I’ve been too busy working on some other projects to keep track of every game I liked from TGS, but Soul Sacrifice is one I’m adding to my long list of wants. It’s not only a great-looking game and a new IP (another one in a bunch coming exclusively to Sony platforms this year and next), it’s yet more proof to the naysayers that the Vita doesn’t get any worthy titles. Of course, it’s usually only those who don’t own a Vita or do, but skip over games for it because they’re unwilling to expand their horizons who are complaining. Me, I say keep it up, Sony!
Ah, I’d almost forgotten about this one, but here you go: the UK/EU launch trailer for the nicely intriguing RTS/RPG hybrid. I loved the first game on the Wii quite a lot (in my opinion, it’s one of the best games made for that console) and updated visual style plus all-new touch controls aside, the Vita game looks like it will be even more addictive and fun to play. Slowly but surely, the Vita is getting more great games – something it really needs with so much at stake for Sony this console cycle.
Well, that’s what I call day-making news (at least in my world). D3Publisher of America has announced via Twitter (and to us press folk here) that Earth Defence Force 3 Portable will be headed stateside in Winter 2013. I’m gathering that that vague launch window means sometime between January and March, not November/December of next year. I’d heard rumblings about an English script a few months back from somewhere I can’t say, but I’ve been keeping that info secret because I absolutely despise rumors and getting people’s hopes up about something so cool. Anyway, even though I’ve imported the Japanese version, I’ll absolutely be diving back into the game again when it lands in stores sometime next year. EDF! EDF! EDF!
And you thought YOU had bug troubles? Vita owners in Japan (and some lucky folks like me who are importing but STILL want this localized for our territories) are getting what I consider to be an instant system seller in the form of a SUPER enhanced version in one of the most action-packed “retro” sci-fi shooters ever. Of course, the man on the street stuff above makes for a fun watch that would be cool if the game was promoted here in the US in a similar manner (should it get the green light for a localization)…
OK, this is getting nuts, but in the coolest possible way. As I said earlier, I’m importing this Vita exclusive, but I’m keeping my fingers and toes (and eyeballs) crossed that D3Publisher of America sees fit to get it out here at some point (sooner than later). Interestingly enough, guess who’s coming to town on Wednesday with a bunch of new games? Yup, D3Publisher. Of course, THIS isn’t one of them, but I’ll be asking (or begging, depending on the level of potential alcohol consumption I do) them to make it so.
Hey, Minoru Kawasaki? You are a really crazy, crazy man (in the best possible way, though). If this game DOES get a US release, I say D3 should just use these spots as some sort of viral campaign. I’m still considering ordering a copy of this from Japan just in case it’s not localized, but I’ll hold out until after TGS and see if D3Publihser here makes any sort of announcement. My Vita is smiling, that’s for sure…
Ah, that oddball Japanese sense of humor…. where would the gaming, no, entertainment world be without it? Famed “B” movie director Minoru Kawasaki is trying his hand at making EDF look even more cheesy than it intentionally is and based on these two videos, he’s going to succeed (and quite admirably at that). I’d forgotten to run the rather goofy announcement trailer for these spots a few weeks back (you get to watch the director drinking for the most part), but in a way, I’m glad that I missed posting it because these updates are such fun. Anyway, amusing stuff aside, HOPEFULLY we’ll have a seriously official word from D3Publisher of America after this year’s Tokyo Game Show on whether or not this reaches North America and Europe. In English, of course.
Hell, I’m importing it if it doesn’t and maybe even if it does because I’m such a huge EDF fan, but this is one of those titles I firmly feel will REALLY help the Vita out in terms of being popular worldwide.
While I truly miss the days of beating feet to the arcades every weekend with a roll of quarters to check out the latest pinball (and arcade) games, a few very dedicated developers who were also fans of the old school such as the mighty Zen Studios have been keeping the flame alive digitally. Thanks to some incredible simulations that take up a hell of a lot less space than an actual Pinball machine, yet manage to pack in all the thrills, you whippersnappers can play to your hearts content in the comfort of your living room and get the same thrills. Well, save for the flat out cool factor an actual hefty hunk of American made metal, glass and well-wired circuit boards brings to your living room. Hell, I bet that damn 60″ HD setup you have is where that pinball table WOULD be. Wait, what? You have a 90″ TV? Eeek. Well, good for you.
Anyway, Zen Pinball 2 (or Pinball FX2 for you Xbox 360 owners) has been getting some AMAZING updates. Here’s the latest one coming your way next week: Plants vs. Zombies Pinball, based on the popular and hilarious PopCap games. Three bucks for your PS3 or Vita (yes!), 240 MS Points for your 360. That’s a recommendation right there if I’ve ever written one. Poke around PSN or mosey around Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade in a few days, whip out that wallet and add PvZP to your collection.
Packing in a lengthy quest mode, a real time battle system focused on combos and contact, up to four player co-op via ad hoc or online, lovely visuals and some nice connections to the popular MMO series, this one could be an instant classic when it’s released. As someone who liked Ragnarok DS quite a lot and knows this game is going to be a whole lot better, I can’t wait to see how it turned out. My Vita’s getting hungry for more dungeons and drooling denizens determined to drop doom on my poor party. Fat chance, demon-spawn, fat chance, I say, grrrr!
I’ve been having an interesting conversation with a friend about the “need” for this sort of AAA mascot platformer in these days of more gritty games and less humor in too many major releases. We’re both not against the idea of this genre and yes, there are plenty of fun (and funny) indie games to fill the gaps should the mascot platformer just about vanish from the next generation of consoles. That said, outside anything “new” Nintendo has been doing with the Mario franchise, I’m seeing a bit too much by the numbers programming where deja vu takes the place of actual innovation and true creativity. Or hell, perhaps I’m getting too jaded about thing (which isn’t a good sign). I think not, though – I’m just old enough to know when a game is going the rote route.
Maybe it’s developers trying too hard to recapture what made many classic platformers great or maybe it’s just that we’re seeing the genre finally winding down after so many games from great to terrible. Either way, it’s looking as if Sanzaru’s upcoming Sly Cooper game will be part of a dying breed unless we start seeing a resurgence in the genre that features new and equally memorable mascots and gameplay that’s worth buying a new console for. Then again, you don’t need a new system to play the best platformers (or mascot games) ever made, right?
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