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Add Cooking Mama 2 to your sushi-eating experience
We can only assume that 505 Games' bank balance fell below the danger level of ten billion dollars, because the European publisher of Cooking Mama and Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends has now started marketing the latter at franchise sushi bars in the UK.From next Monday, sushi-scoffing Brits will have a chance to play the cooking sim while failing to successfully use chopsticks at two London branches of YO! Sushi (located on Poland Street and Farringdon Road). Shortly thereafter, the other 30-odd UK-based YO! Sushi restaurants will follow suit. This kind of reminds us of the marketing push given to Yume Neko in Tokyo's Cat Cafe Calico, except with a game we're not bothered about and a less interesting venue.%Gallery-20248%[Via press release]
DS Fanboy poll: Our paddle predicament
So that's it: Taito's amazing paddle controller won't be leaving Japan. But really, if Square Enix thinks we're going to take this lying down, and be forced to play Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid sans paddle, then it can think again.We're over the initial shock now, beyond the tears and the tantrums punching walls in a really manly fashion, and we're thinking about the future with a clear head. At the next possible opportunity, we're importing a paddle controller. We've not even played Arkanoid or Space Invaders Extreme yet, but we're utterly convinced that these games need this peripheral. What about you lot?%Poll-12399%
It's official: No paddle for Arkanoid and Space Invaders
Here's a depressing start to our day. Noting the awesome paddle controller's absence from the North American Space Invaders Extreme/Arkanoid DS press release, as well as its eventual absence from the European press release, Spencer Yip put the question to Square Enix directly. Their response was heart-rending."We are not bringing over the paddle controller for the NA version." What are we supposed to do now, play Arkanoid without a paddle controller? Arkanoid without its controller is -- well, it's Break 'em All, which already exists. We were thrilled when we found out SE was going to release these games, but our enthusiasm is tempered by the fact that they're only halfway releasing them. Oh, well, off we go to import a paddle.%Gallery-19376%%Gallery-14613%
Arkanoid DS headed up North American creek without a paddle
The thrill of pinching that tiny, twisty knob between your thumb and forefinger, guiding your sliver of a "space vessel" as you protect its only companion, a dot, capable of utmost destruction, but ultimately helpless, has been lost, abandoned. Taito will ship Arkanoid DS to North America on June 17 without its protruding peripheral, banking on a $19.99 budget price to sell the antiquated, breakout formula. True 'Noidians will have to double the investment and turn to import retailers to assemble the authentic experience -- currently, only available in pink.More promising is Taito's Space Invaders Extreme, a "re-imaged" version of the original, which reminds us a lot of last year's excellent Pac-Man CE for XBLA -- both touching up fundamental elements with a contemporary aesthetic. Space Invaders Extreme will be released alongside Arkanoid DS on June 17 for $19.99, and will be available for DS and PSP. Gallery: Arkanoid DS Gallery: Space Invaders Extreme
Space Invaders goes Extreme in June
Ever wonder how the classic Space Invaders could make a return? Make it faster, brighter, and add the word Extreme to it. Yep, Space Invaders Extreme is slated to hit the PSP on June 17, 2008. Taito has given us a list of features for the game, which should excite those who remember playing the original just to see how far it's evolved. The design is the same, but with revamped graphics and new background movies, while up-beat techno music plays in synch with the gameplay. In the middle of the normal game, mini-games might launch that allow you to rack up the points, though what sorts of mini-games are available aren't described. Also vaguely introduced are new "twists" that add to the new faster pace of play. A multi-player element is available as well. If you're into these old-school revivals, this one might be worth a look.
So the paddle isn't coming to North America?
Okay, we're confused. It looks like, based on a press release that got sent out today, that the paddle controller that came bundled with Arkanoid DS in Japan won't be seeing a release in North America. That is, basically, an unforgiveable crime. Seriously, why would you even want to try to play the game without it?Another notable tidbit of info from the press release is a confirmation that both games will be budget priced at $19.99, which will help shoulder some of the cost of having to import the paddle controller (sadly, Play Asia only has pink paddles in stock anymore, so you'll have to wait or settle for that color). Both games are slated for a June 17th release this year.%Gallery-14613%%Gallery-19376%
2008's April Fools' DS pranks
Oh man, is that Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime over there, bringing you a giant bag of popcorn? It must be your lucky day!Too bad it's April Fools' Day! You're not getting any popcorn at all! Nope, it's just another bag of the usual stuff -- disappointment, regret, and the simple pain of living.Rather than spend your day weeping over missed opportunities and movie snacks, why not peruse our collection of April Fools' Day DS pranks? We've gathered up all of this year's handheld shenanigans we could find around the internet, providing you a concentrated punch of lulz to counteract Reggie's kick to your head. Click Reggie for popcorn! ->
Celebrate 30 years of Space Invaders with snuggle pillows
Has it already been 30 years since Space Invaders first conquered the hearts of gamers everywhere? It seems like such a long time ago. We're happy though, make no mistake. We want to get in on the celebration, and one way that we can is with these Space Invader pillows. These little 45 cm pillows are priced at $29.90 each at NCSX. They should be available by mid-late July; that's probably right in line with Europe's summer release of Space Invaders Extreme. [Via DS Fanboy]
Sleep Invaders
Hey, more Space Invaders stuff! As long as those pixel Invaders continue to look cool (30 years and counting!), we'll still enjoy looking at stuff decorated with them. The latest item to be honored with the classic ship designs: these two pillows, which measure 45 cm across.Either design -- the two giant Invaders or the rows of mini-Invaders -- would look pretty dang cool adorning the top of a bed. We don't recommend them as pet pillows unless your pets are extremely short-haired (or have black fur), or your pillow, with its black fabric, would be invaded by visible pet hair.
Downtrodden Taito U.S. employee confirms Arkanoid and Space Invaders
With the boxarts, prices, and release dates on Gamestop's website, it seems like a pretty sure bet that Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS will indeed be published by Square Enix in North America. However, in the absence of an official press release like the one that just came out for Europe, we could use all the confirmation we can get. Two recent bits of information help cement the notion that these games really will come out.First, Arkanoid has finally joined Invaders as a game rated by the ESRB. The E rating has finally shown up on the ratings board's website, indicating that it is planned for release. Second, Keiji Fujita, the sole Taito rep in the U.S., confirmed it directly in a Gamasutra interview. "Arkanoid was released last year in Japan, and Space Invaders Extreme [was released in February]. In fact, these two games will be published by Square Enix in the United States." Since they're being published by Square Enix, though, Fujita has nothing to do with them -- with the only Taito console games to come out this year.If we want more Taito games (and we do), then we should maybe consider buying at least one of these two. Fujita said that the future of Taito games, at least as published by Square Enix, hinges on the success of Invaders and Arkanoid.
Arkanoid screens make the waiting harder
If you're trying to hold out any time a sale pops up, or you just happen to find yourself browsing one of many online retailers from which you could easily pick it up, finger hesitating over that "add to cart" button, then we're not helping. And listen, we're sorry, but there are new Arkanoid screens, and then old screens in the gallery, and what were we supposed to do? Ignore them? We're suffering as much as you are.%Gallery-19376%
Space Invaders Extreme hits Europe this summer
Aliens from outer space are set to invade Europe sometime this Summer. Well, not real aliens, but Space Invaders Extreme aliens. So don't worry folks, there's no need to flee for your lives in War of the Worlds-like fashion. This is good news; it means one more delightfully entertaining game for that good old PSP of yours.Space Invaders Extreme on the PSP is a re-vamped, wide screen version of the classic arcade shooter. Does it live up to the classic of yesteryears? Give this previously posted demo a go and see for yourself.[Via press release]
Square Enix confirms awesome trio for Europe [update 2]
Update 2: And now any mention of the paddle peripheral has disappeared again from our press release! We're confused as can be at the moment, but we're contacting Square Enix for clarification ... now. Stay tuned!Update: Silly us, we totally overlooked some critical parts of the press release. It mentions an "optional paddle controller" for Arkanoid DS, which causes us to think the game could release in a bundle including the peripheral. We've also included the full press release past the post break.Oh, happy days!Square Enix just confirmed a tremendous triumvirate of releases for Europe, with Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid, and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift all due in the region this summer.Fantastic news, but there are two questions we urgently need answering. One: will the two Taito titles enjoy the same budget price that looks likely for the U.S. release? And two: will we be getting the wonderful paddle controller for said games? We can't think of any reason why we shouldn't receive such a peripheral, but the lack of an announcement is concerning.%Gallery-5422%%Gallery-14613%[Via press release]
The Legend of Kage 2 may surprise you
Chances are that if you've played The Legend of Kage for any significant amount of time, the last game you'd buy would be something called The Legend of Kage 2. But this gameplay video for the sequel shows that while they've kept the ninja-in-the-forest theme, Taito has all but tossed out the floaty tree-to-tree jumping and being killed by shurikens in favor of a much faster, much more sword-combat-based game. It's more Shinobi than Kage, and even more fighting-heavy than that.Why would Taito choose to deliberately reference a game that seems to be almost universally hated? They could have called their ninja action game anything they wanted. We hope that enough Japanese gamers see past the name to make Kage 2 a success.
VC Friday: 'R you ready?'
So asks the front of Super R-Type's box. Of course, you won't get the box when you purchase Super R-Type on the Virtual Console (you are purchasing Super R-Type ... right?), but we couldn't resist revisiting such a deliciously bad pun. You just don't get that kind of cringeworthy wordplay on today's boxart!The NES version of Operation Wolf also makes an appearance today, and if you ask us it's one of the very few Virtual Console games that would actually benefit from added Wiimote functionality. Super R-Type -- SNES -- 800 Wii points Operation Wolf -- NES -- 500 Wii points Don't forget there's footage to get all misty-eyed about after the break!
Legend of Kage 2 sneaks out into Japanese stores
Taito's surprisingly awesome-looking Legend of Kage 2 comes out tomorrow in Japan, and we remain hopeful for a localization announcement. We feel confident that it'll happen, too, since parent company Square Enix has decided to release its contemporary retro sequels, Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme. For now, we can enjoy these new screens from Dengeki and wonder which way we'll end up disappointed: news that it won't be localized, or the actual quality of Kage 2. We won't be disappointed with the number of kunoichi battles, at least -- it seems that female ninja just hate this guy.
Space Invaders Get Awesome
Just a few days after the first scan, Taito has released a few screens of the new Wii Space Invaders game, Space Invaders Get Even. In this "from the Invaders' perspective" game, swarms of glowing 8-bit Invaders take down 3D cities. The player uses the Nunchuk to control the elusive UFO, and the Wii Remote to direct 300 Invaders. The stages are broken into three areas each, and there are forest, city, military, and other types of stages.We still don't know how the three types of Invader differ, but we can at least see that they can be directed at separate targets, even outside of their traditional formation. We also don't know if "DOOOOOOM!" is the sound of an explosion, or a description of the humans' fate, or if GIR is in one of the ships.
Space Invaders Get Even with the Wii
Taito has chosen the Wii for the followup to the brilliant-looking Space Invaders Extreme. A tiny sidebar in the latest Famitsu has revealed a new Space Invaders game for the Wii. Called Space Invaders Get Even, Taito's latest actually casts the players as the pixelated swarm, whose job is to destroy cities. Just going on the screenshot, it appears that you'll have a stock of different Invaders who perform different functions, and who arrange themselves in the familiar 2D formation in 3D space. Unfortunately, other than this screenshot and a little blurb (which calls the game an "action game" and entreats you to "get your revenge"), nothing is known. We're sure we'll hear more soon.
Space Invaders previewed to the Extreme
IGN's Craig Harris has posted some impressions of Space Invaders Extreme that are worth reading because they're impressions of Space Invaders Extreme. Oh, and they're quite positive: Craig says that Extreme "looks like it could be the best remake the franchise has ever seen." Wonder if he's played Akkanvader? Or if that's considered a sequel?Thankfully, he explains the powerup system: shooting four Invaders of the same color imparts a powerup item, as we know, but the exact identity of each powerup was not. According to the article, "Red drops cluster bombs, green drops a wide spread gun, and blue unleashes a devastating laserbeam that can cut through the grouping in a single stream."While we're examining Space Invaders, take a look at the lovely boxart found on the Gamestop listing for the game. Specifically, notice how it's different from the Japanese version in placement of Taito and Wi-Fi logos. There's also that ESRB rating, which doesn't show up on the ratings board's search page. In any case, this boxart and the listed publisher, Square Enix (who owns Taito) make us believe that Gamestop is not lying and the U.S. release of this game is for real.%Gallery-14613%
There's a party in your pants, and Space Invaders are invited
Space Invaders have now gotten as invasive as they can possible get. If you want the little alienoids on your underwear -- and, let's be honest, who doesn't? -- you might want to consider getting these Space Invaders boxer briefs. Made by Ted Baker (we're not fashion conscious enough to know if that's a big deal), these undies cost a whopping £18 ($35 USD).So, what do you think about these? Geek chic or geek freak?[Via Technabob]
