Con Report: Zenkaikon 2012
Or How I Learned to Forsake My Watch and Love the Con
05.22.12
Snapshot: Dramatis Personae
05.21.12
Impressions: Mysterious Girlfriend X Episodes 2-5
05.16.12
Review: Domu – A Child's Dream
Otomo's Psychic Showdown
05.14.12
Drunken Otaku: Great Drinker – Conker the Squirrel
05.10.12
Welcome back from Labor Day, kiddos! You guys didn’t work too hard on your big day off, did you? I know I didn’t, which is why Up for Download is coming at you a day late this week and, not only that, this is probably the shortest one to date. All is quiet from the Xbox 360’s camp now that they’ve wrapped up their string of summer hits (the only thing I could gleam out of them was news of a patch in the works for Castle Crashers). PSN mostly just has The Last Guy, but we already talked about him; while this week’s biggest release comes to us from Nintendo of all places.
Super Mario RPG (VC, 800 Points): Another of the great RPGs for the Super Nintendo finds a home on virtual console this week. Back in 1996, Super Mario RPG was a completely out of left field collaboration between Square Enix (then Squaresoft) and Nintendo. Bringing together both worlds, the game had both the simple charm and solid controls of a Mario as well as the imagination and polish of a Final Fantasy. If you haven’t before, definitely check this one out today!
Warhawk Operation: Fallen Star (PSN, $7.99): Fallen Star is the third expansion pack for the online third person shooter Warhawk. The expansion can be purchased separately or, for those of us late to the party, as a pack with the other two expansions for roughly $16. The pack will include a new jetpack and some rebalancing of the older maps to accommodate the jetpack’s awesomeness. Oh, and don’t forget to snag the update that was released last week as well as it includes, among other things, some tutorials to aid those who really are late to the Warhawk party.
UPDATE: Naturally, right after I write up this post news breaks of Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, Shredded Nebula, and...wait for it...Gin Rummy all coming to XBLA this week! The post also comes right as I'm walking out the door to go to class; looks like you kids are going to have to do some homework on this one. Thanks Kotaku!
[via 1UP, Joystiq]
This week in Up for Download marks the end of the Summer of Arcade releases, which is going out with a bang – or should I say a crash – with The Behemoth’s long awaited Castle Crashers hitting XBLA. Nintendo’s Virtual Console continues to drag itself along with Samurai Shodown 2 and Ys books I and II, while the truly unique The Last Guy sees a release on the American PSN. All-in-all I’d say it’s been a pretty good summer for downloadable titles, and here’s hoping for more of the same!
Castle Crashers (XBLA, 1,200 Points): At long last we laymen shall finally have the chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of crashing a castle. Much like The Behemoth’s first title, Alien Hominid, Castle Crashers is another beat’em up sidescroller with some RPG elements mixed in for good measure. Packed to the brim with four player co-op, lots of unlockable characters, and damsels in distress aplenty, this game is by far my most anticipated game out of this Summer of Arcade.
Helix (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): So let’s say you’re planning on buying one of these newfangled Wii Fit balance boards so that you can whip yourself into shape, but you can’t find one anywhere. Looking to fulfill your workout fix, you turn to Ghostfire Games’ Helix, a rhythm-action fitness title that has you holding a Wii-mote in each hand while you flail your arms out to trance music. In retrospect, you decide that jumping jacks are a better deal.
The Last Guy (PSN, $9.99): If you haven’t already checked out the demo for this title then what I’m about to say might not make a lot of sense to you. From SCE Japan comes a bizarre mash-up of a game that combines equal parts pac-man and zombies. The idea is that you are a caped crusader traversing the streets of some very high resolution satellite photos of major cities collecting a line of people who you escort to safety. Needless to say, there are lots of zombies and other monsters who are trying to stop you.
Kratos for Hot Shots Golf (PSN, $1.99): If you’ve been enjoying Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, but find that it just isn’t…well…angry enough for you then why not toss in God of War’s Kratos to kick up that rage factor; puts John Daly’s putter throwing to shame.
[via Joystiq, WIRED]
Up for Download is changing things up a little bit this week. Those of you who are keeping score at home might notice the absence of such triple-A releases as Neo Turf Masters (VC) and Midnight Pool (WiiWare). Well, that’s because Up for Download is, as the industry likes to put it, streamlining its operations a bit and will now be spotlighting releases that we should take some interest in, without all the fluff. Enjoy the taste of this week’s line up, now with half the calories of the original!
Galaga Legions (XBLA, 800 Points): After successfully reenergizing the Pac-Man franchise with Pac-Man: Championship Edition, developer Namco-Bandai is looking to work that same magic with the arcade classic Galaga. New game modes, flashy colors, and a pulsing techno beat is what you can expect from the fourth title in Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade release this Thursday.
Mega Man (VC, 500 Points): The title that helped put Capcom’s Keiji Inafune on the map in the gaming world is back to put a little twang of nostalgia in our hearts as we gear up from the upcoming release of Mega Man 9. That is, it would if we hadn’t already smashed Cut Man to pieces on the NES, Genesis, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, and just about on any other console you can think of.
Street Fighter Alpha (PSN, $5.99): Set before the events of Street Fighter II, Alpha was never quite able to recapture the rabid fanbase the forerunner enjoyed - despite its technical superiority. The title was originally released in arcades back in ’95, and later received a port to the Playstation in ’96, bringing with it an expanded Super Combo system, as well as the ability to block in mid-air.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty (PSN, $14.99): This bite-sized sequel to Insomniac’s own Tools of Destruction promises to deliver the same platforming and puzzle solving elements that made the original such a hit. Clocking in at about three to four hours in length, Quest for Booty isn’t without a few new tricks up its sleeve to help draw in a new crowd of gamers that perhaps haven’t tried a Ratchet title before. (Shame on them!)
The Force Unleashed [Demo] (XBL & PSN, Free): While the actually release date for Force Unleashed is a ways off, we can still get a taste of the action this Thursday, August 21st. The demo will be set in the TIE Fighter Construction Facility, seen in some recent GDC footage, which is under siege by Rahm Kota, an exiled Jedi General, and will introduce players to the force grip ability.
[via Joystiq, Opposable Thumbs]
This week, boys and girls, I think there’s something out there that we can all get excited about. The NES classic Bionic Commando lives again on the PS3 and 360 - although one version might just be a cut above the other. Those looking to get a taste of Fable II can also check out Pub Games and twiddle away their money before the game even starts. Then, on the Wii, we see the release of two TurboGrafx16 titles that nobody has ever played along with the first episode of Strong Bad's new adventure game. Enjoy!
Bionic Commando: Rearmed (XBLA, 800 Points): All right kids, put away your Lost Planets and your Spider-Man 2’s, because the undisputed grappling hook master is back. Originally released for the NES back in 1988, this remake promises to expand upon everything we know and love about Bionic Commando while also throwing in a graphics overhaul and some multiplayer to boot (though, we did lose the exploding Hitler head).
Fable II Pub Games (XBLA, 800 Points): As I reported earlier this week, Pub Games is a collection of parlor games set in the universe of Fable II. In this medieval casino players will be able to gamble away their money and, if they're lucky, will end up having a nice chunk of change to use when they start up their character in Fable II.
Star Parodier (VC, 900 Points): This shoot’em up from Hudson Soft is meant to be a parody of their Star Soldier series and was released back in 1992 for the TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM. Featuring a humble cast of Bomberman, Paroceaser, and PC-Engine (get it?), this title isn’t meant to be nearly as challenging a title as the one it’s mocking. Star Parodier has also enjoyed some critical acclaim since its VC debut, however this is one that I would have to try before I made a purchase.
Break In (VC, 700 Points): It’s a billiards game; if you enjoy this genre then you should already have a title that you enjoy very much and shouldn’t download this game, if you don’t enjoy this genre then you should go play something else and not download this game.
Strong Bad Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): here is a title that has two strong points going for it: it’s developed by Telltale Games (Sam & Max), and is based on the popular Homestar Runner flash series. And as you might have guessed from the title it’s just the first episode in what looks to be a long line of point-and-click adventure games for the Wii and PC.
Bionic Commando: Rearmed (PSN, $9.99): just like XBLA, PSN is also getting this remake of the old NES classic – but with a few extra twists. First, the Playstation’s d-pad is the superior d-pad – having four separate directions instead of one big button means more precision. Second, there’s remote-play for Bionic Commando action on the go, if you have that kind of money. Third, there will be achievements trophies added on in a latter patch, so don’t worry.
[via Opposable Thumbs, Joystiq]
The Summer of Arcade is now in full swing, and this week marks the release of Braid - a title which will probably be the hardest sell of all since it doesn’t have an “Evolved” or “Rearmed” or “HD Remix” after its name. Then we have the Virtual Console, which is a little less awful this week. Hopefully the WiiWare shooting gallery Wild West Guns will restore some faith in the service after last week's Pong Toss. Finally there's PSN, which has some slim pickings, but the Ratchet & Clank pseudo-sequel Quest for Booty and The Last Guy are both set for an August release!
Braid (XBLA, 1200 Points): From the mind of independent developer Jonathan Blow comes Braid, a title which promises to melt some brains with its bizarre, time-manipulating puzzles. The game will also be melting a few wallets with its hefty price tag ($12), but don’t let that discourage you from checking out the totally free demo for the new puzzle/platformer.
Sonic the Hedgehog (VC, 500 Points): I grew up with Sonic and out of all of his Genesis releases I’d say this one is the weakest. Compared to Sonic 2 and 3, the original is so much slower paced and focuses too much on the puzzle solving aspect for my taste. Though, eating all that Cookie Crisp and watching Power Rangers might have had something to do with that.
Splatterhouse 2 (VC, 800 Points): Now, unlike Sonic, I didn't spend any of my childhood slaying monsters in Namco’s side-scrolling beat'em up Splatterhouse. Released back in 1992, the series is now getting a next-gen remake and is also the first title on the Virtual Console to receive the M-rating. Alpha moms beware…
Wild West Guns (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): I watched George Stevens’ western classic Shane this weekend, and at no point during the movie did I see any of the following: flying sombreros, hot air balloons carrying TNT, or tiny men in purple suits rushing the screen. Obviously Mr. Stevens had no idea what the real Wild West was really like, unlike Gameloft’s shooting gallery Wild West Guns.
PixelJunk Eden (PSN, $9.99): Last week’s biggest demo is this week’s biggest game release on PSN. As the third installment to the PixelJunk series,
[via Joystiq, PS3 Fanboy]
(Ed: Sorry, I didn't have a chance to post this on it's normal Monday date. Enjoy.)
Just this week Microsoft announced their "Summer of Arcade" release schedule. This is a list of five potential XBLA blockbusters that'll carry us into the Fall gaming season (including Castle Crashers, FINALLY). Not to be outdone, Sony and the PS3 are dropping a classic rhythm action title on us, as well as the beautifully rendered third installment to the PixelJunk series. Then there’s Nintendo...which, yeah...doesn't really bring much to the table this week.
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (XBLA, 800 Points): The first of Microsoft’s "Summer of Arcade" releases, Bizarre Creation's Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is the sequel to one of the biggest titles on XBLA. Packed with new games modes, four player local co-op (no online, sorry kids), and the same bright, flashy colors we’ve all come to enjoy, Retro Evolved 2 is a must-have for any 360 owner.
Chase H.Q. (VC, 600 Points): Released back in 1988, this arcade racer from developer Taito has a very strong cops-and-robbers vibe to it. Behind the wheel of a black Porsche 928, your mission is to intercept wanted criminals in high-speed chases. The game was well-received and spawned two sequels with multiple iterations on the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and TurboGrafx-16.
Art of Fighting 2 (VC, 900 Points): It's another of the early SNK fighters released for the Neo Geo back in 1994. Now, I’ve played Art of Fighting 2, as well as several other 2D brawlers for the Neo Geo, and my advice to you would be to save your money. There are a dozen fighters on that console that haven’t seen a release yet that'll better warrant your 900 Nintendo dollars (and they also don't look like they've been molded out of clay).
Pong Toss: Frat Party Games (WiiWare, 800 Points): It is my sincere wish that history does not record JV Games’ Beer Pong Pong Toss: Frat Party Games as the first in a long line of college idiocy related titles. The classic sport of bouncing a ping-pong ball across a table into a plastic cup has been recreated here for up to four players in the game’s two available modes: Championship and Speed Pong. I say just keep holding out for Mega Man 9. It'll be here one of these days.
Parappa the Rapper (PSN, $22.99): One of the early rhythm games for the original Playstation is now available via PSN. From developer NaNaOn-Sha, the game has you timing button presses to bizarre hip-hop tracks, some of which feature a material artist with an onion for a head. The title has been a bit of a cult classic since its original release back in 1996, and it’s good to see it living on through PSN (and PSP).
1942: Joint Strike (PSN, $9.99): We all remember Capcom’s shoot’em up remake from last week with its release on XBLA. This title never earned that slot on my line up though since, after playing the demo, I started having terrible flashbacks to my time with the Dreamcast top-down shooter Ikaruga. Sure, they’re both legendary titles, but I find that the bullet hell shooters just drive my patience (and my controller) to a breaking point.
PixelJunk Eden demo (PSN, free): Hoo boy, I’ve been hearing a lot of positive buzz surrounding Q-Games’ latest title. From what I’ve seen, you play as a tiny dot with the ability to stick to and swing from the various plants which grow and change as you navigate the level. It’s a bizarre title, that’s for sure, but an interesting one that I definitely want to check out soon. Look forward to the game’s full release later this week.
[via Gamasutra, Kotaku, and PS3 Fanboy]
As reported in the New York Times yesterday, four of Japan’s major manga publishing houses have come together to form Librica, which will distribute manga via the Nintendo Wii’s WiiWare channel. The four houses that make up Librica are Kadokawa (Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion), Kodansha (Akira, Sailor Moon), Shueisha (Death Note, Dr. Slump), and Shogakukan (Monster, Mobile Police Patlabor).Very few details are available about the service; however, Librica has stated that it’s open to adding more publishing houses after the service has launched. There is also talk internally of expanding the service to including distribution on the DS as well. As for information on the pricing structure or release date of the service, no details are yet available. And if you’re wondering whether the service will be coming state side, just keep in mind that all four of these publishing houses have seen their works released in
(Ed: Welcome to "Up for Download," a new weekly column written by our own Maxwell "Pigeonflu" McGee. In each entry of this column, Pigeonflu will go over the newest titles being released on the Playstation Network, WiiWare, and Xbox Live Arcade, while giving his opinions on each one. So, without further ado, here is Up for Download: 7.21.08 Edition.)
A couple of good old fashioned shoot’em ups is what we’ve got up for download this week on 360 and Wii. A classic title is revisited while two others make the debut for the first time. PSN also rolls out their third installment of the Siren series which follows in Alone in the Dark’s episodic footsteps. It’s an interesting selection this week and one that’ll hopefully become the norm for downloadable titles instead of the exception.
1942: Joint Strike (XBLA, 800 Points): Another of the potentially great remakes is headed for the 360 curiosity of Capcom studios. This vertical shooter has received much praise from the enthusiast press since its announcement and might even earn a slot on my arcade line-up.Go! Go! Break Steady (XBLA, 800 Points): The break out title from Little Boy Games, an independent game studio based out of
Jade Empire (Xbox Original, 1200 Points): Another of the excellent action RPGs from Bioware which arrived after KOTOR but before Mass Effect on the original Xbox. The title enjoyed much critical acclaim upon its release and, unlike the other two titles, is available for download today (Monday the 21st).
Super Fantasy Zone (VC, 900 Points): A 1993 release from developer Sunsoft, this title looks a cross between a horizontal shooter and Kirby’s Dreamland and is apparently the last title in a long line of Fantasy Zone games. Just take one look at it and you’ll see what I mean!Gley Lancer (VC, 900 Points): A vertical shooter originally released back in 1992.
Pirates: The Key of Dreams (WiiWare, 1000 Points): Our third shoot’em up for download this week, Pirates is developed by Oxygen Games and supports up to four players. The game is apparently meant to be the prequel to the DS title Pirates: Duels on High Seas which is set for an August release.
Siren: Blood Curse (PSN, $40 total/$15 per episode): From SCE's Japanese studio, this latest installment in the Siren stealth/horror series will be available this Thursday. The game will follow an American TV crew trapped in a remote Japanese village and will be available as a complete package or as individual episodes.
In response to claims made in an IGN Podcast, Nintendo has issued a statement denying restrictions on the WiiWare downloadable content system. IGN claimed that Nintendo imposed a 40MB limit on file size for third-party WiiWare titles, that they created a one-release-per-month limit for the games, and that developers would set their own prices.
Nintendo responded in a statement to Eurogamer, telling the website that the company sets no size limit on WiiWare games, but they "encourage smaller, more compact games." They are also "contemplating" a one-release limit in order to keep titles flowing at an even pace. (as we've seen with VC titles) Nintendo gave a vague answer on the question of prices, stating that they have not announced information on pricing, but that their goal is to release "fresh, new content at a low price."
Luckily, there is no size limit on WiiWare games. With the right amount of freedom, Nintendo may soon start to see truly unique independent games. Maybe they'll even see something similar to Microsoft's XBLA or Sony's PSN (albeit smaller in scope). The release limit makes sense, and there should be no reason for anyone to get angry about it. If Nintendo allowed games to be released however developers wanted, it would result in haphazard timing and droughts in releases. Plus, gamers would have trouble determining when new games are being released and when to check the Wii Shop for new ones.
[via Joystiq]
