A serious flaw fighting games can have now days is in online gameplay. Most fighting games are all about special moves, counters, and combos, none of which can be successfully pulled off without reflexes, and correct button timing. It’s awesome to be able to fight your friends or strangers online, but if gameplay isn’t up to par, it just ruins the entire experience. But fear not, we have updates! YES! Tekken fans rejoice! A free update to enhance online gameplay is scheduled to be released on Turkey Day, November 26th.

The following enhancements will be made to online battles:

• Improved input response: improvement of the game’s responsiveness to button / command inputs;
• Selectable search priorities for ranked matches: players will be able to set search priorities for opponents in ranked matches based on comparable rank or connection quality as well as location;
• Optimized data transmission between fighters and spectators: fight data will be optimized in order to reduce the bandwidth load on the host’s console;
• Signal strength bars: the signal strength bar will reflect connection quality more accurately;
• Chance to cancel match: players will be able to cancel the match before it begins once the opponent’s signal strength has been displayed on ranked matches.

This update is not to be confused with the online co-op Scenario Campaign mode, which is scheduled for release separately this winter.

Namco Bandai Games Europe S.A.S announced Inversion, a third-person co-op shooter for the PS3 and X360. Developed by Saber Interactive, Inversion promises to deliver a whirlwind journey complete with nonstop firefights and a suspense-filled storyline.

Inversion takes place sometime in the near feature, peace for the human race is shattered with the invasion of an unknown enemy called the Lutadore. Armed with gravity-controlling weapons, they take over the city. Coinciding with this invasion, certain anomalies have surfaced in random regions of the city where zero gravity has occured or have suffered from vector changes, throwing the city into chaos. Davis Russel, a hot-headed 28 year-old cop, and Leo Delgado, his neighbor (what?) embark on a journey through the disoriented, chaotic city to look for Davis’ missing child.

The key gameplay mechanic in Inversion comes in the form of the Grappler Weapon. As Davis or Leo, the player can manipulate gravity to turn the combat situation in their favor. Player will be able to move objects to use as covers or projectiles, and even pull camping enemies from behind their cover. The Grappler Weapon also plays a key role in solving puzzles and accessing new areas.

Todd Thorson, director of marketing and PR at Namco Bandai Games says, “Inversion will turn the shooter genre upside down, literally. Saber Interactive’s innovative gravity manipulation feature will blow away any preconceptions of what a contemporary shooter should be.”

The storyline definitely has potential, with unknown enemis and unexplained anomalies. And looking at the screenshot, the grappler weapon definitely looks cool. We’ll definitely have to keep an eye out for this badboy.

Namco Bandai Games let us in on their line-up titles they’ll be exhibiting at the MCM Expo in Docklands Excel Arena this weekend (10/24-10-25).

One of these titles is the highly anticipated MMO Star Trek Online. Along with hi-spec PCs running a closed beta, Terry Ferrel (Jadzia Dax) and Nicole De Boer (Ezri Dax) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and acclaimed writer for DS9 Ron D Moore will be conducting signings for all the fans.

Another exciting title is the highly anticipated game: Tekken 6. At this stand, Phil Mackenzie, who won the recent NEO Empire tournament (with a broken arm!) will be attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the longest winning streak between 10am and 1pm. Official Guinness adjucators will be there to witness this event. All challengers are welcome to take him on, so if you’re in the area, you have a chance to claim the Tekken throne!

Other exciting playable titles being exhibited are Tales of symphonia, Ghostbusters: The Video  Game, Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast, Dragon Ball Z: Revenge of King Piccolo, One Piece Unlimited Cruise 2: Awakening of a Hero, Family Trainter: Extreme Challenge, Tekken 6, and Magna Carta 2 (which we’re in the process of reviewing!)

The Namco Bandai Games booths will definitely be an exciting booth not to be missed!