The Release List 04.22.09: DeathSmiles, Little King's Story, Fallout Trilogy, and Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
Posted by Tommy Coloma on 04.22.2009
Cave releases a Gothic Lolita shooter for the Xbox 360, Little King's Story makes an appearance in Europe, Fallout Trilogy gives newcomers a history lesson, and the first of many Dynasty Warriors: Gundam sequels launches.
We've got slim pickings as far as domestic releases go, but at least importers have both DeathSmiles and Little King's Story to look forward to.
This week's highlightsNote: Release dates are subject to change
DeathSmiles (360 Import)
This is a port of a Cave shooter that first appeared in Japan's arcades in 2007. As you can see from the cover and trailers down below, the game rightly deserves the "Gothic Lolita shooter" label that it's been getting. This theme, along with the fact that it is actually is a good game, helped to make DeathSmiles fairly popular amongst shooter fans. It also helps that the character and stage designs were worked on by Junya Inoue, someone who is well known for his past efforts on other Cave shooters such as DoDonPachi, ESP Ra.De., and Guwange.
There are quite a few things that set DeathSmiles apart from the competition. Here are some of the highlights:
- Unlike most of Cave's other games, DeathSmiles is a horizontal shooter. For the most part, the stages scroll either to the left or to the right with some vertical movement here and there.
- Enemies attack from both sides of the screen. Fortunately, you can shoot to the left and to the right using separate buttons. Holding the left or right shot button will allow you to use a stronger shot at the expense of slowing your movements. You can also hold both attack buttons to lock on to an enemy. As you would expect, there is another button that allows you to throw bombs when you're in a pinch.
- Like in many shooters, your hitbox is much smaller than your character's/ship's sprite. In DeathSmiles, a glowing heart shows you where you can take damage so that you don't have to guess.
- Each of the four characters is followed around by her own familiar. These helpers fire bullets and can act as a shield. In this release you can control it manually.
- Instead of using the standard one-hit-and-you're-dead life system that most shooters employ, Cave made use of life bars (three in all). Depending on what hits you, you'll either lose half of a bar or the whole thing.
- The game itself is considered one of Cave's easiest schmups, which might explain why it is as popular as it is and also why it is getting a port when some of Cave's more established series aren't.
DLC details: DeathSmiles is supposed to receive some DLC love soon after its release. It will include all of the extras found in the Mega Black Label arcade upgrade, including the ability to use a fifth character named Sakura, a new stage, as well as a level 999 difficulty setting for those who thought that the default setting was too easy.
Xbox 360 trailer 2 - Who would have thought that a cow would make a formidable opponent?
Xbox 360 trailer 1
Little King's Story (Wii European Import)
Apparently, Rising Star Games is releasing Little King's Story this week in Europe. Seeing as it's one of the few 3rd party Wii titles that I'm actually looking forward to this year, I'm a little miffed that we have to wait. But thankfully, it'll be in English, so importing is very much doable. While the game comes out in the US in June, I'm still tempted to import it now. Too bad I have no idea where one can import games from that part of the world. Any suggestions?
I'm going to forgo a longer description for now in hopes that I'll get some hands-on time with it before the US launch. In the mean time, you can check out the interview that I did with LKS' producer, Yoshiro Kimura, at TGS over here.
a Little King's Story preview
Fallout Trilogy (PC)
I was hoping for a Steam release some day, but since it looks like that won't happen any time soon, this is the next best thing. Actually, the deal Good Old Games has over here is much better since you get all three games plus lots of extras for $5 less.
Fallout Trilogy lets you play the original Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel on your modern system without much hassle. Obviously, Fallout fans won't hesitate to recommend playing the first two games. However, it seems to be hit or miss with Fallout Tactics - it's regarded as a good game, but not exactly Fallout as it doesn't play much like its predecessors. Here's your chance to see for yourself what all the fuss was about.
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 (360, PS3, PS2)
This is the first of possibly many Dynasty Warriors: Gundam sequels. As expected, the game sports upgraded graphics, improved AI, and roster changes. Koei also included more stories, attack options when in the air, and LARGER bosses in addition to numerous tweaks and refinements. This time around, we can expect suits (62) and pilots (40) from the following properties:
Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (new)
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (new)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (new)
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (new)
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Turn A Gundam
As far as many fans are concerned, this is the game that the first one should have been, so you can rest at ease knowing that it isn't just more of the same. Enjoy it while it lasts. I know I will...
the Japanese trailer.
The other US releases 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix (DS)
Adventure: Collector's Edition, Volume 1 (PC)
Cryostasis (PC)
DT Carnage (PSP)
ExciteBots: Trick Racing (Wii)
I Love Horses (DS)
Zeno Clash (PC)
So any chance that Death Smiles will get a region-free release or come over here? That cover alone is total win. (And a good horizontal shooter is always a lot of fun)
Posted By: Kedrix (Guest) on April 22, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Finally a re-release of the trilogy this time. Wonderful games, wonderful memories.
Posted By: Fallout Boy (Guest) on April 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Unfortunately, DeathSmiles is region locked, so you'll need a Japanese 360 to play it. As for getting it here, it seems very unlikely considering how we never seem to get any of Cave's console ports.
Posted By: Tommy Coloma (Registered) on April 22, 2009 at 02:57 PM
