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See Planet Moon hard at work on After Burner
While Planet Moon may be going on to other platforms soon, they're still working on After Burner, another PSP-exclusive from the team that brought you Infected. In an interview with 1UP, the team reveals their special affinity towards the system: "Yeah, we never actually proposed anything but a PSP version of After Burner because it just felt like it was an idea that was perfect for this platform and hopefully, having the chance to play it now, this is the kind of thing you can imagine playing on your PSP quite a bit."It's nice to see a developer really think about the PSP's strengths: being able to bring great graphics on the go. To see more of Planet Moon, and what their offices look like, check out Matt Leone's 1UP blog.
Planet Moon no longer a PSP exclusive dev
Planet Moon, the famed developer of titles like Giants and MDK, became a PSP-exclusive developer at the system's launch. Since then, it has released the zombie-shooter Infected and is finishing up the upcoming Sega remake, After Burner. Speaking to 1UP, the team has revealed that they are no longer a PSP-exclusive team: "We're no longer a PSP exclusive developer," confirms Planet Moon chief operating officer Aaron Loeb. "One of the things that was funny was when we made that announcement, people assumed what we were announcing. They sort of read between the lines and assumed that we'd become a handheld developer, which was never our intention with it. The goal of Planet Moon when it was founded was to make original IP and it's still our goal as a company -- it's still our striving mission."While it's sad to see such a high-profile developer move on to other systems, I hope they don't ignore our handheld for whatever future projects they work on.
Mad cows infect After Burner
Those lucky jerks at 1UP have been able to play Planet Moon's latest game, After Burner. The preview is overwhelmingly glowing, with the controls noted as some of the system's best. "The game features some of the best hit boxes on PSP -- just loose enough to work properly with the analog nub, and just tight enough to make it not feel like the game does the work for you."Of course, Planet Moon's usual quirky humor has permeated the game. Of note is one multiplayer mode, called Mad Cow mode, which has you flying around as a cow, trying to survive. If you're interested in finding more about this Sega revival, check out 1UP's preview. Then, you may want to head over to the developer's blog, in hopes of more bovine violence. The game comes out March 20th.(Note: the embedded video is from an early build. 1UP says the near-final build plays much better than this. Let's hope they're right, because this looks pretty junky.)
P.S.P. to see M.A.C.H. A.S.A.P.
For those too impatient to wait for Planet Moon's Afterburner update, soon you'll be able to get your mach speed on with M.A.C.H. According to Gamespot the game is set to be on store shelves in the US on February 20th for $39.99. Developed by Kuju Entertainment and to be published by Sierra, the game has you flying in underground competitions and customizing your flying death machine all the while hoping to keep down your lunch. It also allows for game sharing with the multiplayer, so you can still play the game even if your friends are cheap. The game is rated E10+ which means even if you can't legally pilot a real plane, you can substitute that desire with the game.
After Burner still looking good
It looks like the major game sites had the chance to look at Planet Moon's upcoming take on Sega's After Burner. All of them seem to have rather nice things to say. Gamespot notes that "Control is accessible and sticks to an easy-to-pick-up interface." They also praised the high quality of the graphics.For people that are worried that this modern reimagining of the classic will stray too far from the original's formula need not worry. IGN notes that "it definitely plays like an Afterburner game. There's no real-world physics, for starters. Players still rocket through the skies at obscene speeds blowing up everything in sight. Plus, the camera perspective and controls still retain the ease-of-use and responsiveness of older titles."The game will come out in March, so expect more updates in the upcoming year.
Planet Moon's After Burner is lookin' good
Planet Moon Studios, developers of MDK, Giants, and the PSP-exclusive Infected, have been working hard at reviving a old Sega classic. After Burner: Black Falcon is yet another PSP-exclusive endeavor from this respected developer, and 1UP has the exclusive scoop on the game. They talked to Bob Stevenson on the game, and he explains: "We were interested in taking a classic arcade game like After Burner and adding a bit of artistic license, Planet Moon-style. We were careful not to go too crazy as the game has its own essence that we didn't want to mess with."The classic game will be getting some unique story and character development, something the team at Planet Moon has always been good at. With 30+ single player missions and extensive multiplayer modes planned, you may want to keep your eye on this one on its journey to a Spring 2007 release.
Sega teams with Planet Moon to unleash After Burner
Back in August, we revealed that Planet Moon would bring one of Sega's classics to the PSP. Well, they announced said game, and it just so happens to be After Burner: Black Falcon. "As huge fans of the original After Burner, we are delighted to re-imagine this classic arcade franchise," said Planet Moon Studios CEO Bob Stevenson. "Most importantly, it's approximately 9000% more portable than the original arcade cabinet."The game, which is due out in 2007, will feature ad-hoc versus and co-op modes and will allow feature 19 licensed fighter planes. Also, Planet Moon has gone the extra mile by throwing in a storyline into the game. Yeah, I guess those are important nowadays. Apparently it will be up to you to stop Black Falcon, group of mercs that have stolen 13 war planes.Let's hope Planet Moon can give this series the kind of loving care it deserves.
Sega enlists Infected developer to revive classic IP on PSP
Sega has announced that Planet Moon Studios (Infected, Armed & Dangerous) is developing a PSP title based on a classic Sega franchise, which has yet to be revealed. The partnership is part of Sega's new strategic plan to recycle its renowned brands of yesteryear.At least two other studios are currently working to re-imagine several vintage Sega IPs, namely Totally Games and Seret Level, which is developing a Golden Axe update for PS3 and Xbox 360. There are plenty of Sega franchises deserving of comebacks, but which do you think is best suited for Planet Moon's talents and more importantly, the PSP? (Considering all the fun we've had with the homebrew knockoff, Beats of Rage, our pick is easy to make; and pictured right.)
