Otomedius Excellent still on the way in 2011

After Konami pushed back the release date of Otomedius Excellent in Japan, it was safe to assume that the North American release would be delayed, as well. Actually, we didn't have to just assume that the original date wouldn't hold -- Winter 2010 has come and gone!

Though it's not a terribly specific update, Konami has provided an estimate of "later this year" for the weird Xbox 360 shmup, along with some new screenshots (seen in the gallery below). At the very least, it's confirmation that Konami is going ahead with its unlikely plan to localize this game.

Otomedius Excellent (Xbox 360)

Show full PR text

On the heels of its release in Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced new details and screenshots for Otomedius Excellent, coming to Xbox® 360 entertainment system from Microsoft later this year. Sequel to the Japan-exclusive hit Otomedius Gorgeous, Otomedius Excellent brings the side-scrolling shooter action made popular by its predecessor to North America for the first time. Also included are local and online multi-player, new artwork and a pulsating soundtrack.

Key Features Include:
Classic Gradius-style gameplay gets a stunning update. Experience 2D side-scrolling shoot-em-up gameplay like never before.
Brilliant graphics and an excellent soundtrack. Environments are rendered in hi-definition and complemented by thrilling music.
Lovely characters to pilot through an expanded world. Choose from nine characters on-disc to battle through all-new stages of thrilling shmup action!
Three's company! Team up with a friend or two over Xbox Live® Arcade or on one Xbox 360 to have help obtaining hard-to-get items!
Eye-popping Gallery mode. View your unlocked stills and graphics in a new Gallery that grows as you progress through the game.

Reader Comments (6)

Eh, I dunno.

I'm a huge Gradius fan, but some of the tweaks to the formula don't make me happy. Mostly bomb-like powerups. Bombs in Gradius.....no. Just no.

It still looks fun, though. Looks better than the first Otomedius, but I'd much rather have a Gradius VI.

@Hafk Exactly I would love a more pure Gradius sequel. They are just making this to appeal to the typical Japanese gamer who is obsessed with little anime girls in a creepy way.

Since the game's title sounds like a line from a Bill & Ted film, this news is "most excellent" and "totally not heinous"!

The 360 has taken the crown for the shmup system this gen. From teen girls who are space ships, to flying witches killing killer cows, robomechs shooting thousands of missiles, to bullet hell purply orbs of doom.

Ah its good to be both a shmup and a 360

I still have my sites set on Radian Silvergun. That is my most wanted shmup pick for the year.

Another shoot 'em up coming to the west? I'm there on day one!

Please tell me this will either be region free, or released in Europe. So many amazing schmups are denied to us Europeans.