discover with him,” he teases.

He also mentions that the major monthly updates will not only focus on the new characters being released, but balance adjustments to the previous cast members as well.

There’s a ton more information included in Isgreen’s post, so be sure to head on over to Ultra-Combo for more details. You’ll find two small pieces of the mummy-esque newcomer below.

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Source: Ultra-Combo via Killer Instinct Central

GL|Valmaster, Andreas, MD|Luffy, and Other European Competitors Take Part in Ultra Street Fighter IV Exhibitions at Red Fight District III

Two weekends ago, a ton of top European talent converged on Amsterdam for Red Fight District III, all vying for a chance to earn the event’s allotment of Capcom Pro Tour points. While players like MD|Luffy, Andreas, and GL|Valmaster would go on to place among Ultra Street Fighter IV’s top eight finalists, they also competed in a variety of exhibition matches, testing their skills outside the normal tournament format in longer sets.

Fortunately, those that missed out on these after hours bouts can now catch up courtesy of the official archives. You’ll find a handful of excellent matches below, but be sure to visit Versus Fighting TV for more if these aren’t even to quench your Street Fighter thirst.

Source: Versus Fighting TV, tip via ghandi78

Drewski Recreates His Favorite Neon Genesis Evangelion Moment in Skullgirls Encore

Ever since Big Band joined the cast of Skullgirls Encore, players have been releasing some amazing stuff they’ve accomplished with his trumpet–well, outside of competition anyways. From mixing the medium punch with his other musical attacks to play popular Touhou themes to recording eight individual characters for a rendition of Leroy Andersen’s “Bugler’s Holiday,” the giant one-man band is a veritable symphony unto himself, opening up a variety of possibilities for folks dedicated to putting the work in.

Many of the videos released so far have been entirely devoted to audio, but drewski recently dropped a quick demonstration of his own that also incorporates a very distinct Painwheel color palette to complete his recreation of Eva-01’s tantrum from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Though not as technical as other pieces, his quick contribution definitely goes a step further thanks to the color options provided by the developers.

Can you think of any other famous scenes that can be remade in Skullgirls this way? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.

Source: drewski via Skullgirls Japan

Team NINJA Sheds Light on Dead or Alive 5 Last Round’s Free-to-Play Versions, Downloadable Content Transfers

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Team NINJA’s Tom Lee recently mentioned that Dead or Alive 5 Last Round would be launching in North America on February 17, but that’s not all that they had to say on the matter. In a recent press release, Team NINJA has provided details on the game’s free-to-play versions on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well as what will happen to all previously purchased downloadable content for its earlier iteration.

Much like Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, Last Round will come in a Core Fighters variation on PlayStation 4, which will allow access to Ayane, Kasumi, Ryu Hayabusa, and Hayate, as well as almost every game mode, free of charge.

Players on Xbox One, however, will be able grab free trial version with the same features, but they will not be able to expand it with additional content. They can then purchase their own version of Core Fighters for $4.99, which adds four extra fighters: Hitomi, Tina, Jann Lee, and Bass.

For those coming from Ultimate, there’s some additional good news. All players, regardless of platform, will be able to transfer unlocked titles, costumes, and story mode progress from that version into Last Round. This includes all previously purchased downloadble content, which can be transferred from last-generation consoles to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The full press release has been included below.

Press Release

LAUNCH DATE AND NEW STAGE DETAILS LEAD COMBO PUNCH OF
NEW INFORMATION FOR DEAD OR ALIVE 5 LAST ROUND

Team NINJA today unleashed an onslaught of new information for DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round. Currently in development for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, KOEI TECMO America has confirmed that the game is schedule to launch in North America on February 17, 2015, and will be available at the price of $39.99 MSRP for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (physical and digital) and $29.99 MSRP for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (digital only).

With an official launch date in place, KOEI TECMO America has detailed preorder incentives for retail preorders (physical copies) at the following North American retailers: Players who preorder DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round at GameStop will receive exclusive costume packs including the “Ninja” (for Ayane , Hayabusa, Hayate and Kasumi), and Aloha (for Ayane, Hitomi, Kasumi and Mila ) sets. Pre-ordering at Amazon (PlayStation / Xbox) and Best Buy (PlayStation / Xbox) will give purchasers access to exclusive costumes sets including the “Showstopper” (for Christie, Helena, Lisa and Tina) and “Beach Party” (for Kokoro, Leifang, Momiji and Rachel).

Team NINJA pulls back the curtain even further, divulging more new content players can expect in DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round. Dynamic fighting stages are a hallmark of the DEAD OR ALIVE series, and they are taken to the next level in Last Round. A fan favorite stage from DEAD OR ALIVE 2 makes its glorious next gen debut in The Crimson. A multi-level stage set in a bustling urban street in Asia, players start out on sprawls of tin rooftops where victory and defeat teeter on a razor thin edge. Combatants are one good punch away from being thrown through the surrounding fence, treated to one of several all-new over-the-top Cliffhanger events, and ultimately smashing through to the lower level, a dimly lit street tinged only with the light of surrounding neon signs. In new next-gen screenshots released today, characters Kokoro, Brad, Leifang and Tina can be seen traversing and utilizing Danger Zones across both levels of The Crimson, while sporting brand new costumes and even customized hairstyles.

Players wanting to get a taste of what DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round has to offer can play the main game content in DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: CORE FIGHTERS free of charge. Gamers playing on PlayStation 4 will have access to the free-to-download version via the PlayStation® Network which includes four fighters – Ayane, Hayate, Kasumi and Ryu Hayabusa – and almost every game mode will be available. Those playing on Xbox One will have access to a free trial version of Last Round via the Xbox Games Store consisting of the same free-to-download fighters and features as noted above, but is not expandable via additional purchases. Xbox One users wanting an extended experience can purchase Core Fighters for $4.99 MSRP, which includes all contents as the free trial, but adds four more fighters to the mix in Hitomi, Tina, Jann Lee and Bass, and is expandable from there via additional purchases. All users, regardless of platform, can transfer unlocked titles, costumes and Story Mode progress from the last-gen versions of DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate as well as compete with combatants from both the free and full retail version of DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round. Additional characters, Story Mode and other features can be accessed for a fee. For additional information regarding DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: CORE FIGHTERS visit: http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/us/ftp.html.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will take to the ring to deliver the signature DOA fighting style, wrapped up in the most graphically impressive version of a DEAD OR ALIVE game ever seen. Combatants will present an unparalleled level of life-like detail, and smooth striking animations that will firmly place every fighter in the heat of the moment. The game’s dynamic interactive stages once again boast a range of visually striking locations from around the world, while offering even more destruction, deadly new danger zones and a higher level of strategic choices for players to utilize in the quest for victory. Character customization options get even deeper, as DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will offer over 300 open and unlockable costumes, and the brand new hairstyle and accessory options will give nearly endless possibilities to adorn the fighters for any occasion. Players can bring their run of rosters, costumes and accessories from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate, as previously purchased DLC content will be transferable from last gen consoles to the PS4 and Xbox One.

Currently in development by Team NINJA, more details about DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will be revealed in the coming months. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB but Koei Tecmo anticipates a rating of “M” for Mature.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit https://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio, and the DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round Official page: http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/. Don’t forget to “Like” us on the Dead or Alive Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deadoralivegame and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

About KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP:
KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series. On April 1st 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger.

Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox LIVE are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Akira, Sarah, Pai and Jacky characters © SEGA. Virtua Fighter is either a registered trademark or trademark of SEGA Corporation.

Dead or Alive 5 Last Round will be available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.

Source: Team NINJA via Joystiq

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Combo Roundup – Chun-Li Takes Point, BIFU|Coach Steve’s Team on Display

Today we’ve got a collection of one-off Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 combo videos well worth checking out. The first three come from Eldon Moore and involve variant teams featuring Chun-Li on point and the last, from BIFU|Insaynne, shows off some beautiful damage optimization.

Up first we’ve got a concept combo that focuses on massive plasma blasts to round out an already devastating string of blows headed by Chun-Li. Once the Spinning Bird Kicks and Lightning Legs stop, Nova and Super-Skrull join the fray to melt their opposition.

Next, Dante and Wesker team up with the fast-footed Street Fighter veteran to deliver a devastating 1.2 million damage. The best part about this combo is the fact that it builds two bars of meter before busting out the Hyper Combos, so even if Chun lands a hit as soon as the fight starts, this guarantees a dead character.

Similarly, the next clip brings in two full meters while topping out at over 1.2 million damage. This time, though, Chun-Li is joined by Taskmaster and Akuma to dish out the pain.

To close things out, here’s an incredibly well-optimized combo for when Nova finds himself paired up with Doctor Doom and Spencer. The combo breaks 900,00 damage (that’s nine-zero-zero), but manages to do so without using any meter whatsoever. This is more than enough pain to dispatch plenty of characters, all while building just shy of 2.5 bars of super meter.

Sources: Eldon MooreBIFU|Insaynne

Kreymore Imparts Tips for Boosting Yang’s Seiei Enbu Potential in Ultra Street Fighter IV

One of the things that makes Yang stand out among the rest of the cast in Ultra Street Fighter IV is his Seiei Enbu super. This attack creates after images of Yang that follow whatever he does and allow for extra hits.

While it’s not as straight forward as his brother Yun’s Genei Jin, which simply alters move properties and makes combos and juggles easier, the fact that the after images are also attacking means that the super can be used to help Yang set up some combos and mixups that he normally would not have at his disposal.

To help players learn how to maximize the potential of this super, Kreymore has put together this tutorial video that demonstrates some of the concepts behind utilizing it fully.

Source: Kreymore

Grabs Galore! YBK|Shiro’s Abel Faces El Fuerte Master FGC|Pepeday in Ultra Street Fighter IV Exhibition

If there’s one player who’s made a name for himself in Ultra Street Fighter IV these past few months, it has to be Fukuoka Gamers Club’s Pepeday. While he’s always been known as a great player in Japan, his recent performances at Tokyo Game Show 2014 and The Fall Classic 2014 have pushed him into the international spotlight.

YUBIKEN recently shared archived footage of an exhibition the dominant El Fuerte played against their own Shiro, who himself plays a mean Abel. The result is this very interesting match featuring masters of two of Street Fighter IV’s original newcomers.

Please note that the audio gets loud at the beginning of the video as well as throughout the match during hype moments, so you might want to turn your volume down if you’re wearing headphones.

Source: YUBIKEN