Now is about the time that I curse the fact that not many Japanese games are available overseas or translated for easy use. Especially considering the fact that Nitroplus is now bringing their biggest visual novel Chaos;Head to the iPhone as well. Their developer Red Flagship has been put in charge of the transition to the iPhone/iTouch.
While Chaos;Head began as a computer novel, it branched off previously onto the Xbox 360 in Japan courtesy of publisher 5pb and was renamed Chaos;Head Noah, coming with new story routes and updated graphics for the characters. Those who do not know, a graphic novel is something similar to reading an E-Book on the computer, but there are visuals to go along with it, as well as different choices the player can make that will affect the ending; especially in Chaos;Head which can end in the player’s death.
Something that sets Chaos;Head apart from other games of it’s type is the fact that at certain points in the game the main character will enter “delusional mode.” In this mode players can choose to either undergo a positive or a negative delusion, or do nothing at all and wait out the effect. These moments can alter the game and are very interesting to experience from a reader’s standpoint.
While we have no news if this will end up being translated for an American iTunes release, we do know that it will be hitting the Japanese iTunes store on November 18th for ¥3,000.
If you have been taking in every detail about the new Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds which is due out this February, then this AWESOME news is for you. Gamestop have now listed a special edition of the game that will release alongside the standard versions of the game. Another great thing about this news is that two more characters will come as DLC packed in, which will be none other than Jill Valentine and Shuma Gorath! (Both of which will be available from the XBLA or PSN 4 weeks after release)
Here is the full list of what to expect in the Special Edition for MvC 3:
Steelbook case featuring exclusive art work
Comic/Art book- A 12-page prologue comic, written by Marvel writer Frank Tieri, plus campaign art and a curated selection of fan art
1-month Subscription to Marvel Digital Comics, providing unlimited online access to Marvel content
2 Playable DLC Characters – Shuma Gorath and Jill Valentine.
Rushing to make a pre-order? Well there is even better news as those who pre-order will receive three limited edition console decals.
Capcom is easing the blow as well with all of this content being just $10 over the standard edition at $69.99. A comic book, stunning case, DLC, and the digital comic book subscription is putting other special editions to shame so maybe this can encourage some price drops on others down the road…though I won’t have too high of hopes. This whole deal is a no brainer for myself as the game alone is on my list of most anticipated for 2011 and I imagine pre-orders are not going to last too long, so it is better to hop on this sooner than later. The game officially launches February 25th and as always, check back for more coverage of Marvel vs Capcom 3 and you can also check out the official page on Gamestop at this link .
When it comes to console sniping titles, Sniper Elite was and still is one of the most loved titles from last generation. Reef Entertainment is now bringing a more updated version of the title to the Nintendo Wii with full motion support and even the ability to use the Wii Zapper for a Better sniping experience. While the game is set to release in the U.S. next week on the 22nd, a date for Europe has not yet been available. Creative Distribution have now announced that they will be releasing the title for the UK and Ireland for December 10th.
Here is an official statement from Creative Distribution on the release:
Craig Lewis, Commercial Director of Creative Distribution says “We are really excited with the opportunity to bring this game to the UK & Irish consumer, it really is a fantastic game and a proven seller. With a lot of in built realism & skill; factoring in gravity, wind speed, heart rate and breathing this truly is one of the years best shooter releases on Wii; a true Sniper Sim with one of the best background stories”.
“The enhanced game play with the Wii Zapper plus the inclusion of a previously unreleased bonus level in the game makes this a must game for all sniping enthusiasts “
It says a lot about how much a title is missed when the game has already sold 100k copies before release and I am looking forward to trying this updated Wii version for certain. Add in the extra bonus level, and the Wii version is a must for any of the fans of the classic sniper simulator.
For those of you who are excited about tomorrow’s release of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, there is another option that is headed to the DSiWare which will let you take the thrill of Need for Speed with you anywhere. Need for Speed Nitro-X is now available for download in the DSiWare Shop and is looking to fully utilize the Nintendo DSi’s features for an ultimate portable racing experience.
How you may ask? There is a custom tag editor which let’s the player snap photos with the built-in camera and plaster racing environments with your personal tag. Not only will customization be a top feature, but Nitro-X also features 18 supercars within the game such as the Pagani Zonda R, Porsche Carrera GT, and Lamborghini Gallardo. You can also play in the exclusive Super Pursuit Mode that lets you drive as the Cop. Players can lay down the law in 6 never-before-driven police cars, including the Hummer H2 SUT.
With 16 different tracks and 3 streamlined tiers as well as local multi-player, Need For Speed Nitro-X is looking to run over DSiWare’s racing scene and at a cool price of just 800 points. For more information you can check out the official page for the newest DSiWare racer by clicking here.
‘That lovable scamp’ from Mafia II Joe Barbaro is back, in Mafia II : Joe’s Adventures on November 23rd. Sporting dozens of new City based missions, many new locations in Empire Bay and filling the gap during the time that your main character in Mafia II, Vito, was locked in the slammer; working for the Mob has never looked so good (just check out that sanchez mustache!)
See all the cars, cons and canoloie below
Mafia II: Joe’s Adventures is available November 23rd for Xbox LIVE, SonyPSNetwork and PC for 800MSP ($10.00)
There really hasn’t been too much buzz for Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem which hit stores yesterday on the Nintendo DS so I think it is about time to explain why this is a worthy title for any of you DS owners out there wanting a new and innovative title for your portable collections. Now if you have played any of the Mario vs DK series in the past, you know about the fast paced action-puzzle themed gameplay already.
Mini-Land mayhem takes that solid formula and adds a fresh coat of paint on it with more creation and levels than ever before with over 200 areas players must guide their mini-Marios through to save the Princess Pauline. Using simple stylus controls, players can place girders to cross pits, build conveyor belts, set springs or strategically place warp pipes to make their way to the next level. The new Mini Pauline joins the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series’ roster of familiar toys (including Mini Mario, Mini Toad, Mini Princess and Mini Donkey Kong).
The construction mode seems to be where the most replay value can be found though as players can build their own crazy map and upload them to the Nintendo WFC. Players can also download other maps made by gamers all over the world as well so this seems to be almost a whole different experience on it’s own.
“Mario vs. Donkey Kong games are known for providing endless fun due to their unique combination of platform and puzzle elements along with the compelling usage of Mini Marios,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. “Play this latest hand-held adventure for just a few minutes and you’ll understand why it’s so hard to put down.”
I am glad to the the continuation of this series as it certainly plays to the roots of Mario and Donkey Kong’s careers in the gaming world. Mini Land Mayhem seems to be jam-packed with content allowing for many hours of play as well so this is without a doubt a heavy contender for the Nintendo DS this holiday season as is now available in the states at a price of $29.99.
2K Sports has announced that Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy Halladay, will be on the cover of Major League Baseball2K11. Halladay is one of 20 pitchers in Major League Baseball history to throw a perfect game.
“I’m honored to be on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K11,” said Halladay. Roy also pitched a no-hitter in this year’s Major League Baseball postseason and has been nominated for a Cy Young Award.
Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K says, “In the ‘Year of the Pitcher’, Roy has truly distinguished himself as the best pitcher in baseball. Between his dominating season that included baseball’s 20th perfect game, and his exciting performance during the postseason, we believe there is no player more worthy of representing our revolutionary pitching mechanic on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K11 than Roy Halladay.”
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is all set to release next year and will include characters from the animated television show and the rest of the Star Wars universe. With the feature list announced so far, this may be the best Lego game yet.
Over 60 missions and levels
A new story that will hopefully actually be new and not just a rehash like in past Lego games
Ground battles that will allow you to take BATTALIONS of trooper into combat and build bases, deploy vehicles, etc. I don’t know about you, but I always wanted to have a massive Lego army.
In what I am thinking is a totally new addition, SceneSwap is “a new feature allows players to take control of multiple teams in separate locations. Working together to complete various objectives, players will control each team through the press of a button, while playing in single player or in multiplayer co-op modes.”
Space battle with your favorite Star War’s spaceship through multiple levels of space.
New abilties like lightsaber cutting, lightsaber throwing, and lightsaber climbing and new grappling maneuvers. Also there will be Force powers. Plus new Clone accessories like weapons and vehicles.
Game:Tetris Party Deluxe Platform:Nintendo Wii Publisher: Majesco, Nintendo Developer:Hudson Soft Genre: Puzzle Release Date: Out Now Price: $29.99 / £19.99
Tetris is one of those rare games that has transcended boundaries with practically everyone, gamer or otherwise, from John O’Groats to Timbuktu having owned or at least heard of a version of it.
Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnovon in 1984 and it was not until 1989 that Nintendo jumped on the bandwagon and produced the first videogame version, originally bundled with the Gameboy, that has gone on to be universally loved across multiple formats and via multiple developers to this day. Yes Tetris has certainly come a very long way in the past 25 years and having been featured on pretty much every major platform it is somewhat comforting to see the latest version, Tetris Party Deluxe, released on a Nintendo machine, in this case the Wii, just in time for it’s silver anniversary.
Tetris has never really been one to follow a story with the main crux of the game generally being to line up the falling blocks into a form or pattern, usually of the same colour, with the objective being to clear the screen whilst aiming for highest score. So what’s new this time around..? Well for starters Tetris Party Deluxe builds on the success of Tetris Party, a predecessor available as a download on the Nintendo Wii’s WiiWare some two years ago. In Tetris Party gamers got to play the evergreen puzzler in a new, fun and funky way. Nintendo has built upon the success of the downloadable version with a fully formed and upgraded sequel that is literally bursting at the seams with plenty of fresh surprises, new game modes and some almost ingenious ways to continue the Tetris legacy.
Gameplay
Tetris Party Deluxe offers players six new game modes plus a host of additional ‘enhanced’ modes to enjoy. Renowned Bomberman developer Hudson Soft have all bases covered here and whether you are a veteran Tetris fan or new to the game altogether be prepared for a new addiction! Game modes include:
Bombliss: Players have to deal with non-standard Tetris pieces – including bombs! Clear the lines and the bombs to cause chain reactions.
Sprint: Clear 40 lines in the quickest time possible
Vs. Sprint:Players compete locally to see who can be the first to clear 40 lines.
Master: This is for those real hardcore Tetris fans out there! Players see themselves starting out on the games highest difficulty and speed. Instead of falling pieces, Tetris blocks appear at the bottom of the screen and lightning fast reflexes are a must if you have any chance of surviving in this mode.
Co-op vs. Co-op:You and a partner pair up to take on another team.
All Clear Sprint: Achieve 20 perfect clears in the quickest time possible.
Field Climber:This mode drops a tiny climber into the playing field. The climber will scale the mountain you create for him in an attempt to reach the goal zone but be warned – the poor little guy can only climb one block at a time! There are checkpoints to reach on each level so Field Climber requires a more methodical approach and is a nice change of pace.
Shadow Mode:This mode has you creating pictures by dropping Tetriminos into their silhouettes. An edit feature included within this mode allows players to create their own shadow puzzles to play.
Tetris Party Deluxe does not disappoint those looking for a multiplayer experience with the inclusion of online battles over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection as well as local multiplayer fun for groups of friends and family.
The Wii release also has some pretty unique ways of playing the game and players can use the Wii Balance Board, Wii Wheel, Wii Speak or their own personal Mii to customize the gameplay experience!
The Wii balance board mode is a particular favourite and throws up a unique twist to Tetris. When utilising the board the game is played on a smaller grid using the more conventional blocks of the original Tetris with the goal also being the familiar make lines/clear lines/score points. The controls are actually really straight forward and moving left or right will move the blocks accordingly as they make their way down the screen whilst leaning forward or backward drops them into place. Squatting on the Wii board will rotate the Tetris blocks ready for you to position them onscreen. Although fairly easy to master these controls don’t make for a particularly precise gaming experience but do offer an amusing diversion as well as a light workout!
Graphics/Sound
Taking into account the limitations of the genre the graphics here look great whilst remaining on the right side of functional and never becoming overwhelming. Overall presentation is bright, punchy and most importantly given the sheer amount of gameplay options menus are fluid and easy to navigate.
The Sound for this game is also very pleasing with some upbeat melodies bolstered by the classic theme making for a catchy soundtrack that is rarely an irritation.
However more attention was definitely needed on certain modes of the game as it limps along with what appears to be one background and a single music track on a loop. That said you can customise this mode by choosing which song and image you want to have but that is the extent of the game’s tweaking options so be prepared for some repetition during extended sessions which could become either tiring or very hypnotic depending on which way you look at it.
Overall
The best versions of Tetris remain those that have been true to the original formula. Adhering to this golden rule whilst introducing new elements and modes aplenty gives Tetris Party Deluxe a facelift that is more than a case of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ . Despite this the more traditional modes were still the most enjoyable elements with beating your own high scores the surprisingly addictive long-term goal. I also found myself immensely enjoying the battle mode and the ability to use power–up items during play. In this mode you can stop your opponent’s tetriminos from rotating, shoot blocks onto their grid or force them to use a single type of block for a limited period of time. These items are always fun to use and add strategy to the otherwise straightforward tactic of clearing rows faster than your opponent.
Tetris Party Deluxe offers a huge variety of different gameplay modes that arguably make this release the definitive version of the game. Despite being a quarter of a centaury old it still feels as vital, instinctive and most importantly, downright addictive as it ever has. Here’s to the next 25 years!
Boomin’ and jammin’ into a release date of November 17, 2010, NBA Jam is only a quick dribble away. Already released on the Nintendo Wii, NBA Jam on Xbox and PS3 looks like it will be as cool as ice. HD visuals, online play and unlockable politicians? It is a home run… err… slam dunk! Take a quick look down the lane at these new videos. One features the features that will be available in the game, and the other takes a look at the politicians available to play as. The next NBA Jam should totally have donkeys and elephants. Who doesn’t want to play a game of B-Ball without an elephant?
