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 origin of the Konami code, as told by its inventor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-origin-of-the-konami-code-as-told-by-its-inventor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-origin-of-the-konami-code-as-told-by-its-inventor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-origin-of-the-konami-code-as-told-by-its-inventor/#comments The legendary Konami code came about because Gradius was too hard for one of the guys making it. Katsuhisa Hashimoto was on the team of four responsible for the NES port of Gradius, and he recalled adding the code in a 2003 interview just translated by GlitterBerri. "I had one guy under me, and he played through the coin-op version," Hashimoto said. "That one's really tough. I hadn't played that much and obviously couldn't beat it myself, so I put in the Konami Code."

The code uses its familiar, now-iconic pattern for ... convenience. "Because I was the one who was going to be using it," Hashimoto said, "I made sure it was easy to remember. The game took around half a year to develop, and, at the time, putting the code together was like an entertaining puzzle. 'How on earth am I going to be able to fit these passwords into the program?' I'd ask myself." The solution to that puzzle may have led to your successful completion of Gradius, Contra, or countless other Konami games.

[Image: DefunctGames]

JoystiqThe origin of the Konami code, as told by its inventor originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiuskatsuhisa-hashimotokonamikonami-codenintendowiiMon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami shoots 'Gradius Arc' into core of Japanese trademark database]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/konami-shoots-gradius-arc-into-core-of-japanese-trademark-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/konami-shoots-gradius-arc-into-core-of-japanese-trademark-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/konami-shoots-gradius-arc-into-core-of-japanese-trademark-data/#comments
[Hobby Search]
Konami has filed a Japanese trademark for something called "Gradius Arc." The "Gradius" part is easy enough to parse -- Konami's long-running series of horizontal shooters, last seen in the form of WiiWare's Gradius ReBirth -- but the "Arc" leads us to one particularly fanciful hypothesis.

"Arc" happens to be the frontrunner among rumored names for the PlayStation Motion Controller, having been mentioned by several developers and even trademarked by Sony. Could this be the first evidence of a motion-controlled Gradius game?

However, we shouldn't jump to (horrifying) conclusions based on the presence of a common word that happens to coincide with what a controller might be called. "Arc" could just be a subtitle for a Gradius game that you play with a controller like a sensible person.

JoystiqKonami shoots 'Gradius Arc' into core of Japanese trademark database originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcgradiusgradius-arcjapankonamiplaystation-arcshmupshootertrademarkWed, 03 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami coin-op cameo in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/#comments While playing through Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for review, our very own Richard Mitchell stumbled upon a pretty neat thing: classic Konami coin-op arcade cabinets. Sadly, you can't play the cabinets in-game, but it's a nice Easter egg for fans, if we may say so. There's Contra, Rush'N Attack and -- our personal favorite -- Gradius. Check 'em out in the video above.

JoystiqKonami coin-op cameo in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecontragradiuskonamirushn-attackrushnattacksilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWed, 09 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Life Force (NES)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/vc-in-brief-life-force-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/vc-in-brief-life-force-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/vc-in-brief-life-force-nes/#commentsFiled under:


Life Force (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points
We say: download it!

This week, we've only one Virtual Console game again, and it's another shmup. Thankfully, it's also a Gradius (reminder: Gradius is awesome) clone, which makes it all okay.
Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Life Force (NES) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiuskonaminesshmupvc-in-briefvirtual-consoleMon, 16 Feb 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch: Gradius gets LBP'd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/watch-gradius-gets-lbpd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/watch-gradius-gets-lbpd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/watch-gradius-gets-lbpd/#commentsFiled under:

lbp
LittleBigPlanet is officially a verb. And we're officially wowed by this Gradius-inspired user-created level (full clip after the break). We're not sure what amount of time, effort and total understanding of LBP's quirky reality it takes to birth such a creation ... but we ain't got it.

Also: Anyone able to find this level in-game? Our search for "Libidius.jp" (the supposed stage name) turned up nada. You can find the level by searching for the creator: RRR30000. [Thanks all!]

Continue reading Watch: Gradius gets LBP'd

JoystiqWatch: Gradius gets LBP'd originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiuslbplbp-ugclibidius.jplittlebigplanetPS3user-generated-contentMon, 03 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius ReBirth: U.S. to destroy the core soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/gradius-rebirth-u-s-to-destroy-the-core-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/gradius-rebirth-u-s-to-destroy-the-core-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/gradius-rebirth-u-s-to-destroy-the-core-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click to enter gallery.

Keen ESRB-spotter Spencer at Siliconera has located a welcome addition to the ESRB's database: Gradius ReBirth. While Japan has been pew pewing itself silly since early September, this is the first solid sign that the 1000 Point WiiWare game will be leaving its native country.

Input the code and shoot the core down the break for footage of the first two stages.

Continue reading Gradius ReBirth: U.S. to destroy the core soon

JoystiqGradius ReBirth: U.S. to destroy the core soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbGradiusGradius-ReBirthKonamiShmupWiiWareFri, 31 Oct 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Digital Champ Battle Boxing and Gradius II Gofer No Yabou]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/vc-monday-madness-digital-champ-battle-boxing-and-gradius-ii-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/vc-monday-madness-digital-champ-battle-boxing-and-gradius-ii-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/vc-monday-madness-digital-champ-battle-boxing-and-gradius-ii-go/#commentsFiled under:


We've got two new imports to play on the Virtual Console this week. We love it when the service hooks us up with imports because they're so fresh and new. We like that. Too bad one of this week's games isn't very good. Which one is it? Hit up the video above to find out. And if you're looking for more, head past the break.

Continue reading VC Monday Madness: Digital Champ Battle Boxing and Gradius II Gofer No Yabou

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Digital Champ Battle Boxing and Gradius II Gofer No Yabou originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-champ-battle-boxinggradiusgradius-iihudsonkonamiturbografx16Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius II goes Battle Boxing on Virtual Console today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/gradius-2-goes-battle-boxing-on-virtual-console-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/gradius-2-goes-battle-boxing-on-virtual-console-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/gradius-2-goes-battle-boxing-on-virtual-console-today/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week on the Virtual Console we've got shirtless, muscular men and sidescroller shoot-em-ups. The last time these two worlds met, we were graced with with Cho Aniki. Now that we're done with the history lesson, on with the VC releases!
  • Digital Champ Battle Boxing (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 700 Wii Points): With Punch-Out!!! already available on Virtual Console -- and with infinitely more exclamation points -- we can only recommend this as a basis for comparison.
  • GRADIUS II GOFER NO YABOU (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 900 Wii Points): Don't be fooled by the subtitle; so far as we know, there are no gophers in the game -- and here we were hoping it was a typo lost in translation about some Caddyshack tie-in. Instead, it's a sequel to the classic sidescrolling "shmup" Gradius.

JoystiqGradius II goes Battle Boxing on Virtual Console today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-champ-battle-boxinggradiusvirtual-consolevirtualconsolemondayWiiMon, 20 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Import Gradius II coming to US Virtual Console in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/import-gradius-ii-coming-to-us-virtual-console-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/import-gradius-ii-coming-to-us-virtual-console-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/import-gradius-ii-coming-to-us-virtual-console-in-october/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hudson has been responsible for more import games on the US Virtual Console than anyone, and they've announced an October release that's exciting for a couple of reasons. The first, and most obvious, reason is that it's Gradius II: GOFER no Yabou, the PC Engine CD-ROM port of a Gradius game that has never been available in the US (except on the PSP). Sure, the VC is saturated with shmups, but not nearly enough of them are Gradius.

The second, more speculative reason we're excited is that this is an import PC Engine CD-ROM game from Konami. The game we want more than any other on the Virtual Console is also a Konami game, and also on that system.

Hudson is also releasing the import Digital Champ Battle Boxing in October. It's ... not very good!

JoystiqImport Gradius II coming to US Virtual Console in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-champgradiusgradius-iihudsonkonamiMon, 29 Sep 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius Rebirth announced for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-rebirth-announced-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-rebirth-announced-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-rebirth-announced-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It looks like Mega Man 9 started something. A new retro-flavored Gradius title has been announced for WiiWare. Gradius Rebirth will strike Japanese Wii systems this Summer. That's pretty much all we know for now -- details about the game's content, like whether or not it's a remake of a previous Gradius game is still unknown. Considering Gradius (NES) lives on the Virtual Console, we'd be surprised if this wasn't a completely brand-new game.

[Thanks, Rlan!]

JoystiqGradius Rebirth announced for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusGradius-ReBirthKonamiNintendoShmupWiiWiiWareThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius is reborn on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-is-reborn-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-is-reborn-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-is-reborn-on-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: ,

You can certainly make an argument that the Wii doesn't need any more digital side-scrolling shooters, since a plethora of options are offered on the Virtual Console. Yet, we think when it comes to the Gradius series, you might be willing to make an exception.

Konami announced that Gradius ReBirth will hit the Japanese WiiWare service this summer. We really don't know much about the game, but the lone screenshot (above) shows that the classic sprites will be returning. What else do you need to know, though, other than that it's Gradius? As long as the price is right, this is likely a "must buy" for shoot 'em up fans.

[Via Arcade Renaissance]

JoystiqGradius is reborn on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusGradius-ReBirthKonamiShmupWiiWareThu, 17 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius as a type-em-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/gradius-as-a-type-em-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/gradius-as-a-type-em-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/gradius-as-a-type-em-up/#commentsFiled under:


Some game series are strong enough in setting, storyline, and theme that they work well in multiple genres. Super Mario RPG comes to mind as a good genre change, though it isn't exactly 100% faithful to its source material. Perhaps the best transition has been The House of the Dead 2, which went from light-gun shooter to typing game to English trainer. Postman, of the blog Shoot the Core (apparently a Gradius fan to begin with), has reimagined Konami's legendary shooter in a much slower-paced gametype: an Infocom-style text adventure.

The results, predictably, are awesome. It's Gradius! Even as a completely different, vaguely nonsensical game, it's great.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqGradius as a type-em-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiuskonamishmuptext-adventureFri, 23 May 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: The Hanabi Festival returns! [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/vc-friday-the-hanabi-festival-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/vc-friday-the-hanabi-festival-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/vc-friday-the-hanabi-festival-returns/#commentsFiled under: ,

An immensely pleasing sight greeted our bleary eyes when we inspected the PAL Virtual Console this morning -- the revival of last September's Hanabi Festival! What does that mean? Simple: for the next few weeks, the VC will feature games that were previously unreleased in Europe or Australia, which we suppose justifies the slightly higher price tags.

Best of all, we're promised that this will continue for the next few weeks. Wonder what else we'll get? Here are this week's trio:
  • Columns III: Revenge of Columns -- Mega Drive -- 900 Wii Points
  • Final Soldier -- TurboGrafx-16 -- 700 Wii Points
  • Gradius II Gofer no Yabou -- TurboGrafx-16 -- 900 Wii Points
As usual, make the jump for footage of all three.

[Update: There's much excitement here, as further inspection of Nintendo's press release reveals that Speedos-clad TurboGrafx-16 shooter Cho Aniki will be one of the future Hanabi Festival releases!]

Continue reading VC Friday: The Hanabi Festival returns! [Update]

JoystiqVC Friday: The Hanabi Festival returns! [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacolumnseuropefinal-soldierfridaygenesisgradiushanabi-festivalhudsonkonamimega-drivepalpuzzlesegashmuptg-16turbografx-16Fri, 02 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crank the core with this Gradius music box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/crank-the-core-with-this-gradius-music-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/crank-the-core-with-this-gradius-music-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/crank-the-core-with-this-gradius-music-box/#commentsFiled under: ,

This rare Gradius music box has to be one of the coolest limited-edition game-related items we've ever seen. It's not much to look at -- pretty much just a wooden box with the Gradius logo printed on it -- but it's a Gradius music box. It is a mechanical music box that plays Gradius music. We don't think we have to explain the amazingness of such an item.

Specifically, it plays a 15-second version of "Farewell" from Gradius II GOFER no Yabou. We found an actual recording of the music box in action here. This item was only available as a mail-in offer to people who purchased three Gradius soundtrack CDs.

We don't even get the opportunity to buy soundtrack CDs most of the time over here, and Japanese fans get to listen to those soundtracks as music boxes. Now we just have to ask ourselves: is the best fifteen seconds of Gradius music ever in a box worth $99?

[Via GameSniped]

JoystiqCrank the core with this Gradius music box originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebaygradiusmusic-boxpromoWed, 21 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Balloon Fight wasn't already out?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/vc-tuesday-balloon-fight-wasnt-already-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/vc-tuesday-balloon-fight-wasnt-already-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/vc-tuesday-balloon-fight-wasnt-already-out/#commentsFiled under: ,


The biggest surprise for us this week is right there in the title. Balloon Fight is one of the canonical first-generation NES games. It's already out in the U.S. and Europe, and it was even remade for the DS in Japan in a Club Nintendo-exclusive Tingle version. So why has it taken so long to show up on the Virtual Console in Japan? In the time that Japanese Wii owners have been waiting for Balloon Fight, they've gotten two versions of Wonder Boy in Monster World. Similarly, today brings the second version of Gradius II.

Speaking of repeat performances, we'd like to point out how awesomely Treasure is represented on the VC. Light Crusader is the fourth Treasure game to appear on the VC so far, and we appreciate every one. Even Light Crusader.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Balloon Fight wasn't already out? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloon-fightballoonfightbaseball-stars-2dragon-spiritdragonspiritgradiuslight-crusadervctuesdayTue, 13 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's November VC releases: Nuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/28/japans-november-vc-releases-nuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/28/japans-november-vc-releases-nuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/28/japans-november-vc-releases-nuts/#commentsFiled under: ,


... and also Milk. November's Virtual Console outlook for Japan looks pretty excellent, with a lot of delightfully niche stuff. That includes King's Knight, the medieval-themed vertical shooter (!) from Square(!) that nobody likes but us ( ....) It will also bring Sega's Eternal Champions, the goofy Mortal Kombat-influenced fighting game that we poured hundreds of hours into. But it also includes stuff that non-us people will enjoy, like Panel de Pon, which, released in the U.S. as Tetris Attack, is the most popular version of the Puzzle League puzzle games. Light Crusader is notable for being an RPG from Treasure, and not much else.

Of course, the big news for a lot of us is that SNK has turned the King of Fighters faucet on, ensuring a constant stream of fighting games with overdone storylines and ridiculous outfits for at least a year.
Here's the full lineup for November, assuming some of them don't get bumped or pushed back into December (they will):

Famicom: Ganbare Goemon, Balloon Fight, Makaimura (Ghosts 'n Goblins), Nuts and Milk, King's Knight
Super Famicom: Panel de Pon
Mega Drive: Ecco Jr., Light Crusader, Eternal Champions
PC Engine: Dynastic Hero (Wonder Boy in Monster World), Dragon Spirit, Take the A-Train 3, Kawa no Nushi Tsuri (Legend of the River King), Gradius II GOFER no Yabou
Neo Geo: The King of Fighters '94, Baseball Stars 2, Top Hunter

JoystiqJapan's November VC releases: Nuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseball-stars-2ecco-jreternal-championsganbare-goemongenesisgradiusking-of-fighterskings-knightneogeonesnuts-and-milksnestg16top-hunterSun, 28 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An ad for a Virtual Console release?!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/07/an-ad-for-a-virtual-console-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/07/an-ad-for-a-virtual-console-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/07/an-ad-for-a-virtual-console-release/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's Sunday, and you know what that means -- a new edition of Promotional Consideration! Well, that's what it would mean were this post on DS Fanboy, but since the sign we're featuring is for a Virtual Console title, this will have to be a Promotional Consideration article only in spirit.

We haven't come across many Virtual Console advertisements in the states; in fact, we haven't come across any at all. We're reminded of this travesty every morning when we see the lines of blood soaked through VC fanatic JC Fletcher's shirt, traces of his nightly self-flagellation rituals wherein he begs his retro-video-gaming gods to deliver us more ads for classic titles.

The Gradius/Nemesis sign pictured above was found at the Musashi-Urawa train station in Saitama, Japan late last May. When was the last time you saw an ad for a shoot-em-up displayed in a public space? As much as we'd love to see Virtual Console advertisements and posters of enlarged screenshots from 2D games brought over to the US, especially for JC's sake, we doubt that Nintendo of America will ever follow suit.

JoystiqAn ad for a Virtual Console release?! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementgradiusjapankonaminemesisshmupshoot-em-uptrain-stationSun, 07 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: The Terror of Druaga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/vc-tuesday-the-terror-of-druaga/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/vc-tuesday-the-terror-of-druaga/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/vc-tuesday-the-terror-of-druaga/#commentsFiled under: ,

Many American gamers would consider today's Japanese VC update to have two winners: the isometric RPG Landstalker, and Konami's wonderful SNES shooter Gradius III. Japanese gamers, for whom, of course, this update is intended, would be just as likely to gravitate toward the Famicom version of Namco arcade "classic" The Tower of Druaga, which, uh, they can enjoy with our compliments. We keep getting fooled by Druaga's appearances in Namco Museum collections into thinking that it's really a good game and we're just missing something, but we really don't think we are. It's a brutally hard maze game with unresponsive controls and no point. It's part RPG and part action game and all arrrrrrggghhhh.

This week's Japanese Virtual Console releases:

JoystiqVC Tuesday: The Terror of Druaga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>druagagradiusgradius-iiigradiusiiilandstalkervctuesdayTue, 25 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The VC Advantage: Getting it out of the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/vc-advantage-getting-it-out-of-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/vc-advantage-getting-it-out-of-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/vc-advantage-getting-it-out-of-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

The internet has made it easy to find cheats for games, but we miss the tips pages from game magazines, when the discovery of a new code could inspire you to go back to an old game. These codes aren't exactly new, but oldness is the essence of the Virtual Console! We're bringing back the classic codes every week on The VC Advantage.

It would be impossible to write a weekly column about classic game codes and leave out the most famous code of all. It's the first code anyone thinks of when they hear about game cheats, and it's become an enduring symbol of classic video games. You know this code by heart; you may even have a t-shirt bearing its pattern. That's right, we could only be talking about one famous cheat code.

The A, B, B, A continue code from Ikari Warriors II: Victory Road. Oh, or the Konami code. That one's pretty good too.

There are actually only two games available on the American Virtual Console that use the Konami code, and they're both Gradius games.

Gradius (NES): Pressing up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, then Start while paused gives you a load of powerups. All of them, in fact, but Speed Up and Double.

Gradius III (SNES): Gradius III is significantly trickier about the code. Entering up, up, down, down, left, right, left, rightB, A, Start will give you all the powerups and then kill you. You must use the L and R shoulder buttons instead of left and right on the directional pad.

Legend of the Mystical Ninja (SNES) refers to the code in Zone IV, when a character informs you that "if you use the code 'Up Up Down Down L R L R B A', nothing will happen." He is correct.

The Japanese VC has a few more Gradii on which the code works.

Gradius (PC Engine): Pressing up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, II, I works just like it does in NES Gradius.

Gradius II (PC Engine): Entering up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, II, I at the title screen enables all powerups, as usual.

Gradius II (Famicom): The code has two uses in this game: entering up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, then Start at the title screen grants you thirty lives, like in the beloved and missed Contra. Entering the code while paused enables powerups like in other Gradius games.

There are plenty of other games that use this legendary button sequence, but right now on the VC it's the Gradius code. What's your favorite Konami-code-carrying game?

JoystiqThe VC Advantage: Getting it out of the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiusgradiusiilegendofthemysticalninjavcadvantageWed, 08 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Much more of the same]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/vc-tuesday-much-more-of-the-same/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/vc-tuesday-much-more-of-the-same/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/vc-tuesday-much-more-of-the-same/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not only is Japan getting yet more shooters this week, they're actually getting a remake of a shooter that's already available on the Virtual Console. We never believed we'd be in a position to complain about too many scrolling shooters being released. We must say, in PC Engine Gradius's defense, that it is a gorgeous version of Konami's famous shooter. It's also important to note that Image Fight is pretty great, if really hard. Antarctic Adventure is not itself a shooter, but features a penguin protagonist whose son Pentarou would go on to fame in the Parodius series, as well as his own weight-loss-based platformer.

Adventure Island is pretty confusing. This is not the Adventure Island we know in the US, the one about a guy in a red hat and a grass skirt collecting fruit and throwing axes. That series is called Takashi Meijin no Boukenjima (Master Takahashi's Adventure Island). This game, which, in Japan, has the English title Adventure Island, is actually Dragon's Curse, also known as Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap. The Wonderboy series is one of the great messes of international game renaming, and is tied up with the other Adventure Island series. This article at Hardcore Gaming 101 should help clear up which game is which. This week's redundant/confusing Japanese Virtual Console releases:

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Much more of the same originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureislandantarcticadventuregradiusimagefightvctuesdayTue, 07 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Too many shooters?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/wii-warm-up-too-many-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/wii-warm-up-too-many-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/wii-warm-up-too-many-shooters/#commentsFiled under:


The Virtual Console has made shooting games widely available for the first time in years. We like shooters, despite being categorically awful at them, so we're happy about this. But has the genre been disproportionately represented on the VC? There are so many, versus very few fighting games, and no role-playing games.

Are you guys buying shooters? Are you happy with the selection? Are you all zap zap zap and pew pew pew at the bad spaceships?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Too many shooters? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blazing lazersBlazingLazersgradiusnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiishmupshmupsshootersshootingvcvirtual consoleVirtualConsolewiiwwwwuSat, 16 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMG to distribute Konami's music online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/bmg-to-distribute-konamis-music-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/bmg-to-distribute-konamis-music-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/bmg-to-distribute-konamis-music-online/#commentsFiled under:

The place may be overrun with deadly monstrosities and the overwhelming powers of darkness, but the tunes that echo throughout the hallways of Dracula's castle usually make the vampire killing ordeal worth it. Sensing that others might share the dark lord's fine taste in orchestral compositions, Konami has announced an agreement with Sony BMG Music to distribute its library of tunes through mobile service providers and online music retailers, including iTunes and Rhapsody. The deal encompasses soundtracks beyond those belonging to the obvious Dance Dance Revolution franchise, even catering to those that find the clanging pipes and grating gears of Silent Hill preferable to the latest Ashlee Simpson squealfest.

Konami also promises to make its vast history of music available for purchase on its official website, though specific release dates have yet to be announced.

[Via Konami press release]

JoystiqBMG to distribute Konami's music online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CastlevaniaContraDance Dance RevolutionDanceDanceRevolutionDDRDraculaGradiusKonamiMetal Gear SolidMetalGearSolidMGSSymphony of the NightSymphonyOfTheNightTue, 15 May 2007 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius III, Battle Lode Runner, Wonder Boy fight it out on the Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/gradius-iii-battle-lode-runner-wonder-boy-fight-it-out-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/gradius-iii-battle-lode-runner-wonder-boy-fight-it-out-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/gradius-iii-battle-lode-runner-wonder-boy-fight-it-out-on-the/#commentsFiled under: ,


Today's Virtual Console releases bestow upon our Wii systems a little Lode Runner action, more sci-fi space shooting, and a colorful side-scrolling action RPG. And because video games are indistinguishable from real life, soon you'll be overwhelmed with powerful urges to steal gold, pilot a spacecraft, and go on a quest to rescue a princess and fight a gigantic mushroom named Myeonid.

The following games will hit the Wii Virtual Console at 9 a.m. PST, which is noon EST and 4 a.m. on the South Pole.
  • Gradius III (SNES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
  • Wonder Boy in Monster World (Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
  • Battle Lode Runner (TurboGrafx 16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points)

JoystiqGradius III, Battle Lode Runner, Wonder Boy fight it out on the Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiusnintendovcvirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondaywiiMon, 23 Apr 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/metareview-konami-classics-series-arcade-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/metareview-konami-classics-series-arcade-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/metareview-konami-classics-series-arcade-hits/#commentsFiled under:

In the mood for a little retro on the go? Konami Classics: Arcade Hits may be just what you need. The compilation is receiving solid reviews from most of the major outlets, and the word is that the set is lovingly constructed and filled with extras.

IGN (80/100) feels this collection sets the standards for future retro compilations on the DS: "Like any classic compilation, the actual library can be its victory or its downfall, but there are plenty of strong Konami titles in this batch to keep interest high...even if there are the occasional (and expected) duds in the pack."

Nintendo Power (75/100) found this title to be among an excellent example of a retro compilation: "The highlights ... are Contra, Track & Field, Time Pilot, and Gradius, all of which hold up remarkably well considering their age."

1UP (69/100), found the game well done, but essentially flawed: But Arcade Hits suffers from a shortcoming, and a pretty serious one at that: The games in the collection aren't really worthy of the beautiful presentation ... Even worse: Most games collected here were originally manufactured with vertically oriented screens. "No worries," you say. "The DS has two stacked screens! I can deal with a gap in the graphics if it means high-fidelity presentation." Well, better worry after all: All games are restricted to the upper screen only, meaning everything is squished uncomfortably. But you didn't really want to see those little space bullets in Gradius, though. Did you?

JoystiqMetareview: Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arcade HitsArcadeHitsContraGradiusKonamiTime PilotTimePilotWed, 04 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Shooting the core]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/wii-warm-up-shooting-the-core/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/wii-warm-up-shooting-the-core/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/wii-warm-up-shooting-the-core/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Virtual Console has, surprisingly, become one of the best venues around for classic scrolling shooters, or "shmups" if you prefer. Suddenly, there's a single console on the market where you can play games like Soldier Blade, Super Star Soldier, R-Types I-III, and Gradius, and you can download them all at impulse-buy prices. Soon, Gradius II, Final Soldier and Air Zonk will show up (in Japan, at least).

Has anyone been brought into shooter fandom from a VC release? Or rediscovered the genre, which was lost to all but the craziest, die-hard fans since the onset of 3D gaming? Any new gamers out there surprised by how freaking hard old shooter games can be? Let's hear about your shmupping experience before and since the Wii.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Shooting the core originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airzonkfinalsoldiergradiusnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirtypeshmupshmupssoldierbladestarsoldierwiiwwuzonkSat, 31 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/#commentsFiled under: ,


Konami's Otomedius, revealed today at Japan's AOU 2007, is the 21st Century successor to legendary 2D shoot 'em up series Gradius and Parodius. Otomedius is said to preserve the spirit of Parodius, which sounds pretty sexy, but it also introduces a brand-new touch-screen feature as well as networked multiplayer modes. We're just a bit hyped about the prospect of Otomedius, and we'll do our best to bring you screens/movies as quickly as you can enunciate "Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius." (That is to say, you might have to wait a little while.)

[Photo via Impress Watch]

JoystiqAOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007GradiusKonamiOtomediusParodiusFri, 16 Feb 2007 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Shooting and stealing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/vc-friday-shooting-and-stealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/vc-friday-shooting-and-stealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/vc-friday-shooting-and-stealing/#commentsFiled under:

And to think, people assume Nintendo's all kid-friendly! Okay, okay, so sometimes the thug lifestyle is a little colorful when it's designed for the Big N. Still, this week's European VC lineup proves that Nintendo's all about being hard ... at least, when it's tongue-in-cheek or in outer space. Check out this wacky trio of titles up on the block today. Any of them strike your fancy?

  • Bonanza Bros. (Sega Mega Drive) -- 800 points
  • Comix Zone (Sega Mega Drive) -- 800 points
  • Gradius (NES) -- 500 points

JoystiqVC Friday: Shooting and stealing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bonanza Bros.BonanzaBros.Comix ZoneComixZoneEuropeFridayGradiusNESNintendoSegaVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsoleWiiFri, 02 Feb 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Import game releases for the week of 01/21/07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/import-game-releases-for-the-week-of-01-21-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/import-game-releases-for-the-week-of-01-21-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/import-game-releases-for-the-week-of-01-21-07/#commentsFiled under:

Your PSP plays import games and every week we let you know what's coming out from Japan. This week's game amount is huge, so without further delay, here's this week's list:

Continued after the jump ...

Continue reading Import game releases for the week of 01/21/07

JoystiqImport game releases for the week of 01/21/07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira te chou te nou de kanjite crossword tengokuAkiraTeChouTeNouDeKanjiteCrosswordTengokubreath of fire iiiBreathOfFireIiigradiusimportimport game releasesimport releaseImportGameReleasesImportReleaseimportslost regnumlost regnum: makutsu no kouteiLostRegnumLostRegnum:MakutsuNoKouteiparodiusrockman x: irregular hunterRockmanX:IrregularHunterroutes portableRoutesPortablesalamander portableSalamanderPortablestreet fighterstreet fighter zero 3: double upperStreetFighterStreetFighterZero3:DoubleUppertwinbee portableTwinbeePortableSun, 21 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami games cancelled, not so much]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/konami-games-cancelled-not-so-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/konami-games-cancelled-not-so-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/konami-games-cancelled-not-so-much/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thanks to a misprint inside Famitsu magazine, reports spread over the internet like fildwire (not wildfire) about the multitude of Konami games getting the can across multiple systems. We didn't hop on it instantly because it seemed way too fishy and for good reason. Konami came out and said the report is false and the games listed as cancelled in the magazine are still very much in production. Here are the games falsely reported as cancelled:

  • Gradius Series (PS3) I nearly cried at this one. I love Gradius and refused to believe the lies.
  • Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball (PS3) Oh, thank goodness... huh?
  • "New Action Game" (PS3) Phew!
  • "New Role-Playing Game" (PS3) Again, phew! These games sound new!
  • "New Action-Adventure Game 2" (Wii) We knew the title couldn't end with such a cliffhangar... New Action-Adventure Game really deserved a sequel.
  • "Role-Playing Game" (Wii) Apparently not as new as the others.

That's really it. If you were worried about the mass-cancellation, don't. The unnamed games still have a TBA for their release date, as do the named games. But really, this was all a ruse for us to plug the awesomeness that will be Gradius Series and the fact that it's still coming!

JoystiqKonami games cancelled, not so much originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusKonamiPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyWiiFri, 12 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius lives: Konami denies 'cancellation' rumor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/gradius-lives-konami-denies-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/gradius-lives-konami-denies-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/gradius-lives-konami-denies-cancellation-rumor/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday's overblown rumor regarding a spree of "cancellations" at Konami's Japanese headquarters have proven to be quite untrue. Konami has stated that all the previously listed games, including Gradius and the Wii's eagerly anticipated "Action Adventure 2," are still in the works. The chopped release lists printed in the pages of Famitsu and Dengeki have been attributed to simple error.

Unfortunately for fans of first-person shooters, Konami did not have a Phoenix Down to spare for Coded Arms: Assault.

[Thanks DBX00, yimtaka.]

JoystiqGradius lives: Konami denies 'cancellation' rumor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Coded ArmsCodedArmsGradiusGradius 3Gradius3KonamiPS3WiiFri, 12 Jan 2007 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Konami cancels PS3 Gradius, several others [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/rumor-konami-cancels-ps3-gradius-several-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/rumor-konami-cancels-ps3-gradius-several-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/rumor-konami-cancels-ps3-gradius-several-others/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If the latest issue of Japan's Famitsu magazine is to be believed, Konami has quietly cancelled several of their upcoming PS3 and Wii projects. IGN reports that an updated release list for the company has been shortened by no less than six games, one of which was a Playstation 3 version of side-scrolling shooter, Gradius. Of course, since mere absence doesn't confirm outright cancellation, it would be best to treat this as a rumor for now.

One potential explanation is that Konami has now made enough progress on some of these titles (if they were even in development to begin with) to warrant less ambiguous descriptors. If "New Action Game" turned into Castlevania: Polka of Purgatory, the publisher would likely choose a grander announcement than simply having it pop up on a standard release list.

The removed titles are as follows:
  • Gradius Series (PS3)
  • Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball (PS3)
  • New Action Game (PS3)
  • New Role Playing Game (PS3)
  • New Action Adventure Game 2 (Wii)
  • Role Playing Game (Wii)
Games still appearing on the release list include two sports titles, a music game and an "action adventure" for the Wii. Pro Baseball Spirits, Winning Eleven and Metal Gear Solid 4 are also still slated for the PS3.

[Update: This rumor is bogus.]

JoystiqRumor: Konami cancels PS3 Gradius, several others [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusGradius PS3GradiusPs3KonamiMetal Gear Solid 4MetalGearSolid4MGS4PS3RumorWiiWinning ElevenWinningElevenThu, 11 Jan 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Monday on the VC: Gradius!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/this-monday-on-the-vc-gradius/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/this-monday-on-the-vc-gradius/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/this-monday-on-the-vc-gradius/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's yet another Monday and you know what that means: more Virtual Console games! This week we're granted access, through the power of Wii Points purchase with real life monies, to a NES title and two TurboGrafx-16 games. Personally, we can't imagine halting our play time with the latest NES game to even give the other two TG-16 games the time of day:
  • Gradius - NES (500 Wii Points)
  • Soldier Blade - TG-16 (600 Wii Points)
  • Dungeon Explorer - TG-16 (600 Wii Points)
Gradius is easily one of our favorite NES games of all time and, quite arguably, the best side-scrolling, 2D shooter in existence. What say you, fine readers? Are you enjoying any of these VC titles released today? Could care less about each of them?

JoystiqThis Monday on the VC: Gradius! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gradiusnintendonintendowiivcvcmondaywiiMon, 08 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Explorer leads trio of VC Monday releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/dungeon-explorer-leads-trio-of-vc-monday-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/dungeon-explorer-leads-trio-of-vc-monday-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/08/dungeon-explorer-leads-trio-of-vc-monday-releases/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apparently the "funky things" holding up the Wii virtual console release of TurboGrafx-16 classic Dungeon Explorer have been fixed. The game will be available for download today at 9 a.m. Pacific, along with the space shooters Gradius (NES -- 500 points) and Soldier Blade (TG-16 -- 600 points). In other virtual console news, the ESRB web site shows a listing for a Wii version of the SNES' Contra: The Alien Wars (E10+), adding to a sizable list of other ESRB-rated but yet-to-be-released throwbacks.

While we're happy to consider these NES and TurboGrafx games, we can't help but wonder why there haven't been more Nintendo 64 releases on the virtual console thus far. True, there aren't many real classics for the 64-bit system, but let's face it, Urban Champion isn't anything to write home about either. Mario Tennis anyone?

JoystiqDungeon Explorer leads trio of VC Monday releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contracontra the alien warsContraTheAlienWarsdunegon explorerDunegonExplorergradiusshootershumpvirtualconsolemondayWiiMon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Salamanders, TwinBees and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/salamanders-twinbees-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/salamanders-twinbees-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/salamanders-twinbees-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Former blogger Rafael once said excited about Konami's classic compilation Gradius Collection: "We likey!" Well, it looks like Konami's planning to make Rafael likey for a long, long time, with new compilations of their other classic shooter series. The Salamander Collection and Parodius Collection will contain four titles each (with one bonus *secret* title for each compilation... ooh!). I'm personally psyched for Twinbee Collection, because it's by far the most recognizable of these hardcore shooters (it also has one more game than the other collections, for the budget-conscious).

All three collections are planned to hit Japan in January for 4179 yen (less than $40), so importers should keep an eye out. Until then, educate yourself on these classic series by visiting Wikipedia.

[Via 1UP; thanks, steve!]

JoystiqSalamanders, TwinBees and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcollectiongradiushardcorekonamiparodiussalamandershootertwinbeeWed, 18 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Scramble now available on Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/scramble-now-available-on-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/scramble-now-available-on-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/scramble-now-available-on-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Scramble is not Lumines Live. Now that we've accepted that, let's consider the once delayed 1981 shooter and why you might be inclined to spend 400 MS points ($5) on it. Clearly, its educational value with regards to the many dangers of spaceship travel (observation: everything is out to kill you) is unsurpassed, but the core gameplay is quite easily sussed out. Scramble is a very basic and very traditional shooter -- more than enough description for shooter fans to show interest and everyone else to write it off as old hat. As with Konami's other Xbox Live Arcade releases (like the excellent Time Pilot from two weeks ago), the download includes updated graphics and sound, online matches, achievements and scoreboards.

Microsoft should be announcing the next round of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays within the next week. Hold on to your plummeting, musically inclined blocks until then.

JoystiqScramble now available on Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusKonamiMSFTScrambleShooterXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeWed, 13 Sep 2006 22:30:00 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<![CDATA[Gradius Portable preview says "we likey!"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/gradius-portable-preview-says-we-likey/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/gradius-portable-preview-says-we-likey/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/gradius-portable-preview-says-we-likey/#commentsFiled under: ,

Memories of greasy tokens and sore index fingers could never dull our love for side-scrolling shooters. And of all the great ones out there, the mighty Gradius rules with an ion-coated fist. But will time dull our love for this classic beauty? Siliconera doesn't think it will.

The article makes some interesting points about the good (most of it) and the bad (Gradius III) of the Gradius Portable copy they got their hands on, most of which can be summed up by these points:
  • Gradius I and II have no chugging whatsoever.
  • Gradius Gaiden looks great and kicks major booty.
  • Gradius III has the best weapons system, but slowdown drags it down.
  • Buy it, buy it, buy it!
Best of all, the menu in the import version is done in English, so those of you who happen to import regularly (or make regular trips to certain import-carrying Fry's Electronics branches) can get their copy early and without fear of having to learn an entirely new language.

[Thanks, Siliconera]

JoystiqGradius Portable preview says "we likey!" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusGradius CollectionGradius PortableKonamiWed, 15 Feb 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Averaging Gradius: an experiment in stastical analysis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/averaging-gradius-an-experiment-in-stastical-analysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/averaging-gradius-an-experiment-in-stastical-analysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/averaging-gradius-an-experiment-in-stastical-analysis/#commentsFiled under:


The New Gamer has a fascinating video, with analysis, of the "averaged gameplay" of fifteen different gamers playing through level one of the classic shmup, Gradius. Why Gradius? Because it's "an auto-scrolling shoot'em up, is programmed so that the stage automatically scrolls at a fixed rate. With the stage constant, that allows us to compare how the player interacts with the AI and how, retroactively, the AI responds to that."

The resulting video (.mov), while providing unique insights into the design of the game, is unexpectedly dazzling to watch, as if Gradius has been reengineered as a light show with the ships dancing in concert.

[Via /.]

JoystiqAveraging Gradius: an experiment in stastical analysis originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GradiusStatisticsMon, 13 Feb 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gradius spreads its options onto the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/26/gradius-spreads-its-options-onto-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/26/gradius-spreads-its-options-onto-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/26/gradius-spreads-its-options-onto-the-psp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spreads its options! Get it? Get it? Ehh, you're all no fun.

Anyway, it appears that Konami had more up their sleeves during their press event yesterday. They also announced the launch of Gradius Collection this Spring, news that practically made me jump up out of my seat, clap my hands and squeal like a girl. A big, overweight girl with facial stubble.

Chances are if you're still going through puberty you haven't had the chance to play some of the older games in the Gradius series. Fret not; the collection will come with all the games intact. Gradius I to IV are accounted for, as is the formerly Japan-only Gradius Gaiden. The game will also play in a variety of modes, one of which will take full advantage of the PSP's wider screen.

Looks like 2006 just might prove to be the PSP's banner year. About time, we say.

JoystiqGradius spreads its options onto the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Classic gamesGradiusKonamiShooterThu, 26 Jan 2006 08:00:00 EST