What better way to celebrate the arcade history behind Street Fighter than with a collectable coin? Getting one is simple: You get this exclusive commemorative Street Fighter coin when you pre-order SFIV from GameCrazy. In addition to the coin itself, there's some fun Street Fighter history on the back of the packaging. So if you haven't pre-ordered yet, get over to the closest GameCrazy to snag one!
Oh, and don't stick this in the arcade machine to unlock seekrits. It doesn't work. Not that I tried that or anything...
The next Bionic Commando podcast is live! This episode is, as I'm sure you can tell from the title, a clip show. There's clips from many of the various episodes with some of the important info and moments about the Bionic Commando games. Of course, it just wouldn't be the podcast without the laughs, so there's plenty of the funny moments throughout. Go download it now and give it a listen!
The first half of his year is already guaranteed to be a good one if you're a Capcom fan. As a helpful FYI, just wanted to remind you where all yer entertainment dollars are going in early 2009 ;)
Street Fighter IV (Xbox 360, PS3): Feb. 17
Dead Rising: Chop 'til You Drop (Wii): Feb. 24
Flock! (Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, PC): Spring-ish
Moto Gp (Wii): March-like
Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PS3): March 13
Bionic Commando (Xbox 360, PS3, PC): first half of 2009
Full-on press release after the jump, if'n you are so inclined...
CAPCOM TO DELIVER STELLAR LINE UP IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2009
Resident Evil® 5, Street Fighter® IV, Bionic Commando®, Dead RisingTM: Chop Till You Drop, FLOCK! and MotoGPTM for WiiTM Ready to Dominate the Console World
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, has today confirmed that six of its upcoming titles will be released within the first half of 2009. The line-up demonstrates Capcom’s commitment to pursuing a multi-platform strategy while growing its portfolio of titles and includes the latest installments of some of gaming’s most cherished franchises.
Throughout 2008, Capcom was at the forefront of digital download titles and is set to continue this trend into 2009 and beyond. Capcom’s first downloadable game of the year, FLOCK!, is scheduled for release in early 2009 and will be available for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC platforms. FLOCK! sees players take control of a UFO that is tasked with herding animals to its mothership through a variety of interactive levels utilizing physics-based gameplay. With over 50 levels in single player and co-op modes and a simple yet powerful level editor to extend the experience, FLOCK!’s unique theme, clever humor and easy pick-up-and-play controls will ensure a new twist on the puzzle genre.
The Street Fighter® series makes a very welcome return with Street Fighter® IV, which comes to the Xbox 360 and Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on February 17, 2009, followed by a Windows PC version set for release at a later date. The series which has amassed combined global sales of over 25 million units aims to put the fun back into the fighting genre and reignite the passion of the Street Fighter II era. Everything that made the legendary Street Fighter II a global hit is back in Street Fighter IV, with the addition of new characters (including fighters added just for the console version of the game), special moves and gameplay elements, providing challenges for even the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.
Infecting gamers and completing Capcom’s list of releases for February is Dead Rising™: Chop Till You Drop for the Wii, scheduled for release on February 24. Based on the smash Xbox 360 game (over one million copies sold to date), the humor and challenge that made the original a hit with gamers remains, while many core elements have been totally redesigned for the Wii platform and audience, taking zombie bashing to a whole new level. With the added functionality of the Wii Remote™, players will be able to shake off zombie attacks and swing and throw dozens of makeshift weapons (everything from chainsaws to baseball bats, soccer balls to café umbrellas) in order to survive.
Gamers around the globe have already written Friday the 13th, March 2009 on their calendars in blood red ink in order to mark the release of Resident Evil® 5. One of the industry’s most successful franchises brings the next generation of fear to Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems. Resident Evil 5 promises to set a new standard in action gaming with amazing graphics and both online and split-screen co-operative gameplay on a single console. Also scheduled for release in March is MotoGP™ for the Wii. Due to hit retail in the middle of March to coincide with the pre-season activity for the 2009 MotoGP™ season, the title turns the Wii Remote into a set of virtual handlebars as players compete across the three race classes in single races, a full championship or a series of challenge stages. Different handling models and AI rider characteristics allow ease of entry for riders of all skills whether a seasoned bike racing fan or new to the genre.
Completing this impressive line up is Bionic Commando, the true sequel to the retro classic with an injection of next gen power, coming within the first half of the year. The title will be initially available for gamers on Xbox 360 and Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, with the Windows PC version following shortly afterwards. Bionic Commando harnesses the power of the latest generation of hardware to fully exploit the swing mechanic that made the original title so unique. Using the powers of the bionic arm to swing between towering skyscrapers, punch cars, pummel opponents and grab distant enemies, players can gain a tactical advantage to progress through the compelling single player campaign and take on all comers in online multiplayer modes.
Alright everyone, it's time again to spend a few hours behind Capcom's doors playing one of our yet unreleased or unannounced titles. If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area on this Friday, the 9th, we want you here. We'll looking for a few guys and gals to come in to our San Mateo offices, if your available in the 1-6pm time frame. Here's what I need from you:
- Your full name
- Your phone number
- Age
- Types of games you play
Send all that info to THIS GUY. I need all of that information. I'll be in touch if your one of the selected to come play games and be showered in Capcom swag.
The following is a note from Capcom's Chief Executive Officer, Kenzo Tsujimoto.
My best wishes to everyone for a happy new year.
First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our stakeholders for their support and understanding during 2008.
Financial markets became increasingly volatile in 2008 due to problems that originated with the U.S. subprime loan crisis. As the global financial crisis deepened, we have seen a rapid downturn in the real economy. This is creating an extremely difficult operating environment. At Capcom as well, operations are pervaded by a strong crisis mentality.
I would like to explain where Capcom stands at this time from my perspective as the CEO.
Above all, we are not at all frightened by the current business climate. We have the confidence to continue to make steady progress.
Just how do we plan to accomplish this? We will focus on two policies that have always been among my highest priorities at Capcom for more than 10 years: managing operations based on cash flows and maintaining a lean organization with no waste. I strongly believe that prioritizing cash flows is the essence of any business. Every company should maintain adequate liquidity while making goods that will sell and collecting the cash proceeds. Cash should be reinvested to drive new growth as management monitors the productivity of these investments. Companies that can skillfully execute these basic tasks will be able to conduct their business activities in a stable manner for many years.
In 2008, we witnessed many events that no one could have foreseen. But Capcom still has the resources to conduct sound business operations on its own. We used structural reforms to assemble an operating framework that is centered on being a successful business. This is true of both our sales and product development organizations. Our ability to create this framework and use it effectively is a major reason that we remain a sound, self-reliant company.
Of course, I am not satisfied with the status quo. Capcom must tackle many issues in order to continue advancing. In particular, we need to make cash flows an even more important element of our management. This will require a global IT system and more powerful management systems. Establishing a highly transparent framework with regard to our business activities, operating results and financial condition will be the first step in this direction. At the same time, we must foster a corporate culture that places emphasis on compliance with laws and ethical standards.
Even as we face the current economic adversity, we will retain our commitment to the core values that have always defined Capcom. In this spirit, Haruhiro Tsujimoto COO and every other member of our outstanding workforce is determined to overcome today's challenges and achieve more progress in 2009.
