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Screenshot roundup: Tekken Dark Resurrection
Game Watch has recently posted up a plethora of screens for my everyone's most-anticipated fighting game on the PSP in Tekken Dark Resurrection. These screens, which showcase some of the game's menus for displaying world rankings in bowling and brawling, as well as some lengthy compositions of Armor King, Lili, and Dragunov in action, do not fail to excite. I can't be the only person foaming at the mouth for this game, right?
In case you were wondering about import demos...
Overly optimistic reader Duscrom downloaded the demo for Namco's weird first-person soccer title, Love Football, to an American 360 via his Japanese XBL account. He dejectedly reports that, while Marketplace isn't blocked, "import" demos are indeed region encoded (Not very surprising, but you can't knock a fanboy for trying). It's a fact made more frustrating by the knowledge that piles of NTSC-J games are collecting dust on store shelves as I type, ignored by infamously picky Japanese gamers. Why not make these demos available to the rest of us, if only to create buzz and international goodwill? I'm sure there are plenty of appreciative, paying customers who would love to give, say, Bullet Witch a shot.
More support from Namco-Bandai
Namco-Bandai's Japanese press site has unveiled that the company plans to bring two new games to the Wii platform. Though only Final Furlong was playable at E3, the company is showing strong, strong support for the fledgling console.Many are speculating on the possibility of Time Crisis 4; while the Wii is obviously capable of doing a full FPS, a lightgun game would certainly be a welcome addition. How about another Tales game, or a Baten Kaitos sequel? Oh, those crafty Japanese corporations, always keeping us in the dark. Any ideas as to what Namco's rolling out?
Mysterious Thief Rousseau trailer excites
The odds of this game hitting the US are fairly slim, but nonetheless it has managed to stir large amounts of excitement in a few of us. This rather lengthy promo trailer shows some of the wide range of masks available to Rousseau, along with how they would be used in the game.
Soul Calibur IV coming to PS3?
Limber up those weapon combos because Soul Calibur IV has been confirmed for a next installment. One of the producers from Namco Bandai spoke to GameDaily about it being in production, but other than that we're not sure if it will be coming to next-gen consoles or not.However, with Tekken 6 skipping the arcade phase and going straight to PS3, what are the chances of seeing Soul Calibur IV do the same thing? Having a next-gen version of the weapons-based fighter would be a big score for Sony. And just think about what they would try to do with the motion-sensing controller. So we know it's on the way, and there's a good chance it will go straight to consoles, but which system (or systems)?
Joystiq hands-on: Tekken: Dark Resurrection
Tekken has long been the quintessential exclusive title for Sony. Once announced for the Sony PlayStation Portable, fanboy hearts went all aflutter at the possibility of their longtime favorite fighting franchise making its way to the games-starved handheld. Last week, I was able to sit down and get some quality time with Tekken: Dark Resurrection and see just for myself if this would indeed be the sure-fire hit gamers and Namco would obviously think it'd be once it hits store shelves this summer.
RPGs on their way?
While the Wii has an impressive line-up of games coming its way, there isn't much in the way of RPGs. Sure, Square-Enix has announced Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and Dragon Quest Swords, but neither are what we'd call classical role-playing experiences. But wait! There's hope!First off, on June 20th, Namco will unveil another game in their long-running Tales series. While this game is by no means confirmed for the Wii, there is a very suspicious "unannounced RPG" coming to the Wii from Namco-Bandai. Connect the dots?Along similar lines, Square-Enix has registered the name "Friends of Mana" as part of their World of Mana series, which already includes Children of Mana for the DS and Dawn of Mana for the PS2. Will it be released for the Wii? C'mon, it could happen.Maybe we're just grasping for straws, but both companies have shown strong support for the Wii. Would it be so massive a surprise if the Wii got some sword-slashing, magic missile-casting action?[via Cubed3]
DS gets 'Point Blank' tap, light gun not required
Namco's classic arcade shooter Point Blank ships for the DS next week, as Point Blank DS. Back in 1998, the game was ported to the PlayStation and required the use of Namco's GunCon peripheral. Obviously, it would be awkward -- especially in public -- pointing a light gun at the DS's 3-inch screen, unless it was a really tiny zapper -- which would still be awkward in public. Thankfully, the stylus acts as an intuitive, if not unorthodox, alternative.Point Blank DS will be an important test for Nintendo's handheld, and if well received, will expand the possibilities for simple, addictive fun on the DS.
Brain Training used to defeat dementia
According to a BBC report, Nintendo's hugely popular Brain Training titles are invading Japanese classrooms in an effort to help the older population get their minds in motion and running swiftly from encroaching dementia. How effective Dr. Kawashima's unnervingly polite floating head is at preventing or combating the condition (of which hallucination is a symptom) still hasn't been conclusively established, but for some people, keeping their minds active is enough.After demonstrating how to turn on the Nintendo DS and how to insert a game cartridge, the teacher has his elderly students engage in several different activities, not all of which are limited to Brain Training's repertoire of challenges. A golf game is used to train hand-eye coordination which, thanks to the DS' intuitive control scheme, seems to be quite easy to grasp. "It's not difficult to learn how to play them," says Atsuo Umetsu, one of the teachers. "After all I learnt, so everyone can do it." Though one of the students admits that she joined the class in order to better compete with her gamer sons, most are joining in the hopes of doing everything they can to avoid mental problems in a society where a large percentage of the population is older. Dr. Takao Suzuki, an expert when it comes to elderly affairs, points out that "nobody wants to get dementia so even if there is a very small possibility that it might work, most elderly people will want to do something in order to prevent dementia." And it's not just Nintendo that's reaching out to an older generation -- Namco has set up a day-care center allowing older people to bash drums and clobber cartoon crocodiles to their heart's content. Is this the key to defeating dementia? We don't know, but it sure sounds like fun, doesn't it?[Thanks Jon!]
Frame City Killer killed; RPG to replace it in lineup
If internet reports are to be believed, Frame City Killer has been cancelled, with an unnamed RPG replacing it in Bandai-Namco's roster of upcoming games.We knew that FCK (as it's affectionately known in the gaming community) was having some problems -- with multiple delays stemming from poor graphics and inadequate content -- but most 360 owners expected the game to come out one way or another sometime later this year.If you're a member of the Frame City Underground (the official fan community for the game), a pretty clear announcement in English has already been made. Check out the full text below. FCK ... we'll miss you.[Thanks, murph, Blue_Six, & a tipster who'd like to remain anonymous; via Evil Avatar & GameFront]See also: Original Japanese announcement page; Google auto-translation Frame City Killer missing until summer at the very least Namco responds to criticism, sends Frame City Killer back to the lab Frame City Underground official announcement (must log in for it)
PC impressions: Warhammer: Mark of Chaos
Unlike many RTS titles, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos only has a very basic level of base building, instead choosing to concentrate on tactical planning and the outfitting of very ornate helmets. The visual aspect of the game is heavily touted and, for the most part, they deserve to be--the level of detail present in each unit making up your army is impressive, right down to the customizable armour and clothing that gently glistens in the harsh sun. Of course, a lot of it's just cosmetic, a fact made especially clear once a flaming rock hurled from a catapult lands amidst your troops and sends them flying in all manner of directions. It's an amusing sight, to be sure, but the sad reality is that it probably means you're losing the battle.Mark of Chaos actually places you in charge of the evil invading force, so the pitiful humans are the ones that usually find themselves on the losing end. It's easier when you effectively command your powerful hero units to lead the charge, as they often boast a very welcomed level of customization and plenty of useful spells. It's by no means an original concept, but Mark of Chaos is hoisted above its "me too" level by some truly excellent presentation, perfectly capturing the look and feel of epic battles erupting between the game's powerful factions. A particularly nice touch is how the very environment begins to change as you march across the land, with grass dying and the sky growing dark. It drives home the illusion of a full, living world caught in the grips of war, something that very few real-time strategy games can claim to have accomplished.
PSP Impressions: Tekken: Dark Resurrection
This is a Tekken game. A vanilla, but faithful portable version of Namco's venerable fighting franchise is all you'll get out of this title, something that functions as both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, the superb graphics, responsive controls and presence of boxing kangaroos mean that fans get to play a great version of the game on the go. On the other, slightly gnarled hand we have a lack of ambition and a failure to advance the franchise in any way. Since Tekken is so expertly reproduced on the PSP, there's really no excuse for not attempting to improve the series' staple (and some would say stale) gameplay. The wireless multiplayer is the mode you'll most be spending your time with, though don't expect to take on your friends via an online connection. In lieu of full online multiplayer fighting, the game will upload a profile of your fighting style and allow other users to download it and challenge a vague digital approximation of you. It sounds like an interesting concept, but I'm convinced that any Tekken fan would have much preferred to be able to take on their sniveling opponents in real-time as opposed to what is essentially the PSP saying, "Hey, this is how your opponent usually fights. Let me try and show you, it's totally cool."
Overheard at E3: You must have it in France
During a Warhammer: Mark of Chaos demonstration at Namco's obnoxiously loud booth:Developer: So, are you familiar with the Warhammer universe? It's very popular in the US, I'm sure you must have it in France.Joystiq: Umm...France?Developer: You mean Joystiq isn't based in France?Weird. (We're actually based in Finland.)
PC impressions: Hellgate London
If there's anything more prolific than booth babes on the E3 show floor, it's large men equipped with ludicrously powerful weapons and equally devastating chins, all of them hailing from post-apocalyptic wastelands. Naturally, we were delighted to see that Namco's Hellgate: London featured not only the prerequisite one-man army, but a crumbling London overrun by snarling monsters and hostile punks. Though you're welcome to create a more effeminate avatar via the game's character creation utility, there's nothing about the game's setting that's particularly interesting. In-between the dilapidated buildings and freakishly deformed mutants, I kept awaiting the next cliche' to slither out from the world's wreckage and remind me that a cliche' in its natural habitat is a very ugly thing indeed.
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Tekken PSP to feature ghost fights, not 'live' online multiplayer
Gamernode reports that Namco Bandai plans to reward Tekken Dark Resurrection's top players by featuring their likenesses ghosts as downloadable adversaries. The ghosts can be downloaded directly onto the PSP (stored on the Memory Stick) or onto a PC, and then transferred to the Memory Stick. Unfortunately, live versus matches will be limited to ad-hoc play. It's unclear how the ghosts will mimic their real world counterparts - or for that matter, how Namco Bandai plans to choose candidates for ghosting. Typically, a 'ghost' is a recorded image/video that is superimposed onto the game world. In most cases, ghosts cannot alter that game world, nor can actions in that game world alter the ghosts. Obviously, Namco Bandai is developing a different concept, one that will, presumably, interact with the player.
Screenshots of Pac-Man and Galaga on XBLA
Namco announced the Xbox Live Arcade versions of Pac-Man and Galaga at Microsoft's Japanese press conference last week. This, of course, spawned the obvious question, "What's it gonna look like?" We're happy to report that high-def Pac-Man and Galaga look like ... well, Pac-Man and Galaga with artwork on the borders. Sure, it's not thrilling, but at least it doesn't look like this. Galaga screenshot after the break.
Pac-Man, Gundam, and more at Xbox 360 press conference
In addition to the news that anime is on the XBLM, there is plenty more from last night's Japanese press event. You can read the horrible machine translation of Famitsu's coverage here, or read on for the big Arcade legends Pac-Man and Galaga are coming to the Xbox Live Arcade! No word on whether there's any bad blood between the two considering Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga have been spending an awful lot of time together. Both titles will support worldwide rankings. Bandai Namco also announced Zegapain, "an anime/game collaboration that will boast downloadable content," as well as a new entry in the Culdcept series, Culdcept Saga. Xboxyde has screens of Zegapain XOR. An as-yet-unnamed Xbox Live compatible Gundam FPS. GameBrink has five high-res screens, and Xboxyde is hosting a torrent of video from the press conference. Tri-Ace studios, creators of the Star Ocean series, Radiata Stories, and Valkyrie Profile games, are working on an as-yet-unnamed RPG exclusively for the Xbox 360, to be published by Microsoft Game Studios. Sounds like the mystery Xbox 360-exclusive RPG has been revealed ... sort of. Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker studios is bringing several games to the Xbox 360. They announced that the first of these, Blue Dragon, will be released (in Japan presumably) before the end of the year, while a demo disc for Lost Odyssey will be released "later this year." No word on Cry On. Xboxyde has screenshots and video footage of the Square Enix/Gamearts collaboration, Project Sylph. A sequel to Gamearts' PS2 shmup Silpheed? Microsoft is cognizant that the Xbox 360 hasn't been going over so well in Japan. Last night's press conference, and their intentions to hold a second console launch in June, are indicative of their determination to succeed in Japan; an opening salvo, if you will, of the oncoming console wars looming on Japan's ultra-competitive gaming landscape. Read - Translated Famitsu coverage with imagesRead - Microsoft Briefs Media in Japan (1UP)Read - GameBrink's posts on the press conference
RedOctane CEO: More music games coming
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, RedOctane CEO Kelly Sumner revealed that the company's "got other products in development" in the music genre.The former Take Two Interactive Europe CEO's statement that he "can't tell you what [these other products] are and when they're coming" would lead us to believe he's not talking about the Guitar Hero sequels (sorta like song expansion packs) already announced.A rhythm line-up to rival Konami's Bemani brand, perhaps? This blogger would love something to take advantage of the RedOctane drum peripherals created for Namco's Taiko Drum Master, and it wouldn't be too hard for Harmonix to work up a karaoke game considering their work on Karaoke Revolution (unless licensing prevents it). Whatever the case, fans of music gaming would love to see what Sumner's got up his sleeve.[Thanks, murph]See also: Guitar Hero readies for European tour A whole range of Guitar Heroes to be available A postmortem on Accordion Hero (with a little info on Guitar Hero, too) RedOctane Guitar Hero Specialty Store [where'd the cherry SG go?!]
Goodbye, Katamari?
If Namco's Japanese web site is to be believed, yesterday marked the end of the road for the King of All Cosmos and Katamari Damacy. As noted earlier this week, the official Katamari web site was counting down until its online closing on the 17th. Unfortunately, the site now tells us that "the team behind both the original game and its sequel, We Love Katamari, has dissolved, and that no sequels have been planned" (according to Gamasutra). Not all is lost, however, as Professor Katamari (a likely reference to series creator Keita Takahashi) "is currently working on a new game design" with a new team where you unfortunately do not roll things up nor "get bigger." Me and My Katamari for the PSP would appear to be the final version of the game to appear at this point, though we hold out a faint hope that a fantastically rendered "clump of souls" will eventually find its way to next-generation consoles. Until then, catch you later, Prince. [Via Slashdot] See also: Katamari Kountdown: new title on the way? Katamari PSP gold, could mark series' finale
Animated LED Pac-Man bicycle wheels
Using LEDs and a "persistence of vision" technique, ladyada has created an animated Pac-Man scene on the spokes of her bicycle. Want your own? She directs us to her tutorial for SpokePOV, an "easy-to-make electronic kit toy that turns your bicycle wheel into a customized display." Using a free schematic, some open source software, and a kit that goes for about $37.50, you can make your own custom bicycle light show. Pac-Man's taken, so how about Mario and a goomba? The Prince and a katamari? I'm seriously inclined to do this even though, in Philly, my bike would get stolen faster than you can say wakka wakka wakka.[Via MAKE: Blog][UPDATE: Corrected the gender of ladyada to reflect that that means Lady Ada. Thanks, breath.]
