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Small sprites, big spirits
Just looking at Bangai-O Spirits makes us cheer-- yes! The Nintendo DS exists and Treasure got a development kit for it! And we also have a Nintendo DS! The world is an excellent place! It's not a catchy cheer, but it's heartfelt. We can close our eyes right now and imagine huge missile volleys flying out in 100 different directions, turning gun turrets and little houses and other missiles into gigantic fruit. It's the same heartfelt feeling that compels us to share these screens from Famitsu with you. They're the same screens seen in the "scan" before, with the added benefit of being clearly visible. We think that's kind of important! Speaking of visibility, we worry a little bit about being able to see what's happening on the DS's smaller screens-- teensy sprites and chaotic bullet patterns don't seem like the best fit for a portable system. But we'll put our eyes right up to the screens if we need to. It probably won't be a problem; Treasure generally knows what they're doing.
Rumor: Puzzle Quest coming to Wii?
The latest mumbling amongst mumbling folk is that a Wii release might be planned for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Amazon has listed a Wii version of the Bejeweled/RPG hybrid at a budget price of $29.99, due this September 25th.So what can we hope for with this port? New content? Honestly, we don't expect much beyond bug fixes. Added waggle controls, then? Not if we're lucky. Online battles, at least? Though this is implemented in the upcoming XBLA version, and the new product page mentions the ability to "Battle other Warlords for supremacy via wireless multiplayer," this seems like a fool's hope. That bullet-pointed feature was most likely gleaned from a previous press release, and it seems far too early for a niche release on the Wii to support online multiplayer. You'll find no truer friends of Infinite Interactive than us, but there are just so many ways a port like this can be messed up.[Via Joystiq]
Getting ahead with Dead Head Fred
D3 Publisher showed off Dead Head Fred at its pre-E3 event, and shared a ton of new images. The game, which is scheduled to arrive in August, continues to get zanier (and gorier!) every time we see it. Expect more impressions of the game soon, but enjoy these screens for now.%Gallery-3233%
ESRB seeks to rate game trailers [update]
The Entertainment Software Rating Board is looking to rate gameplay trailers, according to information obtained by Gamasutra. Footage for D3 Publisher's Dark Sector was requested to be pulled because it contained "excessive or offensive content," even though it was behind an age gate. 2K Games told Gamasutra that they had to receive a separate rating for The Darkness trailer and that "game publishers that do not comply with the age gate requirement are subject to enforcement actions by the ESRB," though what those actions entail is not made clear.If the ESRB is indeed moving to rate trailers, many questions are left unanswered. Our biggest concern would be with user-created footage and machinima. Would the ESRB see that as falling under their sphere of influence? Much like the Oblivion "skin-cident", could publishers be punished for content made by the community? And does the organization have the manpower to enforce such a policy change?Update: Game Politics has provided some historical context to this news, noting that the ESRB's actions are not without precedent.
D3 continues PSP support through purchase of Vicious Cycle
D3 Publisher is one of our favorite companies to work with at PSP Fanboy. Their support of the PSP with niche titles has been fantastic, with games like PQ2 and Puzzle Quest under their belt. It looks like their support of PSP will continue even further due to their recent acquisition of Vicious Cycle, developers of the upcoming Dead Head Fred. The combination of Vicious Cycle's technical expertise on the system and D3's focus on the PSP platform is certainly a win for gamers."The addition of Vicious Cycle to D3PA marks our first acquisition of an internal developer and further strengthens our capabilities in delivering top quality games to the North American market," said D3PA COO Yoji Takenaka.
D3 acquires developer Vicious Cycle
D3 Publisher of America and Vicious Cycle Software, makers of the Vicious Engine, have joined forces in that old, synergistic bond known as an acquisition. Vicious Cycle will become a subsidiary and will stay in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The two have collaborated before on PSP version of Puzzle Quest and the upcoming Dead Head Fred. PSP Fanboy has been covering Dead Head Fred extensively; the game is due out later this year.
Dead Head Fred screenshots of pain
We knew D3 Publisher's upcoming Dead Head Fred was going to be a violent game. And we wouldn't have it any other way. In this new series of screenshots released by the publisher, we can see Fred in doing what he does best: causing mayhem in the most violent way possible. Watch him inflict pain on a variety of spooks, from strange gladiators, to zombies, to mutants and more in our newly updated gallery below.%Gallery-3233%
A few new Puzzle Quest details
There's a Puzzle Quest interview up at GameSpot. While it doesn't reveal much in the way of new details about the upcoming XBLA release, it does give us an idea of the game's genesis. Steve Fawkner, lead designer for the game, did say that the development team plans to take advantage of the features available on Xbox Live Arcade. In fact, Fawkner notes, "XBLA has so many great features that it would be a criminal act if we didn't take advantage of all of them." We take it that means Puzzle Quest will be getting a high definition makeover, online play, and leaderboards at the very least.Now all we need is a release date.[Via Game Stooge]
Ben 10 coming to multiple consoles and handhelds this fall
One of our guilty pleasures is Ben 10, a very fun anime-inspired show on the Cartoon Network (and we aren't afraid to admit it ... just mildly embarrassed). It revolves around young Ben Tennyson and the bizarre Omnitrix, a sort of an alien watch thingy, that allows him to turn into different aliens to fight the baddies with. Sure, it sounds simple ... but watch one episode and you're hooked. D3Publisher of America has announced that they are developing several different versions of the game that will be released this fall, appearing on the Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and the Nintendo DS. What, no love for the 360? Even more exciting is that Ben's nemesis Kevin 11 (we kid you not) will be appearing in the game as well.
PSP Fanboy review: Cube
Cube asks players to do one simple thing: get from point A to point B. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a game if it was as easy as it sounds. This action-puzzle game from D3 Publisher has players navigating the titular cube around a three dimensional grid, also made of cubes. Along the way, players will stumble upon a variety of challenges to overcome: gaps in the course that must be mended, paths that must be opened, etc. To do so, there may be blocks for the player to push, or buttons to press. There are also other obstacles that can even destroy the player's cube.The challenges in Cube provide an interesting excursion. As the player progresses, more puzzles are unlocked, and the difficulty slowly rises. Some of the later levels can become truly terrifying pieces of work, layered with complexities. Trying to solve the various puzzles does become quite involving, as players must try to push blocks in a particular way, and pay attention to the movement of other blocks. There's replay value added thanks to additional keys that are scattered throughout a level: by collecting these keys within a certain time limit, the player will be awarded a medal. Obviously, perfectionists will want to get a Gold as often as possible.
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Cube
We've spent a lot of time with D3 Publisher's upcoming action puzzle game, Cube. The basic premise of the game is quite simple: get your cube to the exit. Of course, as is the case with all puzzle games, it's not going to be that easy: you'll have to avoid various traps along the way, lest you meet a blocky death. There are a few elements that spice things up along the way. Firstly, your cube can stick onto any side of the platforms. The game encourages you to traverse through levels any way you want: upside-down, on its side, right-side up. The three dimensionality of the game is interesting, and it opens up a lot of gameplay possibilities.There are quite a large number of puzzles to tackle in the game, which is a huge plus. Also, there's a level editor so that you can create and share your own puzzles. Our early build doesn't have it, but the final retail version will also have Game Sharing, so you can play with other PSP owners that don't have the game. Considering its budget price ($20), there's a great amount of content, making Cube easily one of PSP's greatest values. However, we're a little concerned about a few presentation issues. It feels like everything is a bit too sluggish: the controls feel a little too slow, and the load times seem a bit too long for a game with such minimalistic graphics. Most annoyingly, you must reload the entire level when replaying it--this will prove to be quite frustrating in the more difficult levels.Hopefully, these quirks will be ironed out before the game's official release on April 24th. Expect more coverage on PSP Fanboy closer to the game's release.
Try before you buy: Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest is trying to do something different by combining the puzzle and RPG genres. The dangers of trying something new is that it has a high chance of failure. Luckily for those interested in Puzzle Quest, there is a PC demo online now so you can try before you buy. Much like that drug dealer that gives you your first taste free, Infinite Interactive wants you to get hooked on the demo so you rush out to purchase Puzzle Quest. Is this unique game worth your time? After trying the demo, I think this game will be a cult hit for sure. Giving purpose and story to a puzzle game definitely adds to the experience and the art is well done. But luckily for you, the demo will allow you to make up your own mind. What do you think of Puzzle Quest? [Via Joystiq] [Update 2: Provided direct link to demo.][Update 1: Corrected formatting.]
Earth Defense Force coming to the 360
Over at Siliconera they've scored an interview with D3 Publisher to talk about the upcoming Xbox 360 version of Earth Defense Force 2017. This admittedly Japanese game is finally making the trek over to North America where D3 Publisher thinks it'll be a hit with the 360 community. To be honest, we've never heard of Earth Defense Force, but after reading the interview we're interested. The game is all about blowing up a massive amount of enemies, various enemies ranging from ants to robots. Nothing is too weird to kill. And you won't be running out of ways to kills your foes since there are over 150 different weapons. Big explosions, big enemies, lots of enemies, lots of weapons ... we're so in on this one.
New puzzler, Cube, encourages sharing
When I first saw an update for a new PSP game called Cube, I got scared. Was it a game adaptation of the film "Cube," one of the worst films I have ever seen? Thankfully, no. It's a new puzzle game from D3 Publisher. While the PSP is certainly not lacking in the puzzle genre, Cube deserves a bit of attention due to it being of the few games to take advantage of PSP's unique capabilities. Firstly, the game includes a level editor, allowing you to upload and download new content from other Cube owners. More excitingly, the game also features Game Sharing multiplayer, allowing gamers with just one copy of the game to go head to head. The lack of complexity in the graphics and presentation probably makes it possible for Game Sharing to work, and to be honest, I'm excited that it does. It's hard enough to find a PSP owner to play against; Game Sharing will make it infinitely easier to go head-to-head with a person next to you. Expect more updates as the game's February release gets closer.[Via IGN]
PSP Fanboy review: Work Time Fun
WTF, or Work Time Fun, is an enjoyable, but ultimately flawed, game. The title encapsulates the spirit of the game incredibly well: it's quirky and filled with a dark humor that some may find a bit too vulgar or violent to appreciate. Those that watch you play the game will have no choice but to ask WTF? as they see you participating in a variety of games, from the insane to the inane. A collection of approximately 40 mini-games can be unlocked in the game's unique format. You'll only have four games to start, but as you play those games, you'll earn money that allows you to unlock even more games. While the presentation is unique, and executed very well, it's also one of the greatest flaws of the game. Progressing in the game can sometimes feel less like fun and more like work.Continuing reading to see the final verdict.
