Retro gamers rejoice! Quite a few titles released for next week may be of interest to you. Plus also titles many of you have been waiting for.
11th November
Kodai Ouja: Kyouryuu King - 7-tsu no Kakera
Region: Japan Genre: Dino collect-me-do
Developer: Sega of Japan Publisher: Sega
Its Pokemon...with Dinosaurs. Instant win? Who knows but it looks good! Sega are wanting this to be a big hit and they plan on releasing this outside of Japan. The spin off of Sega's popular Mushi King games, Dinosaur King is a kids oriented title that has you battling your favorite dinosaurs. As Max or Rex, otherwise known as the D-Team, players will collect over 100 dinosaurs, each with its own special moves totaling over 240 in all. Traveling to five different territories around the globe, players will dig for fossils that are indigenous to that region. Once the player has collected their dinosaurs, exciting battles can begin with the evil Dr. Z, a greedy scientist bent on destruction and world domination. Its also an animated series.
Video Link
13th November
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader
Region: North America Genre: Quiz-me-do
Developer: ValuSoft Publisher: THQ
Based on the US version of it (Its "Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" over here and has the legendary Noel Edmonds presenting) just like the show, from the classmates’ peer pressure, to Jeff Foxworthy’s wisecracks. Test your knowledge with 28 tough grade school subjects with over 3,000 challenging questions, which you can answer with help from your 5 classmates. Sounds better than most of these quiz show games.
Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders
Region: North America Genre: cash in-me-do
Developer: Sensory Sweep Publisher: Midway
Imagination land, imaginaaaatioooon laaaaand. Yeah erm this game is based on the kids show that most people enjoy, the little footage of the game actually looks pretty much like the toon and looks like its in 3D and like all cash ins, will have stylus based mini games. Can't find any screens right now but I will update if I find any.
Video Link
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Region: North America Genre: Beat-me-do & Puzzle-me-do
Developer: Other Ocean Interactive Publisher: Midway
MOOOOOOOOOOOORTAAAAL KOOOOOOOOOOMBAAAAAAAAAAAT!! Ed Boon who developed this originally is overlooking this so its not a mess like the GBA version. Its a port of the arcade version but with WFC and a Puzzle Fighter style mode as well, which is awesome if you ask me but I would've preferred a compilation of the four games but thats me I always want more.
Video Link
13th November
Region: North America Genre: Shoot-me-do
Developer: Wayforward Publisher: Konami
Ah another piece of retro goodness! Finally a proper Contra game, sure there was the PS2 game that was good but this is how a Contra game should be. The use of both screens for the game’s core action allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. It also has a co-op 2 player mode but that is multi-card only sadly. Not only do we get a new game but we also get NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C plus there are 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games, 2 digital comics, a museum that provides a virtual history of the Contra franchise since the early 80’s, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe AND an interview with Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazat. Ok its by Wayforward who have made some shitty games BUT they have made Shantae and that was awesome, plus everyone who has played it says its awesome so no worries! The stuff packaged into this title puts many retro games to shame.
Video Link
Baby Pals
Region: North America Genre: Look after a baby-me-do
Developer: Crave Publisher: Crave
Sporting features like wi-fi link up battles...no not really its another crappy Crave title. Avoid.
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends
Region: North America Genre: Chef-me-do
Developer: Office Create Publisher: Tatio
More of the same? All-new modes (Cook With Mama, Let's Cook (cooking without assistance) and a 4 player cooking contest) and recipes, plus 150 different food-based mini-games. Majesco is promising improved graphics with "real-time effects that make you feel like you're actually cooking. Adjust your timing and make decisions about your next course of action based on what you see on screen". What's more, you can now also customise your kitchen and change Mama's clothing. Well hot tits ain't that fun?
Orcs & Elves
Region: North America/Europe/Australia Genre: Proper RPG-me-do
Developer: Fountainhead/id Software Publisher: EA
So this week we have a retro fighter, and retro shooter and now a retro RPG, a PC style one at that! Based on the excellent mobile game and behind the guys who brought us Doom & Quake, this game should be awesome! Ok sure it has graphics that would suit a 486 PC game but its the gameplay that counts! The mobile game was a very deep and enjoyable RPG. In this heroic quest to save the Dwarven citadel from the forces of darkness, gamers encounter secrets, treasure chests, devious traps, puzzles and mysterious characters in this expanded edition of the cellphone game by id Software. The game has been crafted entirely anew, utilizing the Nintendo DS unique technology platform. Orcs & Elves features higher graphical fidelity, more levels, items and monsters as players explore a massive Dwarven kingdom riddled with ancient treasures and fierce enemies. Should wipe the floor with crappy Etrian Odyssey. If it does well they may bring Doom RPG to the DS too...awesome!
Video Link
Need For Speed: ProStreet
Region: North America Genre: Street race-me-do
Developer: Black Box Publisher: EA
Anyone else sick of street racing games? EA have failed to produce some DS screens so expect it to be average like the other titles but heres some details on the DS version: A brand new physics engine and an intuitively refined AI engine that smartly delivers on real driving behaviors, four distinct styles of racing - Drag mode, Drift, Grip Racing and, completely new to the franchise, Speed Challenge.
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
Region: North America Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Ubisoft Paris Publisher: Ubisoft
Anyone else sick of mini games? I'd rather have a GOOD platformer like the GBA had (and not like the DS one last year) but Ubisoft probably think that we want this. Well it could be fun.
Video Link
Also out is Monster Jam which is some kind of Monster Truck game and Garfield Gets Real which was meant to be out a few weeks back and is by DSI, no screens for that but they reckon it is in full 3D. It must look bad if theres no screens as DSI usually ALWAYS have screens for their game...hmmm. Theres also Pets: Hamsterz Life, Horsez 2 and Dogz 2 just added today (12th Nov) but I won't write them up seeing you'll probably know the score with those.
15th November
Dungeon Explorer: Jashin no Ryouiki
Region: Japan Genre: Action RPG-me-do
Developer: Hudson Publisher: Hudson
Those waiting for a Diablo DS may wanna look at this! Its been a while but Hudson are finally bringing their excellent franchise back. This is a hack and slash RPG with a lot of dungeon crawling. No date for outside of Japan but the demo booths at TGS had the game in English so its safe to say its coming. I enjoyed the PC-Engine game so looking forward to this and the future PSP version. The game will feature voice chat & wi-fi which makes this even more exciting. Hudson don't mess the English up!
Famitsta DS
Region: Japan Genre: Baseball-me-do
Developer: Bandai Namco Publisher: Bandai Namco
Also known as Family Stadium, there has been 8 Famicom (NES) games, 5 Super Famicom (SNES) games, one GBA, one N64 and on Gamecube game. Safe to say that the Japanese like these titles as this title celebrates its 20th year of Nintendo baseball games.
Game Center CX: Arino no Chousenjou
Region: Japan Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Bandai Namco Publisher: Bandai Namco
Based on a Japanese television series where comedian Shinya Arino plays popular video games (a majority of which are Famicom games) and records his progress as he works through a time limit (usually 1 day per game... around 13 hours or so). The central gimmick of the game is that you play as two kids who are themselves playing games; they have a Famicom-esque system in front of them and a pile of magazines. Both the games and the magazines are original creations based on classics; the games imitate Galaga, Lode Runner, and others, and the magazines talk about those games in a style reminiscent of Famitsu. Excellent idea, one that we may never see over here.
Also out in Japan:
Karada Yorokobu Shokuji & Exercise: Kenkou Kentei
Snoopy to Issho ni DS Eigo Lesson
Wine no Hajimekata DS
16th November
Smart Kid's: Gameclub
Region: Us Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Tommo Publisher: Tommo
Another load of mini games aged at the pre-teen market, but only the smart kids.
Animal Paradise
Region: Europe Genre: Pet-me-do
Developer: Empire Interactive Publisher: Empire Interactive
A English version of Hana Deka Club, erm its another pet sim! Look look you can pet a squirrel!!
Lets Yoga
Region: Europe Genre: Yoga-me-do
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
So instead of bringing us the other games that look sweet (like that Phoenix Wright style stock game) they give us this yoga title that most people probably won't want.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
Region: Europe/Australia Genre: Footy-me-do
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
Not played the Japanese version but I am hoping its a lot better this year.
No upcoming this week, not really had much time. Look look...no mention of the word "gay"...Oh damn just there.
Dates are correct at time of writing. These dates are sometimes SHIPPING dates so if a game isn't in a store please don't complain. Any n00bz moaning about a game not being dumped when they want it will be slapped round balls or tits with a damp hungry haddock.
A Wii edition may or may not happen, depends on what I am doing tomorrow.
11th November
Kodai Ouja: Kyouryuu King - 7-tsu no Kakera
Region: Japan Genre: Dino collect-me-do
Developer: Sega of Japan Publisher: Sega
Its Pokemon...with Dinosaurs. Instant win? Who knows but it looks good! Sega are wanting this to be a big hit and they plan on releasing this outside of Japan. The spin off of Sega's popular Mushi King games, Dinosaur King is a kids oriented title that has you battling your favorite dinosaurs. As Max or Rex, otherwise known as the D-Team, players will collect over 100 dinosaurs, each with its own special moves totaling over 240 in all. Traveling to five different territories around the globe, players will dig for fossils that are indigenous to that region. Once the player has collected their dinosaurs, exciting battles can begin with the evil Dr. Z, a greedy scientist bent on destruction and world domination. Its also an animated series.
Video Link
13th November
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader
Region: North America Genre: Quiz-me-do
Developer: ValuSoft Publisher: THQ
Based on the US version of it (Its "Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" over here and has the legendary Noel Edmonds presenting) just like the show, from the classmates’ peer pressure, to Jeff Foxworthy’s wisecracks. Test your knowledge with 28 tough grade school subjects with over 3,000 challenging questions, which you can answer with help from your 5 classmates. Sounds better than most of these quiz show games.
Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders
Region: North America Genre: cash in-me-do
Developer: Sensory Sweep Publisher: Midway
Imagination land, imaginaaaatioooon laaaaand. Yeah erm this game is based on the kids show that most people enjoy, the little footage of the game actually looks pretty much like the toon and looks like its in 3D and like all cash ins, will have stylus based mini games. Can't find any screens right now but I will update if I find any.
Video Link
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Region: North America Genre: Beat-me-do & Puzzle-me-do
Developer: Other Ocean Interactive Publisher: Midway
MOOOOOOOOOOOORTAAAAL KOOOOOOOOOOMBAAAAAAAAAAAT!! Ed Boon who developed this originally is overlooking this so its not a mess like the GBA version. Its a port of the arcade version but with WFC and a Puzzle Fighter style mode as well, which is awesome if you ask me but I would've preferred a compilation of the four games but thats me I always want more.
Video Link
13th November
Region: North America Genre: Shoot-me-do
Developer: Wayforward Publisher: Konami
Ah another piece of retro goodness! Finally a proper Contra game, sure there was the PS2 game that was good but this is how a Contra game should be. The use of both screens for the game’s core action allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. It also has a co-op 2 player mode but that is multi-card only sadly. Not only do we get a new game but we also get NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C plus there are 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games, 2 digital comics, a museum that provides a virtual history of the Contra franchise since the early 80’s, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe AND an interview with Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazat. Ok its by Wayforward who have made some shitty games BUT they have made Shantae and that was awesome, plus everyone who has played it says its awesome so no worries! The stuff packaged into this title puts many retro games to shame.
Video Link
Baby Pals
Region: North America Genre: Look after a baby-me-do
Developer: Crave Publisher: Crave
Sporting features like wi-fi link up battles...no not really its another crappy Crave title. Avoid.
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends
Region: North America Genre: Chef-me-do
Developer: Office Create Publisher: Tatio
More of the same? All-new modes (Cook With Mama, Let's Cook (cooking without assistance) and a 4 player cooking contest) and recipes, plus 150 different food-based mini-games. Majesco is promising improved graphics with "real-time effects that make you feel like you're actually cooking. Adjust your timing and make decisions about your next course of action based on what you see on screen". What's more, you can now also customise your kitchen and change Mama's clothing. Well hot tits ain't that fun?
Orcs & Elves
Region: North America/Europe/Australia Genre: Proper RPG-me-do
Developer: Fountainhead/id Software Publisher: EA
So this week we have a retro fighter, and retro shooter and now a retro RPG, a PC style one at that! Based on the excellent mobile game and behind the guys who brought us Doom & Quake, this game should be awesome! Ok sure it has graphics that would suit a 486 PC game but its the gameplay that counts! The mobile game was a very deep and enjoyable RPG. In this heroic quest to save the Dwarven citadel from the forces of darkness, gamers encounter secrets, treasure chests, devious traps, puzzles and mysterious characters in this expanded edition of the cellphone game by id Software. The game has been crafted entirely anew, utilizing the Nintendo DS unique technology platform. Orcs & Elves features higher graphical fidelity, more levels, items and monsters as players explore a massive Dwarven kingdom riddled with ancient treasures and fierce enemies. Should wipe the floor with crappy Etrian Odyssey. If it does well they may bring Doom RPG to the DS too...awesome!
Video Link
Need For Speed: ProStreet
Region: North America Genre: Street race-me-do
Developer: Black Box Publisher: EA
Anyone else sick of street racing games? EA have failed to produce some DS screens so expect it to be average like the other titles but heres some details on the DS version: A brand new physics engine and an intuitively refined AI engine that smartly delivers on real driving behaviors, four distinct styles of racing - Drag mode, Drift, Grip Racing and, completely new to the franchise, Speed Challenge.
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
Region: North America Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Ubisoft Paris Publisher: Ubisoft
Anyone else sick of mini games? I'd rather have a GOOD platformer like the GBA had (and not like the DS one last year) but Ubisoft probably think that we want this. Well it could be fun.
Video Link
Also out is Monster Jam which is some kind of Monster Truck game and Garfield Gets Real which was meant to be out a few weeks back and is by DSI, no screens for that but they reckon it is in full 3D. It must look bad if theres no screens as DSI usually ALWAYS have screens for their game...hmmm. Theres also Pets: Hamsterz Life, Horsez 2 and Dogz 2 just added today (12th Nov) but I won't write them up seeing you'll probably know the score with those.
15th November
Dungeon Explorer: Jashin no Ryouiki
Region: Japan Genre: Action RPG-me-do
Developer: Hudson Publisher: Hudson
Those waiting for a Diablo DS may wanna look at this! Its been a while but Hudson are finally bringing their excellent franchise back. This is a hack and slash RPG with a lot of dungeon crawling. No date for outside of Japan but the demo booths at TGS had the game in English so its safe to say its coming. I enjoyed the PC-Engine game so looking forward to this and the future PSP version. The game will feature voice chat & wi-fi which makes this even more exciting. Hudson don't mess the English up!
Famitsta DS
Region: Japan Genre: Baseball-me-do
Developer: Bandai Namco Publisher: Bandai Namco
Also known as Family Stadium, there has been 8 Famicom (NES) games, 5 Super Famicom (SNES) games, one GBA, one N64 and on Gamecube game. Safe to say that the Japanese like these titles as this title celebrates its 20th year of Nintendo baseball games.
Game Center CX: Arino no Chousenjou
Region: Japan Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Bandai Namco Publisher: Bandai Namco
Based on a Japanese television series where comedian Shinya Arino plays popular video games (a majority of which are Famicom games) and records his progress as he works through a time limit (usually 1 day per game... around 13 hours or so). The central gimmick of the game is that you play as two kids who are themselves playing games; they have a Famicom-esque system in front of them and a pile of magazines. Both the games and the magazines are original creations based on classics; the games imitate Galaga, Lode Runner, and others, and the magazines talk about those games in a style reminiscent of Famitsu. Excellent idea, one that we may never see over here.
Also out in Japan:
Karada Yorokobu Shokuji & Exercise: Kenkou Kentei
Snoopy to Issho ni DS Eigo Lesson
Wine no Hajimekata DS
16th November
Smart Kid's: Gameclub
Region: Us Genre: Mini game-me-do
Developer: Tommo Publisher: Tommo
Another load of mini games aged at the pre-teen market, but only the smart kids.
Animal Paradise
Region: Europe Genre: Pet-me-do
Developer: Empire Interactive Publisher: Empire Interactive
A English version of Hana Deka Club, erm its another pet sim! Look look you can pet a squirrel!!
Lets Yoga
Region: Europe Genre: Yoga-me-do
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
So instead of bringing us the other games that look sweet (like that Phoenix Wright style stock game) they give us this yoga title that most people probably won't want.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
Region: Europe/Australia Genre: Footy-me-do
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
Not played the Japanese version but I am hoping its a lot better this year.
No upcoming this week, not really had much time. Look look...no mention of the word "gay"...Oh damn just there.
Dates are correct at time of writing. These dates are sometimes SHIPPING dates so if a game isn't in a store please don't complain. Any n00bz moaning about a game not being dumped when they want it will be slapped round balls or tits with a damp hungry haddock.
A Wii edition may or may not happen, depends on what I am doing tomorrow.
