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Today's ?????????????????????-iest video: The Idolmaster
Today's video featuring in-game footage from The Idolmaster is completely wacky and strange ... even somewhat bizarre. That is, unless you speak Japanese or have a universal translator handy. We've talked about this game for the Xbox 360 before, and this footage seems to confirm just how strange this thing really is.In fact, if you're anything like us, you might feel a bit brainwashed after seeing this video. It's enough to put you into a trance, while your brain says WTF over and over. Hopefully someone can translate this for us before we decide to worship these strange Japanese girls and form a cult.
Gundam Seed Rengou vs Z.A.F.T.
The Magic Box has reported that Namco Bandai's Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Rengou vs Z.A.F.T. Portable (that's a mouthful of a game title) will be hitting Japan on April 5th of this year for 5040 yen. The series was originally on the PS2, but its PSP version will have 2 on 2 team battle that can be played by a single player or 2-4 players via Ad-Hoc. The mech action game is based around the world from Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, one of the most loved versions in all of the Gundam series. Feel free to import the game when it's released if you're a Gundam fan since the PSP has no region lock.
Gundam Musou PS3 pack for Japan -- why Gundam?
Sometimes you just have to put your foot down... why the heck would Sony choose the new (read: another) Gundam game to pack with the PS3? It's not exactly a series that has had much luck outside of the anime that spawned these games. Anime games in general aren't usually up to snuff (though that Sword of the Bersek: Guts' Rage game for the Dreamcast was pretty freakin' sweet). In any case, Gundam Musou is set to bundle up with the PS3 on March 1st in Japan.Included in this bundle pack is the 60GB model PS3, a copy of the game, 8 art cards, a... "technical file", and a character file. These files probably pertain to the characters found in the game. The price? 69,800 yen, as opposed to the price of 59,800 yen for the console alone. This doesn't sound like that great of a deal, but maybe the items bundled with the game are sizable and detailed. We'll see.
Katamari Damacy to roll trash balls on the interweb... trippy
If you can't get enough of the lovable (if difficult to understand!) Katamari Damacy franchise, you might just have your prayers answered. According to 4Gamer, a Japanese gaming website, the next game is getting hauled over to the PC thanks to publisher WindySoft. Dubbed Katamari Damacy Online, it's due out by late 2007.The online aspect of the game basically seems to revolve around the versus mode battles from the previous titles and planting them in an online scenario. You've got "pet" and "house" stuff to collect and unlock, you can build your own island (perhaps from the very crap you roll into a ball) and get new clothing along your journey.Now, you may be wondering, where does the PS3 tie into this? Isn't this about the PlayStation losing another game to a different platform? Not entirely. Apparently, this deal was struck so Namco-Bandai could get their feet wet in the Korean market, where this game is being developed. If you've been paying attention, Namco and Sony have formed Cellius, where "Cellius will use Sony's Cell chip, which powers PlayStation 3, to create games for the console and content for mobile phones and personal computers." Hmm, is anyone else connecting the dots? Sure, the dots aren't clearly black against a white background, but if the public of Japan and America demand it, perhaps this "Cellius" will distribute KDO to the rest of the world. Anyone agree, disagree, want to roll up some suburban neighborhood into a giant ball of doom?
Do not be alarmed: it's only iDOLM@STER
As one of the Xbox 360's most elusive exclusives, Namco Bandai's Japanese juggernaut The Idolmaster seems to strike a chord with just about every person that comes across it, be it good or bad. While some folk seem to embrace it's cheesy pop trappings and obsessive management gameplay, others flee in the opposite direction out of fear of being caught in an episode of To Catch a Predator.Heavens to Murgatroid! What a terrible reputation!To settle the score on The Idolmaster once and for all, the internet's own Dom Nguyen ventured to Nagoya, Japan and returned with a detailed report on his Idolmaster experience. The deeply involved community. Accidentally punching your idol in the ear. The official Idolmaster towel. Everything you've wanted to know about the sim that has Japanese tweens by the throat, all in a lovely photo blog. Consider yourself learned.
Namco-Bandai wants to make more games with Sony [update 2]
Namco-Bandai and Sony have created an alliance to take market share away from Microsoft and Nintendo, according to a recent article at Bloomberg. Their joint venture will be named Cellius, Inc. and Namco-Bandai will own the majority of it -- barely. They get 51% ownership, which is enough. Sony spokespeople said: "Cellius will use Sony's Cell chip, which powers PlayStation 3, to create games for the console and content for mobile phones and personal computers." So this venture spans beyond the PS3 itself! That's probably a good idea. You can check out some more business-oriented details at the original article, but it's mostly information that gamers already know. In any case, this should be a pretty good alliance -- was it Namco-Bandai that was expressing financial difficulty a while back? It was probably Atari... but Namco-Bandai started the whole "we need to sell 500,000 units to generate a profit for our games" deal. Now, if only Apple joined up with these two... iPhoneStation Portable anyone? iPSP... genius.[update 2: It should be noted that the Cellius organization/project/venture is going to be headed by the mind behind Riiiiiidge Racer, Isao Nakamura, not Ken Kutaragi as earlier stated.]
Hellgate: London bound for 360?
During an interview with Next Gen, Namco Bandai's Zach Karlsson speaks to the possibility of Hellgate: London arriving on the Xbox 360. Hellgate, for those who don't know, is sort of a hybrid shooter/MMO for PC. First of all, Karlsson notes that Namco Bandai is looking for a good multiplayer game to bring to consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3. He notes that the online space is essentially a platform in and of itself, thanks to the ease of portability between PC and 360. Next Gen then asks Karlsson if a 360 version of Hellgate is forthcoming. He doesn't confirm it, but states that it is very likely. Given the company's focus on the "online platform" and that EA -- the game's co-publisher -- typically extends its franchises as far as possible, it's definitely looking good.[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Namco-Bandai reveals Quickspot
Hot off the press wire, word comes to us that Namco-Bandai has a new game in the works for the DS called Quickspot. Releasing this Spring, the game is to be a full-on compare-and-contrast game. See, the two screens are to display almost identical images, and the player must circle the differences on the touch-screen. Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. goes on to say Quickspot "offers hours of fun for those with quick minds and fast reflexes as it takes a simple concept and turns it into an exciting and addicting brain game perfectly suited for gamers on the go." Personally, we worry if the game will have enough depth, as the release states it will contain only three single player modes, which include Rapid Play (5 levels each containing 10 stages) , Focus Mode (140 different pictures with 10 differences each) and Today's Fortune (provides health, study, romance and money fortune for the day). We've included several screenshots past the post break.[Via press release]
Hellgate London 'might' be subscription-based [update 1]
Flagship Studios' Hellgate: London will share many similarities with the typical MMO, including a subscription fee. Make no mistake, Hellgate's online component won't be a string of PvP deathmatch servers, no, included in the multiplayer experience will be an expansive social system that includes guilds and raid-type gameplay.Online, Hellgate will feature all of the single-player missions, plus additional modes, primarily focusing on group PvE instances -- limited PvP gameplay will be available at launch. Additional content will be continually provided by a dedicated team of developers. Sure sounds like an MMO, no?Update: Co-publisher EA has stated that the online pricing model has not been officially decided (more here).
Ms. Pac-Man waka wakas XBLA this week
Okay, we're prepared to accept all the cries of "hypocrite!" when we say this, but we're excited to announce that Ms. Pac-Man is this week's Xbox Live Arcade release. Normally we trash retro offerings, but as retro games go, it doesn't get much better than Ms. Pac-Man. The superior sequel to Pac-Man (duh), Ms. Pac-Man ups the ante with more speed, more levels, moving fuit, and, um, a bow. We kind of wish Namco had released Ms. Pac-Man to begin with, but then how would they ever have sold us Pac-Man? The game drops this Wednesday and will be available for 400 points. Check out the "read" link for more screen shots.You may now proceed with the shouting.
Didn't Namco already make this game?
If Shanda's Rolling Ball isn't a trademark violation then we don't know what is. Slap a green Martian suit on this kid and the image is indistinguishable from Katamari Damacy. How long before Namco's lawyers make the call to Shanda headquarters?FYI: Shanda is a Shanghai-based publisher that specializes in online games.[Thanks chen]
Trick Sony, download Tekken 5
GamersReports has posted a workaround for PlayStation 3 owners eager to download Tekken 5.Unless you're living in Hong Kong or Japan you're forced to wait until Sony gets around to releasing Tekken 5 in other territories ... or you could cheat the system. This trick is relatively simple, if not inherently dishonest: Create a new user (not sub-user) When entering the credit card info, pick Hong Kong as country, and then a corresponding city After account is created, select 'Add Funds' (a sub-option within 'Account Management') Add $40 (Hong Kong dollars) to your 'Wallet' twice (total should now be 80 HKD); never add more than $50 in one transaction, as this will prompt a validation of the address registered with the credit card Now go to the PlayStation Store and select Tekken 5 Opt to add more funds (bringing Wallet total to 125 HKD) Purchase and download Tekken 5 Sony is no doubt taking measures to lock out this workaround as you read this. Act now if you must. Our advice: sit patient and wait for the official worldwide releases.
Rumor: Tekken 6 on Xbox 360
Stirred by Sega's announcement of an Xbox 360 version of Virtua Fighter 5, comes rumor that Tekken 6 is also bound for Microsoft's console. The source of the rumor is the same anonymous "IGN insider" who has been apparently credited with breaking the Virtua Fighter 5 news before Sega confirmed it. If his latest spill proves valid, expect Namco Bandai's next Tekken on 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year. There is no indication that this multiplatform initiative would extend to the recently released downloadable version of Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, which looks to remain a PS3 exclusive.While console versions of the Tekken series have traditionally be reserved for Sony platforms, Tekken 3 was eventually released for Dreamcast Tekken 3 was emulated on Dreamcast; and Tekken Advance was specifically designed and released for Game Boy Advance. If Tekken 6 does land on Xbox 360, the move is not unprecedented.
Hands-on with Trioncube
Those lucky buggers at GameSpot got their hands on Trioncube, the weird and wacky puzzler headed out next year from Namco-Bandai, and they've got one thing to say -- sure, you may be stacking blocks in Trioncube, but the game takes it beyond regular old blocks. It's quirky. But didn't we know that from the screenshots? Flying cow heads don't exactly scream tame.Unfortunately, they haven't got much to add to what we already knew. Their additions? Whimsical audio, sparse visuals (sparse cow heads?), and it's addictive. Well, Trioncube is a puzzler. If it's in any way playable, it's probably addictive.And yet, even this slimmest of slim previews makes us yearn for the game. We need a good puzzler. Is it February yet?
Legend of Heroes III announced for US audiences
Just like Bleach on the PSP, some franchises seem to get new versions on a much too frequent basis. Such is the case for Namco Bandai's upcoming US release of Falcom's latest RPG, Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean. The series hasn't been too strong at earning critical acclaim, but it doesn't seem like most PSP RPGs can. Considering how PSP owners will have to wait quite a while before either Crisis Core or Final Fantasy Tactics come out, will the latest Legend of Heroes be able to satisfy the RPG urge? We'll find out when it comes out in January.See more screenshots after the cut.See also:Legend of Heroes trailer
Namco-Bandai brings Trioncube to the DS
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Namco_Bandai_brings_Trioncube_to_the_DS'; Namco-Bandai issued out a press release today, stating that they plan on releasing a new Nintendo DS title to North America in February of next year. This title, which is Trioncube, is a puzzler where the player must embark on a journey across eight different planets, into the depths of space, as the captain of the mighty space ship Penko, to rescue the princess from the grasp of Hell Metal. This is done by creating a Trioncube, which is a 3X3 block, fueling the space ship. The bigger the chain of Trioncubes, the further your ship will travel.The game is to feature four different gameplay modes in Arcade, Story, Endless and Vs.While creating these Trioncubes, players will also collect coins in order to purchase Effects and Arts: in-game items such as sushi rolls, dogs and tambourines, which are designed to aid the player in their quest of creating gigantic Trioncube chains and save the princess.Screenshots for the game have been included past the jump.
Namco-Bandai may be in trouble -- needs 500k games sold
Sony isn't the only one rolling the dice on this generation of gaming -- third party developers are feeling the sting as well. Notably, Namco-Bandai claims to need sales of 500,000 units per game before they turn a profit on PS3 titles. These titles include the well-reviewed Ridge Racer 7 and the pile of... well... you know that is Mobile Suit Gundam. What trash. According to an article over at Bloomberg, graphics alone for high-def games cost about $8.6 million dollars -- around one billion yen. For graphics. One billion. Shoot me... that's insane. Don't actually shoot me, please.A major concern for third party developers not meeting their profit margin is the fact that the number of units may not be what Sony intended -- in fact, the numbers of units is far, far less. We know that Sony is concentrating more on first-party titles for now and with this in mind, we've got a decent hypothesis. What if Sony knows they have too few units out right now for third parties to reel in profits, so they're keeping third parties at bay for now? It would explain why they're releasing mostly first party games -- it only "hurts" Sony. Not others. Yeah, it's pretty far-fetched, but it would be the "right" thing to do.
Metareview - Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire
Logic demands that each launch lineup will inevitably feature a "worst" title; the weakest link. This time around, Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire is that game (Genji has narrowly escaped this fate).We pity thle poor fellow who errantly added Gundam to his launch day shopping cart; or worse, the one who will be forced to feign appreciation after discovering this grotesque creation lurking beneath the wrapping paper. Please folks, inform your potential holiday gift-givers. GameSpot (39/100) - "Even if you could get past the horrid frame rate problems, lackluster presentation, and lack of online multiplayer, the gameplay in Crossfire is practically identical to the half-dozen or more Gundam games that appeared on the PlayStation 2. If you're looking for a game to show off what your PlayStation 3 is capable of, Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire should be your last choice of all the launch titles." Game Informer (38/100) - "Imagine that you've worked hard and saved for years, and finally bought the luxury sports car of your dreams. You open the door and get in for the first time, carefully adjust the mirrors, program the radio and then, once you're comfortable, take a giant dump on the seat ... That's essentially what you're doing if you spend the money on a fancy new PS3 and choose this as your launch game of choice ... I have nothing positive to say about this game. I even hate the menu screen." 1UP (20/100) - "So, the story is nonexistent, the gameplay is a joke, and the controls are unresponsive. Could Crossfire get any worse? Unfortunately, that's a resounding 'yes.' Poor level design cripples any hopes of enjoyment ... The game is an embarrassment to the Gundam name, and raises suspicions that it was rushed for the PS3 launch."
Metareview - Warhammer: Mark of Chaos
Still smarting from the disappointing Mage Knight Apocalypse, Namco Bandai really needed a hit with Warhammer: Mark of Chaos. Adding to the pressure was the success of THQ's Warhammer series (the excellent Dawn of War), and competition from other fantasy-themed strategy titles such as Battle for Middle-earth II and Heroes V. The good news is that Hungarian developer Black Hole Entertainment delivered the dark and gritty aesthetics of the Warhammer universe, and the scores reflect their efforts. However, like many publishers of late, Namco Bandai may have compromised quality assurance to stay within the all-important holiday launch window. IGN (80/100) enjoyed the game's deep customization and attention to detail: "The visuals in general are very good. All of the unit models are finely crafted pieces of art. The modeling is great and the textures on top are excellent. They do some nice things with lighting and heat shimmer effects that make magic come alive. All of this comes with a price. The framerate can drop substantially in large battles." 1UP (70/100) is holding out for the first patch: "It's a real mess sorting things out when you get into scrums where unit overlap turns organized regiments into brawling blobs. In short, you get plenty of detail under the hood, but too few helpful barometers. It's hard not to fall under Mark of Chaos' 'almost-there' spell. Prize-winning? No, but certainly promising...if we can hold our breath for fixes." Game Informer (68/100) thinks the combat system could use some tweaking: "Lacking any sort of base-building or resource-gathering, Mark of Chaos has to get by on the RTS combat that makes up the majority of the gameplay. Unfortunately, the battles fail to distinguish themselves in any meaningful way from what we've seen in the genre for years. Hero duels (no armies allowed) invariably go to the person who spent more points in their 'dueling' skill tree – which, of course, gimps them in terms of leading an army."
Inuyasha RPG headed to DS
Namco-Bandai has announced they're planning on bringing the Inuyasha property to a DS near you. Called Inuyasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel, the game will take place in the Inuyasha universe. Also, the game is to feature a "divine jewel" which holds some sort of "secret." OK, we kid, we kid, the game is to feature a brand-new storyline to feature new, never-before-seen characters in the Inuyasha universe. Returning Inuyasha characters include Inuyasha (obviously), Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippo. In the trailer available (right-click, save-as), which is in WMV format, shows a turn-based combat system allowing the player to have up to six characters in battle at once.
