Clark Kent says: Everyone knows I had a blast testing the then-named Project Natal product when it came to Gotham City. After the jump — the tour continues and the awesomely funny Kudo Tsunoda is your gracious host.

VIA 1UP:

Microsoft’s Kudo Tsunoda shows off the Kinect Adventures team’s focus testing lab, where Microsoft employee kids get some time with the game. See more below:

Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aime has dropped the first hints about the next Nintendo console, saying it will encourage even more consumers to get into gaming just like the Wii did. High definition isn’t the be-all and end-all he says.

VIA VGR:

Speaking to Kotaku about innovation and the possibility of a new console, Reggie Fils-Aime said “When Mr. Miyamoto goes to Mr. Iwata and says. ‘I have this great idea and I can’t do it on the Wii,’ that’s when there will be a next generation console. What that includes we’ll see.”

Wii HD? Perhaps, but a new console will have to offer more than just better visuals, Reggie suggested, hinting that Nintendo will continue its approach of attracting new gamers.

“It will be mainstream. It will be encouraging more and more consumers to get into this category that we love. It will provide new, unique, compelling experiences that are meaningful to that large potential consumer base.”

He also poured scorn over Sony and Microsoft’s attempts to give the PS3 and Xbox 360 motion skills with the recently unveiled PlayStation Move and Project Natal.

“I think a hallmark of Nintendo is that we are constantly trying to innovate,” he said. “I think we would have been embarrassed to do what our competitors are currently doing.”

Clark Kent says: Ouch! Reggie don’t hurt ‘em, killer! What do YOU think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Up to now Fable III is the only major title confirmed to support Project Natal. That’ll soon change at E3 2010, when Microsoft will unveil it’s full lineup of body controlled games.

VIA VGR:

Microsoft’s Mindy Mount dropped the bomb during a Technology Conference, telling attenders we’re going to see some “great titles” thanks to some “very strong first and third-party developer support” [for Natal].

And we’ll be seeing them at E3 2010, this June. “You’ll be able to see more news about that this summer at E3. We’ll show you the full lineup,” she revealed.

It’s been a long time coming, but Microsoft believes it’s time well spent.

“It’s part of the reason that we announced [Natal] as early as last summer so that we’d have time to get kits out and get the entire game developer community developing games for it.”

Microsoft believes Natal will be “millions of Natals in consumers homes this holiday“, and that it’ll have at least a five year lifespan.

Clark Kent says: Have you registered for E3 yet? Click here if you haven’t and pray for me as I just got my wings last week (wing and a prayer, get it?).

Nunchuk add-on is to make up PlayStation Arc, according to someone on GAF, with off-screen chatter collaborating the news.

VIA VG247:

The forum poster said he had seen recent “pictures” of “Wand/Nunchuk”.

The user, known as “ichinisan”, says the add-on has an analog stick and X and O buttons. He also says the L1 and L2 shoulder buttons are underneath the D-Pad, further saying it isn’t as long as Wii’s version.

He also claims the wand contains “one very big button on top”; with the trademark facebuttons of X, O, Triangle and Square added on; and a trigger known as “T”.

VG247 sources have also said the device has two parts, speaking under conditions of anonymity.

We’ll probably get confirmation of this during GDC this week: Sony’s showing off the controller during a session at the Moscone Center, and is expected to be the main talking point of the company’s off-site press conference at the event on Wednesday.

Clark Kent says: Sony… Holla at me about when you’re preview the Arc. You can expect it to hit stores this fall!

Clark Kent says: The debate about Quantic Dream’s newest title has been raging since E3 2008. Since then ‘Heavy Rain’ has come out to some interesting reviews and sold out stores. But did it create a whole new lane in first-person narrative gaming? Or did Sony just mind-fuck the public in believing it was? Find out after the jump.

GOOD: ‘Heavy Rain’ is a pretty straight-shooting psychological thriller which places the gamer in the shoes of four distinct characters all affected by the mysterious Origami Killer. Armed to the teeth with ambition, players are thrown into a world where literally anything is interactive. Quantic Dream’s follow-up to ‘Farenheit’, ‘Heavy Rain’ improves on video game emoting with a tightly-scripted game full of fast-pace action and a lingering sense of dread. The graphics are simply lush. Everything from the fight scenes to changing a baby’s diaper gives you that sense of realism that was advertised since E3 2008. Events like the CSI inspired investigation conducted by the FBI’s Norman Jayden will have your jaw hitting the floor. Once Jayden goes back to his hole-in-the-wall office, his ARI glasses give you a little bit of fun as you can change the scenery with lush environments (armed with some horrible after-effects). The key factor in this PlayStation 3 exclusive is its fluidity in story-telling. Multiple endings and different ways in and out of scenarios gives ‘Heavy Rain’ a somewhat unique leg-up on 22nd Century gaming.

BAD: Sadly, ‘Heavy Rain’ is not all that unique. While marvelous in packaging and design, it had enough tools to be something truly spectacular, but falls shorts on numerous levels. After literally waking out of bed, players shake the SIXAXIS to brush your teeth, and it’s Repetitive-ville, U.S.A. for the rest of the game. Such activities as pushing a see-saw, putting pizza in the oven, and giving CPR are NOT thrilling experiences worthy of labeling this game as a classic. The game’s story plods forward using the four central characters to drag the story along. ‘Heavy Rain’ genuinely gives some exciting moments but tries too hard to be smart. It creates an illusion of urgency, giving you a feeling that your choices matter to the game, but that’s not entirely true. There are many sections of the game that play itself out — similar to the 1983 laser disc game ‘Dragon’s Lair’ — and no matter how hard you try and fail them, will always be completed successfully. In the story, Ethan — whose son has been kidnapped by The Origami Killer — must go through a number of “trials” in order to save his son. Boldly enough, you can put the controller on the floor, and the game will play itself for the most part. Lastly, huge plot-holes in the conclusion of the game’s plot and horrible voice acting (most notably Norman Jayden) won’t have the folks at Naughty Dog or BioWare looking over their shoulders any time soon.

UGLY: ‘Heavy Rain’ is ludicrously over-the-top in a way that becomes simply laughable. While theme was to be set in a real world with real things to push and move, Quantic Dream provides huge ridiculous spectacles with unbelievable characters that ruin the game’s overall narrative. For all of the work put into this game, it would be a lie to say that there aren’t some truly breathtaking moments that will have you daydreaming of a life where the Project Natal came out for the PS3. Characters like Norman Jayden (the spitting image of a video game Keanu Reeves), Scott Shelby, and others littered throughout the story come-off as exaggerated caricatures of themes used elsewhere. Chapters move along slowly, as the player can choose to be a spectator, and poor writing gives a wooden tone to a game whose potential was advertised greatly, yet not included in full. Everyone who plays it will have fun, which is key, but fun for the sake of $60 may not be worth the aftertaste ‘Heavy Rain’ leaves.

Clark Kent says: In other words, I’m split. I personally went out and bought the game and have no regrets with that. But it IS a recession and while I’m champion being a collector, if you choose to save your money… I won’t be mad. To put it simply: Buy/Rent It. Check out the ‘Heavy Rain’ trailer below and share your thoughts below:

Clark Kent says: Out the gate I was impressed with the rumored “Wii killer” and when I finally got a chance to see what all the fuss was about — I was almost at a lost for words. Almost. If Playstation would’ve came out with this first… @#$!

I had been waiting all week to go to this event and I almost didn’t make it. How? I was stuck behind the stove making this. Time was not on my side, but luckily, Cece was there to hold me down. After the quick bite we made it to the Microsoft Xbox 360 sponsored event. Now, I’ve been to some swanky places before, but I never been to something like this. As we stepped on to the elevator, we joked about how awesome the Natal is going to be when combined with the uber-sexiness of Netflix.

The doors opened and it looked like someone’s crib. Kitchen. Nice little decor. That brief glimpse into someone’s home gave rise to some pretty confused looking black people. When we finally reached our stop our mouths collectively hit the floor. Cece and I thought we were still at the wrong party. It was the land of the fashionable people for real. Once we got settled, immedgiately the jokes started.

“Yo, homegirl looks like Ellen Degeneres and dances like Boy George,” I say to Cece. She laughs. Imagination on full blast my mind starts going to work. One thing I gotta say about these private type of events, if you’re invited to go, why get all dressed up and not even play the damn thing? Everyone was too cool for school. With the both of us taking in our surroundings, Cece blurted out, “You see that big ass lamp?” I didn’t hear her at the time. I was still trying to get my sea legs. But I did see the homie C.J. from Source Magazine. He was holding down court on the other side of the penthouse.

On my side was where the party was at though [laughs]! ‘Project Natal’ is to video games what Jersey Shore is to MTV: a new form of entertainment. The game being demoed was simple — smack a ball and break stuff. I had a premature nerdgasm. A few folks were already checking out the Natal for themselves — so Cece and I played “Name That Celebrity”. “Ladies first,” I said. Cece always up for a challenge didn’t waste time, “Asher Roth, the boy from ‘Ugly Betty’, and a Jonas Brother.” Not bad, I thought. I then told her to, “Turn your head to about 1:37, look on the other side of that girl, and see the guy with the blazer?” “1:37?” she retorted. “Just look at the blazer,” I fired back. She laughed and nodded that she saw him. “That’s Paul Finch right there,” pointing with my eyes. We were having a blast.

Finally it was my turn to bat.

The Wii needs to step it up BIG TIME as both PlayStation 3 and Xbox are preparing to leave Nintendo in the dust. Matt Kasselring introduced me to the Natal and it was a match made in heaven. The DJ was playing the tunes, the vibe was in the air, and in the thick of it all (pause) was me. The Natal does everything you do. You ARE the controller. I hopped, spun around, even did a little bachata. Highlight of the night was a woman yelling at me to do the moonwalk, not knowing that the Natal was doing the same thing I was doing. SMH.

The game was so nice I had to do it twice. ‘Project Natal’ is truly something that you won’t regret buying. On the upside, it’ll bring you one step closer to being on that 22nd Century shit, as Xbox has a product that makes you say, “Who Wii?” But the critic in me must tell you upfront that there is a lag in the motion. Not annoying at all, but noticeable. To nitpick it would’ve been great to see some tech that would allow you to use your fingers in a more fluid motion. But in the end all the debate about video games being affected by the recession will cease when they see Xbox 360 vs. PS3 Round Two. As Ellen Degeneres continued to get her Boy George on into the wee hours of the night, it was a good night for yours truly and The Coalition of the Willing.

Clark Kent says: Props to Edelman, the homie TNT for keeping the jokes flowing, and huge kudos to Angel for the flicks (Angel’s Photographs)! For the rest of y’all who weren’t there — check out this video below:

Peter Molyneux says interactive Natal star “is a character in a bigger and more dramatic story”.

Clark Kent says: Now that I got a chance to actually play the Natal, I can’t wait to see what games are coming out for it.

VIA MCVUK:

We may not have seen the last of Microsoft’s infamous Natal demo character Milo, judging by recent comments from the creative director of Microsoft Game Studios Peter Molyneux.

“I was very, very tight about what was actually being said about Milo and not being said about Milo,” Molyneux told IncGamers. “I think it did its job.”

“It made people look around and say ‘How could you make a game out of a character like Milo?’ And I think that question is still out there – I’m just not allowed to answer it.”

“I might hint – Milo is a character in a bigger and more dramatic story that we’re telling.”

Milo shot to fame after becoming a key component of Microsoft’s Natal unveiling at last year’s E3. A tech-demo featuring the young boy was able to communicate and interact with attendees in an impressively life-like manner.

Clark Kent says: Check back here tomorrow for my ‘Project Natal’ preview — a MUST READ! For those who didn’t get a chance to see Milo during E3, here he his below. Enjoy!

He’s already predicted Microsoft’s motion-sensing price point, but Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter now reckons Natal will sell 10 million units within a year of its launch this year.

VIA VG247:

He also thinks PlayStation Arc will be outsold by the 360 peripheral by 5-1.

“I think that the Sony motion controller will have some problems gaining traction, since it is not an “in the box” solution,” the Wedbush Morgan analyst said in an interview with PS3 Center. “That will probably limit adoption to 1 or 2 million at the outset.”

“A year or so after launch, there will be 10 million [Project Natal units] out there, which will probably attract more third-party support,” he further added.

Yesterday, Pachter predicted Natal will launch at a $50 price-point when it releases in the US for the Holidays. Arc, meanwhile, is set for a fall release.

Clark Kent says: Yours truly got a chance to preview the Natal last week. Stay tuned as I let y’all know what I think about it this week!

It’s only February, but amidst a year of big blockbusters, gamers are already clamoring to find out what game publishers will have in store for E3. THQ has already announced sequels to (relatively) recent titles such as Saints Row 2, and UFC: Undisputed.

VIA G4:

In an interview with IGN, THQ CEO Brian Farrell let loose a few small details about the publisher’s roadmap for E3, including confirmation that the publisher will unveil games for both Project Natal and Sony’s motion controller at the event. Farrell’s tone in the interview indicates that the publisher is hesitant to dive too quickly into enthusiastic support for these new peripherals, saying,

“Like most platforms, you want to be there at launch, but not over-invest because you want to have enough. We’ll be showing a couple things at E3 and we’ll unveil them there. But it’s consistent with how we normally support hardware. Some at the beginning and then watching consumer acceptance we’ll either ramp up or normalize depending on how quickly the ramp goes.”

Saints Row fans will be happy to hear that the head honcho is very pleased with the progress on the upcoming sequel:

“I think it’s going to blow people’s socks off. Come to E3. People will go, ‘This is not your father’s THQ’ when they come out of E3.”

Killer Instinct might be gone but it certainly isn’t forgotten by fans of the fight franchise – home of the Ultra Combo. Word is it will be coming back “someday”, the man responsible for the games combos said.

VIA VGR:

When asked whether a new Killer Instinct is coming Kenneth Lobb, Microsoft Game Studios creative director told Destructoid it will “someday.”

Excitingly Lobb went on to say “loves KI, we wanna make KI. We’re not working on it today,” but “some day we will bring KI.”

Clark Kent says: We’ll see E3 is coming up around the corner. I still hold out hope that the Project Natal will get a hold of that ‘killer instinct’…