BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Newcomer Bullet Takes Center Stage in Updated EXTEND Scenario

This week’s issue of Famitsu announced that Arc System Works will be dropping an updated version of BlazBlue: Chronophantasma on consoles early next year. This release will include Celica A. Mercury and Lambda-11 as playable characters, recent gameplay adjustments made in arcades, and a brand new EXTEND episode that adds to the story told in the original title.

One of the scenarios covered in this expanded story will focus on Bullet, the mercenary who debuted in the first iteration alongside fellow newcomers Amane Nishiki and Azrael. The plot will detail the fighter’s history before the events of Chronophantasma.

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We can only assume that other cast members that made their first appearances in Chronophantasma will also be given their very own storylines, but that remains to be seen.

BlazBlue: Chronophantasma EXTEND is scheduled to release in Japan for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Xbox One on April 23.

Source: Famitsu via Gematsu

Street Fighter V Development Currently 20% Complete

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Love it or hate it, Street Fighter V is coming, but there’s definitely some room for your opinion to change between now and the game’s release, according to some new details released in this week’s issue of Famitsu.

During the magazine’s interview with Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono, it was relayed that the upcoming title is currently only 20% of the way through development. While not all that surprising (especially with the Work in progress gameplay footage attached to the bottom of the gameplay trailers), it does give a good point of reference for fans to keep in mind during discussions of early footage.

A concrete release date has yet to be confirmed, but a recent Amazon listing possibly revealed Street Fighter V as an early 2016 title.

We are in the process of translating Famitsu’s full talk with Ono, so stay tuned for more details.

Source: Famitsu via Kurushii

Riptor, Balance Changes, and More Now Live with Latest Killer Instinct Patch

As of this morning, Killer Instinct has been updated to ver.2.2, bringing with it a brand new character, a host of balance changes for the existing cast, new alternate outfits, and more.

With this patch, Riptor is now playable, joining the growing stable of veteran fighters to bring her ferocious gameplay to a new generation of Killer Instinct players.

Riptor comes equipped with a variety of mechanics, such as her unique stance and dedicated buttons, that give her a very versatile playstyle.

Much like past updates, ver.2.2 is rolling out in waves, so if your game has yet to be patched, sit tight.

Source: Ultra-Combo

Anthony Crolla’s world title fight off after attack by burglars

British contender Anthony Crolla suffered a serious head injury and a broken ankle following an altercation with two burglars on Tuesday night.
The Manchester lightweight, who was due to fight for a world title in January, suffered a fractured skull and broke his ankle in two places when he was hit with a concrete slab.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed Crolla had been pursuing intruders who ran through his garden after leaving his next-door neighbours’ house in Chadderton.
He was taken to…

Mortal Kombat X Character Reveal Coming in January

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I know you all love announcements of announcements, so here’s a great one: a Mortal Kombat X character reveal is apparently heading our way next month.

This news comes courtesy of the United Kingdom’s GamesMaster magazine, who recently revealed that they’ve been provided some exclusive information on the title that will be revealed in an upcoming edition.

Who this mysterious fighter may be, however, is anyone’s guess. NetherRealm Studios executive producer Shaun Himmerick mentioned in a recent interview that Quan Chi’s appearance in Mortal Kombat X allows them to do some interesting things with the story thanks to his ability to resurrect the dead, which definitely opens the possibilities up a bit.

The issue in question will hit newsstands on January 2, so stay tuned for more information as we near that date.

Mortal Kombat X is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC on April 14.

Source: GamesMaster via MKServer

Level|Up Series Moving Forward with Wednesday Night Fights Online Edition

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Pretty spiffy for a placeholder, huh?

After their mutual parting of ways with Super Arcade earlier this year, Level|Up Series has stepped back from putting on regular tournaments to refocus their attention on larger events like SoCal Regionals. Fortunately, it appears as if they are looking to jump back into weekly events, though the platform may be a bit different than expected.

During a special broadcast this evening, Level|Up president and longtime community member Alex Valle opened up about their next venture. While still under the Wednesday Night Fights banner they made famous over the past few years, these new events will instead focus on netplay competition instead of offline meetings.

Wednesday Night Fights Online Edition came about as a way for Level|Up Series to continue their tradition of consistent tournament action without fragmenting the strong Southern California scene. By moving online, players across the country will be allowed to take part, improve their game, and possibly get their names out there in preparation for the huge rewards available at next year’s Capcom Cup.

Much in the way the original Wednesday Night Fights brought a piece of the old arcade days to present-day competition, Valle is hoping to show that online play is a valuable resource for the community as a whole.

Valle wasn’t able to provide too many details apart from what’s described above, but he did drop one teasing tagline before signing off: “Wednesday Night Fights Online Edition is coming to a home near you.”

We’re sure to be given more information in the near future but, until then, feel free to let us know what you think of this shift in Level|Up’s focus in the comments below.

Source: Level|Up Live

Catch Up on Current Killer Instinct Content During Complete Collection Sale

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With Microsoft Studios’ Killer Instinct reboot well into its second season, there’s now a ton of content for players who have been around since the very beginning. Jumping in now, however, can be quite a daunting task financially, even after purchasing the Xbox One and update arcade stick necessary to get the most out of the game.

Fortunately, the folks at Microsoft recently put forward a decent sale on Killer Instinct content. The complete collection bundles the Ultra editions of both seasons, providing the full range of current characters and access to new cast members as they become available, not to mention a handful of alternate outfits, ports of previous titles, and more.

While this would normally run you $79.99, the price has been decreased by 33% to $53.59 as part of Xbox Live’s holiday sale.

If you’re interested, be sure to act quick, because this offer will only be available until December 22.

Source: Xbox Live via Killer Instinct Central

King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match Final Edition Arrives on Steam

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After a short delay, the SNK classic King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match Final Edition is now available to purchase on Steam.

Ported to PC by Code Mystics (who have also handled Mortal Kombat and Killer Instinct rereleases), this title takes the old-school fighter and puts it on a platform never before graced by its presence. Plus, with the Final Edition adjustments in place, this is the first time North American audiences have had a chance to play this version of the game–outside of visiting a Japanese arcade, of course.

This release comes with all the modes you’d expect from a modern fighting game release, including netplay, challenges, practice, and more. As an added bonus, the original NEO-GEO version is also included for all you purists out there.

King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match Final Edition can be purchased solo for $14.99 or as a two-pack for $25.99 if you feel like treating a friend for the holidays.

Source: Steam, tip via saigan

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- Now Available on PlayStation Network in North America, Leo Whitefang Coming December 23

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While many fans in North America have been playing Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- thanks to a street date lifting at GameStop, the title can now be purchased on PlayStation Network for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The former will run players $49.99 while the latter’s price is a little higher at $59.99.

This official release also means a variety of downloadable content is also available, including playable characters Sin Kiske (who can also be unlocked through normal gameplay) and Elphelt Valentine (who will be free until January 5).

Furthermore, publisher Aksys Games has provided a look ahead at future additions, announcing that Leo Whitefang will be downloadable on December 23.

If you waited until today to grab Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, feel free to let us know what you think in the comments.

Source: Aksys Games

Go Wild with Ultra Street Fighter IV’s Latest Costume Packs

As of today, you can now spruce up your Ultra Street Fighter IV characters with a brand new set of animal-themed costumes.

Ever wondered what Gen would look like as a goat? You got it.

Want to deck your Poison in some fancy peacock feathers? No problem.

Wish Hakan had a ton of creepy tentacles to go along with his oily fighting style? Uh, sure, that’s here too, I guess.

These Wild packs are now available across PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Much like earlier costume bundles, you can choose to buy them in packs or all at once–no singles here, sorry. We’ve provided links for each platform below, and feel free to check out our previous gallery if you’ve yet to see what this new downloadable content has to offer.

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Shoryuken (Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Gouken, Dan) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Brawler (Zangief, E. Honda, Rufus, Abel, El Fuerte) – PlayStation NetworkXbox Live | Steam

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Shadaloo (M. Bison, Sagat, Vega, Balrog, Seth) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Classic (Guile, Blanka, Dhalsim, Gen, Fei Long) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Femme Fatale (Chun-Li, C. Viper, Sakura, Rose, Cammy) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Challengers 1 (Hakan, Makoto, Guy, Dudley, Dee Jay) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Challengers 2 (Juri, Ibuki, Cody, Adon, T. Hawk) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Arcade Challengers (Yun, Yang, Evil Ryu, Oni) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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2014 Challengers (Rolento, Elena, Poison, Hugo, Decapre) – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live | Steam

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Complete Pack – PlayStation Network | Xbox Live

Sources: Street Fighter (tip via NightmareSteam), PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam