The long awaited Death Bringer from Infinite Interactive has found itself a new publisher and a new name. Now you'll be battling in horizontal Columns gameplay with Puzzle Chronicles.

Puzzle Chronicles, based in the same world as Puzzle Quest brings a real-time puzzle battle system to the Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, DS and PSP. Unlike Puzzle Quest which had you play on a rectangular board, you do battle with enemies on what plays like a horizontal mix of Columns and Puzzle Fighter.

You battle enemies by connecting 3 gems together on your side of the board. Each piece will fall from the left side of the screen and land in the middle. The pieces are three gems in size, with the gems on the top and bottom able to rotate around the one in the middle. Using the various colored gems, skull blocks and other blocks, you must attack the enemy until his stack reaches the top. To help with this you can cause the playing field for him to get smaller, while yours gets larger.

It's an interesting premise, I'll give it that. My main worry is that it'll be difficult to comprehend the different direction of the blocks in comparison to every other puzzle game. Who knows - it might be something really easy to deal with.

Check out the preview of the title over at Destructoid, complete with tons of screenshots of the game in action.

Posted by Ryan Langley at 2:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While most of the new digital Konami titles are being used to create new IP, one has raised some eyebrows - a return of a classic franchise is quite normal for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, but a strategy RPG?

Vandal Hearts was a game released back in 1997 for the original PlayStation, and had spawned a sequel in 1999. Since then the series has been left untouched, but Konami plan to resurrect it with Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment.

Two screenshots have been revealed. It's certainly a cut up graphically from its predecessor, but it appears a little more westernized. It might be for the best, as the original game was not exactly pretty.

With both this title and Military Madness coming to both platforms soon it looks like gamers will be set for their turn based strategy games. The game is set for release on Xbox Live Arcade in August and the PlayStation Network in September

Continue reading "Konami Reveal Vandal Hearts Prequel For XBLA, PSN" »

Posted by Ryan Langley at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just as we were speaking of the original 5 titles from Blitz Arcade, it appears that one has finally got a publisher, and will be making its way to Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network courtesy of publisher Atlus.

Droplitz takes the classic game of "guessing which pipe water comes out of", generally used as a fail safe mini-game in titles like Super Mario Land 2, and creates a puzzle game around it. The game revolves around the player trying to make water droplets go from their starting point and finish in the score buckets at the bottom - but instead of just guessing where it will lead to, players must turn dials and make them go in the right direction.

The game will include four game modes - Classic, Zendurance, Power Up, and Infection, where you must deal with different kinds of dials or clear levels using bombs on the board.

The game is heading to XBLA, PSN as well as PC and iPhone by the end of the year.

Source: Gaming-Age - Droplitz Preview

Posted by Ryan Langley at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Party Fun Pirate

Wii Points: 500 Wii Points
Game Type: Otherr
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Tomy

"Based on the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy, players take turns thrusting swords into a barrel that holds your captain captive, trying to see who can insert the most swords into the barrel. Thrust a sword into the wrong hole and you'll send your captain flying, which means it's game over for you! Unique Wii features add to the excitement, making for a fun-filled party game. Try swapping out the captain and putting your custom Mii™ character in the barrel for some real laughs!"

Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Action
Players: 1
Publisher: Activision

"Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure is a side-scrolling action game in which you play adventurer Pitfall Harry Jr. in search of his father, Pitfall Harry. Pitfall Harry has been taken captive by the dreaded warrior spirit Zakelua: Lord of Evil. Armed with only a trusty sling and his father's journal, young Harry Jr. must now venture into the unknown to rescue him...before it's too late! Bungee jump and boomerang your way to safety as you battle through treacherous Mayan jungles, waterfalls, and deserted mines. With 13 levels of fast, gripping action, you will need to be attentive and quick—or prepare to die..."

Posted by Ryan Langley at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Experience the mayhem and action of OutRun Online Arcade as you test your time, speed, and handling ability, bringing your next-gen skills online with this coin-op classic.

"Feel the kick as you put your foot to the floor in one of 10 high-performance Ferraris racing your way across the U.S. with an open top and a girl by your side. Winding roads, beautiful beaches and big city lights—it's mile after mile of unrelenting acceleration through 15 action-packed courses, all visually enhanced in stunning high definition. Jump behind the wheel for the ultimate arcade racing experience and push yourself on the road as you race up to six others with online multiplayer. OutRun Online Arcade … it's a beautiful journey!

It will be released on XBLA this Wednesday for 800MSP.

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Posted by Ryan Langley at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This week on the XNA Roundup Podcast, Nick has a shot of several bite sized reviews in a single episode. This episode covers the recently released NextWar, Dromedary, The Exterminator (sic), Halfbrick Blast Off, BeatBlox, SuperCow, and Little Racers.

If you haven't given the trial a download yet, check out this episode. You can also download each episode via the iTunes music store.

To download the trial for NextWar, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for Dromedary, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for The Exterminator, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for Halfbrick: Blast Off, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for Beat Blox, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for SuperCow, click here for the web marketplace page.

To download the trial for Little Racers, click here for the web marketplace page.

Posted by Ryan Langley at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

PomPom Games have been known for their shooters - both Mutant Storm games on Xbox Live Arcade and the recently released Astro Tripper on PSN have done quite well for them. Now they're working on a new top-down title, but with a little less shooting.

PomPom have revealed the first screenshots of Gemini Rings, an upcoming game for the PlayStation Network. Little is currently known about the game, outside of the fact that despite its appearances it is not a shoot-em-up. Instead you control a little missile like thing, and you blow things up.

From the looks of it it may have more in common with a game like Every Extend Extra and Geometry Wars 2's Pacifist mode more than your standard shooter. We should be seeing some more in the next few months, so keep a look out. Continue reading for some more screenshots.

Source: PomPom Games - A little peek...

Continue reading "A Peek At PomPom's Gemini Rings" »

Posted by Ryan Langley at 6:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Half way through last year Blitz Arcade revealed plans to release 5 games to PC and downloadable services. While none of them have yet hit the Xbox Live Arcade one of the titles, CodaChain, was shown a couple of months ago at the Animex Festival in Middlesbrough, UK.

Spotted by the Superannuation tumbler blog, a great source for leaked projects, an off-camera video was captured of the event and put onto YouTube.

CodaChain was originally one of the winners in student game competition Dare To Be Digital in 2005, and was picked up by Blitz late last year. The game has an odd premise - a 3rd-person puzzle game where you must create a chain of people, each person giving new a new ability to overcome obstacles, as well as having a musical element where each character adds a new instrument to the background.

Of the 5 titles announced last year, only Buccaneers has been released, and only for the PC. CodaChain still appears to be working on an Xbox 360, so its safe to say it's still coming. Since this announcement, Blitz have also separately revealed and released PowerUp Forever, and announced Invincible Tiger.

Posted by Ryan Langley at 4:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Xbox Live Arcade leaker has once again leaked some screenshots of an upcoming game - this time the port of Wolfenstein 3D, leaked through the ESRB rating a couple of weeks ago.

The writer Pure De Garbanzos states that the game is a straight up port of the original game, not a remake and with no major additions. Looking at the above screenshot we can see that the aliasing of the walls has been cleaned up, similar to that of the recent iPhone version.

Now the question is - would you buy a straight up port of Wolfenstein 3D for the Xbox Live Arcade? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Videogames by puredegarbanzos

Posted by Ryan Langley at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

In this round-up, we highlight some of the notable jobs posted in big sister site Gamasutra's industry-leading game jobs section this week, including positions from Fuel Industries, Infinity Ward, THQ and more.

Each position posted by employers will appear on the main Gamasutra job board, and appear in the site's daily and weekly newsletters, reaching our readers directly.

It will also be cross-posted for free across its network of submarket sites, which includes content sites focused on online worlds, cellphone games, 'serious games', independent games and more.

Some of the notable jobs posted in each market area this week include:

Continue reading "Round-Up: Gamasutra Network Jobs, Week Of April 10" »

Posted by Simon Carless at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bubble Bobble Plus!

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Puzzle Action
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Taito Corp.

"Bub and Bob are back in this brand new WiiWare update to the classic arcade game! Bubble Bobble Plus! includes a new version of the original game, support for up to four players, online scoreboards, and even new, downloadable levels!"


Family & Friends Party

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Gammick Entertainment

"Have fun with all your friends and family as you take on some very exciting challenges! This is an interactive board game for all ages and for one to eight players. The object of the game is to complete all the challenges set by Family & Friends Party. The first to complete them all is the winner! Teams take turns to play. The team selected in each turn must complete a specific challenge. The challenge will be played by one or two players in the team depending on the type of challenge you have been given. Nevertheless, the other the players in the team can help and support you. You can never get enough help! There are six different "Single" challenges. These challenges must be played cooperatively by members of the same team. Sometimes, Family & Friends Party will also suggest playing "Versus" challenges, which must be played competitively by all the teams at the same time."

EQUILIBRIO

Wii Points: 500
Game Type:Puzzle, Action
Control Type: Wii Remote, Balance Board
Players: 1-4
Publisher: DK-GAMES

"In EQUILIBRIO, you must finish a series of levels by moving a ball toward an exit. To move the ball, hold the Wii Remote controller horizontally and turn it to tilt the playfield. You can also play using the Wii Balance Board (sold separately with Wii Fit). The ball is fragile, so don't let it fall too far, and be sure to avoid deadly obstacles such as spikes and acid pools. The difficulty of the game adjusts according to your skill. Will you be tough enough to complete all 64 levels?"

Posted by Ryan Langley at 5:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Flock!
Flock! (Full Game, Demo Available)

Category: Puzzle
Publisher: Capcom
Players: 1-2
Price: $14.99

"Protect your cornfields and lock up your livestock, because FLOCK is here! Herd cute, cuddly animals through over 50 sandbox puzzles with the help of your UFO tractor beam! Flock together with a friend, and even create and share your own crazy levels online with the built-in level editor! With so much to do, the potential for fun is out of this world! Download the game today!"

Rag Doll Kung Fu
Rag Doll Kung Fu (Full Game)

Category: Fighter
Publisher: SCEA
Players: 1-4
Price: $9.99

"All the puppets were kung fu fighting! Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic is a unique party fighting game featuring hilarious, customizable kung fu puppets that deliver a sharp jab to the funny bone!"

Posted by Ryan Langley at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Flock!
Flock! (Full Game, Demo Available)

Category: Puzzle
Publisher: Capcom
Players: 1-2
Price: €14.99 / £11.99 / $23.95AUD

"Protect your cornfields and lock up your livestock, because FLOCK is here! Herd cute, cuddly animals through over 50 sandbox puzzles with the help of your UFO tractor beam! Flock together with a friend, and even create and share your own crazy levels online with the built-in level editor! With so much to do, the potential for fun is out of this world! Download the game today!"

Rag Doll Kung Fu
Rag Doll Kung Fu (Full Game)

Category: Fighter
Publisher: SCEA
Players: 1-4
Price: €9.99 / £7.99 / $15.95AUD

"All the puppets were kung fu fighting! Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic is a unique party fighting game featuring hilarious, customizable kung fu puppets that deliver a sharp jab to the funny bone!"

Hail To The Chimp
Hail To The Chimp (Full Game, Demo Available)

Category: Fighter
Publisher: Gamecock Media
Players: 1-4
Price: €14.99 / £11.99 / $23.95AUD

"Hail to the Chimp is a fast-paced party game that delivers exciting gameplay, lush interactive environments, and a comic look at politics. It is a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals."

(Note: This is a very interesting addition to the store. Hail To The Chimp was a retail game released last year, and did quite poorly at retail. It really felt like it should have been a digital download - and now it is. That's some 5 or 6 games now that have gone both retail and digital download. I wonder how much more of this we'll be seeing this year.)

Worms PSN
Worms PSN (Full Game)

Category: Action
Developer: Team 17
Players: 1-4
Price: €9.99 / £7.99(Not In Australia)

"Run for cover! The Worms are coming to PLAYSTATION 3, and this time they mean war! Battle up to three other players offline or online on one of six landscape themes, utilizing a selection of classic Worms weaponry: from the famed Bazooka to the devastating Banana Bomb. With a fine selection of single player battles and plenty of ways to customize your annelid army, it’s a package sky-high on entertainment!"

Also this week on the European PSN Store is the Anniversary Sale. For a limited time these games have dropped in price. Get them while you can.

Blast Factor (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
Calling All Cars (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
Crash Commando (Now €5.99 / £4.79 / $9.95AUD)
Dark Mist (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
echochrome (Now €5.99 / £4.79 / $9.95AUD)
Elefunk (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
High Velocity Bowling (Now €5.99 / £4.79 / $9.95AUD)
Nucleus (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
PAIN (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
PixelJunk Racers (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
Piyotama (Now €2.99 / £2.39 / $4.95AUD)
Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty (€9.99)
Rift: Everyday Shooter (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
Siren Blood Curse (€19.99 / £14.99 / $29.95AUD)
Snakeball (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (€14.99 / £11.99 / $23.95AUD)
Toy Home (Now €4.99 / £3.99 / $8.45AUD)
WipEout HD (€14.99 / £11.99 / $23.95AUD)

Posted by Ryan Langley at 4:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)