This is the last chance for Mega Man fans to pre-order one of the Capcom Store’s glorious Mega Man helmet replicas for the discounted price of $80. After that the price is going up, so jump on it now if you’re thinking of getting one of these lovely collector’s items.

Helmets will ship out on November 15th. More details below.

-8” tall
-Made of chrome resin
-USB powered lights on base and helmet
-Helmet can be removed from base
-Great companion piece to last year’s MM25 statue!

 

In our continuing desire to ensure that USFIV is a game by the fans for the fans, we will be releasing the version 1.03 patch in October. This patch will address some issues that were pointed out by the community, add the delayed wake up option to the dummy in training mode and for our PC users, more improvements to the online experience.

The version 1.03 patch improves upon the version 1.02 patch released earlier this year by addressing more of the issues brought to our attention by our most diehard fans. Some of the fixes you can expect to see are the Decapre and Rolento changes introduced in the Ver B. patch reverted, as well as Cody’s Light Ruffian Kick once again causing a hard knockdown against airborne opponents as it did in AE 2012. There are more fixes being included, which we’ll disclose closer to the release date.

For those of you out there who desire to practice your setups in the face of delayed wakeup, I’m pleased to announce the addition of the delayed wake up dummy option in training mode. Now that this setting is available, I’m really eager to see how this will advance the game and if anyone will be able to create setups that account for both normal and delayed wakeups.

And lastly, for our PC players, we’ve heard the concerns you have voiced and have some fixes coming your way that should definitely improve your online experiences. For example, we noticed that when players were in the middle of matches, they were still getting pinged by those outside of the match, thereby creating slowdown. We’ve fixed it so that this will be no longer the case. Additionally, a few other connection fixes are going in as well, all of which should reduce the connectivity issues experienced by players.

We’re not stopping there however! In our ongoing effort to make sure that Ultra SFIV is the greatest version of SFIV yet, we plan to bring you a completely new, completely free and most importantly completely fun version of your favorite 44 characters in Omega Mode later this year!  

For those wondering, Omega mode is a completely new mode in which every character has been modified and outfitted with new normal and special attacks, resulting in a refreshing take on the characters you’ve come to know and love over the last six years. As the primary goal for this mode was fun, we placed more emphasis on making the characters feel new, than on their balance. This means that strong, fan favorite attacks such as Ken’s Shinppu Jinrai Kyaku and Sagat’s Tiger Raid make their return while other characters such as Zangief gain new abilities, like being able to combo into his command throws.    

Words however, don’t do this mode justice, so we’ve decided to show a quick video of the madness you can expect to see with in Omega Mode.

Now I know the next question that comes to mind is, “will this be playable online?” My answer to that is “it most definitely will be!”  But as this mode is for fun, Omega mode will be restricted to unranked matches only. Additionally all official Capcom tournaments and Capcom Pro Tour affiliate tournaments will use the default Ultra balance, not Omega mode, as the tournament standard.

Once again we would like everyone for their continual feedback. We are committed to making sure that USFIV lives up to it being the best iteration within the SFIV series yet.  Be sure to check back later on for a full breakdown of the version 1.03 patch and for more information on Omega mode as it becomes available. 

EDIT: Pointed out that the version 1.04 patch is scheduled to come out in October, while the new Omega mode will be coming out later this year.

EDIT 2: The patch was incorrectly listed as “1.04” when it indeed “1.03.” All instances of “1.04” have been replaced with “1.03.”

Oh boy… Bet you didn’t see this one coming! That’s right, in  Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate , you’ll be able to craft and equip your Felynes with Animal Crossing outfits!

As you can see in the picture above, you’ll be able to make an Isabelle outfit – and her signature clipboard – as well as the grumpy-looking Mr. Resetti costume – with his handy pickaxe. Can’t promise the costume will give you a hard time if you don’t save your game though.

It’s important to note that these outfits will cover your entire Felyne and will also change their meows to sound exactly like these characters’ voices from Animal Crossing! Don’t believe me? Check out the trailer below:

And as an added bonus, here’s a cute little Guild Card background for you to customize and show off the ultimate adorableness that is this collaboration.

Look forward to these and other special collaborations in  Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate , which comes out on the Nintendo 3DS early 2015.

Over the past 10 years of Monster Hunter , there’s one pair of monsters we could always count on showing up: Rathalos and Rathian!

While the Yian Kut – Ku is held as the Monster Hunter teacher – or sensei, if you will – for most hunters, the powerful Rath  couple plays a very special role in ensuring you’ve truly mastered the art and science of monster hunting, effectively ushering you into your professional hunting career in the game.

But hey, what do you say is so special about the King of the Skies and the Queen of the Jungle ?

Similarly to the #KutKuDay tribute, we plan on gathering as much fan love for the Raths and will share it throughout next week. So please send us your fan art, cosplay, poetry, haiku, memories of your first hunt, photos of merchandise, anything you’ve got that’s Rathalos and/or Rathian related! And since this Sunday marks the series’ 10th anniversary in the west, feel free to create stuff with that kind of spin to it.

If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr or any other hashtagable places, please use  #RathaWeek . Looking forward to seeing all your Rath love! 😉

The next episode of our podcast is up, and this one’s all about Capcom one-offs. Sometimes games don’t get sequels. Sometimes they don’t need ’em! Check out the episode here or on iTunes and let us know what you think!

Community Question:  What’s your favorite Capcom one-off? What one-off do you think is most deserving of a sequel? Which ones are perfect as standalone titles? Let us know in the discussion thread or in the comments below.

Welcome one and all to another of Mr. Takumi’s dev blogs, featuring “Maya and Phoenix’s Gossip Corner”! This time, we’ll be traveling back to October 18, 2002 – the day “Gyakuten Saiban 2” (or “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All”) was released in Japan on the Game Boy Advance. What will Mr. Takumi reveal about AA2 today? And why is this entry subtitled “Mission Impossible…?”? You’ll have to read on to find out!

==========================

If I were to be totally honest, developing AA2 was something of a challenge. In fact, you could say that production started for me at the busiest and most intense point in the development cycle. Let me back up and explain what I mean.

It was about a year ago that I took an extended vacation after the production of AA1 had ended. That break was like a much-needed, long, drawn-out bath after a hard day’s work. But like all good things, it had to come to an end, and when I finally got out of said bath, I’m afraid my mind and body had wrinkled into a completely socially-awkward prune. Yet, return to work I did, where I was immediately called into a meeting by my producer.

“Good morning, Mr. Takumi.”

…Thus began the most trying of trying months in the history of Ace Attorney for me.

“I was thinking,” Mr. Inaba continued, “that I’d like for you to write the next game’s entire script before we head into full production.”

What a wonderful, producer-style “welcome back” for someone who was still trying to un-prune himself.

“Um, don’t you think that’s kind of an, uh… unreasonable request?”

“No – it’s all or nothing.”

With the first game, I had thought up the story as we went along, but this time, there were a couple of other factors involved, so it became necessary for me to write everything out in advance.

“I… guess I don’t have much of a choice in this, huh…”

“Nope, but I have faith you’ll pull it off. Five episodes in three and a half months.”

“…Wait, what?!”

What a wonderful, producer-style death sentence for someone who was still trying to un-prune himself.

…Three and half months? And with one more episode than the last time ¹…?

It was completely insane.

I knew I had to firmly voice my opposition to this somehow – I mean, there are just some things one has to stand up and say “NO” to in life. Of course, I knew I’d have to delicately dance my way through this negotiation with the power of smiles and laughter.

…Needless to say, I lost my bid and had to give it a try…

The moment I resigned myself to my fate, the theme from “Mission Impossible” began to blare loudly in my mind.

The first thing I did when I returned to my desk was to draft a work schedule.

It had taken me, on average, a little over a month to write each episode for the first game, which meant that I already knew I wouldn’t have enough time from the get-go. Plus, I didn’t have any tricks left to use for the mysteries, and no real story threads to work off of. But the biggest thing working against me was my well-rested, very wrinkly self, as I had yet to settle back into life at the office. It really was like marching off into a battle of resolve with myself.

…And then, just like that, it was three months later.

How did the script turn out…? Well, that’s a story for next time.

Maya: Hey, everyone! I hear it’s mackerel pike season!

Phoenix: I don’t think anyone knows what fish that is, let alone cares that it’s in season…

Maya: I was just trying to start with some small talk… Yeesh!

Phoenix: I’m just saying that that’s not exactly the topic I would’ve chosen. I mean, what about the fact that AA2 was released today?

Maya: What?! No way! That was TODAY?!

Phoenix: Yup. I even got my copy already.

Maya: Oh, wow! Look at how shiny the packaging is! You’re gonna totally have to let me borrow it!

Phoenix: N-No way! I haven’t even played it yet!

Maya: But I wanna play it too, Nick!

Phoenix: Then buy your own copy.

Maya: B-But… I’m $6 short…

Phoenix: Let’s just get this show on the road. The sooner we finish, the sooner I get to go home.

Maya: Sure, so long as you don’t forget to give me 6 bucks before you leave.

——————————————————————

It was about a year ago that I took an extended vacation after the production of AA1 had ended. That break was like a much-needed, long, drawn-out bath after a hard day’s work. But like all good things, it had to come to an end, and when I finally got out of said bath, I’m afraid my mind and body had wrinkled into a completely socially-awkward prune.

——————————————————————

Phoenix: Now, I’m no professional writer, but who in the world writes like that?

Maya: Yeah, that analogy is pretty… awkward, to say the least…

Phoenix: And with the way he’s written it, it’s like he’s trying to imply that he’s usually a pretty normal, socially-acceptable guy.

Maya: …Are you saying he’s not?

Phoenix: Takushu is apparently the same age as Gumshoe, you know.

Maya: Hold it! What the heck is a “Takushu”?

Phoenix: Well, his name is “Takumi Shu” ² , which is shortened to just “Takushu” a lot, so you might as well get used to hearing it.

Maya: Oh… So what were you trying to say about this “Takushu”?

Phoenix: That he’s actually a pretty terrible person. He’s been especially terrible about forgetting things recently.

Maya: You mean like Gumshoe-level forgetful…?

Phoenix: Try “a thousand times worse than Gumshoe”-level. One time, Takushu had this conversation with one of his character designers…

 

Iwamoto: I got your message, Mr. Takumi. Did you need something?

Takumi: Ah, right. Um… What’s your name again?

Iwamoto: It’s “Iwamoto”!

Takumi: Ah, yes! …And what is it you need?

Iwamoto: YOU’RE the one who called for ME, Mr. Takumi!

Takumi: Oh. …What for?

Iwamoto: How should I know?!

Phoenix: And that’s just one example of how things usually went at the office…

Maya: And yet he’s managed to write whole games…

Phoenix: Write maybe, but definitely not remember. One time, when he was in the middle of writing Episode 3, Mr. Iwamoto asked him about something in Episode 2 and…

Iwamoto: About this trick, Mr. Takumi…

Takumi: Huh? Why are you asking me about THAT ancient thing?!

Iwamoto: Because I’m finally working on the Crime Scene Photo now…

Takumi: Ack!

Iwamoto: Wh-What is it?

Takumi: I totally forgot what I was writing thanks to this untimely interruption!

Iwamoto: Are you saying it’s my fault…?

Takumi: I would be if I knew who you were!

Iwamoto: I’m “Iwamoto”!

Phoenix: That’s basically what it was like to be on the team.

Maya: …He deserves a double-slap to the face, if you ask me.

————————————————————————-

“I was thinking,” Mr. Inaba continued, “that I’d like for you to write the next game’s entire script before we head into full production.”

What a wonderful, producer-style “welcome back” for someone who was still trying to un-prune himself.

———————————————————————-

Maya: He’s not being sarcastic at all here, is he.

Phoenix: Oh, no, of course not.

Maya: I wonder if he and the producer didn’t get along.

Phoenix: They say that producers and directors are fated to be on opposite sides of any conflict.

Maya: Well, it doesn’t SOUND like they’re actually fighting…

Phoenix: Maybe not, but it’s definitely akin to a bird pushing its baby out of its nest, if the producer was the bird and the director was the chick, that is.

Maya: So making a game is like forcing a baby bird to learn how to fly?

Phoenix: It’s one way to push things forward… Though not all attempts end in success…

Maya: Just goes to show there is such a thing as “overdoing it”, huh.

—————————————————————————–

The first thing I did when I returned to my desk was to draft a work schedule.

 

It had taken me, on average, a little over a month to write each episode for the first game…

——————————————————————-

Maya: Hey, Nick? If Takushu can write one episode per month, then that means he could write 12 episodes in a year, right?

Phoenix: Uh-huh…

Maya: But this time, he wrote five episodes in three and a half months, right?

Phoenix: Yeah, he got less time this time around to write his rough draft.

Maya: So, at this rate, by the time AA10 rolls around, I bet the producer’s going to say something like, “I have faith you’ll pull it off. Fifteen episodes by tomorrow morning.”

Phoenix: I guess so.

Maya: I’d love to see him pull that off!

Phoenix: I’d love to ask Takushu what song he thinks will be blaring in his mind at that point, myself.

=================================

Thank you, Mr. Takumi from 2002! But what’s this about a fifth episode! Well, I’m sure we won’t be left hanging in the next blog, right?

As for this entry, dear reader, you may have noticed that Maya took the time to specifically appreciate how shiny the packaging for AA2 was. That’s because this was the packaging for the original GBA version of AA1:

A simple design with a touch of pizazz.

As you can see, it’s a plain black box with a slightly-shiny Phoenix silhouette. Well, guess how many times shinier the team went with AA2’s box…

If this didn’t make the game stand out (and/or blind people), nothing would!

The entire front of the box was covered in highly reflective foil, which makes for a great mirror in a pinch, as I’m sure Maya would say.

And just to round out the boxes (because clearly, just being shiny wasn’t going to cut it after AA2’s box), here is the box for AA3:

And then they made the jump to LUDICROUS SPEED!

Join me next time for another episode of “Great People Around Town: Legal Edition!” Having met the members of the Wright & Co. Law Offices, the news show segment will be focusing on the members of the Prosecutor’s Office. Who among them will agree to be interviewed on camera? Tune in next week, same Ace Time, same Ace Channel, to find out!

Until then!

Notes:

¹ The original release of AA1 included only Episodes 1 through 4. Episode 5 “Rise from the Ashes” was added later for the Nintendo DS release. That’s why Mr. Takumi is commenting on how he was ordered to write one more episode than the previous game.

² Mr. Takumi’s name is given in Japanese order here with his family name and then his first name. It is often the convention in English to write Japanese names with the person’s first name first (e.g., “Shu Takumi”), although the practice is beginning to see some variation, depending on the writer.

Earlier this summer the Raccoon City contagion began over on residentevil.com . Today the site updated with some exciting news – once the contagion gets to 100% (spread simply by logging in and getting your own RE-style medical report) two BSAA outfits will come to the enhanced 2015 version of Resident Evil!

In other words, head over to residentevil.com and get that % up! The incentive is more than the medical record – it’s now Jill and Chris’ RE5 costumes!

It’s that time again for some more Capcom Pro Tour player interviews. This week we bring you: America’s favorite villain, Filipino Champ; CvS2 Legend, Bas; and America’s sweetheart; EG|K-Brad. 

So check out the interviews. You may learn something new about your favorite player that you may have not known before.

Filipino Champ

EG|K-Brad

D44 Bas

Hey guys: What if I told you the inspiration for Blanka’s theme in  Street Fighter II came from a paper bag? Oh, you’d say I’m full of it? Well, what if  Street Fighter II  composer Yoko Shimomura told you? Now who’s full of it? 

The Red Bull Music Academy is now three episodes deep in their beautifully filmed game music docu-series, “Diggin’ in the Carts,”  and Episode 3 – The Dawn of a New Era includes a terrific segment on Capcom and Street Fighter. Skip to 7:34 for that segment, but the whole video, and indeed the whole series, is terrific!

Today we’ve got a Throwback Thursday stream for you that’ll make you think it’s Monster Hunter Monday. Join us at 4pm PT on Twitch for a look back at the game that changed Japanese gaming forevermore–the original  Monster Hunter for PS2! I’ll of course be joined by our Monster Hunter guru Yuri, who has donated his legitimately purchased copy of the game for this stream. See ya then!

Arm your Felynes with  Sonic the Hedgehog armor in  Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate !

Not only that, but you also get his sword  Caliburn ! And let’s not forget this Guild Card background that just oozes with classiness… so much nostalgia right now.

By selecting this Guild Card background and a specific pose, your Sub Palico will be perfectly placed at the loop. Neat, right?

You’ll be able to enjoy these special collaborations items in both North American and Europeans version of  Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate , which comes out on the Nintendo 3DS early 2015.

Side note: for those that didn’t know, a Felyne that goes with you on a hunt is called  Palico in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

Straight from TGS 2014, a special collaboration was announced for  Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate .

Get this, a Taiko Drum Master  Hunting Horn.

Please also enjoy this accompanying Guild Card background:

So cute and festive!

Anyways, just as an added confirmation, this item will be present in both North American and European versions of the game. =)