via Computer and Video Games


Psychedelic Xbox Live Arcade puzzle game Geon is coming to Wii, developer Strawdog Studios has confirmed.

The Wii version will include all of the XBLA content along with four-player split-screen multiplayer, 16 new 'duel mode' grids and a ton of improvements across all the other colourful modes.

There's also the obligatory addition of Wii Remote 'jumpbash' moves, which you can perform by "flicking the remote like a drum stick".

It's out in February next year. Here's the feature list:

• 16 new 'Duel' mode grids
• Improved game rules for enhanced player interaction
• For the first time, attack and defend on demand with a single button press
• Improved single player experience via the new 'Duel' league mode
• Improved 'Time Attack' mode - now a game of pure speed with no obstacles or opponent
• Improved tutorial to smooth the player's learning curve
• 32 player avatars for player profiles
• Wii Remote functionality with players able to perform 'jumpbash' attack moves by flicking the controller like a drum stick
• Up to 4 person multiplayer split-screen

Screenshots
Trailer ...

via Kotaku


In what should surprise absolutely no one, DS title Pokémon Platinum is selling lots and lots. According to data from Famitsu publisher, the game has sold 967,675 copies in the first two days it's been on sale in Japan, which is of course almost a million copies in two days. Gotta sell 'em all, you know. ...

via Eurogamer


Id Software has had to rethink the way the content's presented in Rage because of DVD size restrictions on Xbox 360.

The original idea had been to spread the game across five-to-six wasteland environments, according to lead designer Tim Willits. But DVD restrictions have meant that's been turned into two larger areas; one for each of the two Xbox 360 discs.


Willits previously told Eurogamer that Xbox 360 was the "primary target" for Rage, which echoed comments made by fellow id Software colleague John Carmack that it was easier to realise the potential of the Xbox 360 hardware - though PS3 has its own advantages.

Rage is post-apocalyptic first-person action game with driving elements, set for release in late 2009 or in early 2010. Head over to our August preview of Rage for much more information. ...

via Games Industry


Microsoft's Xbox 360 has outsold Nintendo's Wii in Japan, according to figures from Enterbrain.

Following a new price point, the introduction of a bigger hard-drive and the release of Square Enix's Infinite Undiscovery, the console sold 28,681 units for the week ended September 14, according to a report by Andriasang.com.

Nintendo's Wii shifted 27,057 units, and the PlayStation 3 just 8050 units.

As with the price cuts announced for Europe yesterday, all three Xbox 360 SKUs have been reduced in price.

The Arcade unit retails for JPY 19,800, the Premium model for JPY 29,800 and the Elite for JPY 39,800.

Sales of the Microsoft console have now reached 717,275 units in Japan. ...

via IGN


Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announces Suikoden: Tierkreis, the latest iteration of the celebrated Suikoden series, will mark the franchise's debut exclusively on the Nintendo DS. Encompassing a variety of different characters while exploring many exotic locations and cultures across the game's universe of parallel worlds, Suikoden: Tierkreis will expand the bounds of the handheld RPG. Featuring the franchise's established gameplay while maximizing the technological capabilities of the DS to provide all-new online elements, this epic RPG consists of many cinematic experiences that will drive the grand storyline of the 108 Stars of Destiny as they battle to thwart the powerful One King.

Using the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, Suikoden: Tierkreis offers a rich online community experience that allows players to send their characters on quests that other members of the community will complete for them, eventually returning the player to their party with new abilities and treasures.

With its grand adventure and larger than life scale, this story is told through rich animation sequences and a gripping dialogue, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves and experience the world of Suikoden. For the first time ever, players will begin with the last three members of the Stars of Destiny and are tasked with resurrecting the other 104 in order to restore order in the universe and defeat the almighty One King.

The Suikoden series launched in 1995 in Japan and was released in the U.S. on the PlayStation game console in December of 1996. Instantly hailed as one of the most innovative RPGs, Suikoden delivered a unique battle system, an intriguing storyline with numerous plot twists and multiple endings to provide a fun experience for all RPG fans. Since its debut, the Suikoden series has received numerous industry accolades for being one of the top RPG games of all time. ...

via Computer and Video Games


The writer behind DC Comics such as Green Lantern, Action Comics and Justice Society of America will now put pen to paper for MMO, DC Universe Online.


DCUO (that's catchy) is in the works for PS3 and PC.


Screenshots ...

via IGN


You'd think that after recent announcements of Shining Force Feather and Phantasy Star Zero Sega would be all RPGed out. Apparently not! Today, the company partially unveiled an all new RPG, and this one could be even bigger than those two!

The new RPG is... well, we don't even have a name yet! Nor do we have a platform. All we know is what's being shown at this teaser website

According to the site, the game is being produced by Rieko Odama of Phantasy Star and Skies of Arcadia fame, directed by Kazuya Ninou of Etrian Odyssey fame and will feature musical composition by Yuzo Koshiro of Streets of Rage fame. Character designs are by Mota.

The site doesn't offer any clear details on game content, although given the "dragon" in the URL and the silhouetted dragon that appears at the end of the teaser flash animation, it appears likely that dragons will have a part in the game.

With the mention of "Dragon," one is likely to think "Dragon Force." However, Sega has noted that this mystery project is an all new title, suggesting that sequels are out.

We'll find out for sure on the 26th, which is when the title is supposed to be fully unveiled. As usual with the Japanese news, things will probably leak out a couple of days in advance, so check back in the middle of next week.

And in the meanwhile, enjoy those two musical tracks that serve as background music at the teaser site. ...

via Engadget


So it's really no big secret at this point, but we've now received confirmation that T-Mobile will be unveiling its first Android handset -- presumably the Dream, G1, or whatever they decide to call it -- at a press event in New York City on September 23. The event is a whole shindig, too, kicking off in the morning and featuring "presentations from T-Mobile, Google and other company executives" followed by hands-ons with the real deal. Naturally, we'll be on hand in full force, so stay tuned! ...

via Computer and Video Games


Ex-Xbox head Peter Moore has revealed how Microsoft was "completely fixated on Sony" with its Xbox Strategy.

Speaking in the second part of an interview with The Guardian, Moore revealed that Nintendo wasn't even considered when discussing console strategies with Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer (and now Wii's at the top).

"In January (2003) I flew up [to Redmond] and had lunch with Steve Ballmer and you don't say no to Ballmer," Moore said, discussing his route into Xbox. "We had a great lunch and he convinced me that Microsoft was going to take on Sony; so I get to put on my suit of armour, get on my horse and take on Sony again - but with a little bit more money this time!"

It was a classic "build or buy" conversation, said the now EA Sport boss. "Xbox had launched but it was an aggressive black box for shooters, and how do we evolve that, how do we build the next Xbox, how do we get after Sony?

"Interestingly, we were just completely fixated on Sony," Moore revealed. "Nintendo didn't even come into the conversation. But Steve was very compelling, particularly when you're one-on-one with him in his office - we talked about what we'd done to compete with Sony, where I felt their weaknesses were."

Microsoft had "a little bit of a concern" with Sony, Moore added. "We wanted to keep them out of the living room, from a software and services perspective," he said.

"He wanted my attitude, he didn't care what I'd achieved at Sega, he wanted to know how I was going to win for Microsoft, how we were going to take on Sony, how would we compete with - or acquire - Nintendo. Those were the conversations in those days."

And now Microsoft's out there chasing Nintendo's mainstream success. We won't point out the irony - that'd be mean. ...