Capcom « NYLatenite’s Gamer’s Paradise

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ROCKETMEN: AXIS OF EVIL

We've got yet another original game coming to the Xbox Live Arcade as Rocketmen: Axis of Evil takes it's place in the Live Marketplace. As with a few of the other recent original titles, I really hadn't heard much about this one prior to it's announcement, but from what I can tell, it's an overhead view futuristic action RPG – I'm guessing it's something like Gauntlet with an RPG flair.

In Rocketmen, up to four players battle the forces of the Legion of Terra (this one is already losing points in my book just for the bad pun) using characters created from a mix of three races and three classes. Now, I don't know about you, but this one sounds like it could go either way. Personally, I get the feeling it's going to stink, but that's just from looking at the screenies and reading the product description – I have not actually tried this game as of yet.

What I'm saying here is that before you shell out the 800 points ($10) being asked for this one, do yourself a favor and download the demo first. Better safe than sorry I always say. That said, let's get on to the particulars.

Title: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
Developer: A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games Inc.
Publisher:Capcom
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 3/05/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System from the tyrannical grip of the Legion of Terra! Rocketmen®: Axis of Evil provides non-stop multiplayer action with role-playing game elements, including customizable characters and an engaging story, all wrapped in the game's distinctive cel-shaded art style. Play with up to four players in co-op mode and blast anything that moves.

Customize your character: Create, customize, and level up your own individual Rocketmen characters with new items, abilities, and looks.

Multiplayer action: Join with friends to save the galaxy in four-player cooperative play locally or online.

Your choice: Choose from three races: Human, Mercurian, or Venusian, and from three classes: Warrior, Engineer, or Outcast.

Explosive action: Simple, addictive, and highly explosive gameplay blasts onto your TV in high-definition with plenty of levels, hordes of enemies, and lots of fun.." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, if you're a fan of difficult shmups, then Triggerheart Exelica is for you – those who prefer a more casual shooter experience will probably not find the game nearly as entertaining. Like I always say, be sure to try the demo before you buy a title you may not be sure about – and I'd probably recommend it even when you think you will absolutely love a game.

March 5, 2008 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade | 1 Comment

THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: FEBRUARY 18TH – FEBRUARY 24TH

Another week, another list… but wait… what’s that? There’s something different around here…

You’ve no doubt noticed the big window below this paragraph – well, thanks to the folks at Capcom, rather than just tell you about the pick of the week, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, you get to try it. That’s right, the flash box below includes a fully playable part of the beginning of the game. Enjoy!.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of this week’s more notable (and non-playable) releases;

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (DS)
- Phoenix Wright takes a backseat for this continuation of the Ace Attorney series – this time designed with the Nintendo DS in mind!
Dynasty Warriors 6 (360/PS3)
- More big battle action with the Dynasty Warriors franchise.
The Club (360/PC/PS3)
- Bizarre Creations takes on the first person shooter tournament genre.

Below is the week’s full release list – also completely unplayable – unless you’re playing some gaming version of Scrabble.

Abra Academy (PC) – 2/19/2008
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (DS) – 2/19/2008
Balloon Pop (WII) – 2/19/2008
Carrier Strike Force (PC) – 2/19/2008
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (WII) – 2/20/2008
Dungeon Explorer (DS) – 2/19/2008
Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of the Ancient Arts (PSP) – 2/19/2008
Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3) – 2/19/2008
Dynasty Warriors 6 (360) – 2/20/2008
FIFA Street 3 (360) – 2/19/2008
FIFA Street 3 (DS) – 2/19/2008
FIFA Street 3 (PS3) – 2/19/2008
Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess (PC) – 2/20/2008
History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (360) – 2/20/2008
History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (PS3) – 2/20/2008
MX vs ATV: Untamed (WII) – 2/19/2008
Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate (PC) – 2/19/2008
Need for Speed: Pro Street (PSP) – 2/19/2008
Pimp My Ride (WII) – 2/20/2008
Pirateville (PC) – 2/19/2008
Rhem 3: The Secret Library (PC) – 2/19/2008
Spider-Man 3 Enhanced (PS2) – 2/20/2008
The Club (360) – 2/20/2008
The Club (PC) – 2/20/2008
The Club (PS3) – 2/20/2008
The Guild Universe (PC) – 2/20/2008

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

February 18, 2008 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, This Week's Releases, Web Games | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 LOST PLANET MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 231MB.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition – Official website

February 8, 2008 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Demo, Lost Planet, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 DEVIL MAY CRY 4 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 613MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

Devil May Cry 4 – Official website

January 25, 2008 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Demo, Devil May Cry, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 DEVIL MAY CRY 4 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 640MB.

Devil May Cry 4 – Official website

January 25, 2008 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Demo, Devil May Cry, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store | Leave a comment

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: STREET FIGHTER IV GAMEPLAY FOOTAGE

Hey gang, it’s time for another edition of Lazy Day Trailers – today we’ve got some gameplay footage from Street Fighter IV. While I know it’s early in the game’s development, there’s just something that feels "wrong" about how the game looks. While I have every confidence that Capcom isn’t going to let the game be anything other than stellar, it’s enough for me to start keeping tabs on the title.

Check it out below courtesy of GameTrailers.com;

No information regarding a release date or platform availability for Street Fighter IV has been made at this time.

Street Fighter IV – Official website
Capcom – Official company website
Street Fighter IV Gameplay – GameTrailers

December 30, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Fighting, Lazy Day Trailers, Street Fighter, Video | Leave a comment

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: STREET FIGHTER IV

As you may have guessed from the title, Capcom has confirmed that Street Fighter IV, the next installment in their classic brawling series is finally in development. While Capcom didn’t divulge what systems the game will appear on or give a firm release date, they did manage to get the first teaser trailer for the game out the door.

Normally, I’d pass on putting up a trailer that doesn’t include any gameplay footage, but because of Street Fighter IV just being confirmed, all the hours of enjoyment the Street Fighter series has brought me, and the rampant speculation that the game’s art style may mimic the stylized look of the teaser, I figured it was at least a bit newsworthy. Okay, it probably didn’t hurt that I fell asleep at my desk (again) and as such still didn’t finish editing my hands-on look at Sony’s The Eye of Judgment. Yeah, I know, I suck.

Let the internet rumor-mongering commence!

Street Fighter IV – Official website
Street Fighter IV Debut Trailer – GameTrailers.com

October 18, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Announcements, Capcom, Fighting, Lazy Day Trailers, Street Fighter, Video | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION STORE: SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO HD REMIX

Yesterday’s PlayStation Store update saw the addition of Capcom’s Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix for the PlayStation 3 to the service.

"One of the most popular puzzle games of all time is back with HD graphics, dazzling elemental effects and a new re-balanced X mode! Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix brings together the worlds of Street Fighter, Darkstalkers and other Capcom characters to provide extremely addictive puzzle mayhem. Enjoy single player, local versus mode or just watch other players duke it out online!" – PlayStation Store

The game is priced at $9.99 and a demo version is available to assist in your purchase decision.

August 31, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Arcade, Capcom, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store | Leave a comment

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO REMIX HD

This week only sees one Xbox Live Arcade release, but it’s one of the games that many people have been waiting for – Capcom’s Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo Remix HD has arrived in the Xbox Live Arcade with several new features to set it apart from it’s predecessors and an 800 Microsoft point ($10) price tag.

I’ve never been a fan of the Puzzle Fighter series, so I really don’t have much enthusiasm for this release, but I’m sure the series has enough fans who are willing to shell out ten dollars for the game. For those unfamiliar with the series, it’s a cross between a puzzle game and a fighter. Players use different combinations of gems to perform attack moves against their opponents. It’s by far more interesting than your standard puzzler, but it’s no Puzzle Quest if that’s they type of experience you’re expecting.

Title: Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 8/29/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"One of the most popular puzzle games of all time is back with high-definition graphics, dazzling elemental effects and a new rebalanced X’ game mode! Super Puzzle Fighter™ II Turbo HD Remix brings together Capcom’s coolest fighting characters to provide extremely addictive puzzle mayhem. Enjoy single-player, local and online versus play, and spectator modes!

Classic arcade play: The game features all the classic elements from the original arcade game, including traditional X Mode. Think fast on your feet as gems fall into your character’s playfield. Don’t let the stack get too high.

New X’ Mode: The new X’ Mode has been rebalanced with adjusted drop patterns and damage to level the playing field.

Y and Z Modes: Y Mode challenges players to connect three or more gems horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Z Mode has you group four adjacent gems and rotate them to join to other same-colored gems.

Stunning new graphics: Beautifully detailed high-definition backgrounds and character art come from the talented artists of Udon Comics.

New elemental effects: Gems and Crash Gems interact with dazzling new effects.

Hidden characters: There’s Akuma, Dan, and more.

Online play: Get online with Xbox LIVE® and challenge other players to Ranked and Player Matches. Follow your progress on the leaderboards, and try to score the twelve all-new achievements!" – Xbox.com

While I passed on Street Trace: NYC last week, I did pick up Space Giraffe. The best way to look at Space Giraffe is to consider it an advanced version of Tempest mixed with some form of hallucinogen. It’s the type of game you definitely need to play a few times to get a feel for and I’d highly suggest you try the demo to see whether it’s going to be the kind of game you’ll enjoy.

The biggest criticism I have of the title is that the backgrounds tend to be a bit too over the top and detract from the gameplay experience a bit. It would have been a nice addition to the title if the ability to turn off or tone down the backgrounds had been included. Regardless, odds are that if you’re a huge Tempest fan, you’ll get a real kick out of Space Giraffe.

August 29, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Arcade, Capcom, Fighting, Puzzle, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade | Leave a comment

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: RESIDENT EVIL 5

Resident Evil 5 is one of those games that’s been keeping a low profile since it’s initial announcement in 2005. While we’ve been treated to little snippets of information and teaser trailers on an annual basis, we’ve not really been allowed to see just what we can expect from this latest installment of Capcom’s long-running franchise. That has now changed.

Capcom has released a new, extended version of the E3’07 Resident Evil 5 trailer, and it is, in short, a breath-taking ride. We catch up with Chris Redfield 10 years after the Raccoon City incident and find him tracking down information on a supposed outbreak in what appears to be Africa. There seems to be some actual gameplay footage mixed in with the CGI, and from that footage, we can assume that the game will use the third person “over-the-shoulder” view that was pioneered in Resident Evil 4.

Now that I’ve set up the trailer for you, I’ll step back and let you enjoy what I consider the first real look at Resident Evil 5.

Now that you’ve seen the good news, I’m going to give you a bit of the bad. According to RE5’s Wikipedia entry, in an interview with RE5 producer Jun Takeuchi, Weekly Famitsu was informed that the game’s release date has been pushed back into 2009. I’m hoping that’s one story that will turn out to be false, as it’s been too long since we’ve had a game that dealt with the main Resident Evil storyline. (Of course, a delay would give me more time to finally finish Resident Evil 4 and take it off my damned “should be playing” list.)

Resident Evil – Official website
Resident Evil 5 – Wikipedia entry
Resident Evil 5 E3 2007 Extended Trailer – GameTrailers.com

July 28, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Lazy Day Trailers, Resident Evil, Survival Horror, Video, Zombies! | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION STORE: CASTLEVANIA: SYMPHONY OF THE NIGHT

Today’s PlayStation Store update saw the release of Konami’s classic PlayStation title Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for the PlayStation 3 and PSP. While I won’t be grabbing this one myself, at $9.99 it’s worth every penny for those of you who don’t have some way to play the game. (The only reason I won’t be buying this one is that I already own the original game for the PlayStation (Hooray backwards compatibility!) – and because I also bought the Xbox Live Arcade version)

Please note: I believe this version is a straight port of the original game and does not include any of the enhancements made for the Xbox Live Arcade version. Since no demo is available, I can’t confirm whether or not the original CD soundtrack is included either. You have been warned.

July 20, 2007 Posted by nylatenite | Capcom, Castlevania, Konami, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, PSP | Leave a comment

XBOX 360 LOST PLANET MAP PACKS 1 & 2 TO BECOME FREE DOWNLOADS TODAY

According to Major Nelson, Capcom will be making the first two map packs (Map Pack 1 and Map Pack 2) for the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition free downloads starting today. This is apparently being done in the spirit of fairness as the four maps are being released (for free) on the PC version today as well. Free is always good, so if you’ve got the game and haven’t bought the map packs yet, now is the time to do it.