This super-fast arcade racing franchise may not yet be as big as certain others, but it’s hard to top for a pick up and play experience that caters to folks who prefer a game that’s not even close to an accurate simulation yet still tons of fun. Check out the trailer for the upcoming Vita game, which is looking like it’ll be a launch title in Japan come December 17. No doubt it’ll also be part of the US launch lineup, but don’t hold me to that…
Well, now – it’s definitely looking super on the Vita and I like the new characters as much as I did the ones in the Wii original. Given that the Vita game isn’t a direct sequel, I’m willing to forgive it for not going for the exact same look as the first game. Hopefully, the small but dedicated fan base that played and enjoyed this on the Wii will like what they see as well. It looks as if KOnami is releasing the game in Japan, but as for who’s got the US publishing rights, your guess is as good as mine. Let’s hope Xseed does the deed once more for continuity’s sake.
Yikes. I don't have time to write up separate posts for all of these, so I'll let the assortment of trailers above and below (and below the the jump) show you some of what's cooking at TGS from Namco Bandai. Between the nice support for PS Vita and 3DS plus the other key console titles coming, it's clear that the publisher is really intent on bringing it where it counts. There's definitely something for just about every taste in this lineup. I'll try and get some screens up this weekend or next week, as I'm swamped with a few reviews and such to get done. I will say that Katamari looks like it will be an absolute dream on Vita, especially with the double touchscreen deal…
Koei Tecmo is set to hit the PS3 and Vita with a VERY cool 1-2 punch with these two entries in the long-running franchise. Critics may hate these games, but the core fan base (and folks like me who just like the non-stop chaos and combat the series provides) just eats up each new installment. The PS3 exclusive Xtreme Legends will feature new characters, secret weapons, a new Legend Mode, a Challenge Mode and Japanese voice-overs (nice). No news on a NA release date, but that's what updates are for, right?
Well, it’s official. Sony is launching its newest handheld on December 17 in Japan and based on what I’ve been reading, it’s going to be region free (yes!). Official North American, European and other territory launch dates have yet to be announced, but sometime in 2012 is the safe bet. As for the Japanese launch lineup… I’ll post that list tomorrow, as it’s late and I need my beauty sleep.
Expect a mix of interesting AAA titles, HD remakes of PS2 titles, quirky stuff that will stay in Japan and a bunch of PSN stuff that’s also probably not going to make it out here, as the markets for certain types of games is quite different. In any event, you can also expect import shops such as Play-Asia to have a boom in pre-orders and sales from early adopters. eBay will also see a bunch of Japanese Vitas rake in a ton of profit for those who put theirs up for sale. Granted, scammers will also be part of the program as well, which is why I’ll wait for the official US launch (unless I suddenly come into a ton if money and can afford plane fare, a nice hotel for a brief stay, a new Vita or three AND a bunch of games).
Get it through your skulls, people: unless they can turn back time, Sega has NO plans to make a Dreamcast 2, period. Too much money down the drain in R&D plus the sad fact that the industry isn’t going to support standalone home consoles in this rush to enforce digital evolution, which is a bad idea at the end of the day. Trust me, when there’s a service outage along the lines of this year’s PSN debacle spread across whatever set top “cloud” box is in your house, you’ll be wishing you had a few consoles and physical games to fall back on while you’re waiting for service to be restored. THAT said, those cute as hell monkeys are back, this time on the Vita. Sega may not be cranking out consoles these days, but they sure as heck know how to produce and publish some great games. SO, focus your attention and gaming dollars on cool titles like this and help Sega thrive where it’s doing its best. That is all…
Sony is definitely showing up for this year's Tokyo Game Show more than prepared, that's for sure. As the list below the jump notes, the company is leaving none of its consoles out of the lineup (although PSP pickings are slim this year, I expect a few third party publishers to show off a few more titles). According to siliconera, some 32 PS3 titles will be shown, so the 13 on the list is only the beginning of what's looking to be a solid lineup. While The Last Guardian is nowhere to be seen on this list, I'd bet my entire games collection that there will be at least a trailer or some new info dropped at the show. Hell, there's always at least ONE surprise at TGS and and TGL news would be just that for the more rabid fans who crave every drop on information about the Team ICO developed game.Read more »
Yes, I know PAX is right around the corner (I’m not there this year) and I’m STILL writing stuff about Gamescom? Hey, I’m buried in Deus Ex: HR at the moment, so you get to watch a couple of really nice videos from Sony’s press conference last week until I post my review and free up some time. By the way, so far, it’s a spectacular game…
Super cool and informative video from the Playstation Blog that reveals Irrational has some major plans for Sony’s upcoming handheld. Right now, there’s not much to worry about in terms of Vita getting sunk by not having enough good games, that’s for sure. 2012 is certainly going to be a deciding year for “dedicated” handheld platforms. I think too much emphasis is being placed on pure casual experiences on devices over more well-rounded gaming experiences that might cost more, but deliver MORE for that money. Let’s hope that the core gamer base can prove me right while allowing Vita to also cater to those who want less “serious” games.
I’ve wanted a Princess Crown remake for YEARS, but Vanillaware didn’t listen. Nope, not at all – they went and make yet another COMPLETELY new game, this time with single and online multiplayer modes, more of that incredible hand-drawn art they’re known for and yes, it looks spectacular. Why doesn’t anyone listen to me anymore? Oh wait – this time it’s a GREAT thing I got ignored. UTV Ignition has come out of the game with ANOTHER great game. If you’re not all over this and El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (go play the demo NOW – it’s incredible), you’re not a gamer, you’re a stamp collector in the wrong hobby. My PS3 is VERY happy and the kidney I’ll sell for a PS Vita is dancing around in anticipation!
I’ll update with screens later – no matter what you play, this one’s a MUST-buy game, folks.
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