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Ponder the paddle as you watch Space Invaders Extreme videos
Space Invaders Extreme is out next week, at which point we'll be able to put paddle speculation to rest. The Arkanoid DS demo found on the Nintendo Channel doesn't support Taito's paddle controller, but, it turns out, neither did the Japanese demo. That means it's still possible for the retail Arkanoid and its contemporary to include paddle support -- don't offload your paddles on eBay just yet. Besides, Square Enix told Game|Life in April that the U.S. games would still support the paddle, though of course that could have changed!We can confirm that these two Space Invaders Extreme videos are awesome. We have proof: the awesome videos. Two minutes of single-player gameplay are in the video above; a multiplayer video, featuring a different musical track, follows after the post break.%Gallery-14613%
Everything you wanted to know about Space Invaders Extreme but were afraid to ask
With the release of one of our most-anticipated summer games next week, along with partner-in-crime Arkanoid, DS Fanboy has lovingly prepared a recap of our most important (and silly) coverage of Space Invaders Extreme. We've got video, screenshots, and more importantly, alien undies -- everything you need to get ready for the shooter's release. All that's missing is your copy of the game.Oh, and that paddle controller. Sigh. Go check out all the shooty goodness anyway.%Gallery-14613%
DS Daily: Does the lack of paddle support make you rethink your purchase?
For us, the lack of paddle support in the demo for Arkanoid DS has us rethinking whether or not we're going to pick up the game, as a lot of the appeal for us was being able to play with the awesome paddle. Now, we're kind of forced to wait and see.What about you all? Feel the same way? Are you already settled, either way, on what you're going to do?
This just in: We might have imported a paddle controller for nothing
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/U_S_Arkanoid_demo_has_no_paddle_controller_support'; Grab a box of Kleenex or, if that's not an option, your shirt's sleeve. You see, we just went to check out the new DS demos available for download on the Nintendo Channel and found only one: Arkanoid DS. No, no, that's not the sad part at all. The sad part is what happened when we downloaded the demo. Upon getting it onto our DS and booting the demo up, we prepared for a wonderful time with our imported paddle controller, as it's been sitting on our work space's desk for a couple weeks now while we anticipated the release of Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme. But, after booting up the demo, we found the title only supports two control schemes: stylus and d-pad. Talk about d'oh!What will this mean for the final build of the game? Will it also not include support for the paddle controller? It looks like that will be the case, but what about Space Invaders Extreme? Should we expect the same fate for that title?%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%
DS Daily: Peripheral party
The DS might not be a system that can immediately benefit from peripherals, what with it being a portable games machine and all, but that hasn't stopped some from coming up with cool stuff to attach to your beloved. Whether it's something as simple as a stand or a wicked awesome controller, there's been some advancements in the field. So, we figured we'd ask you what you were all rocking. Whether it's just a simple case that protects your DS, or something home-made, let us know what kind of fun stuff you have for your DS. If we covered it on the site, link it in the comments!
NMS08: Square Enix talks Space Invaders Extreme
Gamespot got a chance to talk with Square Enix PR guy Klee Kuo about Space Invaders Extreme back at the Nintendo Media Summit, taking care to film the whole thing so that we may all watch. Included in the interview (if people talking isn't your sort of thing) is footage from both the DS and PSP versions of the game. We don't have to tell you all which one looks superior, of course.There's also a few other trailers up of just gameplay, which we've gone ahead and embedded past the break.%Gallery-14613%
DS Fanboy poll: Our paddle predicament
So that's it: Taito's amazing paddle controller won't be leaving Japan. But really, if Square Enix thinks we're going to take this lying down, and be forced to play Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid sans paddle, then it can think again.We're over the initial shock now, beyond the tears and the tantrums punching walls in a really manly fashion, and we're thinking about the future with a clear head. At the next possible opportunity, we're importing a paddle controller. We've not even played Arkanoid or Space Invaders Extreme yet, but we're utterly convinced that these games need this peripheral. What about you lot?%Poll-12399%
It's official: No paddle for Arkanoid and Space Invaders
Here's a depressing start to our day. Noting the awesome paddle controller's absence from the North American Space Invaders Extreme/Arkanoid DS press release, as well as its eventual absence from the European press release, Spencer Yip put the question to Square Enix directly. Their response was heart-rending."We are not bringing over the paddle controller for the NA version." What are we supposed to do now, play Arkanoid without a paddle controller? Arkanoid without its controller is -- well, it's Break 'em All, which already exists. We were thrilled when we found out SE was going to release these games, but our enthusiasm is tempered by the fact that they're only halfway releasing them. Oh, well, off we go to import a paddle.%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%
So the paddle isn't coming to North America?
Okay, we're confused. It looks like, based on a press release that got sent out today, that the paddle controller that came bundled with Arkanoid DS in Japan won't be seeing a release in North America. That is, basically, an unforgiveable crime. Seriously, why would you even want to try to play the game without it?Another notable tidbit of info from the press release is a confirmation that both games will be budget priced at $19.99, which will help shoulder some of the cost of having to import the paddle controller (sadly, Play Asia only has pink paddles in stock anymore, so you'll have to wait or settle for that color). Both games are slated for a June 17th release this year.%Gallery-14613%%Gallery-19376%
Import your games for cheap during Play-Asia's Easter Egg Sale
If you're keen on importing games, it seems like there's no better time than now. Play-Asia is having an "Easter Egg Sale," which means that all in-stock items that weren't released in the past thirty days are 20% off. The sale ends on March 31st, but you might not even want to wait that long, as items are going out of stock quickly. Some games that might be worth picking up: Ouendan 2 -- $24 (it's been on sale before, but $24 is the cheapest we've seen it) Taiko no Tatsujin - $39 (you've gotta love the cute little Taiko drum) Arkanoid DS w/ Paddle Controller - $39 (yes, this is being localized for Europe and likely NA, but it's not too bad of a deal if you're impatient) Paddle Controller - $16 (or, you can just get this -- currently only available in pink) Archaic Sealed Heat - $16 (not the most import friendly, but you should be able to get by on a tactics title -- especially for this price) Power Pro Kun Professional Baseball - $23 (one of the best baseball options for the DS) Choushoujuu Mecha MG - $16 (mmm, mechas) Daigasso! Band Brothers - $39 (another good rhythm game, with lots of instruments included) Feel free to add any of your own import recommendations in the comments below.[Via CAG]
Checking out the first Arkanoid DS TV spot
As you all know, we're dying to get our hands on Arkanoid DS. We've also kept our fingers crossed for months, hoping the game would be localized to our region. In the meanwhile, the latest TV spot for the game from Japan will have to keep our incredible desire to play this (and use its very kickass paddle peripheral) at bay.[Via Go Nintendo and GamePressure]
Invade your friends' space
In an interesting turn of events, the DS version of Space Invaders Extreme will play host to several online features, while the PSP experience will only have local play. Maybe our unchecked pessimism is at fault here, but whenever we see a multiplatform title announced, we automatically assume that the dual-screen edition will be an afterthought, a slipshod product adjoined with ill-conceived touchscreen controls and minigames in the same way a madman engineer might weld iron limbs to human flesh. We're thrilled to see that isn't the case this time!Space Invaders Extreme's multiplayer versus mode (local and online) will have you racing against another player to destroy advancing aliens. You can follow your opponent's progress on the top display while fighting your own battle on the bottom screen. You'll also be able to compare your record with other players on the game's world ranking system. If only Taito implemented some sort of voice chat -- that way, you could annoy your online adversary by singing Genesis's "Invisible Touch" along with Extreme's synth soundtrack.See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Space Invaders Extreme
Mario Kart cheat adds paddle controller support
As fun as Taito's paddle controller might be, the peripheral's limited compatibility restricts experimentation with any games outside of Arkanoid DS or Space Invaders Extreme. What about the other Breakout DS clones or all the titles packed in Retro Atari Classics? Will they ever know the wheeled affection they desperately pine for? Or will their love go unrequited, the spinner playing the part of the "little red-haired girl?"Yasu's Action Replay "cheat string" doesn't unlock universal support for the paddle, providing us with a Valentine's Day miracle, but it does allow the controller to be used with an unexpected title -- Mario Kart DS. It's an important first step towards the greater goal! As you can see in the demonstration video above, it's not the most effective control scheme. We're sure that won't stop the jerks "snakers" out there from finding a way to exploit the setup.
Sleepless in Arkanoid DS
There's no question that we're fans of the arcade-style paddle controller that's available for Arkanoid DS. You had us at "Arkanoid," Taito, but to throw in the spinner, too? This must be what love feels like.For anyone interested in importing this wonderful game, though, there is one tiny caveat. If the paddle controller is inside the GBA slot while the DS is closed shut, the handheld won't go into sleep mode. To clarify that statement, the game itself will sleep, but the peripheral will continue to suck the juice out of your DS (the greedy little thing).It's okay, sweet paddle, we won't hold it against you. We love you just the way you are -- don't ever change. Let's hug it out and move on.
Arkanoid DS plays dirty
We thought Arkanoid DS was awesome from the moment we first saw it. The customizable graphics and sound effects, the varied width of the levels, the quest mode, and, most importantly, the miraculous paddle controller won us over. For that matter, the word Arkanoid won us over. Being way-huge fans of the NES game (and its controller) we were pushovers.But now we find out that Arkanoid DS has a story mode full of adorable mascot characters? With their little Vaus-shaped heads, they look like a cross between the Prince of All Cosmos and Bomberman. That's just not fair. We were already going to buy the thing; now we have to super-buy it or something. Maybe we'll buy the inevitable mascot goods -- the plush dolls, DS styli, and such.
Arkanoid gameplay details revealed, once hidden behind wall of colorful blocks
Taito's new versions of Arkanoid and Space Invaders fill us with happy feelings about being people who play games on the DS. Every time we're reminded of the existence of the little DS paddle controller, we smile. NCSX is now taking preorders on Arkanoid DS, both in bundled and non-bundled form, as well as separate paddle controllers in four different colors. The game is expected to ship on December 6th.But until then, we can look at screens and learn what we can about the game. For example, levels will come in 7-, 9-, and 11-block-wide variants. "Decoration" options will become available for purchase using points obtained ingame. You'll be able to buy new backgrounds, block shapes, Vaus paddle shapes, and even sound effects.The "Clear Game" mode is the normal Arkanoid mode in which you break all blocks to clear a level. It will contain 28 zones, each made up of five rounds, for a total of 140 rounds. And that's entirely separate from the "Quest Mode" which has different (as yet unknown) conditions for winning each round! So basically what we are saying is that there are a lot of levels in Arkanoid DS. That guarantees infinite playability for people like us who can't even reliably clear round 3 in NES Arkanoid.
TGS07: Kohler validates our enthusiasm for Arkanoid and Space Invaders
Whereas we must be content to sit here and tell you how awesome we think Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme will be, people like Chris Kohler get to go walk up to the things and play them-- with the Arkanoid paddle controller. He played the demos of both games at TGS and came out with positive impressions of both. He described Space Invaders Extreme as "a light-and-sound-orgy, frenetic, what-is-going-on, super fun shooter that spans both screens of the DS." It's a mix of, say, Rez, Galaga, and Space Invaders, in which waves of invaders swoop in, all in different shapes and sizes, and you shoot them, which creates sound effects that play along to the beat of the music. There are weapon powerups and semi-random bonus stages. It all sounds a lot more involved than the original Space Invaders, or any of its extremely similar sequels, while maintaining the hypnotic rhythm. Could this be a good Space Invaders for 2008? If this is marketed correctly, a well-updated Space Invaders on the DS could generate bajillions in Japan.Kohler's Arkanoid impressions weren't as detailed, focusing instead on the peripheral, about which he was more than effusive. He says that the paddle is "literally just like standing in front of a miniature arcade machine." The dial spins on "ball bearings or something," so you can spin it like the steering wheel on a Super Off-Road machine.Read - Space Invaders ExtremeRead - Arkanoid DS
Taito announces Arkanoid DS, special paddle included
Those boys over at Famitsu are at it again, breaking news that Taito Corporation will be bringing its much loved and often ported classic, Arkanoid, to the Nintendo DS. It's currently set for release in Japan on December 6th, and from what we can tell will also include multiple game modes like Quest Mode (which will presumably involve you heroically piloting your space paddle to save a princess from the evil clutches of Doh). But what really tricks out this otherwise mildly noteworthy release is that Taito will include a special controller reminiscent of classic arcade paddles. The paddle will plug into the GBA cartridge slot below the Nintendo DS and come in four DS Lite-friendly colors. Nostalgia Get! Hit up the break for the scan from this week's Famitsu, including shots of the paddle controllers and the long, dual screen Break Out action.
Mario Bros. in ur Shopping Channel, stealing ur coinz
We've been privy to undocumented Wii features like the 192-Piece Picture Puzzle and the elusive Help Cat for a while now, but did you know that there's a secret Shopping Channel animation of Mario and Luigi swimming together while you're at the download screen?During a recent roundtable, the developers behind the Wii Shopping Channel talked about how they overcame obstacles with the project, which elements they're proud of, and what they hope to see implemented in the future. One little touch that the developers were pleased to include was this Minus World-esque scene of the Super Mario Bros. paddling through and collecting coins while you download games. It doesn't show up very often, so don't be too upset if you've never come across anything besides the Fire Mario animation before. We didn't even believe it at first, but Nintendo included a video with the interview transcript to prove its existence. It's a good thing they did too, or we would've gone through our life savings downloading Virtual Console titles, trying to get this alternate animation!
Pongle: another not-to-be Wiimote concept
If the sight of Hayes Urban's "Pongle" concept makes you shudder (in a good way), then you probably came of age during that 'golden era' of gaming, innocently paddling away your adolescence. Pong, Breakout, Warlords, Tempest ... all classics deserving of a lil' 21st century love, no? But today's youth, being raised on murder sims -- having little knowledge of what purity came before -- would hardly lend impetus to the rightful resurgence. Alas, Pongle rests in too small of a niche to ever justify a mass-production birth. A shame. Just imagine the new twists the accelerometers and built-in speaker would add to the experience...[Via Engadget]
