The Release List 06.16.09: Let's Tap, Fate/unlimited codes Portable, Ghostbusters
Posted by Tommy Coloma on 06.16.2009
Sega brings us a game that even penguins can play, Capcom publishes a non-Street Fighter-related fighter, and Atari releases a movie-based title that doesn't treat gamers like idiots.
It's been a few weeks since my last column (E3 messed up my rhythm), so I had to stuff all the weeks that I missed into this one. In the interests of time and my sanity, I decided to do shorter write-ups in this week's column. Luckily, there weren't too many games that I would have talked about anyway, so I guess things worked out in the end...
This week's highlightsNote: Release dates are subject to change
The most notable release this week is of course Ghostbusters: The Video Game. I don't think that it'll surpass Escape from Butcher Bay ratings-wise, but it'll definitely kill it sales-wise on name alone. It looks like it's at least worth a rent, if only to see what happens to the Ghostbusters after the events of the 2nd movie. Flower, Sun, and Rain also looks like it could be worth a look considering the fact that it's a remake of a 2001 PS2 game that was designed by Suda51 of Killer7 and No More Heroes fame.
Remember when the DS first came out and SEGA showed everyone up when it released Feel the Magic, one of the only games at the time that made good use of the DS' capabilities? Painful, isn't it? With the release of Let's Tap, we get some confirmation that there is a semblance of that awesomeness still left in the company (the game was actually developed by Prope, but let's just pretend).
As of right now, Let's Tap is the only game on the Wii that you can play without touching a controller. To make it work, you must first place the Wii remote face down on a cardboard box. Then, you just start tapping on the box like you're playing with some bongos. The controller senses the vibrations and makes things happen. While some of the games are pretty fun to play with other people, especially the running one, playing alone might leave most gamers unsatisfied after a few hours. Even if you don't know too many people who are willing to go a few rounds every once in a while, you should still check the game out some day as it provides a pretty unique experience.
the Let's Tap trailer
Fate/unlimited codes PORTABLE (PSP Import)
In 2007, French-Bread posted an April Fools' Day joke in which it was announced that it was developing a 2D hand-drawn fighter based on Type Moon's Fate/stay night franchise. Since French-Bread was also responsible for the popular Melty Blood games, many fans were convinced that there was something to the joke, especially considering how good the fake screenshots were. If I remember correctly, Melty Blood was first revealed in an April Fools' Day joke, so there was good reason to hope. A bit later, Fate/unlimited codes was announced for an arcade release. It wasn't going to be the 2D hand-drawn masterpiece that fans were expecting, but it was still better than nothing.
This is a port of the PS2 port that came out in Japan last year. It has everything that game had along with some gameplay tweaks as well as more costume choices. Capcom is bringing us a download-only version on PSN later this year, so unless you really want a physical copy, you're better off waiting for that.
gameplay footage from the upcoming US release
Class of Heroes (PSP)
DS owners who love the party building, the exploration of trap, monster, and unknown object filled hallways, and the grinding of Western-style dungeon crawlers have Atlus to thank for bringing over some of the more noteable games in that genre to come out in recent years. Given its track record on Nintendo's handheld, it's no surprise that the company would be among the few to bring that style of gameplay to PSP owners in America. From what I've heard, Class of Heroes is actually much easier than Etrian Odyssey and The Dark Spire, so those of you who want to see what Western-style dungeon crawlers are all about may want to make this your first foray into the genre.
the "Adventurer" trailer
The other US releases America's Army 3 (PC)
Big League Sports: Summer (DS, Wii)
Discovery Kids: Parrot Pals (DS)
Diva Girls: Divas on Ice (DS, Wii)
Emergency Room: Real Life Rescues (DS)
Flower, Sun, and Rain (DS)
Ghostbusters: The Video Game (360, DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii)
Guitar Hero Smash Hits (360, PS2, PS3, Wii)
Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War (PC)
Vertigo (Wii)
The Import SceneJapanese localizations of domestic games, "Asia" version of games that do not have English options, and "Best" (greatest hits) versions of already released games are ignored.
Golgo 13: File G-13 o Oe (DS)
Japan Golfer's Kentei Test DS
The Kayou Generation (DS)
Tomodachi Collection (DS)
Highlights for the week of June 1, 2009
Knights in the Nightmare (DS)
If I had more time I would have written a few paragraphs on this game, mostly because it is one of the more original titles that I've come across since starting this column. But, as luck would have it, I don't, which is just as well, since trying to explain how the game plays would have taken me much longer than I would have liked.
Basically, Knights in the Nightmare is an SRPG with shooter elements. Players must take control of a wisp (a point of light with a vapor trail) and avoid enemy fire by moving it around the screen. Attacking is done by placing the wisp over the soul of one of your dead knights, after which the knight will charge up for an attack. Lifting the stylus will activate the attack. Successfully hitting an enemy will cause it to release gems, which can be collected and used for more powerful attacks later on. Check out the video down below for a better explanation. It makes much more sense in video form...
a much needed Knights in the Nightmare tutorial
Arc Rise Fantasia (Wii Import)
Unfortunately, XSEED won't be bringing this to the US until later this year or early next year, so those pining for the Wii's first traditional RPG still have quite a few months to wait.
proof that a turn-based RPG on the Wii does exist
Other Releases for the week of June 1, 2009 Crazy Chicken - Atlantis Quest (DS)
Crazy Chicken - Pharaoh's Treasure (DS)
Crazy Chicken - Star Karts (DS)
FUEL (360, PS3)
NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 (DS)
PowerBike (DS)
Red Faction Guerrilla (360, PS3)
The Sims 3 (PC)
imports: Evangelion: Jo (PS2, PSP)
Manepa 1000 Mannin no FX Training (DS)
Nishimura Kyoutarou Travel Mystery (PSP)
Highlights for the week of June 8, 2009
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (DS, PS2, PSP, Wii)
I only mention this game because the Wii version comes with a copy of Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlatis, one of the best LucasArts games ever. As expected, The Staff of Kings is getting some pretty bad reviews all around, so wait until it reaches bargain bin status within the next few months if you're getting it just for The Fate of Atlantis. That's my plan at least...
the intro for The Fate of Atlantis
The Legendary Starfy (DS)
While this is the fifth Starfy game to come out since the Gameboy Advance days, it is the first to make it to America. Most consider the third game in the series to be the best, but since it was for the GBA, don't expect to ever get that one over here unless Nintendo decides to offer GBA games on one of its download services. Still, Starfy games are excellent platformers that don't require players to be a hardcore platformer junkie to get through, and this one is no exception. Check it out if you're looking for a DS game that's guaranteed not to be shovelware.
a look at what Starfy can do
Miami Law (DS)
This is Hudson's more mature take on graphic adventure games on the DS. Those familiar with how Phoenix Wright and Hotel Dusk play should feel at home here - the essential format is that you search for clues by talking to people, move to different areas, and pretty much figure out what you must do to advance the story. The two main characters are Martin Law, a detective, and Sara Starling, an FBI agent. They join forces to find out who killed Martin's partner and, of course, take down evildoers. Throughout most of the game they're teamed up, but there are some sections where you are asked to choose who you want to play as. Your choice changes how you see the story, providing good incentive for multiple playthroughs. Hudson actually took a few trips out to Miami to research the culture, scenery, settings, and environments of the area, so the whole look and feel are supposedly pretty authentic. What separates this game from other similar titles are the minigame/action elements that take place at certain points of the story. Martin's minigames are more action oriented while Sarah's are a little more cerebral and puzzle based. I was shown a Time Crisis-like minigame at E3 that actually looked pretty good and I was also shown a hacking one at TGS which looked like a decent enough challenge. If Hudson was able to put together a good enough story, this would make a great alternative for fans of the Phoenix Wright games.
the "Prime-Time" trailer
Other Releases for the week of June 8, 2009 Dreamer: Teacher (DS)
Go Play Circus Star (Wii)
Go Play Lumberjacks (Wii)
Grand Slam Tennis (Wii)
Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits (DS)
LEGO Battles (DS)
My Sims Racing (DS, Wii)
Petz Fashion: Dogz & Catz (DS)
Pool Hall Pro (Wii)
Prototype (360, PC, PS3)
Rock Band Unplugged (PSP)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (360, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii)
Virtua Tennis 2009 (360, PS3, Wii)
imports: Chibi-Robo - Wii de Asobu (Wii)
Majo ni Naru (DS)
Metroid Prime 2: Dark Echoes - Wii de Asobu (Wii)
Mugen Kouro (DS)
Onoreno Shinzurumichiwo Tatashike (PSP)
Shinseiki Evangelion: Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd (PSP)
