[Pre-PAX 2007] Namco Shows Its Lineup to the People
Sure, it's mostly Xbox 360 stuff, but there are a few PlayStation gems here too.
Published: August 23, 2007
We mentioned it in all our Games Convention coverage, so why not here too? With E3 basically going supernova and then imploding, a void has been left in the worldwide games industry events space. While E3 certainly wasn't the only stop on the global video games publicity tour, it certainly was the biggest, drawing thousands of journos from all over the world to check things now.
As the dust has settled, though, the new E3 has taken over in a smaller, slimmer form, and other events have taken up the slack. In Japan, the always-popular Tokyo Game Show has expanded to four days instead of three, while in Europe, the vacuum left by the old ECTS has been replaced with the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany.
What it means back home, however, it the uprising of a handful of smaller shows -- particularly ones that appeal to the gaming public like the E for All Expo and the Penny Arcade Expo. It's the latter that we'll be focusing on as the show kicks off formally tomorrow. Now, then, on to the lazy cutting and pasting!
Here's what Namco Bandai Games America is bringing to the party:
Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM
Release date: August 28, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 3
Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM combines the strategic fast-paced action of KOEI’s Dynasty Warriors series with the rich heritage and futuristic storyline of the GUNDAM universe to create an entirely original gaming experience. Thrusting players into massive battles with hundreds of Mobile Suits battling for the fate of the galaxy, the game delivers intense combat on land and in outer space on a massive scale. Players will be able to customize their Mobile Suit and experience storylines straight from GUNDAM lore as they attempt to turn the tides of battle against impossible odds.
.hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption
Release date: September 10, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2
The thrilling G.U. trilogy comes to a close in .hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption, as players learn the truth behind “The World” and Haseo’s ultimate sacrifice to save mankind from the grasp of evil. Evolving the series’ action-RPG gameplay, Vol. 3 lets players customize their party with 22 unique characters, transform their avatars into new forms for even more destructive power, enhance their Steam Bikes and investigate the mysteries hidden deep within massive new dungeons.
NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
Release date: August 28, 2007
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Based on the hit animated series SHONEN JUMP NARUTO from VIZ Media, the rich NARUTO universe is at your fingertips with NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, as players assemble a team of fighters and battle for ninja supremacy with 20 recognizable characters. Developed exclusively for North America and Europe, experience 3-on-3 team-based gameplay for the first time in the series on the PSP system and upgrade your warriors to create the ultimate fighting force! Create combinations of characters to unlock hidden teams with new and powerful special abilities, rewarding players with unique skills that will help them become the ultimate ninja hero.
NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
Release date: September 4, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2
Boasting an exciting new storyline, an expanded array of playable characters, two player co-op and versus battles and new challenging missions, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 far exceeds its action adventure predecessor in every way. Naruto and his allies will face different challenges as they try to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane clan and their nefarious army of “puppet walkers.” Players can expect action-packed ninjutsu missions as well as the chance to explore intriguing locations across the world of Naruto beautifully rendered in 3D anime style.
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
Release date: Now available in stores
Platform: PlayStation Portable
The beloved Tales series arrives on the PSP system with an all-new storyline that reunites 19 characters from previous games in the series. Players can customize their character and take on 300 unique quests as they explore a massive, colorful world and engage in thrilling real-time battles.
Time Crisis 4
Release date: Holiday 2007
Platform: PlayStation 3
The definitive arcade shooting franchise arrives on the PlayStation 3 system with Time Crisis 4. Featuring the all-new Guncon3 peripheral with two analog sticks and six buttons, players will be able to take aim like never before, blasting enemies with a new arsenal of firearms and selecting different paths through each level. Packed with new ways to play including a fully interactive FPS mode and tactical Crisis Missions, Time Crisis 4 launches the genre out of the arcade and into the next generation.
And there you have it. If you're up in Seattle, and haven't registered, what's wrong with you? All the info is only a click away.
As the dust has settled, though, the new E3 has taken over in a smaller, slimmer form, and other events have taken up the slack. In Japan, the always-popular Tokyo Game Show has expanded to four days instead of three, while in Europe, the vacuum left by the old ECTS has been replaced with the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany.
What it means back home, however, it the uprising of a handful of smaller shows -- particularly ones that appeal to the gaming public like the E for All Expo and the Penny Arcade Expo. It's the latter that we'll be focusing on as the show kicks off formally tomorrow. Now, then, on to the lazy cutting and pasting!
Here's what Namco Bandai Games America is bringing to the party:
Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM
Release date: August 28, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 3
Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM combines the strategic fast-paced action of KOEI’s Dynasty Warriors series with the rich heritage and futuristic storyline of the GUNDAM universe to create an entirely original gaming experience. Thrusting players into massive battles with hundreds of Mobile Suits battling for the fate of the galaxy, the game delivers intense combat on land and in outer space on a massive scale. Players will be able to customize their Mobile Suit and experience storylines straight from GUNDAM lore as they attempt to turn the tides of battle against impossible odds.
.hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption
Release date: September 10, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2
The thrilling G.U. trilogy comes to a close in .hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption, as players learn the truth behind “The World” and Haseo’s ultimate sacrifice to save mankind from the grasp of evil. Evolving the series’ action-RPG gameplay, Vol. 3 lets players customize their party with 22 unique characters, transform their avatars into new forms for even more destructive power, enhance their Steam Bikes and investigate the mysteries hidden deep within massive new dungeons.
NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
Release date: August 28, 2007
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Based on the hit animated series SHONEN JUMP NARUTO from VIZ Media, the rich NARUTO universe is at your fingertips with NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, as players assemble a team of fighters and battle for ninja supremacy with 20 recognizable characters. Developed exclusively for North America and Europe, experience 3-on-3 team-based gameplay for the first time in the series on the PSP system and upgrade your warriors to create the ultimate fighting force! Create combinations of characters to unlock hidden teams with new and powerful special abilities, rewarding players with unique skills that will help them become the ultimate ninja hero.
NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
Release date: September 4, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2
Boasting an exciting new storyline, an expanded array of playable characters, two player co-op and versus battles and new challenging missions, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 far exceeds its action adventure predecessor in every way. Naruto and his allies will face different challenges as they try to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane clan and their nefarious army of “puppet walkers.” Players can expect action-packed ninjutsu missions as well as the chance to explore intriguing locations across the world of Naruto beautifully rendered in 3D anime style.
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
Release date: Now available in stores
Platform: PlayStation Portable
The beloved Tales series arrives on the PSP system with an all-new storyline that reunites 19 characters from previous games in the series. Players can customize their character and take on 300 unique quests as they explore a massive, colorful world and engage in thrilling real-time battles.
Time Crisis 4
Release date: Holiday 2007
Platform: PlayStation 3
The definitive arcade shooting franchise arrives on the PlayStation 3 system with Time Crisis 4. Featuring the all-new Guncon3 peripheral with two analog sticks and six buttons, players will be able to take aim like never before, blasting enemies with a new arsenal of firearms and selecting different paths through each level. Packed with new ways to play including a fully interactive FPS mode and tactical Crisis Missions, Time Crisis 4 launches the genre out of the arcade and into the next generation.
And there you have it. If you're up in Seattle, and haven't registered, what's wrong with you? All the info is only a click away.