[Pre-E3 2006] Konami's Game Face
It's go time for new entries into nearly every one of Konami's classic franchises.
Published: May 9, 2006
We've been hearing it since the start of the next-gen transition: new games are going to be more expensive, require more time to make and more people to make them. All of this time, money and manpower has to come from somewhere, and a publisher's greatest asset is the games library it established in the last generation.
Though gamers will bitch and moan about sequel-itis, it's still smart business sense to piggyback off of what worked previously to maximize returns as teams learn how to program for the new systems and their complex architecture. Hopefully, this means a nice, even mix of sequels to new properties, but Konami knows what cash cows will keep them in the black, and this year's E3 (not to mention the press conference we just got out of) is peppered with familiar franchises from the current generation; Metal Gear Solid, Winning Eleven, Dance Dance Revolution and... um, dating sims?
The full E3 lineup is perhaps the most ambitious the company has ever offered for E3 (and this is a company that regularly balks at showcasing a couple dozen titles over the course of a year), and may well be the biggest of the entire show this year. Observe:
Bomberman
Bomberman marks the debut of the determined hero on the PSP system with several new handheld gaming twists and classic party multiplayer action. Players can enjoy an original single player Bomberman adventure or play wirelessly in classic multiplayer action, complete with new items and game sharing.
Brooktown High: Senior Year
The first dating simulation for the PSP system, Brooktown High: Senior Year lets players relive the carefree days of senior year in high school. Create your own character and interact with different male or female students, each with their own distinct style and personality, and enter the world of high school intrigue. Find your own niche and hang out with the rebels, jocks, preppies, and more as you try to find the guy or girl of your dreams.
Coded Arms Assault
Coded Arms Assault explodes into the next generation, as players take on the role of a hacker trying to overthrow an evil corporation bent on world chaos in a futuristic cyberspace. The game lets players unleash unprecedented destruction on environments, using explosions to send deadly debris flying towards their opponents and strategically using high-powered weaponry to shoot out enemy cover. Multiplayer modes let players go head-to-head and also play through the game's story mode cooperatively online.
Coded Arms Contagion
The sequel to the best-selling first person shooter for the PSP system, Coded Arms Contagion thrusts players into a new cybernetic crisis where they must use their hacking abilities and an arsenal of high-powered weaponry to survive. Across a variety of new levels, players will take on original enemies with more firepower than ever before. Up to eight players can go head-to-head in the game's new online multiplayer modes.
Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA
DDR SuperNOVA features vibrant 3D backgrounds, cool music videos, life-like dancer animations, voice assisted tutorials and a new multiplayer Battle Mode. Players can also compete online, and even share game data between the PlayStation 2 and arcade versions of the game for the complete DDR experience.
Death, Jr. 2
Death, Jr., Pandora and all their twisted friends are back in a new game for the PSP system as they try to get out of another mess after accidentally releasing a powerful spirit. Teaming up for even more firepower, DJ and Pandora will take on a variety of possessed enemies as they progress through an adventure that seamlessly blends smooth platforming, intense combat, complex enemy AI and a unique sense of humor.
Gradius Collection
The definitive collection of games for fans of Konami's most highly acclaimed shooter series. A compilation of five classic Gradius titles in one complete package, Gradius Collection includes Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Gradius IV and, for the first time ever in North America, the long-anticipated Gradius Gaiden.
Hellboy
Hellboy takes players on a fresh adventure featuring the acclaimed comic book's unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. As a visceral brawler, the game lets players unleash Hellboy's superhuman abilities as they smash their way through hordes of enemies and also team up with a friend in cooperative play.
Karaoke Revolution: American Idol
Karaoke Revolution: American Idol combines the highly acclaimed Karaoke Revolution game engine with America's most popular television show to deliver an authentic Idol experience for the PlayStation 2. Sing along to 40 new songs, including hits from the show, and compete from auditions to performances on center stage in your quest to become the next American Idol.
Marvel Trading Card Game
Marvel Trading Card Game features Marvel's complete roster of characters and lets players take their game online like never before with massive sanctioned tournaments, a virtual card shop and interoperability between the PSP system and PC versions of the game. Utilizing the popular Vs. System Trading Card Game from Upper Deck Entertainment, players can learn the basics of the game as a super hero or super villain in the game's single player campaign mode.
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel brings the celebrated MGS comics to life on the PSP system. Edited to thrilling music, explosive sound effects, and animated visuals, the eclectic artwork of Ashley Wood is taken to an exciting new level. Coupled with interactive gameplay modes, Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel stands as the forerunner in this exciting new genre!
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots marks the return of Hideo Kojima's legendary tactical espionage action series, evolved for the next-generation on the PlayStation 3. New gameplay features, spectacular graphics and the return of several characters from the Metal Gear Solid series once again redefine this landmark franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Big Boss returns to battle in this all-new MGS action game for the PSP system, where players control him throughout the game as well as recruit and use their own squadron of mercenaries. In addition to a full-fledged single player mode set after the events of MGS3: Snake Eater, the game's multiplayer modes let players take their custom squad online to do battle across new levels, featuring a unique "White Flag" mechanic that will allow players to fight to the death or surrender to compete again.
Online Chess Kingdoms
Online Chess Kingdoms lets players choose from one of five chess sets representing five distinct forces that are in a struggle to gain supremacy of the Universe. The game features several single-player modes and multiplayer online gameplay, letting players join factions and battle for supremacy in a persistent online world.
Rengoku 2
Rengoku 2 lets players assume the role of A.D.A.M., a battle android trapped in a mysterious tower filled with fearsome enemies. Players must now enter a new tower and purge it of the mechanical scourge hosted inside. Players can customize their battle android with more than 300 rare and unique items.
Silent Hill Origins
The horror series that revolutionized the genre arrives on a handheld platform for the first time ever. Silent Hill Origins tells the tale of a solitary truck driver stuck in the terrifying town while making a routine delivery. New gameplay elements, such as a barricade system that lets players block off rooms from enemies, and an enhanced camera system deliver an added sense of isolation and anxiety in this frightening adventure.
Steel Horizon
Assume the role of an American captain aboard one of three secret Navy flagship vessels during World War II in Steel Horizon, as you fight both the Axis powers and a sinister shadow organization in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Spanning 20 compelling missions, Steel Horizon features both real-time and turn-based strategy gameplay, as players strategically position their fleet and engage in real-time 3D combat.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007
Making its next-generation debut, the world's best selling soccer series is back with more teams, new ways to play and even more realistic gameplay. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 lets players go head-to-head with others online or take their favorite team to the top in the expanded Master League and several new modes of play.
Winx Club: Join the Club
In an all-new adventure, Winx Club: Join the Club follows the fabulous fairies as they try to thwart the plans of the fearsome Lord Darkar. Called into action, the Winx Club must secure the pieces of a powerful emblem before Darkar completes his frightening plot through side scrolling shooter levels and a variety of exciting mini-games.
Xiaolin Showdown
Based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation kids' television series, Xiaolin Showdown sends players on an action-packed quest to seek out and protect the Shen Gong Wu, magical artifacts of supernatural power. Playing one of six characters such as Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay, gamers will take the young warriors on a globetrotting adventure to locate the mystical objects that give their possessor super powers, then fight for their safe-keeping one showdown at a time.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Based on the top-rated animated series from Cartoon Network, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is the first Yu-Gi-Oh! game for the PSP system. Up to four players can duel wirelessly in massive team competitions with all new characters, monsters and cards from the GX universe
And now we're going to go pass out at the thought of trying to cover all this stuff.
Though gamers will bitch and moan about sequel-itis, it's still smart business sense to piggyback off of what worked previously to maximize returns as teams learn how to program for the new systems and their complex architecture. Hopefully, this means a nice, even mix of sequels to new properties, but Konami knows what cash cows will keep them in the black, and this year's E3 (not to mention the press conference we just got out of) is peppered with familiar franchises from the current generation; Metal Gear Solid, Winning Eleven, Dance Dance Revolution and... um, dating sims?
The full E3 lineup is perhaps the most ambitious the company has ever offered for E3 (and this is a company that regularly balks at showcasing a couple dozen titles over the course of a year), and may well be the biggest of the entire show this year. Observe:
Bomberman
Bomberman marks the debut of the determined hero on the PSP system with several new handheld gaming twists and classic party multiplayer action. Players can enjoy an original single player Bomberman adventure or play wirelessly in classic multiplayer action, complete with new items and game sharing.
Brooktown High: Senior Year
The first dating simulation for the PSP system, Brooktown High: Senior Year lets players relive the carefree days of senior year in high school. Create your own character and interact with different male or female students, each with their own distinct style and personality, and enter the world of high school intrigue. Find your own niche and hang out with the rebels, jocks, preppies, and more as you try to find the guy or girl of your dreams.
Coded Arms Assault
Coded Arms Assault explodes into the next generation, as players take on the role of a hacker trying to overthrow an evil corporation bent on world chaos in a futuristic cyberspace. The game lets players unleash unprecedented destruction on environments, using explosions to send deadly debris flying towards their opponents and strategically using high-powered weaponry to shoot out enemy cover. Multiplayer modes let players go head-to-head and also play through the game's story mode cooperatively online.
Coded Arms Contagion
The sequel to the best-selling first person shooter for the PSP system, Coded Arms Contagion thrusts players into a new cybernetic crisis where they must use their hacking abilities and an arsenal of high-powered weaponry to survive. Across a variety of new levels, players will take on original enemies with more firepower than ever before. Up to eight players can go head-to-head in the game's new online multiplayer modes.
Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA
DDR SuperNOVA features vibrant 3D backgrounds, cool music videos, life-like dancer animations, voice assisted tutorials and a new multiplayer Battle Mode. Players can also compete online, and even share game data between the PlayStation 2 and arcade versions of the game for the complete DDR experience.
Death, Jr. 2
Death, Jr., Pandora and all their twisted friends are back in a new game for the PSP system as they try to get out of another mess after accidentally releasing a powerful spirit. Teaming up for even more firepower, DJ and Pandora will take on a variety of possessed enemies as they progress through an adventure that seamlessly blends smooth platforming, intense combat, complex enemy AI and a unique sense of humor.
Gradius Collection
The definitive collection of games for fans of Konami's most highly acclaimed shooter series. A compilation of five classic Gradius titles in one complete package, Gradius Collection includes Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Gradius IV and, for the first time ever in North America, the long-anticipated Gradius Gaiden.
Hellboy
Hellboy takes players on a fresh adventure featuring the acclaimed comic book's unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. As a visceral brawler, the game lets players unleash Hellboy's superhuman abilities as they smash their way through hordes of enemies and also team up with a friend in cooperative play.
Karaoke Revolution: American Idol
Karaoke Revolution: American Idol combines the highly acclaimed Karaoke Revolution game engine with America's most popular television show to deliver an authentic Idol experience for the PlayStation 2. Sing along to 40 new songs, including hits from the show, and compete from auditions to performances on center stage in your quest to become the next American Idol.
Marvel Trading Card Game
Marvel Trading Card Game features Marvel's complete roster of characters and lets players take their game online like never before with massive sanctioned tournaments, a virtual card shop and interoperability between the PSP system and PC versions of the game. Utilizing the popular Vs. System Trading Card Game from Upper Deck Entertainment, players can learn the basics of the game as a super hero or super villain in the game's single player campaign mode.
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel brings the celebrated MGS comics to life on the PSP system. Edited to thrilling music, explosive sound effects, and animated visuals, the eclectic artwork of Ashley Wood is taken to an exciting new level. Coupled with interactive gameplay modes, Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel stands as the forerunner in this exciting new genre!
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots marks the return of Hideo Kojima's legendary tactical espionage action series, evolved for the next-generation on the PlayStation 3. New gameplay features, spectacular graphics and the return of several characters from the Metal Gear Solid series once again redefine this landmark franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Big Boss returns to battle in this all-new MGS action game for the PSP system, where players control him throughout the game as well as recruit and use their own squadron of mercenaries. In addition to a full-fledged single player mode set after the events of MGS3: Snake Eater, the game's multiplayer modes let players take their custom squad online to do battle across new levels, featuring a unique "White Flag" mechanic that will allow players to fight to the death or surrender to compete again.
Online Chess Kingdoms
Online Chess Kingdoms lets players choose from one of five chess sets representing five distinct forces that are in a struggle to gain supremacy of the Universe. The game features several single-player modes and multiplayer online gameplay, letting players join factions and battle for supremacy in a persistent online world.
Rengoku 2
Rengoku 2 lets players assume the role of A.D.A.M., a battle android trapped in a mysterious tower filled with fearsome enemies. Players must now enter a new tower and purge it of the mechanical scourge hosted inside. Players can customize their battle android with more than 300 rare and unique items.
Silent Hill Origins
The horror series that revolutionized the genre arrives on a handheld platform for the first time ever. Silent Hill Origins tells the tale of a solitary truck driver stuck in the terrifying town while making a routine delivery. New gameplay elements, such as a barricade system that lets players block off rooms from enemies, and an enhanced camera system deliver an added sense of isolation and anxiety in this frightening adventure.
Steel Horizon
Assume the role of an American captain aboard one of three secret Navy flagship vessels during World War II in Steel Horizon, as you fight both the Axis powers and a sinister shadow organization in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Spanning 20 compelling missions, Steel Horizon features both real-time and turn-based strategy gameplay, as players strategically position their fleet and engage in real-time 3D combat.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007
Making its next-generation debut, the world's best selling soccer series is back with more teams, new ways to play and even more realistic gameplay. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 lets players go head-to-head with others online or take their favorite team to the top in the expanded Master League and several new modes of play.
Winx Club: Join the Club
In an all-new adventure, Winx Club: Join the Club follows the fabulous fairies as they try to thwart the plans of the fearsome Lord Darkar. Called into action, the Winx Club must secure the pieces of a powerful emblem before Darkar completes his frightening plot through side scrolling shooter levels and a variety of exciting mini-games.
Xiaolin Showdown
Based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation kids' television series, Xiaolin Showdown sends players on an action-packed quest to seek out and protect the Shen Gong Wu, magical artifacts of supernatural power. Playing one of six characters such as Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay, gamers will take the young warriors on a globetrotting adventure to locate the mystical objects that give their possessor super powers, then fight for their safe-keeping one showdown at a time.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Based on the top-rated animated series from Cartoon Network, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is the first Yu-Gi-Oh! game for the PSP system. Up to four players can duel wirelessly in massive team competitions with all new characters, monsters and cards from the GX universe
And now we're going to go pass out at the thought of trying to cover all this stuff.
