Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ikaruga model kits due in Japan this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/ikaruga-model-kits-due-in-japan-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/ikaruga-model-kits-due-in-japan-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/ikaruga-model-kits-due-in-japan-this-june/#comments When verbal communication fails to adequately convey your immense love for Ikaruga, it's time to invest in an intricate, 1/144 scale replica of one of the game's ships. And we do mean invest: the gorgeous "Hitekkai Ikaruga" injection-plastic kit from Japanese manufacturer Kotobukiya requires time, art supplies, assembly and painting. Depending on your level of interest, you're either seeing "fun weekend project" or "help help I've glued my blue fingers together again."

According to Tomopop and HobbyLink Japan, the Ikaruga kit will ship in June. Early pre-orders, from now until April 6th, can get it for a discounted price of 3,840 Yen ($46). Motivation: If you've already mastered Treasure's intense test of polarity clarity, what challenge could there be in a pile of fiddly, plastic pieces?

JoystiqIkaruga model kits due in Japan this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IkarugakotobukiyamicrosoftmodelsnintendotoystreasurewiixboxSat, 19 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's Xbox Live stats indicate proneness to Japanese-developed games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/japans-xbox-live-stats-indicate-proneness-to-japanese-developed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/japans-xbox-live-stats-indicate-proneness-to-japanese-developed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/japans-xbox-live-stats-indicate-proneness-to-japanese-developed/#comments It'd be impossible to discuss Japan's Xbox Live usage stats, recently released by Microsoft (and posted after the break), without pointing to the overwhelmingly Japanese-developed composition of them. Taking first place among the top XBLA purchases of 2009 was last year's Virtual On port -- a game so popular in Japan that it currently holds second place in the region's all-time bestsellers list. Games like Ikaruga and Trigger Heart Exelica populate the rest of the XBLA stats, though Western-developed Castle Crashers notably takes the number one position in all-time popularity.

The sheer Japanosity of these stats is even more apparent in the download numbers for all that other stuff. From demos (75 percent Japanese-developed) to Games on Demand (90 percent) to DLC (also 90 percent), Japanese players clearly have a hankering for homemade games -- even on their Western-developed consoles.

[Via Andriasang]

Continue reading Japan's Xbox Live stats indicate proneness to Japanese-developed games

JoystiqJapan's Xbox Live stats indicate proneness to Japanese-developed games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crashersdigital-distributiongames-on-demandikarugajapanMicrosoftstatstrigger-heart-exelicavirtual-onxblxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeWed, 06 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL 'Deal of the Week' has Ikaruga at a flipping nice $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/xbl-deal-of-the-week-has-ikaruga-at-a-flipping-nice-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/xbl-deal-of-the-week-has-ikaruga-at-a-flipping-nice-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/xbl-deal-of-the-week-has-ikaruga-at-a-flipping-nice-5/#comments
Xbox Live's "Deal of the Week" has been pretty solid lately as evidenced by its latest offering: Ikaruga for a paltry 400 ($5)!

The polarity flipping shmup is considered to be the thinking man's entry into the "blast everything" genre. This is about as good as an arcade deal gets, and with the prices of this year's "Summer of Arcade," we'll take all the savings we're granted.

[Add Ikaruga to your download queue]

JoystiqXBL 'Deal of the Week' has Ikaruga at a flipping nice $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekikarugaMicrosofttreasurexblaXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft requested 'Radiant Silvergun' XBLA remake, Treasure considering]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/microsoft-requested-radiant-silvergun-xbla-remake-treasure-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/microsoft-requested-radiant-silvergun-xbla-remake-treasure-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/microsoft-requested-radiant-silvergun-xbla-remake-treasure-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There may soon be a way of picking up and playing Radiant Silvergun that doesn't involve second mortgages or selling plasma. Talking with Gamasutra, Treasure CEO Masato Maegawa revealed that Microsoft has approached the developer about giving the cult classic arcade and Saturn shmup a makeover for Xbox Live Arcade.

While you reattach your jaw, it's worth noting that Treasure has yet to say yes to the remake, with Maegawa expressing concern that unlike Ikaruga, which blasted its way onto XBLA in April 2008, much more work would have to be done to Radiant Silvergun before it was given the green light. "If you play Radiant Silvergun nowadays," noted the exec, "it's certainly aged in assorted ways, and I'm not sure they're all good." Honestly Treasure, you can have our Microsoft Points, spit polish or not. Anything to keep our precious bodily fluids to ourselves.

JoystiqMicrosoft requested 'Radiant Silvergun' XBLA remake, Treasure considering originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugamicrosoftradiant-silvergunshmuptreasurexblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeMon, 05 Jan 2009 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Virtual Console plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wii-warm-up-virtual-console-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wii-warm-up-virtual-console-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wii-warm-up-virtual-console-plus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Okay, hypothetical question time. I recently acquired an Xbox 360 to keep my Wii and DS company, and have spent most of my time playing games on Xbox Live Arcade. My chief obsession in this short period has been Treasure shooter Ikaruga, which I previously enjoyed on the GameCube. The Xbox Live Arcade version is different, however, having been fleshed out with some neat additions, including the ability to upload/download replays and online leaderboards.

Now, I like these features. In fact, I like the leaderboard aspect so much that I began to wonder why Virtual Console games didn't offer such extras. Given the choice, would you like to see stuff like leaderboards and other additions (for example, some new galleries of old art, a developer commentary or interview, etc.) included with Virtual Console releases, or would you rather not spoil the pristine authenticity of the service? I used to be in the latter camp, enjoying the unspoiled genuineness of VC games, but now find myself wanting more!

The big gallery feature is approaching at full throttle. According to the data, it is identified as "Awesome Treasure Gallery."

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Virtual Console plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugawwuThu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A brief history of Treasure's shooters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Whether you're a fan of shmups or wish to throw a pile of dictionaries at us for using such an egregious portmanteau, you could learn a thing or two from DS Fanboy's tribute to the shoot-em-up kings at Treasure. From 1993's Gunstar Heroes (released last year as a Virtual Console title) to this year's Bangai-O Spirits, the piece covers all of the developers' projectile-favored games (sorry Dynamite Heddy fanatics). Click here and get edumucated.

JoystiqA brief history of Treasure's shooters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangai-obangai-o-spiritsDSGameCubegunstar-heroesikarugaPCPS2PS3PSPshmuptreasureXbox-360Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Points>Life: Recap Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/points-life-recap-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Each week, X3F tips gamers to the tricks of the trade of Achievement hoarding in Points>Life. Every week a new achievement is unlocked to help you continue your unhealthy obsession with the Xbox 360 meta-game.

This week on Points>Life we're giving you nothing! Well, actually what we're doing is going back and recapping the tips we've given you and added a little postmortem comment. After releasing each feature the X3F Army shared best practices on other methods to obtain similar achievements.

This week we go back to the last eight weeks of tips and tricks, so if you're new to Points>Life ... today is your day!

Continue reading Points>Life: Recap Edition

JoystiqPoints>Life: Recap Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-pointsachievementscall-of-duty-4cod4crackdowngtaivhalf-life-2halo-3halo3ikarugaorange-boxpoints-greater-than-lifepoints-liferainbow-six-vegasrainbow-six-vegas-2team-fortress-2Tue, 27 May 2008 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez, Ikaruga hold record for best XBLA launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rez-ikaruga-hold-record-for-best-xbla-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rez-ikaruga-hold-record-for-best-xbla-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rez-ikaruga-hold-record-for-best-xbla-launches/#commentsFiled under: ,

In news post yesterday, Penny Arcade's Gabe revealed the top four best launches ever for Xbox Live Arcade, with the launch window being the first three days of availability. The list is as follows:
  1. Rez HD, 25k units
  2. Ikaruga, 22.5k units
  3. Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 1, 16.5k units
  4. N+, 13k units
Honestly, we're a bit surprised by the initial success of Rez and Ikaruga. Not that we didn't want them to succeed (they really are awesome games), but we didn't expect to see Xbox Live community rally so quickly around years-old re-releases. Now, if we could only see data for worst XBLA launches, or even total Rez playtime using multiple controllers as trance vibrators.

Gallery: Rez HD (XBLA)


[Via X3F]

JoystiqRez, Ikaruga hold record for best XBLA launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsgabeikarugann-pluspenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresrezxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeTue, 27 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- Points>Life: Perfecting Polarity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/x3f-tv-points-life-perfecting-polarity/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/x3f-tv-points-life-perfecting-polarity/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/x3f-tv-points-life-perfecting-polarity/#commentsFiled under: ,


Each week, X3F tips gamers to the tricks of the trade of Achievement hording in Points>Life. Every week a new achievement is unlocked to help you continue your unhealthy obsession with the Xbox 360 meta-game.

This week marks our first venture into the XBLA points business with a tip that covers the recently released Ikaruga. Well, maybe tip is the wrong word. This week we're showing you the pattern to memorize that will help you get an A grade on the first level of the shoot-em-up.

This one isn't easy to get, but watch the tutorial and you should be chaining enemies in no time.

Music: "Mercy" by OURS

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
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[MP4] Download the MP4 directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- Points>Life: Perfecting Polarity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsikarugajoystiqfeaturespointspoints-greater-than-...points-lifetreasurex3f-tvTue, 22 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Ikaruga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-ikaruga/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is the one everyone has been waiting for. Ikaruga has finally landed on Xbox Live Arcade. We took the game for a test drive and put together our usual video tour. Is Ikaruga worth the wait? You bet your bottom it is. If you like the bullet hell shoot-em-up genre, you need to play Ikaruga. Watch the video and find out why.

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[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the MP4 directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Ikaruga originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugax3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeFri, 11 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Last chance: Win Ikaruga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/last-chance-win-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/last-chance-win-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/last-chance-win-ikaruga/#commentsFiled under:


This is it, the final chance to win Ikaruga if you haven't already entered. Remember, unlike our typical giveaways, you can only enter once. If you've already entered, you're covered. Those of you who haven't entered, get to it (you have one hour as of this post). We don't know why you haven't already, honestly. Maybe you were away on business. Maybe you were tied up in the basement and have only now reached a computer, desperate to reach out for somebody, anybody who can help. We say wait just one minute before contacting the authorities and enter our giveaway first. Remember fanboys: swag first, rescue second.

JoystiqLast chance: Win Ikaruga originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagfanswag-weeklyikarugaxblaxbox-live-arcadeFri, 11 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win Ikaruga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-win-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-win-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-win-ikaruga/#commentsFiled under:


You there! Stop what you're doing right now because we've got something to say. Ahem, please don't forget to enter our latest giveaway. We're giving away two download codes for Ikaruga, the latest and greatest release on Xbox Live Arcade. All you have to do to win is visit our official giveaway page and follow the directions. As if that weren't enough, Joystiq is joining in on the fun and giving away three codes for the game. If you enter both giveaways, your chances more than double! Go for it. Live the dream.

JoystiqReminder: Win Ikaruga originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagfanswag-weeklyikarugaxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win a copy of Ikaruga (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/joyswag-win-a-copy-of-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/joyswag-win-a-copy-of-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/joyswag-win-a-copy-of-ikaruga-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: Entries are closed. We'll be alerting the winners via e-mail soon, so please keep an eye on your inbox!

Treasure's Ikaruga holds a special place in our hearts. If you're like some of us on the Joystiq crew, today's Xbox Live Arcade release will be the third time you pick up this classic shooter. At only 800 Microsoft Points ($10), this HD re-release is quite a bargain -- but, thanks to Microsoft, we're able to give three Joystiq readers a free download of the game. Just follow these rules for your chance to win:
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment with the name of your favorite Treasure-developed game
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 12pm ET on Friday, April 11th. We'll randomly select 3 winners at that time (please check your email!)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

For another chance to win, be sure to visit Xbox 360 Fanboy.

JoystiqJoyswag: Win a copy of Ikaruga (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugajoyswagtreasurexblaXbox-360Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag Weekly: Win Ikaruga for XBLA!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/fanswag-weekly-win-ikaruga-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/fanswag-weekly-win-ikaruga-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/fanswag-weekly-win-ikaruga-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under:


Ah, the sweet taste of free. Granted, it's not always sweet. After all, people give away lots of crappy free stuff. A free coaster, a free button, free Yaris. None of that really seems to satisfy. Free Ikaruga, on the other hand, now that hits the spot. Here's your chance to snag a free download code for Ikaruga (valued at 800 Microsoft Points / $10). Simply do the following.
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment with the name of your favorite Treasure-developed game.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • This entry period ends at 12:00pm EST on Friday, April 11th. We'll randomly select 2 winners at that time (please check your email!).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
For another chance to win (well, three to be precise), head over to Joystiq.

JoystiqFanswag Weekly: Win Ikaruga for XBLA! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagfanswag-weeklyikarugatreasurexblaWed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga vertically scrolls onto the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/ikaruga-vertically-scrolls-onto-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/ikaruga-vertically-scrolls-onto-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/ikaruga-vertically-scrolls-onto-the-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ikaruga, the Japanese arcade shooter that a few of our fellow fanboys have been salivating over, is now available for download off of the Xbox Live Arcade for a cool 800 Microsoft points. That means that the Dreamcast diehards among us no longer have any reason to track down an elusive Japanese copy of the game. Ikaruga supports two player co-op locally or over Live, video replays and (of course) the oh so unique and completely color coded polarity gameplay that we've all come to embrace. Go ahead and give Ikaruga a download already. Your inner vertical scroller will appreciate it.

JoystiqIkaruga vertically scrolls onto the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasuretreasure-incxblaWed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: XBLA gets Ikaruga, Poker Smash DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/this-wednesday-xbla-gets-ikaruga-poker-smash-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hey, it's tough to keep the lid on an exciting secret. If we knew Ikaruga was coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, we'd probably blurt it out at every opportunity too. Sort of like what we're doing now. In case you haven't gathered, Treasure's mesmerizing shooter is finally, officially coming to Xbox 360 this week -- f'realz, confirmed and for 800 MS Points ($10). You're all smiles now, but just wait until the game crushes your ego to a pulp in its unrelenting, unforgiving bullet-hell fist.

Those who prefer their gaming to be less hectic and humiliating should note that Poker Smash is receiving some downloadable content this week, with an "Environment Pack" adding two new Action Mode environments and a "Puzzle Pack" adding 15 new weapons. No, wait ... puzzles. Definitely puzzles. Each pack will set you back 100 MS Points ($1.25).

Gallery: Ikaruga (XBLA)

JoystiqThis Wednesday: XBLA gets Ikaruga, Poker Smash DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCIkarugaPoker-SmashTreasureXBLAXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveMon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed! Ikaruga to the XBLA this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/confirmed-ikaruga-to-the-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/confirmed-ikaruga-to-the-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/confirmed-ikaruga-to-the-xbla-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

Treasure told us last week, but today Microsoft made it officially official. The highly anticipated arcade shooter Ikaruga will make its way to the Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, April 9th for 800 Microsoft points. Ikaruga will feature five levels of shooter action, two player co-op gaming locally or over Xbox Live and include a video replay mode to watch all the destruction over, and over again. It's Ikaruga! It's releasing this Wednesday! It's Ikaruga!

JoystiqConfirmed! Ikaruga to the XBLA this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaMon, 07 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Treasure website: Ikaruga hits Xbox Live this week [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-website-ikaruga-coming-to-xbox-live-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-website-ikaruga-coming-to-xbox-live-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-website-ikaruga-coming-to-xbox-live-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under:

Treasure's maniacal shoot-em-up Ikaruga is coming this week, April 9, according to the game's website. There's no official word yet from Microsoft, but we wouldn't find the date surprising, as it was leaked once before on the Japanese Xbox site. The game was also "outed" for an April release by the UK Official Xbox Magazine and has reportedly been on PartnerNet since January. Our fingers are crossed that this release date will stick, and come Wednesday, we can enjoy some mind-blowing, color-coordinated space shooting.

Update: Confirmed by Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog for this week.

JoystiqTreasure website: Ikaruga hits Xbox Live this week [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsikarugaxblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeMon, 07 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Treasure site says Ikaruga flies this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-says-ikaruga-flies-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-says-ikaruga-flies-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/treasure-says-ikaruga-flies-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

Long rumored, and even leaked, this week's big Live Arcade release is now officially Treasure's fan favorite shooter Ikaruga. Despite the fact that the official xbox.com page still says "TBA," Treasure's website has been updated with the game's release date, and if the developers are not to be trusted, who is? The screen scrolling shoot 'em up that made its original debut in the days of the Dreamcast is designed around avoiding geometric patterns of bullets while shooting enemies. Ikaruga changes things up by adding the ability to change your ship's polarity to become invulnerable to certain bullet types. This looks to be the next really big game on the XBLA horizon, we just have to hope that the netcode holds up to the craziness that is Xbox Live.

JoystiqTreasure site says Ikaruga flies this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaMon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave shooters denied XBLA release by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/30/cave-shooters-denied-xbla-release-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/30/cave-shooters-denied-xbla-release-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/30/cave-shooters-denied-xbla-release-by-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Recently Xbox Live Arcade has shown considerable potential as a home for shoot 'em ups, from the Forgotten Worlds-channeling Omega Five to monochrome shooter Ikaruga's looming release. However, to hear talk from 5pb, the devs charged with bringing Cave's nefarious DoDonPachi series as well as its latest shooter Ketsui to XBLA's digital frontier, the platform still has a few nagging hang ups keeping it from becoming a beacon for shmups.

Echoing N+ developer Metanet's recent comments concerning what does and does not make it to the service, 5pb spoke out about similar frustrations in the latest issue of Famitsu, revealing that both of its ports of DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou Black Label X and Ketsui X had been summarily rejected for release over XBLA, with Microsoft claiming that it's "going to cut down on faithful arcade ports." Only faithful ones?

We agree that there is certainly a glut of arcade nonsense on XBLA, but this is equivalent to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. 5pb and Cave are reportedly now working to bring both games to market through traditional retail channels in a defiant effort to show Microsoft "that their decision was wrong." Now all we need is a publisher with an eye for niche Japanese releases to pick the games up for release outside of Japan. Altus, are you listening?

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqCave shooters denied XBLA release by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caveDoDonPachifamitsuIkarugaKetsuimetanetn-plusnplusomega-fiveomegafiveportshmupxblaXbox-360Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ikaruga polarizing XBLA April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/rumor-ikaruga-polarizing-xbla-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/rumor-ikaruga-polarizing-xbla-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/rumor-ikaruga-polarizing-xbla-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Japanese version of Xbox.com apparently posted the release date for the long-awaited XBLA version of Ikaruga. Xblah reports a Japanese website caught the alleged premature posting showing the game had an April 9 date attached to it.

Although the game still has no official release, UK OXM had a review of the game in its April issue with an image saying the game was "out now." Ikaruga has been on PartnerNet since January, so it'd be nice if it could make its polarity flipping public appearance sometime in the near future.

[Via Xblah]

JoystiqRumor: Ikaruga polarizing XBLA April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaXbox-360Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga release date leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/ikaruga-release-date-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/ikaruga-release-date-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/ikaruga-release-date-leaked/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: It seems the xbox.com page has been taken down ... whatever could that mean? Date moved? Date confirmed? We'll have to wait and see.

The screen scrolling shoot-em is a genre that's looking to more fully cement itself on XBLA soon, and Ikaruga will be one of the games that will allow it to do that. With a release date of 04/09/2008, April 9th 2008, fans of the incredibly hardcore co-op shooter will should be be happy, as thats the release date leaked onto the Japanese xbox.com site earlier today. We haven't heard much about this game so far, and with this info showing up on the Japanese version of xbox.com, it's possible that the English localization of the XBLA version isn't ready. We'll find out soon either way, now all we need is the game's price point, and since this isn't an original creation hopefully its not as expensive as another approaching-release XBLA game.

JoystiqIkaruga release date leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaThu, 27 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK OXM's April issue: Ikaruga 'out now' on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/uk-oxms-april-issue-ikaruga-out-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/uk-oxms-april-issue-ikaruga-out-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/uk-oxms-april-issue-ikaruga-out-now-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


The April issue of UK Official Xbox Magazine apparently believes that the XBLA version of Ikaruga is "out now," meaning the classic polarity-bending shooter may finally be close to release. Receiving a 9 out of 10 from the magazine, there's no clear release date for the game, but given the magazine's publication month, the only thing we can venture to guess is the title should be out by the end of April.

We were impressed with the port of Ikaruga during our hands-on time with the game back at the Tokyo Games Show. Ikaruga's XBLA premiere has been a long time coming, first popping up on our radar in Feb. of 2007 and finally being officially confirmed much later in the year. Hopefully the UK OXM piece means the wait is almost over.

JoystiqUK OXM's April issue: Ikaruga 'out now' on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaXbox-360Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga achievements revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ikaruga-achievements-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ikaruga-achievements-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ikaruga-achievements-revealed/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, Ikaruga. What can we say about you that we haven't said in the past? We've dropped rumor after rumor in the wake of your pending announcement. Lamented about the wait for your upcoming HD upgrade. We've even been teased by advertisements while we awaited your arrival. Today the teasing continues as your achievements have been revealed. From simple scenarios like beating bosses to unimaginable feats like completing your campaign on one continue - your achievements are no joke. Well Ikaruga, it seems we know everything about you that we can. So would you please hurry up and release already? These 800 MS Points are burning a hole in our pockets!

[Thanks, Morgon]

JoystiqIkaruga achievements revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasurexblaWed, 19 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OXM hints at imminent Ikaruga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/oxm-hints-at-imminent-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/oxm-hints-at-imminent-ikaruga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/oxm-hints-at-imminent-ikaruga/#commentsFiled under: ,


It seems the April issue of Official Xbox Magazine has some information about the highly anticipated XBLA release Ikaruga. Specifically, it sounds like the game will be coming out very soon, as the magazine notes the game is already available with a graphic that reads "Out Now." It doesn't get much clearer than that. Unfortunately, given the nature of magazine lead times (people get April issues in March, etc.) it's hard to say exactly when Ikaruga will show up, but it's probably safe to say it should be out before the end of April. Oh, and for what it's worth, OXM gave Ikaruga a 9 out of 10, so things are looking up.

Update: Upon closer inspection, the review appears to be in the UK Official Xbox Magazine.

[Thanks, Teddings]

JoystiqOXM hints at imminent Ikaruga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugaoxmxblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 18 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga: an announcement postmortem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ikaruga-an-announcement-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ikaruga-an-announcement-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ikaruga-an-announcement-postmortem/#commentsFiled under:


After weeks of solid Xbox Live Arcade releases from such re-envisioned classics as RezHD to new-age addiction like Poker Smash, we can't help but wonder where one game in particular is. Ikaruga, from Treasure Video Games, has been at the top of our most wanted list since it was announced at the Tokyo Game Show in 2007 but it still hasn't found its way into our hard drives (currently it's the only XBLA title announced at TGS07 that has yet to be released.)

Visiting the official product page on Treasure's website (translated) we know that the game will ring in at 800 MS Points and that it's set for a winter '08 release. With March quickly approaching we can't help but wonder if Ikaruga will be hitting the Marketplace sometime in the next few weeks. Ikaruga's XBLA release checks off every major bullet-point for the service, such as: hi-resolution graphics and achievements, as well as added bonuses like 2 player co-op and support for both 16:9 and 16:10 widescreen.

Kotaku ran a story in early January confirming that Ikaruga had made its way to Partner Net, an industry-only beta release of Arcade titles in development, so we're optimistic the classic shooter will go live very soon.

JoystiqIkaruga: an announcement postmortem originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugatreasuretreasure-video-gamesxblaxbox-live-arcadeFri, 29 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga back on Xbox 360 PartnerNet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ikaruga-back-on-xbox-360-partnernet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ikaruga-back-on-xbox-360-partnernet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ikaruga-back-on-xbox-360-partnernet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Treasure's crazed, color-coded shoot 'em up Ikaruga has been found on PartnerNet, an alternate form of Xbox Live for developers to use for testing code, according to a poster at the SHMUPS forums. The game was reportedly a 49.04 MB download, and captured screenshots show menus for the leaderboard and replay system. Also noteworthy is that the game supports both 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios.

Ikaruga's appearance on PartnerNet does not necessarily mean the game will be released anytime soon, although there does seem to be an indication that the game is nearing completion. Ikaruga was announced for XBLA alongside Rez, which is slated for release this month.

[Via Arcade Renaissance]

JoystiqIkaruga back on Xbox 360 PartnerNet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugapartner-netpartnernettreasurexblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeTue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS hands-on: Ikaruga (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs-hands-on-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs-hands-on-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs-hands-on-ikaruga-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There are many gamers that don't know of, let alone know how to pronounce, Treasure's Ikaruga. Unfortunate, considering it's the definitive shooter of the last console generation. With its arrival on Xbox 360, a whole new set of gamers can enjoy Treasure's masterpiece, which was previously only available on the Dreamcast and Gamecube.

Those that have already played the game can rest assured that the game is identical in every way to the original. Every enemy pattern that we've seen in our short time with the game remains exactly as it was years ago. There is one key enhancement: the video has now been upgraded to run in HD, making the game look as good as you remember it. Admittedly, you won't be concentrating at the backgrounds while playing the game, simply for the sake of staying alive. However, it's a good addition to know will be in this remastered re-release.

Those that haven't played the game will find Ikaruga to be one of the games that's easy to learn, but difficult to master. The game only uses two buttons: A and B. One button will let you shoot a barrage of bullets, while the other will let you switch polarity. Polarity becomes the big theme of the game, as your ship changes strengths and weaknesses when changing affinities. Being a white ship will allow you to destroy black ships twice as quickly, but it will leave you vulnerable to any attack from black fire. The opposite is true for black ships. Your ship can absorb the bullets of the same color, which you can then throw back at enemies. These rules are the construct for devilish enemy patterns and level designs that will have you memorizing each level just for fun. It's brutally difficult, but immensely satisfying, and easily one of the best additions to XBLA.

JoystiqTGS hands-on: Ikaruga (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugaTGStreasurexblaXbox-360Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Radiant Silvergun gunning for XBLA?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/radiant-silvergun-gunning-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/radiant-silvergun-gunning-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/radiant-silvergun-gunning-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an interview with 1UP, Masato Maegawa, president of Treasure (shooter developer extraordinaire) talked about the company's current and future plans for Xbox 360. Firstly, Maegawa mentions that Ikaruga will have many new features on Xbox Live Arcade, including online co-op and the ability to record and share movies. Also, Maegawa spoke about the 360 shooter that was first announced back in January. Apparently, development for the unnamed shooter has been slow because of the resource-intensive nature of developing for 360. Also, it seems that part of the shooter team is also busy porting Ikaruga to Xbox Live Arcade. Finally, and perhaps most intriguingly, Maegawa notes the possibility that Radiant Silvergun may be headed to XBLA complete with high definition visuals. The sound you just heard was the jaws of millions of shooter fans hitting the floor.

JoystiqRadiant Silvergun gunning for XBLA? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugaradiant-silverguntreasurexblaWed, 19 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on Treasure's Wii project, Ikaruga XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/new-details-on-treasures-wii-project-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/new-details-on-treasures-wii-project-ikaruga-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/new-details-on-treasures-wii-project-ikaruga-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Die-hard fans of Treasure's shooters probably already own Ikaruga for either Dreamcast or Gamecube -- possibly both. So why would they buy the title yet again for the Xbox 360? According to Treasure president Masato Maegawa speaking to 1UP, new features to the game include online co-op, worldwide rankings and the ability to share replays.

Given Ikaruga's frantic pulsations of laser shots, we're hoping there's some code in place to fix any lag issues. There's a lot of quick, minute movements required in the shooter and being out of sync at all with your partner would lead to a very frustrating experience (see: Contra XBLA).

Maegawa also told 1UP that they are in the midst of developing a title for Nintendo Wii. The project is being handled by the "action" team (other teams include shmup and fighting) who also made one of our favorite Virtual Console titles, Gunstar Heroes. No other details are available, though we expect the title to retain much of the side scrolling action style as its spiritual ancestors.

JoystiqNew details on Treasure's Wii project, Ikaruga XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ikarugamicrosoftnintendotgstreasurewiixblaXbox-360Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't expect any Treasure games on PSN anytime soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/dont-expect-any-treasure-games-on-psn-anytime-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/dont-expect-any-treasure-games-on-psn-anytime-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/dont-expect-any-treasure-games-on-psn-anytime-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


On the cusp of Tokyo Game Show, the 1up crew tracked down Treasure president Masato Maegawa to ask him all sorts of questions regarding his company's future. Treasure, of course, is the company behind such great titles like Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun and Guardian Heroes.

While we're sure plenty of you would love to download any of those games via the PlayStation Network, it doesn't look like it'll be happening ... at least not for awhile, anyway. Maegawa said that Treasure is just now "fully up and running on developing for Xbox Live Arcade, so to move resources to PSN just now wouldn't make much sense."

Ouch, did you hear that? That's the sound of my heart being crushed under Maegawa's steel-toed penny loafers. You'll rue the day for this decision, Maegawa. RUE!

JoystiqDon't expect any Treasure games on PSN anytime soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upikarugainterviewsmaegawaplaystation-networkpsntreasureTue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-and-ikaruga-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-and-ikaruga-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-and-ikaruga-confirmed-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under:


Proving that the Tokyo Game Show is about more than just announcing Ninja Gaiden 2, several new (and notably Japanese) games have been announced for Xbox Live Arcade. First and foremost among these are Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Rez and Treasure's Ikaruga. While Ikaruga's appearance on XBLA shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's been paying attention, Rez comes as a pretty big surprise. If you're not familiar with Rez, you're probably better off watching the video embedded after the break than having us attempt to explain it.

Microsoft also touted several other games for XBLA including EXIT (previously announced), Every Extend Extra Extreme (ditto), Omega Five (impressions), and Triggerheart Exelica (a shooter apparently). Things are looking up for XBLA, no?

Continue reading Rez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA

JoystiqRez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>every-extend-extra-extremeeveryextendextraextremeexitikarugareztgs-07tgs07triggerheart-exelicaxblaWed, 12 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez, Ikaruga, Exit confirmed for Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-ikaruga-exit-confirmed-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-ikaruga-exit-confirmed-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/rez-ikaruga-exit-confirmed-for-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

If you missed out on our liveblog of Microsoft's pre-TGS conference in Japan (it does, after all, require an excessive and strenuous amount of scrolling to access), you may appreciate and respond with delirious joy to some of the pertinent news to emerge from it. You should also appreciate the amount of effort that went into the preceding and vaguely professional sentence -- we really just wanted to blurt out that REZ ON XBLA YAY.

Ahem.

Microsoft confirmed that Tetsuya Mizuguchi's melodic shooter will soon make you hear everything you see and see everything you hear on Xbox Live Arcade. Other things you'll see are waves of hypnotic bullets (Ikaruga), saviors adorned with fine hats (EXIT), pulsating geometric shapes (Every Extend Extra Extreme), flying robots (Omega Five) and... er, some sort of Japanese car (Triggerheart Exelica)? No release dates have been announced for any of the games, though we suspect none of them are likely to come soon enough.

JoystiqRez, Ikaruga, Exit confirmed for Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBreakingNewsDSEvery-Extend-Extra-ExtremeExitIkarugaMicrosoftNintendoOmega-FiveOmegaFivePuzzleRezSquare-EnixTaitoTGS07Triggerheart-ExelicaUbisoftXBLAXbox-360Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga headed to Live Arcade(!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-heads-to-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-heads-to-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-heads-to-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ikaruga, one of the shining jewels in the Dreamcast's farewell tiara, is headed for Xbox Live Arcade. How could we possibly know this? CVG reports that the game has appeared on the debug version of Xbox Live. Unfortunately, upon downloading Ikaruga, CVG was greeted with a Treasure logo and not much else, as the game quickly crashed. That's why it's debug, right? Still, we've already heard that Treasure wants to make some Live Arcade games, so Ikaruga definitely makes sense. After all, it is regarded by many as one of the best -- if not the best -- shooters of all time. As much as we love multi-directional shooters, more classic shooters would be welcome on Live Arcade (speaking of, where's Raiden?)

Now all we need is Gunstar Heroes and Guardian Heroes and the Treasure triumvirate will be complete.

JoystiqIkaruga headed to Live Arcade(!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecvgikarugalive arcadeLiveArcadetreasurexblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 14 Feb 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ikaruga bound for Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/ikaruga-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CVG has the scoop: Treasure's hypnotic, crushingly difficult and strikingly beautiful shoot-em-up, Ikaruga, is headed for Xbox Live Arcade. An early build of the game was spotted on the debug version of Xbox Live, which is only accessable through an Xbox 360 debug unit. Though the code wasn't functional yet, we imagine that Live co-op would make for an excellent addition to this particular version.

For those who missed out on Ikaruga's previous console ports on the Dreamcast and Gamecube, know that the game is one of the genre's best -- at least if you're willing to accept the irremediable psychological damage caused by the game's never-ending sea of pulsating bullets. Let the torturous wait for further details begin!

JoystiqIkaruga bound for Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DreamcastIkarugaMSFTRadiant SilvergunRadiantSilvergunShmupShootersTreasureXBLAXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveWed, 14 Feb 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Treasure on the 360, 2D shooter on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/treasure-on-the-360-2d-shooter-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/treasure-on-the-360-2d-shooter-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/treasure-on-the-360-2d-shooter-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: ,


1UP recently sat down with the president of Treasure, Masato Maegawa, to discuss development for new gen consoles, and -- most importantly for us -- their plans for the Xbox 360. Treasure currently has a retail 2D shooter in the works for the Xbox 360. Maegawa claims that the graphics will be 3D but that the gameplay will stay true to the 2D style that Treasure fans have come to know and love. Also worth noting, the game is being created by the team responsible for the Dreamcast swan song, Ikaruga. Furthermore, he says that Treasure is considering an original title for the Xbox Live Arcade. Maegawa also says that 4 Genesis titles could make their way to the Arcade as well. Hey, give us Gunstar Heroes and Guardian Heroes and we will be happy campers.

We love us some Treasure (yar!) and it's nice to see Microsoft actively pursuing talented studios. What Treasure game would you like to see brought to the Arcade?

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqTreasure on the 360, 2D shooter on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeikarugalive arcadeLiveArcadetreasuretreasure studiosTreasureStudiosxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 09 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: NiGHTS returning on the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/rumorang-nights-returning-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/rumorang-nights-returning-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/rumorang-nights-returning-on-the-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is one recurring rumor we'd rather not toss away, instead warmly embracing it and gently scratching behind its furry little ears. Unfortunately, much like realizing the kitten in your hands is actually a squirrel infected with rabies, the truth about a sequel to NiGHTS may just upset you. And tear your face clean off.

If you follow the dubious rumor treasure trail, you're bound to end up at a Wii release list published on Japanese website, G-rev. Stashed between Animal Crossing and a Naruto game is the tantalizing mention of NiGHTS (or Naitsu), though no accompnaying release date can be found. It could be a remake, a sequel or an elaborate dance interpretation -- or a complete fabrication.

Is the modern Sega even capable of producing a good follow-up to NiGHTS? Would Wii controls shine through the possible dreck of NiGHTS 2: Into Dwiims, now with fly-by shootings and a talking rabbit? Perhaps, but they'll have to make the game before we know.

(In other news, G-rev's Xbox 360 page lists a Radiant Silvergun 3 ... )

[Via Siliconera, Insert Credit]

JoystiqRumorang: NiGHTS returning on the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IkarugaNightsNights into dreamsNightsIntoDreamsRadiant SilvergunRadiantSilvergunSegaTreasureWiiXbox-360Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Raid Over the River info, screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/new-raid-over-the-river-info-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/new-raid-over-the-river-info-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/new-raid-over-the-river-info-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Polish top-down shooter news now, with developer Nibris updating their website with information regarding Raid Over the River, a game we last heard about just over 6 months ago. In case your memory doesn't reach that far back, the official website can eloquently remind you of the genre the game finds itself in. "A representative of the 'flying shooter' plays this and he is seen from a vertical projection."

The vertically projected atmosphere is trumpeted as the winning difference between Raid Over the River and other shooters, though our attention was more drawn to the fact that in one of the game's three time periods, your futuristic aircraft is switched out for a rather disagreeable dragon. Bolstered by the presence of a winged beast, it shouldn't take Nibris too long to get hold of a publisher (or the English language). In the meantime, have a look at the first colorful batch of screenshots.

[Thanks Nushio and Cringer8]

Read - Official site (click on Projects, then Raid Over the River)
Read - First DS screenshots

JoystiqNew Raid Over the River info, screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusIkarugaNibrisRaid over the RiverRaidOverTheRiverSadnessShooterWed, 14 Jun 2006 16:26:00 EST