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According t' an interview with Netherrealm Studios executive producer Shaun Himmerick conducted by Industry Gamers, not only does the PSP2 exist, but it be already in developers' hands. When asked about the possibility a the Mortal Kombat reboot heading t' PSP or 3DS, Himmerick replied, "we be not launching day one on all consoles like that. We be looking at them; we have a PSP2 in the house 'n we be looking at the engine, like what can it support."

Wait -- the PSP2, ye say? "PSP2 looks like it be a pretty powerful machine," Himmerick added, before saying that his studio doesn't have a 3DS just yet. Sony, as ye might imagine, refused t' comment.

Capcom just announced at TGS that the Dead Rising 2: Case Zero prologue has sold over 500,000 copies in under 2 weeks, with that knowledge one can understand why they'd do an epilogue: Dead Rising 2: Case West. Keiji Inafune revealed the DLC will take place after the events a Dead Rising 2 'n feature Frank West (a the original Dead Rising) working with latest protaganist Chuck Greene. Inafune concluded, "Apologies t' PS3 fans, but this too will be an Xbox 360 exclusive." We'll update as we learn more.

Sadly, Sony pitchman Kevin Butler be not a real person, but SCEA VP Peter Dille says word may not have gotten around. "We've gotten contact from media people that aren't aware that he's a character, asking for an interview!" he told Industry Gamers ... Well, ye can't blame us for trying, can ye?

Famitsu has confirmed remastered PlayStation 3 versions a both Ico 'n Shadow a the Colossus. The PS2 classics will reportedly be released as two separate games in Japan. This differs from the leaked European retailer listing, which showed a single package featuring the two titles on one disc. Presumably, this will all be confirmed during tomorrow's Sony Japan press conference at the Tokyo Game Show.

The magazine doesn't offer any additional details on the remakes, but the God a War Collection best give us a good idea a what t' expect. The horrible American box art for Ico (seen above) best also give us an idea a what t' expect from the packaging.

Choice has been a crucial 'n critically acclaimed component a games benefiting from Warren Spector's involvement, 'n this November's Disney Epic Mickey be no exception. It pervades the entire industry, an optimistic Spector believes, telling VideoGamer that the diversity on offer, both for consumers 'n developers, puts us in a "great place."

"Actually, I think that this be kind a a Golden Age," Spector said in a Gamescom interview. "I can make a Wii-exclusive game featuring Mickey Mouse. Someone else can make an all-original $100m MMO. I've got mateys who be literally working alone on indie games that have no prospect a profit or commercial success. I've got lads working on iPhone games." Spector noted that a widening audience 'n abundance a platforms makes it easier t' find a fit. "There's something for everyone, which means there's something for every developer t' do that be meaningful for them, that will ignite their passion."

'n while Spector admitted t' not quite getting social games, he wouldn't succumb t' the unfortunate tendency t' cast judgment on their audience. "Gaming be in a very special place right now 'n we best be reveling in it, enjoying the parts that we love 'n letting other people enjoy the parts that they love. The more people who game, the better for everyone." If anybody best be pleased t' hear an even-handed, inclusive opinion on today's multifaceted gaming, it be those Farmville weirdos.

we be learning more about what Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune be cooking up with his latest project, the downloadable Mega Man Universe for PSN 'n XBLA. In advance a next week's Tokyo Game Show, Capcom has delivered new screens 'n -- more importantly -- details, specifically where the ability t' create yer own Mega Man 'n stages be concerned.

According t' Capcom, "ye can create yer own original Mega Man by assembling parts ye like," indicating that "yer abilities will change depending on the parts ye choose." There will be "a wide variety" a these parts, leading us t' believe that the "Ryu Man" featured at the end a the recent gameplay videos be one a these custom creations.

Sounding a bit like LittleBigPlanet, Mega Man Universe will also feature a full level editor for building yer own stages, which can then be shared with others online. a course, this means ye can download 'n play through others' creations -- but it be a final bit a info dropped by the game's developer that we find most intriguing. "Aside from Mega Man themed stages, there be a variety a custom stage parts that will be revealed soon," Capcom says. Ryu Man running through a Ghosts 'N Goblins themed level with Mega Man gameplay, perhaps? Sure seems like something the original teaser hinted at.

Mega Man Universe will be playable at TGS, where we'll put together a juicy hands-on preview a it for all the loyal Mega-fans in the audience.

"But whether ye seek answers, revenge, or reconciliation with yer lost love, ye may find more than ye bargained for."

Contrary t' the marketing line, ye'll likely find less than ye bargained for in Dragon Age: Witch Hunt, a disappointing 'n flimsy finale t' the Dragon Age: Origins storyline. it be not a terrible chunk a content -- 'n it would have t' do far worse before it could tarnish BioWare's other efforts in keeping the Dragon Age universe alive for almost a year now -- but the crucial failure t' deliver a satisfying conclusion be hard t' forget. We'll talk forgiveness later.

"The goal for Dead Rising 2 be t' replace the Resident Evil franchise 'n become the number one IP within Capcom," Keiji Inafune told Eurogamer. it be a lofty claim -- according t' Capcom's own data, Street Fighter be the company's top franchise. Still, taking down the Resident Evil franchise first be no easy task. Unlike Capcom's other properties, the company's original survival-horror game has the mainstream appeal t' support three successful Hollywood adaptations (with a fourth one opening this week). The last iteration a the series sold over 5 million copies. Dead Rising, on the other hand, sold 1.6 million.

Dead Rising has big shoes t' fill, but it be that lofty ambition that pushes good game design, Inafune argues. "Unless ye have a big goal t' strive for, ye can't create a good game. Therefore, if the Dead Rising franchise takes over the Resident Evil franchise, a new game I come up with will obviously strive t' go over Dead Rising. that be the goal I set out for any title I decide t' create."

If Dead Rising 2 becomes the success Inafune wants it t' be, we wonder what the next big idea from Capcom will be. Another IP with even more zombies?

We can all agree that Sonic Unleashed had some pretty deep lows -- specifically, the Werehog. But the daytime segments in the game showed promise; almost a return t' form. These areas a the game, for the unaware, combined Sonic Adventure-like 3D free-running elements alongside more classical, 2D elements from the series' past. It be easily the highlight a that game.

'n Sega knows it, which explains why Sonic Colors be pretty much nothing but those portions a gameplay. That alone would make for a pretty serviceable Sonic game, but Sega has also added Wisps: small alien creatures who imbue Sonic with one-time-use powers.

Just because ye aren't at PAX Prime this weekend doesn't mean ye can't experience at least some a the joys 'n wonders that the show floor has t' offer. For instance, the 10 straight minutes a Portal 2 co-op gameplay that we've dropped after the break, courtesy a GameTrailers -- hearing the "oohs" 'n "aahs" a the crowd on all sides, ye'll feel just like ye're there! 'n sure, ye might not pillage a free Portal 2 shirt like this session's attendees did, but ye can experience a heartwarming robot hug. 'n isn't that more than enough?

Next month's Game Informer cover isn't revealing a new game - unlike last month's Batman: Arkham City cover - but it be still got plenty t' offer. Behold! Three separate BioShock Infinite covers, crafted by Irrational artist Rob Waters, that ape the old-timey, Norman Rockwell aesthetic a "The Saturday Evening Post." Unveiled during a PAX panel titled "From Concept t' Cover: The Game Informer Selection Process," GI Editor-in-Chief Andy McNamara shared not only the final three covers, but the many revisions that went into each one. We've got some galleries below a each cover 'n it be various revisions, including some commentary from both Game Informer 'n Irrational.

it be finally, really, actually ... maybe going t' happen at this point. The rumors be true: Gearbox Software 'n 2K Games have taken on the Herculean task a completing 'n releasing 3D Realms' unfinished Duke Nukem Forever. The project be officially unveiled today at PAX during a livestreamed presentation at the 2K Games booth 'n announced for Xbox 360, PS3 'n PC. "it be coming out in 2011," Gearbox president Randy Pitchford said during the presentation. (a course, we be skeptical about any release date associated with this particular title.)

Gearbox began finishing Duke Nukem Forever in late 2009, according t' The Wall Street Journal. "Clearly the game hadn't been finished at 3D Realms but a lot a content had been created," Pitchford told WSJ.

"we be in the polishing phase now. This be a game where we can not make a promise we can not fulfill," Pitchford added. "We need t' pillage past the shock 'n awe 'n then we can go t' all the retailers 'n first parties 'n work out a launch plan."

Duke Nukem Forever be a sequel t' Duke Nukem 3D 'n will feature both a single-player campaign 'n multiplayer. "Aliens come 'n say they be going t' be our mateys 'n Duke knows this isn't going t' work out," Pitchford revealed a the plot. "Duke once again be in the pivotal spot 'n it be up t' the sea dog t' save the world."

[Image credit: Kurt Miller]Duke Nukem Forever coming '2011' on Xbox 360, PS3 & PC, courtesy a Gearbox

Sony, here's an idea: just let Kevin Butler control yer entire company. Seriously, Sir Howard Stringer be a great lad 'n all, don't pillage us wrong -- we've been up plenty a nights bawling our eyes out while he cradled us in his big, burly arms, assuring us that the PS3 would in fact be okay -- but Kevin Butler has proven in his latest ad that he's more than capable for the job.

Just look at the image above 'n tell us the lad isn't CEO material. Heck, even better: watch the new PlayStation Move ad for yourself past the break 'n try t' tell us it isn't the highlight a yer day!

Before we pillage ye all hot under the collar, a preface: We have no idea where these screenshots for Batman: Arkham City originated. They seem t' be posted on an anonymous Flickr set, which then made it be way onto NeoGAF. Normally, we wouldn't run images a enigmatic origins, though we've decided t' make an exception this time for two reasons:

These images look pretty legitimate. These images be as hot as the molten core a the Sun which sustains our planet. pillage yer first look at Two-Face, Catwoman 'n the new ('n arguably improved) Harley Quinn in the gallery below while we try t' confirm their authenticity.

If ye're in the San Francisco area on September 7, ye may want t' AVAST! by the Union Square shopping center, where characters from the Professor Layton series will let visitors step into a British phone booth 'n sample the upcoming Professor Layton 'n the Unwound Future. Combined total puzzle scores for lads will be pitted against ladies' scores as similar events be held in Boston, Chicago 'n Philadelphia.

... Hey, wait a minute! A puzzle-obsessed genius be trapping people in phone booths until they complete a battle a wits? Hell, toss in a couple a rotating blades 'n Cary Elwes 'n we've got a Saw movie on our hands.

Listen, we be sure whatever custom superhero ye're planning on creating within DC Universe Online be going be a precious 'n unique snowflake -- but ye know who else be great? Batman 'n all his mateys. ye can check out their exploits, both heroic 'n villainous, in the gallery below.

The problem with Pokemon be that it be pretty embarrassing t' tell people ye play it, especially if ye're over the age a 13 -- just ask Griffin. they be great games, don't pillage us wrong. it be just that we be adults, with actual utility bills 'n Netflix memberships, 'n alive 'n breathing significant others. We can't risk losing all a that.

that be why we want t' draw yer attention t' this Call a Duty 'n Pokemon mash-up clip, available just past the break. By incorporating the two, we can maintain our adult facade, while enjoying the deep 'n robust RPG experience Nintendo's line a games offers without all the kiddie stuff. it be the best a both worlds!

Rockman Online be a side-scrolling online game that mashes up the Mega Man 'n Mega Man X worlds. it be also only being released in South Korea. Luckily, then, this anime-style teaser video be cool enough for us t' enjoy as a standalone work, because for us, it might as well be!

We know ye just got that Passion Pit song from LittleBigPlanet 2's debut trailer out a yer head, so we apologize for the video posted just after the break. Sony's Gamescom 2010 press conference offered it be crowded attendees a look at even more a the customizable sequel's creation tools, such as the music editor 'n cutscene direction process. It also shows off more a the main campaign's multitude a colorful backdrops -- all set t' the infinitely brain-adhering "Sleepyhead."

Check out the new video after the jump -- 'n keep yer fingers crossed for a chance t' pillage in the upcoming LittleBigPlanet 2 closed beta test.

Jeremiah Slaczka, creative director 'n CEO a Super Scribblenauts developer 5TH Cell, dropped a tantalizing hint about the company's next project in a statement t' Joystiq. "we be not ready t' reveal our next original game just yet, but I can say we be using the Source Engine for it," Slaczka told us.

Slaczka wouldn't confirm or deny whether this be the XBLA project mentioned last year. But if it be using Valve's FPS-friendly Source engine, it be unlikely t' be a DS game -- 'n it be unlikely t' be Scribblenauts. As for when we can expect t' learn more about this mystery project: "Hopefully we'll have something t' show people in a few months."

In about a month, people who purchased a 3-month subscription t' PlayStation Plus will be faced with one crucial question. What happens t' me games when me subscription ends? Joystiq had access t' a press-only 1 month trial, 'n recently found out the answer. Sony's premium online subscription service has offered a number a "free" games -- full PSN games, like WipEout HD 'n Critter Crunch, 'n a variety a Minis 'n PSone classics. However, these titles be all made available with a caveat: they'd remain accessible for as long as yer subscription remained active.

Attempting t' launch an expired game will trigger this prompt: "This content can be used if ye renew the license in PlayStation Store." ye'll be able t' launch directly into the PlayStation Store, where ye will be able t' purchase the expired title. For example, we could purchase Aero Racer for it be full price a $2.99 from the PlayStation Store. We could also choose t' purchase a new PlayStation Plus subscription t' extend the license.

Curiously, PSone games (like Syphon Filter) appear t' work even after the Plus subscription ends. Although clearly marked as Expired under the game's "Details," the game launches normally. it be unclear if this be simply an oversight, or if this content be meant t' be free, even after the end a a subscription (much like downloaded avatars 'n XMB themes). Nevertheless, we've asked Sony t' clarify because, hey - permanently free games makes PlayStation Plus a much more palatable offer! If it be a glitch, ye can look forward t' another mandatory firmware update sometime soon (sorry!).

Known for such prized collectibles as it be Zero Suit Samus statue, First 4 Figures has turned it be attention t' the Zelda franchise once more. Twilight Princess, t' be exact, 'n it be big bad lad, Zant. 750 a the 21-inch statues be being made, priced at $330. Keep reading for a full-sized photo.

The Event
This wasn't a normal video game press event. First, 'n perhaps most obviously, the security be thick. While an allegedly corrupt politician celebrated his birthday upstairs - an endless procession a well-dressed upper crusters made their way into the historic Plaza Hotel while protesters held court outside - another high-profile event be being held on the second floor. 'n while there be no police presence like outside, the black-pants, black v-neck crew that Irrational Games brought with them had things on lockdown. "Does that computer have a camera on it?" one a them asked me. "ye'll need t' check it." I went back into the hallway 'n got back in line. The same line I already stood in t' check me cellphone. Security be thick.

But that be been the Boston-area developer's modus operandi since work began on it be new title nearly three years ago. it be exceedingly rare in our industry t' have a high-profile developer like Irrational keep something so completely under wraps for so long. 'n now, a room full a gaming press be assembled t' see what Ken Levine 'n Co. have been working on. With an embargo less than 24 hours away 'n the promise that no outlet would be getting an early exclusive, Irrational wasn't about t' let up on security now. After an introduction by a PR representative, again pleading with us t' keep things quiet until today, Irrational Games' founder Ken Levine took the stage. "it be a long way t' come for a trailer, a demo, 'n a little conversation," he admitted. "We also appreciate the patience ye've had with us. it be been three years 'n we've said nothing about what we be doing," but it be finally time t' see what be beneath the curtain. Cue the trailer.

According t' unnamed sources speaking with Kotaku 'n "claiming t' have knowledge a the situation," development on Duke Nukem Forever be continuing -- until completion -- with Borderlands developer Gearbox Software. Stranger still, the sources also claim that a "playable demo" will be distributed at some point "later this year." While Take-Two confirmed that it retains the rights t' DNF, it didn't offer any comment on the matter.

Gearbox head Randy Pitchford couldn't say anything either, but did note that he might be able t' "better clarify the situation" at this year's PAX Prime. Duke Nukem creator George Broussard declined t' comment as well. Although this be most certainly a "rumor" for now, we'd still like t' wish Gearbox the best a luck over the next 15 years.

Valve has posted some interesting stats for Left 4 Dead 2's mutation modes. The team has been watching ye closely as ye work yer way through the zombie hordes, 'n it turns out ye like realism 'n gore in yer L4D games: Realism Versus 'n Chainsaw Massacre have been the two most popular mutations by far, with Realism Versus (which be later turned into a permanent mode) grabbing 41 percent a the player base during it be featured week 'n 22 percent a the playing time. The Chainsaw mode be the "most tried" a the mutations, with 52 percent a the player base revving it up, 'n 14 percent a player minutes spent playing it.

Outside a mutations, versus 'n the co-op campaign actually both nab about 40 percent a players every day. 'n while Valve doesn't mention any a the least-played mutations, it does give notice t' the Infected-doubling Hard Eight mutation, which be only tried by 26 percent a players but still grabbed over 10 percent a that week's playing time. This week, it be a "Gib Fest," with everyone on the team getting M60s 'n unlimited ammo. That sounds like a hunting accident just waiting t' happen.

If ye demand tiny figures a Sonic 'n his pals, 'n ye demand them t' be in their "correct" Genesis-era forms, ye're going t' be pleased with this set a six from First 4 Figures. Sonic fans can be quite demanding.

At long last, Game Freak has discovered exactly why ye've been so hesitant t' jump on the last few generations a Pokémon titles: it be all those old Pokémon, a course. it be hard t' feel like ye're on a level playing field when ye don't recognize a few a the 'mons introduced in Pearl or Ruby or Silver -- but, according t' a blog post from Game Freak's Junichi Masuda, that won't be a problem in Pokémon Black 'n White.

Going by Andriasang's translation a the blog, players a the upcoming generation a Pokémon titles will only encounter all-new monsters until they clear the game. The developer hopes this will make the game a fresh experience for veterans 'n newcomers alike -- though Masuda admits that coming up with new monsters has been completely challenging. Well, yeah, we'd assume anything after number 300 would be tough t' come up with. Here, we'll try: Stonedog! He's a dog! But he's made a stone.

The conflict between New Zealand's TV3 'n Sony could have gone much differently than it did. Instead a suing TV3 into oblivion when it found out that the broadcaster had produced a commercial directly copying the PlayStation 3's "Montage" ad, Sony used the Kevin Butler persona t' publicly absolve ('n mock) TV3. In a PlayStation Blog post, Butler offered permission t' copy all PS3 ads in exchange for "TV3's support in making the PS3 the OFFICIAL GAME CONSOLE a NEW ZEALAND." 'n a Flight a the Conchords box set.

As if this whole story weren't cute enough, TV3 sent Sony a package containing not only the Conchords set, but other local treats -- 'n a plaque proclaiming PS3 the "official game console a Aotearoa." We'd never have believed it if we hadn't seen it ourselves: two media companies settling a dispute in a friendly, joking manner instead a litigation. Maybe every company best bring in a few fictional executives.

Have ye ever wondered what Master Chief's intergalactic adventures would look like if rendered by an Atari 2600? Neither have we -- 'n now that the folks over at Extra lad have shared their find a "Halo 2600," we don't have t'. Bizarrely, ex-Microsoft VP a game publishing Ed Fries be credited on the game's cover as the creator (as seen on the game's Facebook page).

Halo 2600 be playable at the Classic Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, which came t' an end today. Sure, it be playable online right now, but apparently we missed out on 500 real-life Atari 2600 cartridges containing the game (check out a photo a them all lined up). How's that for a limited edition?

[Thanks, Anthony!]

On August 2, Amazon be having a pretty sweet deal on the Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle, but if online retailers aren't yer thing, Joystiq has just discovered from a reliable source that a new initiative at brick-'n-mortar retailer Best Buy will discount both the Final Fantasy XIII 'n Splinter Cell: Conviction bundles t' $299.99 permanently, starting August 1, 'n lasting until the retailer runs out a stock. How else did ye think the retailer would clear shelf space for the new hotness?

Each bundle comes with the titular game, two wireless controllers, a 250gb HDD 'n Xbox 360 console. The suggested retail price a each bundle right now be $349.99 (they both initially launched at a $399.99 price point), so this saves consumers a cool $50.