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Mighty No. 9 surpasses current-gen console stretch goal
Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9 Kickstarter has rushed past $2.2 million, meaning is should roll out Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U versions at launch in 2015. The Kickstarter recently added stretch goals for PS4 and Xbox One versions (you know, your likely consoles in 2015) at the $3.3 million mark. With 14 days to go in the campaign, Mighty No. 9 still has plenty of time to rock out, pump up the bass and drum up support for future goals. Those include extra bosses, co-op and a lot of tantalizing "???" goals. Mighty No. 9 secured its original $900,000 funding request in three days. [Thanks, Sunny]
Mighty No. 9 reaches $2 million, lets you cut to the front of the boss line
The Kickstarter pledge drive for Mighty No. 9, Keiji Inafune's new retro-inspired 2D platformer, has exceeded $2 million. As a result, Boss Rush mode, a time-based attack mode where players fight all of the bosses in rapid succession, will be in the game when it launches in 2015. No more waiting for Mighty No. 9's hero, Beck, to navigate an entire stage before your climactic battle, boss types! Mighty No. 9 made its debut last month at PAX Prime and quickly secured its desired $900,000 in funding. If Mighty No. 9 is able to secure $2.2 million, then Inafune promises ports to Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U, while reaching $2.75 million will secure an online co-op mode for players. Finally, $3.3 million guarantees Xbox One and PS4 ports.
Mighty No. 9 adds PS4, Xbox One ports to stretch goals
Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9 will come to Xbox One and PS4 if the ongoing Kickstarter campaign earns $3.3 million in funding. Presumably this figure would help developer Inti Creates overcome its unfamiliarity with next-gen systems. If the $3.3 million figure is reached, all backers eligible for a download of the game may choose from Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Mac, Linux or PC. Handheld ports are also on the table, though the Kickstarter post mentions that Comcept, Keiji Inafune's company overseeing production of Mighty No. 9, still has to work out some of the logistics. Comcept hopes to have an update regarding this possibility sometime next week. Mighty No. 9 was announced during PAX Prime and quickly reached its funding goal of $900,000. During our interview at PAX Prime, Inafune said Mighty No. 9 would feature some of the old-school challenge, but would still be a fair game.
Mighty No. 9 console stretch goals lowered by $300K
Among the stretch goals announced for Mighty No. 9, Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune's Kickstarter project, was a $2.5 million goal originally set in order to bring the game to PS3, 360 and Wii U. A recent update on the project's page notes that stretch goal has now been lowered to $2.2 million. Inafune said at PAX Prime that Mighty No. 9's developer is "not familiar with next-gen," explaining the stretch goal's lack of PS4 and Xbox One options. He also added that the game will be challenging like older games were while also being "fair." The Kickstarter project is currently just above $1.5 million, over $600,000 above its funding goal, and will end on October 1.
The spiritual successor to Mega Man is Mighty No. 9, and it's coming to Mac
Over the long holiday weekend, former Capcom game developer and father of the Mega Man franchise, Keiji Inafune, launched a Kickstarter campaign for his next game. It's called Mighty No. 9, and in the roughly 48 hours that has passed since the crowdfunding began, it has raised over US$1.35 million. The game's original goal amount was $900,000, with a series of stretch goals that reach all the way to $2.5 million. Having just passed the $1.35 million goal, Mighty No. 9 is now officially coming to Mac. You can score your own digital copy of the game -- which is scheduled to launch in April 2015 (yikes) -- for a $20 contribution, though if you've got some extra cash to drop, you can offer as much as $10,000. A donation of that size scores you a metric ton of bonus goodies as well as dinner and drinks with lead developer Inafune himself.
Inafune: Mighty No. 9 looks like Mega Man due to my art style
Mighty No. 9 could present some legal issues due to its similarity, both in terms of art and gameplay, to Capcom's Mega Man series. When it comes to the former, Keiji Inafune told me at PAX Prime it's because he created both Mega Man and Mighty No. 9 – and it's only natural the two should share some resemblance. "If you really do look at something that a lot of people really don't realize, that character – Beck – may look similar to Mega-Man at a precursory glance, but it's because I created it. Artists have their own style and they get comfortable in that style, so the things they make look very similar," Inafune said. "Picasso paintings look like Picasso paintings, so that's my style – I can't help it, that can't be changed, it is what it is." Inafune elaborated that despite the style, Beck and Mega Man are two very different characters, "from the color, from the fact that one has a cannon on his arm and the other doesn't, from the eye size, from the headgear – it's very different." On the note of legality, Inafune admitted he had some concern how Mighty No. 9 may be perceived, but reiterated the game is "one hundred percent, from the ground up, built originally" and doesn't take anything from previous Mega Man games. "I can't say I have absolutely no worry but it's really impossible to say how one side is going to view something. There was no ill will and ultimately I think if it did come down to any sort of legal issue, it would be like: Did I actually have ill will towards Capcom when coming up with this concept? And to that I can one hundred percent say no that is not the case. So for me, it was merely, one hundred percent, I heard the voice of the fans and I've always been somebody who likes listening to them and that's what I'm trying to do with this project."
Mighty No. 9 will have old-school challenge, yet still be 'fair'
One of the chief concepts relayed by Keiji Inafune in his Kickstarter pitch video for Mighty No. 9, a new side-scrolling 2D action platform game from Comcept, was his intention to combine old and new – the classic gameplay sensibilities of the past paired with modern conventions. "Finding that balance is the true innovation of this game, I think – what makes it original," Inafune told me during a PAX Prime interview. "If you are just making an old classic style game, the formula is already set pretty much in stone and you don't need designers to try and come up with anything new; you can just imitate one hundred percent the classics. However, if you make something that's too new and doesn't have enough of the old, obviously the people who want to play these classic games are going to feel left out – some of those are the key fans who have supported us on Kickstarter." For Inafune, Kickstarter is what will drive this balance between old and new, since backers can directly engage with the creators and proclaim what they want from Mighty No. 9. Of course, one can't bring up classic gaming without talking about difficulty. The original Mega Man games are some of the toughest out there. "It will be challenging, as far as the old games were, but it will be fair and have some of the newer, modern game mechanics that allow people to – even if they die – continue to restart and basically rely on their skill and not have to backtrack and do annoying things over and over and over again," Inafune added. "But again, this is something that, with game balance, you have to continually tweak and tweak and tweak. And with Kickstarter, we'll be able to be tied into our fans and they'll help us tweak it with what's the perfect balance." Mighty No. 9 reached its funding goal a mere day after its unveiling. The Kickstarter campaign has earned nearly $1.4 million so far with 28 days to go. The game is slated to launch in 2015 for PC on Steam, but if $2.5 million is raised, Comcept promises console ports on Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 – sorry, no next-gen.
Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9 hits Kickstarter goal
Keiji Inafune's Kickstarter for The Mighty No. 9 is a "take my money!" situation if there ever was one, with the project accomplishing its $900,000 goal within three days. The game, which features many alumni from the Mega Man series, is a side-scroller shooter about a robot named Beck who defeats a series of robots and gains their powers. We can sense Capcom's lawyers frothing from across the Pacific. The Mighty No. 9 is scheduled to launch for PC sometime in the spring of 2015 via "Steam and DRM-free digital distribution methods." Stretch goals include Mac/Linux versions at $1.35 million and the highest stretch at this time is current-gen console ports at $2.5 million. If the momentum keeps up, Inafune's going to be scrambling to come up with further goals by week's end.
Mighty No. 9 stretch goals ignoring Xbox One, PS4 due to tech unfamiliarity
Mighty No. 9, the new Kickstarter campaign from Keiji Inafune, has numerous stretch goals, one of which is console ports for Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 if pledges make it to $2.5 million. Since the game is being developed for PC, wouldn't it make more sense to port to Xbox One and PS4? Both of which are built on x86 PC architecture. "One of the clearest reasons is that the developer, who is developing the core of the production, is Inti Creates, and they're not familiar with next-gen," Inafune told Joystiq during an interview at PAX Prime. "So with trying to learn that technology, with trying to understand a new piece of hardware, to get a new development kit, all of that comes with it an associated cost and all of that makes the stretch goal a lot more expensive." Inafune, while not alluding to any possibility of next-gen ports for the game, added that the beauty of Kickstarter is that it allows for direct interaction with the fans – to "reflexively" adapt to what they demand. "It allows us to see how excited they are, what they really want, how vocal they are about certain parts and it allows us to, reflexively, adjust some of what those stretch goals are. What we can say is we're always listening and seeing what they say, but it will forever – and this is the way Kickstarter has to be, unless you're going to be lying to the end user which is what we will absolutely not do – it has to be a balance of what the production realities are and what the fans want." Mighty No. 9, a 2D action platformer harkening back to the classic games of yesteryear, is seeking $900,000 through Kickstarter for its base financing. As of this post it's incredibly close to achieving its goal and will launch on PC through Steam sometime in 2015.
Keiji Inafune's 'The Mighty No. 9' hits Kickstarter
Mega Man mogul Keiji Inafune has launched a Kickstarter to fund the development of his latest game, The Mighty No. 9. The fundraising campaign seeks to raise $900,000 within the next 30 days. If successful, the game will launch for PC sometime in the spring of 2015 via "Steam and DRM-free digital distribution methods." Mac/Linux versions will be produced if the $1.35 million stretch goal is reached. Likewise, Xbox 360, Wii U and PlayStation 3 versions will be developed if the campaign manages to raise $2.5 million. The game's development team includes Mega Man series alumnus Nayoa Tomita and Manami Matsumae, who served as level designer and composer (respectively) on the original Mega Man, in addition to artist Shinsuke Komaki, whose resume includes character/mecha design work on Mega Man Legends. Mega Man 9/Mega Man 10 developer Inti Creates is also involved, with CEO Takuya Aizu listed as being responsible for "executing on the designs his company and Comcept create together for Mighty No. 9." The game is a side-scrolling shooter, which concerns a robot named Beck – the ninth in a series of robots called the "Mighty Numbers." The other eight Mighty Numbers have gone rogue due to a virus, and it's up to Beck (and his female robot companion Call) to stop them. Each defeated Mighty Number grants Beck a new power, but Beck also has the ability to transform his limbs into various tools (giant magnets, tank treads, etc) to dispose of enemies and traverse the environment. You know, call us crazy but this sounds kinda familiar.
Sweet Fuse, a dating game starring Keiji Inafune's niece, out August 27
Sweet Fuse, the Japanese dating sim starring the fictional niece of game designer Keiji Inafune, will hit PlayStation Network and retail shelves for PSP on August 27. In the game, Saki Inafune visits her famous uncle's new amusement park on opening day – the same day that the villain Count Hogstein blows up the Ferris Wheel and forces park employees to participate in a series of deadly games. Saki volunteers (as brave young women do) to play his games and save Uncle Keiji, and somehow this all culminates in a romance story. Pre-order Sweet Fuse via Amazon and get Count Hogstein's skull necklace. Otherwise, be on the lookout for the downloadable game on PSN in North America and Europe on August 27.
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z trailers won't cost you an arm and a leg
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z stars Yaiba Kamikaze, a ninja killed by primary series star Ryu Hayabusa during a duel. We're not sure how Yaiba came back from the dead, but at least we can see how he died.
Putting the 'Yaiba' in Ninja Gaiden Z
Yaiba means "the blade of a sword," Keiji Inafune explains in this developer diary for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. It is, somehow, the subtler component of the protagonist's full name: Yaiba Kamikaze. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is being developed primarily by Spark Unlimited, the Los Angeles-based studio also responsible for Lost Planet 3. In the video, Inafune says the studio is "exactly what we wanted" because they were able to bring a unique perspective to the ninja, unifying Western and Eastern visions on the classic archetype. "To appeal to both, it made sense for us to work together." Inafune then goes into an astute metaphor about how game development is like building a house – at least, we think it's astute. We've never built a house before.
Soul Sacrifice review: Escapism encapsulated
Soul Sacrifice is a steady ascent to superiority over your captor, a mad sorcerer named Magusar. You can provoke and challenge him from within your fetid cage at any time, but ultimate victory requires toil, repetition and mastery of the same magic that imprisons you. You'll have to play the game to get out, which makes you wonder what the real trap is. Freedom through power is your goal in the game's fiction and function, with progression framed in a living, speaking journal covered by a contorted face. The cheeky diary, named Librom, recalls the inner turmoil and exploits of Magusar's former partner, from whom you acquire magic and memories packaged as short, perfect-for-portable quests. Discovering the author's identity and exploits is an intriguing, incremental accompaniment to your own gestation as a powerful conjurer. Soul Sacrifice is a game you play more for the beach than for the sand. Like other sagas that spin around the aggressive acquisition of beastie bits, there is less reward in the act of fighting than the result – and in the case of bigger battles, "epicness" is often conflated with "duration." Soul Sacrifice has no pretense of exploration or towns, just a distilled drip-feed of enclosed arenas and creature extermination that enables new spells, augmented magical prowess or a greater life expectancy for the next challenge.%Gallery-177521%
Soul Sacrifice sequel already pitched to Sony, says Inafune
Talks of a Soul Sacrifice sequel are already "ongoing" between Sony and Comcept's Keiji Inafune, just a month after the action-RPG hit Japan. In an interview with IGN, Inafune said he'd love to make the follow-up and "drive Vita sales even more.""Soul Sacrifice is something I specifically designed for Vita using [the] hardware's specific features," Inafune told IGN. "To drive Vita sales even more, I have an idea for a Soul Sacrifice sequel. I'm actually approaching [Sony Computer Entertainment] regarding this project.""Let's say the talks are ongoing and I'd love to make it happen," he added.The likelihood of a sequel can only be boosted by SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida retweeting IGN's story earlier this morning.According to IGN, Soul Sacrifice shifted 150,000 units at retail since being released in Japan on March 7 - that figure excludes digital sales. Of course, Japan is always a bit fond of a monster hunt, so it'll be interesting to see how the Vita game does in the west - and we should find out soon enough. Soul Sacrifice comes out next week in North America and Europe, on April 30 and May 3 respectively.
Live and love as Keiji Inafune's niece in Sweet Fuse: By Your Side
You are the fictional niece of game designer Keiji Inafune, visiting his new theme park for the first time. However, the terrorist Count Hogstein has invaded the park and kidnapped the staff on that very day. There's nothing for you to do but take part in Hogstein's twisted games, in an attempt to save Inafune and, perhaps, find love among the other participants.This is possibly one of the best premises for a game ever, and definitely the best premise for an otome game, interesting enough for us to be curious despite the Idea Factory developer credit.Aksys Games is bringing this unique romantic adventure, Sweet Fuse: At Your Side, to PSP in North America this summer.%Gallery-179112%
Inafune's face is from space in Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory
No longer content to be a mere weapon, Comcept founder Keiji Inafune becomes a gigantic spaceship in Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory, out March 12. We wonder if, in turn, you'll be able to summon anime girls modeled after game consoles in Soul Sacrifice.
Soul Sacrifice being given up to NA April 30, EU May 1
Keiji Inafune's Comcept is relinquishing Vita action-RPG Soul Sacrifice to North America on April 30, and to Europe the day after on May 1. It'll be in both stores and on PSN on its day of release. The game received its Japanese release date of March 7 last month.Both regions get the same pre-order bonuses, such as the two character costumes and three magical aids for battle. Those aids are the Spirits' Flamepike, which spears a fiery five-hit combo attack, the Spirits' Blightstone, which stirs up a poisonous explosion, and Spirits' Fulgurwood, which can both track enemies and cast a thunder spell.The most curious bonus is that of Japanese voice-overs. It's always great to have the option, but tying it to pre-orders is certainly unusual. If you're not gonna sacrifice your dosh for the pre-order, take note that the voice-over pack will be sold separately. %Gallery-177521%
Soul Sacrifice dev reveals co-op Ghost Mode, Leviathan monster
Vita action-RPG Soul Sacrifice has a ghostly co-op feature which lets you play on with your friends even after you're dead. Keiji Inafune, founder of developer Comcept, detailed this week how 'Ghost Mode' lets you help your party post-mortem, albeit as a phantom.In ghost form you have both your allies and enemies' status info to hand, and are able to strengthen party members and weaken enemies via the Vita's touchscreen. You're a bit like your party's guiding spirit, except presumably covered in a white blanket with eye holes cut out. Either way, it sounds like an intriguing way to keep players involved after death.Inafune also went into the lore of a Soul Sacrifice monster called Leviathan, the beastie pictured above. Apparently Leviathan's origins relate to a tormented prince, and his wish to claim the throne by having his twin brother killed by a tortured pet crocodile. This is just one of the reasons we advise caution in choosing a crocodile for a pet.Soul Sacrifice hits Japan on March 7, 2013. North American and European releases are confirmed, but publisher Sony Computer Entertainment hasn't disclosed their timeframes.
Soul Sacrifice out in Japan Mar. 7, 2013, offered in Vita bundle
Keiji Inafune's Comcept surrenders Soul Sacrifice to Japanese gamers on March 7, 2013. The dark fantasy action-RPG also gets a Premium handheld bundle in Japan, featuring a snappy 'Cosmic Red' Vita. Also included are matching earphones, a 4GB memory card, and a title-sporting pouch, strap, and cloth. The bundle's priced at ¥29,980 ($365).Inafune originally hoped to release Soul Sacrifice this year, but at September's Tokyo Games Show the Mega Man creator ceded that plan. Inafune said Comcept wanted to tweak the game based on feedback gathered from the exhibition.Soul Sacrifice is confirmed as coming to North America and Europe, although publisher Sony Computer Entertainment has yet to relinquish release windows for either region.
