Phantom-Dust
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'Phantom Dust' returns tomorrow on Xbox One and PC -- for free
Phantom Dust was a surprise treat from Microsoft Japan that arrived in the US (thanks to intervention by Majesco) at the end of the original Xbox's run, and after years of work, a team has revived the original game's assets to build a version that works across the Xbox One and PC. Its business model was still up in the air a couple of weeks ago, but today Xbox Games marketing head Adam Greenberg announced it will be released tomorrow for free (with some paid DLC options available to speed your progress through the game).
Feast your eyes on Microsoft's 'Phantom Dust' remaster
After three long years, Microsoft has finally released more details about Phantom Dust HD. While the publisher announced a remaster of the 2004 cult-classic during E3 2014, it has been mostly quiet about the up-rezzed card battler ever since. With its unique mix of addictive deck building and tactical third-person combat, the little-known game earned itself a devoted fanbase -- and they've been waiting patiently to play it in high definition. Producer Adam Isgreen broke the silence during an interview with Polygon, confirming that it will run at 1080p on Xbox One and support 4K on PC. Thankfully he brought evidence with him too, allowing us all to finally see the remaster in action in the video below.
Phantom Dust for Xbox One will retell original game's story, may release in 2015
The upcoming JRPG Phantom Dust for Xbox One will offer a "reimagining" of the story featured in the game's original 2005 Xbox release, Microsoft Studios Creative Director Ken Lobb revealed on The Inner Circle podcast this week. Few details regarding Phantom Dust were divulged since its E3 2014 unveiling, but Lobb clarifies that it will feature improvements to the original game's pacing and storyline. Limited sales following Phantom Dust's initial release drove the decision to produce a remake, rather than continue its story. Lobb additionally states that Phantom Dust may be better-suited to a Killer Instinct-styled free-to-play release, claiming that "gamers might not want to go out and take a sixty dollar risk" on a niche deck-building strategy game. Lobb notes that Phantom Dust "may or may not" see a release in 2015. [Image: Joystiq]
Xbox head Phil Spencer: Phantom Dust has settled until 2015
Resurrected Xbox One arena shooter Phantom Dust won't be appearing at the ongoing Gamescom conference, according to comments made by Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox division. Game Informer approached Spencer at Gamescom to ask about Phantom Dust but were met with vague possibilities. After noting that the game won't be appearing at Gamescom, Spencer likewise expressed doubts that Phantom Dust would be shown at this September's Tokyo Game Show. "I would bet [Phantom Dust] won't be [at] TGS," Spencer said. Game Informer speculates that the game will appear at E3 2015 based on "the schedule of events following [Tokyo Game Show]," indicating they don't expect it to surface at the next major industry event after TGS, the 2015 Game Developer's Conference in March. Whether Phantom Dust is next seen at GDC or E3, it seems unlikely that we'll see any more from the revived cult-classic until next year. [Image: Microsoft]
E3 2014 round-up: Weird tales from Los Angeles
Had you been on the floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center this year, you would have heard one question, echoing from journalist to journalist: "This year feels a little ... weird, don't you think?" It's hard to put a finger on exactly why E3 2014 gave off a strange vibe, but darn it all, we're gonna try. Here are some of the most eccentric, the most peculiar, most "hmm"-inducing stories of E3:
Phantom Dust being resurrected for Xbox One
Phantom Dust will be brought back for Xbox One, Microsoft announced during its E3 press conference. The original Phantom Dust was an online-focused arena combat game for the original Xbox, created by Yukio Futatsugi, the mind behind Panzer Dragoon. [Image: Joystiq]
The 10 best Xbox exclusives (no spartans allowed)
We're happy to remark on the tenth anniversary of the original Xbox, but it gets a little weird when Microsoft barges into our solemn vigil with a birthday cake. This is the company that couldn't pull the plug on its muscular and costly console fast enough -- and not just because the cord was about to incinerate your house. Microsoft's rapid prudence allowed it to rein in the hardware for its next system, and to successfully transplant Xbox Live into a body now recognized for its sustainability, if not its fragility. It worked out for the business, but didn't leave much time for less popular system-exclusive games to flourish or to be found. Ironically, the Xbox commercial that drew the most ire, after it crudely launched a baby through a window and into a cemetery, proved that there can be some truth in advertising after all. "Life is short," it said, "play more." We wrongly figured it was talking about us. After the break: A list of our favorite, often overlooked Xbox games.
Ten Forgotten Xbox Games that Deserve a Sequel
Even though it fell into a casket when the Xbox 360 launched in 2005, the original Xbox still holds a special place in our heart. Hater's thoughts aside, Xbox had a pile of impressive software in its library that ultimately stands forgotten in time due to poor sales numbers. Don't believe us? Count how many of these studios have been either closed or are in financial trouble. From Crimson Skies to Jet Set Radio Future, here are our picks for Ten Forgotten Games that Deserve a Sequel on the Xbox 360. Jump into the comments and tell us what games you'd like to see return to the current HD-era, such as honorable mentions: Metal Arms, MechAssault and Shenmue. Continue to the feature Ten Forgotten Games that Deserve a Sequel
Orta, Mercenaries, JSRF join 360 compatability list
Microsoft has supplied 33 more compelling reasons to finally stuff your old friend the Xbox in the closet with their new backwards compatibility update for the 360. How compelling, you ask? How about Jet Set Radio Future and Mercenaries? How's that grab you? No, still not enough? How about Panzer Dragoon Orta? The BC update doesn't seem to be working just yet, but we hope that'll be rectified soon. The full list is available here with all the new additions, like Return To Castle Wolfenstein and Breakdown. When asked to comment on the update, a Microsoft spokesperson wrote "We're continuing to work hard to certify as many original Xbox games to work on Xbox 360 as possible," and don't think we don't appreciate it. In fact, we're so grateful, we're not going to wonder aloud how NFL Fever 2004 snuck on to the list. We're rising above. Still conspicuously absent from the updates: Your Favorite Game that No One Else Liked. But chin up, we hear it's a lock for the next update. You can see a full list after the break. [via Snackbar Games]
Back compat update: Panzer Dragoon Orta! [update 1]
Update: As many have pointed out, the list has been official updated with lots of new games including Soul Calibur II, Spider-Man 2, Mechassault 2, Street Fighter Anniversary Collection, and much more. Follow this link for the fully updated list.Xbox backwards compatibility updates are few and far between these days. Hell, the last update was in December. In fact, many feared that the coming of Physchonauts meant the end of new updates. Rejoice, true believers, for a new back compat update is upon us! Unfortunately, we don't know how many games have been added. In fact, right now the only way to get the update is to download the update, burn it to a disc, and install in manually (we assume it will be available on Live soon). However, we do have confirmation of at least two new titles, including SEGA's Panzer Dragoon Orta and Phantom Dust. If you've got the itch for these games, get to downloading. In the meantime, keep your eye on the official backwards compatibility page for the updated list. You can be sure we'll post it when it goes live.[Via Deeko News]
Interested in some Phantom Dust skills?
All you'll need is some cold hard cash. That's right, DBLDN has decided to hang it up, and is offering to sell his sweet labor. I'm no expert, but 41 Rare Skills sounds special and 1,200 wins is just plain silly. You've got just under a week to bid, or you could buy the package outright for $45.00-that's more than twice the cost of the game, by the way. In DBLDN's own words: "Thanks for reading and good luck bidding!" [Aside: We could be seeing a lot more of this kind of thing in the upcoming Xbox Live marketplace-under the guidance of Microsoft, of course.... Think they'll care about this little transaction?]
Is Phantom Dust the Xbox import to own?
It's no secret that the Xbox has been a commercial failure in Japan; in fact, in some circles it's a running joke. So when Microsoft announced it was developing a first-party title exclusive to Japan, a lot of people scratched their heads. Why? There hasn't been a lot of incentive to get into the Xbox import business, and chances are most of you haven't pursued Japanese compatibility. So while Phantom Dust is probably worth importing, it's probably not worth prepping your Xbox for. Maybe if we fuss and wine enough Microsoft will send it stateside (and to Europe) before the launch of the next-gen Xbox-the game's already in English, you know. Then again, who really believes that will happen? Phantom Dust will ultimately become the best Xbox game you'll never play. Oh well... UPDATE: Everyone makes mistakes. And apparently, some of us pay for them. Phantom Dust is available for $19.99 in the US at this very moment. Think you could cut us a little more slack next time, rigmasher? Sheesh!
GameTab warns of an expensive week
GameTab has a thorough list of this week's releases, and it's a doozy. At long last. The last few weeks (since the holidays, really) have been quiet, volume-wise. But for the next seven days we'll be struggling over the following. This is just a taste, too. PC Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30 Act of War: Direct Action Project: Snowblind PS2 Musashi Samurai Legend Worms Forts: Under Siege Xbox Phantom Dust Gamecube Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 GBA Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge DS (three, count em, THREE titles!) Yoshi's Touch & Go Pokemon Dash Retro Atari Classics And ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the latest device to the weekly grind...the Playstation Portable. PSP Need for Speed Underground Rivals Spider-Man 2 Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix Twisted Metal: Head-On Wipeout Pure Dynasty Warriors Darkstalkers Chronicle Again, go to GameTab for the complete list. Nice stuff. Which ones are you getting? I'm certainly getting Yoshi's Touch & Go, Twisted Metal and Spider-Man 2. All handheld titles. What could this mean? [Thanks Reed!]
Phantom Dust gets ready for a Stateside bow
Phantom Dust was meant to be an Xbox Live! staple title. But after a review by Microsoft, the plan changed. The Japanese-developed game ended up on Microsoft's Japan-only product list after the suits decided the game should stay out of America. The result of this decision, of course, sent shockwaves through the developer and made life tough for awhile. While the game is doing okay in Japan, the company would like to see it get a shot at the US. Thanks to Majesco, it looks like they'll get their wish. 1up's piece is an excellent study of the developer, the development process and the game. Good job, guys and gals (minus the automatic clip streaming, which is bad form).
