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NYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on
click to embiggen When we first got our hands on Velvet Assassin nearly eight months ago at E3 2008, we were impressed. The level of polish exhibited for a game still months from any formal release was a good sign to us that the game was on the right track to becoming one of few stealth/action titles we might really enjoy. We delighted in sneaking up behind a group of unwitting Nazi soldiers, pulling a pin from one of their grenades, and watching the resultant explosion of humanity from a comfortable distance. Not just for the obvious reasons but because little touches like that helped to make VA feel like a living world and brought you into the role of French WWII-era assassin Violette Szabo, the interesting real life person the game's based on. And though we were assured the grenade trick has been left in the game (even if it wasn't in the most recent build we checked out just before the 2009 New York Comic Con), enough has changed since we first met protagonist Violette Summer to be concerned. The polish once exuded by German developer Replay Studios' first game for the Xbox 360 has all but vanished, leaving behind kludgey player animation, poor enemy AI and glitch-prone graphics. With two months to go until the "April launch window" of VA, we're hoping (but not exactly confident) they can bring back the experience we had so many moons ago.%Gallery-17268%
Velvet Assassin box art is explosive, leathery
click to experience enlargementSouthpeak Games and Replay Studios' Velvet Assassin has been taking the whole stealth concept a bit too literal, remaining quiet about game specifics and release date details. But that doesn't mean the box art has to stay hidden. Viewable here, the packaging artwork is one part BOOM!, equal part black leather and a dash of average.We're also informed that our good friend Peter Chung (who really isn't our pal, but we fantasize to be our drinking buddy) partnered with SouthPeak by putting together a 15+ page graphic novel that will be gifted to those who pre-order Velvet Assassin at GameStop. Chung will also contribute to the game's sure to be sexually charged storyline.Did we mention this game remains too stealth for our liking? %Gallery-44074%
DS Fanboy Review: Ninjatown
When I received my pretty-much-complete build of Ninjatown, I was floored at just how much fun this ridiculously cute game is. But, beneath its layer of cute sprites and witty dialogue hides a masochistic game that loves to punish you for making an incorrect move. Of course, it is a strategy game, after all. %Gallery-15839%
Go ga-ga over Roogoo screens
We've known for a few months now that XBLA title Roogoo was being ported to the DS and now we finally have some screens to ogle. The screens are bright and colorful, showing us that Roogoo hasn't lost its visual appeal in the jump to DS.According to the fact sheet, the game will not only be a visual treat, but it will also support multi-card play, featuring "6+ different multiplayer attacks such as Meemoo Attack, Anvil Attack and Meteor Shape Color Attack." Roogoo DS is currently slated for a Q1 2009 release.Hit up our gallery below and check out the fresh screens. %Gallery-34668%[Via press release]
Things on Wheels takes racing to the restroom
Southpeak and Load Inc. just sent us a fresh batch of screenshots for their upcoming XBLA RC racer Things on Wheels. And, if you take a gander through the new screens, you'll see that RC racers can in fact race on hardwood floors AND near the toilet. Also, if you're the achievement type, check out a list of ToW achievements after the break. Screenshots below, achievements after break ... GO! %Gallery-22522%
Raven Squad to include online co-op, nothing else [update]
Update: We've just been informed by Southpeak that Raven Squad will also include local co-op but only via system link. So, to recap: Raven Squad will feature Xbox Live co-op and local co-op via system link but no co-op split screen or any versus modes online or off. Phew!After getting a chance to touch Southpeak's FPS gone RTS gone FPSRTS Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger during E3 (that title, wowzaz), we were informed that the game would have absolutely no Xbox Live support whatsoever. A metaphorical death kiss to any new franchise trying to make a name for itself. But now we know that the information was incorrect. We just confirmed with Southpeak that Raven Squad will in fact have Xbox Live co-op support, but no other multiplayer modes beyond that. So, that means no co-op locally and no versus locally or over Xbox Live. Just co-op FPSRTS gaming over Live and locally which, admittedly, is better than no support at all. Right?
Goo-d news for Roogoo gurus
What is a Roogoo, exactly? Well, it's not quite a kangaroo, not quite a pile of goo, but ... we have no idea. While everyone stumbles around trying to figure out these mysterious things, SouthPeak Games had an idea of its own -- bring the colorful puzzler to Wii and DS!Previously available on XBLA, the Wii version will naturally use motion controls for its core gameplay. You'll be tasked with guiding meteors through rotating platforms, which will apparently stop the evil Meemoos from draining the energy of the planet. Pffft. That doesn't sound very realistic, does it? What are games coming to?Roogoo will feature multiplayer action for up to four players, in co-op, competitive and "party" modes. Additions to the Wii version are evident, but explained only as "gameplay twists." Well, if you say so. We're actually looking forward to it, because the recent round of puzzle games have been top-notch. Check out the XBLA trailer at DS Fanboy for Roogoo in motion.[Via press release]
Roogoo jumps from XBLA to the DS
Only a month ago, SouthPeak Games released a delightfully adorable puzzle title called Roogoo to XBLA. Now the game is Nintendo-bound, as the company recently announced it for both the Wii and DS. So, why is this a good thing? For starters, in addition to its positive critical reception, Roogoo is just cu-ute. Art style aside, this puzzler also looks simple (yet challenging). You have to help the planet Roo by guiding oddly-shaped, colorful meteors through rotating platforms. If you succeed, you'll stop the Meemoos from draining the planet's energy and resources. Take a look at the XBLA trailer above for a better idea of what you have to do.The DS version will include new levels, backgrounds, and puzzle shapes. Interestingly, there's also a bit of DS-Wii connectivity for owners of both games. Oddly enough, you'll be able to use the DS as a controller for the Wii version.We're curious about the game's price point. It only costs $10 on XBLA and $20 on PCs, but surely it will retail for more on the DS. We bet it hits the $30 mark, even. Hopefully the portability factor, new levels, and touchscreen controls will make any monetary increase worth it. Gallery: Roogoo (XBLA) [Via press release]
E308: A mini hands-on with Big Bang Mini
Studio Arkedo's Big Bang Mini is a very simple game, and I mean that in the best possible way. Like the other recent retro-style shooters on the DS (Space Invaders Extreme immediately comes to mind), Big Bang focuses entirely on making you shoot almost everything on the screen. Unlike Invaders, it uses a totally stylus-based control scheme -- which is surprisingly okay! Usually, classic, frantic game style plus touch equals problems!You control a little icon of some kind (in the first level, a wireframe pyramid thing -- it changes with the theme every level) who shoots fireworks at stuff flying around on the top screen. You have to drag the little avatar around with the stylus, and then also swipe upward to shoot fireworks. If you hit the enemy, it blows up; if you miss, your shot explodes into fireworks, whose sparks then fall down towards the bottom screen and must be avoided. You can aim your shots by drawing lines at different angles, and you can shoot about as fast as you can slash the screen. %Gallery-18714%
PSP just got braver with Brave: A Warrior's Tale
Brave: A Warrior's Tale has been announced for the PSP along with the Wii and 360 versions. The game is an "expanded reinvention of the original" PS2 game, Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer. For the life of us, we can't remember much about the old title -- perhaps this reinvention will indeed feel like a refreshing jaunt.The game is set 70 years after the original title. Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak, explains that the game plays "as a flashback in which Brave describes the events of his life." It's a pretty interesting way to reinvent an old title. New content such as unlockables and graphical updates are the usual additions you'll be seeing in the new game. No set release date so far.[Via press release]
SouthPeak brings Raven Squad to 360 this fall
Actually, that's not entirely true. The full name of the game is actually Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger. No, seriously. That's the title. Silly names aside, Raven Squad sounds interesting, as it incorporates both real time strategy and first person shooter gameplay. No, that doesn't mean it's an FPS with RTS elements or vice versa. Instead, players can actively switch between RTS and FPS modes. Throw in eight different squad members with "distinctive skills and weaponry" stuck behind enemy lines and it sounds like Raven Squad might be a decent game. The game is being developed by Atomic Motion with SouthPeak planning to distribute the title for PC and Xbox 360 this fall.Check out the first screens in the gallery below.%Gallery-26773%
Ninjatown: Tower Defense with ninjas
We knew developer Venan Entertainment and Shawnimals creator Shawn Smith were intending to create an "action-strategy" title with Ninjatown, but, for some reason, it never occurred to us that what they meant was a ninja-themed Tower Defense game.Reviewing IGN's gameplay clips and Joystiq's hands-on preview, it's obvious now how Ninjatown will play: During a brief building phase, you'll build ninja huts along a path which will produce varied ninja units. Enemies will start to charge down the path, and your newly created ninjas must try to stop them.Managing and commanding the ninjas from a hot air balloon as Ol' Master Ninja, players can jump into the battle with special attacks, such as smacking enemies with the Ol' Master Ninja's cane and slowing them down by blowing into the DS's microphone.Publisher SouthPeak expects to include 30+ scenarios total, encompassing five different gameworld areas, for Ninjatown's fall release. Though there's already at least one other Tower Defense commercial title due for the DS -- 5th Cell's Lock's Quest -- the cute character designs, playful approach, and use of the system's features could be enough to turn Ninjatown into something special.%Gallery-15839%Read - Joystiq hands-on: NinjatownRead - IGN's Ninjatown videos
Brave Quest: Challenge of the Shamans
SouthPeak Interactive has released the first screenshots of their narrative puzzle game Brave: Shaman's Challenge. The puzzle game element seems to be of the "falling blocks" variety, though we can't exactly see how it works yet (it's not match-three -- Super Puzzle Fighter-esque, perhaps?)While the main puzzle mechanics may not be strictly influenced by Puzzle Quest, we can't help but think that the very idea of marrying a puzzle game with a real storyline has something to do with Infinite Interactive's hit. It worked well enough for them that they're trying the same "existing puzzle gameplay + new story" tactic again in two new games, so maybe it'll work out in Brave's "Native America" (which may or may not be Oklahoma).%Gallery-24905%[Via press release]
Fanswag: Free Roogoo for you [update]
Update: Congratulations to XeonPro for winning this Fanswag giveaway. Hopefully his day will be brighter, sunnier and full of even more joy.It's already turning out to be a sunny, beautiful Monday, a day that we couldn't imagine being any more enjoyable or perfect. That is unless you were to play recent XBLA release Roogoo, then your already perfect Monday would be kicked into happiness overdrive with rainbows shooting from your eyes. But what's that you say? You don't own Roogoo, therefore your day cannot live in a Monday happiness overdrive? We're sorry to hear that. But friends, you're in luck, because the kind folks at Southpeak Games have supplied us with an XBLM redemption code for a free copy of Roogoo. So, we're giving it away today, just in time to make your Monday happier. And this is how you enter to win ... Roogoo is a character best described as "adorable", "cute" and "bubbly", or at least those are the adjectives we use to describe the little guy. So, to enter, simply comment on this post with an adjective you use to describe the character Roogoo. Be creative with your adjectives and use of the English language. You can leave one comment. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries through TONIGHT Monday, June 9th, 11:00PM eastern time. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). On Tuesday, we'll pick one winner via a random drawing One winner will receive a redemption code for Roogoo, worth $10. Complete giveaway rules can be found here Remember, this giveaway ends TONIGHT at 11:00PM, so enter quickly and hopefully Roogoo's cheer and happiness rub off on you!
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Aces of the Galaxy and Roogoo
It's another double dose of games this week for XBLA in Brief. This time, we examine Aces of the Galaxy and Roogoo. Aces of the Galaxy is an on-rails space shooter, whereas Roogoo is a puzzle game. What are the odds that both of them are actually pretty good? Frankly, we think those odds are fairly slim, but we're happy to say that both games manage to impress in their own way. Watch the latest episode and find out if either game is right for you.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Roogoo twists and turns onto the XBLA June 4th
We've just been informed that Spidermonk Entertainment and SouthPeak Games' upcoming twisty, puzzly and colorfully puzzle game Roogoo is set to release to the XBLA next Wednesday, June 4th for 800 Microsoft points. We've also been informed about some Roogoo game specifics that we'd like to share with you for the sake of expanding upon your (and our) Roogoo knowledge base. Ahem. Roogoo will feature over 45 level of "action packed puzzle racing games", use five different shape / colored meteor pieces, feature single and multiplayer fun and include "entertaining short story segments." Sounds fun, no?Also, you can view some new Roogoo screenshots in the gallery below and hit the break to get learnified about all twelve of the game's achievements. Because you want to learn what you must go through to become a Roogoo Guru ... don't you? Blue. Screw. Moo.%Gallery-15860%
Video: Roogoo has shapes, puzzles and monkeys
The crew over at Xbox360Achievements posted an exclusive trailer for upcoming XBLA puzzle game Roogoo. And after giving it a good watch, we came to the conclusion that the land of Roogoo is full of lots and lots shapes. Shapes that, when aligned correctly, help save countless lives and worlds. Thanks to the video, we also learn some Roogoo specifics including mention that the game will feature 45 different levels of puzzle fun and co-op play as well. On second watch, we think we spotted a crowned monkey patiently sitting in a UFO. How fun.[Thanks, Chris]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: B-Boy
Another game from New York Comic Con was B-Boy, a game based on break dancing. It's also a title that came out for PAL regions two years ago; however, it will be, for the first time, coming out this June in North America. The game is set for both the PS2 and the PSP. PSP Fanboy went hands-on with the PS2 version, which should be nearly identical to the PSP one. Both games use the exact same controls since the game does not utilize the L2 and R2 buttons missing on the PSP. In fact, the controls are rather simple and only really use the D-pad and face buttons.Now, when you start kicking those fly moves, you'll notice that there are dots circling around at your character's feet. These dots serve as an indicator for when you need to hit your next move and keep your dance in rhythm. To do different moves, you need to input a combination such as "right-right-triangle." Keeping in step may prove kind of difficult as you'll be trying to constantly make combo strings one right after another. Things can get quite hectic.%Gallery-12580%
New Monster Madness: Grave Danger screens & trailer
Monster Madness: Grave Danger is a re-touch of last year's Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia on the Xbox 360. The original game proved to be quite a stinker -- but does this retry on the PS3 redeem the Monster Madness name? It's always hard to tell such things from trailers and screenshots, so we'll keep pondering on that one. For now, just watch this trailer and take a look at the high-res screens.%Gallery-20671%
More DLC arrives for Two Worlds
Stop the presses! What's that, we don't have presses? Well then carry on! Ladies and gentlemen another momentous day is upon us as yet another piece of downloadable content has arrived for Two Worlds. Honestly, we're hard-pressed to tell the difference between this round of DLC and the pack that was released last month. Both contain 35 new quests and a PVP mode in which players "battle one another in an innovative player-versus-player challenge where opponents battle to control magical orbs within a variety of arenas." No, seriously, the press releases for each piece of DLC used the exact same wording to describe the new PVP mode. So, we're not sure if both packs come with the same PVP arenas or not. Still, that's a total of 70 new quests if you're so inclined. Oh, and just so you can tell them apart, the newest piece of DLC is called Curse of Souls. It will run you 600 Microsoft Points.
