Microsoft raising the filesize cap for XBLA games

[thekitchensink]

NEWS  SF2 HD Remix 'Not Gimped' Says Producer Plus the first-ever high-quality gameplay footage. By Steve Watts, 03/13/2008

UPDATE: Word comes from IGN that Capcom has raised the file cap for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, as well as Bionic Commando Rearmed. Let it never be said that Microsoft won't bend its own rules when necessary, and that explains how the title has escaped the fate of gimping. ORIGINAL STORY: Recent news has sparked a bit of fear that the size limitation on Xbox Live Arcade is an obstacle to making Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix the proverbial "all it can be." These followed comments from game director David Sirlin that it's difficult to fit all the hi-res 1080p sprites and music in Microsoft's 150MB cap. This has been leading to all sorts of speculation that the game will use lower-res textures or remove some music for the Xbox 360 version, or even on the PlayStation 3 as well in order to make sure the two versions are equal. Game producer Rey Jimenez wrote a post on the Capcom blog today that will probably lay those fears to rest. In a large update, he addresses the point: I can officially say that the filesize will not be an issue. With great help from the guys at Microsoft, we will be able to offer the same features on both platforms to the same quality as each other. To use the term I've been reading on the forums, neither console version will be "gimped" due to any kind of limitation. Of course, we don't know exactly how Microsoft stepped in to help. Raising the file cap? Helping with compression? It's hard to tell, but at least it won't be a problem anymore. The blog also discusses some of the "HD Remix" mode strategies and a few features that are being included, such as an 8-man Tournament and Hit Box display. This comes alongside a new video of Ryu vs Ken at a recent Capcom event, by far the best quality of the game in motion we've seen so far. (Spoiler: Ken wins. A lot.) Of course, those who want to experience Ryu vs Ken matches first-hand could always buy Commando 3 for a code to the beta test, which will only allow access to the two characters.