via Eurogamer


While other companies wrestle with Web 2.0, moral dilemmas and the DRM mushroom cloud, Namco Bandai still sits around painting planes with anime characters and charging a couple of quid for them. It's a living. And here's more of it thanks to several new plane skins and a miscellaneous bolt-on for Ace Combat 6.

Released on Xbox Live yesterday (we can't see any reference to this on Major Nelson but we'll take distributor Atari's word for it), the update is headlined by "Ace of Aces Mission 03" for 350 Microsoft Points (GBP 2.98 / EUR 4.20), about which Namco says: "Just like the mode included in the game, Ace of Aces is a very hard mode."

Then there's the Dark Shining Set (300 MS Points - GBP 2.55 / EUR 3.60), which includes a golden Rafale M and a black F-2A along with a "modified sky-painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions" that's been equipped with "collared smoke missiles", with the payload "maximised for show purposes".

Otherwise it's all individual plane refits: a Distant Thunder A-10A (200 MSP - GBP 1.70 / EUR 2.40) that has a lighter body and increased weapons payload; a Typhoon remade to the Ace Combat 3 spec (200 MSP - GBP 1.70 / EUR 2.40), which valued speed and durability over turning response; a Gault Su-47 (200 MSP - GBP 1.70 / EUR 2.40) with improved turning performance in reduced-speed zones albeit with less thrust; and a Wardog Emblem F-14D designed for emergency interception. That one's free.

Last but not least, there's another pair of planes based on Idolm@ster - a Japanese-only Namco Bandai series - called The Idolmaster Azusa (an F-14D refit described thus: "She's got lots of potential, but she doesn't like to be rushed. Just let her go at her own pace as she takes you on a smooth ride to victory!") and The Idolmaster Ritsuko (an F/A-18F: "She tires easily, so use her precise movement to take out the enemy as quickly as possible! You've got the brains, she's got the moves - let's get lots of enemies!") Both of those go for 400 MS Points (GBP 3.40 / EUR 4.80). ...

via IGN


A wave of generosity from Nintendo this week, who having deigned to finally grant us sensitive European types with Super Smash Bros Brawl – which, as our UK review attests, is rather great – present us with a cavalcade of classics on the Virtual Console this week.

Top of the list is the sublime Super Fantasy Zone, a surreal Mega Drive shooter that plays like a freeform Parodius. Which is a little inadequate as a description, so you're maybe better off reading our comprehensive retro review, and the game is yours for 800 Wii Points.

One of Pacman's forays outside of his maze is also available, in the form of the 1993 Super Nintendo puzzler Pac-Attack which is available for 800 Wii Points.

What's the best thing ever? Why, wrestling monsters of course, all brought to you in the Neo Geo gem Kings of the Monsters. The first in an ongoing series, you can take charge of the likes of Godzilla for the total sum of 900 Wii points.

Finally, two C64 tidbits, in the form of shooter Cybernoind and sprinter Summer Games 2 - which is probably a good bet at kindling an Olympian spirit before events kick off in Beijing next month. Both games are yours for the very reasonable 500 Wii points each.


Virtual Console European Releases, June 28

Sega Megadrive – 800 Wii Points

• Super Fantasy Zone (1992)

Super Nintendo – 800 Wii Points

• Pac-Attack (1993)

Neo Geo – 900 Wii Points

• King of the Monsters (1991)

Commodore 64 – 500 Wii Points

• Cybernoid (1988)
• Summer Games 2 (1985)

...

via IGN


Namco Bandai has at last lifted its silence on Fragile, a Wii RPG that seemingly disappeared following its announcement a few months back. Today, the company shared new screens, character bios and gameplay details.

The new screens offer a new look at the previously unveiled underground shopping areas. Like the whole game world, this area is in ruins. According to Namco, the walls in this area have graffiti and other markings which reveal the happenings of the past and can provide hints to aid you on your adventure.

Shown for the first time in this screenshot update are the ruins of a hotel. This area provides contrast to the dark environments of the mall, as you'll be able to do your exploration in the light of day.

We've also learned first details on the game's combat system. The game transitions seamlessly into battle as you face off against all varieties of creatures, including some who move in groups. When in battle, you keep using the nunchuck to move your character around, and use buttons on the Wiimote to perform attacks. You have to select your weapons based off the current enemy.

It's not just you by your lonely self as you search the ruins, though. Joining main character Seto are at least three additional characters: Ren, Sai and Kuro. Ren is the white-haired girl who, as previously revealed, is the subject of Seto's search. Sai is another female character who meets up with Seto midway through his travels. Kuro is a boy who, like Seto, is searching through this world of ruins. His search is centered in the Tokyo Tower area as he attempts to find the location depicted in a picture. He feels finding this location will help reveal the past that he has forgotten.

Fragile is set for Japanese release in 2008. ...

via Joystiq


SOCOM Confrontation's retail release will include a Bluetooth headset, Sony reconfirmed today -- this time with pictures. While similar to the Jabra headset packaged inside Warhawk's box (and later removed), SOCOM's offering actually appears to be well-designed and, in fact, PlayStation-branded. Features include a prominent Mute button, USB charging cradle, and extended battery life. Sony has neither finalized the design nor priced a standalone model, but the SOCOM bundle is rumored to fetch $80.


Photographs of the headset here ...

via Joystiq


When Soul Calibur's cadre of fighters cut their way onto the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this July in North America, they will do so in pairs. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the game will feature tag team elements in order to "perform combos" based on an on-screen meter that depletes as characters continue to test the bonds of friendship.

However, according to crack CAG translators, it remains unknown to what extent "character swapping" will be featured in Soul Calibur IV. The article interestingly only mentions the mechanic in reference to the game's single player mode, and that "teammates may suddenly join and leave at the end of the battle." We can't imagine that Namco Bandai would be so shortsighted as to leave something like this out of the game's versus mode. Still, we imagine that just the idea of Darth Vader conquering the galaxy shoulder to shoulder with top-heavy Taki (or Ivy, or Cassandra, or...) is enough to get fan fiction writers reaching for the keyboard and a change of pants. ...

via IGN


Ignition Entertainment, a UTV Enterprise and worldwide publisher and developer of videogames, in conjunction with SNK Playmore announced today that Metal Slug 7 for Nintendo DS will be released this fall.

Developed by SNK Playmore Corporation and published by Ignition Entertainment, Metal Slug 7 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by continuing to deliver the high-energy and frantic, fast-paced 2-D shooting action that the franchise has always been widely renowned for.

Players will join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they prepare to take on Modern's Forces across 7 new missions that will bring them from Garbage Island to the Fortress of Ruins and beyond. Aside from featuring 7 brand new and fully detailed missions and six playable characters, Metal Slug 7 will also feature a host of new weapons, colossal new bosses, new Slugs to pilot and new gameplay modes for added replay value.

"Truth be told, I have a pink DS and was embarrassed to play it in public. Now with Metal Slug 7 loaded, I have no qualms," said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment. "Needless to say, and in all seriousness, we are very excited to announce our partnership with SNK Playmore USA to give both core and casual gamers a whole new insight into the unique, all-action, eye-popping world that is Metal Slug."

First released in 1996, the Metal Slug series has continuously dazzled legions of fans with its awesome variety of frenetic action and superbly balanced, non-stop gameplay. Its unique art style and memorable boss battles have been hailed as sheer artistry and have been acclaimed by game fans of all genres. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Ubisoft has unveiled a brand new Prince of Persia game for DS that's scheduled to hit the handheld console by Christmas this year.

Subtitled The Fallen King, the new game uses the stylus controls to "deliver the extraordinary acrobatic and combat action" of the franchise, according to the developer.

While the story and scenario will be different to the upcoming Xbox 360 / PS3 game, some of the gameplay mechanics sound similar.

In The Fallen King, the Prince will meet new character Magnus, who players must take control of at times to fight, solve puzzles and explore.

It all sounds good, but we're not sold yet on the screenshots and concept art. We feel a little like we did when we first saw The Wind Waker's cell shading. It's not bad looking by any stretch of the imagination, just different, a bit like the new game coming for consoles.

Early days yet though, so we'll hold off until we see more shots from the game until we pass judgement. ...

via Eurogamer


505 Games is set to release a Nintendo DS version of Subbuteo in September.

Developed by Italian outfit Artematica, it lets you flick players around the pitch with the stylus as you'd expect and also has online multiplayer.

According to 505's description, you'll use the stylus on the touch-screen to position players, attack, defend, pass and shoot, then click a finger-flick icon to choose angle and power "just like the real thing".

Meanwhile, the top screen provides "real-time feedback on all the match action with fouls, goals and even those all-important aerobatic shots".

In addition to a tutorial, there are tournaments and leagues, multiplayer via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and a game editor for changing player names and colours and creating new teams.

505 MD Ian Howe reckons "only the Nintendo DS could bring to life the touch and feel of the beautiful game in such an entertaining and engaging way", perhaps having observed how Spain and Italy certainly couldn't the other day.

"The huge DS market will also allow us to take Subbuteo to the entire family, in much the same way we all first played the game when we were young," he finished.

Check out our Subbuteo DS screenshot gallery for more clues on how this will work. ...

via Eurogamer


Sony has launched a new website for PS3 game Buzz! Quiz TV, and you can find it over at MyBuzzQuiz.com.

It's not just a load of rubbishy old screens and flash movies - the point is, you can create your very own quizzes and play them online. You can also try out ones other people have created. (We correctly answered six out of eight questions in the Mario Kart quiz, though we'd argue the answer to one of those questions is subjective and there's no way Princess Peach is fatter than Donkey Kong.)

Then, when Buzz! Quiz TV launches on July 4th, you'll be able to download quizzes and play them on your PS3.

Sony was not available to comment on how long it's likely to be before it all goes a bit Spore and the website is full of nothing but penis quizzes. ...