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Armored Core 4 English website activated
Can't wait until the end of March to get your giant robot delight on? Sick of surfing through numerous different sites to catch a trailer of the game? Looking for some up-to-date, hi-res screenshots to put on the background of your PC? Your search is over. The English Armored Core 4 website is up and running. There's a ton of info to look over here, not to mention a pretty slammin' song to make you want to look around and read up on the universe that From Software has created -- manufacturers of the machines, storyline, historical mythology... it's awesome.You can get all the screenshots and trailers you need, too. Well, not all you need, but quite a bit of content. Take a look around, see what you think. Come the end of March, hopefully the 360 crowd and the PS3 crowd will be able to duke it out online in the 8 player online matches. That could be a lot of fun!
Enchanted Arms to grope PS3 in March
Ubisoft have announced that the bilingual PS3 port of Enchanted Arms will be released in North America this March. When it landed "exclusively" on the Xbox 360 last year, From Software's first-to-an-empty-market initiative ticked just about every box on the official list of Japanese RPG requirements. Goofy protagonist with a hazy memory and an untapped power? Check. An ancient evil unleashed within the opening moments of the game, completely wiping out the hero's beloved town? Check. A surly princess who refuses to act like a princess? Check. A flamboyantly gay stereotype and an army of sentient pizzas? Ch -- wait, that doesn't seem to be on here.If you were one of the few that embraced Enchanted Arms initially, you'd know that it was a solid, albeit unremarkable, RPG with an enjoyable battle system and varied golem creation (essentially a form of enemy recruitment). The Ubisoft press release mentions "Sixaxis wireless controller integration" as one of the PS3 enchancements, but it's unclear whether motion sensing is actually used in gameplay. Apparently, you can "use the motion-sensitive controller harness weapons, recover your EX power meter, unlock more powerful attacks and solve puzzles." We're not convinced that means you'll be doing anything other than pushing buttons on a motion-sensitive controller, but lack of tilt control isn't a common complaint in the wonderful world of turn-based RPGs.
Armored Core 4 prepares to assault 360
Joystiq brings word that the 360 version of Armored Core 4 should see a Japanese release in March, with an English version hitting the US afterwards. As with many releases these days, Armored Core 4 will come in both regular and collector's editions. The collector's edition comes with a bonus DVD and an art booklet. SEGA plans to bring both versions to the states, though a specific release date is unknown at this time. It's important to note that this is the first iteration of the Armored Core series to appear on a non-Sony platform. Though it was confirmed for 360 some time ago, From Software was initially cagey about platform designations. With other big name exclusives -- like Virtua Fighter 5 -- being culled from the PS3's library, we have to ask: is the era of 3rd party exclusives over?[Via Joystiq]
Armored Core 4 on Xbox 360 in March
Xbox 360 will receive some love from an important Japanese franchise in early 2007. From Software's Armored Core 4 is scheduled to arrive on Microsoft's console on March 22 -- it's already available on PlayStation 3. The deal will be sweetened by a "special movies" DVD and art booklet, available to reservation makers.Sega, which has signed on as publisher, plans to bring both versions of Armored Core 4 to North America. The Xbox 360 release marks the first time the Armored Core series will be available on a non-Sony platform (with the exception of mobile phone spin-offs).See also: PS3 loses more exclusives
PS3 Enchanted Arms gets some 'enchancements'
Eager to cash in on an empty market, From Software is busy applying the finishing touches to its Enchanted Arms port for PlayStation 3. Lack of RPG presence in PS3's unripened catalogue certainly gives From the option to 'copy-paste' its year-old Xbox 360 title onto Sony's platform, but there appears reason for improvements; be it the off chance that there are owners of the original who would be interested in a buffed reprise.Along with expected graphical tweaks (including new character animations), new chapters will be added to the Enchanted Arms story, new golems will appear, and the battle system will be improved. Even the themes for the opening and ending will be re-composed -- by "mink" no less (never heard of her/him/them either). The magic returns to Japan on January 25 (no word yet of a new translation).
New Armored Core 4 trailer elicits "HardCore" fun
Not sure how the "HardCore" was supposed to work. Some sort of Armored HardCore 4 joke, but it's one of those "this makes sense if you're on the same wavelength" jokes. Anyway. As of December 1st, IGN posted a new Armored Core 4 trailer and let us tell you: it looks hot and sexy, just as sleek metallic robots should. Now, they edited out the menu screen-clogging stuff from the actual gameplay footage, but you can tell when it's gameplay because you're staring at the back of a beautiful 'bot. That aside, awesome. If this were a movie, you bet it'd beat up the new Transformers movie left and right -- but not the classic 80's animated film of Transformers. That was the best movie ever, at least in the Transformers universe. Anywho, check out the trailer at IGN and leave your thoughts here.It's also of note to say that the game was delayed a week, from 12/14 to 12/21. Oh well.
Enchanted Arms slated and priced for the PS3 market
As with many "exclusives", developers change their minds pretty quick. Enchanted Arms is no exception, quickly moving onto the PS3 to face off against the multitude of other RPG's on Sony's consoles (the PS3 might not have many yet, but I'm still trying to get through the PS2 library). From Software has dubbed the release date January 25th, 2007 at a hefty price tag of 8190 yen (over $70). The game has a ho-hum story we've come to expect from many RPG's -- a hero with powers has to save the world for some reason, forms a ragtag group of heroes, battles some evil. Good stuff, even if most RPG's come in the same general flavors, not unlike beer. Mmm, JRPG-brew. Anywho, the game will be a welcome addition to the PS3 library but there has been no word on an American release, officially. It's safe to expect it sometime soon, though. I'm guessing March, to coincide with Europe's release. A little optimistic? Maybe.
Smashin' 'bots online with Armored Core 4
So, sitting in your room alone, destroying massive robots with your own massive robot, you think to yourself "gee, this AI isn't bad, but I really wish I could ruin some other kid's day by annihilating his robot. Heck, I'd love a team of people to lay waste to a band of little girly-men." You know you'll be thinking that after tackling the single player mode of Armored Core 4 and that's exactly why From Software has decided to talk a little bit about their online plans for the mech-battling game.Online support includes battle royal and team-based combats for up to eight players. This should turn into a pretty intense bout if you manage to get a full eight players -- just think of the mayhem! Also of note is the SIXAXIS, or the lack of using any of tilts. That's right: you don't have to worry about jerking your controller around. The idea was looked at, but the From Software team weren't certain they could implement it in a way that would make the game better. So, who wants to join me for a mech battle in a few months?
Armored Core 4 release date set in Japan
We can get our mech-smashing on earlier than anticipated! Well, in Japan. Just a month after launch, on December 14, Japan will get its grubby hands on the much-hyped, much-awesome title, Armored Core 4. Jealous, U.S.? We in the states (and Canada!) can still expect this puppy in Spring of '07. Oh, and the price is kinda high. It's going for about 8,190 yen, which is quite a markup from the casual 6,800 pricing of Sonic and Sega Golf. Then again... Armored Core games have always been this price in Japan, so let's not think this is indicative of anything dubious, shall we?
Armored Core 4 trailer, so much drama [update 1]
In marketing limbo for some time, From Software's Armored Core 4 was recently confirmed as a 360 title. Previously known only as a PS3 title, we welcome it into the 360 fold. The trailer shows off a nice mix of both CGI and in-game footage. Filled with lots of explosions and contrails, it also proves an old trailer making adage, "if you want to make a trailer really dramatic, put a big choral number in it." Check out the (very long) trailer after the break.
Tenchu Senran video, it ain't pretty
Xboxyde has posted a gameplay video of the Japanese Tenchu Senran demo (which should be back up tomorrow), and we're just going to come right out and say that it's a steaming pile. Call us graphics snobs if you will, but everything about this game looks worse than last gen. The graphics barely live up to PS2 standards and the gameplay is nearly identical to every other Tenchu game out there. What's worse, this is From Software, creator of some of the Xbox's best looking games. If this is the best that Japan can get on the 360, it's no wonder they're gathering dust on the shelves. Graphics or gameplay guys, if you're making a 360 game, at least one of them has to better than last gen.Let's hope that TGS gives all of us some Japanese games that are worth playing.
Enchanted Arms grabbing PS3
It's easy to be the life of the party when you're the only one attending. Enchanted Arms is generally acknowledged to be an entertaining, albeit unremarkable, game that has gained a bit more attention simply for being the first traditional Japanese RPG to hit the Xbox 360. It may even wind up beating others to the magical punch (that's a play on enchanted limbs and the earlier party analogy, you see) on Sony's next-gen console, as the game's official website now indicates that a PS3 version is in the works. Ubisoft has yet to announce intentions to publish an English version again, but such information should likely arise once the Tokyo Game Show kicks off later this month and a firm release date emerges from, err, From Software. If you plan on foregoing the Xbox 360 version in favor of this one, you can look forward to a motley group of heroes, an ineptly imprisoned ancient evil and an adventure which the Official Xbox 360 Magazine (UK) calls a "most likable cult oddity." [Via Eurogamer]See also: Enchanted Arms' Metacritic page Enchanted Arms embraces bilinguilasm
Armored Core 4 not a launch title -- only two confirmed
It was never officially announced as a launch title, but we did kind of hope Armored Core 4 was going to come out hand-in-hand with the PS3. Well, it's official now. The game isn't due to get released until December in Japan. That stinks. There are two titles officially stated for a November release in Japan: Fatal Inertia and Mahjong Taikai IV. If either of those are appetizing, please line up now. But they won't satisfy our mech-crushing desires. Sony! Listen up. Stop, please. It's growing nearly impossible to throw a positive spin on things. What can we say about all that's gone on lately? "Uh, well, when the PS3 comes out in March in Europe, they'll have more launch titles"? We love you Sony. We trust you. But you've got to be honest with us! Yeah, this doesn't really have much to do with Armored Core 4, but it was just another title that made the pain a little more bearable. Now we have to wait for that, too. Sorry for the tangent -- sometimes it's tough to make bad news good. Even so, look for some mech-smashing come December.
Enchanted Arms rumored to approach the PS3
If this rumor turns out to be true, Sony fanboy's wait to see their first true next-gen RPG will be shortened. The game's developer, From Software (our buddies from the Armored Core series), recently had a talk with Famitsu magazine and implied there was a Sony version of the game already planned. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise since From Software's Armored Core games are a staple of the Sony gaming experience (this guy is still searching for a copy of Armored Core 2, actually). Any extra content? So far, nothing has been noted. We can safely assume that it will, at the very least, be a direct port of the 360 game. Although, with all that extra space thanks to Blu-ray, we can not-as-safely assume there will be something added. This is pretty good news, then. Sony isn't one to miss out on many RPGs and From Software isn't one to readily toss Sony aside (we assume). Those two things add up to a port of Enchanted Arms. More on this as rumor becomes fact.
Giant robot pictures! Armored Core 4 is sleek and sexy
We love giant robots. From Software has released a plethora of Armored Core 4 pictures and they're very nice (but not very big). Lots of "companies" are making these giant steel beasts of awesome and each looks unique enough that you shouldn't have to customize too much (but you will, oh, you will...). This is shaping up to be a key launch title and will hopefully lead to some decent lines at the Tokyo Game Show. Now then, the question must be asked: out of the pictured steel creatures, which one would you most enjoy taking for a stroll and destroying many, many things? We'll keep you posted as more Armored Core 4 info surfaces.
Armored Core 4 movie goodness [update 1]
myFlash = new FlashObject('http://www.gametrailers.com/umremote310.swf', 'swffile', 425, 362, 8); myFlash.altTxt = ''; myFlash.addVariable('mid', 12512); myFlash.write(); God is force. At least that's what this Armored Core trailer says. But we all know the truth. God may be force, but Armored Core is giant robots blowing each other to smithereens. Smithereens, we say! So, you can either argue about whether or not this movie is real time, or, you can enjoy the contrails and robots asploding. Your call. Also, is it just me, or does the mech at the beginning of the video have an H. R. Giger look to it?The video is surprisingly devoid of any platform designations. Interesting. Discuss.[Update: It's H. R. Giger. Not Geiger. One of my favorite people and I misspell his name. Oy.]
Armored Core screens impress (giant robots)
If there's one thing you can say about From Software, it's that they know how to make a pretty game. These shots from the upcoming Armored Core 4 prove it -- that and From has a thing for giant robots apparently. Sure, the game has some storyline about future governments or something, but it's all about the giant robots blowing the crap out of each other. We all know it. Blowing up robots and looking good doing it. Let's just hope this giant robot game doesn't destroy our 360s.
Sorry RPG-fanboys... two PS3 RPG's canned
From Software (who?) have unofficially canned two of their next-gen RPG projects. These games were announced early on in the PS3's marketing push, but the sudden cancellation is foreboding -- the next Famitsu will uncover the truth. That marks at least three cancelled RPGs (Endless Saga was another) for what has come to be known as the system for RPG's (before PSX and PS2, SNES was the RPG overlord... excepting the marvelous Phantasy Star and Shining Force titles on the Genesis). This is bad news, fellow role-players. One of the only remaining solid titles to look forward to on the PS3 for our RPG-needs is Final Fantasy XIII.The cancelled games never had much information released, offering only a "one's a dark RPG, the other is just untitled". Is this concerning anyone else? A lot of PS3 titles have been scrapped or pushed way, way back. It's not the best news to boast about and in a debate with your Microsoft-fanboy buddy, it's a pretty major card they can pull out to make you feel insecure. Come on, Sony! Well, really, come on developers! Don't give up. We're seriously depending on September's game show to restore our confidence.
A JRPG? On the 360? Video proof
There's a rule of thumb about Japanese RPGs: if you want to play Japanese RPGs on your Xbox, you still need a PS2. Until now that is. This video of Enchanted Arms shows off the game's story and some of its features. The absolute best feature: you can select English or Japanese dialog. So, if you've been hungering for some hitpoints and long CGI cut scenes, you'll get your chance later this month. The question remains, is the game any good? Let's put it this way: if you want a traditional Japanese RPG on your 360, you don't exactly have a choice.
Pimp my hound, new Chromehounds parts
There are now some new parts with which to customize your Hounds on marketplace. That is, if you can manage to play the game long enough to use them. The content includes two new guns and some new camouflage. And, get this, it's free.Hopefully, the next pack will include some sweet sub woofers and an in-cockpit DVD player. Ooh, and maybe some spinning rims for the rolling Hounds.
