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DW: Strikeforce strikes back with new screenshots
Click to enter gallery It's screenshot update time for Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce. 15 new images of this DBZ-ified action beat-em-up are now in our gallery for your viewing pleasure. It looks like Shu's Zhao Yun and other prominent warriors from Wei and Wu kingdoms are banding together in a multiplayer adventure to fight over-sized monsters in this new DW. It sounds like fun, but we wonder how Koei's going to spin the story and explain how these miscreants found their way into ancient China. %Gallery-34535%
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce trailer, now in English
Does Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce seem like a DW game to you? After having watched this English trailer (posted after the break), it certainly feels far from anything we've come to know of the series. It looks like the title graduated from the Monster Hunter academy of game design because, frankly, the large mythical creatures and emphasis on 4-player co-op are elements more familiar to another popular series. We'll see how things stand when the title releases in North America next year.
TGS 08 hands-on: Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce
When we first heard of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (back then it was known by its Asian version name Multi Raid) we didn't think it would be coming over to Western shores. So, it was a nice surprise to see a little press release letting us know that the PSP exclusive will in fact be making a North American and European debut in 2009. Armed with that knowledge, we decided it might be worthwhile checking out the game on the show floor.We picked up the playable demo. There were three characters available for play: Xiahou Dun, Zhao Yun and Sun Shang Xiang; they were all dressed up in their Dynasty Warriors 6 outfits. We chose to play as Zhao Yun and then picked out a map. The load time was fairly tolerable not taking more than a few seconds. Once the stage loaded up, we noticed that the graphics were not that much different from previous DW games on PSP; the character models look actually slightly blockier though.%Gallery-34535%
Sin & Punishment 2 and other third-party gems confirmed [update]
Update: Screen grab from Nintendo's media page, which has video of all these new games! Check it out right here.Nintendo just unleashed a demo reel of upcoming third-party Wii games, including Taiko no Tatsujin Wii, a new Tsumi to Batsu/Sin & Punishment game from Treasure, a Wii version ofAnother Code (otherwise known as Trace Memory, the DS adventure game), Let's Tap (Yuji Naka's latest project, a.k.a. the game that even penguins can play), Sengoku Musou 3 (Samurai Warriors 3) and a new "mothership" title in the Tales Of series.Will the internet regard this as the press conference that E3 should have been? We suspect so!
PS3 gets some MMO lovin' in Japan
There's a thread over at NeoGaf reporting that Japanese game publisher Koei, which is famous for its Dynasty Warriors beat-em-up/battlefield-strategy hybrid games, might be developing an MMO. The company's Tokyo Game Show page was briefly updated with an entry for an MMO title for both PC and PS3. When the mistake was caught the entry was immediately taken down. Fans of Dynasty Warriors and Romance of the Three Kingdoms are very excited. Everyone else can probably move on, because Koei has done pretty little that wasn't at least mostly the same concept as one of those.Also, our friends at PS3 Fanboy have celebrated the launch of the free-to-play Asian PS3 MMO Angel Love Online (a veritable cute fest, that one) by writing up a guide to getting the game running for non-Japanese users. Angel Love is currently available only through the Japanese PlayStation Network store, but that sort of thing has never stopped anyone smart and resourceful, has it? If you succeed, you'll get to play it entirely in Japanese! Oh, yay! It looks very Secret of Mana-esque.Due to the language barrier, most Western PS3 owners will probably want to wait for The Agency, Free Realms, and DC Universe Online, but if you can't wait, here you go. And remember, if seeing Japanese culture Lost in Translation is what you want, there's always TV. In Japan. Read on below the cut for a look at Angel Love Online.
Koei revives RPG Zill O'll Infinite, reveal PSP-heavy TGS lineup
In the past two weeks you've probably heard all about several of Koei's new titles and newly found love for PSP. Two new games -- Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid and Warriors Orochi 2 -- are making their way to the oblong portable device by the end of this year in Japan, and lucky TGS-goers will get a chance to check them out at the show. Being the generous sort of folks they are, Koei has one more title set for release this year in Japan: Zill O'll Infinite Plus.Scheduled for a release in December, Zill O'll Infinite is going to be a PSP port of the PS2 remake of the original PSOne RPG (yikes what a mouthful!) with expected new elements. The game hasn't been officially mentioned yet on Koei's TGS lineup like DWMR and WO2, but we're assuming it won't miss the show like the other recently unveiled titles. The only other PSP title to appear at Koei's booth is the already released Neo Angelique. With Zill added to the mix, Koei will have four PSP games at the show -- which accounts for nearly half their showing this year. It's nice to hear that some developers haven't put the PSP down for the 10-count just yet.[Via PSP Hyper]
Koei TGS page temporarily shows new Dynasty Warriors, MMORPG
Tokyo Game Show is just around the corner. We're expecting some new game announcements -- however, we may have gotten a small sneak peak thanks to an early update of Koei's TGS website. Not only did it show a brand new Dynasty Warriors game for the PS3, it also shows a new MMORPG for both PC and PS3. Both listings for these PS3 games have since been removed, but we'll be keeping a keen eye on Koei at TGS to see if these titles magically reappear.[Via NeoGAF]
One more Koei game: Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid
It seems Koei's PSP ports are just coming out of the woodwork. Not more than a few days ago, the Japanese corp stated new games were to be shown at TGS; a day later we know what those games are. One is a port of Warriors Orochi 2, and another, we've found out, is this: Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid.The title is yet another multiplayer co-op game (who'd a thunk it?) that's based off of Dynasty Warriors 6 (probably more specifically on the PS2 version). It'll be out later this year in Japan and scheduled for "winter." While it's not altogether surprising to hear that Koei's offerings are ports, we can't help but feel disappointed at the lack of something really new and original ... but, we should've seen that one coming from a mile away.[Via Gamekyo]
Two new PSP games revealed in latest Famitsu
All right, we've got two new games from two different companies. First up is Koei's Musou Orochi: Maou Sairin (Warriors Orochi 2) which is probably one of those "new" titles Koei has been talking about recently. It's a port of the PS2 game which will be out later this month in North America. The PSP port is scheduled for Japan this November with new characters and ad hoc multiplayer.The second title is Capcom's Sengoku Basara: Battle Heroes. The series has never left done poorly outside Asia, so we're not banking on this one getting localized. Battle Heroes has 2-on-2 battles and 4-player ad hoc. Battle Heroes is scheduled for Spring 2009 in Japan.Are you sensing a pattern in Japanese PSP development? Notice how all games now seem to be touting the multiplayer co-op ad hoc? Thanks to Monster Hunter, developers have finally found a cash cow in the PSP.Source 1Source 2
Koei to unveil new PSP games at Tokyo Game Show
Koei president Kenji Matsubara spoke recently with Gamasutra about making third party titles in Japan. More important to our readers, part of that discussion involved PSP. Pointing to the PSP's success with Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (yes, everything comes back around to Monster Hunter PSP savior), Matsubara said it is encouraging to make games for the PSP as opposed to other tougher markets (the PS3 and 360).In line with this, Koei has acted accordingly by revealing plans to announce new PSP titles at this year's Tokyo Game Show in October. What those titles are, it won't say, but we're certainly curious to find out. Deducing from the article, it sounds like Koei is aiming to make a game that utilizes Monster Hunter's team-focused gameplay. Hmm, perhaps a game where Guan Yu and friends go around Han Dynasty China looking to slay mythical creatures? We wouldn't be surprised ...Anyway, don't get too excited yet. While Koei sings a PSP paean, it can't deny a lack of enthusiasm from Western markets. Perhaps, these new games will be Japan-only. Stay tuned, we'll have more from TGS next month.
Wii Warm Up: Tecmoei
It looks like Tecmo and Koei are going to be BFF (and also Tecmo needs a bunch of money). Both companies will probably keep their normal franchises as they are -- Koei's unlikely to make any changes to the streamlined, probably automated Dynasty Warriors production process, and Tecmo will keep making horse racing games and the occasional "prestige" fighting or action game as always. But there is the possibility that the merger could change some stuff up! Square didn't really become a Final Fantasy spinoff factory until the Enix merger. Do you think this is a good move? Would you like to see one company's influence on another? Perhaps a Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball game with really detailed statistics?
Square Enix seeks answers after rejection by Tecmo, gets none
Imagine Square Enix's proposed takeover of Tecmo as a high school "romance." In it, Square is the suave campus hunk who professes his burning desire for Tecmo, the hottie who could have any guy (or girl) she wanted. But Tecmo not only shoots down the advance, she decides to "go out" with the scrawny, less attractive Koei instead. She won't say why or even return Square's calls. Square turns around and says, "Under such circumstances, the Company is unable to make appropriate modifications to major terms of the Proposal including the TOB price, and determines that it is extremely difficult to continue the discussions with Tecmo based on the Proposal. The Company, therefore, has decided to withdraw from the Proposal." Blank stares. "What I'm trying to say is I'm withdrawing my proposal to take you over," Square tells Tecmo, working his idea of emo for all its worth. Tecmo just smiles and says, "Hee! You're funny! Bye-eee!"The End?
Cashing in on Rygar is harder than it looks
1UP's James Mielke is, in general, not pleased about the prospect of a Koei-Tecmo merger. He imagines the company's Team Ninja franchises milked incessantly in the manner of Koei's Dynasty Warriors games, with an annual release supported by endless Xtreme Legends and Empires versions and mega-multiplatform ports. Of course, that's taking it to the Xtreme. In the course of complaining about the two companies' venality, he drops an interesting bit of behind-the-scenes info about the development of Rygar: The Battle of Argus.Apparently, the port was conceived as a cheap-to-develop game (surprise!), but ended up "so disastrous and unportable that Tecmo had to go back to the drawing board with it." That would certainly explain all the delays. Next time you complain about PS2-to-Wii ports, remember this! Companies are working very hard to bring you all those games from 2002.
Square Enix takeover denied, Tecmo goes with Koei
It looks like the proposed takeover by Square Enix didn't take, as Tecmo has revealed they'll be merging with Koei. It turns out that this choice provides Tecmo with "a greater chance of boosting corporate value," whch basically means that merging with Koei wouldn't have the company swallowed whole by the huge Square Enix. They can still maintain some identity this way.Square Enix isn't willing to call it quits, however. Their original buyout offer was for $206 million and they're planning to further investigate the terms of the Koei and Tecmo merger. We guess we'll be hearing more about this in the future.[Via Joystiq]
Tecmo rejects Square Enix merger offer, opts for Koei instead
Square Enix's proposal to buy an Itagaki-less Tecmo has been rejected. According to Reuters, the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive publisher instead said that it would merge with Koei, making it entirely within the realm of possibility that we'll soon be playing Dynasty Warriors Xtreme Kingdom Beach Games. Tecmo said Koei would offer "a greater chance of boosting corporate value" (our analysis: Koei wouldn't overshadow Tecmo like Square Enix would). The Final Fantasy publisher, which initially offered $206 million for a merger "on friendly terms," said it would try to (infinite un)discover more details on the Koei merger in order to figure out Tecmo's rationale and then decide what to do next. This isn't the last (remnant) we've heard of it.
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 coming in 2009
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 will be headed to the US in 2009, Bandai Namco announced today. Originally named Gundam Musou 2, the game will feature an online versus mode, as well as "larger Mobile Suits, more epic battles and compelling storyline." It sounds like more of the same mech-on-mech action, but if you are a fan of the Dynasty Warriors franchise, that's not necessarily a bad thing.How about a picture of these giant mobile armors? That's one of them above. Check out more screenshots in the gallery below.[Via press release]%Gallery-31037%
Really, really big robots invading Dynasty Warrios: Gundam sequel
The Japanese adore all that is Gundam and Dynasty Warriors. So it wasn't long before someone decided to mash these two ideas together, which resulted in last year's Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (a.k.a. Gundam Musou in Japan). It looks like Koei is bringing us another installment of the series named, you guessed it, Gundam Musou 2. Though more or less the same hack-and-slash affair, the sequel will predictably contain more robots, new attacks, new special moves and more weapons. A new story mode brings a playable version of the first original Gundam theatrical release Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack. Lastly, mobile armors that are ten times the size of your mech will serve as some of the game's bosses. Mobile armors confirmed to be in the game include the MA-08 Big Zam from Mobile Suit Gundam and the NZ-333 Alpha Azieru from Char's Counterattack. For more details on this game, check out 1UP. Release date is pegged for this winter in Japan for the price 7,800 yen. No release dates for other regions have been announced for the time being.
Nintendo and others file suit against flash cart sellers
Nintendo is finally taking aggressive action against piracy, as the company is suing five Japanese firms over flash cart equipment. The Big N is just one of many plaintiffs in the case, though, with fifty-three others joining in to aid the fight -- just a few companies that you may have heard of, like, oh, Square Enix, Sega, Level-5, Hudson, Pokemon, Capcom, Namco Bandai, SNK Playmore, Koei, and so forth.While details are scarce, we can imagine a lot of popular carts (like the R4), if not all carts, will be affected. Should Nintendo and friends win the suit, selling and importing such carts will be illegal, meaning that people would have to resort to the black market to get their hands on one.We understand why Nintendo and other companies would want to fight the good fight against piracy, but we can't help but fret over the impact on our precious homebrew hobby. At any rate, we'll give you more information as this case unfolds. [Via Joystiq; Thanks, Kimiko!]
Virtually Overlooked: Aerobiz Supersonic
I know what you're thinking upon seeing Aerobiz Supersonic as the chosen title for Virtually Overlooked. While some of you dapper readers might have played the game and can't wait to read and reminisce, most of you (if you've noticed the byline) are probably hoping for JC's swift return to the column next week. Before you pass this over in indifference, though, you should keep in mind that not only is this classic being "virtually overlooked" by Nintendo, but by virtually everyone else as well.
Secondary Ambition: Nobunaga no Yabou 2
Finally, we get to see a little more of that other Nobunaga's Ambition game -- not this one, but this one, the more traditional, more epic of the pair. Of course, we're just torturing ourselves, as neither of the two Koei titles have been announced for release outside Japan, but if E3 isn't a time for dreaming, then we don't know what is.There's a lot of new information about Nobunaga no Yabou 2, too; each level in the main mode will feature two difficulty settings (normal and hard), and there will be a number of different ways to play. Looks like there will also be an extensive tutorial, for those who need the help. We could use one for translating the Japanese text!%Gallery-27681%
