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'Soulcalibur Lost Swords' trademark enters the stage
Namco Bandai has filed a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Soulcalibur Lost Swords, a potential new entry in the storied fighting franchise. The trademark was filed last week on July 11 and specifically mentions a game "that may be accessed network-wide by network users via mobile phones and computers; providing computer games via network between communications networks and computers." No other information is provided in the Soulcalibur Lost Swords trademark filing. Soulcalibur V launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360 early last year. It's a game that our review said is "simultaneously one of the best Soul Calibur games ever made, as well as the worst Soul Calibur game ever made" due to its strong fighting mechanics and less-than-stellar production values.
Project X Zone review: Xs and Os
Project X Zone is a massive strategy RPG crossover featuring characters from Capcom, Namco-Bandai, and Sega games fighting it out with each other. It's essentially a sequel to 2004's Namco x Capcom, a heavily Super Robot Wars-inspired collaboration that never received a Western release. In the same vein, Project X Zone caters very, very strongly to fans of Japanese games, and its cast of characters is undeniably its biggest selling point. Coupled with an entertaining combat engine, these characters and their interactions prop up what is otherwise a very basic strategy game.%Gallery-176869%
Report: Tales of Xillia 2 coming to NA and EU in 2014 [Update]
Tales of Xillia 2 will come to Europe in 2014, Namco Bandai reportedly announced at the Japan Expo in France. A Namco Bandai representative told Gematsu that the game will also see a North American release in 2014. The game first launched on PlayStation 3 in November 2012 in Japan. Its predecessor, Tales of Xillia, is still on its way west too, as its English-localized version is slated to appear in North America on August 6 after it first launched in Japan in September 2011. We've reached out to Namco Bandai to confirm Tales of Xillia 2's 2014 localization ourselves, and will update as we learn more. Update: The official Tales Facebook page notes that Tales of Xillia 2 is coming to the west.
Project X Zone gets 'Ghost' demo on eShop next week
Fanstravaganza Project X Zone already has an "Imperial" demo available for download on the 3DS eShop, but the game's official Nintendo page says there's another demo coming on July 2. The second demo is called "Ghost" and will give players a look at a completely different segment of the game. Project X Zone (pronounced "Project Cross Zone," because Japan) is a turn-based strategy RPG that mashes up characters from Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega franchises. The game came out in Japan last year, and just recently arrived here in North America.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z announced for PS3, Vita and 360
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z is a new, unfortunately-named Dragon Ball brawler for PlayStation 3, Vita and Xbox 360, from Namco Bandai. The game's main draw, other than the fact that it appears to include the very latest in Super Saiyan technology, is its four-player co-op support and eight-player free-for-all battles. The game, which appears to at least span the Saiyan and Namek sagas, is "coming soon" to Europe, according to the press release after the break, though no further launch details were given. We've reached out to Namco Bandai to see if Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z will also surge power levels across North America.%Gallery-192077%
Co-Opinion: Dark Souls 2
This is Co-Opinion, where two Joystiq editors play a game and discuss their experience. This edition focused on the E3 2013 demo of Dark Souls 2, from developer From Software. .portal-left { padding: 10px; background: #CCC; margin: 20px 0; min-height: 85px; } .portal-right { padding: 10px; margin: 20px 0; min-height: 85px; } .portal-right img { padding-left: 5px; } .portal-left img { padding-right: 5px; } Richard Mitchell: So you and I both got a chance to try out Dark Souls 2. I was prepared to die, and I did. Many times. There were a few pre-defined classes to choose from in our demo. I tried a dual swordsman first. I played until I realized that he only had a tiny shield, which probably wasn't the best choice. I restarted and picked a much beefier knight with a hefty shield and sword, and a massive two-handed sword to boot. What did you roll with? Xav de Matos: I rolled warrior from the start. There's no way I'm rocking through the unknown depths of From Software's evil mind without a shield at the ready. Even though I wanted to get right into the action, I had to stop and take a look around because Dark Souls 2 looks gorgeous. From Software's new engine really gets lighting and shadows right. Even the bright outdoors pop. Then there's the little stuff, like watching the grass sway from side to side in the wind. It's all really detailed and beautiful. Sadly, no one should ever stop to smell the roses, or they'll need to be plucked and put on your grave. %Gallery-191476%
Earth Defense Force 2025 adds another cheesy chapter to D3's bug book
With all of the hubbub about next-gen at this year's E3, Earth Defense Force 2025 stood out as the product of an entirely different generation, one where wildly idiosyncratic Japanese-developed games both delighted and confused gamers willing to take a risk on untested and out-there concepts. Technically, it's a complete mess, though I'm sure any fan of Earth Defense Force can tell you the series has never been known for its impeccable graphics or silky smooth action. Despite its rough edges in comparison to the polished Xbox One and PS4 games on display in the very same convention center, EDF 2025 still carries a unique charm.
'Tekken Revolution' is PS3 exclusive, free to play, launching this Tuesday
Tekken Revolution was revealed earlier today by a trailer tucked away 19 minutes inside of a video segment on Gamespot. The game, which is both free-to-play and a PlayStation 3 exclusive, will be available this Tuesday, June 11. Aside from the fact that Paul, Bryan, Kazuya and Lars are all featured in the footage shown, little else is known. Tekken ringleader Katsuhiro Harada previously dismissed an Australian Classifications Board listing for the title as being in reference to a new version of Tekken Card Tournament. That, coupled with the fact that no user interface is shown in the Revolution footage, is enough to keep us from assuming that this is a fighting game – it could just as easily be a high-def, ultra-pretty version of Namco Bandai's existing, mobile free-to-play competitive card game set in the Tekken universe. With E3 breathing down our necks, we expect to learn more soon.
Boost your vitals with this Tales of Xillia trailer
Oh my, you look like you're having a serious anime deficiency. Have you tried watching Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster? How about the entire Princess Tutu series? Twice?! Oh boy, um, let's get you watching this Tales of Xillia trailer STAT and we'll figure out the rest from there.
Tales producer: no plans for Xbox One, PS4, Wii U
Now that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have all showed their hands, is the Tales series, which has seen several entries across this generation, making the next-gen jump anytime soon? Not according to Tales producer Hideo Baba, who told Joystiq that he doesn't have any current plans for the JRPG series on next-gen consoles. That's chiefly because he wants to release entries on the console most fans "want to play on." That, in his view, is the PS3. "Compared to the existing consoles like the Xbox 360 or PS3, the PS4 and Xbox One have much improved CPU, GPU, and memory," Baba told us, "So I think they [have] more potential, especially with visual effects. I'm afraid I don't have any plans to release for titles for the Xbox One or PS4, because my policy is to release Tales titles to the console which most of the fans want to play on." When asked about the Wii U, Baba said "Same as the Xbox One and PS4, I don't have any plans to release titles for the Wii U." Baba announced Tales of Symphonia Chronicles last week - a few days after quashing rumors of it as speculation. The HD bundle of Symphonia and Dawn of the New World is due in North America in early 2014, and is coming to the PS3. Speaking to Spong, Baba revealed he still sees the PS3 as the key console for the Tales series at present. "The reason why Xillia was released only on PS3 was because that is the console where most of the users want to play Tales games," Baba told Spong. "When more and more users decide to buy a PS4 and want the Tales series on that platform, that will be when we re-assess things."
Dark Souls art book wreaks beautiful havoc in October
If you survived long enough to appreciate the twisted, melancholy beauty of Dark Souls, maybe prepare to buy Udon's art book. After releasing Dark Souls: Design Works in Japan last year, the comic book studio is bringing an English version to North America in October. The 128 pages of the 8.25"x11.75" hardcover book span the game's worlds, characters, weapons, and monsters, including concept art and sketches. Design Works also features interviews with director Hidetaka Miyazaki and various From Software artists. If you're looking for something to tide you over until March 2014, Dark Souls: Design Works has a list price of $40, although at the time of publishing Amazon is selling it for $29. %Gallery-190281%
Dark Souls 2 confirmed for March 2014
After being crushed, swiped, slashed, mauled, and eaten so very many times, we know better than to trust a Souls game, even if it has an enormous banner at the LA Convention Center. Happily, a Namco Bandai representative's confirmed to us Dark Souls 2 is indeed due in March 2014.
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.
Tales of Symphonia, Dawn of the New World getting PS3 bundle in early 2014
After regarding it a mere rumor just days ago, series producer Hideo Baba announced an HD remake bundle of PS2 and GameCube RPG Tales of Symphonia and its Wii sequel Dawn of the New World at the Tales of Festival in Japan. The HD remake collection is expected to launch on October 10 in Japan and in early 2014 in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Announced for PS3 only, the pack was revealed with the working title Tales of Symphonia Chronicles. That sounds much better than "Perfect Edition" to us. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!] %Gallery-189986%
DarkStalkers Resurrection and Dark Souls for $10 on Xbox Live this week
The word of the week on Xbox Live is "dark," evidently, as both DarkStalkers Resurrection and the Games on Demand version of Dark Souls are heavily discounted until June 4. You can pick up either game for $10. The marketplace also has Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $15, along with some discounted DLC for the tactical shooter. We realize that one doesn't have "dark" in the title, but it does have "ghost." Both DarkStalkers and Dark Souls have ghosts in them, so it makes sense, see? PSN is running a DarkStalkers Resurrection deal of its own as well. Pick up Resurrection for $15 and you'll get a free download of the excellent Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix. PlayStation Plus members can get the same deal for only $10.49. This promotion also runs until June 4.
Tales of Xillia limited edition tosses in music CD, two DLC costumes
PS3 exclusive RPG Tales of Xillia will offer a first-run limited edition for $60 when the game launches on August 6. This limited edition - not to be confused with the special edition - includes a copy of the game, a character profile booklet, music CD and two DLC costumes. You can pre-order the limited edition through participating retailers starting now. If you already pre-ordered through an eligible retailer, your pre-order is automatically bumped up to the limited edition; contact your retailer to confirm.%Gallery-189819%
Tales of Symphonia: Perfect Edition rumor quashed by series producer
The rumor of a PS3 HD re-release of Tales of Symphonia and Dawn of the New World looks to be no more than speculation. Earlier this month, series producer Hideo Baba gave fans hope of the bundle, rumored to be titled Tales of Symphonia: Perfect Edition, saying such a game would be "a representation of the dreams and hopes of the fans, who have long been wanting it." However, speaking to Joystiq on a recent European tour to promote Tales of Xillia, Baba expressed his surprise at the rumor. "So last weekend I went to Madrid, Spain - to expomanga," Baba told us, "And I had a signing session with fans. And I was asked by one of the fans about this rumor. So he said, 'I heard of a rumor that Tales of Symphonia and Dawn of the New World are getting a 'Perfect Edition' on PS3, is it true?' And [my reaction was] 'What!?' [Baba laughs]. I didn't know anything about it so I was very surprised at that rumor." Speaking to JPGames.de, Baba further clarified his comments. "That fan then said that it's the tenth anniversary of Tales of Symphonia in Japan this year," Baba told JPGames.de, "And I just said that there might be something coming, as a celebration. But it will be more like a 'Tales of Café' or an event at NamcoCon... but we actually have no plans yet, there are only ideas." So, while 2013 may see a few more Tales-related announcements, Perfect Edition isn't likely to be one of them. Altogether more certain is the arrival of the next Tales game, with Xillia signed up to spin yarns on August 6 in North America, and August 9 in Europe.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures will launch this fall on PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360, with a special side-scrolling version coming to 3DS, Namco Bandai announced. The game takes inspiration from the TV show of the same name, which is slated to begin airing June 17 on Disney XD. Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures features the iconic yellow character in a 3D adventure game in which he turns into a chameleon at some point, using his tongue to reel in ghosts. In the game's announcement trailer, Pac-Man also eats entire vending machines. Healthy choices, kids! %Gallery-188309%
Rumor: Tales of Symphonia, Dawn of New World to get PS3 HD remakes
PS2 and GameCube RPG Tales of Symphonia and its Wii-exclusive sequel Dawn of the New World may come to the PS3 via an HD upgrade. Spanish site Koi-nya gained info from internal sources on a PS3 HD bundle of the two games, which it reckons is called Tales of Symphonia: Perfect Edition. Koi-nya quizzed series producer Hideo Baba, who's already teased 2013 as being a bountiful year of Tales news, the cheeky scamp that he is. While Baba said he couldn't confirm Perfect Edition, he did say such a game would be "a representation of the dreams and hopes of the fans, who have long been wanting it." One Koi-nya source also says Tales of Xillia 2 is coming to the west, but given we're still waiting on the first Xillia to arrive - it's due in August - don't expect a localization soon. We've reached out to publisher Namco Bandai for comment.
Namco Bandai's year-end revenues rise despite missing Tekken target
Namco Bandai released its financial results for the end of its fiscal year today, noting increased earnings in multiple sectors despite missing sales targets for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Tales of Xillia 2. The company's worldwide net sales grew by 7.3 percent, ending this fiscal year at ¥487 billion (approximately $4.9B), compared to last year's earnings of ¥434 billion. Namco Bandai's net income for the year ending March 31, 2013 was ¥32.4 billion ($327M), a 67.8 percent increase over last year's reported ¥19.3 billion. Regional sales saw significant boosts. Net sales of Namco Bandai products in Japan increased 7.3 percent year-over-year to ¥406 billion ($4.1B), while sales for the Americas rose 38.3 percent, finishing at ¥33.6 billion ($339M). The report additionally reveals that Namco Bandai failed to meet shipping targets for some of its key titles. Siliconera notes that Namco Bandai expected to ship 1.7 million units of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 worldwide, but came up short at 1.5 million. The Japan-exclusive RPG Tales of Xillia 2 shipped 500,000, missing its initial target of 650,000 units. Other big titles for the company include SoulCalibur V, which shipped 1.05 million units worldwide in the fiscal year ending in March, and two entries in its Naruto Shippuden series, which shipped a combined 1.76 million units across all regions.
