Site News: Forum registration

June 30, 2004 11:59 PM PST

insert credit / brandon

Due to the high volume of er...porn bots registering on the forums, we had to go to an email address/registration confirmation system. This won't affect current registered members, but all future folks will need a valid email address. Hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone too much. Thanks for your continued support!

News: Bittanti in Ivory Tower

June 30, 2004 11:59 PM PST

IGDA / brandon

Matteo Bittanti (read more about him here) has put up an article in this month's Ivory Tower column at the International Game Developer's Association. Very good read from Bittanti as always, on issues such as criticism, development, design and politics, with Space Invaders as the theme.

News: Booth Babes interviewed

June 30, 2004 11:54 PM PST

Game Critics / brandon

Game Critics just put up a feature on the booth babes of E3. This one's not about the pictures though - it's a series of interview vignettes with various women from the show floor. An interesting read: "it's funny when guys come up to me and tell me that it's their first time touching a girl."

News: Tekken 5 ALL Net/ IC card

June 30, 2004 11:49 PM PST

Namco / brandon

Tekken 5 is coming to arcades in autumn, using their new 256 System Board (name tentative). Namco has announced today that the game will use the new ALL Net to connect participating machines worldwide. Utilizing the system, players will be ranked worldwide, not just on the specific machine. For single-player games there is a 'dan' system, which grades players according to skill level. It is also possible to play against a 'ghost' of another player (real person's character? not sure here), which picks up some of the various skills that player uses. In this way you can play against ghosts of characters from different dans. Replays of particularly high-ranking players (nationally) can be displayed on any machine as well. Using the IC card, you can customize your character's accessories and clothing, then re-input the character anywhere on the network. No national vs play yet though. Thanks to nikaiten for the link.

Update: I'm told that this is exactly the same as VFnet - thus the ALL Net announcement, I suppose.

News: All Net

June 30, 2004 11:45 PM PST

Sega / Sammy / Namco / brandon

Sega, Sammy and Namco announced today that they have an agreement to go forward with an "ALL Net" base plan for arcade workings. This is yet another attempt at industry network consolidation after recent announcements by Falcom and Aruze (with related PC-architecture announcement by Taito). ALL Net stands for Amusement Linkage Live Network, and would use optical fiber to connect all games at one time, such as Tekken 5, above. Nikaiten predicts that Capcom and Playmore will enter this circle (Playmore is especially likely, given that Aruze is running the rival network). This is great and everything, but these companies all want to unite the entirety of arcade gaming under one network, but different groups want to do it different ways, and so have devised different systems, which creates what? A DIVIDE. They also speak in the article of reduced development costs by using this system, but this does not change the fact that operating costs will increase, due to the addition of new network hardware and protocol. Let's hear it for the struggling arcade industry, ladies and gentlemen!

News: DC Emulation mag

June 30, 2004 11:42 PM PST

DC Emulation / brandon

DC Emulation is thinking of releasing a Dreamcast 'zine one-off. The zine would include a demo disc of various scene works, and 'retail' for $5. They're currently wondering whether there's enough interest for a 250 issue run. Voice your opinion here.

News: Gradius V perfect DVD

June 30, 2004 11:39 PM PST

Konami / brandon

Konami has released a hoard of info regarding Gradius 5 Official DVD The Perfect, their upcoming superplay disc. The DVD will contain superplays from different players (including Clover-TAC, famous for his work with Cave shooters), for a total of 80 minutes of footage. There will be 100 still pictures/CG of enemy data, ship info and the like. There will also be promos for Gradius Neo and Gradius Neo Imperial (cellphone) and Neo Contra (PS2). The DVD goes on sale July 22nd, the same day as the game itself. The game is 6,280 yen, the DVD is 3,000 yen. And of course Konami offers an amazing pack-in deal for both games - only 9,280 yen! Wait...what? Thanks to Click-Stick for the link.

FAQ: Family Tennis Advance

June 30, 2004 11:36 PM PST

Cristian Molina / brandon

Cristian Molina, aka Rid Hershel wrote up a FAQ for the character origins of Namco's character-fest Family Tennis Advance. It got rejected by Gamefaqs, so go read it on his site instead. That boy is Namco-obsessed, I tell you.

News: Pochi to Nya

June 30, 2004 11:33 PM PST

Aiky / brandon

The post-Compile puzzler Pochi to Nya has finally gotten a decent page. Check out screens, art and some streaming video. Still arcade-only, I'm afraid.

News: Shiki II PC

June 30, 2004 11:29 PM PST

Alfa System / brandon

Alfa System has opened the official page for the Shikigami no Shiro II PC port, complete with specs and version details. This version will use the Naomi BGM, as did the Dreamcast port, and will include all modes from previous ports, including 'customize mode.' This will allow you to change the bullet size, speed and patterns at will, apparently with more precision than the console ports. 6 hours worth of voice in here! Crazy. Watch for high recommended processor specs. September 13 release at 6,800 yen.

News: Guilty Gear XX#Reload PC

June 30, 2004 11:25 PM PST

Sammy / brandon

Guilty Gear XX#Reloaded is coming to PC on the 23rd of July for 4,935 yen (with tax). Media Kite is bringing it out. Basically equivalent to the Xbox version, minus Live! support.

News: Japanese release lists

June 30, 2004 11:22 PM PST

Sting / brandon

For some reason I cannot comprehend, Sting, makers of Yakusoku no Chi Riviera (for which you can now download the package illustration, by the way) have put up a comprehensive software list for all console/handheld platforms from 2002 until today. The top page you see there is an 'upcoming titles' list for all current consoles, including the dreamcast, which will show what titles come out each week, and list an official site for them. Clicking on any given console list will give you a two month projection. Rather nice. I just can't figure out how Sting benefits from it!

News: Metal Slug 3 and Advance to Europe

June 30, 2004 11:17 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

Something I forgot to mention a couple of days ago - Ignition Entertainment has announced that they will be bringing Metal Slug 3 and Metal Slug Advance to Europe. Metal Slug 3 is coming (Xbox version with Live! support) in October 2004, no word on Advance yet. Thanks to Theodore Reiker for the news.

News: Ingrid info

June 30, 2004 11:13 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

Some info has been released in this month's Arcadia regarding Ingrid's character in Capcom Fighting Jam. Check out Professor Moriarty's bbs post for the info. There's also an in-game scan floating about. And of the producers, he says: "The game is being directed by Hidetoshi Ishizawa (Neo_G) and produced by Kenji Itsuno. Ishizawa worked on SFA2, Vampire Savior and other fighter games, and Itsuno worked as the producer to monster hunter and an assistant producer to CvS2."

News: Samurai Spirits OST box

June 30, 2004 11:03 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

The Samurai Spirits OST box and CD art has been revealed. The box is being put out by Dex Entertainment, with the full title Samurai Spirits Neogeo's Soundtrack Collection Box on the 7th of July for a mere 8,800 yen. The five Neo Geo fighters are included, but not SS RPG, nor the Hyper Neo Geo 64 games.

Download: Legend of Heroes 6

June 30, 2004 10:59 PM PST

Falcom / brandon

There's a newish movie of Legend of Heroes 6 (PC RPG) at the download page. There are also a few song samples, if that strikes your fancy. Out now with a ridiculous number of extras for 9,500 yen.

Review: Taisen Hot Gimmick Cosplay Mahjong

June 29, 2004 0:58 PM PST

insert credit / mathew kumar

Here we have mahjong, Jun Tsukasa, and a CERO 18 rating. Mathew confronts a new/old look of one of Japan's favorite pastimes.

Correction: Jun Tsukasa, not Range Murata. Confusion strikes again!

Feature: Castlevania: Sounds of Blackness

June 27, 2004 11:45 PM PST

insert credit / tim rogers

Yet another article about Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. This one takes to task the story elements and questionable character choices in Igarashi's latest 2D effort.

News: Play:Right

June 26, 2004 11:50 PM PST

Play:Right / brandon

Play:Right is a UK based website looking to corner the market on rare console info, now that Assembler never updates to speak of. It's a fine site, with fine info, so give it a look. Where else can you find the MTV Gamecube?

News: Wyvern Wings

June 26, 2004 11:45 PM PST

Fillmore Games / brandon

Wyvern Wings is a new 2D vertical arcade shooter from Fillmore Games. It is to be featured in next month's Arcadia. Check the site for system info, as well as several screens. The game is, I presume, out now (and is probably the first serious gaming effort from the amusement-based company). Thanks to nikaiten for the link.

Update: Turns out this game is three years old. Oh well - fooled nikaiten, fooled me. Thanks Lawrence.

Update the second: Arcadia is still listing this as a 'new title' for their issue next month. Time will tell, I suppose.

News: Mushihime

June 26, 2004 11:40 PM PST

Cave / brandon

There's a campaign page up for Cave's new shooter Mushihime. The page contains two thumbs from the arcade flier.

News: Haru no ashito

June 26, 2004 11:35 PM PST

Minori / brandon

H-game makers Minori have put up a clean movie of their new game haru no ashito. Get it at itmedia. Thanks to zepy for the links.

Update: I neglected to mention, as Zepy did, that this OP is the work of Makoto Shinkai, of Hoshi No Koe fame, and my personal favorite She and her Cat.

News: Puyo Puyo Fever Mac

June 26, 2004 11:24 PM PST

Sega / brandon

Sega has changed the look of their Puyo Puyo Fever Mac version USB saturn pad pack-in, perhaps to match the style of the cover. Very nice stuff. Just came out on the 24th, 6,980 yen with the pad, 4,980 without. Thanks to rid for the tip.

News: CFJ location test

June 26, 2004 11:16 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

Capcom Fighting Jam will begin location testing next month, according to the official site. No specific dates or centers yet. Thanks to nikaiten for the news.

News: Shiki II PC

June 26, 2004 11:10 PM PST

Alfa System / brandon

According to 4gamer, Shikigami II is hitting the PC in japan this August. The system will be identical to the dreamcast version. See the page for the spec requirements.

News: Druaga covers

June 26, 2004 11:07 PM PST

Arika / brandon

Game Watch has revealed the covers for Nightmare of Druaga and the SST (special soundtrack). Both are illustrated by Takeshi Okazaki of Evangelion and El Hazard fame. The official page is here. Thanks to rid for the news.

News: 1945

June 26, 2004 11:00 PM PST

Play It / brandon

Terrible mistake from last month's news - Play It's 1945 for PS2 is by Capcom, not Psikyo. And by many reports, it may be out now in the UK, ranging from 8 to 10 pounds. Thanks to Kristian for pointing this out.

News: Hit the Ice RPG

June 24, 2004 5:12 PM PST

Lost Levels / brandon

Not too long ago Frank Cifaldi put up this Hit the Ice RPG NES review/exposé on The Lost Levels, then didn't tell me about it. I found out anyway though, and now you can too! Assuming you hadn't already. Hockey+RPG=win?

News: Kingdom of Loathing

June 24, 2004 4:56 PM PST

Asymmetric Productions / brandon

Kingdom of Loathing has been going through a lot of bug-fixes since its release last year. Now it's almost 40% bug free! The game itself is a stick-figure browser-based mmorpg of epic proportions. Pretty humorous stuff. The best part is that you can play the game while running Progress Quest in the insert credit guilds here and here.

News: Xenosaga II box

June 24, 2004 4:45 PM PST

Namco / brandon

The Xenosaga II limited box has been released, and fans are miffed. Of what you see there, only the KOS-MOS statuette and bike were included, but the author repeatedly refers to the low quality of the paint, the lack of articulation, and the 'horror face' the statue has. Bear in mind that this little extra (plus a visual book) cost fans upwards of $110. Ultimately calling it 'industrial waste', the author of the review calls for Enterbrain to either stop making figures, or learn how to do so properly. It's a good read (in japanese).

News: SF Action figures

June 24, 2004 4:45 PM PST

SOTA Toys / brandon

SOTA has released images of the final versions of their super-articulate Street Fighter toys via action-figure.com. Check out Ryu and Bison, Chun Li and Sagat. Very impressive number of joints - good for stop-motion! Pics of Sodom presumably still to come. Thanks to Jigsaw's mmcafe bbs post for the links.

News: True Fantasy Online explanation

June 24, 2004 4:32 PM PST

Microsoft / brandon

Microsoft issued an apology/question and answer form to the Xbox fansites of japan, and 1up has a translation of it. Looks like most of the gameplay was done, the difficulty was the online implementation.

News: Body power conduction

June 24, 2004 4:24 PM PST

Microsoft / brandon

Microsoft has just been granted the patent for a system of conducting power via the human body. They're talking about applications for mobile devices. Very odd. Thanks to Psiga for the link.

News: Real Otaku Heroes AX

June 23, 2004 11:48 PM PST

RoH / brandon

If you've not checked the Real Otaku Heroes website for their anime parodies of Budweiser 'Real American Heroes' commercials lately, check it out. There are quite a few songs there now. Also, the gents will be at Anime Expo 2004, to challenge all to a doujin fighting competition. Of course...I can't even beat RoH's Anthony Lopez at Queen of Heart 99. Perhaps you'll fare better.

News: Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune

June 23, 2004 11:37 PM PST

Namco / brandon

Namco has announced that Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune will be released to japanese arcades on the sixth of july. Check some images of the game and the cabinet here. Wangan Midnight MT uses a card system similar to the one found in Initial D Arcade Stage, and a special 'premium tuned' cart is being released to select players at arcades from july 20th to august 31st.

News: GG Isuka cover

June 23, 2004 11:26 PM PST

Sammy / brandon

The Guilty Gear Isuka japanese cover has been revealed. A.B.A. is on the cover! Thanks to nikaiten for the link.

News: On File

June 22, 2004 11:52 PM PST

On File / brandon

On File is your one-stop site for information on the very obscure world of print fanzines. There's an informative who's who and some special features, but the clear gem is the actual archive of articles from the zines. The visual format of the fanzines is not preserved (aside from covers), but the work is there. Just some of the people whose works are contained in this archive: Chris Kohler, Pat Reynolds and Josh Lesnick. The site was just redesigned and moved to a new host, so go give it a look.

News: Dragon Quest 3 in 40 minutes

June 22, 2004 11:45 PM PST

wawawa / brandon

A DQ-obsessed fan in Japan by the name of wawawa claims to have beaten Dragon Quest 3 (famicom version) in 40 minutes and three seconds. He documented the process with photos. Basically, this exploits a bug wherein you can remove the AC adapter for two seconds at a certain spot near the beginning, reset the game, and then you will have the option of choosing level 99 characters for your party. Pretty nifty experiment, though the page is entirely in japanese. Thanks to nikaiten for the link.

News: Funamizu leaves Capcom

June 22, 2004 11:34 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

Street Fighter creator Noritaka Funamizu has left Capcom to start his own company with another ex-capcom producer, according to gamersta. The new company is to be called Craft and Meister.

News: Shikigami III

June 22, 2004 11:27 PM PST

Alfa System / brandon

I asked Alfa System about the Shikigami III rumor that's been floating around on the net - namely that the game is under development. They answered in their bbs. And the official word is that there is no official word. Essentially, Alfa's Kawamura states that at this time, there is no official word on the game, but was careful not to say that the game wasn't being worked on. Thus the Shiki III rumor must remain just that for the time being.

News: Choro Q update

June 22, 2004 11:13 PM PST

Atlus / brandon

A bit of extra Choro Q info - the game being ported by Atlus is Choro Q High Grade 4, the newest of the bunch.

News: Treewave album

June 21, 2004 11:56 PM PST

Paul Slocum / brandon

Paul Slocum (of synthcart fame) has released a full EP with his band Treewave. The band uses Atari 2600, Commodore 64, Compaq 286, and an Epson dot matrix printer as instruments. There are two videos included on the disc, as well as a Commodore 64 data track - a copy of his Commodore synth program that you can load onto your Commodore via a Datassette tape. The album can be purchased and previewed here.

News: On game discounting

June 21, 2004 11:45 PM PST

Curmudgeon Gamer / brandon

Curmudgeon Gamer has got a nifty feature up about the rates at which games for various platforms are discounted over time. The methodology of the study was also revealed, and it looks like they'll be doing another more involved study later. Seems Xbox games get discounted much faster. Thanks to Slashdot Games for the link.

News: Vampire Panic

June 21, 2004 11:37 PM PST

Alfa System / brandon

Vampire Panic is a new Alfa System developed, new sammy-published action game for PS2. The character designer is...somebody important (help me out here). In the came you can command the villagers you're supposed to protect (in addition to the main player character), and maintain the a low level of general fear in the field of action via an 'alertness' gauge. Kind of an interesting way to do it. Check out screens/system here, and take part in a T-shirt design contest here. The game will be released on the 24th of june for 7,140 yen, with tax.

Oh yes, and there's an unconfirmed rumor that Alfa System is developing a Shikigami III.

News: Zodiac fuel cells

June 21, 2004 11:28 PM PST

MTI Micro / brandon

A company called MTI Micro has announced the development of mini fuel cells for handheld devices - so far a cellphone and a Tapwave Zodiac. These allow handheld devices to run anywhere from two to ten times longer than normal. Check here for a bit more perspective on the cells.

News: Guilty Gear Isuka

June 21, 2004 11:19 PM PST

Sammy / brandon

There's an official site for guilty gear isuka now. lots of flash and music, but there's also some good info hidden within. There's a full character bio of A.B.A., for instance. Take a look.

News: Woodcube

June 20, 2004 11:58 PM PST

Robert Edström / brandon

Nearly one year ago, a man in sweden had a vision - to bring his favorite consoles together into one convenient ubermachine. So naturally he turned to wooden planks and knobs. Behold the elegant majesty of the Woodcube. Part SNES, part N64, part PSX, part sawblade, it leaves the other consoles in the dust. Pay tribute to your new master in the dedicated forum thread.

News: Yakusoku no chi Riviera

June 20, 2004 11:49 PM PST

Sting / brandon

Sting has just announced that they will be porting their excellent fantasy RPG/rhythm/dating sim yakusoku no chi Riviera to the GBA. Check out some gorgeous screens here (only moderately updated from the SwanCrystal original), and anticipate. This game is wonderful.

Addendum: The art is by sunaho tobe, whose website is here. She did the art for Puyo Puyo~n as well. Thanks rid.

News: Steel Dragon EX

June 20, 2004 11:40 PM PST

Midas Interactive / brandon

I missed this news as it broke, but you may not have heard it yourselves: budget publisher Midas Interactive is bringing warashi's Sheinryu sequel (Double Sheinryu) to the UK as Steel Dragon EX (rather faithful translation). The game is planned for an october 29th release at a fine 15 euros.

News: Choro Q

June 20, 2004 11:34 PM PST

Atlus / brandon

Atlus is bringing Choro Q, the popular minicar racer, to the us. This is, as far as I know, the first Choro Q title to be released in the states under the actual title, though others have been released under less auspicious titles. Lots of story, customization, minigames, tracks and cars have lead Atlus to dub this a "CarPG", which is somewhat frightening. Choro Q will retail for $19.99 this fall.

News: Women in development

June 20, 2004 11:29 PM PST

MSNBC / brandon

MSNBC online has got a nice article up on women in game development. Some of the author's findings mirror our own, and a lot of interesting points are made. Of course, not every demographic can be represented, without some drastic change. Thanks to Slashdot Games for the former link.

News: PDRoms coding competition 2.5

June 20, 2004 11:22 PM PST

PDRoms / brandon

PDRoms has got another nifty contest going on, which I neglected to mention a couple days back. The goal here is to make a two-color LCD game on existing platforms. The results should be interesting. The deadline is july 4th, and the prize is an NGPC with seven games.

News: DC homebrew

June 20, 2004 11:18 PM PST

CD homebrew / brandon

The Dreamcast Homebrew site has been renewed - if you still play yours, check the place out. Freeware downloads aplenty.

Download: Demonbane movies

June 20, 2004 11:15 PM PST

Kadokawa Shoten / Digiturbo / brandon

Demonbane is a super robot AVG (not related to Super Robot Wars). The game will have a pack-in OVA from Nitro+, and retail for 8,190 yen (with tax) on july first. The limited comes with DVD extras, including production sketches, and making-of, as well as cards (10,290 yen). On to the downloads. Check here for promotional movies from both the game and the OVA (CTRL+F for "NEW!" - high res on the left side, low res on the right). Thanks to rid for the news.

Correction: The game is not related to Super Robot Wars as I mentioned previously. Super Robot apologies to all for getting their hopes up.

News: Isuka new character

June 20, 2004 11:08 PM PST

Sammy / brandon

A new character has been announced for the PS2 port of Guilty Gear Isuka - ABA by name. See the full character art for the key-wielding lass here.

News: Rrootage on Xbox

June 20, 2004 11:01 PM PST

questor/fused / brandon

After the recent Noiz2sa port, another ABA Games property has been brought to the Xbox. Rrootage is the port du jour (gigawing/ikaruga/psyvariar amalgam), and can be found on the usual IRC channels. The Noiz2sa port has been updated as well. Thanks to Wackodave's forum post for the news.

News: Paleface's game database

June 18, 2004 11:56 PM PST

Paleface / brandon

Paleface's game database has been a well-kept secret of a select group for some time - but no longer. It's an excellent site if you're looking for simple gameplay impressions, without too many insert credit style frills (aside from the irreverent humor). He's passed the 500 game mark, and peppers the impressions with charmingly low-tech tv-screen shots. A sample: of Ninja Spirit, paleface says: "This game is freakin' ninja, and you should ninja get it."

News: Clover TAC interview

June 18, 2004 11:44 PM PST

Arcadia / brandon

Click-Stick has posted a translation of the second half of a Clover-TAC (Espgaluda high scorer) interview. Some interesting stuff in there, particularly in the personal info section.

News: KOF 10th

June 18, 2004 11:32 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

The SNK 10th anniversary site has added KOF '95 to the roster, as well as the south town team.

Download: Chaos Field new movie

June 18, 2004 11:26 PM PST

Milestone / brandon

There's another Chaos Field digest movie at the Milestone download page. Thanks to Christian for the news.

News: Shiki II US cover

June 18, 2004 11:20 PM PST

XS games / brandon

The cover of the US port of Shikigami II (Castle of Shikigami 2) has been revealed at Gamestop (Xbox version). Much more tasteful. Now to see about the dubbing. The game is supposedly planned for a July 1st release at 19.99.

News: Cave still hiring

June 18, 2004 11:13 PM PST

Cave / brandon

Cave is hiring another 2D/3D CG designer. Could it be for Mushihime? Time will tell! Possibly!

News: Atomiswave petition

June 18, 2004 11:10 PM PST

some people / brandon

For people that like to click things: here's a humorously worded, and guaranteed-ineffective petition for sammy to bring their games to the dreamcast. Are a couple thousand westerners (where it is illegal to release such games) enough to revitalize a console? You be the judge!

News: Hudson Digital Express

June 16, 2004 9:49 PM PST

Hudson / brandon

Each month, Hudson puts out a little online zine called Hudson Digital Express - and this one's for the PC Engine fans. Contained in this month's edition, you'll find an interview with the developer of their new PC Engine phone ports, as well as a review of two of them from their one-time spokesman (and the handsome model for master higgins of Adventure Island) Takahashi Meijin. Fill out a form, and this present could be yours - a Hu hat signed by the man himself. In the minigames section, you'll find two odd flash games based on China Warrior. But last, and certainly not least - a full list of Hudson Soft's published cart-based games for the PC Engine, with screenshots, covers, pricing and release info. Quite nice.

News: CFJ roster update

June 16, 2004 9:38 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

A few more details about the character roster for Capcom Fighting Jam have been revealed. Jedah, Rose, Vega and Alex will be joining the cast. Check the madman's cafe for the full story, and more info.

and click 'refresh' a few times...that counter needs to hit ten million before his 10th anniversary, I say.

News: Strikers 1945 I&II

June 16, 2004 9:34 PM PST

Taito / brandon

Taito has a very nice official site for Strikers 1945 I&II, with info on both games, as well as the compilation itself. Perhaps most interesting, across the top of the splash image, the words 'psikyo shooting collection vol. 1' are written. Thus...this may not be the last we see of Psikyo's properties, if Taito has anything to say about it.

News: Noiz2sa on Xbox

June 16, 2004 9:23 PM PST

???? / brandon

ABA Games' excellent simple shooter Noiz2sa has gotten a homebrew Xbox port, with all of the customizability intact. Check this site for info, or use the powers of your own magnificent brain. Thanks to kappuru's forum post for the tip - he also took a small video of the game running on the xbox.

News: Espgaluda

June 16, 2004 9:16 PM PST

Arika / brandon

The Espgaluda PS2 website has been updated with the release of the game. Now included: details on the new options and modes, images from the added gallery and replays, and info on the score attack contest. Thanks to jiji for the news.

News: Shoot the core

June 15, 2004 11:52 PM PST

Shoot the core / brandon

Since the closure of Nippon Shoot 'em Ups, there's been a dearth of info out there about PC shooters - so Roger Post stepped up and took it upon himself to make the PC shooter database. While he can't host the demos/zips like the old Nippon site, he's got links to over a hundred sites of the original creators. Take a look.
I will go on record (albeit in black text) as saying that I hate the word 'shmups'. I think it should be stricken from our vocabulary. Shooters forever.

News: Silent Hill 4 extras

June 15, 2004 11:40 PM PST

Konami / brandon / IGGY

A different sort of audio CD is being included with the japanese release of Silent Hill 4: The Room. This time it's to be a series of horror stories by Ryûzai Sadamizu (?), set to original music by the creator of the OST. Sadamizu is, according to the itmedia report, a living national treasure. This CD is not currently planned for release outside of japan.

Play Asia: New releases

June 15, 2004 11:29 PM PST

Play Asia / brandon

New stuff at Play Asia this week - notably Silent Hill 4 (with or without the CD? Not certain) and Espgaluda (pushed back by two days) for PS2, and Dicing Knight for Wonderswan. There's a nice little description of Dicing Knight on the site, so check it out. It's quite limited, and done my Murasame, of Gundemonium and Gundeadligne.

On a related note, Play Asia has gotten a nice redesign, making it much easier to brose products. There's now a full classics section, for instance. Good stuff.

News: KOF Neowave location test

June 15, 2004 11:25 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

Naohisa has posted some links to KOF Neowave location test/AWnet images in the mmcafe bbs. Check here for the links.

News: KOF: MI

June 15, 2004 11:16 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

There's a new promo movie up for KOF: Maximum Impact - check the download section for the footage.

News: SF3: 3rd

June 15, 2004 11:12 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

The Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike site has been renewed, and a cellphone game was announced. In other news, Flash sites are the devil.

News: Mario vs DK review

June 14, 2004 11:59 PM PST

nfg games / brandon

Lawrence has put up a review of Mario vs Donkey Kong, using the 'ou' in 'honor' even though he's most certainly not from the UK. Shameful.

News: Digital Vision

June 14, 2004 11:53 PM PST

Digital Vision / brandon

Digital Vision are newcomers to the game writing scene - a young group of fellows aiming to make a bi-monthly fanzine (tokidoki journal style - where'd those guys go?), and they're calling for submissions. Go check out their first issue, and contribute if you like what you see. Long live fanzines.

News: Age of Beast

June 14, 2004 11:50 PM PST

Senile Team / brandon

As you may have heard, Senile Team, makers of Beats of Rage, have been working on a new project called Age of Beast since April. This is a sword and sorcery type of game/engine which builds substantially upon their last work. But now, there are substantial screenshots. Check them out.

News: Flyff

June 14, 2004 11:46 PM PST

Excite / brandon

Flyff is a new MMORPG from Excite/, with an interesting twist - you play as a witch. Broom riding and boss fighting - not a bad combo. Check screens here, streaming movie here and register for the 2nd closed beta here. The first test is going on now, thus a 'no download' window. Thanks to Rid Hershel for the news, who incidentally moved his site to a popup-free space. Update your links accordingly!

News: Mortal Kombat Zero

June 14, 2004 11:32 PM PST

Wildcat / brandon

Wildcat has put up some new character portraits of Mortal Kombat Zero, their new doujin fighter. And a bit of good news - I'm told that a demo release of Xtreme Duel is scheduled for the near future.

News: Mugen Keitai Disgaea

June 14, 2004 11:26 PM PST

Nippon Ichi / brandon

The Mugen Keitai Disgaea cellphone game has an official site. Rayman RPG watch out. Thanks to Rid for the link.

News: Trizeal Location detail

June 14, 2004 11:14 PM PST

Triangle Service / brandon

I neglected to mention that in the location test (only?) of Trizeal, you can play as a 12 Stag ship by inputting a special command (up, down, right 12x, left 12x).

News: Cave's new shooter

June 12, 2004 11:48 PM PST

Cave / brandon / IGGY

Cave has unveiled a new image from their upcoming arcade shooter. The poster says "Insect Princess" (mushihimesama), but this may not be the game's title. View the excellent full image at riverservice.

News: Zwei!! PS2 bonuses

June 12, 2004 11:37 PM PST

Taito / brandon / IGGY

Improvements upon the original PC game for the PS2 port of Zwei!! include: higher polygon counts for the bosses and world and a boss mode (time attack).

News: Technic Beat

June 12, 2004 11:25 PM PST

Mastiff / brandon

This is about three days old, but bear with me - Mastiff is planning to release Arika's Technic Beat in the US for PS2. This rhythm/action/remix game features music from classic Namco games, as well as Arika originals, totaling 85 songs. You can see some of them on the original homepage. Check out movies of the game here and here (direct links). Thanks to namakoteam for the link.

Download: Nightmare of Druaga

June 12, 2004 11:03 PM PST

Arika / brandon

Arika's got a new promo movie up for Nightmare of Druaga (direct link). It hasn't gotten less bizarre.

News: KOF 10th

June 11, 2004 4:48 PM PST

SNKP / brandon

SNKP has put up the KOF 10th anniversary page they promised last month, and it looks rather nice. There's a lot of potential detail here...it'd be nice if they would have just put it up with the release of the site, but it looks as though we'll be waiting on sporadic updates instead. English and Korean versions of the site are also planned.

Download: Gundeadligne

June 11, 2004 4:43 PM PST

Murasame / brandon

Murasame has posted a new demo for his excellent horizontal shooter Gundeadligne. Grab the download at the very bottom of the page (he asks specifically for no direct linking). Worth the time.

News: To Heart 2

June 11, 2004 4:39 PM PST

Leaf / brandon

Leaf has put up the official page for To Heart 2. Beware, the flash interface makes it virtually useless for dial-up slaves. Coming to PS2 this summer!

News: Castle of Shikigami Xbox

June 11, 2004 4:32 PM PST

XS Games / brandon

XS Games have announced via their forum that they'll be bringing Shikigami II to the Xbox in the US for $19.99. Confirmation came in light of a gamestop product page. Both PS2 and Xbox versions should be out within the year. Thanks to jiji for the link.

News: Meiwaku Seijin Panic Maker

June 11, 2004 4:21 PM PST

Capcom / brandon

Check out some screens of Capcom's new action game within the Biohazard world (such as it is). It's called Meiwaku Seijin Panic Maker. The game is planned for an august 5th release at 7,140 yen (with tax).

News: Trizeal new image

June 11, 2004 4:15 PM PST

Triangle Service / brandon

Minor update - Triangle Service has replaced the image on the Trizeal page with one that relates more to shooters, and less to the desert. They also removed the WIP screenshot. Curious.

News: Au revoir

June 8, 2004 11:59 PM PST

The-Sugoi / brandon

After five years on the import scene, french supersite The-Sugoi has closed down. The archive will remain up for some time, and this will probably not be the last we see of webmaster Fabien, but even so, a staple of the internet has been removed. If you've never visited before, take a look around and see what you were missing - and will continue to miss from now on. Fabien and company - thank you for your five years of dedication to the import scene - you will be missed!!

News: Pokemon Mini homedev

June 8, 2004 11:55 PM PST

pokeme / brandon

A group of people have cracked the Pokemon Mini handheld...the smallest cart-based console. Click the projects link for photos, and check out the videos as well. They've even gotten homebrew games running on the actual hardware. Check out Darkfader's site for more technical info on how this was done. Thanks to Slashdot Games for the link.

News: Trizeal

June 8, 2004 11:47 PM PST

Triangle Service / brandon

Triangle Service, of 12 Stag fame, has a new shooter in the works - it's in arcade location tests as we speak. Click-Stick is hosting some images of the test. There's an official page of sorts right here, and apparently you can 'lift' blocks thrown by robots with your plane for a high score. But as for what that means....
Makes about as much sense as 'trizeal'

News: Steel Saviour

June 8, 2004 11:38 PM PST

Atlanteq / brandon

Triggerzone reports of a new PC shooter from italy - Steel Saviour. No downloads or purchase info yet, but some very nice screens.

Update: thanks to everyone who pointed out that I've mentioned this game before - it used to be called T-Zwei, and a demo is here. My brain is degenerating.

Download: Chaos Field movies

June 8, 2004 11:32 PM PST

Milestone / brandon

Two new Chaos Field movies are up - a rule explanation and a gameplay montage. And riverservice says that the game will be fully released to arcades on the 24th of this month. Thanks to triggerzone for the link.

News: Magnacarta

June 8, 2004 11:27 PM PST

Softmax / brandon

The popular korean PC RPG Magna Carta is coming to Japan on the PS2, thanks to Banpresto. Check out the official site here (there are movies, if you can find them). The game will be released in september, but you can still get the original PC version here for $20.

News: Tales of Rebirth

June 8, 2004 11:19 PM PST

Namco / brandon

The Tales of Rebirth site is up. Still 2D (aside from the world map), but now with a 3-plane action scenario (pics here). Coming to the PS2 some day.

News: Advanced Guardian Heroes

June 8, 2004 11:05 PM PST

Treasure / brandon / IGGY

According to dengeki online, Advanced Guardian Heroes will be up to 4-player. The price is to be 5,040 yen, and the release date remains september 22nd.

News: Taito's arcade standard

June 6, 2004 11:59 PM PST

Taito / brandon

Taito has made an aggressive move in the arcade industry with the announcement of a windows XP-based system architecture. The system takes the windows base, and takes away everything used for 'not-games', leaving a solid shell for Direct X product. They're calling it the Type X, appropriately. The CPU is a Celeron 2.5GHz Intel 865G chipset. Games copy to the harddrive of the TypeX via a security-encrypted USB drive, and windows games can be nearly directly 'ported.' And because it's windows architecture, they do have plans to bring it overseas, namely the west. They can't name any specific license they've acquired for the new arcade system, but with the Falcom/Aruze announcement on the third, and the Taito/Falcom announcement not two days before that, I think we've got candidate #1 lined straight up. The aim is to create a new industry standard - serious competition to the Atomiswave. Original press release here.

Off Topic: Monaman 3

June 6, 2004 11:48 PM PST

C@UTION110% / IGGY

Monaman 3 is an ascii-influenced Megaman tribute/parody/thingy with a very clever windows theme. Give it a look. Nice rock remix as well!

News: Kanon translation

June 6, 2004 11:37 PM PST

Haeleth / brandon

Haeleth has put up english patch version .57, the first new patch for Kanon in over a year! Kanon, for those who don't know, is an excellent visual novel, the characters of which populate many doujin fighters and shooters. Thanks to

News: KOF: MI limited

June 6, 2004 11:29 PM PST

SNKP / IGGY

The extras have been announced for the limited edition of KOF: Maximum Impact. You get a tournament DVD, a 60 page booklet and a telephone card. Only 7,329 yen!

News: KOF Neowave

June 6, 2004 11:16 PM PST

SNKP / IGGY

SNK Playmore announced their KOF Neowave betatest yesterday, which just ended today. Planning! But in other news, the site is updated with all characters now.

News: Who is Swery?

June 5, 2004 11:59 PM PST

Swery / BS

Swery is the writer/director of Spy Fiction, Sammy's new (to the US) action espionage game. There's a contest going on (with digital cameras as the prize), for who can ask him the best question about his work or his background. To this end he wrote up a little bio of himself. It's on the Spy Fiction site, but I liked it enough when I read the thing at E3, that I put it right here. The man worked at SNK because it was near his house. That's something.

News: Shooter cosplay

June 5, 2004 11:46 PM PST

Nintendo / BS

Nifty cosplay link site devoted to shooter characters. Use the navigation on the left to find cosplay from ESP. Ra. De., Shikigami, Guwange and others (Rage of the Dragons too, though that's clearly not a shooter). Thanks to click-stick for the link.

Download: Metroid Zero TVCM

June 5, 2004 11:39 PM PST

Nintendo / BS

Nintendo has got a ridiculous T&A filled Metroid: Zero Mission commercial up, as well as a making-of diary. Silly stuff.

News: Zwei!! official page

June 5, 2004 11:25 PM PST

Taito / BS

Taito has put up a page for their PS2 port of the popular Falcom watercolor ARPG. They really should've added a two player mode (the game is currently two characters, one controller).

Download: Clover-TAC replays

June 5, 2004 11:16 PM PST

Clover-TAC / BS

Click-Stick has posted the first stage replay of Clover-TAC's 41+ million clear of ESP. Ra. De. He will be posting the five subsequent stages as weeks wear on, so keep checking back (there's a release schedule to be found at the above link).

News: Katamari site reopens

June 5, 2004 11:09 PM PST

Namco / IGGY

The prince is back! The Katamari Damashii site has opened for the sequel, this time with increased wackiness quotient. Sort of. It's certainly your best chance to get 'flipped the bird' by a king.

News: Namco's 50th

June 5, 2004 11:01 PM PST

Namco / IGGY

Yesterday was Namco's 50th birthday, and they're marking this year by releasing a new title in 7 of their major series. Six games have been announced recently (Ace Combat 5, Tekken 5, Xenosaga Episode 2, Katamari Damashii 2, new Taiko no Tatsujin, Smash Court Pro Tournament 2), but we can't be sure that these are the ones they're talking about (considering Smash Court Pro Tour wasn't much of a hit).

News: Armchair Arcade 3

June 3, 2004 11:40 PM PST

Armchair Arcade / BS

There's a new issue of the online mag Armchair Arcade out - you should go give it a look. Highlights include a VR glove retrospective, MUD discussion, and 2D vs FPS, not to mention a few interviews.

News: Falcom arcade

June 3, 2004 11:32 PM PST

Falcom / BS

Falcom has teamed up with Aruze to bring us Multi Access Play. This will allow users to connect to games over the net with their phones, PCs, home consoles, info terminals and arcades. To this end, Falcom is releasing arcade versions of several of their PC titles: Dragon Slayer AC, Ys AC, Sorcerian AC, VM Japan AC, Legend of Heroes AC and Xanadu AC. The games will be released one by one in accordance with the Multi Access Play plan. Original story at itmedia.

News: Heaven's Door

June 3, 2004 11:19 PM PST

Tailzone / BS

Tailzone has developed something interesting recently - Heaven's Door, an ADV game scripter for the GBA. You put in the images you want, the choices, and the results, and there you go! Well, it's a bit more complicated than that, but looks like a rather nice tool. I believe you can option out his usual frightening text color-scheme.

News: Assault Suits Valken

June 3, 2004 11:10 PM PST

Xnauts / BS

The release date for Assault Suits Valken has been postponed to August 26th. But on the bright side, the official site has opened. The game is a port of the original SFC game (not a sequel, as I previously mis-reported), with an extra 'zero mission'. Thanks to jiji for the link.

News: Advanced Guardian Heroes

June 3, 2004 11:04 PM PST

Treasure / BS

Advanced Guardian Heroes now has a release date: September 22, 2004 at 4800 yen. There are some images in a new Chinese magazine, which are looking quite nice. The character design leans more towards Gunstar Heroes, interestingly. Thanks to Namakoteam for the news.

Update! There's now an official site with clear screens.

News: Katamari Damashii 2

June 2, 2004 11:57 PM PST

Namco / IGGY

The Association of Retailers of TV-game Software (ARTS) has a little blurb up about Katamari Damashii 2 being in the works. Apparently the game will be released in Japan inside of this year. Namco plans to make this property into a series. And as a result, the official page has sort of been renewed. You'll see what I mean.

News: Arcade cab papercraft

June 2, 2004 11:49 PM PST

Way of the Rodent / BS

Continuing the grand japanese tradition of making things out of paper that you probably shouldn't, Way of the Rodent has a slew of print-and-fold arcade cabinets for your assembling pleasure. The best part is that the cabs are all specific to the games, they're not just reprints. Fine work.

News: Free GT4 demo

June 2, 2004 11:44 PM PST

Toyota / BS

Sony didn't release the PS2 western demo of Gran Tourismo 4 traditionally, but the Prius demo has been brought to the US through Toyota. Just follow Gamepro's guide, and a free GT4 demo is yours for the grabbing. Stock will likely not last long - the Prius accessory brochure is already out of stock!

News: FFCC sans GBA

June 2, 2004 11:39 PM PST

Phelps / BS

This Phelps fellow has put to practice what many of us have considered - a GBA-less Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles setup. Using five TVs, Five GCs and four Gameboy Players, they were able to play the game perfectly - with their wavebirds, even. Thanks to Slashdot games for the link.

News: KID update

June 2, 2004 11:32 PM PST

KID / BS

The news in kid-land - you can now download the opening movie for Memories Off: sorekara. They've also got a new PC->PS2/DC port in the works - Pizzicato Polka. Some excellent art, and the same scenario director as Cross Channel. The game is planned for this summer.

Rumor: CF Allstars resumes

June 2, 2004 11:23 PM PST

Capcom / IGGY

Hamapika reports that the development of Capcom Fighting Allstars has not stopped, and that Capcom Fighting Jam has not replaced it. This news must be taken with a grain of salt considering the source, but...well...it'd be nice if it were true.

News: Sega Sammy holdings

June 2, 2004 11:15 PM PST

SNKP / BS

By now you've heard of the Sega/Sammy conglomeration, of course. It seems as though all of sega's different offices will once again converge into a single entity, over which sammy's lead exec Hajime Satomi will have primary control. A view of their new logo is here. One can only hope that good games will result.

News: SNK World closure

June 2, 2004 11:08 PM PST

SNKP / BS

SNK World has announced the closure of their site, a little less than one year after opening. They hope that the community will follow to the development of a new 10th anniversary KOF site, supposedly launching this month. The general SNK fansite may relaunch next year. Thanks to Nikaiten for the news.

News: Idolmaster renewal

June 2, 2004 11:02 PM PST

Namco / BS

Namco's Idolmaster site has gotten a renewal, and some new character portraits have been added. Not much else to it, aside from some new wallpapers.