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[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Matthew Leigh of Canada's Firebase Industries details the details behind Orbitron: Revolution, a gorgeous space shmup for XBLIG and PC.


What's your game called and what's it about?

Orbitron: Revolution. Originally it was called Orbital, but looking online it seemed as though 10 other games were called that. Orbitron was settled on because it sounded like something you would find in a smoky 1980s arcade. Then two days before the Dream Build Play 2011 competition we thought we would add a second title and for about three minutes it was going to be called Orbitron: Combat Revolved.

The game has the player in the role of a defense fighter, fending off an invasion of angry robots who are bent on destroying the Orbitron Power Station. Guardian Mode is really the core of the game and is a bit of a action/shmup/tower-defense mashup. You have to stop evil laser-drilling robots from attacking and destroying the four sector ports located around the ring. When three of the four ports are destroyed the ring explodes!

Orbitron: Revolution was a semi-finalist in the Dream Build Play 2011 competition -- how encouraging was that for Firebase Industries?

The first trailer we did as a requirement to get into Dream Build Play 2011 really exploded on Youtube. We got 25,000 views or something in only a couple days which is rare for an XBLIG title. So after that we were feeling pretty good about that game and where it could go. Getting the semi-finalist spot was fantastic as well and I hope it helped get the awareness of the game up!

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Firebase-Industriesjoystiq-indie-pitchMatthew-LeighmicrosoftOrbitron-RevolutionpcShmupspacexboxSat, 17 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave mercifully provides Dodonpachi Blissful Death on iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/cave-mercifully-provides-dodonpachi-blissful-death-on-ios-this-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/cave-mercifully-provides-dodonpachi-blissful-death-on-ios-this-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/cave-mercifully-provides-dodonpachi-blissful-death-on-ios-this-w/#comments
We'll be transparent about this: we had to look up the difference between Dodonpachi Blissful Death, the new iOS game announced by shmup developer Cave, and current App Store release Dodonpachi Resurrection. How embarrassing.

It turns out that Blissful Death (known in Japan as Dodonpachi Daioujou) is the direct predecessor to Resurrection, first released in 2002. Cave is bringing the classic bullet-hell shooter to iPhone 4 and above this Thursday, February 9, at a price lower than Cave tends to charge for its iOS releases: $4.99. It comes with multiple difficulty modes, for those of us prone to involuntary phone-smashes.

JoystiqCave mercifully provides Dodonpachi Blissful Death on iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavedodonpachi-blissful-deathiosipadiphonemobilerelease-dateshmupMon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Death Smiles 2X' rated by ESRB, Cave publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/#comments
Our mothers always said "If death smiles at you once, you should try to wrap up your personal affairs. But if death smiles a second time, he's probably just flirting."

Imagine our disappointment then when we read the ESRB listing for Death Smiles 2X to find it was not, as we'd assumed, a dating sim set at River of Styx High, but rather an Xbox 360 follow-shmup to Cave's bullet hell release Deathsmiles (seen above).

Cave will take over publishing duties from Aksys on the game, which features shooting "various projectiles (bombs, bullets, lasers, arrows, etc.) at elephants, pigs, goblins, bats, and monsters in constant air battle." ... OK, so that's probably a better concept than ours.

Probably.

Joystiq'Death Smiles 2X' rated by ESRB, Cave publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavedeath-smiles-2xdeathsmilesdeathsmiles-2xesrbmicrosoftshmupxboxMon, 25 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Way too much Akai Katana Shin footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/way-too-much-akai-katana-shin-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/way-too-much-akai-katana-shin-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/way-too-much-akai-katana-shin-footage/#comments After the break, you'll find four videos of Akai Katana Shin, the (unfortunately region-locked) Xbox 360 version of Cave's latest arcade shmup, including one clip of the console-exclusive "Zetsu" ("Absolute") mode, one "expert mode" clip, one "beginner mode," and finally a new trailer. This may prove to be too much sensory input for your brain. Just a warning.

After watching this, it's kind of a bummer to think that it's stuck in Japan, but the good news is that it's possible to justify the purchase of a Japanese Xbox 360 and this game by comparing the cost to that of an arcade board. Right? Sure. Or you could wait for someone to localize it.

Continue reading Way too much Akai Katana Shin footage

JoystiqWay too much Akai Katana Shin footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akai-Katanaakai-katana-shincavemicrosoftshmupshmupsxboxSun, 17 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trouble Witches Neo sweeps XBLA April 27 in Japan, SNK hints at global release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/trouble-witches-neo-sweeps-xbla-april-27-in-japan-snk-hints-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/trouble-witches-neo-sweeps-xbla-april-27-in-japan-snk-hints-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/trouble-witches-neo-sweeps-xbla-april-27-in-japan-snk-hints-at/#comments We've always said that if there's one thing Xbox Live Arcade is lacking, it's more side-scrolling shmups starring pre-teen witches on broomsticks. Thanks goodness, then, that SNK has heard our plaintive cries and plans to release an Xbox 360 port of its coin-op descent into horizontal bullet hell, Trouble Witches Neo, as a downloadable title on April 27.

Right now, the release is only official for Japan -- where the game will run 800 Microsoft Points ($10) -- but in describing the title, SNK makes specific mention of global online co-op and leaderboards. Given the publisher's track record of releasing its XBLA games in the West soon after their Japanese debuts, it shouldn't be long before we find out which Wednesday these witches will be stirring up trouble on US consoles.

JoystiqTrouble Witches Neo sweeps XBLA April 27 in Japan, SNK hints at global release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmicrosoftrelease-dateshmupsnksnk-playmoretrouble-witches-neoxblaxboxWed, 13 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Otomedius Excellent dated for Japan ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/otomedius-excellent-dated-for-japan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/otomedius-excellent-dated-for-japan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/otomedius-excellent-dated-for-japan-again/#comments Otomedius Excellent might as well have been titled "Game for Japan Only," being a shmup starring anime girls wearing spaceship parts, but for some reason Konami has announced plans to localize the Xbox 360 oddity anyway.

It was set to come out last winter, but a delay in Japan pushed it to spring. A new trailer, after the break, shows an April 21 release date for that region; the new American date is currently unannounced. Other things featured in the trailer include every anime stereotype of the last 10 years, and just enough jiggling that we feel ashamed for posting it.

Continue reading Otomedius Excellent dated for Japan ... again

JoystiqOtomedius Excellent dated for Japan ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankonamimicrosoftotomedius-excellentq2-2011release-dateShmupxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave shmup Akai Katana coming to 360 in region-locked Japan release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/cave-shmup-akai-katana-coming-to-360-in-region-locked-japan-rele/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/cave-shmup-akai-katana-coming-to-360-in-region-locked-japan-rele/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/cave-shmup-akai-katana-coming-to-360-in-region-locked-japan-rele/#commentsAkai Katana ("Red Katana," or, we suppose, "Red Sword," depending on how much translation you need) is a horizontal scrolling shooter released in arcades last year by shmup master Cave. During an event last week, the developer announced that the game is coming to the Xbox 360 in an upgraded version called Akai Katana Shin.

Shin adds redone graphics, an unspecified new gameplay system, a new stage, and a 16x9 mode that redesigns enemy and bullet patterns to fit better on a widescreen display. The original version will also be available on the disc, which is due in Japan on May 26 in both standard and limited editions.

Unlike some other Cave Xbox games, the company announced that Akai Katana Shin will be region-locked when it arrives in Japan. "Hopefully one of our publisher friends will be interested as it looks grand." Aksys Games published Cave's Deathsmiles last year, so Cave does have at least one "publisher friend."

Continue reading Cave shmup Akai Katana coming to 360 in region-locked Japan release

JoystiqCave shmup Akai Katana coming to 360 in region-locked Japan release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akai-Katanaakai-katana-shincavejapanmicrosoftq2-2011release-dateshmupxboxMon, 21 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanostray developer working on action title for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/nanostray-developer-working-on-action-title-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/nanostray-developer-working-on-action-title-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/nanostray-developer-working-on-action-title-for-3ds/#comments German developer Shin'en Multimedia recently told Cubed3 that the team responsible for its two DS shoot-em-ups, Nanostray 1 and 2, has been working on an action game for 3DS since last October. No more specifics were given out about the identity of the title, though one logical conclusion leaps to mind: Burgertime. What else could it possibly be?

Fine, we've got our fingers crossed that the mystery project is Nanostray 3, or, following the trend of game titles on the handheld, Nanostray 3D. Maybe even Nanostray 3D The Third, if they wanted to add a little regal flair. We've contacted the developer for more info on its 3DS debut.

JoystiqNanostray developer working on action title for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnanostraynanostray-2nintendoshinenshmupSun, 20 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[D3 Publisher pings 3DS with 'Dream Trigger']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dream-trigger-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dream-trigger-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dream-trigger-3ds/#commentsD3 Publisher's first 3DS game is the arcade shooter Dream Trigger, which uses the 3D capabilities of the device for really exciting explosions. Before blasting enemies in the Art Co. Ltd.-developed shooter, you must locate them using sonar. Then, when you do destroy them, they go away in "explosive 3D patterns." 3D also shows up in the "multi-layered environments."

No screens have been released yet, so we'll all have to imagine that eye candy for now. And that's too bad, because we're intrigued by the idea of a sonar-based shmup and we'd like to see more. D3 also declined to offer any release date estimates for Dream Trigger.

JoystiqD3 Publisher pings 3DS with 'Dream Trigger' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsart-co-ltdd3d3-publisherdream-triggerdsnintendoshmupWed, 15 Dec 2010 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Young Thor studio unveils A Space Shooter for Two Bucks!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/young-thor-studio-unveils-a-space-shooter-for-two-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/young-thor-studio-unveils-a-space-shooter-for-two-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/young-thor-studio-unveils-a-space-shooter-for-two-bucks/#commentsNo, Frima Studio didn't receive two dollars to unveil its new game -- rather, the new PlayStation Mini from the Young Thor/Zombie Tycoon developer is called A Space Shooter for Two Bucks! You can guess both the genre and price from the title. Despite the low price, Frima Studio has included full voiceover for both the pilot character and his sarcastic AI companion, as well as every other character who, for some reason, has lines to speak in a shmup.

If you have PlayStation Plus, you'll be able to get A Space Shooter For Two Bucks! for free when it launches on December 21.

JoystiqYoung Thor studio unveils A Space Shooter for Two Bucks! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-space-shooter-for-two-bucksfrima-studiominisplaystationplaystation-minisplaystation-plusps3psnpspq4-2010release-dateshmupsonyThu, 09 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Milestone Shooting Collection 2 bundles five shmups on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/milestone-shooting-collection-2-bundles-five-shmups-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/milestone-shooting-collection-2-bundles-five-shmups-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/milestone-shooting-collection-2-bundles-five-shmups-on-wii/#commentsThe first Milestone Shooting Collection for Wii came to North America as Ultimate Shooting Collection, and combined Chaos Field, Radio Allergy, and Karous into one delightfully cheap collection of vertical shmups.

Milestone is developing a followup in Japan, which contains everything the first disc offered, plus two more games. Milestone Shooting Collection 2 includes all three of the aforementioned games, plus Radio Allergy Noir (a version of which was released as a standalone, full-price Xbox 360 game) and Illvelo, which was once planned for North American release but canceled. Perhaps North American publisher UFO Interactive will give Illvelo a second chance by bringing this collection over. If you want the import, it's out in Japan on December 30.

You can see more of each game at the official site.

JoystiqMilestone Shooting Collection 2 bundles five shmups on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chaos-fieldillvelojapankarousmilestonemilestone-shooting-collection-2nintendoradio-allergyradio-allergy-noirshmupwiiMon, 06 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Otomedius Excellent delayed in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/otomedius-excellent-delayed-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/otomedius-excellent-delayed-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/otomedius-excellent-delayed-in-japan/#commentsOtomedius Excellent, Konami's peculiar girls-as-spaceships shooter for Xbox 360, likely won't be making its appointed winter release date in North America. Konami announced a delay for the game in Japan, from fall 2010 to spring 2011, "due to a delay in production." If it won't be out until spring in Japan, it definitely won't be out elsewhere until at least then. GameStop lists a January date, though New Year's Day is a suspiciously placeholder-like release date.

For those of you who, like us, have a casual interest in this game, we're sorry to remind you of its existence only to let you know it's being delayed. "Hey, remember this game? You can't have it." If you have yet to be introduced to Otomedius, you can see the intro movie on the Japanese website. Keep clear of visiting family members -- or, really, anyone -- because you will be humiliated.

[Image: GAME Watch]

JoystiqOtomedius Excellent delayed in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysjapankonamimicrosoftotomedius-excellentshmupxboxThu, 25 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guwange coming to XBLA on Nov. 10 for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/guwange-coming-to-xbla-on-nov-10-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/guwange-coming-to-xbla-on-nov-10-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/guwange-coming-to-xbla-on-nov-10-for-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cave, creator of bizarrely titled shooters EspGaluda 2 and DeathSmiles, has announced that its next bizarrely titled shooter, Guwange, will land on Xbox Live Arcade November 10. Guwange, first released in arcades in 1999, is a vertically scrolling shooter set in Japan's Muromachi period and will mark Cave's XBLA debut. The game includes the original Arcade mode, an easier Arrange Mode and the somewhat mysterious "Blue" version, a remixed mode that increases difficulty.

Gallery: Guwange

Continue reading Guwange coming to XBLA on Nov. 10 for $10

JoystiqGuwange coming to XBLA on Nov. 10 for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caveguwangemicrosoftrelease-dateshmupxblaxboxThu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bangai-O HD delayed until spring, Treasure adding multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/bangai-o-hd-delayed-until-spring-treasure-adding-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/bangai-o-hd-delayed-until-spring-treasure-adding-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/bangai-o-hd-delayed-until-spring-treasure-adding-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, we have some bad news and some awesome news. First, the bad news: you won't be blowing up robots, houses, mines, and everything around you with bajillions of projectiles in Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury this fall. D3 Publisher announced that the XBLA title has been delayed until spring.

How can a delay be awesome? Developer Treasure is using the extra time to add multiplayer gameplay, including both cooperative and competitive modes. Despite Bangai-O Spirits on the DS having wireless local multiplayer capabilities, Missile Fury was originally announced without any. We suppose we can wait a few months if it means we can share Bangai-O with our friends. Find the statement from D3 after the break.

Gallery: Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury (XBLA)

Continue reading Bangai-O HD delayed until spring, Treasure adding multiplayer

JoystiqBangai-O HD delayed until spring, Treasure adding multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangai-obangai-o-hd-missile-furybangaio-hd-missile-furyd3-publisherd3publisherdelaysmicrosoftshmuptreasureXBLAxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Deathsmiles standard edition available next week from GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you want to play Cave's Xbox 360 shmup Deathsmiles, but don't need a big box or a faceplate, you'll be able to pick it up cheaply next week. A listing on GameStop.com revealed a standard version of Deathsmiles, coming out for Xbox 360 on September 28 for $29.99.

A representative of Aksys Games confirmed the release to Joystiq, saying that "the Deathsmiles Standard Edition will be $29.99 at GameStop for now." If you buy this and then something falls on your Xbox 360, cracking your current faceplate ... be sure to tell us. We'll do our best to be sympathetic while marveling at this unlikely, ironic happenstance.

JoystiqDeathsmiles standard edition available next week from GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamescavedeathsmilesgamestopmicrosoftshmupxboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury preview: the tension is getting good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/bangai-o-hd-missile-fury-preview-the-tension-is-getting-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/bangai-o-hd-missile-fury-preview-the-tension-is-getting-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/bangai-o-hd-missile-fury-preview-the-tension-is-getting-good/#commentsIt was an amazing feat on Treasure's part to fit Bangai-O, a game about intentionally letting the screen fill with bajillions of bullets, onto the DS. I was then extremely interested in seeing how the developer would fare with Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury, an updated sequel to the N64/Dreamcast/DS series on a system that is, for all intents and purposes, free of technical restrictions. As it turns out, despite having much more screen area to stuff with robots and missiles, Bangai-O HD is actually a bit less insane than its DS predecessor.

Gallery: Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury (XBLA)

Continue reading Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury preview: the tension is getting good

JoystiqBangai-O HD: Missile Fury preview: the tension is getting good originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangaio-hd-missile-furyd3-publishermicrosoftshmuptreasurexblaxboxSat, 18 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cho Aniki, Gaia Seed hit new PSN import store Sept. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/cho-aniki-gaia-seed-hit-new-psn-import-store-sept-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/cho-aniki-gaia-seed-hit-new-psn-import-store-sept-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/cho-aniki-gaia-seed-hit-new-psn-import-store-sept-21/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MonkeyPaw Games, how did you know? Seemingly in honor of a certain blogger's birthday, the upstart developer/publisher will release two PSOne Classics on the North American PlayStation Store on September 21. The identity of the two games, Cho Aniki and Gaia Seed, isn't a surprise, but the games have interesting implications (beyond the implication that you'll be able to play Cho Aniki).

The two games are the first offerings in a service called Imports on the Playstation Store, on which unaltered Japanese games will be released. "Classics like Cho Aniki and GaiaSeed," according to MonkeyPaw, "will be followed by a steady stream of untouchable titles you dreamed of playing but were relegated to reading about." A steady stream of PSOne titles, period, would be noteworthy for the North American PSN service.

JoystiqCho Aniki, Gaia Seed hit new PSN import store Sept. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cho-anikigaiaseedimports-on-the-playstation-storejapanmonkeypaw-gamesplaystationps3psnpsone-classicspspshmupsonyThu, 16 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Radiant Silvergun shining on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/radiant-silvergun-shining-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/radiant-silvergun-shining-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/radiant-silvergun-shining-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Was Bangai-O HD not enough Treasure XBLA awesomeness for you? How much awesomeness can you endure? During Microsoft's TGS keynote, the company announced an XBLA version of the developer's beloved (and expensive) Saturn shooter, Radiant Silvergun.

The new version features online co-op, upgraded graphics, and a new "Ikaruga" mode, as well as a mode wherein you save a couple of hundred dollars by playing it on Xbox. It'll be out in 2011, exclusively on XBLA.

Gallery: Radiant Silvergun (XBLA)

JoystiqRadiant Silvergun shining on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftradiant-silvergunshmuptgs-2010treasurexblaxboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 22:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Give Grasshopper your best 'pew pew pew' for a Sine Mora t-shirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/give-grasshopper-your-best-pew-pew-pew-for-a-sine-mora-t-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/give-grasshopper-your-best-pew-pew-pew-for-a-sine-mora-t-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/give-grasshopper-your-best-pew-pew-pew-for-a-sine-mora-t-shirt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

To celebrate its collaboration with Digital Reality on Sine Mora, Grasshopper Manufacture printed up some shirts. To celebrate the fact that Grasshopper's handling the sound for the new downloadable shooter, the developer is giving those shirts away in exchange for shooter sounds ... made with your voice.

Continue reading Give Grasshopper your best 'pew pew pew' for a Sine Mora t-shirt

JoystiqGive Grasshopper your best 'pew pew pew' for a Sine Mora t-shirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-realitygrasshopper-manufacturemicrosoftmusicplaystationps3shirtsshmupshooterSine-Morasoundt-shirtxboxWed, 01 Sep 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Dreamcast continues to cling to the barest sliver of life, thanks to the work of NGDev Team. The developer and publisher announced that it's porting Fast Striker, a vertical shooter made for (fellow dead system) the Neo Geo, to the Dreamcast, with a scheduled winter 2010 release.

If you want to buy a new Dreamcast game (and doesn't that sound great?) you can pre-order Fast Striker from NGDev directly, in either a regular edition or a limited edition that includes a soundtrack. If you're really enthused about Fast Striker, you can buy a pack containing both editions. The Neo Geo MVS version is also available.

Check out a trailer after the break. A trailer for a Dreamcast game.

Continue reading Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever

JoystiqFast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastfast-strikerneo-geongdev-teamportretrosegashmupWed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates KOF Sky Stage for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/esrb-rates-kof-sky-stage-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/esrb-rates-kof-sky-stage-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/esrb-rates-kof-sky-stage-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[GAME Watch]
You have to be just a little curious about a vertical scrolling shooter, starring a bunch of flying King of Fighters characters. According to the ESRB, those of us in North America will soon have the opportunity to experience the bizarre KOF Sky Stage for ourselves -- the ratings board has evaluated the Xbox Live Arcade port of the arcade shmup, making an American release likely.

Meanwhile, in Japan, SNK released a PSP game containing the entirety of KOF Sky Stage as just one mode of another shooter. The XBLA version's compensation? A "still-frame image of a female character" wearing "a revealing outfit that accentuates her buttocks and displays large amounts of cleavage."

JoystiqESRB rates KOF Sky Stage for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBKOF-Sky-StagemicrosoftshmupSNKxblaxboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Bullet Soul to show Japanese 360 owners what's shmup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/bullet-soul-to-show-japanese-360-owners-whats-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/bullet-soul-to-show-japanese-360-owners-whats-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/bullet-soul-to-show-japanese-360-owners-whats-shmup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We know the idea of a current-day shmup where the player spends more time firing bullets than avoiding them is pretty crazy, but that's actually the gameplay mechanic of 5pb's Bullet Soul. The look of this retail Xbox 360 title is the work of Bakemonogatari character designer Akio Wantanabe (any anime fans guess that before reading this far?), while on the soundtrack side, the team of Kenji Ito (Romancing SaGa) and Kouta Takahashi (Klonoa) are composing and arranging the tunes, respectively.

Bullet Soul is due out in Japan this winter.

JoystiqBullet Soul to show Japanese 360 owners what's shmup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5pbbullet-hellbullet-souljapanmicrosoftshmupxboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave adds three more shooters to the Xbox pile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cave-adds-three-more-shooters-to-the-xbox-pile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cave-adds-three-more-shooters-to-the-xbox-pile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cave-adds-three-more-shooters-to-the-xbox-pile/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We'd say Cave is putting more bullet-hell shmups on the Xbox 360 than we can handle, but that's hardly descriptive, since one is more than we can handle. The developer has announced ports of three more of its classic shooters for Xbox, including one two-game collection.

Dodonpachi Resurrection will be released in Japan on November 25, with new graphics and new gameplay modes, and will include a voucher for Dodonpachi Resurrection 1.51, the latest version released to arcades. In 2011, Cave is planning to release a two-pack of exceptionally weird games: Pink Sweets and the all-pig-girl Muchi Muchi Pork.

JoystiqCave adds three more shooters to the Xbox pile originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaveDodonpachi-ResurrectionJapanmicrosoftMuchi-Muchi-PorkPink-SweetsShmupShooterxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Xbox 360's latest shmup: Radio Allergy Noir Massive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/the-xbox-360s-latest-shmup-radio-allergy-noir-massive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/the-xbox-360s-latest-shmup-radio-allergy-noir-massive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/the-xbox-360s-latest-shmup-radio-allergy-noir-massive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Xbox 360 has turned into a lively destination for scrolling shooters, thanks mostly to the efforts of Cave. An Amazon Japan listing found by Siliconera suggests that Milestone is going to join the shmup party, with a port of Radilgy: Noir, released on the Wii in Japan this year. The Xbox version, according to the listing and the associated image, will be called Radilgy Noir: Massive.

Noir is itself based on the cel-shaded shmup Radilgy, which actually made it onto the Wii in North America (called Radio Allergy) as part of UFO Interactive's Ultimate Shooting Collection, after a long-delayed GameCube version was finally cancelled. Which means that UFO (who cancelled another localized Milestone shooter this year!) might have to think really hard before it decides to pick this one up.

JoystiqThe Xbox 360's latest shmup: Radio Allergy Noir Massive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapanmicrosoftMilestoneRadilgyRadio-AllergyRadio-Allergy-Noir-MassiveShmupxboxSat, 07 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mediatonic's new PSN Mini asks: Who's That Flying?!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/mediatonics-new-psn-mini-asks-whos-that-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/mediatonics-new-psn-mini-asks-whos-that-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/mediatonics-new-psn-mini-asks-whos-that-flying/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mediatonic, developer of Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess, has announced the second PSP game to use "WTF" as an abbreviation: Who's That Flying?! (The first was Work Time Fun, of course!) This upcoming Minis game (playable on PSP and PS3) is a horizontal shmup in which the "Guardian of Earth" uses its "HYPER-POWERED LASER ARM" to protect the world from "Doom Beasts."

The game also includes a tower defense element: rather than simply avoiding enemies and shooting what you can, you must limit the number of flying enemies that get past your invulnerable character, in order to stop them from destroying cities.

We'll be able to play this bizarre hybrid-genre game ("with courtroom drama and intrigue!") in early September.

JoystiqMediatonic's new PSN Mini asks: Who's That Flying?! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mediatonicminisplaystationps3psppsp-minisshmupsonytower-defensewhos-that-flyingWed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Treasure hiring for a new 3D shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/treasure-hiring-for-a-new-3d-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/treasure-hiring-for-a-new-3d-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/treasure-hiring-for-a-new-3d-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fresh off the North American release of Sin & Punishment: Star Successor, Treasure is beginning work on another 3D shooting game. If you live in Japan and have strong programming skills, perhaps you could be among the first to find out what it is. By making it!

The news comes from a job listing on Treasure's website, seeking a programmer for a "new project '3D action shooting game.'" In addition, a cryptic image on the front page, advertising the job listing, looks like it might be some kind of hint.

Treasure has made four games in the past that would fit in this genre: the PS2's Silpheed: The Lost Planet, the licensed Dragon Drive: D-Masters Shot on GameCube, and the two Sin & Punishment games. It is, however, a company that usually expresses more interest in original games than sequels, so past games are not necessarily any indication of future plans. Perhaps it's the company's long-awaited Xbox 360 shooter -- although that one was originally meant to be 2D.

JoystiqTreasure hiring for a new 3D shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-action-shooting-gameJapanjob-listingshmupshooterTreasureWed, 04 Aug 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Please publish Fractured Soul on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/please-publish-fractured-soul-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/please-publish-fractured-soul-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/please-publish-fractured-soul-on-ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This message is for the many Joystiq readers who are also in charge of business development at game publishing companies -- or for those few impulsive, wealthy Joystiq readers eager to start a new business venture at the drop of a hat.

You see, there's this DS game Fractured Soul. It takes the "two worlds on two screens" concept (as seen in titles like Reflection and Chronos Twins) and makes a fast-paced arcade experience out of it, with the player shifting back and forth at high speed in both platforming and shmup levels. Unfortunately, we can't play it, because developer Endgame Studios needs a publisher. N3V Games has already signed on for Australia, so that leaves ... everywhere else in the world.

That's where you come in. Watch the trailer after the break and give it some thought.

Continue reading Please publish Fractured Soul on DS

JoystiqPlease publish Fractured Soul on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsendgame-studiosfractured-soulnintendoplatformershmupFri, 30 Jul 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave announces two more shmups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/cave-announces-two-more-shmups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/cave-announces-two-more-shmups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/cave-announces-two-more-shmups/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now that Cave shooters like Deathsmiles on Xbox 360, the upcoming XBLA release of Guwange and the iPhone's EspGaluda 2 are being made available to gamers worldwide, the announcement of a new Cave game is less depressing and more exciting -- because no longer do shmup fans have to assume they'll be paying $100+ to import them.

The next slice of bullet hell from the developer is Akai Katana ("Akai" meaning "red," and "katana" meaning ... "katana"). The teaser trailer doesn't do much to teach us about the game, instead showing anime characters looking pained. It's safe to assume that some of those characters will be able to fly and fire upgradeable weapons while dodging screen-filling bullet patterns. Cave will hold location tests for the arcade game in Akihabara next week, so there will be more information (and probably off-screen footage) then.

The company also announced (PDF) an iPhone port of DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu for this summer. You can see an intense trailer for that after the break, as well.

Continue reading Cave announces two more shmups

JoystiqCave announces two more shmups originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akai-KatanaarcadecaveDodonpachiDoDonpachi-DaifukkatsumicrosoftmobileRed-KatanashmupxboxSat, 17 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave shmup Guwange to be released worldwide on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/cave-shmup-guwange-to-be-released-worldwide-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/cave-shmup-guwange-to-be-released-worldwide-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/cave-shmup-guwange-to-be-released-worldwide-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cave, famous for its insane bullet hell shmups, is taking full advantage of the reduced risk of self-publishing downloadable games. Following the worldwide iPhone release of Espgaluda II, Cave's Makoto Asada announced that the company is planning to release the 1999 shmup Guwange on Xbox Live Arcade worldwide. In a separate post, Asada showed some work-in-progress screens.

"The release date and price are not yet decided," Asada said, but the game will receive an English localization for the XBLA version. In the meantime, if you crave Cave, Deathsmiles is in American stores now, published (and put into a really big box) by Aksys.

[Thanks, dirtybeefz!]

JoystiqCave shmup Guwange to be released worldwide on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaveGuwangemicrosoftShmupShooterXBLAxboxSat, 10 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soldner-X 2 DLC writes 'The Last Chapter' later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/soldner-x-2-dlc-writes-the-last-chapter-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/soldner-x-2-dlc-writes-the-last-chapter-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/soldner-x-2-dlc-writes-the-last-chapter-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Proving that the original release was more "prototype" than "final," a downloadable expansion is in the works for eastasiasoft's PSN shmup, Söldner X 2: Final Prototype.

Continue reading Soldner-X 2 DLC writes 'The Last Chapter' later this year

JoystiqSoldner-X 2 DLC writes 'The Last Chapter' later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCEastasiasoftplaystationps3Shmupsoldner-xsoldner-x-2Soldner-X-2-Final-PrototypeSoldner-X-2-The-Last-ChapterThu, 08 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN's Retro/Grade is progressing, but not coming in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an interview with PSNStores, 24 Caret Games' Matt Gilgenbach offered an update on the development of the time-reversing rhythm shmup ... thing, Retro/Grade. Most obviously, the PSN release is getting a nice visual boost over what has been shown: "We've redone pretty much all the graphics to make the game look really snazzy on your HDTVs," Gilgenbach said, "especially because Retro/Grade runs at Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps with anti-aliasing." Power-ups (and power-downs) have also been added, as have "some epic reverse boss fights" that the team isn't talking about yet.

If you want to try out the odd guitar-controlled PSN game (and there will be a demo!) you'll have to jump forward in time to next year: "I am confident we will release it sometime in 2011," Gilgenbach said, "but I can't really narrow it down too much further."

JoystiqPSN's Retro/Grade is progressing, but not coming in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-Caret-Gamesplaystationps3PSNRetro-gradeRhythmShmupSat, 03 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Otomedius Excellent' brings cute bullet hell to Xbox this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/otomedius-excellent-brings-cute-bullet-hell-to-xbox-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/otomedius-excellent-brings-cute-bullet-hell-to-xbox-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/otomedius-excellent-brings-cute-bullet-hell-to-xbox-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fans of parody shmups like Parodius, take note: the impossible has happened, and Konami has announced a new shmup for North America. Otomedius Excellent, an Xbox 360 exclusive due this winter, is the first localized iteration of Konami's weird shooter franchise featuring anime girls in the form of classic Konami ships. Like a girld dressed up as Gradius's Vic Viper. There's even a Belmont for some reason.

Joystiq'Otomedius Excellent' brings cute bullet hell to Xbox this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010konamimicrosoftotomediusotomedius-excellentshmupshooterxboxWed, 16 Jun 2010 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Siliconera, the latest issue of Famitsu confirms what a source (and the OFLC ratings board) told Joystiq: Taito's ever-adapting shooter, Space Invaders Infinity Gene, is being released on Xbox 360 and PS3. The game appears in the magazine's table of contents.

Additionally, 1UP reports that other Japanese game magazines have confirmed the Infinity Gene console release, which is said to be a downloadable port of the iPhone game for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Even if it's just a direct port, we relish the opportunity to play this already-great game without covering up any of the screen with a big fat finger.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3PSNShmupSpace-InvadersSpace-Invaders-Infinity-GeneSquare-EnixTaitoXBLAxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/turvys-strike-back-in-an-inverse-dsiware-shmup-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/turvys-strike-back-in-an-inverse-dsiware-shmup-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/turvys-strike-back-in-an-inverse-dsiware-shmup-on-may-31/#commentsThe second game in Tecmo's odd "A Topsy Turvy Life" DSiWare series will be released on DSiWare on May 31, according to Tecmo's official Twitter account for the series. While the first game, Turvy Drops, was a falling block puzzle game, this one is a vertical shooter based on Star Force.

Like Turvy Drops, Turvys Strike Back is meant to be played with the DS upside down, such that the touch screen is on top. The player then uses the stylus to place enemies to try to defeat the shooter's protagonist. Maybe you should just watch the video after the break to make sense of it.

Continue reading Turvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31

JoystiqTurvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-topsy-turvy-lifedsiwareshmupstar-forcetecmoturvys-strike-backThu, 27 May 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Sketch Nation Shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/iphone-it-in-sketch-nation-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/iphone-it-in-sketch-nation-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/iphone-it-in-sketch-nation-shooter/#comments The iPhone App Store is littered with small-minded games. Sure, they may be fun, but they're far too often devoid of any real, long-lasting appeal. Sketch Nation Shooter is more than just the antithesis of those games ... it's the antidote.

SNS not only allows you to use your iPhone to create a game from the ground up, but also gives free access to the multitude of games that others have already made. And did I mention it's just a buck?

Continue reading iPhone It In: Sketch Nation Shooter

JoystiqiPhone It In: Sketch Nation Shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleengineous-gamesiPodshmupshoot-em-upsketch-nation-shooterWed, 12 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN is 'perfect home' for shmups, Gundemonium pub explains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/psn-is-perfect-home-for-shmups-gundemonium-pub-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/psn-is-perfect-home-for-shmups-gundemonium-pub-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/psn-is-perfect-home-for-shmups-gundemonium-pub-explains/#comments Sony Online Entertainment recently signed a deal with Rockin' Android to bring three shmups (shoot 'em ups) exclusively to the PlayStation Network: Gundemonium Recollection, GundeadGline and Hitogata Happa. Micah Loucks, producer at SOE, explained to Gamasutra that the "uniquely Japanese" quality of these shooters made them an attractive fit for PS3 owners.

Of course, Rockin' Android was incredibly enthusiastic to have these games appear on a console for the very first time. "One of our game plans was to get these games on a console system, because we always believed that they were meant to be played on a gamepad. Sony came in at the perfect time," Rockin' Android president Enrique Galvez explained to Gamasutra. Clarifying why the games were coming exclusively to PS3, Galvez added: "Xbox had some Japanese shooters already, we felt that Sony didn't really have those on PlayStation Network, so we thought that [PSN] was just the perfect home."

Although only three games are confirmed for release on PSN thus far, it appears PS3 owners can expect even more shmups in the future. "There's going to be more," Loucks added. "I can't speak towards when or which titles yet, but yes, there's going to be more." For a look at the original PC version of Gundemonium, check out a video after the break.

Continue reading PSN is 'perfect home' for shmups, Gundemonium pub explains

JoystiqPSN is 'perfect home' for shmups, Gundemonium pub explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gundeadglinegundemoniumgundemonium-recollectionhitogato-happapsnrockin-androidshmupsony-online-entertainmentMon, 10 May 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Dariusburst is approaching fast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/#commentsProviding further evidence of a localization for the US-trademarked DariusBurst, the ESRB has rated the PSP shmup. It was released in Japan on both UMD and as a download on Christmas Eve of last year. For those of us who have never played any shooter before (ever), the ESRB describes the gameplay: "From a side-scrolling perspective, players navigate through outer space while shooting at the numerous enemy units. Ships, objects, and enemies explode when hit, sometimes with realistic or slow-motion effects. "

We love this new world in which developers are selling shmups again. They were ridiculously popular in the 8- and 16-bit eras, but North American releases were few and far between for most of the last three generations. And now we're seeing this and RayStorm HD from Taito, DeathSmiles from Cave, and even an iPhone version of EspGaluda 2 in the the same year -- oh, and Cho Aniki.

JoystiqESRB: Dariusburst is approaching fast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darius-burstdariusburstesrbshmupshootersquare-enixtaitoMon, 03 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito shoots RayStorm HD at North America May 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/#commentsShooter fans in the mood for something with a bit more of a classical sensibility than the insane "bullet hell" shmups being made these days should look forward to May 5.

Square Enix just announced the North American release date for the XBLA RayStorm HD, the updated remake of a classic Taito vertical shooter (but not the one with the robot fish), and it's the same May 5 date at which Japanese Xbox owners (both of them) and PlayStation 3 owners will be able to get the game. Sadly, no PSN release date was included in the announcement -- something about which we're checking with the publisher.

JoystiqTaito shoots RayStorm HD at North America May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftraystormraystorm-hdrelease-dateshmupshootertaitoxblaXbox-360Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters shooter expanded for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/king-of-fighters-shooter-expanded-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/king-of-fighters-shooter-expanded-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/king-of-fighters-shooter-expanded-for-psp/#comments
KOF Sky Stage
SNK's odd shooter spinoff, KOF Sky Stage, hasn't even made it out of the arcade and onto XBLA yet, and SNK has already announced a sort of sequel. Neo Geo Heroes is a new vertical shooting game for PSP containing the original Sky Stage as one mode, but also adding even more characters from SNK fighting games.

Kyo, Athena, Iori, and Kula from the KOF series, Terry and Mai from Fatal Fury, Marco Rossi from Metal Slug, Iroha the maid from Samurai Shodown VI, Akari from Last Blade, and even the pilot from Alpha Mission can fly now, apparently, as they're all selectable characters in the game.

Neo Geo Heroes will fly into Japanese retail in July. No plans have been announced outside of Japan for this nor Sky Stage.

JoystiqKing of Fighters shooter expanded for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsujapankof-sky-stageneo-geo-heroesshmupshootersnkWed, 28 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NormalTanks assaults PSN this Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/normaltanks-assaults-psn-this-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/normaltanks-assaults-psn-this-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/normaltanks-assaults-psn-this-thursday/#comments
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In the mood for some old-school shmup action with a modern twist? This Thursday, NormalTanks -- not to be confused with those crazy tanks you see every now and then -- will release on PSN for the PSP and PS3. The game features a top-down isometric view and eight different environments to navigate and, as you may have guessed from the title, you control a tank.

The PlayStation blog has a video showcasing the title, which we've gone ahead and parked past the break. And, if you're more of the "gotta blow it up now!" school of tank driving, check out the game's official site for a Windows version.

Gallery: NormalTanks (PSP, PS3)

Continue reading NormalTanks assaults PSN this Thursday

JoystiqNormalTanks assaults PSN this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatshapersbrothersoftnormaltankspsnshmupWed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST