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Transformers Prime also coming to Wii U, Activision site says
When Activision first announced Transformers Prime for Nintendo platforms, a game based on the kids' TV show of the same name, only the Nintendo 3DS, DS, and Wii were mentioned as planned platforms. If a listing for the game on Activision's official site is accurate, it looks like a version of Transformers Prime is also in the works for Nintendo's upcoming Wii U console, even though Activision hasn't officially announced a port.Joystiq has reached out to Activision for confirmation of a Wii U version, and will roll out an update to this post if the company responds.
Transformers Prime game coming to Nintendo platforms
Activision is bringing Transformers Prime games to Nintendo platforms later this year, based on the kids' TV series of the same name. Transformers Prime is being developed by Now Production for the 3DS and Wii.Described as a "brawler" with "diverse driving sequences," Transformers Prime will allow players to take control of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ratchet and Bulkhead. Check out the debut trailer above.
Activision's Little League World Series takes a swing on Xbox 360 and PS3
Now sports fans will get to see Activision's weird-looking Little League World Series characters in high definition! The last two iterations of the kid-friendly baseball franchise have been exclusive to Wii and DS, but Activision has announced Little League World Series Baseball 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. "We felt it was time to finally bring the popular Little League series to gamers playing Xbox 360 and PlayStation(R)3," Activision Publishing's David Oxford said. "Little League(R) World Series Baseball 2010 is visually stunning and packed with tons of new content, while remaining an accessible pick-up-and-play game for the whole family." Apparently, Activision also felt it was time to stop bringing the popular franchise to Wii and DS, as there is no mention at all of any version of the game other than the Xbox 360 and PS3. It'll be out on those two consoles in July. %Gallery-93977%
The pre-order bonus of your dreams: A Bakugan pillowcase
Let the losers keep their night vision goggles and Batarangs, those of you pre-ordering Bakugan Battle Brawlers at Game Crazy are going to get the real premium: A pillowcase featuring BBB's lead character Dan. Just imagine how cool it's going to look this October as the neighborhood bully spirits it into the night, filled with your freshly collected Halloween candy. What's that? Still not convinced? Did we mention that the reverse side features Dan's guardian Bakugan Dragonoid? Seriously, check it out after the jump.
Activision spinning Bakugan off into game series
Activision has announced plans to release games based on the Bakugan toy and cartoon line for Wii, DS, Xbox 360, PS3, and PS2 (something had to be non-PSP-related today!). The first game will be released this fall.The Bakugan toy line focuses on a game in which spring-loaded action figures pop out of a spherical shape when rolled onto metal game cards. We've never looked into it, but it sounds kind of awesome in theory! The press release says that the NOW Production-developed game, which apparently uses a similar game design across platforms, will feature "intense battles, the ability to create your own Brawler, cartoon quality graphics and multiplayer combat." Not too intense, we hope -- for the kids' sake.
Unsolved Crimes offers more clues about gameplay
Anyone who was around thirty-some years ago (or saw the movie Summer of Sam) might know that New York City wasn't the safest of places during the 1970s. That's why we're even more intrigued by the realistic-looking adventure game, Unsolved Crimes, which takes place in this crime-filled setting.The game should be releasing this fall (in the UK, at least), and centers around a rookie detective. He (and therefore, you,) must figure out the circumstances behind the disappearance of aspiring model Betty Blake. The game will focus on the one overarching storyline, but will include other mysteries for you to solve as well (à la Hotel Dusk). In fact, the press release boasts that there are eight different cases to solve.Also like Hotel Dusk, you'll have to pay close attention to detail so that you can answer questions later (in addition to point-and-click adventure gaming and action-packed shootouts). Check out the new screens in the gallery below for more of an idea of what to expect.%Gallery-25630%
Unsolved Crimes, revealed!
Take a dash of trenchcoat, a hint of hat, and a pinch of grizzled police chief. Bake it for 24 hours under a forensic microscope, and BAM! Unsolved Crimes is born. The lack of realistic detective work on the DS needs to be addressed, and these new gallery screens for the upcoming adventure look extremely promising.You'll be treated to fully 3D environments, a rather detailed case inventory system, and perhaps even driving segments. If Empire Interactive can replicate intricate investigative scenarios and rustle together a reasonably complex detective tale, then Unsolved Crimes won't stay unsolved for long. That is, people will buy it. And finish it.%Gallery-25630%
The B[ack]log: Katamari Do Your Best
Well, the title seemed sort of clever at the time. "The B[ack]log" represents one gamer's fight against that seemingly insurmountable and entirely self-inflicted obstacle, the ever-sprawling backlog of games that are either unfinished, unplayed or unloved. That's the "Backlog" part. After surgically inserting some brackets, it becomes "B[ack]log," a reference to both the blog format and the unique sound emitted whenever I view the stack of games I keep adding to every month. And every week, I hope to subtract at least one and ramble about it for a few paragraphs... if you don't mind. A review this is not. It seems simultaneously appropriate and depressing then, that the first game to be ejected and examined (and then ejected again) is one primarily concerned with hoarding as much stuff as you possibly can -- We Love Katamari for the PlayStation 2.
We Love Katamari review round-up
The sequel to the quirky cult-hit Katamari Damacy hits stores tomorrow. We Love Katamari promises more of the same. But has the novelty worn off? Or are you fiending for this new fix? Current reviews: 1UP (85) Cheat Code Central (90) Edge Magazine (80) EuroGamer (90) IGN (80) GamePro (80) GameSpot (84) netjak (97) PSM Magazine (90) Siliconera (85) [via Metacritic]
We Love Katamari coming to America... with bad box art!
Puzzle game may seem like a strange genre to squeeze junk-rolling oddball Katamari Damacy into, but I guess that's the closest approximation to categorizing the most lovable (yet darkly foreboding) game I've played. Well, the sequel, We Love Katamari, is finally making it to American shores next month, and I'm sure you're joining me in holding your breath until the day it's released, too. The only thing I'm not waiting for is the currently planned U.S. box art. One word: UGH! Compared to the original's surreal Western packaging (or the serene version of the Japanese CD soundtrack), this version actually cries out for some focus-group testing (on an almost original Xbox-controller level). Compare this with even the sequel's Japanese (or even Korean) covers in this preview from early August (see the actual art planned there), and I think you'll agree that something's amiss with Namco's American marketing team. People are angry, and they aren't gonna take it anymore! Considering all the speaking engagements Katamari's creator has had since the release of the original, it's hard for me to believe this relative artistic stinker made it through the publisher's approval process. Personally, this illustration belongs on the back of the game case, not the front. Can anyone throw together an insert mod for me? [UPDATE: Hopefully, you didn't mistake the joke image I found online and included with my post above with the genuine article that can be found below. Just in case you didn't take the time to examine it, the joke image reads: "We Boycott Katamari.") If you missed it in my post, take a look at the officially planned, but still atrocious image ripped from GameFly below, and feel your raw hate begin to rise to new heights (don't say we didn't warn you): http://www.1up.com/do/imageDisplay?id=2176237] [via gewgaw]
EA rolls over Katamari, nabs co-publishing rights
We love Katamari. The same can't be sad for EA. But honestly, this isn't as bad as it sounds. Namco has signed a deal with EA to co-publish "We Love Katamari" in Europe. Which means, yes, EA will be making a fast buck, er euro, but it will also help Katamari reach the hearts of Europeans throughout the territories. Everyone's a winner, right? [via Pro-G]
1UP spotlights Katamari sequel
The lucky folk in Japan have gotten their sweaty, eager hands on the Katamari sequel, while we have to wait. BOO! All we can do is read about the game for now. (Import not withstanding.) In a four page piece, 1UP take a look at Katamari, it's sequel, and the developers. It's nice to read that originally, they didn't think there should be a sequel. A refreshing change, when it seems all games these days are designed with franchises in mind. It's a rather enlightening look at a mindbending game.
We Love Katamari screenshots
As in screenshots of the sequel, not the fact that we just happen to love screenshots of the game. It's always tricky to pick a genre to stick Katamari stories in. I mean technically, it's a puzzle game, but it can get pretty frantic, lending itself to action. It involves balls, which could make it a sports title. (HAHA!) Regardless, GamePro have some eye candy for you to amuse yourselves with until we get a release this side of the Pacific.
We Love Katamari is here!
Rejoice my friends, rejoice! All your ball rolling fantasies can come true. Again! Admittedly you'll have to be in Japan to fulfill them right now, but hey, just how badly do you want to roll your balls? 1UP has the goods on the sequel to the most original game of the last few years. Of course, by having a sequel, the game is no longer original, but oh well. The piece is pretty deep, and gives us a lot of details to keep us chomping at the bit until that pesky US release.
1UP Loves Katamari
1UP get up close and personal with everyones favourite ball rolling game. Specifically with the co-op mode, which, of course, they got to do at E3. *yawn* Two players control one, yes, one katamari, with each player controller half of it. So teamwork is imperative. Well, unless you like bugging your fellow player by refusing to go in their direction. Ah, to be seven again...
First Katamari Damacy 2 pics look like Katamari Damacy pics
Yeah, there's not really any difference betweeen the original and the sequel as far as graphics go. But if there was ever a game that spat in the face of eye-candy fans it's Katamari Damacy. No, KD is all about gameplay - weird, trippy, someone-should-be-hospitalized-for-this-one gameplay. So why are we showing off screenies of the upcoming title? Because we're excited, that's why!
Katamari Damacy sequel on July 7th
But not in the U.S. or Europe, alas. Japan will have the privilege to rack up the worlds' goods with the next Katamari Damacy this July. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like there will be any kind of innovation in the sequel. But considering the original's gameplay was unique, addictive, surprising and trend-setting, we'll let is pass this time. We expect a FULL report from our Japanese readers once it's released, though. No slacking over there guys.
NEW Katamari Damacy 2 images!
The Magic Box has a nice collection of new Katamari Damacy 2 pics (very rare!). Enjoy. [Via Waxy]
Katamari Damacy 2: Everyone Loves Katamari!
Minna Daisuki Katamari Damacy ("Everyone Loves Katamari Damacy") is currently at 30%, with a projected Spring 2005 Japanese release. As is, this much-anticipated sequel is looking to provide more of the same addictive action that made the original a cult classic. Of course, Namco is implementing a number of changes including a greater variety of primary goals carried out in all-new stages-Candyland-esque houses, a school, zoo, & raceway... Also, this time around, there will be three types of presents: for the head, face, and body. We'll keep you posted as the development process furthers to completion.
