It would seem the everlasting wait for quality fighting game sequel BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is over… sort of.

Through the almighty powers of science, the game has been leaked and converted for use on your very own computer, most likely possible due to the fact that the board it ran on was pretty much a Windows XP PC. For poverty gamers this marks as excellent news, giving us a reliable hope for future arcade game leaks like MBAA: Final Tuned. PC specs required at the moment are not too hefty but do require a reliable graphics card.

Requirements:

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Embedded SP2 [3]
CPU: Intel LGA 775 CPU. Supported CPUs include Celeron D 352, Pentium 4 651,
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
Chipset: Intel Q965 + ICH8
Video output: 640×480 (VGA), or 1280×720 (HDTV 720p)
RAM: 166/200MHz DDR2 SDRAM. Supported capacities 512MiB, 1GiB, 4GiB.
GPU: PCI Express x16-based graphics. Supported GPU include ATI RADEON
(x1600Pro, x1300LE) or NVIDIA GeForce (7900GS, 7600GS, 7300GS)

If you cannot run the game then try downloading this file to replace the backgrounds with crappy ones. Download here.

Basic instructions to get the game running:

• Extract the bbcs folder to wherever you wish
• Go to start>run>type “cmd” and press enter
• Change the directory to wherever your “BlazBlue Continuum Shift” folder is (ex: cd c:/Program Files/BlazBlue Continuum Shift)
• Configure your controls by entering “typex_config.exe”
• Run game by entering “typex_loader game.exe”

Commands:

• start (taunt) – maxes out Heat meter in a CPU battle
• A+B+start at title screen – Score Attack
• B+C+start at title screen – Sparring Mode

Yatagarasu is an in-progress doujin fighter seemingly inspired by 3rd Strike systematics, which is a good thing. The official demo has been recently released and leaked onto the internet for our poverty pleasure so enjoy.

C77 demo: http://www.mediafire.com/?2z2wz1jmguz

The cast currently consists of six characters, two of which are clones. The first two characters Kou and Crow are of course based on Ryu and Ken complete with fireballs and dragonpunches. Jyuzumaru the bandit looking guy is similar to Fei Long with rekkas and a dragonkick. Hanzo’s got a kick thing going on but isn’t like Chun Li at all and has a very unique moveset. And the last two are Hina and Shimo, the two delicious sword panty sisters. While they have similar looking moves, they’re played very differently from one another with Hina as a charge character and Shimo who’s a command run type character.

The game’s system is pretty reminiscent of 3rd Strike. There are six buttons used, LP, HP, LK, HK, and the last two for high and low parry which I assume would be capable of option select parrying.

Like 3S you can use EX moves at the cost of super meter which often juggle for stronger combos. The super meter is more like Alpha however with three bars total. Another aspect taken from 3S though is the universal overhead done by pressing both punch buttons. Pressing LP+LK is to throw and HP+HK performs a slow unblockable (similar to Focus Attack in SFIV but without the super armor). Super jumps are also present.

My opinion thus far on the game, it’s rather bland at the moment, but has a ton of potential. The fighting system is very solid and overall fun, but some better visual effects would not hurt at all. Still, for a doujin game it’s great so far. The sprite work has a very refined and “cool” look. Except Kou since she looks more like a man than Crow, but at least her artwork is hot. The music is also surprisingly well done. All in all, the Yata just needs some of Vanpri’s flare (though not that over-the-top) and bigger differences between clone characters. Still, this is only a demo so hopefully there will be some better changes in the full release.

Lastly, here are the character movesets.

Crow

236P – ATARE! Standard fireball
623P – MOCHIRON! Standard dragonpunch
214K – No-shadow kicks, can juggle
236236K – Shoryureppa super
214214P – Shin Shoryuken super

Kou

236P – Hadouken
623P – Shoryuken
214K – Ken’s tatsumaki kicks
236236P – Shinkuu Hadouken super

Jyuzumaru

236P x3 – Rekkas
623K – Dragonkick
236236K – Combo super

Hanzo

41236P – Command dash
214K – Kick launcher
[2]8P – Command grab
236236K – Kick super

Hina

[4]6P – Dash slash, good for comboing
[4]6P – Low dash slash
[2]8P – Anti-air jump slash
236236P – Slash super, extremely unsafe on block
236236K – Slash combo super

Shimo

j.214P – Big circular slash, can cross up
236P – Command run:
>LP – Quick slash
>HP – Anti-air jump slash
>LK – Low slash
>HK – Cancel run, if you used EX 236PP then this turns into a command jump
236236P – Same as Hina
236236K – Same as Hina

Website: http://homepage3.nifty.com/shizapen/

Capcom is proving to be successful, as usual, at hyping up their fanbase. The upcoming Street Fighter IV update, Super Street Fighter IV, held a live stream a few days ago to test early gameplay, played by several fighting game heads like gootecks and Justin Wong.

If you missed it don’t fret as it was merely gootecks kicking everyone’s ass and not letting them get their new Ultras out. If you would like to see most of the new (hilarious) Ultras you can see them yourself on YouTube.

As for actual changed gameplay mechanics, there has yet to be anything significant discovered so far, though the recent stream was not gameplay of the finished product so it is still susceptible to possibly significant changes. Stated in interviews, SSFIV will supposedly be more balanced via buffs as opposed to nerfs to characters. Throws are to be tweaked and some characters are to be given tools to help them around dragon punches.

Outside of game play and inside the internets, the game will feature several new online abilities like actual game lobbies/rooms, tournament modes, real replays, etc. basically everything that should have been included in the first game or as DLC. Still, the game entirely will be sold retail for a considerable $40. Capcom has also promised bonuses for those who purchased the original Street Fighter IV (extra costumes?).

Of course a new Street Fighter means a new fighting stick. Mad Catz is whipping out a new Tournament Edition stick with a SSFIV theme, which will most likely be included in a SSFIV bundle. If you’re not intent on purchasing the new stick or don’t have all the immediate cash, this is a great opportunity to buy the old TE stick which will most likely drop in price soon. Check out the new one here.

Ultras

The only thing people care about in this game. Most of them have been revealed now so here are my thoughts on them.

Ryu – Metsu Shoryuken (QCF x2 KKK)

Buffed up Shin Shoryuken combined with Hakumen’s Astral Heat. Originating back from the Alpha series, Metsu Shoryuken works just like Ken’s Shinryuken Ultra meaning the opponent has to be grounded for the full animation to connect (usually). As for use, Metsu Hadouken is probably more viable, but for sheer hype I can expect many picking this now.

Ken – Guren Senpuukyaku (QCF x2 KKK)

FIERY REVOLVING FEET x INFINITY TO END MATCH! Seriously. What the hell. Capcom we miss Jinrai but this is just stupid. Anyway, it’s start up like Jinrai is very fast, especially for an Ultra with rumors saying whatever>Hadouken>FADC>Ultra II will connect. If so this Ultra will become much more practical to use as Shinryuken was never good as a juggle ender anyway.

Chun Li – Kikosho ([B]FBF PPP?)

Chun Li’s old Super returns as an Ultra. Was able to link off an EX kick mash in the corner so it’s field of usage should be similar to her old Ultra, only this one lasts forever and does mad damage.

Akuma – Demon Armageddon (???)

lol sigh

Abel – Breathless (QCFx2 KKK?)

I’m not sure if this is unblockable, but if it isn’t then it’ll be useless compared to his old Ultra as it doesn’t seem to be juggle comboable. Looks cool sort of though.

Sagat – Tiger Cannon (QCFx2 PPP)

TIGER. Can possibly be just as if not more useful than old Ultra. Will probably be used just like Metsu Hadouken.

Blanka – Shout of the Earth (???)

This move has some weird ass looking properties. But all in all it doesn’t look very useful. May be useful as an anti-air though.

Rufus – Big Bang Typhoon (QCF x2 PPP?)

Comes out hella fast, great as an anti-air. Is not as useful as Ultra I for combo fodder but is much better as a reversal. Both Ultras are very good.

Gouken – Denjin Hadouken (QCF x2 KKK)

Blockable >B| The more you charge, the more blockstun, the more time Gouken has time to run in and mix up. Will probably be used whenever Shin Shoryuken was but instead charged for wake up.

Balrog – Dirty Bull (???)

Looks stupid and is probably like Dan’s old Ultra. Unless it’s unblockable, useless.

E. Honda – Orochi Breaker (???)

Command grab. Very useful.

Cammy – CQC (???)

It’s a counter Ultra so take that as you may. Not necessarily what Cammy needed (and outright random) but interesting nonetheless. I just enjoy that certain Miyuki Sawashiro tone she uses while performing this move.

C. Viper – Burning Dance (air QCFx2 KKK)

Burning kicks + electricity, same old Viper stuff. I can’t see this move being very useful outside of air to air.

Guile – Sonic Hurricane ([B]FBF PPP)

Awww yeah, the return of Sonic Hurricane. Can’t suck more than triple flash kick so this will probably be picked more often.

Seth – Typhoon (QCFx2 KKK?)

Ugh… maybe it’ll be a good anti-air? Still looks stupid though.

Dan – Haoh Gadouken (QCFx2 KKK?)

Dan musters up all his saikyo power into both his mighty fists and simultaneously releases an erupting burst of saikyo energy unto the unfortunate evil doer, instantly vaporizing him from this existence as Dan is forced tumbling backwards from the recoil of such significant energy!

Sakura – Shin Hadouken (QCFx2 PPP)

Essentially Shinkuu Hadouken but as an Ultra. Like many of the old Sakura incarnations, she can shoot it horizontal or at a 45 degree angle as an anti-air. Looks to be more useful as a juggle Ultra ender nonetheless.

Bison – Psycho Punisher (QCFx2 KKK)

Name says it. If it’s a command grab like it looks, then it will be incredibly useful in Bison pressure mix up games.

Vega – Splendid Claw (???)

Doesn’t look useful at all unless your opponent doesn’t know how to block low. Maybe it’ll be an okay punish like Bison’s slide though.

Rose – Soul Satellite (QCFx2 KKK?)

Will actually probably be useful considering how crappy Ultra I was. The typical orb/ring protection move, similar to Strider’s super in Mahvel or Athena’s orbs in King of Fighters.

Dhalsim – Yoga Shangrila (air QCF x2 KKK?)

Yoga noogie. If it’s unblockable like it looks, this may be a very useful mix up tool just like Yoga Catastrophe was. One of the better Ultras I’d say, especially for laughs.

Zangief – Siberian Blizzard (air 720?)

Extremely useful as a time out KO. Yep.

El Fuerte – Ultra Spark (???)

Actually very useful for El Fuerte. A command grab will greatly aid him, better than his situational Ultra I punish.

Fei Long – Gekirinken (QCFx2 KKK?)

And thus, the best Ultra in the entire game by far. Dead leg into ATATATATATATA into one-inch punch. Clearly the best thing this game has to offer by far and the only real reason to buy Super Street Fighter IV.

And with that, get hype as SSFIV will be coming out sometime soon in spring. If you didn’t already know I’ve joined the tripple side and will be playing hardcore on PSN, so be sure to let me know if you play off PS3 as well and I’ll be glad to send you a friend request.

Courtesy of chartfag.

Along with the glorious arrival of 2010, we are graced with the remainder of winter season anime. Surprisingly, this time around there were quite a few shows to actually catch my eye. I’ll be watching around a grand total of four shows this season, double what I did last!

Durarara!!

Summary: Ryuugamine Mikado is a boy who longs for the exciting life of the big city. At the invitation of his childhood friend Masaomi, he transfers to a school in Ikebukuro. Masaomi has warned him about people he doesn’t want to cross in the city: a champion fighter, an informant, and a mysterious gang called “Darazu.” Nervous from Masaomi’s stories, Mikado witnesses an urban legend on his first day in the city, the Headless Rider astride a black motorcycle. From then on, the existence of supernatural cases and a gang called the Yellow Turbans will rise to the surface, and Ikebukuro will pushed to the breaking point.

Thoughts: No idea what this show is but hey, I saw punching and cars and blood and girls this must be a show for cool guys. Plus Kana Hanazawa, my latest seiyuu obsession, is in the cast so surely I will enjoy this fuwafuwaru

Dance in the Vampire Bund

Summary: After millennia in hiding, Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants change. Using the vast wealth of the Tepes line, she has paid off the entire gross national debt of Japan and in so doing, gained the authority to create a “special district” off the coast of Japan that is to become the future haven to vampires the world over!
Now, on the eve of the landmark press conference announcing the existence of vampires to the world, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina Tepes before she has a chance to make her world-changing announcement.

Thoughts: Naked lolis, vampires, blood, naked loli vampires biting people’s heads off for blood, SHAFT really knows how to market to people like me. Nothing more needs to be said so insert your own certain blond twintailed vampire loli joke here.

Seikon no Qwaser

In St. Mikhailov Academy, Oribe Mafuyu meets a silver haired boy called Alexander. He is a Qwaser, a being who can manipulate iron and draws his power from breast milk.

He is a Qwaser, a being who can manipulate iron and draws his power from breast milk.

and draws his power from breast milk.

from breast milk.

breast

milk.

Thoughts: Don’t think just watch.

Ookamikakushi

Summary: The story follows Hiroshi Kuzumi, a 16-year-old boy who has just moved to the seemingly serene village of Jogamachi. Nestled in the mountains far away from the city, the village is divided by a river that separates old Jogamachi from new Jogamachi. Young Hiroshi soon discovers that the village’s ancient as well as mysterious traditions and customs have been kept alive over the ages. Although a bit bewildered by the new environment, Hiroshi begins to settle into his new life. While he has never been the type to win any popularity contests, he quickly earns the affection of his classmates. That is with the exception of aloof class president, Nemuru Kushinada, whose only words to Hiroshi are a warning to stay away from old part of town. It is there that terror and mystery await him.

Thoughts: I’ve never been a fan of Ryukishi07′s work (beyond Rena and Rika), but I took interest in this series before I realized he took part in its creation. Still, the game’s trailers presented a dark, occult mood and setting which I’m a sucker for. Plus, I live for albinos.

In addition to these, I’ll of course be looking out for the Unlimited Blade Works movie as well as the Bungaku Shoujo movie. I know nothing of the show but I prefer to watch movies and OVAs nowadays so there’s no harm in trying it out.

A girl who eats stories. I’ll take it.