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 insatiable need to dominate in Pokemon Conquest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-insatiable-need-to-dominate-in-pokemon-conquest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-insatiable-need-to-dominate-in-pokemon-conquest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-insatiable-need-to-dominate-in-pokemon-conquest/#comments I was more than a little excited when I was tasked with tackling a preview for Tecmo Koei and Nintendo's crossover DS title Pokemon Conquest last week.

Conquest crosses the worlds of cute indentured monster servants from Pokemon with Nobunaga's Ambition, a series of Koei strategy games revolving around the bloody unification of feudal Japan by Oda Nobunaga. But Pokemon Conquest, which released in Japan last month as Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition, takes itself so seriously as a strategy role-playing game that it isn't the irreverent experience I made it out to be in my mind.

Gallery: Pokemon Conquest (5/2/2012)

Continue reading The insatiable need to dominate in Pokemon Conquest

JoystiqThe insatiable need to dominate in Pokemon Conquest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskoeikoei-tecmonintendopokemonpokemon-conquestpokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambitionWed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Pokemon Conquest' brings Nobunaga's Ambition stateside on June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/pokemon-conquest-brings-nobunagas-ambition-stateside-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/pokemon-conquest-brings-nobunagas-ambition-stateside-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/pokemon-conquest-brings-nobunagas-ambition-stateside-on-june/#comments ImageYes, that's a factual headline above: Nintendo is publishing the bizarre crossover of Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition in the US as "Pokemon Conquest" for the Nintendo DS. And yes, you also read that right -- Pokemon Conquest marks the second Pokemon game heading to the DS in 2012 rather than the 3DS (Pokemon Black/White Version 2 being the other).

Unlike main series Pokemon games, Tecmo Koei handled development rather than Game Freak. Conquest is also a 2D adventure set in the world of Ransei, where players inhabit "a young warlord who is linked with a Pokemon." Pokemon Conquest arrives on June 18.

Gallery: Pokémon Conquest

Pokémon Conquest

Joystiq'Pokemon Conquest' brings Nobunaga's Ambition stateside on June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskoeinintendopokemon-conquestpokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambitionq3-2012release-datetecmotecmo-koeithe-pokemon-companyWed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/gamefly-ninja-gaiden-3-to-require-online-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/gamefly-ninja-gaiden-3-to-require-online-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/gamefly-ninja-gaiden-3-to-require-online-pass/#comments To become a ninja, one must learn -- the deadly arts of war, for example. Or how to wear those weird socks. Stuff like that.

You can't be any geek off the street, and so Tecmo-Koei has decided to lock the online multiplayer of Ninja Gaiden 3 behind an online pass. So says a listing on Gamefly warning potential renters of Ninja Gaiden 3, anyway. Update: It's confirmed! Ninja Gaiden 3 will have an online pass, a Tecmo Koei representative has confirmed with Joystiq.

We've sent our silent inquisitors to Tecmo Koei to secure confirmation on the matter. We'll let you know what we hear back.

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameflykoeimicrosoftninja-gaiden-3online-passplaystationps3team-ninjatecmotecmo-koeixboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden 3 dev diary reasserts seriousness of ninja game development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/ninja-gaiden-3-dev-diary-reasserts-seriousness-of-ninja-game-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/ninja-gaiden-3-dev-diary-reasserts-seriousness-of-ninja-game-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/ninja-gaiden-3-dev-diary-reasserts-seriousness-of-ninja-game-dev/#comments
Worried that the now Itagaki-less Team Ninja isn't still super, super serious about making a Ninja Gaiden game? The latest dev diary for Ninja Gaiden 3 should more than suffice at changing your mind.

JoystiqNinja Gaiden 3 dev diary reasserts seriousness of ninja game development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarydeveloper-diarykoeimicrosoftninja-gaiden-3nintendoplaystationps3team-ninjatecmotecmo-koeiwii-uxboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/heres-the-ninja-gaiden-3-collectors-edition-with-bonus-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/heres-the-ninja-gaiden-3-collectors-edition-with-bonus-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/heres-the-ninja-gaiden-3-collectors-edition-with-bonus-screen/#comments There probably isn't a person alive who hasn't, at some point in their life, enjoyed the sight of a ninja flipping out and killing a bunch of dudes. It's universal, like how everyone enjoys warm blankets or shooting firearms. There's a special kind of person, however, that also has an affinity for extreme, debilitating punishment, which is why Ninja Gaiden 3 exists.

NG3's collector's edition, which we first caught wind of last December, includes the game, an art book, a soundtrack, a figure set of Ryu Hayabusa and an eventual murder victim, as well as a download voucher for a four-character demo of Dead of Alive 5. Non-collector's edition pre-orders placed at Gamestop and Amazon will include a code for a two-character demo of DOA5, with Gamestop's demo including Hayabusa and Hitomi, and Amazon's featuring Ayane and Hayate (the four-character version includes both Amazon and GameStop's characters).

The collector's edition will be available exclusively at Gamestop, indicating that Tecmo Koei truly understands the unique relationship it has with its players.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden 3 (1/12/12)

Continue reading Here's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots)

JoystiqHere's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncollectors-editiongamestopkoeimicrosoftNG3ninja-gaiden-3playstationpre-orderps3team-ninjatecmoTecmo-KoeixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive Dimensions demonstrates the playable bosses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/dead-or-alive-dimensions-demonstrates-the-playable-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/dead-or-alive-dimensions-demonstrates-the-playable-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/dead-or-alive-dimensions-demonstrates-the-playable-bosses/#comments Want to know what it takes to crush your opponents like a boss in Team Ninja's upcoming 3DS fighter, Dead or Alive Dimensions? Check out a whole bunch of gameplay trailers, featuring the game's most fearsome kick-punchers, posted after the break.

Continue reading Dead or Alive Dimensions demonstrates the playable bosses

JoystiqDead or Alive Dimensions demonstrates the playable bosses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdead-or-alive-dimensionsdskoeikoei-tecmonintendoWed, 18 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo and Koei development groups reabsorbed into Tecmo Koei]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/tecmo-and-koei-development-groups-reabsorbed-into-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/tecmo-and-koei-development-groups-reabsorbed-into-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/tecmo-and-koei-development-groups-reabsorbed-into-tecmo-koei/#commentsThe amalgamated Tecmo Koei game development and publishing entity continues to evolve. A few months back, there was a CEO changeover. Today, the company announced that the parent company, Tecmo Koei Games, will absorb the two game development subsidiaries, known as Koei and Tecmo.

This might sound a little confusing, so we'll explain. Following the merger, according to Andriasang, Tecmo Koei spun off the game development arms of its two companies into two separate subsidiaries. Now it's bringing them back into the main company, under the management of Tecmo Koei Games -- which is itself under the umbrella of Tecmo Koei Holdings. The newly united-then-divided-then-reunited group will continue to develop games under both the Tecmo and Koei brand names.

JoystiqTecmo and Koei development groups reabsorbed into Tecmo Koei originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koeitecmotecmo-koei-gamestecmo-koei-holdingsWed, 09 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Koei CEO quits, Koei founder steps up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/tecmo-koei-ceo-quits-koei-founder-steps-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/tecmo-koei-ceo-quits-koei-founder-steps-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/tecmo-koei-ceo-quits-koei-founder-steps-up/#commentsIf there's anyone who knows about manipulating the balance of power, it's Kou Shibusawa, who created Koei's classic war games Nobunaga's Ambition and Romance of the Three Kingdoms -- and, in fact, created Koei in 1978, in partnership with his wife.

It turns out Shibusawa (real name Yoichi Erikawa) didn't need that tactical expertise to achieve the CEO position at Tecmo Koei Holdings, because he just inherited it when current CEO Kenji Matsubara left the company. According to Andriasang, Matsubara cited "personal reasons" for his departure, announced during a board meeting.

Matsubara's exit coincides with the release of Tecmo Koei's earnings for the period from April 1 through September 30. The company made 11.069 billion yen in sales ($136.48 million), 27.5% lower than last year. The report noted successful releases for Metroid: Other M and Quantum Theory, and that losses were due in part to the delay of Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll, and to investments for titles coming out in the next quarter -- which includes last week's Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage.

JoystiqTecmo Koei CEO quits, Koei founder steps up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kenji-matsubarakoeikou-shibusawatecmotecmo-koeitecmo-koei-holdingsyoichi-erikawaMon, 08 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/sega-konami-level-5-and-tecmo-koei-share-tgs-lineups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/sega-konami-level-5-and-tecmo-koei-share-tgs-lineups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/sega-konami-level-5-and-tecmo-koei-share-tgs-lineups/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Heading to Tokyo for the annual game show later this month, but your handmade convention center itinerary is sadly lacking ideas for how to divvy up time? No worries -- Sega, Konami, Level-5, and Tecmo-Koei have announced their showings for TGS 2010!

The highlight of, well, all of the listings is Level-5's news of a playable Ni no Kuni for both Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3. Sure, Konami bringing Metal Gear Solid: Rising is kind of exciting -- we guess -- but we've got a mighty large soft spot for Studio Ghibli animation. Perhaps yours was cut out by Raiden's urge to slice, slice, slice? Head past the break for the complete list of games, broken down by publisher.

Continue reading Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups

JoystiqSega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskoeikonamilevel-5microsoftmobileni-no-kuninintendopcplaystationps3pspsegasonytecmotecmo-koeitgstgs-2010wiixboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Koei's first iPad game is a pricey 'Romance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/tecmo-koeis-first-ipad-game-is-a-pricey-romance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/tecmo-koeis-first-ipad-game-is-a-pricey-romance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/tecmo-koeis-first-ipad-game-is-a-pricey-romance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adapted from last year's iPhone release, Romance of the Three Kingdoms Touch, Tecmo Koei's iPad version of its long-running strategy series, adds a Plus to the title, high-res graphics, three new campaigns and -- oh yeah -- $6 to the price.

Continue reading Tecmo Koei's first iPad game is a pricey 'Romance'

JoystiqTecmo Koei's first iPad game is a pricey 'Romance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeKOEImobileRomance-of-the-Three-Kingdoms-Touch-PlusStrategyTecmo-KoeiThu, 24 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Theory set for 'summer' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/quantum-theory-set-for-summer-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/quantum-theory-set-for-summer-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/quantum-theory-set-for-summer-release/#comments What are you doing this summer? Oh, you're going to Six Flags? Screw that, you're going to want to blow stuff up ... and punch junk ... and play Gears of War 3 instead, right? Okay, we can't help you with that last one, but VG247 reports that a very similar experience will be available this summer: Quantum Theory.

A Tecmo Koei spokesperson confirmed to us that the game is set for "a TBA Summer 2010" release. Previously, the game was set to release sometime in March, but was pushed back due to quality concerns. We're sure you can't wait to see Tecmo's, uh, softer side.

JoystiqQuantum Theory set for 'summer' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koeiMicrosoftq2q2-2010q3q3-2010quantum-theoryrelease-datetecmotecmo-koeiXbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo publishing Samurai Warriors 3 with Tecmo Koei]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/#commentsFollowing the recent announcement that Dragon Quest IX will be published by Nintendo in North America, the company has revealed another publishing partnership for an exclusive game from a big Japanese publisher: Nintendo will co-publish Koei's Samurai Warriors 3 in North America this fall.

It makes sense that Nintendo would take the stewardship role for this game, as it contains a mode featuring characters and locations from Nintendo's Nazo no Murasame-jou ("The Mysterious Murasame Castle"), a Famicom Disk System game designed by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto. In any case, this is one way for Nintendo to ensure ongoing releases of third-party core games on its systems: by plucking existing ones from Japan and publishing them in North America itself.

Gallery: Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)

JoystiqNintendo publishing Samurai Warriors 3 with Tecmo Koei originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorskoeipublishingsamurai-warriorssamurai-warriors-3Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[North Star Musou video introduces game's cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/north-star-musou-video-introduces-games-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/north-star-musou-video-introduces-games-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/north-star-musou-video-introduces-games-cast/#comments Frankly, we don't know why anyone wouldn't be satisfied with Kenshiro in North Star Musou, but Koei's seen fit to add a bit of a variety to the game's cast of characters. The above promo video spotted by the Koei Warriors site chronicles several other selectable karate people. The guy with the rocket launcher kinda threw us for a loop, though -- what good is a giant tube gun when everyone in the future is so easily exploded through poking?

[Thanks, Peter]

JoystiqNorth Star Musou video introduces game's cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fist-of-the-north-starkoeinorth-star-musoutecmotecmo-koeiThu, 04 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Bowl Throwback official, coming to XBLA & PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/tecmo-bowl-throwback-official-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/tecmo-bowl-throwback-official-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/tecmo-bowl-throwback-official-for-xbla-and-psn/#comments Tecmo Bowl Throwback was first revealed through a trusted Joystiq source back in January (and then subsequently popped up in an ESRB rating), so we weren't exactly thrown into a tizzy when Tecmo released the official announcement today. Throwback will be released on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network this spring. As previously understood, the game will be a remake of the SNES's Tecmo Super Bowl and will feature an option to "switch to the classic 2D style."

Developed by seasoned remake studio Southend Interactive (Lode Runner, R-Type), the game's main new feature (aside from "all new 3D graphics," of course) is online play. Today's announcement additionally revealed Throwback will feature 32 teams and online leaderboards and customizable options for teams and rosters, and ... and ... whoa, whoa, it's almost like we're talking about a simulation football game here! Relax -- sorry about that. Try to cool down with the screenshots below.

Gallery: Tecmo Bowl Throwback

JoystiqTecmo Bowl Throwback official, coming to XBLA & PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koeiMicrosoftplaystation-networkpsnq2-2010release-dateremakesouthend-interactivetecmotecmo-bowltecmo-bowl-throwbacktecmo-koeitecmo-super-bowlxblaXbox-360Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce demo now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-now-available/#commentsConsidering Xbox Live is currently knee-deep in face huggers and split-chinned alien jerks, you'd be forgiven for not noticing there's another demo available on Marketplace. That demo is for Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce, otherwise known as that Dynasty Warriors game with a mythical twist, including Dragon Ball-esque character transformations. The demo allows players to try out the single-player mode -- the full game supports four. Like other entries in the series, expect hordes of enemies and, of course, plenty of button mashing.

Shortcut: Add the Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce demo to your 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqDynasty Warriors: Strikeforce demo now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeikoei-tecmokotecThu, 04 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Koei lowers profit forecast after Q3 losses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/tecmo-koei-lowers-profit-forecast-after-q3-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/tecmo-koei-lowers-profit-forecast-after-q3-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/tecmo-koei-lowers-profit-forecast-after-q3-losses/#commentsTecmo Koei has announced that it's lowering its annual operating profit forecast (essentially its guess for how much profit it will bring in before taxes) by a painful 95%. In addition, stock fell 9.5% to 630 yen ($7).

This comes after the announcement of disappointing third-quarter losses (PDF link) totaling 1.842 billion yen ($20.4 million), and after the announcement that two high-profile games, Quantum Theory and Trinity: Zill O'll Zero, have been delayed, thus eliminating whatever they would have contributed to the current fiscal year. Now it's all up to Dead or Alive: Paradise and the Western releases of Monster Rancher DS and Again.

Source [PDF]

JoystiqTecmo Koei lowers profit forecast after Q3 losses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>againdead-or-alive-paradiseearningsfinancialindustrykoeikoei-tecmolossesmonster-rancher-dsquantum-theorystocktecmotecmo-koeitrinity-zill-oll-zeroWed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOA Paradise special edition is predictably naughty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/doa-paradise-special-edition-is-predictably-naughty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/doa-paradise-special-edition-is-predictably-naughty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/doa-paradise-special-edition-is-predictably-naughty/#comments Let's be honest: You're not thinking about getting Dead or Alive Paradise for the intuitive volleyball mechanics or the scenic, beach-front battles -- this game lacks both. You're buying this game because you want to ogle fake women with comically large and bouncy breasts. Or, according to Tecmo, you're buying this because you're a woman who has never purchased a Tecmo title before and this is something relevant to your interests. Either way, the company's hoping you'll want to pay extra for a special edition bundle of the "game."

Game Watch points out the extra busty package set to release in Japan -- complete with inappropriate Kasumi statue add-on and several other items, including a "Secret Picture Collection" and soundtrack CD. It's like a one-man pity party start-up kit. Are you guys getting it yet? Wanting this makes you a pervert.

There's no word on whether this'll make its way over to the States when the game releases in March, but we'll be sure to let you know.

JoystiqDOA Paradise special edition is predictably naughty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionDead-or-Alivedead-or-alive-paradisedoadoa-paradisekasumikoeispecial-editiontecmotecmo-koeiTue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Theory, Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll delayed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/quantum-theory-trinity-souls-of-zill-oll-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/quantum-theory-trinity-souls-of-zill-oll-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/quantum-theory-trinity-souls-of-zill-oll-delayed/#commentsTecmo Koei announced delays of two of its titles in Japan today. The female-focused shooter, Quantum Theory, has been moved out of its March 25 date to a troubling "TBA" date in the interest of improving quality. Tecmo Koei Europe confirmed that the delay affects the European release date, and it's likely to bump the North American date as well -- after all, if the game is still being worked on in March, we don't expect it to be released. [Update: Tecmo has confirmed the North American delay to Joystiq.]

The Koei side also delayed a title: Omega Force's RPG Trinity: Zill O'll Zero, which is to be released outside of Japan as Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll. Its new release date is also "TBA."

[Via Andriasang]

Source: Quantum site
Source: Zill O'll site

JoystiqQuantum Theory, Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll delayed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelayskoeiMicrosoftomega-forcequantumquantum-theorytecmotrinity-souls-of-zill-olltrinity-zill-oll-zeroXbox-360Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce demo on PSN, Xbox Live Feb. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-on-psn-xbox-live-feb-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-on-psn-xbox-live-feb-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-demo-on-psn-xbox-live-feb-4/#comments If you prefer your demos in the English language, then forget about trying to access the Japanese demo and instead, hunker down until February 4 when Koei will unleash a button-bashing demo of Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce onto PSN and Xbox Live. Giving gamers a taste of the title two weeks before its scheduled release on February 16, there's sadly no word on the exact contents of the demo in the press release issued. Do you really need to know more? It's Dynasty Warriors -- you mess dudes up. That's how it works.

Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce assaults retail shelves on February 16.

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (1.29.2010)

JoystiqDynasty Warriors Strikeforce demo on PSN, Xbox Live Feb. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeitecmoFri, 29 Jan 2010 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei throwing a gigantic Samurai Festival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/koei-throwing-a-gigantic-samurai-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/koei-throwing-a-gigantic-samurai-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/koei-throwing-a-gigantic-samurai-festival/#commentsKoei has decided that assembling giant crowds of fictionalized historical armies isn't enough! The publisher is now turning its attention toward assembling giant crowds of real people with its Sengoku Bushou Matsuri (Warring States Commander Festival), to be held March 6-7 in Saitama, Japan. The event is intended to celebrate not only samurai culture, but (of course) Koei's own recent Wii release, Samurai Warriors 3.

The event is packed with Japanese celebrities, including singer and suspected vampire Gackt, and the entire Samurai Warriors 3 voice cast will attend. We believe all the attending celebrities will be participating in some kind of war drama. Which means that if you want to see TV stars pantomiming samurai warfare in outrageous, game-inspired costumes, this is probably where you want to go. Here's the really crazy part: Koei expects 80,000 to attend.

[Via GameGrep; thanks, Peter]

JoystiqKoei throwing a gigantic Samurai Festival originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>festivaljapankoeiNintendosamurai-festivalsamurai-warriors-3sengoku-bushou-matsuriWiiThu, 28 Jan 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce 2 trailer, then play the demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/watch-this-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-2-trailer-then-play-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/watch-this-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-2-trailer-then-play-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/watch-this-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-2-trailer-then-play-the/#commentsKoei released a new trailer for the latest PSP Dynasty Warriors game, Multi Raid 2, today. Multi Raid (known as Strikeforce in America) features weird fantasy monsters, transformations, and, most importantly, ad hoc multiplayer. And maybe it's just us, but this trailer briefly makes the series look ... kind of cool (specifically when it shows that army of glowy-eyed dudes). See the trailer after the break.

If the trailer made you want to try the game, good news! Koei just made a Japanese demo available from its website. Download away! Something tells us you won't need to read a lot of text to understand what's going on (since what's going on is you mashing buttons to kill thousands of soldiers).

[Via Koei Warriors]

Continue reading Watch this Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce 2 trailer, then play the demo

JoystiqWatch this Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce 2 trailer, then play the demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-multi-raiddynasty-warriors-multi-raid-2dynasty-warriors-strikeforcejapankoeiThu, 21 Jan 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Rebellion heading to Europe March 12, US 'in February']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/last-rebellion-heading-to-europe-march-12-us-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/last-rebellion-heading-to-europe-march-12-us-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/last-rebellion-heading-to-europe-march-12-us-in-february/#comments You can imagine our surprise when we discovered Nippon Ichi's Last Rebellion had gotten itself a release date -- it's been nearly nine months since we last heard anything on the title (and that was its announcement!). The game's set to hit PlayStation 3 consoles on March 12 in Europe and 'February' for North America, just in time for those of you who love JRPGs yet are stridently against the purchase of Final Fantasy XIII.

In fact, between the release of FFXIII on March 9, Resonance of Fate launching the same day, and now this, we're inclined to rename the whole month with a JRPG theme. How about "Manarch?" Maybe "Marchic?" Perhaps "Marchlotsofbeltsandzippers?" Alright, alright -- we've clearly gone too far.

JoystiqLast Rebellion heading to Europe March 12, US 'in February' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiijrpgkoeilast-rebellionnippon-ichinis-americarelease-dateresonance-of-faterpgtecmotecmo-koeitecmo-koei-europeSun, 17 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce media than you can shake a Dragon Sword at]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/#commentsIf you only play games with Ryu Hayabusa in them, then Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is likely to be your first experience with Koei's historical-ish brawler franchise. If you only play games with the ancient Chinese ruler Fu Xi in them, however, you're likely to be much better versed in the series. In either case, there's a Strikeforce for you: as reported, Fu Xi (and other characters from the Warriors Orochi series) appear in the Xbox 360 version, and Ryu in the PS3 version, both with exclusive missions that grant you the use of their "signature weapon" when completed.

New galleries give you a look at Fu Xi and the extra-beefy crossover ninja. And a new trailer (above) does what it can to get you pumped about Strikeforce, the Dynasty Warriors game with not only characters from other franchises, but giant tigers in it!

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (Fu Xi)


Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (Ryu)

JoystiqMore Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce media than you can shake a Dragon Sword at originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeiMicrosoftninja-gaidenwarriors-orochiXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[North Star Musou videos punch a hole in our heart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/north-star-musou-videos-punch-a-hole-in-our-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/north-star-musou-videos-punch-a-hole-in-our-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/north-star-musou-videos-punch-a-hole-in-our-heart/#comments If you're not excited by Fist of the North Star Musou, then maybe you should go watch that Gandhi movie or something. However, if the thought of punching stuff makes you want to punch stuff, then check out Musou's new internet digs.

The official site for the game has received quite the substantial update, assaulting our eyeballs with a variety of new screenshots, gameplay videos (past the break) and bios for characters and stages. There's even a flexing shirt rip that would make Balrog pee his boxing shorts!

[Via Andriasang]

Continue reading North Star Musou videos punch a hole in our heart

JoystiqNorth Star Musou videos punch a hole in our heart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fist-of-the-north-starhokuto-musoukoeiMicrosoftnorth-star-musoutecmoXbox-360Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce footage murderously arrives online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-footage-murderously-arrives-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-footage-murderously-arrives-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-footage-murderously-arrives-online/#commentsWould you believe us if we told you that Koei's first Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce trailer had to brutally slice its way through an army 1,000 strong to arrive where you see it today, resting atop this post? It's the truth! It joined up with three friends online to "infiltrate heavily-armed enemy strongholds" and "slay dragons" and ... oh, who're we kidding. It's a trailer for one of the many upcoming Warriors games, and certainly not one of the historical characters littered throughout the series, bent on murdering all that stands in its path. It does, however, feature all of the aforementioned excitement. So there's that, right?

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (PS3/360)


JoystiqDynasty Warriors Strikeforce footage murderously arrives online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcegameplaykoeikoei-tecmoMicrosofttrailervideoXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fist of the North Star Musou hits Japan in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/fist-of-the-north-star-musou-hits-japan-in-march/#commentsJapanese gamers and eager importers will be able to start throwing hundreds of high-speed punches at giant thugs as soon as March 2010. In a video game, we mean. Specifically, in North Star Musou, the Dynasty Warriors spin-off based on the legendary, post-apocalyptic fighting manga, Fist of the North Star.

Also, unfortunately, the company released the price for the upcoming brawler. We say "unfortunately" because it's ¥8,190 ($94.27), which probably marks the end of quite a few import plans. Koei has yet to announce a localized version of the game, but we don't think the publisher would allow a Warriors game to go unreleased.

Gallery: Fist of the North Star


[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqFist of the North Star Musou hits Japan in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fist-of-the-north-starhokuto-musoukoeiMicrosoftnorth-star-musourelease-dateXbox-360Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei's Nobunaga's Ambition Online driven toward PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/koeis-nobunagas-ambition-online-driven-toward-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/koeis-nobunagas-ambition-online-driven-toward-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/koeis-nobunagas-ambition-online-driven-toward-ps3/#comments Koei is apparently set to release Nobunaga's Ambition Online for PS3 next year. AndriaSang has translated a 4Gamer's report, which claims that the publisher announced an unspecified 2010 launch during a recent press conference.

We've contacted Koei to find out if the ultra-hardcore strategy title will release in the US. Nobunaga's Ambition Online's fourth expansion is set for release on PS2 and Windows (PC) in March of next year.

[Thanks, Peter]

JoystiqKoei's Nobunaga's Ambition Online driven toward PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koeinobunagas-ambitionnobunagas-ambition-onlineMon, 30 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce brings the crowds online in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-brings-the-crowds-online-in-februar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-brings-the-crowds-online-in-februar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-brings-the-crowds-online-in-februar/#commentsDynasty Warriors Strikeforce, the upgraded PS3 and Xbox 360 port of the PSP's hit Dynasty Warriors game, will launch in North America this February, according to an announcement from Koei. We understand that keeping all the upcoming Warriors games straight may be confusing to people not keeping a close eye on the series, so we'll break it down.

This isn't the Fist of the North Star one, and it's not the Wii one game that Shigeru Miyamoto is peripherally involved in. This is the Dynasty Warriors with the crazy Dragon Ball Z-style transformations. This is the one that features Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 characters on PS3 and Warriors Orochi 2 characters on Xbox 360. Most importantly, this is the Dynasty Warriors with online multiplayer for teams of up to four players!

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (PS3/360)

JoystiqDynasty Warriors Strikeforce brings the crowds online in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeirelease-dateThu, 19 Nov 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[See North Star Musou's gory details in video teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/see-north-star-musous-gory-details-in-video-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/see-north-star-musous-gory-details-in-video-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/see-north-star-musous-gory-details-in-video-teaser/#commentsTecmo Koei opened a teaser site for the new North Star Musou, featuring a brief clip of in-game action. If you're familiar with either Fist of the North Star or the Dynasty Warriors games, you know exactly what to expect: a little post-apocalyptic Mad Max-esque wasteland, and one giant guy exploding a horde of identical thugs with his bare fists and feet. The combination of these two licenses is doing a pretty good job of renewing our interest in both!

See the footage after the break. If you squint, it kind of looks like a high-definition God Hand sequel.

Gallery: Fist of the North Star


[Via Andriasang]

Continue reading See North Star Musou's gory details in video teaser

JoystiqSee North Star Musou's gory details in video teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsfist-of-the-north-starkoeiMicrosoftnorth-star-musoutecmo-koeiXbox-360Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei drops assets, plot details for Fist of the North Star Musou]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/koei-drops-assets-plot-details-for-fist-of-the-north-star-musou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/koei-drops-assets-plot-details-for-fist-of-the-north-star-musou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/koei-drops-assets-plot-details-for-fist-of-the-north-star-musou/#comments
Hokuto no Ken, it means no worries for the rest of your days ...
Koei recently sent over a handful of screenshots from its recently announced video game adaptation of the Fist of the North Star anime series, Hokuto Musou, which is due out in Japan in 2010. Thankfully for those of us who aren't manga aficionados, these screens were accompanied by a brief primer on the series' plot. We won't bore you with the entire premise, but instead offer you this highlight from Koei's description:

"Channeling their energy into a single deadly blow, players can strike their victims and cause them to violently explode on screen. Gamers can also let loose with Kenshiro's signature move- a ruthless flurry of ferocious punches, triggering the instantaneous breakdown of internal organs, and death."

Yes, please.

Gallery: Fist of the North Star

JoystiqKoei drops assets, plot details for Fist of the North Star Musou originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animefist-of-the-north-starhokuto-musoujapankoeimangaMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei Tecmo teases new game with dead flowers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/koei-tecmo-teases-new-game-with-dead-flowers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/koei-tecmo-teases-new-game-with-dead-flowers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/koei-tecmo-teases-new-game-with-dead-flowers/#comments Man, Koei Tecmo, you really know how to confuse the hell out of us. You've proven your capacity to perplex with your billion-dudes-on-screen action franchises -- now, you're diversifying your riddlecraft with a teaser site for a heretofore unannounced game. Based on context clues, we're guessing it's the long overdue revival of everyone's favorite classic franchise: Pretty Flower, Dead Flower, Falling Girl.

We're kidding, of course. Judging by the Big Dipper which slyly appears at the end of the teaser's video loop, and the fact that the entire Musou (or Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors) team will be in attendance when the game is revealed on October 14, we're guessing it's actually Fist of the North Star Musou. Shame, really -- we were so excited about a current-gen reimagination of PFDFFG.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqKoei Tecmo teases new game with dead flowers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsfist-of-the-north-starkoeikoei-tecmomusousamurai-warriorsteasertecmoSat, 10 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stoic silence on the battlefield unless you install Dynasty Warriors 6 PSP data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/stoic-silence-on-the-battlefield-unless-you-install-dynasty-warr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/stoic-silence-on-the-battlefield-unless-you-install-dynasty-warr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/stoic-silence-on-the-battlefield-unless-you-install-dynasty-warr/#commentsOkay, a little background: Dynasty Warriors 6 is being ported to the PSP. The same Dynasty Warriors 6 that was the basis for Strikeforce, which came out on the PSP first and is now being ported to the Xbox 360 and PS3. This PSP version of DW6 includes elements of Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires. This isn't totally relevant to the news at hand, but it's really complicated and we're kind of proud of ourselves for (presumably) untangling it.

This latest Dynasty Warriors 6, Dynasty Warriors 6 Special, won't require users to install data to the Memory Stick, but will have benefits for those who do. If you install the 260MB data, the speech in the game will be voiced. If you don't, your allies and enemies on the battlefield will communicate via text windows.

Actually, now that we think about it, not having a thousand dudes yelling at you all the time seems a lot better. Thanks for the option, Koei!

JoystiqStoic silence on the battlefield unless you install Dynasty Warriors 6 PSP data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-6dynasty-warriors-6-specialkoeimemory-stickvoice-actingWed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/#commentsI played two games in Koei's prolific Warriors series at TGS: the Wii-exclusive Samurai Warriors 3, and the PS3/360 port of the PSP's Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce. The two games were as different from one another as two Warriors games could be, though, of course, both games stuck to the Warriors foundation of controlling a historical war hero as he or she beats several thousand enemy soldiers on a crowded battlefield. Both seem like high-quality entries, each offering compelling reasons for lapsed combatants to return to the fight.

Gallery: Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)


Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (PS3/360)


Continue reading Hands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)

JoystiqHands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeiNintendosamurai-warriors-3tgs-2009WiiMon, 05 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Koei announces Dynasty Warriors Online for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-koei-announces-dynasty-warriors-online-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-koei-announces-dynasty-warriors-online-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-koei-announces-dynasty-warriors-online-for-ps3/#comments Even from our poorly lit offices, some 6,500 miles away from the Tokyo Game Show floor, we heard shouts of jubilation coming from the Koei stage. The reason for the uproar was due to the announcement made just moments before: Dynasty Warriors Online, an MMO-Samurai-Warfare-Sim for PC, will be making its way to PS3 next year in Japan. Wait. We hear those cheers again! Man, our windows are closed! What's going on?

Details about the title are few, though the official DWO teaser site confirms that while the title will get a retail release, players won't have to shell out for any irksome subscription fees. Instead, Koei will be supported by the community's purchase of Musou Coins, which can be spent on special items and furniture. Furniture? Does this mean we'll finally be able to play as ... the Ottoman Empire?

JoystiqTGS 2009: Koei announces Dynasty Warriors Online for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-onlinejapankoeimmotgs-2009Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden characters to appear in Dynasty Warriors, vice versa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ninja-gaiden-characters-to-appear-in-dynasty-warriors-vice-vers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ninja-gaiden-characters-to-appear-in-dynasty-warriors-vice-vers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ninja-gaiden-characters-to-appear-in-dynasty-warriors-vice-vers/#comments Merged game companies rarely fuse their franchises together, but when the two partnered entities' action-genre focus overlaps as much as Koei and Tecmo's do, inter-brand cameos come naturally. That's why we weren't shocked to hear that Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa and Warriors Orochi's Nu Wa would make appearances in the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, respectively, of Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid. In addition, Multi Raiid's Sun Shang Xiang and Zhao Yun will appear as costumes in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.

At this rate, we expect the many, many ninjas from Koei and Tecmo's respective properties will soon be thrown into a "ninja pool," which players of any their titles will be able to choose from. For the record, we're strong advocates for this ninja unionization. Fairer wages for our shiruken-slinging brethren!

JoystiqNinja Gaiden characters to appear in Dynasty Warriors, vice versa originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-multi-raidkoeikoei-tecmoMicrosoftninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-sigma-2ninjasnu-waryu-hayabusasynergytecmowarriors-orochiXbox-360Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Only 8% of Koei's sales come from outside of Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/#comments
How does a company like Koei, which seemingly releases a new Dynasty Warriors game every few months, stay afloat? Well, it's not with the help of American audiences, that's for sure. Sony Japan Studios' senior VP, Yasuhide Kobayashi, shared some information with DICE Asia attendees. He revealed that many Japanese companies are struggling to have their games appeal beyond the Japanese market. The worst offender? Koei, with 91.8% of its sales coming from the Japanese market.

Tecmo follows at 89.6 percent, while Square Enix receives a startling 86.6 percent of its sales from the motherland. With Kobayashi saying "the Japanese market is really shrinking," these companies must "develop [a] global title." in order to survive. Expect to hear even more about the dwindling importance of the Japanese market, and publishers' efforts to make more "global" titles, at Tokyo Game Show next week.

JoystiqOnly 8% of Koei's sales come from outside of Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-asiajapanjapan-studiokoeisceisquare-enixtecmoSat, 19 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei's Warship Gunners 2 sailing to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/koeis-warship-gunners-2-sailing-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/koeis-warship-gunners-2-sailing-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/koeis-warship-gunners-2-sailing-to-psp/#comments
It seems like nearly half of the games released nowadays are Japanese nautical combat simulators for the PSP -- regardless, Koei is set to heap yet another of these ever-popular titles on the pile. This time around, it's a port of the PS2 title Naval Ops: Warship Gunner 2 -- though its PSP iteration has been given a more appropriate moniker: Warship Gunner 2 Portable. Release date details will likely drop when the game's official site goes live on September 4.

The title places players behind the wheel (rudder?) of a massive warship, forcing them to fight through waves of enemy vessels and proceed through the story and unlock new customizable parts for their own boat. Basically, it's a more complex version of Battleship, only without all the choking hazards. Unless you consider a UMD a choking hazard, but, man,vyou'd really have to try pretty hard to manage that.

JoystiqKoei's Warship Gunners 2 sailing to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatkoeinauticalnaval-ops-warship-gunner-2portps2shipwarship-gunners-2-portableThu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gitaroo Man Lives, other titles added to Japanese PlayStation Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/#comments The Japanese PlayStation Store recently received a massive booster shot from Sony and a number of third-party developers who've made a few of their PSP titles downloadable. Coded Arms, Dynasty Warriors and Valhalla Knights are among the notable downloadable games -- but the inclusion of Koei's cult classic rhythm title, Gitaroo Man Lives, is what really sets our hearts a-flutter. Available for just ¥1,200 (about $14), we'd be hard pressed to not buy this hard-to-find gem five or six times should it come stateside.

Speaking of which, we've contacted Koei to see if they plan on bringing U-1's epic journey to the North American PlayStation Store. We'll let you know whether or not the developer plans on breaking our hearts.

JoystiqGitaroo Man Lives, other titles added to Japanese PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablegitaroo-mangitaroo-man-livesguitariNiSKoeiMusicplaystation-storepsnrhythmTecmo-KoeiTue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei reveals first screens of Samurai Warriors 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/koei-reveals-first-screens-of-samurai-warriors-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/koei-reveals-first-screens-of-samurai-warriors-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/koei-reveals-first-screens-of-samurai-warriors-3/#commentsHaving had our attention turned sharply toward Samurai Warriors 3 by Shigeru Miyamoto, we were eager to learn more about the game itself. And ... well, it looks like any other Warriors/Musou game. But it does look pretty nice!

There are a couple of incremental gameplay changes in this one, including "Shadow Techniques," special combos which expend energy from a blue gauge at the bottom of the screen. Triggering one of these with a full gauge will unleash an even bigger attack -- like, in new character Kuroda Kanbei's case, a giant blue fist from the sky. By the way, this game will have over 35 characters, including characters from previous Samurai Warrior games, as well as new ones like Kuroda.

Check out more screens at GAME Watch.

JoystiqKoei reveals first screens of Samurai Warriors 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koeikoei-tecmosamurai-warriorssamurai-warriors-3Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Koei 'nams new studio location]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/koei-nams-new-studio-location/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/koei-nams-new-studio-location/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/koei-nams-new-studio-location/#comments
Koei Tecmo has discovered a clever way to combat rising game development costs -- Japanese gaming blog AndriaSang recently turned our attention to a Japanese newspaper article that explained the company will be opening a studio in Hanoi, Vietnam in mid-September. The lower labor costs in that area should reduce the overall price of game development for the company. As ninjas are extremely expensive to render accurately, we're sure it's a much appreciated discount.

Though the new studio (which will initially be staffed by 20 to 30 locals) will be named "Koei Tecmo Vietnam," the original newspaper report states it will be a subsidiary of Koei rather than the recently merged Koei Tecmo Holdings. In other words -- Koei's gettin' some action on the side. Scan-duh-lous!

JoystiqKoei 'nams new studio location originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerkoeikoei-tecmokoei-tecmo-vietnamstudiotecmovietnamWed, 05 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST