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Upgraded PS4 port of Earth Defense Force 2025 in development
Sony announced during today's pre-TGS press conference that an upgraded PlayStation 4 version of D3 Publisher's bug-blasting third-person shooter Earth Defense Force 2025 is in development. The Japanese edition, Chikyuu Boueigun 4.1, is launching in 2015. A North American release date was not announced. [Image: Sony]
Onechanbara Z2: Chaos delivers 1080p bikinis to Japanese PS4s this year
Blood-and-bikinis brawler Onechanbara Z2: Chaos is coming to the PlayStation 4 in Japan later this year, D3 Publisher confirmed with Famitsu this week (via Gematsu). Tracing its origins back to a series of schlocky budget releases for the PlayStation 2, the Onechanbara franchise made its way to North America in 2009 with the Xbox 360's Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad and Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers for the Nintendo Wii. The upcoming sequel boasts a 1080p 60 FPS presentation throughout, and features new mechanics like the "Cross Merge Combination Element" multi-character combo attack and the "Quick Time Kill" mode, which challenges players to trace lines on the DualShock 4's touch pad to deliver critical blows to bosses. Onechanbara Z2: Chaos will hit Japan in October. A North American release has not been announced. [Image: D3 Publisher]
PSA: Dungeon Defenders is free on Xbox Live
Those itching to cast spells, hack away at enemies and level up will be happy to learn that co-op action RPG Dungeon Defenders is free on Xbox Live for Gold subscribers through the end of the month, March 31. The Trendy Entertainment-developed tower defense game took the place of Civilization Revolution in this month's Games with Gold program offerings, first launching on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 in October 2011 and receiving four DLC packs in the time since. Microsoft's Phil Spencer recently addressed concerns related to the Games with Gold program and the comparisons to Sony's PlayStation Plus program that it frequently receives. Spencer said the business for Microsoft's two-free-games-per-month service is "fundamentally different" from PS Plus, and stressed that players are able to keep the free games they download after their Xbox Live premium subscriptions run out. Trendy Entertainment announced a sequel to Dungeon Defenders in March 2013, which is still scheduled to launch this spring, according to the game's website. The developer also revealed cross-platform online shooter Monster Madness Online in December. [Image: Trendy Entertainment]
Earth Defense Force 2025 review: I like big bugs
2007's Earth Defense Force 2017 ranks as one of my favorite multiplayer experiences on the Xbox 360. Pitting an army of tiny (but heavily armed) humans against massive waves of gigantic insects, the EDF games have a uniquely charming appeal, despite their low-rent aesthetics. Co-op play in EDF 2017 required frantic communication with an experienced teammate in order to survive its screen-filling enemy swarms, and few games released in the years since matched its impressive sense of scale and array of powerful explosive weaponry. It wasn't perfect, though – its missions followed a simple and repetitive structure, and the lack of online multiplayer stung. The recent spinoff game Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon promised a glorious return for the series, but ended up being a crushing disappointment instead. Insect Armageddon's inexperienced development team misunderstood the series' appeal, replacing EDF's defining elements with puny weapons, boring objectives, and straightforward enemy encounters. Now, Earth Defense Force 2025 puts the series back on track, returning development duties to franchise creator Sandlot and delivering the goofiest bug-blasting action this side of Starship Troopers. While much of EDF 2025's content treads familiar terrain, it has enough new features and improvements to make it a worthy successor to one of this generation's greatest cult classics.
Earth Defense Force 2025 takes the bug hunt to Europe on February 21
The European branch of the Earth Defense Force will join worldwide bug-blasting efforts soon after the North American battalion deploys next month, as Sandlot's Earth Defense Force 2025 will hit the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in Europe on February 21, publisher D3 announced this week. Following up on 2007's Earth Defense Force 2017 on the Xbox 360, Earth Defense Force 2025 introduces even more giant-sized insectoid types for players to exterminate in local and online cooperative multiplayer modes. New downloadable mission packs will be released in the month following EDF 2025's release, adding a total of 45 additional levels on top of the game's lengthy campaign. Earth Defense Force 2025 will launch in North America on February 18.
Earth Defense Force 2025 deploys Feb. 18, outlines DLC plans
The only good bug is a dead bug – and lots of bugs are going to die come February 18. D3Publisher has announced Earth Defense Force 2025 has gone gold and will launch next month on Xbox 360 and PS3. D3 has also announced three supplemental DLC mission packs. The first, "Special Ops," will be available on launch day for $3 and features three additional missions. "Mutant Rampage," available on February 25 for $9, will add 20 new missions and "Beyond Despair," which drops on March 11 for $9, will incorporate an additional 20 missions. In Earth Defense Force 2025, a sequel to Earth Defense Force 2017 from Japanese development studio Sandlot, humans are once again mired in conflict against the deadly space bug army. EDF 2025 takes place eight years after mankind successfully repelled the first invasion, just as the alien forces begin to emerge from a secret underground nest and attack humanity once again.
Marvel Puzzle Quest free-to-play on Steam, boosted by priced packs
D3 Publisher's Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign is now available on Steam. The free-to-play game mixes the Marvel superheroes universe with the Puzzle Quest franchise, combining match-three-style puzzle action with RPG trappings such as special abilities leveling systems. Given that the game is free to play, D3 Publisher is also offering three premium content packs that grant players in-game points/currency to recruit new characters to their teams, train their powers and purchase health packs and other gameplay boosts. The packs are priced at $10, $40 and $100, respectively. Marvel Puzzle Quest previously launched on iOS and Android in October.
Earth Defense Force 2025 kills bugs dead in February 2014
Earth Defense Force 2025 brings its particular brand of wanton, surprisingly light-hearted insectoid destruction to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in February of next year. Having launched in Japan this past July, Earth Defense Force 2025 already has a number of downloadable additions available for it. Unexpectedly, these extras will not remain exclusive to the island nation. "We'll make sure all content from Japan makes it over here at some point, and we'll have more details on all of that in the near future," writes product manager Kaori Takasue. GameStop will begin accepting pre-orders on EDF2025 as soon as October 29, and along with guaranteeing yourself a copy of the game, the pre-order also brings with it the "Air Raid Weapons Pack." This includes the "BMO3 Vegalta Gold," a weapon that offers temporary flight, radar deflection and a handy flamethrower, as well as the "Pure Decoy Launcher," a device that launches a balloon in the shape of an adorable anime girl. Thanks to video game logic, huge bugs are attracted to this balloon, which subsequently explodes, killing everything nearby. The PlayStation.blog details a further three weapons packs, scheduled for release as downloadable content at an as yet undetermined point in the future. Beyond downloadable content, Earth Defense Force 2025 is said to offer players "more than 700 weapons, dozens more missions, four-player online multiplayer (for the first time on console), high-powered vehicles, and numerous upgrades that you'll need to see to believe."
Mordecai and Rigby go 8-bit this month in Regular Show for 3DS
Rigby, Mordecai, and their troubled pals will make their Nintendo 3DS debut later this month, as D3 Publisher announced that Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby in 8-Bit Land has gone gold today ahead of its planned retail launch on October 29. Based on the Cartoon Network animated series, Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby in 8-Bit Land traps the anti-heroic pair in a retro-styled video game that takes cues from classic platformers and shoot-'em-ups. Developer WayForward is also working on a multiplatform sequel to its Adventure Time release from last year, adding to the team's growing catalog of Cartoon Network-inspired games with wordy titles.
Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! Collector's Edition exclusive to 3DS
A BMO-themed Collector's Edition of Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! will be released for the 3DS version of the game, alongside its standard edition counterparts on the 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC when the game arrives this fall. The Collector's Edition, which will run for $39.99, comes in a limited edition BMO SteelBook case and includes a DVD that features voice actor interviews, show creator Pendleton Ward's storyboard artwork "and more," in addition to "Finn and Jake's Dungeon Guide," a full-color manual with bonus artwork. The standard editions of the Wii U and 3DS versions also have a bit more in-game BMO than the other ports. In the Wii U version, BMO's adorable little computer face will chill on the GamePad's screen, dispensing commentary via 300-plus voice clips, in addition to contextual clues and hints about boss weaknesses. The 3DS version features similar functionality on the touch screen, sans voice clips.
John DiMaggio yells about spoilers in the first Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! trailer
What time is it? Why, time for the very first Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! trailer, of course. The isometric hack-and-slash co-op dungeon crawler from WayForward features the voice talents of John DiMaggio, Tom Kenny and Jeremy Shada, all of which are present to varyingly belligerent degrees in this first look at the game. Kenny, the voice of the Ice King and everyone else from your childhood, describes Princess Bubblegum's Secret Dungeon as more of a "fungeon," while DiMaggio (Jake the Dog) seems mostly offended that someone is talking to him in the first place. The single most important takeaway from this, however, is that Cinnamon Bun is a playable character in all his awkward, uncomfortable glory. Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! is headed to Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and 3DS sometime this fall.%Gallery-193988%
Earth Defense Force 2025 adds another cheesy chapter to D3's bug book
With all of the hubbub about next-gen at this year's E3, Earth Defense Force 2025 stood out as the product of an entirely different generation, one where wildly idiosyncratic Japanese-developed games both delighted and confused gamers willing to take a risk on untested and out-there concepts. Technically, it's a complete mess, though I'm sure any fan of Earth Defense Force can tell you the series has never been known for its impeccable graphics or silky smooth action. Despite its rough edges in comparison to the polished Xbox One and PS4 games on display in the very same convention center, EDF 2025 still carries a unique charm.
New Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall
What time is it?! Well, Adventure Time obviously, but it's also Regular Show time and, most specifically, new games from WayForward time. The house responsible for Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! and Ducktales: Remastered has announced that it will be putting out two new games this fall based on what we believe to be Cartoon Network's most hilarious/magical franchises. Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I don't know! tasks players with exploring the Secret Royal Dungeon underneath the Candy Kingdom. The game features multiple selectable characters, including Finn, Jake, Marceline "and more," has co-op for up to four players and includes the voices from the show. Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward is once again involved in production, though his specific role is unknown. The game will be available on Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and 3DS. Meanwhile, Mordecai and Rigby make their non-iOS gaming debut in Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land for the 3DS. As the name suggests, our heroes must survive being transported inside of their favorite games, which sounds about right for an episode of Regular Show. The game is being developed "in close collaboration with show creator JG Quintel," according to the press release.
Earth Defense Force 2025 video showcases vehicles, big ol' bugs
Those dang space bugs are at it again. D3 Publisher is set to release Earth Defense Force 2025 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year, and the new gameplay video above shows off the many ways in which players can tear through insectoid alien hordes.A "heavy" unit type similar to the Battle Armor class in Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon makes an appearance, as does the jetpack-equipped Pale Wing class (seen recently in the PS Vita port of Earth Defense Force 2017). Other new stuff includes lock-on weaponry, a motorbike (with sidecar), and vehicles that seem better equipped – and hopefully sturdier – than the fragile craft featured in EDF 2017.The Japanese version of Earth Defense Force 2025 will launch in July. A US release has been announced, but a specific release date is not yet known.
Adventure Time: Hey Ice King soundtrack now on streaming
The entirety of Adventure Time: Hey Ice King, Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!'s phenomenal pseudo-chiptune power-pop soundtrack is now streaming on D3Publisher's official Soundcloud account, which means that all 83 minutes of Jake Kaufman's exceptional work on the game can now be enjoyed for free.While the majority of the 34 track album is instrumental, some songs (such as Marceline's boss theme and the beginning/ending themes) are fitting vocal tributes to the source material, which is already famous for having catchy, endearing music.There is one small catch, which is that the soundtrack isn't actually for sale or available to download, and therefore must be enjoyed in-browser. This basically ruins our plans to drive around town blasting Party in the Clouds, but we'll take what we can get at this point.
Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable lands on PS Vita Jan. 8
The conflict against the space bugs has rocked Japan for a few months now and today, we learn the enemy will be on our doorstep in only a few week's time. Brace yourselves, soldiers – Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable will be available as a PS Vita download through PSN on January 8 in North America.Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable is a remake of the campy Xbox 360 original, in which a ragtag group of multi-national soldiers take on seemingly unrelenting hordes of alien bug invaders. It's a pretty easy story to grasp – the only good bug is a dead bug, after all.%Gallery-173890%
Earth Defense Force 2025 begins in 2013
Giant bugs are making their way back to Earth, and their disposal is in the hands of the usual extermination team: the Earth Defense Force. The PS3/Xbox 360 sequel Earth Defense Force 4 is being localized for North America and Europe as Earth Defense Force 2025, for release in 2013.The previous console release in the series, Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon, was handed off to frequent D3 collaborator and Matt Hazard studio Vicious Cycle. But EDF 4 is the work of Sandlot, the developer who originated the series as a low-cost "Simple 2000" game for PS2.%Gallery-173345%
Adventure Time review: Hey Ice King, why'd you steal my heart?
Adventure Time is one of the very best things on television. Its adorable characters, hilarious dialogue and surprisingly complex and storied mythology set it apart from the vast majority of "children's" entertainment out there. Other programs like Regular Show may be roughly as funny, but Adventure Time's contemporaries often lack its poignant subtext and stellar character development.Needless to say, I love Adventure Time dearly. So, when I first heard about WayForward's Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! for the DS and 3DS, my initial reaction was one of both joy and concern. I want there to be a game for my favorite cartoon, of course, but "portable game based on a Cartoon Network property" isn't usually a phrase that inspires confidence.Well, be confident. Hey Ice King isn't going to win any awards for innovative design, but the soul of the show is present in gratuitous quantities.%Gallery-168686%
The new Karateka looks different
Xbox.com has posted the first look at Jordan Mechner's reimagined Karateka, and a lot has changed since the Apple 2. The hand-drawn rotoscoping has given way to a fully 3D presentation featuring designs by Jeff Matsuda, character designer for The Batman (and the iOS game Age of Monsters).According to the Xbox listing, D3 Publisher has taken on publishing duties, and is planning to release it on November 14. We're checking with D3 to verify that information. In the meantime, enjoy the screenshots on Xbox.com
Earth Defense Force 2017 defending North American Vitas
Giant bugs will invade your Vita's giant (for a handheld screen) and they will get shot to pieces for doing so. Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable, the PlayStation Vita port of the Xbox 360 B-movie sci-fi shooting game, is coming to North America.The announcement of the localized release coincides with today's release of the Japanese version. There's currently no release window for EDF 2017 portable stateside. D3 Publisher didn't include that information, but did chant "EDF! EDF!" a few times.
