Free Twin Blades DLC revealed in new trailer
Remember that forthcoming Twin Blades DLC that we mention in the game’s review? Well, Press Start Stuido has released a trailer detailing the new additions, which includes a more robust fighting system, a map, a storyline, new environments, and maybe the most welcome plus of all, bosses.
Metal Slug XX brings more run and gun to your PSP
Atlus doesn’t know when to quit. Not satisfied spoiling us with hardcore ridiculousness like Demon’s Souls and tons upon tons of Shin Megami Tensei games, they deem Feb. 23 the time to bestow Metal Slug XX for PSP upon us. A port of Metal Slug 7 for DS, Metal Slug XX (pronounced “double-ex”) heralds the return of multi-player through the PSP’s ad-hoc connection. Because who wants to run-and-gun solo? That’s just silly.
But the Metal Slug series has always been silly, and this one looks to up the ante with a nice, big cast (Marco, Tarma, Fio, Eri, Ralf, Clark and a purchasable Leona), seven levels in the main campaign and — in a series first — more than 70 missions worth of bonus content. For only $20 that sounds like quite the steel. Er, steal. Ha, like metal? Get it, Metal Slug?
Ugh.
Twin Blades: The Reaping Vanguard Heading To Xbox on Xmas
What better way to celebrate the yuletide cheer than by severing undead heads? Press Start Studio, an independent game developer out of France, is bringing its Twin Blades : The Reaping Vanguard to the Xbox Live Arcade Indie Games platform on Christmas Day for just 240 MSP.
Twin Blades: The Reaping Vanguard is a frantic 2D run-and-gun action shooter set in a medieval-fantasy zombie-filled universe featuring stylized manga-like graphics. Players take control of the a scythe-waving nun with a mission to clear the city of all its undead inhabitants. But the big blade isn’t the only weapon in her arsenal: she carries a number of ranged weapons, too. The game features:
- Ranged weapons ranging from machine gun to explosive nukes
- Upgradable skills which can be bought and trained
- 7 different kind of zombies, mind the grabbers!
- 5 cool musics and exclusive sound effects which will immerse you into the epic slaughter
- A local Challenges & High-Scores system which keeps track of players’ progress
Virtual Vox Pop: What’s You Favorite Metal Slug Game?
Virtual Vox Pop is a weekly open mic in which we ask you, the reader, to sound off on a particular topic. This week, it’s your favorite Metal Slug game.
Metal Slug XX, the upgraded multi-player version of the underrated Metal Slug 7, is headed to the Japanese XBLA sometime next year as SNK Playmore’s 2010 offering to 2D lovin’ gamers. A conversation with a friend regarding where we would rank its quality in comparison to the other entries in this long running- series sparked this week’s topic.
Sam held aloft the banner of Metal Slug X, but I had to give props to Metal Slug 3. Yes, I know, its a pretty cliched response, but it contained a solid mix of hardcore military action and absolutely bonkers in-game features. When I first realized that an attacking zombie doesn’t kill you, but turn you into a zombie ( a zombie that spits a stream of what appears to be acid-laced blood), well, I just knew it was meant to be. It was one of the final games that the old SNK developed before its bankruptcy, purchase, and then rebirth as SNK Playmore, and you can see all of the loving care (the trademark of the old SNK), that was poured into the title.
So, as always, what say you?
8-Bit Left 4 Dead: Free NES-Quality pWnage Coming In January
Filed under: Emulation, Homebrew, and Modding, Run and Gun
Few titles have had as big an impact on videogaming in such a relative small period of time as Valve’s co-op zombie slaughterfest, Left 4 Dead. Not only is the much-anticipated sequel hitting store shelves today, but game’s also inspired the creatively-named iPhone/iPod touch overhead zombie shooter Alive 4 Ever, and what may be the most awesome followup of all: an 8-bit version.
Created by Eric Ruth using Pixelforce NES, it will be available in January for zombie hunters as a free download onto their PCs. It features all the campaigns and characters from the original game, and you’ll be able to play with your friends as well as the game features a multiplayer mode.
The infected seem to work very interestingly, as in the video a boomer just sprays bile all over the place. It will be interesting to see how the horde, tank and others all play out (especially the witch).
Eric Ruth posted a FAQ on his YouTube channel, which you can check out below for more info on this promising homebrew. Maybe that Neo Slim 3000 can be put to legit use, eh?
Earthworm Jim Crawls Onto The iPhone and iPod touch
Fifteen years ago, David Perry, Tommy Tallarico, and Doug TenNapel created video game gold when they melded their magic to produce Shiny Entertainment’s Earthworm Jim, an instant classic of the 16-bit era that featured tight action, remarkable character designs, absurd humor, and an incredible soundtrack. Although the sequels didn’t quite live up to the original’s lofty standards, Earthworm Jim is still beloved by many.
Those looking for a fresh series entry will have to make due with Gameloft’s recently released Earthworm Jim remake for the iPhone and iPod touch ($5), which retains all of the original’s charms, plus a nice new coat of paint that brings the visuals into the 21st century. I had a chance to get hands-on with the game before its release, and I have to say that I was quite impressed with how the 2D animation, music (you can now add tunes own from your music collection), and sound were just as how I remembered them as a kid. The only potential negative? Working with a virtual D-pad on the Apple platform has historically produced some control issues (see Alive 4 Ever and Magical Drop Touch). Still, the game looks extremely promising, so check back for a full review in coming days.
Capsized: New Physics-Based Shooter Coming to Steam and XBLA
Alientrap Software, developers of the freeware first-person shooter Nexuiz, has taken the wraps of its next project, Capsized, which is slated for Steam and XBLA releases in 2010.
Not much is known about the game other than the fact that Capsized is a run-and-gun shooter that utilizes physics based gameplay. As you can see in the video, the engine allows for unique movements when a character fires his jetpack or weapon. The game will focus on fast-paced action along with physics based puzzles, as you attempt to escape an alien planet.
I’m particularly digging the visuals, which seem to offer an original take on Metal Slug’s super-deformed, semi-cartoony graphical style. We’ll continue to dig deeper for additional information to share in regards to this promising new action title.
Review: Alive 4 Ever (iPhone/iPod touch)
If Meridian’s Alive 4 Ever’s evokes memories of another zombie-blasting franchise, consider it a lovingly crafted homage more than an outright rip. Alive 4 Ever lets players select one of four highly skilled warriors (each with their own special skill sets) whose mission is to eradicate the undead menace that has arisen thanks to mechanics of evil science. The plot is standard fare, but the gameplay in this bird’s-eye-view shooter provides just the right amount of firepower and splatters to make it a fine mobile diversion for those that sit through long commutes or simply want to shoot stuff in short, non-demanding intervals.
Contra Rebirth Confirmed for American Wiis; Collective Gaming World Squeals
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve gotten any information regarding Contra Rebirth, the WiiWare run-and-gunner that heavily samples the classic SNES title, Contra III: Alien Wars. In my analysis of the video, I loved the rugged sprites, the throwback music, and the weapon-handling. The only downside? It was slated for European and Japanese releases. But according to ESRB information that /gamer dug up, that looks like it’s going to change.
Contra Blasts Onto the Palm Pre
Filed under: Emulation, Homebrew, and Modding, Run and Gun
If you’re a johnny-come-lately who doubts Konami’s deep influence in gaming, look no further than the Palm Pre, which is proving itself a love den for all things Konami. Days ago, it was discovered that inputting the famous Konami Code into the Palm Pre unlocks the handset’s dev mode, so it’s only fitting that the first reported gaming emulation on the WebOS platform is Contra, the NES hall-of-famer that made the cheat famous.
Checking out the step-by-step instructions, it looks realtively breezy for any geek to get the run-and-gunner onto the Palm Pre. I’m looking forward to seeing what the hackzor and homebrewers accomplish with the Palm Pre – - any Super Mario Bros. action, anyone?
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