initial-d
Latest
Sega considering more free-to-play games for 3DS beyond Initial D
Sega's first free-to-play title for the 3DS, Initial D: Perfect Drift Online, is scheduled for release in Japan this winter. Players will be able to purchase points to speed up the unlocking process, but the game's content can be earned for free with enough success in its on and offline gameplay. The project is led by Yakuza series lead Toshihiro Nagoshi, and a recent Famitsu interview translated by Siliconera explored Sega's possible future with F2P games. "We don't intend to stop with this title, and after looking over its results, we'll think about what to do next," Nagoshi said. While Nagoshi acknowledges smartphones would provide a wider install base, he's "very interested in seeing what happens" with Initial D on the 3DS. Aside from the 3DS' popularity with grade school students, Nagoshi believes there's also a chance on the platform with the older market. Should Initial D's performance please Sega, Nagoshi also teased that the team has been thinking about what would work best for additional F2P titles on the 3DS.
Rumors of an Initial D game for the DS spread
Racing fans might have something to look forward to on the DS, as whispers of an Initial D game have been fluttering around the intertubes. Don't get too excited, though; this tidbit is still in the "rumor" category. News of this game coming to the DS was originally deemed a hoax, but screens have recently popped up supporting the argument. Did the hoax just get more elaborate, or are these screens legitimate? Only time will tell, but we're hoping for the latter.For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Initial D is based on Japanese street racing, but takes place in mountainous areas rather than city streets. Is anyone hoping to see this hit the DS, or are you indifferent?Also, you can check past the break for more of the alleged screens.
Initial D racing to PS3
Initial D, a moderately popular racing anime in Japan and the US, is coming to the PS3. Like the show, expect lots of tuner-based racing. Don't get your hopes up, though. The PS3 release looks to be inspired by the arcade coin-op version. As in the case with all anime licensed games, it's smart to keep hopes low for the PS3 version. Maybe that way, we'll be taken by surprise at how the final product performs.A US release hasn't been announced, but check out more screens at Famitsu.
Import game releases for the week of 01/14/07
Always wanted to play import games, but never wanted to mod your system? Well lucky for you, the PSP allows you to play import games right out of the box. But now you may wonder what the newest import games are. Well, that's why every Sunday I'm here to keep you updated. M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes) We talked about this one a few weeks back since it's coming to the US next month. If you can't wait that long though and don't mind if your games aren't localized than you can buy M.A.C.H. this week. If it's not obvious from the game's title (and really it should be), the gameplay revolves around air combat. Initial D Street Stage (PSP the Best) Based on the popular manga, this game is all about not just racing, but drifting. In between races you upgrade your car so you can more easily take down rivals. This game isn't new, but this is the "best" release which means you can buy it cheaper than ever. Wizardry Empire III: Haoh no Keifu Oddly enough this series has had more popularity and sequels in Japan than in its native country. The newest installment still plays like the PC RPGs of old. You move in first person while exploring dungeons and killing monsters. Visit towns, get new weapons and defeat evil. Unless you know Japanese though, it isn't usually a good idea to import an RPG. Talkman Shiki: Shabe Lingual Eikaiwa Talkman is voice-activated translation software It translates words into your language or vice-versa. This release centers around teaching English and key phrases one would need to get by in the US or an English speaking country. The Talkman releases have been somewhat popular where they've been released, so I still wonder why this useful software has never gotten a version in the US. That's it for now , see you back here next week for even more import games! [Update 1: Fixed tagging.]
