Bomberman
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Hudson explodes onto the iPhone with Bomberman Touch video
While we still don't think the iPhone App Store makes the do-everything cell phone a threat to the DS, we are impressed with the growing list of big-name franchises being ported to the system. We can now amend that list to include the Bomberman series, with Hudson's with the recent announcement of Bomberman Touch: Legend of the Mystic Bomb.A video trailer (embedded below the jump) shows what looks like a transparent, touch-screen d-pad placed over the on-screen action to control Bomberman, sort of like the interface for the earlier iPhone PlayStation emulator . According to Hudson, the game will include "classic Bomberman powerups and original special items" and take advantage of "the unique iPhone / iPod touch interface of flicking, tapping, and tilting with a built-in accelerometer." No word on a multiplayer mode, but with the iPhone's Wi-Fi capabilities, a local wireless option would hopefully be a no-brainer.Bomberman touch joins water-based puzzle game Aqua Forest and the always lucrative Sudoku in Hudson's announced line-up for the iPhone.[Via Apple iPhone School. Thanks, Kamarul]
Gachapin Challenge puts Gachapin in a Hudson classic
Gachapin, the fuzzy green character from the NHK show Hirake! Ponkiki, adorns some of our favorite DS accessories, along with his nervous friend Mukku. He's also been the star of his own DS game from Hudson, Gachapin Nikki (Gachapin Diary), a jigsaw puzzle collection. The latest game to bear the character's amusing likeness is Gachapin Challenge DS, which is a 20-sport collection. We're pretty sure running or otherwise exerting himself in a sporting exercise would kill the guy in the Gachapin suit, but it's safe on DS. Some of the events include hovercraft racing, karate, scuba, and mogul skiing. Gachapin Challenge also has a "Gachabomberman" bonus mode comprising a traditional Bomberman game for up to four players, but with sleepy-faced Gachapin in the place of Bomberman.
Japan won't see Bomberman until the fall
With details on Hudson's two Bombermans making the games sound pretty irresistible, we were disappointed to hear that they've both been delayed. Originally meant to hit Japan in June, Hudon's website now reports that they're releasing in the fall.Fortunately, Hudson's other hot titles (Tetris and Alien Crush, anyone?) seem to be right on schedule for this summer -- in Japan, that is. Still, we know the drill; the sooner games come out in the Far East, the sooner we get them elsewhere. It's worth keeping in mind that none of these titles have actually been announced for localization yet. We'd be extremely surprised if such franchises (especially Bomberman and Tetris) don't release outside of Japan, though. Gallery: Bomberman [Via Siliconera]
More puzzling details about Tetris and Bomberman surface
A recent Siliconera interview with Hudson Japan's VP, Kentaro Murayama, has revealed quite a few interesting details about some upcoming Hudson games. For one, we were a bit startled to hear that the company's WiiWare rendition of Tetris might incorporate the Balance Board. Right now Hudson is just "tossing around the idea," but even so -- that sounds like crazy talk. We're sure regular controls would be offered even if the game ended up utilizing the board, but we can't help but wonder how it would even work. Murayama also cleared up some of the confusion between the disc-based and WiiWare versions of Bomberman. The disced game will include a tutorial mode, a "deep" story mode, thirty-nine stages, thirty-one different enemies, and five bosses. The Bomberman for WiWare, on the other hand, will (clearly) cost less, which seems to be its main advantage.Both titles will include battle mode, but the Wii version will have twelve stages and twenty "appeal motions," while the WiiWare one will have just ten of each. Fortunately, you can battle with friends no matter which version they own, as the battles can cross between the disc-based and WiiWare games.To check out more details about Hudson's upcoming lineup, just click on the "Read" link under the galleries.%Gallery-18122%%Gallery-18349%
Famitsu checks out Hudson's non-WiiWare Bomberman [update]
Update: This actually is the WiiWare Bomberman game.Famitsu recently got a taste of what Hudson's Bomberman that isn't is on WiiWare will be bringing to the table (uh, lots of bombs?) and it should come as no surprise to any of you that we are pumped. We're not only excited for the online battles (Game Night, anyone?), but also the plain old regular Bomberman action (with Mii support and items, natch). Since when has playing Bomberman not been fun? Okay, maybe that one time it was kind of crappy.Head on over to Famitsu to check out the screens.%Gallery-18349%
Wii and friends: A Great Match
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Wii_and_friends_A_Great_Match'; Why do we love the Wii with friends? Because we want all to share the splendor and majesty that comes from playing the best home gaming console around. So that's why we set out to bring you a nice, easy package of great multiplayer games for the Wii. Both online and local multiplayer is covered, as well as games that have released and those that are still in production. We hope you find this useful in your own life, in some small way, or at least a good place to link a friend who has no idea what they're getting into with the Wii. So read on and see what we have in store, then come back here and tell us what multiplayer experiences you enjoy most on the Wii!
Hudson expects explosive growth from Wii
Konami-owned (54% actually) Hudson Soft Co. plans to quadruple profits over the next three years by focusing on titles for the Wii. Bloomberg reports that incoming president, Michihiro Ishizuka, expects to hit an operating profit of $97 million by March of 2011. Hudson will release eight titles for Wii in 2008 and already has 10 others on the market.Hudson has seen significant growth from its Wii and DS titles, seeing an operating profit* growth of 53% due to the two systems. Ishizuka believes that in two years from now, software developer profits will see the most growth when a "winner and loser for consoles becomes clear." He states Hudson will focus on promoting licensing of its games and marketing, so plan on about 15 more versions of Bomberman in the next two years.*"Operating profit is revenue minus the cost of goods sold and administrative expenses."
WiiWare now worthwhile: Hudson reveals Alien Crush sequel, more
Look at that. Look at it. That is a screenshot of a new Alien Crush game. Even if it is a little ugly, it's the most beautiful thing ever. If we didn't already have a Wii, we'd be camping out for one right now based on this alone -- seriously. And it's WiiWare! With online leaderboards! (Online leaderboards for Alien Crush? Where would you get an idea like that?) Just like with the Virtual Console, Hudson has proven that they know how to support a download service. Alien Crush is coming out in Japan in August, and it had better come out worldwide near that time. Including the stuff shown today (and Star Soldier R), Hudson has ten WiiWare titles planned. This AMAZING NEWS was revealed at a Hudson event in a Brazilian restaurant in Shibuya, along with Blue Oasis, a virtual fish-tank type game that interacts with the Forecast Channel. It'll be out sometime this year. Hit the break for screens, as well as some new Tetris and Bomberman images! %Gallery-19346%
Hudson bringing triple-dose of Bomberman to Wii
Wii owners and fans of the adorable lil terrorist Bomberman will be pleased to learn that not one, not two , but three different Bomberman titles are currently in development for the Nintendo console. The latest two include the traditional WiiWare version already announced, as well as a less traditional retail version, due out this June in Japan.If you're a bit confused, don't worry. The two titles were mixed up in the original Famitsu report, but a representative from Hudson has set the record straight. The WiiWare Bomberman is the classic throwback, while the retail Wii Bomberman will feature 8-player online multiplayer, with new items and Mii support. This appears to be a different retail title than the minigame-centric Bomberman Land, meaning that Hudson's "big plans" for Bomberman were apparently viciously milking the franchise for all it's worth.[Via Wii Fanboy]
More Bomberman bursts onto Wii
We weren't sure before if all this talk of Miis and other goodies in Bomberman referred to the game on WiiWare or a separate game. As it turns out, we weren't the only ones confused, and Hudson stepped in to clarify the issue. Apparently, there are two separates games coming to the Wii; the WiiWare version will be more like classic Bomberman, while the new title (due out this June in Japan) will be the one with Mii support and special items. It looks like a lot of fun, but price point will be key in determining its appeal -- with so much Bomberman on the market, gamers might find it hard to commit to this iteration.Will you be Bomberman-ed out by the time this game releases despite the nifty features, or is this a purchase you could see yourself making? Gallery: Bomberman
VC Tuesday: Deceptive
This week's Japanese Virtual Console update features three games that aren't what they seem. Super Gussun Oyoyo totally looks like a platformer in screens, but it's actually a Lemmings/Pac-Man 2 style game in which you direct an uncontrollable character with falling blocks. Similarly, you might make assumptions about the genre of a game called Bomberman: Panic Bomber (possibly that it is in the Bomberman games genre) but it's also a puzzler! Most deceptive of all is Nekketsu Kunio-kun. It's a Kunio game from Technos, which leads one to assume that it's going to be great. It is not great. It is profoundly not-great.Only Mr. HELI no Daibouken is what it seems: an adorable cute-em-up starring a lil' helicopter. Nekketsu Kunio-kun (Famicom, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points) Super Gussun Oyoyo (Super Famicom, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) Bomberman Panic Bomber (PC Engine, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points) Mr. HELI no Daibouken (PC Engine, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
Bomberman packed with shields, rocket packs, and Mii support
Though it's still unclear whether all this Bomberman media is for Hudson's announced WiiWare title or for a disc-based retail release, we're not going to enjoy these screenshots any less because of those doubts. Already, we've spotted new, game-changing items -- rocket packs and shields. Presumably, the rocket pack allows you to hover over the arena until you find a safe landing spot. If you were smart, however, you'd use the rocket pack to fly the hell away from the battlefield and its crazed bombermen, escaping towards a distant, bombless country.Bomberman will consist of a story mode, battle mode, and "My First Bomberman" mode, the latter of which teaches the game's basics and new weapons with a series of lessons. The 39-stage story mode charges you with the quest of saving your system's Miis, while the battle mode is the multiplayer arena you're all familiar with, except with eight-player support, Nintendo WiFi Connection matches, and online leaderboards. Sounds like a solid game! The only detail we're wary of is its Wii Remote features -- you can use items by shaking the controller.%Gallery-18349%[Via NeoGAF]Read - Official Bomberman site (Japanese)Read - Wii Bomberman Detailed
Hudson bringing 'classic' Bomberman to WiiWare
Hudson VP of Sales and Marketing, John Lee, hosted his own Q&A session on NeoGAF early this morning, dropping a few bombs about the company's digital distribution plans. The big reveal was confirmation of a Bomberman game for WiiWare that'll be "different" (and yet the same) as Bomberman LIVE, as it's based on the series' "classic" gameplay -- yep, just like Bomberman '93. Lee added that Bomberman will likely be "one of the few classic games" that Hudson will develop for WiiWare.On the horizon for XBLA, Hudson is busy with an often lucrative, yet rarely respected "licensed" game ... um ... and moving quickly on ... "Yes, eventually we'll do something for PSN," Lee writes, "Now that it's doing much better, and looking more impressive each day, we are looking at bringing some franchises over." More Bomberman? Sounds like it.
Japanese mag reveals juicy Bomberman details
Click image to enlarge We'd like to point out that the only Bomberman we know about is the Wii Ware Bomberman game announced via the Japanese Wii Ware page. This scan is interesting, though, because it reveals some details about this upcoming Bomberman game we're assuming is the Wii Ware version.This latest scan shows the game will retain that Bomberman look and we're crossing our fingers that it will retain that classic feel, as well. And, thanks to this same magazine scan, we can confirm the game has 8-player support for online fun. It will also include 39 different stages and is scheduled for release on Wii Ware in Japan this June. Oh, and it will also feature Mii integration.Like we said, this could be a new retail Bomberman game being developed for the Wii, or it could be the Wii Ware title. We're leaning toward the Wii Ware game, but it's not like Hudson hasn't hooked us up with retail discs containing Bomberman in the past.
DS releases for the week of March 10th
What a week for DS releases! Of course, in the shadow of a certain release on the Wii side of the Nintendo fence, a big week was probably necessary, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. Though there are only three DS titles scheduled for release, each one has something going for it. How often does that happen? Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Insecticide Nanostray 2 In fact, there's a lot to look forward to all around the world. Europe's scoring Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and Bomberman Land Touch! 2, among other titles, and Japan boasts our beloved Contra 4 (there, Dual Spirits), and the hilarious Duel Love. Surely you can find some time to tear yourself away from beatdowns for one of these.
Japanese Wii Ware page debuts
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Japanese_Wii_Ware_page_debuts'; The steady stream of Wii Ware news continues, this time with Nintendo's launch of its official Japanese site for the video game download service. So far, the hub lists almost a dozen upcoming titles, attaching new screenshots to some of the releases: FFCC: The Young King and the Promised Land StarSoldierR Word Puzzle Mojipittan Wii Pokemon Ranch Dr. Mario's Virus Buster Marubou Shikaku Magnetica Bomberman Okiraku Ping-Pong Wii Angels' Solitaire Joysound Wii LostWinds and other western-developed games are noticeably missing, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't planned as launch or near-launch titles for other territories. Much to our disappointment, the page neglects to mention any specific pricing for the titles. One worthwhile detail that we spotted is the above screenof Dr. Mario's four-player cooperative mode. The puzzler was already perfect before -- now it's even perfecter. There's also a multiplayer shot for Magnetica (Puzzloop) worth checking out! [Via NeoGAF]
Today's hottest animation: Mauvais Role, a villain identity crisis
See if you can spot all the video game references in Mauvais Rôle, an animated French short film, hosted by Boing Boing. The premise is simple: a video game villain is tired of his job and seeks other "employment opportunities." The animation is very well done, as is the voicework.Video embedded after the break. Thoroughly entertaining: make sure you watch the entire video and let's keep track of all the different game references you spot in the comments below.
PSP Fanboy review: Bomberman Land
(Yes, one of the mini-games in Bomberman Land is to roll toilet paper.) When did Bomberman stop using bombs? That's the big question you'll ask yourself as you trod through this tiresome collection of mediocre mini-games. Bomberman Land is a horribly misleading title. From the sound of things, you may think there is an adventure of some sort, involving bombs. You'd be incorrect.There are a number of modes to play through, but the game's focus is its titular Bomberman Land mode. In this story-based journey, Bomberman is sent on a quest to save Bomberman Land by collecting various land pieces, 150 in total. By collecting the right land pieces, Bomberman will be able to unlock more parts of this inexplicably sunken world. To make matters worse, the denizens of this land have seemingly undergone collective amnesia, and will only bestow the "Piece King" (that's you, by the way) a piece when he completes one of the game's 50 mini-games.%Gallery-15381%
WRUP: The battle rages on edition
This week's release of Bomberman Land Touch! 2 means that many of you will likely be down with tossing a few explosives around. For the majority of the DSF staff, however, this weekend will be littered with small skirmishes as we attempt to win as many battles as we can in Advance Wars: Days of Ruin. Some of us still have as of yet to complete the single-player campaign, while the rest of us continue our struggle to be the king of the Wi-Fi Connect mountain.What about you all, though? What will you be playing?
WRUP: Mr. Boombastic edition
We can't really explain the parallels in our mind between Bomberman and Shaggy's "Boombastic." Something about the boom makes us think about bombs or something. We really can't understand why we're just so damn insane sometimes.Anywho, Bomberman Land is the only new game this week. For us, we're still chipping away at No More Heroes. What about you all? What are you playing?
