[Coming Soon] December 14th

Naughty Quantum Naruto!
Author: Aram Lecis
Published: December 14, 2009
Time to review a few game announcements we have seen in the last week that might have slipped under your radar with all the INSANE amounts of games coming out over the next 3 months (seriously, there are like ten or more big releases hitting between now and March! Christmas never ends!). These games need your love too, just like that mangy old dog that followed you home and now lives with your show-level Bichons and Pomeranians and whatever other cute little dogs you have. That mutt needs to be recognized! So here are a few other releases that might have escaped your attentions...


[PlayStation 3]

[Naughty Bear] - Sometime in 2010

Who doesn't want to play NAUGHTY BEAR??? I know I sure like the sound of that... reminds me of the bear fornicating scene in Super Troopers (an all time classic film).

"Players tired of the same old shoot-'em-up, recycled gameplay are going to get what's coming to them in Naughty Bear," said Adam Kline, president, 505 Games U.S. "The all-new scare-based points system introduces a whole new element of fun in Naughty Bear as players win the most rewards for being deviant and maniacal."

As Naughty Bear, players will wreak havoc on every stuffing-filled foe that crosses their path. Featuring an array of weapons, objects and scare tactics, gamers strive to earn Naughty Points as they inflict physical and psychological harm on Naughty Bear's enemies. This all-new scare-based points system means players will win the most rewards for being deviant and maniacal. The variety allows for a completely new experience every time players pick up a controller and the ill-fated bears become more difficult to harass and terrorize as the game progresses. Naughty Bear features more than 30 levels to unlock, with unique characteristics and weaponry encountered at every stage. Gamers can search the game world and collect all the hidden party items locked away by the other bears.

"Naughty Bear is sure to become a favorite guilty indulgence as players take on the classic role of a wolf in sheep's clothing," said David Osborne, creative director at Artificial Mind and Movement.

[Quantum Theory] - Spring, 2010

Originally slated to be a PS3 only title, Gears of War knock-off is coming to the 360 as well now...

QUANTUM THEORY is Tecmo's newest original IP and the company's first attempt at the third-person shooter genre. Players take on the role of the massive, gun-wielding warrior Syd and will battle through intense action sequences in an unpredictable, shape-shifting battlefield. In addition to single player campaign, QUANTUM THEORY also supports four modes of online multiplayer, complete with voice chat for real-time communication.

STORY

Many years have passed since the world war inflicted catastrophic damage on the human race, leaving only a few survivors. In their new community "Cocoon," life has been threatened by a black material called Erosion, creating a post-apocalyptic environment. Surviving humans recruit a militia to conquer the Erosion and set out to take down the evil, "Living Tower". Arriving at the scene is the stalwart warrior Syd, whose only intentions are to destroy the Tower. He meets the beautiful and mysterious Filena as they both ascend to the top in their search for answers. The erosion of the Tower intensifies as the players climb up through the moving landform.

KEY FEATURES

Shape-Shifting Battlefield: Navigate through a dark fantasy world where the intense battleground surprises you with new and challenging obstacles by changing its form in real-time

Two-Character Combination Actions: Syd and Filena, an AI-controlled partner, perform actions as a pair-in some instances, that is the only way to overcome hurdles. Strategically perform combos for a more powerful, fierce attack against colossal enemies

Online Play: Continue your adventure with others in four online modes

Distinctive Art Nouveau Style Environment: Radiant colors and the mixture of organic elements complements both action and technology

Look for more info on this one in the coming weeks...

[True Crime] - Fall, 2010

The True Crime series has always been one of the better GTA knockoffs, but like many of them, it has failed to strike the same chord with gamers. But with GTA losing a little bit of steam, maybe this is an opportunity for the series to make it's mark.

Set in Hong Kong, True Crime takes gamers through diverse neighborhoods, ranging from the high class Central HK to the bustling fish markets of Aberdeen and beyond in a wide variety of story missions and sandbox activities. The game also introduces handfuls of intriguing characters for gamers to interact with as they navigate through a truly unique and dangerous city.

As a newly hired thug within the Triad organization, Wei must do whatever it takes to stay undetected and survive, balancing his moral duty as a cop with the objectives of the assignment. In order to ascend the ranks of the underworld gamers will engage in visceral, fast-paced martial arts combat and explosive gunfights, along with high-octane driving sequences and acrobatic free-running chases as they go deeper and deeper undercover.

“We’ve been waiting for the right story and opportunity to bring True Crime to a new generation of gamers in 2010,” said Maria Stipp, EVP and GM of Owned Properties, Activision Publishing. “United Front Games has the vision to bring this new undercover game experience to life, where fans will play out their own epic Hong Kong action thriller!”

“We’re excited about the opportunity to deliver a complete reboot of the True Crime experience,” said Stephen van der Mescht, Executive Producer at United Front Games. “As our Spike TV VGA reveal trailer shows, we are dedicated to creating both an exceptional open-world gameplay experience through our combat, free-running, shooting and driving mechanics, as well as a rich story with memorable recurring characters. We want players to feel like an undercover cop experiencing the moral dilemmas and life and death situations of the HK underworld.”


[PlayStation Portable]

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 - Can't come soon enough!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 is the latest in the Ultimate Ninja fighting game franchise developed by CyberConnect2, and follows Naruto Uzumaki and his continuing adventures to save his friend Sasuke. Based on the popular animated NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series from VIZ Media, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 enhances the fun and accessible battle system the series is known for by introducing four-player battles, an all-new adventure mode, and a brand new roster of powerful characters.

“The Ultimate Ninja series continues to be one of the most popular NARUTO video game franchises for fans of the anime and manga around the world,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games. “NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 continues to innovate and refine the series’ trademark fighting mechanics, introducing new characters, and ensuring gamers at any skill level can fight like a true ninja.”

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 puts players’ fighting spirits to the test with intense and frantic battles while using one of more than 50 characters. New characters include Young Kakashi and Obito Uchiha from the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN special, Kakashi Chronicles. For the first time in the series’ history, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 expands upon the series’ trademark fighting engine and updates it for four-player brawls. Team up with a partner to unleash a devastatingly powerful Jutsu team attack on opponents, or interrupt an enemy’s Ultimate Jutsu to help or hinder another player.

Additionally, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 features Master Road, where players can re-live the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN storyline up to the Hidan and Kakuzu arc and continue through two all-new adventures. This mode also features a three-player cooperative mode which let players experience the full adventure through an ad-hoc connection. During his quests, Naruto will also engage in Battle or Action stages. Each stage will contain a specific objective for Naruto to complete including intense fights, escaping from danger, and much more.

Seriously, forget Metal Gear Solid : Peace Walker, this is the game that will sell some PSP's!