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Video: Jetpac's happy rainbow lasers
To help get the word out about next week's Xbox Live Arcade release, Jetpac Refuelled, Microsoft has released a trailer of the game in action. A small segment of the video is devoted to the retro version of the game, but the meat and potatoes, as it were, are spent on the Refuelled mode. The game is pretty sharp (and widescreen, by the way), with plenty of things happening on screen. There are tons of enemies to avoid whilst building your rocket ship, but fortunately there are some pretty effective weapons as well. The multiplayer mode, in which players race to build and fuel their rocket and be the first to escape, looks like it could be a lot of fun, too. Check out the trailer and tell us what you think. Should you desire to check it out in HD, head over to GameTrailers.
Gyruss denied, Jetpac hits XBLA next week
Alright, take a deep breath. Exhale. Good. Now listen, Xbox Live Arcade is about to receive its fifth game in a row. That's right, starting next Wednesday, there will have been five successive Wednesdays that brought us a new Arcade title. It turns out next week's game will not be Gyruss, but rather Jetpac Refuelled from Rare. First revealed last month, Jetpac Refuelled is a remake of Rare's classic Jetpac. The game charges players with assembling a rocket ship while avoiding and destroying enemies. Once the ship is assembled, players make their escape. The game features two modes of play, classic and Refuelled. Rather than simply slapping a new coat of pixels on the classic graphics however, the Refuelled mode adds completely new HD graphics, new weapons, new enemies, and a smartbomb. The game features 128 new levels, leaderboards, and local or Live versus play. So what does all this new Hi-Def wizardry cost? A paltry 400 points. Could XBLA reach a six game streak? We'll find out soon enough. Be sure and check out our Jetpac Refuelled gallery for the latest screens. Full press release after the break.
Viva Piata demo now available
A demo of Viva Piñata is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Clocking in at just under a gig, the demo promises to let you raise your own sparrowmint piñata. Viva Piñata vets will know that sparrowmints are available fairly early in the game, but the demo should give players about 30 minutes to an hour plenty of gameplay. Considering the high hopes that Microsoft originally pinned on the game, we wonder why it took this long to release a demo. With any luck, maybe this will convince more gamers that Viva Piñata is worth checking out. Trust us, if you give it a chance, you'll find that Viva Piñata is very addictive.Update: It looks like the demo has more gameplay than we thought. Enjoy.
Microsoft's GDC information blowout!
For those of you looking to find information on some of your favorite upcoming Microsoft Game Studios or XBLA games, just take a look at what Xbox.com has to offer. Over on the GDC section of Xbox.com you'll find a bunch of downloads for games like Forza 2, Blue Dragon, Mass Effect and Shadowrun. You can download fact sheets, press releases, and screenshots for those games including XBLA games like Schizoid, Eets Chowdown, and Jetpac Refuelled. So much information, so little time ... but get downloading because everyone knows you care.
Five new XBLA games shown, no Mizuguchi
Serious cat is looking to make some more appearances in the future for XBLA Wednesdays. For as much as Wednesday is supposed to be all about Microsoft and arcade, we just haven't seen it. In a behind closed door meeting with Microsoft Casual Games' group manager, Bryan Trussel, and product unit manager, Chris Early, they showed off what's coming to the arcade. The Microsoft Casual Games' division name is a bit of a misnomer. With the expansion of 50 MB to 150 MB, the door opens to less-than-casual games, with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night being the prime example. Chris Early says, "From a player's standpoint it's about quick access ... I guess the way we look at a casual or arcade title is more about approachability, not a question of game length. It's do you need a manual to get into it, is it something you can get into and start playing relatively quickly ... something you can get gratification from instantly?" New games coming to the system were Jetpac: Refuelled, a graphically enhanced version of the classic game Jetpac. Minigolf Adventures, which plays like a quirky arcade golf game and certainly has the expansion possibilities already built in. Eets: Chowdown, a port of the PC puzzle game and Pinball FX -- a pinball game. And, of course, Boom Boom Rocket (800 points). BBR is DDR for your fingers. There is a line at the top of the screen and when the fireworks shooting from every direction reach the line you hit the corresponding button and it explodes. Looks great and addictive. Per usual, other than BBR's price, no other talk about cost or announcement on release dates. Although confirmed, Miziguichi's port of Every Extend Extra to XBLA was not discussed. (Image galleries after the break...)
Jetpac Refuelled screenshots are plentiful
Forget those blurry Jetpac Refuelled screenshots we posted back in February, we've got big and beautiful versions now. Today, Xboxygen dug up a bunch of screenshots from Rare's upcoming XBLA game Jetpac Refuelled. As you can tell, the backgrounds are colorful, the colors pop, and the enemies are more ... enemy looking? Anyway, cure your need for visual stimuli by taking a look at all 24 Jetpac Refuelled screenshots after the jump
Rare on Banjo VC: "It's possible"
In a response to a young Rare fan's letter posted in their Scribes column, Rare discussed the possibility of some of their franchises coming over to the Virtual Console. The Donkey Kong Country sequels are likely, because Donkey Kong is a Nintendo-owned property. But games starring Diddy Kong, the Rare-created pal of DK, are not as clear-cut.The main focus of the letter was Banjo-Kazooie, which is a Rare-owned property. The Rare "scribe" diplomatically said that "it's possible" for Banjo games to appear either on the VC or on the Xbox 360 Live Arcade. Our advice? Don't wait for any N64 games to come to VC, because they are slow in arriving.[Via Play-Nintendo]
512MB memory card and exciting XBLA news
It looks like that silly rumor was true as Microsoft just announced a bigger memory card for the Xbox 360. The new 512MB Xbox 360 memory card will be available April 3rd, will retail for $49.99, and for a limited time will come pre-loaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Simultaneously, the ancient 64MB memory card will drop in price to $29.99 (be on the lookout for clearance prices). Also, with the announcement of the new 512MB card, the XBLA size limit will be raised from 50MB to 150MB allowing developers to run wild with their creativity. Microsoft also announced that they'll be showcasing XBLA titles Boom Boom Rocket, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures, Eets: Chowdown, Jetpac Refuelled, and Pinball FX at GDC. Check out the full press release after the break. So, after reading that informative spiel what is your gut reaction? We definitely agree with raising the XBLA size limit to 150MB and find the 512MB memory card to be a much better deal than the old 64MB version. And for curiosity's sake, is there anyone out there who just purchased a 64MB memory card and is kicking themselves?
Diddy Kong Racing zooms into Europe this April
April 20 is the big day for European DS gamers, at least when it comes to reliving a Rare experience. Nintendo announced today that Diddy Kong Racing DS is set to hit shelves only two months after its release in the U.S., which is certainly an improvement over some of the gaps we've seen between releases in different areas of the world. Racing not your thing? No problem -- the week before, Final Fantasy V Advance ships. Looks like April is a good time to be a gamer.
First (blurry) shots of Jetpac Refuelled
Spanish website, Meristation, has posted the first shots of the upcoming Jetpac Refuelled for Xbox Live Arcade. For those with short memories, Jetpac Refuelled was recently uncovered as Rare's top-secret XBLA game. A remake of the original Jetpac, Refuelled looks to be much the same, with the addition of updated graphics, of course. Unfortunately, the shots posted are pretty blurry, but they still give us a good idea of what to expect from the game. Anyone have fond memories of the original? How many MS points would you spend on the XBLA version? [Via Evil Avatar]
Video: Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pi�ata sequel info
In the above video, Rare talks with GameTrailers about the potential of a Viva Piñata sequel as the direction they'd need to take it to keep it fresh, as well as their plans for the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie game. Banjo-Kazooie 3 will be a continuation of the series so it will be a safe bet that all of your favorite characters from previous iterations will be making a triumphant return. That being said, the concept artists couldn't confirm whether Gruntilda would be showing up or not. Are you looking forward to Banjo's new gen title? How do you feel about a Viva Piñata sequel? [Via QJ.net]
A Rare interview concerning Banjo Kazooie 3
Rare is in good company these days. As a part of Microsoft Games Studios, they exist under the same umbrella as Bungie -- another studio that loves to be elusive. This of course means that if they let out so much as a squeak, we listen. GameTrailers caught up with one of the crafty devils (Concept Artist, Ryan Stevenson) recently to talk about everything Rare. Banjo Kazooie 3 in particular. If you enjoyed previous entries in the Banjo Kazooie saga there will be plenty for you to love on your 360 as Stevenson says "It's still the same characters and the same thing. It's a game for the people who appreciated the game years ago and also for new people that are coming to the 360." A hint concerning the main villain of the series, Grundy, is also dropped and the Stop'N'Swop drama makes a special guest appearance. Stevenson gives the most rational idea for the infamously dropped Banjo-Tooie feature in that it was probably just a really bad idea. We, however, still believe.
Wii Warm Up: Ahh, GoldenEye
With all the positivity flowing from Microsoft toward Nintendo right now via the DS, it looks like the chances of seeing a Rare title or two on the Virtual Console may have increased beyond what we initially anticipated. We're still not saying it's likely, but there may be a better chance than the proverbial snowball has in hell that we'll see a Rare game. By "Rare game," of course, we mean GoldenEye and you know it. We look fondly upon our time (lots and lots of time) with this beloved multiplayer gem. The simple joy of the grenade launcher. The force with which we cursed our best friends. The violence that ensued. Good times. Talking about it can bring a tear to the eye. But what about you? We talk about it, sure, but would you pay for GoldenEye on the Virtual Console? For that matter, do you think we'll even see it? Let's put it on the table.
Viva Pinata possibly bursting onto DS
How can Microsoft max out their profits this year? By latching onto the hottest system in the world -- the DS. Suddenly their reason for buying Rare becomes clear! Microsoft's super-powerful seers predicted the rise of the DS, and so they bought a company Nintendo fans adore as a way in. Brilliant! Now that we have our daily fanboy conspiracy theory out of the way, let's get to the news. Viva Pinata may well be headed toward the DS. Microsoft VP Shane Kim told 1UP that "a Kameo or a Viva Pinata on a DS makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways from a franchise perspective." Yeah, also from the perspective of mucho dinero, and we know that's a big deal to Micro$oft. However, if it all ends with more great games on the DS, we're all for it. [Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 PartnerNet video hints at Jetpac, Juiced 2007 [update 1]
"PartnerNet? Is that some sort of Xbox Live dating service?" A valid question, but one regrettably met with a negative answer. PartnerNet is a section of the Xbox Live network specifically reserved for and accessed by Xbox 360 debug units. As such, it contains unreleased and even unannounced downloadable content reserved for future migration to public servers. Embedded after the break you'll find a PartnerNet video tour of sorts, as sent anonymously to CheapyD at CheapAssGamer (sans soothing narration). Since the video was likely recorded quite a while ago, most of the listed games are familiar ones. Things to look out for are Rare's Jetpac, Juiced 2007, Absolute, Obbes Pinball, Tetris Online and Halo 2 (likely referring to the upcoming Xbox 360 multiplayer maps). Exciting, isn't it? [Update: Microsoft has politely asked us to remove the video for several understandable reasons.]
Is Viva Piata headed for the DS?
Would you play Viva Piñata on your Nintendo DS? That's the question Microsoft may be bouncing around the corporate board room table, because Shane Kim, Microsoft Game Studios VP, thinks it would be a great idea. In an interview with 1UP Kim said that "Viva Piñata on a DS makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways from a franchise perspective". We have to agree if they can pull it off on a DS and want those little piñatas to reach mass appeal. What do you think, would it be a good idea for Microsoft owned developer Rare to create a Viva Piñata spinoff for a competing company's handheld? Or do you think it would be a much better fit on Sony's PSP?
Ahh cute, Viva Piata Valentine wallpapers
As part of Microsoft's Let's Play on Valentines Day celebration not only are they urging fellow gardeners to trade piñatas, but also posted some downloadable goodies too. Over at the official Viva Piñata website they put up a few downloadable wallpapers for you to send to your loved one or to simply spiff up your own desktop. And for those of you who are in a relationship, remember this Wednesday is Valentines Day. Forget the candy and flowers, just snuggle up for a nice romantic four hour Viva Piñata gaming session. You just can't get much more romantic than that.
Rare going to reveal wild card Piatas?
Over at the Viva Pinata Forum Rare's very own BIGsheep decided to run a poll asking fans which wild card piñata they'd like to see. And for those of you who aren't in the loop, wild card piñatas are extremely rare, randomly born, and there is no concrete formula on how to create them. Think of them as genetic screw ups that are one in a million. Anyway, BIGsheep's poll ends in roughly a week and we're curious to see what will happened when the poll ends. Is he going to be kind enough to show us what the wild card piñata looks like, maybe lift the lid on his entire wild card stash? We'll just have to wait and see what goes down with this wild card poll fiasco. And don't forget to vote![Thanks, jimmcq]
Metareview - Diddy Kong Racing DS
As so many did, my friends and I bought into the original Diddy Kong Racing, which had been hyped as a superior blend of Super Mario 64 meets Mario Kart 64, from the same developer that had won our allegiance with GoldenEye 007 just months before. Diddy Kong Racing wasn't fun (despite mostly bloated reviews). Still, we fell into a self-perpetuating trap of lying to ourselves; reassuring each other of the game's promised greatness. Weeks passed, and Diddy Kong Racing eventually faded away -- but not for good. Rare has remade its N64 "classic" for DS. Despite Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support, Diddy Kong Racing is still lame, further marred by poor DS-specific design choices. Thankfully, critical reception seems to be more on point this time around: IGN (71/100) - "[Any] time you're encouraged to touch the lower screen, you can pretty much assume that it wasn't in the original game and created specifically for the Nintendo DS "remake". It's these new DS-centric elements that point to the fact that this is a first-generation DS game handled by a team that's not quite familiar with the platform ... someone really needs to tell Rare that microphone blowing is so 2005. It wasn't a whole lot of fun when developers did it in the Nintendo DS' early years, and it's still not fun now ... unfortunately the development team focused a bit too much on "DS-izing" the product with completely unnecessary and frustrating touch-screen and microphone challenges that disrupt the racing design." GameSpot (67/100) - "Diddy Kong Racing DS isn't a bad kart-racing game, but its best feature, the racing, is buried underneath so much unnecessary garbage that some people will find it nearly impossible to enjoy. Had Rare stripped the island setting, toned down the tedious collecting, and tweaked some other minor issues, the game would have been better with less. Instead, it chose to add more and more content, and the game suffers for it. Some of the new additions, such as online multiplayer and the various customization features, make the game more enjoyable, but many of them, particularly the touch-screen controls, make it worse." Games Radar (60/100) - "Diddy Kong Racing wants so damn hard to be the next Mario Kart that it hurts our eyes to play it for long periods of time. The racing itself is totally fine (if a little slow), but this simple pleasure is smothered in monotonous collecting and mindless wandering ... For those who remember the Nintendo 64 version from 1997, this is mostly the same game. Back then it wanted to be the next Mario Kart 64, but obviously wasn't. Now, the only thing that's been done to bump its stature is moderate touch screen silliness."
Rare XBLA title revealed
Ever play Perfect Dark Zero? If so, then you probably saw the above video of the oldschool arcade shooter, Jetpac. If you played Donkey Kong 64 back in 1999, you could even play Jetpac in Cranky Kong's Lab after unlocking it. That being said, when we got word of "Jetpac Refuelled" being the title of Rare's upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title, we weren't too terribly surprised. Gameplay seems pretty standard for a 1983 coin-op classic, but looks like fun none the less. One thing we're curious about is the "Test date: 06.02.2007", is that June 2nd or yesterday? [Thanks, RX-TX]
