Shmup
Latest
Eclosion shooting 'em up on Wii, PSP, XBLA, and PC
Pyroblazer development teams Candella Systems Ltd. and Eipix Entertainment have announced another flashy multiplatform downloadable title. Eclosion is a vertical shooter for Wii, PC, PSP, and XBLA with something called "Co-op Single Player," which, we're guessing, means either an AI partner or an Echoshift-style mechanic in which you play with previous instances of yourself. To us, the most interesting part of this game will be its soundtrack. According to the press release, Eclosion features "a blend of modern and authentic retro music created on analogue retro synthesizers like the original SID chip on the Commodore 64." Oh, and "eclosion" is the hatching of an insect from its egg or pupa case. We had to look it up. %Gallery-83160%
Thexder Neo transforming into a PS3 game
After the ESRB rating for Game Arts' Thexder Neo listed it as a PSP and PS3 game, Square Enix released the downloadable shooter remake on PSP only, leaving PS3 retro fans vexed and un-Thex'd. However, a post on Square Enix's Facebook page reveals that the transforming spaceship/robot will make an appearance on PS3 after all. "With PS3 graphic THEXDER NEO becomes more THEXDER," Square Enix PR staffer Akira Kokushoh said, suggesting that the new version isn't just a direct port of the PSP title. The game will be out sometime in 2010 -- possibly on the early side, since Kokushoh indicated that the game is almost complete. [Via Gamerbytes]
Metal Slug arrives on iPhone, sort of
If you thought the DS was a less-than-ideal platform for an original Metal Slug, you're really going to be surprised with this one. SNK Playmore has released one of its cartoony run-and-guns for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Metal Slug Touch is adapted to the platform in some unexpected ways: for example, instead of putting the player in control of a commando who occasionally happens upon a vehicle, Metal Slug Touch puts you in a vehicle at all times. Controls are simplified to make use of the iPhone's features: you move with the accelerometer, and dodge enemies with an "avoid" button. Metal Slug Touch sounds like a fairly bold experiment -- and something that, we suspect, works better than simply porting a console action game over with touch controls. Metal Slug Touch ($4.99) : [Via FingerGaming]
WiiWare's Phalanx remake is almost a Virtual Console game
[GAME Watch] The trailer for the WiiWare version of Phalanx (after the break) reveals that it looks very much like a 16-bit game, rather than a remake of a 16-bit game. In fact, it looks identical to the Sharp X68000 version upon which it is based (and which is included in its unaltered form in the 500-point download). Essentially, developer Zoom is using WiiWare to release a Virtual Console game whose platform isn't supported on the Virtual Console -- with some new bonus content, like a new mode with new stages and manual weapon selection. We approve of this tactic. Phalanx will be released on December 22 in Japan.
R-Type to shoot 'em up on iPhone
DotEmu, the developer responsible for the random iPhone port of the Zelda-esque Golvellius, is porting a much more recognizable game to the platform for its next release: IREM's epochal shmup, R-Type. CEO Xavier Liard told Touch Arcade, "We are very pleased to work on R-Type and to start our collaboration with Irem Software Engineering Inc." DotEmu didn't announce which of the many versions of R-Type will be the basis of the port. Having IREM involved seems like a good sign and, while the touch interface is not ideal for shooting games, Space Invaders Infinity Gene proved that it can work, at least better than it does for platforming or run & gun games. Of course, R-Type is really, really difficult, and the iPhone's controls aren't going to make destroying the Bydo Empire any easier.
Darius Burst trailer is explosive
The PSP is home to some unexpected shooter revivals. Thexder was just released on PSN, R-Type returned -- as a strategy game! -- and there's even a new Cho Aniki. Compared to those random releases, the announcement of a new Darius isn't too shocking. But it is very welcome.The trailer for Darius Burst seems to hit the highlights of the Darius experience -- namely, spaceships and giant robot versions of aquatic creatures. And it looks hot. Hot enough to send us back through the series in anticipation of the December 24 Japanese release, and for us to send our sincerest wishes to Taito parent company Square Enix. Sell this to us!
TGS 2009: Hands-on: Thexder Neo
Thexder originally came out in 1985, and has been ported to several different platforms in its lifetime, mostly computers. However, I can say with some confidence that the PSP remake of Game Arts' classic free-scrolling, transforming shmup, called Thexder Neo, is much more enjoyable to play than the retro versions. And people who didn't go to TGS will get to enjoy it soon: Square Enix announced that Thexder Neo will be available worldwide on October 1.%Gallery-74060%
Two cheapo DSiWare shmups in Japan this week
The surprise announcement that Nintendo would publish an Arika-developed shooter on DSiWare was weird enough. We didn't expect to see more shmups on the service within a couple of weeks, but Genterprise has revealed exactly that.Publisher Genterprise has announced two shooters as part of its 200 DSi Point "GG Series," both developed by Wario: Master of Disguise/Boing! Docomodake DS developer Suzak. Z-One is a horizontally scrolling shooter featuring a "Pod," a multidirectional-shooting "Option" kind of device that flies near your ship. And Wonder Land is an Alice in Wonderland-themed vertical shmup. Being made specifically as super-cheap games, it's doubtful they'll be great. But they will be very cheap when they come out in Japan this Wednesday.[Via Andriasang]
Soldner-X flies again on PSN
Eastasiasoft, the publishing branch of import retailer Play-Asia, released its first PC game in late 2007, a horizontal shooter called Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer. It came out on PSN a year later. The company has just announced its second game, this time exclusively for the PS3's PlayStation Network: Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype. Unfortunately, the lack of a PC version means no huge limited edition box!The Sidequest Studios-developed shooter is expected out this winter, but then the PSN version of the first game missed its original release date by a year. If you're really in the mood to punish yourself with a shmup, may we suggest the downloadable PS1 classic R-Types in the meantime?%Gallery-72721%
Famitsu reveals Darius Burst for PSP
According to the latest pages of Famitsu (Via Examiner), Taito will be bringing a new game in the Darius series to PSP. The latest in the classic 2D horizontal-shooter franchise is titled Darius Burst, and marks the first time the series has been tapped for a title since Darius R landed on GameBoy Advance systems in Japan nearly a decade ago.Famitsu notes Darius Burst will feature 11 levels, with non-linear paths throughout the stages -- splitting each initial level into two paths for players to choose. If you love shmups like we love shmups then you should be giddy about Taito's decision and hopeful the title will see a North American release.
Japan's DSi Shop adds shmups, instrument tuning next month
Aa Mujou Setsuna is something DSiWare has yet to see: a vertical shooter! The downloadable shmup, releasing in Japan on September 2, is listed as a Nintendo/Arika collaboration. Arika is responsible for various home ports of Cave shooters, including the DS Ketsui Death Label. Aa Mujou Setsuna has two selectable ships, a chain-based scoring system and even online rankings, for just 500 DSi Points. Somehow we doubt this is the news Nintendo Power teased, but it certainly makes us happy. Check out some footage after the break.Less hardcore, but still kind of cool, are the two 200-point apps also releasing on September 2. Nintendo DSi Metronome is, well, a metronome, that allows users to input their own beats and tempo to play along with, and even record their own drum sounds. It has multiple "skins" including a Game and Watch look, and Balloon Fight and Donkey Kong minigames; the latter of which involves clapping to make Mario jump over barrels. Hey, it's a Mario counterpart to Jungle Beat! Except really simplified.Nintendo DSi Instrument Tuner also includes a Game and Watch skin. This useful program allows you to play an instrument into the DS mic and get information about its pitch.
Rumor: Raystorm remake and Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure coming to XBLA
Taito's had a glut of classic-title remakes hit current-gen consoles as of late -- and if a recent rumor proves to be true, its streak shows no signs of stopping. NeoGAF user Shard recently posted some supposedly leaked images from the developer's next project -- an Xbox Live Arcade version of PS1 top-down shoot-em-up Raystorm (aptly titled Raystorm HD).Mr. Shard also supposedly dug up images of an XBLA version of Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure, a recent WiiWare release. That's great and all, but we're far more intrigued by the possibility of a renovated version of Taito's classic shooter, which features weaponized lightning. We've contacted Taito to see if they'll comment on the rumored screens. Stay tuned![Via GamerBytes]
iPhone It In: Space Invaders Infinity Gene
Space Invaders Infinity Gene sounds like a complete retread of Space Invaders Extreme: a new shooter made by mixing retro-style graphics with techno music and brightly-colored, swirling visuals. But Infinity Gene, ported to iPhone from Japanese mobile platforms, is a very different game, with little relation to either Space Invaders Extreme or the original game outside of a few visual shoutouts. And as such, Extreme's brilliance doesn't make this new reimagining redundant.%Gallery-69389%
Retro/Grade reverses time and shmup expectations on PSN
Retro/Grade, an Independent Games Festival nominee for best game design, is making its way off of PSN ... we mean, onto PSN. See, the thing that makes this shmup different is that all the action happens backwards -- like a classic space shooter meets Memento. Comparison can also be made between this game and WiiWare's Bit.Trip.There's a long writeup of the game over at the PlayStation Blog. One of the cooler things implemented in the title is the use of a guitar controller to control the ship. The fret buttons will allow the player to move, while the strum bar is used as the "shoot" button. You can get an idea of what it'll look like in the video after the break.
Cave sees success on Xbox 360, planning more shmups
During a recent earnings report (via andriasang), Cave has shown that its foray into the Xbox 360 with its shmup series, Death Smiles, was not an ill-fated plan. Cave cites the Xbox 360 version as being the most successful, as it sold 30,000 units since its April release; a figure Cave says is three times higher than it expected.Cave plans to follow this success with more shmups, with an emphasis on updating older hits such as Death Smiles II, Espagaluda II, and Mushihimesama Futari mentioned. Though no specific console plans were detailed, it would be hard for Cave to ignore the Xbox 360. Japanese gamers can likely expect more blistered thumbs and enemy waves soon.
Brand new 2D shmup 'Dux' released ... for Dreamcast
It's a sad fact that at the end of every console war, a remainder of die-hard zealots from each camp stay behind, waving high their console's battle standard while refusing to endorse any and all future pieces of hardware. Such a camp surely exists for the Sega Dreamcast, and while time may have forgotten these stubborn warriors, the kind folks at developer HUCAST have not -- they recently released a 2D horizontal shoot-em-up titled Dux exclusively on the extinct piece of Sega hardware.Dux is currently selling for the bizarre price of $27.90. Fortunately, it won't be the last game to come out on the system -- HUCAST is nearing completion on another Dreamcast-exclusive shmup titled Last Hope: Pink Bullets, which was presumably co-developed by The Shins.
VC in Brief: Fantasy Zone II (Sega Master System)
Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)We say: Shmup and Sega fanboys will gobble this up This week, we've got classic shmup Fantasy Zone II on the Virtual Console. And, just like the first game, it's a whole bunch of colorful fun. Featuring infectious music, pleasant locales, and plenty of coins to collect, it's a solid choice for someone looking for a shmup that isn't Gradius. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
Metal Slug 7 ain't shooting up XBLA until 2010
Metal Slug 7 on XBLA was originally slated as a 2009 title; however, the latest reports say it'll be pushed back to 2010. Speaking to Siliconera, Ignition Entertainment's acquisitions manager, Robert Macchiaverna, says the side-scrolling shmup won't make it out this year."It is still happening," said Macchiaverna. "But, I believe that's scheduled to be a 2010 title." Instead, Ignition will be working on The King of Fighters Ultimate Match '98. On the bright side, you can play Metal Slug 7 right now ... just, unfortunately, not on your 360.
Nintendo reveals Q1 2010 release for Sin & Punishment 2
Nintendo opened up its assets site at the conclusion of its E3 keynote, and while digging around for juicy bits of media to unload on you, dear reader, at rock-bottom prices, we found something interesting regarding Treasure's upcoming Wii title Sin & Punishment 2. The game is listed for a Q1 2010 release, according to Nintendo, which comes as a pleasant surprise to us. Sure, the game was always expected to arrive in 2009, but without hearing or seeing anything on it in around a year, we're comforted simply by the fact that Nintendo still knows it exists.
Raiden IV media blowout
Click for high-res image Fans of shmups will be happy to know Raiden IV will be hitting Xbox 360s very soon. It's coming in August, to be exact, and bringing with it some nice pseudo-3D visuals, online support and exclusive content not found in the arcade version.To celebrate, we have the official box art, some screen shots and a plethora of artwork to check out below. Make sure you watch the debut trailer after the break, too!%Gallery-64402%
