Microsoft Unveils New Titles in Japan
Big surprises from Square Enix and SNK at Japanese press conference.
by John Tanaka
US, April 21, 2009 - Microsoft was in the spotlight yesterday in its weakest territory as it gathered the press to provide a glimpse at its upcoming Japanese lineup. While much of what was shown as part of the Xbox 360 Title Preview: Spring 2009 press conference had been previously announced, there were some surprises as well.
The press conference began with Microsoft Japan Home & Entertainment Division Chief Takashi Sensui making note of a recent major milestone for the 360: one million sold. It took MS about three years to achieve the goal in Japan, but this is a major feat when you consider that the first system never even managed half a million. To celebrate, Microsoft is holding a "Thank You! Campaign" through which it will give away 10,000 MS Points to 100 people via a raffle. Japan-based readers can get more info here.
While that campaign is a Japan-only thing, the game announcements concern the rest of the world too. Much of what was shown had been previously announced, including End of Eternity and Bayonetta. For the latter, attendees were treated to a stirring live demonstration which made us hope Sega and Platinum Games have a demo in the works.
A recent RPG announcement saw its full debut at the event as Namco Bandai properly unveiled Magna Carta 2. This sequel is being developed in Korea by Softmax and puts players in control of the character of Juto in an all new world, with a battle system that mixes action and strategy. The game, which is powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 3, will arrive in Japan on August 6, and is already being promoted through a commercial featuring a theme song from popular singer Glay.
Sensui thanks players for the million units.
Square Enix stepped up to plate with a couple of major announcements of its own. Sadly, there's no major RPG news from the RPG giant. Instead, Square Enix is bringing two slightly unexpected titles to Xbox Live Arcade.
0 Day Attack on Earth is a free roaming overhead shooter which gives players 360 degree blasting ability in real city environments set in Tokyo, New York, and Paris. The game features online co-op and competitive play. Developed by Gulti, a studio that has worked on such shooters as Space Invaders Extreme and Raiden Fighters Aces, the game will see worldwide release some time this year.
A bit more mysterious is Project Cube. In this action game, players take control of the robot Leo and make use of three attacks in an effort to restore the character's memory and save a heroine robot. The game also features online play, with death match, team battle and score attack promised. A worldwide release is also set for this year.
Xbox Live Arcade was the recipient of most of the major announcements at the event. Sega shared a final release date of April 29 for Virtual On Oratorio Tangram. SNK Playmore announced XLA versions of Garou Mark of Wolves, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match, and a mysterious new King of Fighters themed shooting game titled King of Fighters Sky Stage. These are all due in 2009, except for KOF2002UM, which is set for a distant 2010.
SNK Playmore delivered on the retail front as well. In addition to formally announcing a Japanese release for King of Fighters XII, it also revealed that a package release for Samurai Showdown Edge of Destiny is on the way.
Capcom was present too -- in spirit at least. Jun Takeuchi and Keiji Inafune delivered video messages introducing new trailers for Lost Planet 2 and Dead Rising 2. Capcom also confirmed a Japanese release for the Xbox 360 version of Mega Man 9; in Japan, the title was previously available exclusively on WiiWare.
Microsoft's biggest announcement for the show may have been a game we've been playing for months now. Closing off the press conference, Sensui announced that he'd be showing just one more surprise title. It turned out to be none other than Gears of War 2. The Japanese fate for this game was in question for some time, but a release is now set for Summer.
Big surprises from Square Enix and SNK at Japanese press conference.
by John Tanaka
US, April 21, 2009 - Microsoft was in the spotlight yesterday in its weakest territory as it gathered the press to provide a glimpse at its upcoming Japanese lineup. While much of what was shown as part of the Xbox 360 Title Preview: Spring 2009 press conference had been previously announced, there were some surprises as well.
The press conference began with Microsoft Japan Home & Entertainment Division Chief Takashi Sensui making note of a recent major milestone for the 360: one million sold. It took MS about three years to achieve the goal in Japan, but this is a major feat when you consider that the first system never even managed half a million. To celebrate, Microsoft is holding a "Thank You! Campaign" through which it will give away 10,000 MS Points to 100 people via a raffle. Japan-based readers can get more info here.
While that campaign is a Japan-only thing, the game announcements concern the rest of the world too. Much of what was shown had been previously announced, including End of Eternity and Bayonetta. For the latter, attendees were treated to a stirring live demonstration which made us hope Sega and Platinum Games have a demo in the works.
A recent RPG announcement saw its full debut at the event as Namco Bandai properly unveiled Magna Carta 2. This sequel is being developed in Korea by Softmax and puts players in control of the character of Juto in an all new world, with a battle system that mixes action and strategy. The game, which is powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 3, will arrive in Japan on August 6, and is already being promoted through a commercial featuring a theme song from popular singer Glay.
Sensui thanks players for the million units.
Square Enix stepped up to plate with a couple of major announcements of its own. Sadly, there's no major RPG news from the RPG giant. Instead, Square Enix is bringing two slightly unexpected titles to Xbox Live Arcade.
0 Day Attack on Earth is a free roaming overhead shooter which gives players 360 degree blasting ability in real city environments set in Tokyo, New York, and Paris. The game features online co-op and competitive play. Developed by Gulti, a studio that has worked on such shooters as Space Invaders Extreme and Raiden Fighters Aces, the game will see worldwide release some time this year.
A bit more mysterious is Project Cube. In this action game, players take control of the robot Leo and make use of three attacks in an effort to restore the character's memory and save a heroine robot. The game also features online play, with death match, team battle and score attack promised. A worldwide release is also set for this year.
Xbox Live Arcade was the recipient of most of the major announcements at the event. Sega shared a final release date of April 29 for Virtual On Oratorio Tangram. SNK Playmore announced XLA versions of Garou Mark of Wolves, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match, and a mysterious new King of Fighters themed shooting game titled King of Fighters Sky Stage. These are all due in 2009, except for KOF2002UM, which is set for a distant 2010.
SNK Playmore delivered on the retail front as well. In addition to formally announcing a Japanese release for King of Fighters XII, it also revealed that a package release for Samurai Showdown Edge of Destiny is on the way.
Capcom was present too -- in spirit at least. Jun Takeuchi and Keiji Inafune delivered video messages introducing new trailers for Lost Planet 2 and Dead Rising 2. Capcom also confirmed a Japanese release for the Xbox 360 version of Mega Man 9; in Japan, the title was previously available exclusively on WiiWare.
Microsoft's biggest announcement for the show may have been a game we've been playing for months now. Closing off the press conference, Sensui announced that he'd be showing just one more surprise title. It turned out to be none other than Gears of War 2. The Japanese fate for this game was in question for some time, but a release is now set for Summer.