Cardboard Tube Samurai in Tekken 6

If you're any sort of fan of Penny Arcade then you're aware of the Cardboard Tube Samurai--Gabe and Tycho's pet character, whom they revisit from time to time. It's not often that these two carry on a running plot thread for more than three comics, but the Cardboard Tube Samurai is the site's black sheep. Now, the Cardboard Tube Samurai is showing face in the upcoming Tekken 6 on PS3 and Xbox 360.

On the official Tekken Twitter page, the above image was posted and there is no mistaking that individual. And while the sun might be shading a lot of the detail of the image you can clearly see the spiraling pattern on the cardboard tube, the socks and mandals, and the Pac-man logo on the gi. Odds are we will see an official announcement at this year's PAX. Tekken 6 goes on sale October 27th 2009.

Dio Drops from Brutal Legend, Replaced by Tim Curry

Brutal Legend has a shitload of Metal gods guest starring in the game. Tim Schafer has done good by us rock fans. However, one of the rock legends originally slated to take part in Brutal Legend, playing the game's lead villain, was Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath fame who has now dropped from the title. But good news does come out of this. Dry your eyes people, rock stars don't cry. Instead, we rage till we get what we want. And Dio's replacement is definitely someone we want.

Tim Curry.

Yes, that guy who played Mr. Hector in Home Alone 2 and that greedy asshole in Congo. He is taking over for Dio and it's probably going to be really sweet. Faith in Schafer folks. Curry seems like a good fit for a villainous rocker from the pits of hell. He did play "Darkness" in Legend after all.

Max Payne, Meet Solid Snake and Sam Fisher

What's up with the obsession to have classic video game heroes turning into old geriatrics? Whatever the case, Max Payne is the latest to step in line and become a grumpy old man with Max Payne 3. In the most recent issue of Game Informer the beans were spilled on the latest Max adventure. And while Max is leaving the seedy streets and construction yards of New York for the sunny slums of Sao Paulo, Brazil, it's his appearance that has caused the greatest uproar among fans. Dropping the slicked back hair and trenchboat for a bald head, wooly beard, and beer gut, Max has apparently been through some rather rough times. Apparently the dark and depressing inner monologues he narrates to himself have really taken their toll. Even the game's voice actor is changing due to Max being a good bit older. James McCaffrey, the voice of Max in the first two titles is unfortunately being shipped out for a yet-to-be-revealed replacement. However, Jeronimo Barrera, of the game's development team, asks for fans to have faith, stating, "We're good at casting."

Well thanks, Mr. Barrera. Even if you guys are good at casting, there are a lot of other variables in this equation that make us Max Payne fans unsettled. There is change to improve something, and then there's change just to do it. It's a thin line you're traveling here, and with all the changes being made, at what point does this title stop being Max Payne? Pick the latest Game Informer for more information on the title.