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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
Joystiq hands-on: Ninjatown
Designed by artist and former EGM editor Shawn Smith, Ninjatown is so sugary-cute that it should come packaged with flavored DS screen protectors. Its looks are just as sly as ninjas themselves, as we found a (so far) surprisingly deep action-strategy game underneath all the serious eye-fluff. We got some stylus time with a nice and solid pre-release version of the game yesterday. At first, we caught ourselves giggling a bit as the game's mechanics were explained. After all, it's not every day that you see a special attack where you literally blow away ah-dorable fire demons using the DS microphone. Keep reading for more silliness and our full impressions. %Gallery-25123%
Brave: Previewer's Challenge
IGN has posted impressions of SouthPeak's new puzzle adventure game, Brave: Shaman's Challenge, answering the question of exactly what kind of puzzle game it is. Basically, it's a variant of Columns and about a million other falling-block puzzle games: groups of two pieces fall, and the player rotates and slides the groups around to create lines of four or more pieces of the same color, which disappear when lined up.As far as the adventure aspect of this puzzle adventure, IGN's Daemon Hatfield calls Brave "a linear adventure without all the RPG elements of Puzzle Quest." Combine that with awkward-sounding stylus controls and the game gets less and less interesting. But not so uninteresting that you don't want to watch the two videos posted after the break, right?
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]
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.
This Wednesday: Roogoo has pocket Aces (of the Galaxy)
It's not often we read a press release lauding a game for "[updating] the square peg in round hole premise to a whole new level," but that's just how Roogoo is described. You can find out for yourself this Wednesday, either through the demo or by plopping down a virtual Alexander Hamilton (800 MS points). Also coming this Wednesday (and also for 800 MS points) is Aces of the Galaxy, which looks to be a frenetic on-rails space shooter for those who haven't gotten their space shooter fills with Ikaruga. Both titles will be available this Wednesday, June 4 at 4:00 a.m. Joystiq Standard Time. %Gallery-22526% Gallery: Aces of the Galaxy (XBLA)
Roogoo and Aces of the Galaxy to XBLA this week
This week we're in for yet another Xbox Live Arcade twofer (it's starting to become a welcome trend) as both Spidermonk Entertainment's cute puzzler Roogoo and Artech Studios' Aces of the Galaxy make their XBLA debut this Wednesday, June 4th.Roogoo, the too cute puzzle game will be available for 800 Microsoft points and feature 45 levels, multiplayer over Live and locally as well as plenty of evil Meemoos. The other half of this week's twofer, Aces of the Galaxy will also be available for 800 MS points and is an old-school space shooter featuring online and local co-op play as well as visuals that can be best described as "pretty pretty". Screenshots are below for your viewing enjoyment.%Gallery-15860%%Gallery-24179%
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%
Puzzler Roogoo slides onto XBLA on June 4
If you've got Microsoft Points burning a hole in your pocket, and are left wanting for yet another Xbox Live Arcade puzzler, next Wednesday's release of Roogoo may be just up your alley. Publisher SouthPeak has announced that it will drop the puzzle game onto the service for 800 MS Points ($10), promising all the fun you and up to three other players can have by sliding pegs of different shapes into their appropriate holes ... all while trying to save an alien race. While the game draws more than a little influence from toys aimed at toddlers, our recent hands-on time with Roogoo still managed to keep us entertained, though you can judge for yourself when the puzzler drops onto XBLA on June 4. %Gallery-22526%
SouthPeak announces Brave: Shaman's Challenge
Aside from Mister Slime, Big Bang Mini, and Ninjatown, SouthPeak is working on yet another unreleased game called Brave: Shaman's Challenge. This particular title is a puzzle game with a Native American theme and setting -- in fact, it even takes place in a land called "Native America." Following a boy named Brave who is trying to protect what he holds dear, this puzzler is also meant to have a deep and complex storyline.Unfortunately, with the announcement of the game SouthPeak didn't elaborate on what kind of gameplay Shaman's Challenge will entail, so it's hard to tell whether or not this title is something to look forward to. In any case, we'll keep our eye on this supposedly intricate game.
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]
Joystiq hands-on: Roogoo (XBLA)
Heard of Roogoo? Don't worry if you haven't. It's fallen a little under the radar, but our recent hands-on with this XBLA title has us hankering for more. Describing the game's premise does it little justice, simply because it seems like something that would barely entertain a three year old. However, under the game's cute exterior and almost-mindlessly simple gameplay lies a lot of depth and fun. Roogoo follows one of the cardinal rules of the puzzle genre: inexplicably, things are falling from the sky. Blocks of various shapes will descend from above, and players must rotate platforms to allow these shapes to continue their journey downward. We're certain you've played with preschool toys that are similar to this: star goes in star, triangle goes in triangle, box goes in box, etc. The shoulder buttons rotate the platforms, and the A button lets you accelerate the falling piece. As we warned, this description does little to make the game sound very entertaining. Trust me, I had the same reservations as you're probably thinking when approaching this title. However, things get surprisingly (almost embarassingly) difficult later on. Enemies will spawn in holes, and can only be knocked off by accelerating blocks on their heads. Blocks won't only come down faster, but they'll come down more than one at a time, forcing players to look at multiple levels of play at the same time. Jumping to one of the later levels had us reach miserable failure in a matter of seconds, as we collapsed under the overwhelming weight of colorful children's blocks. %Gallery-22526%
New shots of X-Blades, Things on Wheels, and Roogoo
Southpeak has released some new screens from their upcoming lineup of 360 titles All told, there are new screens for X-Blades, Roogoo, Things on Wheels. A quick refresher: X-Blades is an action game starring a typically sexy heroine with big weapons. Roogoo is a colorful, intriguing puzzle game. Things on Wheels is a racer featuring RC cars racing through household environments. X-Blades is a retail release, while both Roogoo and Things on Wheels are Xbox Live Arcade titles. Check out the galleries after the break for all the new media.
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.
SouthPeak announces X-Blades for Wii [update]
Update: Looks like "next-gen consoles" does not include the Wii, as Go Nintendo is reporting the game will not be seeing a release on Nintendo's console. So much for kicking ass with a near-naked chick ...SouthPeak has made aware their intention of providing Wii owners with an action game in X-Blades. As one might expect, the game will be chock-full of hack-and-slash gameplay and includes a scantily-clad, anime-inspired female heroine. What else could you possibly need?Be sure to hit up our gallery for lots of screens from the game, as well as concept art. Then be sure to tell us what you think!%Gallery-19137%[Via GamesPress]
Two Worlds: The Temptation actually a sequel, not expansion
Despite previous reports that the Two Worlds project entitled The Temptation would be an expansion to the original game, it turns out that it will actually serve as a full sequel to Two Worlds. According to the press release, the game will feature a new game engine with "visuals that have to be seen to be believed" alongside "more intricate missions," better voice-overs and animation (oh thank God), improved horseback riding, and "completely revamped combat." The press release included a handful of screenshots that are definitely a step above the original, though we're waiting to see the game in motion before we make any judgments. It seems Reality Pump is aware of gamer's disappointment with the original, as chief developer Miroslaw Dymek notes, "We've taken to heart all the comments made by gamers about Two Worlds and we're going to give them what they want with the sequel." We'll find out if Two Worlds: The Temptation delivers when it releases this fall.%Gallery-18857%
Two Worlds: The Temptation dated for fall, now called a sequel
It appears as if SouthPeak and developer Reality Pump have big plans for Two Worlds: The Temptation, as the previously announced release has been upgraded from mere expansion to full-on sequel status, with the game expected to ship to retail this fall for both the PC and Xbox 360. The Temptation will pick up following the events in the first game, a title mind you that was almost universally derided when it was released in 2007.While SouthPeak remains mum on many of the sequel's specifics, the company notes that The Temptation will pack in "as much content as the original," as well as a new graphics engine, improved voice overs and "more intricate" missions. The publisher also describes the sequel's combat as "revamped," a fancy term that we hope translates to "not horribly broken."%Gallery-18838%
'Fireworks-themed shooter' Big Bang Mini lights up DS
"We usually only get to see fireworks, but with Big Bang Mini you get to make the fireworks," says Melanie Mroz, SouthPeak Interactive CEO and touter of handheld fireworks. Don't be alarmed, however, as the company's latest bomb is safely confined to the Nintendo DS. Dubbed a " fireworks-themed shooter" by the press release, Big Bang Mini tasks players with destroying enemies overhead using stylus strokes and dazzling explosives."With Big Bang Mini, we're trying to combine the thrill of an intense action shooter with the beauty of a grand fireworks display," explains Camille Guermonprez, Managing Director of developer Arkedo Studio. "If there's anything players won't like about the game, it will be that they're too involved in striking and dodging to appreciate the light show they're creating." As many a mad scientist has come to learn, your creation can and probably will come back to harm you, with missed firework shots raining down sparks from the sky. You'll want to avoid those, we think.If you choose to rock it on your DS when it launches this Fall, you'll discover Big Bang Mini is infused with four gameplay modes, a handful of multiplayer options and over 90 levels to explore and explode.%Gallery-18836%
