A 'Spiritual Successor': Puzzle Quest: Galactrix:

The most obvious changes in this semi-followup to Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords are the space theme and the new circular game space, which allows for some interesting mechanics that are a slight-but-satisfying shift from the typical match three rules of play. As is obvious from screenshots, Galactrix has a galactic setting, with spaceships, stars, and planets. In this incarnation, players can have up to three ships with various capabilities and stats, so they can swap up play styles easily throughout the game.

I found the new layout of the play area, now in a circle shape, interesting — instead of falling down in a straight line, game pieces can slide in from all sides. The direction from which they slide depends on how you play your line of three (or however many) — while casual players probably won't notice this feature, it does add an extra bit of strategy. The game is due out in the first quarter of '09, for PC, XBLA, and DS.

Aliens for the Kiddies: Ben 10: Alien Force

Ben 10: Alien Force is a Cartoon Network property that features a kid (the titular Ben) who, while on summer vacation, comes to possess a watch known as the Omnitrix. The Omnitrix allows Ben to transform into a variety of alien forms in order to battle evil and save the world. A game based on the series (Ben 10: Protector of Earth) was released last year, and Ben 10: Alien Force is seeking to follow up on the apparent success of that game.

The game is an 3D action-brawler; it features 5 playable characters. While only Ben can transform into aliens, these aliens are selectable and each have unique qualities. The Wii and PS2 versions will feature a multiplayer coop mode; the DS version more strongly resembles a side scroller, but does feature three exclusive aliens. The game also features puzzles, though it was mentioned that it is not a puzzle heavy game — the focus is supposed to be on accessible, fun gameplay, estimated at 6 to 11 hours if one is breezing through and not focusing on collecting all the unlockables.

The game will see an October 28th release, launching simultaneously on the DS, PSP, Wii, and PS2. Yuri Lowenthal, the voice actor for Ben in both the cartoon and the game, wandered over to offer some thoughts on the challenges of recording for games — namely, most sessions are done alone, sometimes with very little context for what is going on beyond the actual lines.

My, That's Some Rack You Have: Onechanbara

Despite the enthusiasm of the person demonstrating this Wii game from Sandlot, which was compared to Earth Defense Force, I came away pretty unimpressed regarding this hack and slash — and I do love me some ridiculous hack and slash games every once and a while. 'It's like playing a cult-following B horror movie!' cried the demonstrator as he hacked and slashed his way through hordes of zombies with the Wiimote. It certainly had enough ridiculous costuming, jiggling cleavage, and blood to qualify.

The game features two sisters, Aya and Saki; players can choose to play as either and also engage in coop modes. Perhaps the most 'interesting' feature is the 'blood coating everything including your character' aspect of the game — if your sword gets covered it blood, it becomes dull and starts getting stuck in your zombie enemies. You must clean the sword off to return your weapon to its slashing glory. Furthermore, your character can become completely coated and go into a special rage mode, doing tons of damage ('The developers really like this because she looks naked!').

The game only has a Wii release planned in first quarter of 2009; it will be a 'budget title' and clock in for less than $59.99, actual price not yet decided.

Classical Shmup: Bangai-O Spirits

A follow up to Bangai-O, a side scrolling shmup released for the Dreamcast and N64, Bangai-O Spirits is a pretty retro looking game that features some playful technology. Featuring over 160 levels with an old school arcade feel, most of the presentation focused on the level editing and sharing capabilities.

Every level can be customized as you play to tailor your play experience, and for those among us who like creating things, levels can be created and shared. The interesting part is the delivery method, known as 'sound load.' It was a little hard to hear in the D3 room, but as a level was saved, it was possible to hear a sort of melody. This melody — the level save — can be uploaded or saved to computer as a .wav file. To transfer a saved level to the DS, one plays back the .wav while using the DS microphone. I didn't get an exact explanation of precisely how all this works, and it does seem ripe for mistranslation somewhere, but it's a cool idea nonetheless.

The North American release features some exclusive content, including eight all new levels and can support one to four player local wifi play. It will be released August 12th, and will be going for $29.99.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep: Shaun the Sheep

OK, I love sheep. I think real sheep are pretty cute, if kind of stupid, and really like the variety that don't barge through fences (i.e., trapped in a video game). Shaun the Sheep is an animated series from the Wallace and Grommet people, Aardman Studios — shown on Disney in the US, it's now getting a darling DS title to go with its adorable show. These are really, really cute sheep, and I had to stop myself from squeeing when the DS was fired up to demonstrate the game.

Shaun is a preternaturally intelligent sheep who is tasked with finding fifteen of his less cerebrally endowed herdmates in the game; the puzzle/adventure title is, unsurprisingly, being marketed as family friendly and fun for kids. Shaun features lots of mini and micro games and lots of cute sheep. The nature of gameplay is designed for kids, but also won't bore the pants off adults, especially those who are fans of Aardman productions.

The game will be released for DS on September 23rd and will retail for $29.99 — and feature lots and lots of cute and fuzzy sheep. Lots of sheep.

I suppose once you announce a game where a scantily clad woman gets splattered with zombie blood the rest of your line up looks a bit pale by comparison.

D3Publisher Announces Solid E3 2008 Line-up Featuring Titles Based on Top-Selling Entertainment Brands and Original Intellectual Properties

E3 Media & Business Summit 2008
LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—D3Publisher (D3P) will showcase titles for gamers of all ages at this year’s E3 Media & Business Summit, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California from July 15-17, 2008. The company’s line-up includes titles based on popular entertainment brands such as VIZ Media’s hit animated series NARUTO™, Aardman Animation’s Shaun the Sheep™, and Cartoon Network Enterprises’ Ben 10: Alien Force, as well as innovative offerings for the Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™ home video game console from Nintendo.

D3Publisher’s Game Line-Up Includes:

Onechanbara™: Bikini Zombie Slayers™ – Onechanbara is the ultimate evolution in a third-person blood-splattering hack-and-slash videogame. Players take on the role of the beautiful but deadly Aya or her little sister Saki, both of whom will need to put their legendary samurai skills to the test in order to battle legions of zombies terrorizing their city. Every person met and enemy battled gets the sisters closer to understanding who or what is behind the zombie outbreak and putting an end to it. Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is anticipated for release in Q1 2009 on Wii.

NARUTO™: Clash of Ninja™ Revolution® 2 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher’s highly anticipated NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 offers an all-new original storyline created for the North American audience and features the largest character roster yet for the Clash of Ninja series. The latest iteration of the hit fighting game represents a huge progression from the previous game, including never-before-seen modes, improved visual presentation, and polished gameplay mechanics. The only four-player NARUTO fighting game series available, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 for the Wii home video game console is anticipated for release this fall 2008.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix – A rich new addition to the beloved Puzzle Quest universe, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix incorporates a powerful blend of puzzle, strategy and RPG gameplay elements, into an all-new futuristic, science-fiction setting. Offering an innovative new hexagonal puzzle board for a wide range of strategic depth, a rich storyline and fresh gameplay elements, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer in Q1 2009 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Nintendo DS and Windows™ PC.

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game – Based on Cartoon Network’s hit series, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is the only console videogame allowing players to command and experience the adventures of the ALIEN FORCE team. Gamers will help Ben take the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix out of retirement and become the hero as they transform into eight different playable characters—including cousin Gwen, enemy-turned-ally Kevin and five of Ben’s brand new alien forms to utilize their all-new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders! BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is a fast-paced, 3D, action adventure offering an unlimited combo system and engaging puzzles and challenges, coming to Wii, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP system and Nintendo DS this fall 2008.

NARUTO™: Path of the Ninja™ 2 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher’s NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is the latest in the popular RPG videogame series offering a completely original storyline, expanded character roster featuring 30 playable characters and improvements to the battle system that will give players more options than ever before as they make use of the newly-added Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems. For those who want to test their mettle against fellow ninja across North America, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 will also provide the opportunity to earn points and special ninja cards as players prove their strength over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is anticipated for release on Nintendo DS this September 2008.

Bangai-O Spirits™ – Created by revered Japanese developer TREASURE, Bangai-O Spirits is a re-imagination of their hit 90s DreamCast game Bangai-O. The twitch-fest shooter gameplay includes more than 160 levels, punishing supermoves, exclusive content for the Western version, and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen. Bangai-O Spirits boasts a powerful level editor tool, local wireless multiplayer for up to four players and the pioneering new Sound Load technology. Bangai-O Spirits blasts into retail stores August 12, 2008 exclusively for Nintendo DS.

Shaun the Sheep – The only handheld videogame based on the award-winning TV show from Aardman Animation, Shaun the Sheep allows players to assume the role of the lovable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home. Designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Shaun the Sheep will feature the fan-favorite characters, items, and locations from the popular stop-motion animated series on the Disney Channel, as well as original content for all new experiences with Shaun. Shaun the Sheep flocks to retail stores on September 23, 2008.

Sure, it wasn't my most memorable experience at Tokyo Game Show last year and these games aren't exactly "good," but you can dispatch the undead in bikinis, biker outfits and barely legal schoolgirl get-ups. We're willing to sacrifice our joints to over-waggling if it helps convince D3 to bring Onechanbara VorteX over here.

Onechanbara's coming to the Wii [GamesRadar - thanks, Jeff!]

The Japanese hack and slash and tits and ass flick based on the D3 video game of the same name will be screened Friday, June 20 at 10:45pm and Wednesday, June 25 at 4:00pm at the IFC Center in New York City. Brain activity will be checked at the door.

Oneechanbara [Subway Cinema - thanks, Alan!]

Quirky publisher D3Publisher of America has acquired developer Vicious Cycle Software. Japan's D3 is best know for games like Onechanbara and Earth Defense Force. Two years earlier the company set up an American division, and with this announcement, it looks to strengthen its position there. The North Carolina-based Vicious Cycle will become a D3 subsidiary. Vicious Cycle is responsible for the PSP version of Puzzle Quest as well as upcoming PSP exclusive Dead Head Fred. Said Eric Peterson, president, Vicious Cycle Software

Having worked with D3PA for the past few years, we know the company shares our passion for creative excellence and our commitment to quality... We're thrilled to become a part of D3PA and we look forward to contributing our creative talents to D3PA's portfolio of innovative games.

D3P Acquires Vicious [Gamasutra via Gay Gamer

Everyone's favorite cowboy boots and bikini wearin' zombie slayer Aya from D3's Onechanbara is getting a new figurine come this June. Priced at ¥7,140 (US $59), the fig is at 1/6 scale and measures in at 29 cm (11.4 inches). Over at the YAMATO link below, there's even a "PHOTOZoomer" that lets shoppers get up close and personal with the figure. How close? Why, this close. Brian Ashcraft

Zoom Here, Kiddos [YAMATO]

Over at game site Gamasutra Brandon Sheffield has a neat interview with D3 Publisher's Alison Quirion. About a year ago, the company established an American arm of the company. Lots of nice info peppered through the interview, so do head over there and read through the whole thing. Here's what caught my eye:

• Earth Defense Force X is coming to the US as Earth Defense Force 2017 (as previously reported). Price point: Quirion says, "I don't think we've settled on it. They're not going out at $59, but I'm not sure if we're going to go $49 or $39."
• The company does intend to bring Onechanbara VorteX to the US.
• There are no plans to bring Zombies Vs. Ambulance to America. Like ever. And America is less wonderful for that.

Anyhoo, swing by, check out the piece and tell 'em Kotaku sent cha. Brian Ashcraft

D3P Interview [Gamasutra via Insert Credit]

We've seen the cute toys, now have a gander at the cute Onechanbara cell phone game. Cowboy-hat-wearing-zombie-slayer gets cell-shaded and over-the-shoulder camera angles for D3 Publisher's CERO Z (the Japanese game equivalent of "X") title. Since its a cell phone title, apparently the game slips under the country's ratings radar. Though, with graphics that kawaii, what's to worry? Brian Ashcraft

Onechanbara Cell Phone Game [Siliconera]

That hack-and-slasher game Onechanbara for the Xbox 360 now boasts a cute set of capsule toys. Play-Asia's got 'em for the importers with each one running US $3.90. Difference between these toys and in-game characters? Blood. Brian Ashcraft

Onechanbara Figs [Siliconera]

Yup. I asked the same question. Twice. Game Watch Impress has a totally wacky article up in which someone from that site walks in on a sit down between Onechanbara VorteX's Aya and some dude from Earth Defense Force 3 at publisher D3's offices. It all ends with the unveiling of screen shots for both Xbox 360 games. Delightfully nutty.

Hit the jump for a few more shots. Brian Ashcraft

Strange Things Afoot At D3 [Game Watch]

Our favorite zombie-slashing cowboy hat-donning boa-wearing bikini killer, Onechanbara's Aya gets new duds in the next-gen Xbox 360 sequel Onechanbara VorteX. Looks like there are dress-ups for the character's head, arms, legs—along with tops and bottoms for the character to wear during the hacking and the slashing. Don't just think of them as new outfits for Aya to wear, but new outfits to cover in zombie blood. Brian Ashcraft

Onechanbara Dress Up [Costume GET!]

Siliconera points out that a veritable jubbly avalanche is happening on 360 recently, including the already-released Rumble Roses XX, the upcoming DOA Xtreme 2, and cowboy hat stripper zombie massacre Onechanbara X.

For me, the question is not so much "why" (duh), but more a curiosity concerning the aesthetics of the games. I refer mostly to DOA, where aside from hair color and minor facial differences, every girl looks exactly the same. The homogeny is worse than in most anime, even. I'm puzzled because it seems like the game would sell better and appeal to a wider base if there was some variation in the girls.

Skin color, height, measurements...variety is the spice of porn.

Another thing that I found curious was the insane boob jiggle being accompanied by rock-solid, yet fairly broad butts. Even the girls on the swings in the eight-minute trailer experienced zero change in ass shape. What gives? A little bounce in the booty is something the whole family can enjoy. No bounce, no play. And with an entire minigame devoted to butts, it seems even more amiss.

On the other hand, perhaps the very Barbie quality of the girls is what keeps them from being uncanny, and thus insures their appeal. All I know is that I'm not buying any beach bunny game without butt bounce. Eliza Gauger

Bikini babes a dime a dozen on the Xbox 360 [Siliconera]

Rather static for a stage show, sure, but we are still excited. It's not the bikini or the swords that makes us so jazzed about publisher D3's Onechanbara: vorteX. Oh, no. It's that killer cowboy hat. Brian Ashcraft

In the continuing effort to make the 360 appealing for those with "discerning" tastes, zombie chanbara game Onechanbara is slated for released at the end of the year in Japan. And well, we do love our zombies here at Kotaku. The game's title is a word play on "one" (sister, young girl"), "chan" (an informal name marker) and "chanbara" (sword fighting). Dubbed Onechanbara: vorteX, the game pits the cowboy-hat-and-skimpy-outfit wearing young heroine against hoards of the walking dead, whom she slices up with katanas in a Kill Bill-style blood bath bonanza. Anyone familiar with publisher D3's Simple 2000 Onechanbara for the PS2 would probably agree: This is the only safe-for-work imagine available. The words "Japan Only" mean, anything? Brian Ashcraft

More Here [D3]