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WRUP: Paddle-tastic edition
This weekend, the DS Fanboy staff will likely be knee-deep in conflict. Whether it's against invaders from space or gigantic blocks, we'll be armed with one weapon that will aid us in defeating these threats: Taito's paddle controller. Seriously, it's all Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme for us this weekend.What about you all? Going to be playing the same games as us? Playing something else? What will you be playing?
Space Invaders on your neck, ears, and ... waist
We're always on the hunt for Space Invaders gear, especially now that Space Invaders Extreme is out and it's awesome. We're so obsessed that if given the choice and proper funds, we might just have everything we own decked out in little alienoid designs.Today, we bring you three steps closer to doing just that. First, you can get yourself a geektastic tie or boxer shorts, which come to $40 and $22 respectively. If those don't do anything for you, you can also check out the super slick Invaders headphones shown above. Aside from them just looking cool, they only cost $20 from NCSX. We're most tempted by the headphones, but if the tie cost a little less, that would be one hot gift for yourself or the man geek in your life.[Boxers and tie via Technabob]Source: Space Invaders silk tieSource: Space Invaders boxersSource: Space Invaders headphones
Space Invaders invade through the ears with new headphones
There are already so many Space Invader Extreme products out there and now we're getting some Space Invader headphones. No doubt to coincide with the release of the new game (out now) and the 30th year anniversary, this headphone set is really pimping out the little alien creatures that sway side to side. Offered by online retailer NCSX, the headphones go for about $20. Worth it? Maybe -- if you don't already have a pair, or just a really huge Space Invaders fan.[Via Kotaku]
Metareview: Space Invaders Extreme
For us, the release of Space Invaders Extreme carries the same weight as a world-altering event. Mainly because our own world has been altered to include such an inspired recreation of the original Space Invaders, which we never could have imagined possible. It's like finding an extra $20 in that jacket you have in the back of the closet, only that bill somehow managed to reproduce asexually and gave way to a whole colony of legal tender. Oh, and the money also talks and calls you "God." That's how blessed we feel just knowing such a game exists.How do the critics feel? Well, let's dive in, shall we? 1UP (A-) says "Space Invaders was never intended to be a graphical powerhouse, and with its solid, pick-up-and-play action and an easily digestible $20 price point, Extreme makes for a perfect summer gaming distraction." IGN (90/100) found the DS game to be better than the PSP version: "Space Invaders Extreme is a certified hit and easily the company's best effort in contemporizing its classic property. The game's an absolute steal at 20 bucks on either the Nintendo DS or the PlayStation Portable, but if you want the definitive version of this fantastic classic revisit, the Nintendo DS version is it." GamesRadar (80/100) thinks it's a solid title: "[...] for quick-to-play, compelling arcade action - complete with a two-player head to head mode - it's hard to imagine a better package. Don't miss this one." Game Informer (83/100) said it's almost a stroke of genius: "It takes some clever thinking to take something this old and make it feel new again. Square Enix has done exactly that by maintaining the core "shoot the aliens" gameplay while dramatically expanding the strategy and skill required to succeed in the endeavor." [July 2008, p.95] %Gallery-14613%
DS releases for the week of June 16th
What a fabulous week! We've got breaking, cooking, exploring, invading, and so much more, in all the major regions! If it's all a little painful on the wallet, well ... the last few months have been lighter on releases, and now we're gearing up for summer -- and the DS just went from zero to sixty in nothing flat. Arkanoid DS Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A. Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard Imagine Rock Star Petz: Dogz Fashion Space Invaders Extreme Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3 Wacky Races: Crash & Dash
Essential Extras: Taito's paddle controller
Let's just get this out of the way first thing: the import paddle controller works on the U.S. versions of Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme in both the DS Lite and Phat. But with that answered at last, the question that remains is: should you go to the trouble of importing the Japan-exclusive peripheral? We've been test-driving both titles, with the paddle and without, and it definitely adds to the experience. Arkanoid without the paddle is fun, but not terribly engaging, and seems like the kind of game that would work only as a temporary diversion. For a budget title, that's fine! But with the addition of the paddle -- which turns the purchase into something decidedly not budget -- Arkanoid really comes to life as an exciting way to spend some time with your DS.%Gallery-25232%
Taito game screens invade our weekend
Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS come out next week, at which point we'll be able to look at the equivalent of thousands of screenshots every minute as we actually play the games. Until then, we've got some more screens of both games to enjoy, courtesy of a Square Enix press release. In case you want to stare at boxart (which means that this is probably directed at DS Fanboy staff), we have high-resolution images of both.On the subject of the boxart, we just noticed that both games' logos use variations of the same font. The things you learn when you ... hastily composite a box image!%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%
Ponder the paddle as you watch Space Invaders Extreme videos
Space Invaders Extreme is out next week, at which point we'll be able to put paddle speculation to rest. The Arkanoid DS demo found on the Nintendo Channel doesn't support Taito's paddle controller, but, it turns out, neither did the Japanese demo. That means it's still possible for the retail Arkanoid and its contemporary to include paddle support -- don't offload your paddles on eBay just yet. Besides, Square Enix told Game|Life in April that the U.S. games would still support the paddle, though of course that could have changed!We can confirm that these two Space Invaders Extreme videos are awesome. We have proof: the awesome videos. Two minutes of single-player gameplay are in the video above; a multiplayer video, featuring a different musical track, follows after the post break.%Gallery-14613%
Everything you wanted to know about Space Invaders Extreme but were afraid to ask
With the release of one of our most-anticipated summer games next week, along with partner-in-crime Arkanoid, DS Fanboy has lovingly prepared a recap of our most important (and silly) coverage of Space Invaders Extreme. We've got video, screenshots, and more importantly, alien undies -- everything you need to get ready for the shooter's release. All that's missing is your copy of the game.Oh, and that paddle controller. Sigh. Go check out all the shooty goodness anyway.%Gallery-14613%
Space Invaders Encased
If there's one thing we love, it's DS games. Obviously.If there are several things we love, Space Invaders swag is somewhere on a list of those things, especially with Space Invaders Extreme so close, feeding our Invader mania. These keychains feature pink, blue, and yellow Invaders embedded in acrylic cubes like prehistoric flies in amber. Each order comes with three of them for $8.50.It's up to you whether the awesomeness of the Invaders is worth cramming a big plastic cube into your pocket. That's a personal decision. Alternately, you could get a bunch of them and stack them in the classic Space Invaders configuration. Inside the clear cubes, they'd look vaguely like they were suspended in midair!
DS Daily: Does the lack of paddle support make you rethink your purchase?
For us, the lack of paddle support in the demo for Arkanoid DS has us rethinking whether or not we're going to pick up the game, as a lot of the appeal for us was being able to play with the awesome paddle. Now, we're kind of forced to wait and see.What about you all? Feel the same way? Are you already settled, either way, on what you're going to do?
Space Invaders Extreme
Space Invaders Extreme Taito/Square Enix Release Date: June 17, 2008 (US), July 4, 2008 (EU) Aliens are invading the DS! Are you ready for the challenge? Better brush up on everything Space Invaders Extreme, from the gameplay to some of the awesome merch available. %Gallery-14613%
This just in: We might have imported a paddle controller for nothing
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/U_S_Arkanoid_demo_has_no_paddle_controller_support'; Grab a box of Kleenex or, if that's not an option, your shirt's sleeve. You see, we just went to check out the new DS demos available for download on the Nintendo Channel and found only one: Arkanoid DS. No, no, that's not the sad part at all. The sad part is what happened when we downloaded the demo. Upon getting it onto our DS and booting the demo up, we prepared for a wonderful time with our imported paddle controller, as it's been sitting on our work space's desk for a couple weeks now while we anticipated the release of Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme. But, after booting up the demo, we found the title only supports two control schemes: stylus and d-pad. Talk about d'oh!What will this mean for the final build of the game? Will it also not include support for the paddle controller? It looks like that will be the case, but what about Space Invaders Extreme? Should we expect the same fate for that title?%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%
Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid websites are polar opposites
Both the Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme websites went live yesterday, and they couldn't be more different. Going to the Arkanoid website is like going to a Saturday brunch with your mother, while going to the SIE site is like hitting up a night club twelve hours later, staying out until 5 AM, and puking up everything you've had to drink before bedtime (we mean that in the best of ways).If you want something more descriptive than a simile, the Arkanoid site is cleaner and more organized than its Invaders counterpart (and it's also silent), but we think that may be because there's no "Extreme" in its title to live up to. Those who prefer trippy visuals and loud music on their web browsers, though, should head on over to the SIE page (consider this a sound alert for those of you in "not safe for audio" workspaces). If you've visited the Japanese website for this title before, you'll know what to expect, as it's exactly the same.As it stands, there's not much to do on either site except read about the games. We were hoping that little demos or browser games would be present, but alas, our wants were denied. At least we'll see the real things in only two weeks.%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%[Via press release]Source: Arkanoid DS official websiteSource: Space Invaders Extreme official website
Even the Space Invaders Extreme site is ... extreme
The official website of Taito's upcoming PSP Space Invaders Extreme has gone live, and it does justice to the game's namesake. The site proudly proclaims that "Space Invaders is cool again!" And if you've tried the demo, you'll understand that Extreme really does make this arcade classic rather hypnotically alluring. Check out the official site to get a feel for the game's new style, and check out the budget ($20) release when it launches in two weeks.
Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS in a color explosion
Taking a look at these new Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS screens, it's clear that the games are going to be nothing short of trippy. We can't wait. It's unfortunate that those of us outside of Japan will have to import the paddle controller, but that's just a small price to pay for such a tantalizing pair -- we're just grateful we don't have to import the software, too.Square Enix also announced the European release date for these titles, which is July 4th. Luckily (for this blogger), those of us in the U.S. and Canada won't have to wait as long to get these in our greedy little hands, as the North American date is June 17th.Browsing through our galleries will give you a taste of the craziness that is SIE, while the Arkanoid DS pictures will show you some of its cool-shaped levels. We're definitely more stoked for the former, but maybe that's just us. How about you? Which revamped Taito classic are you looking forward to more?%Gallery-14613%%Gallery-19376%[Via press release]
Space invaders hijack our gallery, PAL invasion set for July
Look out! There are more goofy looking aliens coming our way. In fact, they've invaded our image gallery and have holed up inside. So head on over there and have a look at these space visitors, study their formations, and then prepare for the real battle ahead.When will the invasion begin? Our intelligence bureau has pinpointed that the aliens will strike on June 17 in North America. A systematical follow-up attack will commence in Europe and other PAL territories on July 4. Space Invaders Extreme is going worldwide ... it'll be the end of us all.%Gallery-23333%
Extreme trailer for Space Invaders Extreme
This trailer for the upcoming Space Invaders Extreme shows off all that re-invented gameplay and new visual style we've been touting about. The trailer music is also infectiously delightful, so make sure you check out the vid to witness the game's sights and sounds.Celebrating 30 years of invasion, Taito has really done quite well tweaking the classic without changing the original formula too much. This makes us extremely excited to shoot down some multi-colored aliens and defend the home planet. Luckily, we won't have to wait too long; the game will be out in just about a month's time: June 17.
Show and Tell: Pixelated
We love to show off your stuff in this space, from collections (or partial collections) to unusual DIY mods and decorating projects, to, well, whatever you can come up with! But if you present something in a creative manner, you're probably going to get our attention, and reader yanya did just that.Got something that makes you particularly proud? We like thingamabobs and doohickeys and swag of all sorts, as well as food and furniture and anything fun ... so long as it's related to Nintendo! Just take some pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.So, can you guess what yanya did with these games? Hint: it involves something we're hotly, heavily anticipating.
NMS08: Joystiq impressions roundup
Nintendo offered press a look at upcoming Nintendo (and third-party) titles at last week's Nintendo Media Summit, and Joystiq's Zack Stern was all up ons. He got a look at two of the most highly anticipated third-party DS games, and one surprise that we didn't realize Nintendo would put their marketing muscle behind.Zenses: Ocean is a casual puzzle collection from publisher The Game Factory designed to be relaxing. It features an ocean theme (a second game will be rainforest-themed) and a mellow soundtrack (even including headphones in the package). The games described include block-matching and a "connect the dots" game that is basically Puchi Puchi Virus. Zack was perhaps a little too relaxed by Zenses, in that he didn't find it particularly fun.New information about Guitar Hero: On Tour was revealed in a presentation. For example, as expected (but not previously confirmed) it can be played right- or left-handed. Star Power is activated by humiliating yourself yelling.Faithful readers will already know plenty about Space Invaders Extreme, but by all means check out the post, because it's stuff about Space Invaders Extreme.%Gallery-20612%%Gallery-19362% %Gallery-14613% Read: Impressions of Guitar Hero: On Tour Read: Hands-on with Zenses: Ocean Read: Hands-on with Space Invaders Extreme
