The Japhei Xmas / Christmas 2010 Video Game Buying Guide

By now you are reading this and Christmas is one week away. You are saying to yourself it is a little late to be buying something for that someone special who happens to love Japanese Arcade games. Well fear not because it is never to late!

I am going to be covering some of the games that are released this year and the consoles which they are sold.

NOTE this does contain some games that were published in the USA and are not Arcade related but are worth picking up.

Dreamcast
Fast Striker

Idevice
Capcom Arcade
Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu
Espgaluda 2
Mushihimesama Bug Panic


PS3
Blazblue Continuum Shift
NBA Jam
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit
Super Street Fighter IV
Time Crisis Razing Storm

PSN
Afterburner Climax
Sodner X2
Xmen

PSP
Blazblue
Metal Slug XX
Tekken 6

Wii
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Golden Eye 007
NBA Jam
Mario Sports MIX (Due in USA Next Year)

Xbox 360
Blazblue Continuum Shift
Deathsmiles
Deathsmiles 2X
Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu
Espgaluda 2 Black Label
Ketsui
Mushihimesama Futari 1.5 (BEST)
NBA Jam
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit
Super Street Fighter IV

XBLA
Afterburner Climax
Earthworm Jim HD
Guwange
King Of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match
King Of Fighters Sky Stage
Metal Slug XX
Neo Geo Battle Colisieum
Xmen

Any of these games make a great gift and are a excellent purchase in my opinion. Do yourself a favor and play any of the awesome titles above.

Sturmwind a new Shmup announced for Dreamcast due 2011 by Redspotgames

Redspot games has announced a new horizontial shmup for Dreamcast called Sturmwind. The game features 16 levels as well as unlockable trophies and a hybrid 2/3d game engine. Sturmwind is planned for release sometime in 2011. More info can be found on Redspotgames website.

Along with Fast Striker we now have 2 Dreamcast releases to look forward to. Some gameplay video can be seen below.

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Mile-Stone Shooting Collection 2 with 5 games 1 disc for Wii December 30th 2010

Mile-Stone Shooting Collection 2 was announced for Wii. It features 5 ports from the Sega Naomi Arcade system on 1 disc. Chaos Field, Illvelo, Karous ,Radirgy , and Radirgy Noah. The planned release is December 30th 2010 for 4,800 Yen. This will probally get a USA release sometime next year as I would find it hard for a publisher to pass up. If you like Mile-Stone shmups this is the definitive collection of their catalogue.

Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu 1.5 Xbox 360 review Hyper Edition!

Cave keeps churning out AAA quality shmups and we keep buying them , nearly two and a half years have passed since the original Arcade release and finally Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu has come home to consoles for the Japanese Xbox 360. If you are a shmup fan and have been against the fence about picking up a Import 360 there is no better time then now. This may be Cave's best release so far for the System and that is saying something as half their back catalogue is playable for 360.

The graphics are the same high quality 2d sprites Cave is known for and the soundtrack is classic Mananbu Namiki with a thumping Trance beat. The game features Novice mode (for beginners) , Xbox 360 mode (Arcade Mode) , and a few Arrange modes A + B that mix up the gameplay a great deal and extend the replay value of the package. The Xbox 360 mode is a the basic Arcade mode with enhanced graphics and the same gameplay as the 1.5 Arcade version which features a 4 button setup with a dedicated button for Hyper. The chaining in the game is easier to maintain then prior games in the series and makes for more enjoyable experience.

My favorite mode so far has to be the 1.51 version that is included only in the 1rst run Regular edition and the Limited Edition. It features a more conventional 3 button setup reminiscent to Dodonpachi Dai Ou Jou and a less demanding Extend system that any decent Cave player should be able clear 1CC. The hyper is tied to the same button as the bomb in this mode similar to DOJ and the difficulty seems tweaked to a point that it is almost as if it is a ARRANGE mode in itself. If you have a chance make sure to pick up the 1.51 version as this is a important part of the game and really fun to play.

The game options are very deep with a easy to access menu. The video options have support for both 16:9 and 4:3 televisions and monitors with a wide arrange of zoom options as well make fitting to your viewing window easy and painless. This is a welcome addition as the last 2 Cave ports (Deathsmiles 2X + Guwange) omitted a option for 4:3. Not only has Cave crafted a worthy addition to the Dodonpachi franchise they are adding to it by releasing Dodonpachi Black Label February 3rd 2011 as DLC and a retail release.

With so many games modes and deep scoring systems added with the welcoming change to the chaining system this game is easy to pick up and play and is rewarding for both intermediate and hardcore gamers. I highly recommend it's purchase immediately. You would be crazy not to. I score this game a 10/10

Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Black Label Announced for Xbox 360 as Retail Disc and DLC due out February 3rd 2011

Cave announced that Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Black Label is coming out for Xbox 360 as a Retail release and DLC February 3rd 2011. The game features an entirely new Arranged soundtrack.The DLC version is priced at 1200MSP and will include a novice and original mode. The disc based release includes novice ,original and a special Arrange mode featuring ships from Ketsui. The retail release will be 5040 yen. I have included a promotional video below.

Muchi Muchi Pork / Pink Sweets release date revealed! February 24th 2011

Cave announced that Muchi Muchi Pork / Pink Sweets will release in Japan on February 24th. The game includes original arcade versions of each as well as online leaderboards and arrange modes exclusive to the console port. It was also announced that these games would feature no Xbox 360 upgrade in visuals unlike previous Cave produced ports. The game will support DLC which will be announced at a later date. Both games were produced by Shinobu Yagawa of Raizing fame. I have included a promotional video below.

Guwange XBLA Review / Xbox 360

Guwange is a game I have played for years now and when Cave Ltd. announced they would be releasing a Xbox Live port I was ecstatic. I could not wait to compare my scores with friends and play online co op. They also promised extra modes such as Arrange and a Blue Label which add to the game play depth. Unfortunately with some great additions come some major issues. First off the game displays in a forced 16:9 mode which is windowed even worse when you play on a 4:3 television or on a Arcade monitor. This takes away from the experience as the aspect ratio is unnatural and zooming only causes you to lose game play space.You can TATE the game playing it in a true arcade style vertically but the game is still displayed within borders.

Outside of the ruined aspect ratio of the game the controls are pretty responsive and the options are somewhat deep. In this game you control one of three characters who you use to defeat enemies in a scrolling top down shooter style. This game is very different in style because you control human characters who walk instead of the traditional flying shmup. Those character also have a "Shikigami" controllable option which appears when you hold down the shot button. This "Shikigami" is used to slow down the bullets from the oncoming horde of enemies which you can then cancel out by destroying the enemy with the "Shikigami" after having buzzed them. The games scoring system relies on a chain system that you must maintain from start to finish making scoring in the game very difficult for some players. I consider Guwange one of the finer Original Shmups ever producded with it's unique feudal Japan theme. The soundtrack is also very fitting featuring a unique Japanese sound. The lack of local leaderboards for individual players is puzzling. This is another issue that is a oversight.I would score the game higher if the games video options were more flushed out and gave you the ability to fill the void on screen and local individual leaderboards were added.

Hopefully they can address the issues with a patch in the future. Overall the game is a wonderful experience that is not completely ruined by its short comings. Go and buy this game it is well worth your 800 MSP, I will revisit this review if the game is ever patched , As is the game is a 7/10.

*I said I would rescore the game when they patched it. Well the score is now a 8/10 at least we get 4:3 option but the menu sizing is still out of wack and no individual leaderboard is a terrible omission.

Grev announces Seisou Kouki Strania for Xbox 360 / XBLA

Grev announced Seisou Kouki Strania a vertical shmup will be coming to Xbox 360 as a Xbox Live Arcade title in the Spring of 2011. The game will feature online co op as well as leaderboards. The game was previously tested in Arcades but was never formally released.

Famitsu Article


ScreenShots



Video

SNK announces Troubles Witches Neo due out for XBLA / Xbox 360 later this year

SNK Playmore announced a port of the Taito Type X Arcade game for XBLA / Xbox 360 called "Trouble Witches Neo". Joining the cast will be a new character, Sakurako Kujou, bringing the total selectable characters to 8.The port will also feature Xbox Live support and new modes of play. It is set for release worldwide this Winter and will be 800 MSP.

Video

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 announced by Namco Bandai for Arcades and Trailer shown

Namco Bandai announced at the Tokyo Game Show that Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be coming to Arcades in 2011. The game features updated graphics and a expanded roster. More details will be announced in the coming months. Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are expected Winter 2011.

Video

Treasure announces Radiant Silvergun remake for Xbox 360 / Xbox Live Arcade / XBLA

Treasure games and Microsoft announced that a Radiant Silvergun remake is coming to Xbox 360 as a Xbox Live Arcade title in Spring 2011. The game will includes graphic upgrades online , co-op and a special "Ikaruga Mode". This should drastically change the collectors market on this title.

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Screenshots

Bullet Soul preview Video released by 5pb for Xbox 360

5pb released video of the Xbox 360 original shmup Bullet Soul by 5pb games. The game features vertical scrolling gameplay on a 2d plane. The game is expected out this Winter. Character designs are from Akio Watanabe. Music composition is from Kenji Ito, with arrangement work from Kouta Takahashi. The game is due winter 2010.

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The Arcade presence at Tokyo Game Show 2010

This Tokyo Game Show features a revival of Arcade style games that will be shown and many of them are the biggest titles coming to Japan and the USA. Big title announcments like King Of Fighters XIII are likely, as well as playable demos of most of the titles below.

This is a list of Arcade related games being shown and platforms listed as well. Some of these games are not true "ARCADE GAME PORTS" but are franchises that got their start in Arcades or are in the vein of the Arcade gameplay style.

Nintendo 3DS

Dead Or Alive Dimensions (First Team Ninja Fighting game on portable)
Super Street Fighter IV (Gameplay perfect port of Arcade game)

Playstation 3

Arcana Heart 3
Big 3 Gun Shooting (First PS Move Arcade Port)
Blazblue Continuum Shift (New DLC characters)
King Of Fighters XIII
Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (New Character announcements)
Super Street Fighter IV (New Costumes , Characters announcements)
Street Fighter X Tekken
Tekken Tag Tournament 2


Xbox 360

Arcana Heart 3
Blazblue Continuum Shift (New DLC characters)
Bullet Soul (First playable gameplay)
Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu
King Of Fighters XIII
Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (New Character announcements)
Otomedius X Excellent (First playable gameplay)
Muchi Muchi Pork / Pink Sweets
Street Fighter X Tekken
Super Street Fighter IV (New Costumes , Characters announcements)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Virtua On Force (First playable gameplay)

Xbox Live Arcade

Bangai O : Hd Missle Fury
Crazy Taxi (Sega Naomi Port)
Dangun Feveron
Guwange (First Cave XBLA port)
Hardcorps: Uprising (Contra Spiritual Successor)
King Of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (System Y Port)
KOF Sky Stage (Taito Type X Port)
Radiant Silvergun (Remake of the classic Coin Op title)

Taito Type X Zero Arcade board and NESiCAxLive Arcade Update announced at JAMMA show

Taito announced the Type X Zero arcade board at the Jamma show this weekend. Also announced NESiCAxLive online content delivery system. Operators will be able to download new software to their Type X Zero or Type X2 board for a much cheaper price than purchasing a new board and update their Arcade hardware. Game developers and publishers like SNK Playmore , Cave LTD. , and Grev. plus many others (pictured below) have pledged their support and plan to develop games for the new system.

Type X Zero

Nesica

Nesica Partners

Arcana Heart 3 coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 this Winter

Arc System Works is bringing the Examu developed Arcade fighter Arcana Heart 3 to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in Japan later this year. The game will be playable at the Tokyo Game Show. The game features gallery mode as well as online ranking and versus play.

Video

Yun and Yang coming to Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Type X 2 and Trailer

The characters Yun and Yang are coming to Super Street Fighter IV Arcade on the Taito Type X 2 system. Several hints on the Capcom's blog and magazine articles allude to the brothers joining the Super Street Fighter IV cast. Expect a official announcement sometime around Tokyo Game Show. Both characters should join the home console version as DLC at a later time.


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Cave Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Xbox 360 Site open with Video

Cave has opened the official Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Xbox 360 web Site. The game will include Novice,360,Arrange A, and Arrange B modes. Also if you pre order you will receive a DLC card for 1.51 version. The game is due out November 25th 2010 in Regular and Limited editions.

Video

Bangai O HD Missile Fury due for Xbox 360 / XBLA this Fall

D3 publisher announced Bangai O : Missile fury for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade. This is a HD version of Bangai O featuring over 100 levels as well as level editor. The original game was developed by Treasure for Nintendo 64 which later was ported to Sega Dreamcast. A sequel was also developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS titled Bangai O Spirits. Blast away for fruit in this awesome multi scrolling shooter.

King Of Fighters / KOF Sky Stage due Sept 15th on XBLA / Xbox 360

Snkplaymore plans on releasing King Of Fighters / KOF Sky Stage worldwide to Xbox Live arcade September 15th. The game is a change of pace from the usual KOF universe where it features vertical scrolling shmup action instead of the usual Arcade fighting. The game was original developed by MOSS for the Taito Type X and received a PSP port as part of "Neo Geo Heroes Ultimate Shooting" released earlier this year in Japan.
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Fast Striker announced for Sega Dreamcast due in Winter 2010

NG Dev Team announced Fast Striker for Sega Dreamcast due in Winter 2010. This is a port of their Neo Geo MVS title which was released earlier this year. They are selling both regular and limited edition versions and accepting pre-orders now. This is the second game that has gone this route with Last Hope being the first game that was sold for Neo Geo and then published on Dreamcast. FAST STRIKER is a 2D arcade shooting game with emphasis on scoring. You can choose between 3 game modes with different scoring systems. This game features six stages of excellent 2D arcade game play with over 40 unique enemy types, super smooth 3D scrolling backgrounds, and huge CGI bosses.





Video

Initial D Arcade Stage 6 AA announced by Sega

Sega announced Initial D Arcade Stage 6 AA will be shown September 9th at the AM show in Japan. The game runs on the Ringedge Arcade system and features Online Network play, new cars, characters and courses as well as Tag Battles for 2 v 2 play.

Transformers Animated Sega Arcade game preview video

Sega has released video of Transformers Animated Arcade gamesThe Shooting & The Chase. These games are only for sale in Japan currently but could have a over seas release due to the Transformers brand popularity all over the world. The games use a Card based system to track players game data like previous Sega released arcade games. Each game features unique gameplay with data swapped between the two games.

BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 announced by Arc System Works for Arcade and Trailer

Arc System Works announced that BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 will be shown at the AM show September 9th. The game is a upgrade to the previous titles with new characters added with gameplay balance tweaks. Like its predecessors it will be running on the Taito Type X 2 motherboard and will feature the standard four button layout. It was also announced that Valkenhayn will be joining the cast of characters as DLC next month in the home console port of Continuum Shift and will be a playable character in BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 as well. Seems like Blazblue is the new Guilty Gear with it's abundance of Arcade and console upgrades.




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5pb games Bullet Soul screenshots for Xbox 360 released by Famitsu

Famitsu released screenshots of the Xbox 360 original shmup Bullet Soul by 5pb games. The game features vertical scrolling gameplay on a 2d plane. The game is expected out this Winter. Character designs are from Akio Watanabe. Music composition is from Kenji Ito, with arrangement work from Kouta Takahashi.