level-up-2011
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See the new Dragon Ball game before it has a name
Both Namco Bandai Europe and USA sent out this teaser trailer for the Xbox 360 and PS3 game it's currently calling "Dragon Ball Game Project Age 2011," indicating that the latest DBZ-based game will be localized in both regions. Though we have to wait until Japan Expo (June 30-July 3) to learn more about the game, we can now see lots of footage of cel-shaded, spiky-haired Saiyans flying around, teleporting into behind-the-back punch combos and dueling with Kamehameha waves. In other words, it's a Dragon Ball Z game.%Gallery-123434%
Ridge Racer Unbounded will be a brand within a brand
Some of you in the Ridge Racer hardcore may have been a little put out by early video of the edgier Ridge Racer Unbounded, but it appears you needn't worry. During Namco Bandai's Level Up event in Dubai, product manager Kevin Chadine said that the Ridge Racer brand is becoming a larger umbrella with several series underneath it, much like EA has done with Need For Speed, saying of Unbounded that "This is just a different branch." So don't fret, Ridge Racers. Think of Unbounded less as a new direction and more a sidepath, a shortcut that's being explored. And, assuming this is the first of many, let's hope the side streets down the road have better names.
Dark Souls Collector's Edition offered as pre-order bonus
For those intrigued by From Software's Dark Souls, the decision to pre-order looks like it will be considerably less difficult than the actual game. Rather than selling a collector's edition of the game at a premium price, publisher Namco Bandai is instead offering one as the pre-order bonus -- meaning it's priced at the standard $60. The Dark Souls Collector's Edition will come in a metal case and will include an art book, mini strategy guide, behind-the-scenes development videos and a download of the game soundtrack. It will be available this October for PS3 and Xbox 360. %Gallery-123367%
Tales of Graces F coming to North America and Europe in 2012
During Namco Bandai's "Level Up Dubai 2011" press event last night, the publisher announced some welcome news for the very patient Tales fans in Europe: The PS3 version of Tales of Graces F will be released in that region. Community manager Rich Bantegui live-tweeted news from the event, revealing that the "mothership" Tales RPG will be out in Europe in 2012. In addition, the newly opened page for the game on the company's North American site shows a 2012 date. Bantegui also confirmed reports that the 3DS remake of Tales of the Abyss would be released in Europe, though no date was provided.%Gallery-123358%%Gallery-123357%
Ace Combat Assault Horizon comes in for a retail landing October 11 [update: trailer!]
One of the many announcements made by Namco Bandai during its Level Up event in Dubai was the release date of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, the explosive series reboot for PS3 and Xbox 360. It's flying to North America on October 11, and will be released in Europe on October 14. The European version will also be available in a limited edition bundle (above), with a soundtrack, "exclusive aircraft digital content," and a notebook signed by the development team, all presented in a steelbook case. Namco Bandai also briefly mentioned Ace Combat 3D, the 3DS flight sim first announced during a Nintendo event in October. No details came up, but at the very least we know the three-dimensional dogfighting game is still in the works -- so keep an air sickness bag handy. Update: Find a new trailer for Assault Horizon after the break.
Tekken: Blood Vengeance movie rides a panda in 3D this summer
You'll be able to see the next Tekken release in 3D, making the act of a mohawked robot punching a bear more immersive than ever. You just won't be able to play it. Announced at a Namco Bandai event in Dubai, Tekken: Blood Vengeance is a new CG movie scripted by Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Cowboy Bebop writer Dai Sato, with animation by Resident Evil: Degeneration's Digital Frontier. You can see the first trailer (and its brief scene of panda riding) after the break. It'll be out in Japanese theaters this summer. In other Tekken movie news, Anchor Bay Films announced a North American release for last year's live-action Tekken film, which will hit Blu-ray and DVD on July 19.
Soulcalibur V coming to PS3, Xbox 360 in 2012
Namco Bandai's tale of souls and swords, chain whips, undead pirates, gas-mask fetishists, murderous ex-monks, Todd McFarlane rejects, bipedal lizards, elvis impersonators, razor-sharp hula hoops, and Siegfried Schtauffen, will continue in 2012 with the release of Soulcalibur V. Shown during a press conference at Namco Bandai's "Level Up Dubai 2011" event, Soulcalibur V is set to launch on Xbox 360 and PS3, with a story that takes place 17 years after the faux-historical events of the previous game. At the rate technology is advancing in the Soulcalibur universe -- and the rate at which the women's clothes are shrinking -- we'll probably have all-nude musket duels within the next few games. Namco has yet to send out a full character roster, but Siegfried and Nightmare already appear in the first trailer. The game's story is focused on a new character called Patroklos, son of Sopithia. Expect to see a little more media when the countdown on the game's teaser website concludes later today. Update: You'll find the teaser trailer after the break.%Gallery-123356%
