News Roundup: 6 November 20111

You're weekly news roundup is here!  Read on after the jump!

Killian Talks About “Pandora Mode” for SFxT

Huh. A last ditch super move that drains your health making it a rush to finish you opponent first? Sounds neat. Oh, it drains your health regardless (meaning it could drain before Super Move animations finish)? It's “weak-sauce” according one of the major players who has final say on its inclusion? Yeah...no. (From Destructiod)

“Still Alive” Viewed Through the Lens of TGIF

Kotaku posted up this cover of Portal's amazing ending theme. Huh...I suppose a Portal sitcom could work...sandwiched right between Family Ties and Step-by-Step.

Silicon Knights Cuts Most of Staff

Silicon Knights, developers of the amazing Eternal Darkness for GameCube and the amazingly bad Too Human and X-Men: Destiny, announced massive layoffs according to 1Up. It's always a shame when folks in the industry lose their jobs, and my thoughts and well wishes go out to them. That said, SK hasn't really done much worth while lately, with Too Human taking a beating (and fighting back) and the sadly disappointing X-Mengame getting poor reviews. Hopefully the company can turn things around and we'll see another quality title from SK again. Maybe Eternal Darkness 2? Please? And, then this happened! I'll not get my hopes up yet...


Violence is Totally Fine. Blood, Head Shots, Killing Civilians? All OK. Titties? Oh HELL NO!
Don't even have the heart to have a go at this one. I mean, really? I dealt with this at Game Stop for ages: parents didn't care about the violent content (“It's just a game, it's not that realistic.”) but woe be unto any game that had even a hint of sexuality. Then it was all fire, brimstone, and “How could companies make a game like that?!? It's for CHILDREN!” Right...welp, here's your Modern Warfare 2 for 11 year-old Timmy. Have a nice day...


GTA: V is Announced with a Reveal Trailer
It seems we are going back to San Andreas and the city of Los Santos (LA doppelganger)! GTA: V has been shown for the first time. It looks to be more realistic (like IV), and a lot of focus was put on transients (a whole shanty/box town was shown, plus the guy holding the sign) and foreclosures. Interesting stuff! We'll see how this all goes when the game launches (probably) fall next year. Here is a breakdown of the trailer from GameInformer.


Eidos Montreal Talks About Deus Ex: Human Revolution's Boss Blunder
As I mentioned in my review, the bosses in Human Revolution are a definite weak spot. Seeing the producer of the game agree, well, that's pretty crazy. David Anfossi talks to Edge about the decision to “farm out” the bosses and what that means for future Deus Ex games. I'm glad to see developers not only responding to fan criticism, but also that they learn from fan responses, too. Better than a “Well, it was our decision, deal with it,” sort of response.


Why Would You Do This? It's Out in a Few Days?!?
As Joystiq first reported, some MENSA member paid way too much for Modern Warfare 3. Sure, you might get it early and get to play a bit before everyone else, but really, it's out in less than 5 days (from when this story broke)? I mean, even spoiling the plot (hahahahahahaha, oh, right, what plot?) is about all you can do.
“So, a $60 game goes for nearly 29 times what it's worth days before it officially releases?”
“Yep...”
“Why?”
“...”
Ahhh, I'm sure Kotick is cackling (or maybe not, since he won't see a profit from this idiot).


Why Gearbox is the Greatest Developer Out There
Developers owe their fans their livelihoods. But, it's rare that a company shows it's fans love in return in such a public way. First, there was the Clap-Trap Proposal, and now a heart-felt eulogy for a fan who died of cancer at 22. While the circumstances are awful, it's refreshing and gratifying that a company would so publicly interact with their fans. Cheers, Gearbox! Thank you for being upstanding on all fronts!


Saint's Row: The Third Will Be Insane...
If you follow the link, be warned it's very NSFW. Also, Jim Sterling has amazing writing ability to stay just this side of tongue-in-cheek. Also, the Comment section below the review is comedy gold. Fans of Saint's Row know that the game is over-the-top goofy, and The Third will be no different. Enjoy the “review” if you have a sick sense of humour and don't do it at work. Seriously. Your boss may have some awkward questions for you. Oh, and so will HR.


Come at Me, My Brony Bretheren! Let's Battle!
Yep, Fighting is Magic is a thing. A thing I want. I am stoked about this and SkullGirls. Both look amazingly fun and stylish. It's nice to see 2-D fighters making a grand comeback, too!