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Because we love you, free Pac-Man from X3F
We enjoy nothing more than giving away free stuff. Well, we might enjoy late night walks on the beach just a little bit more, but that's beside the point. The point is this, Godfree over at Gamertag Radio was nice enough to hook us up with a free download of Pac-Man for Xbox Live Arcade. In celebration of the upcoming Pac-Man World Championship, we're giving it away to one lucky commenter. Yeah, we know. It's a retro game and we only have one copy, but it's free! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Tomorrow, we'll pick a comment at random and email the download code to the author. Couldn't be simpler. If the odds of winning our single copy frighten you, don't forget that The Xbox Domain is giving away 5 copies. Good luck.General contest stuff: Only one entry per person. Winner will be chosen at random using a number generator at Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email with the download code.
PlayStation 3 snags Eternal Sonata
Here's a complete change of what Sony and the PlayStation 3 are used to! A previously announced XBox 360 exclusive meant to boost sales in the land of the rising sun (and some gamers in other areas) has decided to go multi-platform. We're not here to gloat about it, because that'd make no sense. It's happened to us, so we should just go on with the day. The game we've gotten a hold of is Eternal Sonata, one of the anticipated role-playing titles that might have made the 360 appealing to Japanese gamers. This is coming directly from the oft-dependable ESRB ratings website, where the title is listed as both a 360 and PS3 game. Does Microsoft have a timed exclusive, or will it be released simultaneously on both consoles? It probably won't boost PS3 sales that greatly (the 360 is still a cheaper alternative) in Japan or otherwise, but if Sony can grab as many third-party titles as multiplatform as possible, the prospect of so many fantastic games to come in the future may just sway some consumers to buy the PS3... if they're relatively close to the edge on the decision. Now we can all enjoy the very pretty looking Eternal Sonata! Probably.
Beautiful Katamari website frightens children
Finally confirmed last week, the official website for Beautiful Katamari Damacy is now open. The website is covered with Japanese Kanji, so don't expect to get too much out of it aside from the freaky, freaky pictures. Those familiar with the game will feel right at home. Those unfamiliar with the game, however, are likely to feel a creeping sense of dread. There are some new screenshots available on the site. Search them out if you dare. If, on the other hand, you'd rather not delve into this colorful website of madness, you can always check out our Beautiful Katamari gallery.Anyone looking forward to facing the fear and giving this game a spin?[Via Joystiq]
ESRB lists Eternal Sonata on Xbox 360 ... and PlayStation 3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/ESRB_lists_Eternal_Sonata_on_PlayStation_3_in_addition_to_Xbox_360'; It's not just PS3 to 360. It looks like this whole exclusivity thing can go the other way, too. The ESRB, always good for spoiling a future press release, lists the heretofore Xbox 360-exclusive action-RPG Eternal Sonata as both an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 title. If the ESRB's listing is accurate, it's unknown if Eternal Sonata would be released on the PlayStation 3 in Japan, where it's cited as a particularly strong Xbox 360 offering for the market. The title is scheduled for a June 2007 Japanese release under the title Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream and a 2007 North American release. We've asked Namco to comment on the ESRB listing. %Gallery-2144% [Thanks, NewbieZilla]
First Beautiful Katamari screens roll out
Officially confirmed earlier this week, the first screens of Beautiful Katamari Damacy are rolling in (see what we did there?). The handful of screens show off what we've all grown to love about Katamari Damacy: giant balls of stuff. The image above contains a katamari that has grown to a size of over 7,000 kilometers. The second shot displays a much more diminutive katamari (only 13 centimeters tall). Of course, Katamari Damacy shots wouldn't be complete without a rainbow enveloped shot of the King of All Cosmos. Hit the "read" link to check out all three new shots.
Tales of the World: new mythical screens
Namco Bandai continues teasing us with new screens from Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology. These screens showcase some popular guest stars from previous Tales games, and also the new character creation mode. We also received a video that raised some concerns: it sounded like the original voice actors from the previous Tales games are not being used. Check out the rest of the screens, and a new video, after the break.
Beautiful Katamari in Famitsu, but no sign of Wii [update 1]
There's a beautiful set of scans on Beautiful Katamari from the most recent Famitsu, but there's no sign of anything Wii-related; all the news is about the PS3 and the 360. It's enough to make a Nintendo fan weep. We want to roll up big balls and hear the screams of the city folk. We want to roll our big balls online, and we want to use our Wii remotes. What gives? Throw us a bone here, people! Does this mean the rumors are dead? Not at all; the game is only half-completed, after all, and from the scans, we can't pick out any reason to avoid the Wii and we don't seem to be alone in that sentiment; many of the comments at Jeux France seem to share that view. Let's hope that, as Beautiful Katamari nears completion, the folks at Namco Bandai figure out that there is extraordinary demand for a Wii Katamari.[Update 1: That was fast! Looks like we were tossed a bone after all 1UP has the following quote from Jun Moriwaki, director of Beautiful Katamari. "The Wii is also one of our platform choices .... However, the controller for Wii is quite unique so being able to overcome the different issues will be the key." That'll do, director. You go work on that, and we'll be waiting.]
Beautiful Katamari Damacy confirmed for PS3 & Xbox 360, not Wii
Though series creator Keita Takahashi never intended to roll his Katamari into a deflated mass of has-been ingenuity, according to the latest Famitsu scoop, Namco Bandai is content to do so without him. As rumored, the Japanese publisher will revisit the katamari concept for a fourth time, now on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Director Jun Moriwaki has also expressed interest in adapting the series for DS and PC (using a keyboard), but remains reluctant about a Wii version. Moriwaki explained that Wii's controller presents certain difficulties that the dev team has yet to overcome. Update: 1UP has posted Moriwaki's comments about a possible Wii version: "The Wii is also one of our platform choices... However, the controller for Wii is quite unique so being able to overcome the different issues will be the key."Dubbed Beautiful Katamari Damacy, this new version won't reinvent the sticky ball, but will super-size it. Famitsu reportedly displays a katamari growing to 10,000-km proportions (Earth is just 2,742 km larger). Beautiful will also introduce online play, likely featuring co-op and competitive modes. Famitsu reports that the game is roughly 50% complete, but still without a release date in Japan.
XBLA Pac-Man world championship next week!
Fancy yourself to be pretty good at Pac-Man? Are you really good, like "best in the world" good? Microsoft and Namco Bandai have announced the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship. The initial tournament period will begin on April 25th and last through May 9th. On April 25th the Xbox Live Arcade leaderboards for Pac-Man will be reset and registered gamers will compete for high score. The 9 highest scoring players from around the world will be flown to New York City on June 5th for the final round. Additionally, Pac-Man fans in the US and Canada can compete in the Pac-Man FANatic contest, in which participants will create videos demonstrating why they are the biggest Pac-Man fans around. The winner of the FANatic contest will also be flown to New York as a wildcard entrant (where we imagine he will be instantly eliminated by much more skilled players). We're hoping along with Joystiq that some of the best video entries will wind up on Marketplace.The winner of this grand finale will be crowned by the creator of Pac-Man himself, Toru Iwatani.More details and a few caveats after the break.
Love! New Smash Court Tennis screens
Ready for a game of tennis? Namco Bandai recently sent us some new screenshots from their upcoming PSP-exclusive Smash Court Tennis, and it certainly looks like ... well, tennis. At the very least, this game will feature Game Sharing, so friends can play against each other with just one UMD. Namco's support of this feature has been quite nice, as it can also be found in the upcoming Naruto fighter. Now, if only Namco can combine these two great tastes into one game: Smashing Naruto Ultimate Ninja Tennis Heroes, anyone?
360 bundle rings a (Trusty) Bell in Japan
As a rule, if you want to sell consoles in Japan, you'd better have some good RPGs available. Microsoft knows this, and is doing everything in its power to secure some decent Japanese titles for it's uphill battle in the Land of the Rising Sun. Late last year, Microsoft released a Blue Dragon bundle, which quickly sold out and gave the Xbox 360 a hearty but brief boost. Microsoft looks to repeat that success by bundling the 360 with the upcoming RPG from Namco and tri-Crescendo, Trusty Bell (known as Eternal Sonata in the west). X3F readers will recall that Eternal Sonata left Joystiq with a good impression in March. The bundle will include an Xbox 360 core system, Trusty Bell, and a special soundtrack DVD. The bundle's price has not yet been set. Of course, you can tack on the price of a memory card or hard drive to the bundle's price, as players won't be able to save their progress otherwise. While Trusty Bell isn't likely to have the same impact as Blue Dragon, it is expected that the RPG will generate a small amount of "buzz" for the console. The new bundle will be available on June 14th in Japan. [Via Xbox-Scene]
Fast & the Furious: too little, too late
Really Namco? You're making a Fast and the Furious game for PSP? We're sorry to be rough on you, but we don't believe anyone really cares. We're busy trying to debunk myths about our favorite handheld, and attempts to repackage bad PS2 ports from yesteryear with "new" features on PSP simply won't cut the mustard. No amount of additional content will save this recently gold game from disaster, unless the core gameplay lives up to our high standards. We're being mean, but PSP fans are smarter now, and we expect more from our games.You can check out the offending press release, after the break.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes comes to US this summer
Believe it! The popular anime franchise is finally getting a PSP game. Ultimate Ninja Heroes will allow Naruto fans to assemble a team of three characters (out of a roster of 20) to duke it out against another team of three. Pairings must be thought through carefully, as new abilities will be unearthed based on character combinations. An interesting idea, to say the least. According to 1UP, the fighter is supposedly exclusive to the US, with no Japanese release planned at the moment. But, Heroes looks suspiciously like the Japanese PSP Naruto game, so we're going to take that bit with a grain of salt.Ultimate Ninja Heroes will hit PSP systems this summer. Check out 1UP for more details, and some breathtaking pictures of the game.
Ace Combat 6 a timed exclusive only
It was announced last month that Ace Combat 6 would be making its way to the Xbox 360, making it the first entry in the series to appear on a non-Sony platform. What was more, no announcements were made regarding a PS3 version of the game, leading many to assume that the game was exclusive to the Xbox 360. It turns out that the PS3 (and possibly other platforms) will see the title, though not simultaneously with the 360. According to a post on PS3Forums, the latest issue of PSM confirms that the game will be a timed exclusive for the Xbox 360. The length of the exclusivity period isn't mentioned. Even though it's only a timed exclusive, it's interesting that Namco would release a long time Sony exclusive on a Microsoft platform first. At any rate, more console love is better for everyone, right? Prepare to fly the deadly skies later this year.
Radiant new screens from Tales of the World
Namco Bandai just sent us some screenshots of Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology, reminding us that this action RPG is only a few months away. Fans will love seeing their favorite Tales stars return in this fan service-filled title. In addition, the US release will feature slight gameplay tweaks from the original.Check past the cut to see ten more screenshots from the English build of the game.See also:Anime Intro, Video
Namco Bandai plots a cell-processor driven arcade board
Namco Bandai has recently announced that they plan to create a set of arcade games using none other than the PlayStation 3's Cell processor. In fact, the arcade machines are supposed to use the same Nvidia designed RSX graphics chips as the PS3 -- making conversions later on that much easier. Like Tekken 6. Oh, yeah. According to Gamasutra, this will be the first time the Cell processor will be used in a consumer product other than the PlayStation 3. That's pretty cool, especially the notion that it'll decrease the time needed to get the game put onto a home console, into eagerly awaiting hands. Now if only we could get all of our consumer electronics outfitted with the Cell and somehow make the PS3 and everything else wirelessly talk to one another. Completely useless and unnecessary, sure, but that'd be pretty crazy to go out with a camcorder (or whatever you kids call 'em these days) and have it streaming real-time on the PS3, possibly on a YouTube-ish website. As we said, completely useless, but hey. Random ideas are fun.
Beautiful Katamari for 360 now on Gamefly
It looks like Beautiful Katamari is now as close to official confirmation as possible. A listing for the game has appeared on Gamefly, ready to be inserted into your queue (ewww) at a moment's notice. The game is slated for an October 30th release, though that could easily be a placeholder date. It's not official confirmation, but we find it hard to believe that Gamefly is in the habit of offering games that don't exist. Hit the "read" link to see the game's entry on Gamefly.[Via Live Gamer]
EB Games wants to sell you PS3 Time Crisis with gun
EB Games lists a PS3 version of arcade game Time Crisis 4 that might be released late this year. Sure, a "no image available" page with little other information doesn't usually interest us, but this might-be $89.99 game might include "Guncon," which might be a PS3 version of the light gun. Maybe. Is this another Namco Bandai exclusive?The GunCon and GunCon 2 connected with a wire to previous PlayStations, but we can only imagine that a PS3 version would work wirelessly over Bluetooth. (Seriously, our imaginations are that good.) And as long as we're imagining, why not include some Sixaxis controls to look or move?Namco Bandai hasn't officially announced a PS3 version of the game and told us the company chooses not to comment on the EB Games listing.
Namco Bandai adopts Cell for arcades, Tekken 6 to be guinea pig
Not content with just three Sony exclusives, Namco Bandai has announced that the arcade version of Tekken 6 will utilize the Cell processor, making it the first commercial use for Cell outside of the PlayStation 3. This isn't the first time that Namco has adopted PlayStation hardware for the arcade as both their System 11 and System 256 boards, for example, produced plenty of Playstation-based hits. What remains to be seen, however, is whether or not Namco Bandai will license out this technology for other developers to use. While they have done so in the past, they are currently undecided. Tekken 6 is still slated for an arcade release later this year with no solid date as of yet.
Rumor: Namco Bandai hard at work on three... games? [update 1]
Remember Cellius, the subsidiary company formed by Namco Bandai and the head of Ken Kutaragi? You'd be forgiven if your memory is a bit hazy on the matter, since the $824,000 investment had naught to show for its efforts at the time. Today brings a different story, however, along with a slew of scans supposedly escaping from the pages of a recent Famitsu issue. It would be wise to sprinkle the word "supposedly" throughout this entire post, as these images have migrated hands and servers so many times, it's difficult to pinpoint their source or level of authenticity.[Update 1: The caution was justified, it seems. Our Japanese translation slave brings up the following points: These likely aren't scans at all -- they're either mock-ups or leaked page template files. There is no confirmation that these are PS3 games or even games at all! Team Aces is behind the wheel, however, and they recently made Ace Combat 6 an Xbox 360 exclusive... If Cellius is involved, it is not evidenced here. While this new information doesn't rule out the possibility of these being PS3 exclusives anyway (the internets would certainly like to believe so), it would be wiser to take a step back and merely view these as new-gen game concepts. Though the stunning screenshots of Brave Arms, Chain Lim!t and Second Season 01 could represent target renders or similar technical tomfoolery, the abundance of guns, explosions and atmospheric lighting conveys quite a bit of excitement nonetheless. Take in the full scans images after the break.
