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Dark Souls 2 closed beta starts October 5
Namco Bandai will launch a closed PlayStation 3 beta program for Dark Souls 2 on October 5, the publisher announced. Sign-ups for the beta will start after September 5, at which point players will see a registration announcement on the game's official Facebook page. Though the beta program is locked to PS3 owners, Dark Souls 2 will launch in March 2014 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Our co-opinion of the game from our time with the E3 demo was positive, though we reluctantly admitted that we're gluttons for the game's unrelenting punishment.
Dark Souls 2 takes over Los Angeles building, coming March 2014
An enormous sign on the LA Convention Center, where E3 will be held starting June 11, pairs Dark Souls 2 with a March 2014 release window. Two separate photos of the sign were posted to the web by All Games Beta and Twitter user VaatiVidya. While it seems the writing is on the wall, we've contacted Namco Bandai to confirm the game's March 2014 release window.
Ninja Blade demo takes giant spider warfare to XBLM
There's a new 473MB Ninja Blade demo available for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace and it's full of ninja stunts, button mashing sequences and a touch of Japanese-inspired content.To give everyone a taste of what Ninja Blade is all about, we recorded a short video of the demo's green tinted gameplay and embedded it above. An acrobatic ninja evading a ginormous arachnid, all while attempting to navigate skyscrapers: it's Japanese game development at its finest![Via Major Nelson]
Video: Six minutes of Ninja Blade action, ninjas with blades included
A few days ago a video containing six minutes of Ninja Blade action found its way online. The footage was so hot we had to let it cool down for a few days until we ... okay, you know what. We can't lie. It just slipped by. But hey, Ninja Blade is about two of our favorite things and we thought we'd share.Comments on the video call it Ninja Gaiden on steroids and while the action is intense it seems to include an awful lot of QTEz (Quick Time Events, the Z is in there to spice things up). Now, we don't have anything against QTEs but we'd rather actually play a game not play Simon with our controller while a movie is playing in the background. Maybe we're spoiled, who knows. One thing is certain, the ninja in the video totally runs down the side of a building and jacks a motorcycle in midair ... that's rad.
Ubi to release Armored Core for Answer in September
Armored Core for Answer, the thirteenth title in From Software's giant mech love fest, is preparing to stomp onto North American shores later this year. Ubisoft is set to publish the laboriously-titled game, which will unload onto both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in September. Armored Core for Answer follows 2007's Sega-published Armored Core 4, and promises to once more let players slip behind the controls of a giant modular war machine, with "epic" boss fights, "seamless" 2-player co-op and 7-player competitive modes promised as well. Much like most games that come out of Japan, Armored Core for Answer pits rebels against a malevolent megacorp with the fate of the world, not to mention precious customizable parts (130 new, 400 total), hanging in the balance. %Gallery-28753%
More Armored Core: for Answer screens show off colossal-sized enemies
Armored Core: for Answer looks like it is really knocking things up a notch from its predecessor, Armored Core 4. These new screenshots from The Magic Box help prove that point as they display the game's larger arenas and amazingly humongous enemy fortresses. Suiting up in the good old AC unit is going to become a whole new experience when it finally comes time to take these giant foes down. So far, for Answer hasn't been announced outside Japan; however, we're keeping our fingers crossed for that nice little press release to arrive and tell us otherwise. This game has got us excited since January; check out this trailer we posted to see why. Or better yet, if you have a Japanese PSN account you can download the full HD version for yourself and be awed.
The golden age of ninjas
We won't look down on you if Tecmo's announcement for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword was the first time you'd ever heard of ninjas sneaking onto a handheld console. The stealthy assasins carry out their orders so efficiently and silently, most people aren't even aware of a ninja's presence until they see their own blood on the wall sprayed from an expert slash across their necks. Modojo has a lengthy feature tracking portable appearances by ninjas like Shinobi and Goemon, following their shuriken-throwing adventures from the Game Boy all the way up to the Nintendo DS. Our favorite game from the bunch is Ninja Five-O, a Bionic Commando-esque side scroller that was released for the GBA. If there's one thing terrorists fear, it's ninja cops swinging through their defenses!
Japan gets Armored Core 4 demo
If you're of the opinion that the Xbox 360 doesn't have nearly enough giant robots smashing each other to bits, then you may be interested to know that an Armored Core 4 demo has been released in Japan. While most of our readers aren't from Japan, that doesn't mean they can't sample the robot goodness for themselves. It just so happens that there is a fairly simple way to grab Live content from other regions -- not that we condone that sort of behavior. No, we couldn't condone that sort of thing. It would be out of the question for us to, say, post a link to the method for circumventing region lockout.So, if you've been hungering for some giant robot destruction, you'll just have to look elsewhere (wink wink).
Armored Core 4: pretty mechs, nice tunnels, drab outdoors?
The other day, while many people were out buying roses, chocolates, dinners, movies... or in more extreme cases donuts and beer (ahem), the good folk over at IGN got to have a hands-on with the upcoming Armored Core 4 game. They said good, they said not as good, but overall it was a pleasant preview. Let's highlight: Tuning the mech is mandatory, but not overbearing or overly tedious. Action is fast and furious, unlike many mech games based on realistic, slow bulky robot battles. The controls are streamlined and easy to get the hang of. Laser swords. Different mission objectives range from defeating a certain obstacle in a certain amount of time, conserving ammo, or just blowing everything up on the map. Most unlocking of upgrades is more mandatory for the online mode, so you can better differentiate your mech from other people. Outdoor levels can appear drab or empty, but indoor levels are nicely done. Destructable environments are present, but not everywhere. Kind of sad that some buildings can be destroyed but others can't. Online modes will include deathmatch and 8-person team deathmatches. You can trade parts with people you meet online. No voice chat for PS3. 360 and PS3 builds will look identical, so no need to compare! That's it for now. We'll pick this game up when it's released in mid-March and... see you online!
Armored Core 4 championship offers $17k prize
Well, US$16,674. Will that suffice? Armored Core 4 players in Japan (and, presumably, importers who live outside of Japan) have until March 1 to get their rusty mechs polished for the Armored Core Championship Battle 2007. Previous years' tournaments had been held regionally throughout Japan; thanks to the wonders of online play, though, this year's event will be played out via the PlayStation Network over a period of three weeks. The final stage of the tournament will, however, be held in Tokyo, where the top two players as of March 21 will do battle for the grand prize of ¥2million. The Xbox 360 version of Armored Core 4 is (coincidentally?) released in Japan on March 22, so this year's tournament is open only to players of the PS3 version.
Armored Core 4 -- updates, release dates, explosions!
From Software is listening to their Japanese players! Thousands of user requests have been compiled, sorted, and the game has received patches and updates to coincide with those requests that seemed fair. Or parts of the game that needs balancing. Why is this important? Because the American and European gamers are going to get a much more balanced and fair title. Speaking of which, the title is getting released on the PS3 and 360 simultaneously -- March 20th.As far as online play goes, it may not be quite as fair and balanced as the game build itself. See, the Japanese crowd has had a month to hone their skills and we quite simply cannot allow this! We must band together and show them how fast we learn to fly our mechs into battle and emerge victorious! Okay? It's a date.Also, perhaps someone else can verify the assumption over at InsertCredit: "the aforementioned Regulation file feature may also be unique to the PS3, unless the 360 guidelines are changed. Selectable patches aren't something Microsoft allows..." What do you guys think? I thought the 360 did that just fine, but perhaps I am sorely mistaken.
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!
Tenchu Z: new name, same lame
Microsoft has revealed plans to localize and release Tenchu Senran, perhaps re-named as 'Tenchu Z' (ugh), for North America. We haven't heard much about this installment since its release in Japan last October, which leads us to believe Senran failed to restore the disgraced Tenchu franchise. Anyone have a go with Dark Secret?Senran introduces create-a-ninja, and builds off of Return From Darkness's dreary co-op play. A North American release date is pending.Note: a Senran demo is available on the Japanese version of Xbox Live Marketplace.
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?
