SCEA REFUSES Metal Slug 3

[Max M]

Word on the streets (He writes for EGM) is that SCEA has refused Metal Slug 3. I don't know what their problem is, I remember they tried to block some of the Megaman games as well, and wouldn't let Working Designs release Goemon overseas either. Why? Apparently they like to "limit" the amount of "niche" games that get released...

If it was a 1st party game I could understand, but all this is kind of disturbing to me, especially when some developers don't bother converting a game at all because they wanted a worldwide release. It's almost like they're becoming similar to Nintendo in the Snes days. I know some of the Games TM writers lurk here. I wonder if they'd have the guts to do an undercover report on Sony's approval process. They could talk to publishers and the like, I think it would be an interesting read.

[Bomberman UK]

Aren't SNK struggling enough as it is? Oh, and apparently it happens in Japan a bit too:

In defense of SCEJ, they obviously let lots of crazy ass games get published, but I'm sure even they are bastards to deal with sometimes. Capcom didn't just up and move half their titles to GameCube because they liked the system so much. I should start a list of all the games I hear get totally slapped down during the concept approval process.

And now Working Design's has to release Growlanser as a double-pack, which doesn't hurt the fans. But it costs WD more money to make and manufacture, while halving their profits, which I would imagine makes it hard to stay in business.

I love games no matter what system they're on, but the PS2 dominance thing is only good for some publishers. Sony are like Republicans. The rich keep getting richer while the poor...

That thread's certainly an eye opener.

[Magnakai]

I'm with you both on all counts.
I would especially like to see the article produced.

[PeteJ]

I seem to remember reading that Sony Europe and US tried to block the release of Psyvariar (sorry about spelling, double sorry if there is no spelling error). Only reason I can think of is them trying to prevent a budget release rather than full price, but that doesn't really make sense.

[DJ Sack]

SCEA blocked worms originally too, only when they saw the millions it sold in europe did they then allow them to release it.

[tankplanker]

It doesn't make any sense to block quality titles and let crap through?

What has SCEA got against 2D titles?

[Salsa Party Animal]

Because they think 3D only sells (HA) I got the game already and all I need a modded PS2 and my soul calibur 2 stick to arrive.

I played Metal Slug on chipped XBOX and it was amazing fun.

I will be playing this game with a massive grin in few week time due to new console, new stick and new hearing aids (Digital)

[RLench]

Good way to stop importing and console chipping, Sony.

Assholes

So I guess this moves a PAL release from 'unlikely' to 'no ****ing way' ft:

[C']

Good way to stop importing and console chipping, Sony.

Assholes

So I guess this moves a PAL release from 'unlikely' to 'no ****ing way' ft:

Not necessarily. Whilst it's not a good sign, some European publishers do seem slightly more likely to give more 'off the wall' and less mainstream titles a release over here.

[RLench]

Yeah, true (should have thought about it a bit more ) A lot of obscure Japanese games do get budget releases over here, most of which aren't released in America AFAIK (Air Rescue, Psyvariar?)

I won't hold my breath for it though.

[C']

I won't hold my breath for it though.

Me neither. How long did MSX take? About half a century?

[NINTY]

Why do Seca have any say to wether metal slug 3 gets released or not?

[PeteJ]

Sony

[Bomberman UK]

Oh no, I just realised Sony must've blocked Bomberman Jetters too. This was on PS2 and GameCube in Japan, but it's only coming out on GameCube in the US.

Not flashy enough for them?

[Lyris]

Why the hell?... Why are SCEA complaining about another title being added to the PS2 software library? It's not as if they have to pay up if it doesn't sell well or anything?