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Roogoo Twisted Towers art and screens drop in
Click for the "super big image gallery" cheat code Having announced just yesterday that they've purchased Gamecock, SouthPeak Games has gotten right back to business, sending out art and the first screens for Roogoo Twisted Towers, the Wii version of SpiderMonk's Xbox Live Arcade game Roogoo.Twisted Towers will feature the same basic gameplay as Roogoo, involving rotating floating disks to allow meteors to fall through same-shaped holes. Twisted Towers adds boss fights, horizontal levels, and co-op play throughout the game. The DS and Wii versions will be able to interface to unlock new levels in all 10 of Roogoo's worlds. There will also be a 4-player mode that includes Roogoo-based party games.%Gallery-34664%[Via press release]
SouthPeak buys Gamecock
Tired of the pranks of Gamecock staffers, like rushing the stage when Ken Levine got his VGA or charging money for Hail to the Chimp? Well, it seems like you won't have them to kick around anymore: SouthPeak, the publisher of a slew of adventure games and some second-tier console releases, announced this morning that they had acquired the Gamecock Media Group.With the frequency of consolidation in the industry, we're sad to see any independent company bought out, but this one sucks double, because CEO Mike Wilson is such an interesting character to have around. We only wish Gamecock had done their talking with their games instead of their comical hats.
DS Fanboy Preview: The World(s) of Big Bang Mini
Studio Arkedo's Big Bang Mini is pure uncomplicated fun. It's a shmup with all the button tapping swapped out for frantic swiping on the touch screen. It's Pac-Pix's bow and arrow expanded into a whole game. Other elements are added as the game goes on, but the basic gameplay -- flinging projectiles at the top of the screen at top speed while dragging your little character around to avoid debris -- stays the same. I covered the basics of gameplay in my E3 preview. This time, I'll focus a bit more about some things that I didn't cover as much: the visual styles, the bosses, and the bonus modes -- at least for the three worlds I've experienced.%Gallery-18714%
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%
Hanging out in Ninjatown
Come my ninjaCome come my ninjaYou're my defenderMy wee ninjaOops, wrong town. Today, we're on about Ninjatown, the adorable Tower Defense-style game which uses cookies as currency. In fact, we've got ten cutesy new screens. Even though Ninjatown is based on time-honored gameplay principles, it takes such a fresh approach that we're always happy to see something about it. The enemies, the minions of Mr. Demon, can't resist the Ninja Baby, and neither can we.
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: SouthPeak's puzzle pair
Both Brave: Shaman's Challenge and Igor were available for demo at SouthPeak's booth -- two Puzzle Quest-inspired handheld puzzlers, and two games that are very clearly influenced by other puzzle games as well, to their benefit (as was Puzzle Quest). Brave, which is played book/Brain Age-style, is a match-four falling-gem game -- with a twist. The twist is that your opponents are weak to certain colors and strong to certain colors. Breaking blocks in their strong colors actually heals them! You have to get your strategy on in order to succeed. Thinking about which colors you're supposed to break instead of grouping everything as it arrives changes the flow of the game significantly. I didn't get much of a look at the story, but I'm sure I'll be able to continue ignoring it.Igor was a surprise. Not only had I never heard of the upcoming animated movie (starring John Cusack!) on which it is based, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Why did I enjoy it so much?Because it's Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. Like, exactly. And I love Puzzle Fighter. There is an added layer outside of the main puzzle game. Instead of fighting animations playing out automatically, each color fills a meter for a certain attack, which, when filled, you then tap to attack. I didn't even really know about this thing, and now I want it!
E308: A sneaky visit to Ninjatown
I don't know a thing about Tower Defense, so Ninjatown was scary and alien to me. But, unlike most strategy things, the world is so super-cute and appealing that it motivated me to try to play it. The game begins with an adorable cutscene in which the mayor, on his way to a good cower, entrusts Ol' Master Ninja to defeat the incoming minions of Mr. Demon.Playing Ninjatown is like a sort of strategy Actraiser. You pick a square parcel of land and place the ninja group of your choice there; the building gets built, then ninjas of whatever kind come out and start working. Wee Ninjas beat up on enemies, Sniper Ninjas shoot peas, and Snow Ninjas freeze enemies with snowballs. You can also build training centers and other enrichment buildings nearby. The ninja fortifications can also be leveled up for more stamina and attack power. All of these use cookies, the official currency of Ninjatown, which are replenished by defeating enemies.%Gallery-15839%
On a roll with Mister Slime
Mister Slime makes his DS debut this week, and in his honor, we've got a little follow-up to last month's gameplay preview. If you're looking forward to getting your goo on -- microphone-blowing notwithstanding -- then let DS Fanboy give you the lowdown on a few more techniques for success in the land of slime.%Gallery-17549%
E308: SouthPeak's lineup has some hidden gems
Big Bang Mini is one of those delightful-looking, under-the-radar games that people should be paying more attention to, so we're glad that SouthPeak will be showing it off this E3. Then again, we're shmupoholics, so we can't help but be seduced by this trippy, fireworked shooter. An honorable E3 mention also goes to Ninjatown, though, for its cute and clever ways of portraying the deadly assassins. The other two DS games on SouthPeak's lineup are Brave: Shaman's Challenge and Igor the Game, neither of which we can muster up much enthusiasm for at the moment. Hopefully we'll end up pleasantly surprised, though -- at least by the former, as licensed-based games would probably have to make us breakfast, too, to incite a reaction. %Gallery-18714%%Gallery-15839%
SouthPeak bringing Brave: A Warrior's Tale to Wii, 360
We know that some of you probably tuned out as soon as you read the headline, but we need you to dust off your thinking caps and try to stay with us for this one. You know the PS2's diminutive Native American adventure Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer? Well, SouthPeak is bringing the game to the Wii, PSP and 360. "So," we hear you asking "it's a port, what's the big deal?" Just hold on there, prom king, the twist is coming.The new version Brave: A Warrior's Tale is actually set 70 years after the original, and the content of the first game is served up in the context of flashback, with a few fresh levels thrown in for good measure, making it a ... sequort? Honestly, we can't tell you if we're offended or kind of intrigued.
Raven Squad to marry RTS, FPS this fall
Hey, you got real-time strategy in our first-person shooter! That's the mantra we could be chanting this fall when SouthPeak and Evolved Games partner to release Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger, a new RTS/FPS hybrid, for the Xbox 360 and PC. Developed by Budapest, Hungary outfit, Atomic Motion, the game will allow players to swap between both real-time strategy and first-person shooter gameplay as they take control of two mercenary squads fighting their way out of the Amazon, the first shots of which can be seen below. However, as interesting as the mash-up sounds, there is an old saying about doing one thing, and doing it well, and we can't help but feel that Raven Squad will be a jack of all trades (well, at least two), and a master of none.%Gallery-26792%
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%
The fireworks start early with this Big Bang Mini trailer
What better way to celebrate the impending anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence than with less than thirty seconds of video footage of an upcoming DS game? That seems to be the idea behind the timely release of this Big Bang Mini trailer. It's a smart move to promote your fireworks-based game on the eve of one of the most colorfully explosive days of the year!As it turns out, the game would look brilliant on any day of the year. This trailer cycles through completely dissonant visual styles, from retrogaming to winter to aquatic to a cityscape to ... a place of some kind with some flying clowns. If you haven't been paying attention to Big Bang Mini until now, we hope that all the explosions and flashy stuff got your attention!%Gallery-18714%
Big Bang Mini lights up the sky with new screens
With a colorful, exciting shoot-em-up like Space Invaders now on the market, would-be shmup developers really need to step their game up to catch our attention. Arkedo Studios (Nervous Brickdown) seems to have done just that with Big Bang Mini!Due this fall, this touchscreen shooter features a fireworks mechanic that is just as vibrant as it is unique -- instead of firing bullets at incoming waves, players draw in fireworks, detonating and chaining the scrawled explosives to clear as many enemies as possible.The enemy designs are just as creative -- marionette skeletons, walruses riding on flying carpets, and monkeys floating above a city skyline. See them all in our gallery of new Big Bang Mini images below!%Gallery-18714%
Ol' Master Ninja's ol' magic
Ol' Master Ninja has plenty of techniques at his disposal to help take care of the denizens of Ninjatown. This trailer illustrates some of the ninja magic that can be used in-game to augment the monster-killing abilities of Ninjatown's silent, cuddly assassins. One special ability allows the player to refill ninjas' health by humming into the mic while they are on screen. Another gives Ol' Master Ninja a magnifying glass that can be directed onto enemies with the stylus. Ninjas aren't helpless on their own, of course: Forest Ninjas shoot barrages of arrows, and Business Ninjas can ... smack dudes in the head with cell phones.%Gallery-15839%
Submerge yourself in the world of Mister Slime
We may not have LocoRoco or even World of Goo on the DS, but we do have a sludgy platforming hero of our own: Mister Slime. Little Slimy will be setting out in his self-titled platforming adventure next month, and we've got some exclusive gameplay tips for all future gamers looking to protect the gooey guy's home village from the invasion of evil Axons. Stretch out and get comfortable -- we've got all the info you'll need after the break!%Gallery-17549%
Two Worlds publisher obtains $12.9m in funding
SouthPeak Games, publisher of Two Worlds as well as the uber-cute DS title Ninjatown, has secured an impressive $12.9 million in private funding. As reported by VC blog VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi, the financing is particularly interesting given that most investments of this sort are directed at the online games, virtual worlds or social networks, rather than the more traditional console and PC game space that SouthPeak calls home.The company will have no shortage of projects on which to blow its newfound cash, with a number of other titles on deck including XBLA puzzler Roogoo, Monster Madness: Grave Danger for the PS3, and The Temptation, which is totally not-an-expansion to Two Worlds. With multiple sequels planned, Takahashi also notes that the pub sees last year's Xbox 360 and PC RPG as its biggest success to date, though it's a sentiment obviously measured in something other than review scores.
