Good day to one and all! As summer gives way to autumn here in Japan and the leaves of Japanese Maples everywhere turn beautiful shades of orange and red, “Great People Around Town: Legal Edition!” is here to keep us warm with a trio of lovable characters from the Ace Attorney cast!

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“Great People Around Town” – the morning news show segment that brings you special on-the-spot interviews with the people in your neighborhood!

Host: If no man is an island, then today we’ll be talking with the people who work alongside the lawyers and prosecutors of our fair city. This roving reporter first met our first interviewee when we visited Ms. Maya Fey a few episodes back, but she ran away at the mere sight of me and my crew. Here now, is our second attempt at an interview with another member of the Fey clan, Ms. Pearl Fey.

*cut to pre-taped footage*

Maya: Come on, Pearly, it’s OK. We’re being interviewed for TV!

Pearl: Is it really all right?

Host: It’s okay if she doesn’t want to… I wouldn’t want to force her…

Maya: Nah, it’s just that my aunt’s taught her to never talk to strangers.

Host: H-Hi there, Pearl. Would you mind introducing yourself to our audience?

Maya: Go on, Pearly! It’s not nice to leave people hanging!

Pearl: I-If you say so, Mystic Maya… *looks at camera*

Host: “Mystic” Maya?

Pearl: That’s her title, and we must use it to show her proper respect.

Host: You’re surprisingly well-spoken for a little girl…

Pearl: Th-Thank you. *fidget, fidget*

Host: *fidget, fidget* Oh, right! So can you channel people, too?

Pearl: Sometimes! But I still need to do a lot of training to be as good as Mystic Maya! 

Host: Did you mean “for the ‘honor’ of your clan”?

Pearl: Yes! That!

Host: Well, it sounds like your mother loves you very much!

Pearl: She does, and I love her very much, too!

Host: Tell me about your relationship with your cousin.

Pearl: I love Mystic Maya as much as I love my mother.

Host: And what about Mystic Maya’s older sister?

Pearl: I’m sorry, I don’t remember much about Mystic Mia. She left our village a long time ago… But I know she worked with Mr. Nick. Mystic Maya told me all about him.

Host: Oh? And what do you think about him?

Pearl: I haven’t met him yet, but…

Host: Oh, ho! That’s quite the juicy tidbit of information.

Pearl: But Mystic Maya keeps saying it’s not true.

Maya: Because it isn’t, Pearly!

Host: Maybe now’s a good time to move on to–

Host: We interrupt this pre-taped interview to bring you some breaking news! It appears that Chief Prosecutor Lana Skye has just been arrested on murder charges! With me now is the sister of the defendant, Ms. Ema Skye.

Host: Ms. Skye — is it true that your sister, the Chief Prosecutor, is the one responsible for this heinous crime?!

Ema: …Um, with Mia Fey’s help, naturally.

Host: Mia Fey?

Ema: After all, the statistical probability that someone my sis has that much confidence in would fail is practically zero!

Host: I’m sorry, but how old are you exactly?

Ema: I’m 16! But don’t let that fool you! I’m already studying hard to become a forensics expert.

Host: Y-You are?

Ema: If only I could obtain some fingerprinting powder to add to my arsenal… Anyway! I only stopped by to get a few things for my sis, so I’ve gotta be going. But it was nice talking with you!

Host: R-Right! Same here!

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Host: On the heels of the Chief Prosecutor’s arrest, we’re here at Criminal Affairs with Detective **** Gumshoe.

Gumshoe: A new case just came in, and Mr. Edgeworth says it’s his boss that’s gonna be on trial tomorrow.

Host: Can I assume you’re the lead detective on the case, then?

Gumshoe: The head honchos haven’t exactly decided that yet, but if it’s a case for Mr. Edgeworth, then I’m usually on it!

Host: Speaking of Prosecutor Edgeworth, our sources say you’re something of a lackey of his.

Gumshoe: Hey, watch it, pal! I’m no one’s lackey!

Edgeworth: Ah, there you are, Detective! What are you– How many times must I remind you not to speak with the press?!

Gumshoe: But, sir…!

Edgeworth: You’ve wasted enough time today as is. I expect my case to be airtight tomorrow, so you’d better get that evidence in line.

Gumshoe: Yes, sir!

Edgeworth: And I suggest you review your testimony. Embarrass me again like last time and I’ll personally guarantee you yet another reason to look forward to next month’s salary evaluation!

Gumshoe: Y-Yes, sir…

Host: …Aaaand off goes Prosecutor Edgeworth.

Host: I don’t think the word “mutual” means what you think it means…

Gumshoe: Well, I’ve known Mr. Edgeworth for a long time, and he hasn’t ever cut my salary so badly that I can’t afford to eat.

Host: Dare I ask what your diet consists of…?

Gumshoe: You know! The one that comes with little bags of seasonings!

Host: Um, what kind of literal bargain basement sells instant noodles without seasoning packets, Detective…?

Gumshoe: Look, pal. Someone’s gotta protect this city, and I trust Mr. Edgeworth with my life, and that’s gotta count for something.

Edgeworth: *ahem* I could swear I gave you an order earlier, Detective. Now, don’t let me catch you a third time.

Host: I understand. Thank you for your time, Detective!

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Host: What an exciting day this turned out to be! Stay tuned for more live coverage from our studio as we receive updates on this breaking case! And as always, don’t forget to be “Great People Around Town”!

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That was quite an episode, huh? All I can say is… aww, Gumshoe, you big lug! You have to eat better than that!

Next week, I’ll be digging up some obscure and some not so obscure trivia about the making of the first three games and their localization. And in the spirit of Halloween, I hope all you Ace Carvers and Craftspeople out there are taking lots of pics of your Ace Pumpkins!

Until then!

Catch up on previous blog entries here!

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of announcing the completely free and new update coming in the future which will give you all access to Omega Edition of all 44 characters in USFIV. What I didn’t give you however, was information on the characters and what attacks you can expect to see.

That’s all going to change today however, as the blog today breaks down the Omega Editions of the initial World Warriors. Be sure to check back weekly, as we unveil more and more of the Omega Edition Characters.

Hey everyone, Tomoaki Ayano here!

Winter is finally here. It seems like we just breezed through fall (um, no pun intended), but here I am still wearing a T-shirt. Maybe it’s time to break out the sweaters…

Anyway, starting this week, and for about the next seven weeks, I’d like to talk about Omega Edition and how it affects all 44 characters. We revealed Omega Edition at TGS 2014, and since then lots of people (including people inside the company!) having been asking about the changes to their characters. Today I’d like to take this opportunity to answer some of those queries.

First, though, I’d like to outline what Omega Edition is, for those of you who are like “Omega what now?” So, here are the basics:

1. Omega Edition is a new option available under the Edition Select feature. This will bring the total number of selectable editions to six, including Ultra.
2. As this version is completely different from all others, it does not include the Red Focus and Ultra Combo Double systems introduced in USFIV.
3. Omega Edition will be available as a free update! (We’ll let you know exactly when it’s going to be available closer to release time.)

Now let’s take a look at some character-specific changes and additions!

 

Ryu

Hanagashi: Forward + HP + HK to activate damage-nullifying armor.

Some of you will get it just by looking at the screenshot, but this is pretty close to the parry system from SFIII.

While the move is active and after absorbing an attack, Ryu can use EX meter to deliver a follow-up strike. This gives him another form of defense in addition to the Focus Attack and is sure to completely change up his footsie approach!

Ryu also has new target combos and has gained both offensive and defensive options.

My inspiration: I guess you could say we wanted a showcase of Ryu’s moves from all of the SF games that have been released up until now.

 

Ken

Shippu Jinraikyaku: Use two bars of EX meter for a powerful multi-hit move.

You can combo into this move for big damage. This is sure to make Ken players think more carefully about meter management! 

The Reppu Hadoken also got a lot of buzz at TGS. In Omega we really wanted to emphasize Ken’s kicks, so he also has a few new kick moves too.

My inspiration: Ken with his hands tied behind his back.

 

Chun-Li

Houyoku-Sen: Use two bars of EX meter for a multi-hit move.

This SFIII move is back! It’s an interesting move and there are lots of different ways to land it.

Other changes: Chun-Li’s Kikoken has been changed from a charge move to a command move to make it easier for her to press forward. She also has Hakkei to nullify other players’ projectiles!

Many of her command normals and specials have been greatly changed from SFIV, making her a character who can really hit those hard-to-reach places.

My inspiration: I wanted a strong female character who can really apply the pressure.

 

Edmund Honda

Zuri Fugaku

You know, Honda is a sumo wrestler…but it’s easy to forget that since, except for his Hundred Hand Slap move, his moves aren’t particularly sumo-like. In SF we’re calling this Zuri Fugaku, but in sumo it’s known as “Yorikiri,” the act of pushing someone out of the ring by their belt. Honda starts off low and attacks the opponent twice on different levels, while the EX version adds a third attack. It’s extremely powerful, but also leaves him fairly exposed.

Speaking of sumo, you gotta have the salt throw, right? The Salt Toss doesn’t do a whole lot of damage, but what happens if you get a KO with it…?

These changes give Honda’s versatility a big boost. In the playtests a lot of people felt like he was now qualified to take on the title of the world’s strongest. Honda top tier? Heh heh.

My inspiration: going back to Honda’s sumo roots.

 

Blanka

Ever since SFII, Blanka’s been all about getting in there with ball attacks. In Omega we’re going to radically change that up.

Lightning Mole: Blanka charges up, disappears into the ground, and then jumps out with a charged attack!

Use it to throw off your opponent or set up a good read—there are many ways to incorporate this into your game. In addition to his aerial and grounded moves, Blanka finally gets a move that takes him underground. He’ll have a high degree of versatility that will let players develop their own playing styles.

Use two bars of EX meter to use the Lightning Grenade, an invincible hop into Lightning. Skilled players will be able to incorporate this into combos. Blanka also gains the ability to perform moves from the Coward Crouch. The first step to enjoying Blanka is to properly learn all of his moves.

My inspiration: the lightning-charged green beast.

Zangief

Russian Stomping

Omega Zangief is still a grappler, so we wanted to give him moves to help set up his throws. This attack hits on different levels. Use it to drive your opponent into a corner and pressure them with the possibility of a throw! This is a command normal forward-attacking move that ‘Gief can use together with Banishing Flat to keep the opponent in your sights.

Chrome Head: Press Forward + FP for a small jumping headbutt.

Just like in the Alpha series, this is a move that moves him forward and causes low poke moves to whiff.

My inspiration: Zangief with even more cyclone (hard to imagine, I know…!).

 

Guile

Sonic Break: Now it’s possible to fire off more than one Sonic Boom when using the EX version! Hit two punch buttons again for a second and possibly third extra Boom, each at the cost of an additional bar of meter.

Talk about explosive! This is good for when you want to keep your opponent out or do some chip damage. Sort of reminds you of his good friend Charlie, doesn’t it?

Guile also gets the CPS1 Chain and Blitz Combination, moves that SF series fans may find familiar. These changes increase his versatility and put a few new tricks up his sleeves…or, er, pant legs.

My inspiration: not only is it harder to get in on him, but now he can get in on you.

Dhalsim

Yoga Legend: Use 2 bars of EX meter for an invincible chop, a multi-hit moves that sends your opponent flying into the air!

As the name suggests, this is a move that packs quite a punch. It’s a good move to go for if you have meter to burn. You can also use the Yoga Rapture to lure your opponent in before unleashing the mid-hitting Yoga Chop. In Omega, the theme for ‘Sim is definitely “yoga”!

My inspiration: Dhalsim continuing to refine his abilities beyond mere mortal levels.

Well, I’ll wrap up the first installment here. I hope you enjoyed it! Next week I’ll be covering the four bosses plus Gouken and Akuma. Hope you’re looking forward to it!

This one caught me a bit by surprise… show of hands, how many of you think  Mega Man X  music would sound good if performed only by banjos?

Well, turns out Banjo Guy Ollie made it sound pretty amazing! Check it out below:

So… what do you think now? Is it fantastic or what?

Also, am I the only one dreaming about a Storm Eagle cover? Or Spark Mandrill…? Great, now I can’t decide.

This week, Throwback Thursday is back with a spooktacular DOUBLE FEATURE for this special time of year. Tune into Twitch today at 4pm PT for a look back at two obscure horror classics:  Clock Tower 3 and  Haunting Ground,  both for the PlayStation 2. Both games are spiritually akin, and share some striking common (haunting) ground with some of the most popular horror games of today. Tune in and chat with us!

This Thursday, October 23rd at 8pmPST/10pmCST, ScrewAttack will be going up against FUNimation in a 4 vs. 4 battle royale in USFIV. For those interested on seeing which of the two companies has the best players, you can check out it on either the Screwattack or FUNimation channels.

Word is getting out about the cast of Legendary and Crackle’s upcoming live-action, feature-length flick,  Dead Rising: Watchtower ,  and you may see a few familiar faces.

First off, Rob Riggle of “22 Jump Street” will be filling the shoes of heartthrob photojournalist Frank West! Harley Morenstein of “Epic Meal Time” will play Pyro, a menacing biker and second-in-command to gang leader Logan, who will be played by Aleks Paunovic (“This Means War”). Keegan Connor Tracey of “Bates Motel” and “Once Upon a Time” will play the role of Jordan, a “straight-laced journalist.”

Look forward to more on  Watchtower  in the near future.