Jordan Mechner has revealed that he’s working on a Karateka remake for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It will be available as a downloadable title on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade later in 2012. This is outstanding news. I have fond memories of playing Karateka as a kid on my Commodore 64. It was one of the first games (that I can recall) that used music and cutscenes to create an atmosphere larger than the gameplay. Nearly 30 years later, I’m psyched to see how Mechner uses modern game development tools to re-imagine Karateka. Here’s what he said in today’s press release:

Making the original Karateka was a labor of love. To have so many people embrace it and share the impact that game had on them has been incredibly fulfilling. In remaking Karateka, I want to honor the original with a compact, pick-up-and-play game that is fluid, atmospheric and beautiful.

This wouldn’t be the first time Mechner has revisited one of his classic creations. He worked with Ubi Soft as a game designer, writer, and creative consultant for the Prince of Persia remake. That one turned out pretty excellent, don’t you agree? I’m also excited to see a gaming legend return to show the new kids how it’s done. It’s going to be fun tracking the development of the new Karateka and hopefully it will be even more fun to play.

Any of you old enough to remember Karateka? You psyched for the Karateka remake?

There are a handful of interesting videogame releases this week. Leading the way is Kingdom of Amalur: The Reckoning, the debut title from Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios. The game combines the formidable talents of Ken Rolston (lead designer of several games in The Elder Scrolls series), R.A. Salvatore (renowned Forgotten Realms author and creator of Drizz’t), and Todd McFarlane (buyer of expensive baseballs). Fans of dark and gritty comics looking for a dark and gritty comic-book game will want to check out The Darkness II. Lastly, Resident Evil: Revelations brings Capcom’s famous survival-horror franchise to the Nintendo 3DS.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

The Star Wars prequels are full of things we recognize from the original trilogy, but divorced from any dramatic intent. For example, Plinkett astutely points out that light sabers are incredibly overused in the newer films, so much so that fights lose their uniqueness and tension — the constant battles becoming simple, garish light shows. Moments from the original trilogy are deliberately referred to, but without any parallel in meaning, just in form.

So, too, is Final Fantasy XIII filled with Final Fantasy Stuff — most notably and stupidly, crystals — and it’s clear that all of that junk is there because the developers assume that it has to be there, not because it enriches the world or the game’s play experience.

“The new films just borrow and recycle from the original ideas, as if there’s no way to create anything new,” says Plinkett. And that’s what hamstrings Final Fantasy XIII, too.

Again, this is an outstanding article and you should read it when you have a chance. Keep in mind that I’m saying this as someone that likes FFXIII and the Star Wars prequels a little bit more than most people. While I don’t agree with all of Christian’s criticisms — or at least the degree of which they’re issues — I was just floored by the thoughtful and intelligent writing. After you’ve digested the article, please let me know what you thought of it.

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Supergiant Games’ Bastion is on sale this week for 600 Microsoft Points ($7.50) on Xbox Live. This excellent game is fun action-RPG with a unique narrator, a sweet soundtrack, and great gameplay. It was one of my favorite games of 2011 and I hope you guys give it a shot. If you happen to pick it up, please let me know what you think of Bastion in the comments section.

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With the rumor that the Xbox 720 will have some sort of anti-used-game feature, I was curious to hear how much of a factor not playing used games will be for you. Most of us agree that blocking used games would be bad for consumers and retailers, but what’s it worth to you personally? Will it be a major purchasing consideration? Or will you just grin and bear it?

I see it playing out a bit like backwards compatibility. It will be a huge deal for a small number of gamers; there are some people that will not buy a console that can’t play used games (totally understandable). A larger group of people will make a lot of noise, scream, and shout about the travesty of consoles that can’t play used games…and go ahead and buy one despite their bluster. I believe that the majority of consumers won’t know or won’t care if a console can’t play used games.

So is this issue a deal breaker for you? Kindly let me know if not being able to play used games will be a factor in your future console purchasing decisions. Also let me know how you think most people will treat the issue (please!).

After the expected new-year lull, a trio of interesting games will be released this week. Final Fantasy XIII-2 hopes to address some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. It also adds a Pokemon-like feature, a cute Moogle, and an odd Assassin’s Creed crossover. I’m really looking forward to this one, despite the lack of Reona Rewis. Speaking of Assassin’s Creed crossovers, Soul Calibur V adds Ezio Auditore da Firenze to its list of sword-swinging combatants. Last, but not least, is NeverDead. This trippy action game from Konami features an immortal hero with detachable body parts.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Any of you psyched for The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360?

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I’ve heard from one reliable industry source that Microsoft intends to incorporate some sort of anti-used game system as part of their so-called Xbox 720.

It’s not clear if that means that the system wouldn’t play used games or how such a set-up would work. Obvious approaches–I’m theorizing here–like linking a copy of a game to a specific Xbox Live account could seemingly be foiled by used-game owners who would keep their system offline. My source wasn’t sure how Microsoft intended to implement any anti-used game system in the new machine.

This would have huge ramifications for the gaming business. Developers and publishers would love the move, while many retailers and most consumers would hate it. Part of me thinks that it’s a little too bold of Microsoft, as it would alienate too many partners that have helped the Xbox and Xbox 360 become so successful. Part of me thinks that it doesn’t matter too much, since physical media will eventually become obsolete; people will bitch and moan for a year and eventually forget that it was even an issue. As a verbal entertainer, I’m hoping that the rumor is true. I’d sit back, grab some popcorn, watch the crazy fallout, and talk about with all of you.

What do you make of the rumor that Microsoft’s next console will have anti-used-games measures?

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According to Epic Games community manager Will Kinsler, Microsoft will be banning guns for Xbox Live avatars starting in 2012. His exact words were, “A new policy goes into effect for all gun-like avatar items on the Marketplace, so get them while they’re hot.” With that in mind, are you planning to pick up a gun or an entire arsenal for your Xbox Live dolly?

As for me, I’ve never cared to have a gun for my avatar…but now I want one. I’m one of those idiots that hates being told what to do. If Microsoft is banning guns and gun-like items from the Xbox Live Marketplace then I sure as hell want one. Perhaps I’ll start an Xbox Live avatar libertarian movement or call for Microsoft to ban the incredibly destructive Halo energy sword too. Ha!

Are any of you picking Xbox Live avatar guns before the ban goes into effect?

Here are a pair of videos for the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG being developed by Cyanide and published by Atlus. As a mark for the books and the show, I’m definitely going to give the game a shot. I’m even a little excited for it, despite the mediocre graphics and seemingly derivative gameplay. At a glance, it looks average (at best) from a gameplay perspective, but I’m super curious about the writing. The game’s plot was written in conjunction with George RR Martin. I’m hoping it’ll be interesting, especially since I’ll be in my 60s when he finally finishes the damn series.

Check out the trailers when you have a chance and let me know what you think. Any of you interested in the Game of Thrones RPG?