Publisher Atlus has sent over a handful of new screenshots from Image Epoch’s Nintendo DS strategy RPG sequel Luminous Arc 2.
Touting local and online multiplayer support over Nintendo WiFi Connection, multiple endings, a redesigned user interface, Luminous Arc 2 is slated for a November 18 release in North America. Bundled in a special oversized box, each retail copy will include a collectible soundtrack CD containing selected tracks from the game.
Independent developer NoWay Studio has announced that its Nintendo DS first-person shooter title C.O.R.E. will launch at an unspecified date in October.
Inspired by best-sellers like DOOM and Half-Life, the game promises a “gripping” single-player campaign set in the futuristic time period of 2028, along with ten multiplayer arenas. The multiplayer aspect supports up to four players locally via a single cartridge, featuring a variety of classic gameplay modes, such as “Capture the Flag,” “Team Arena,” and “Free For All.” more »
Folks who pre-order upcoming Nintendo DS title Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia from Konami’s Japan-only KonamiStyle e-store have the option of purchasing a special edition bundle package, including the game, a two disc original soundtrack, and a commemorative leather bound notebook (pictured above). All in all, it’ll set you back 8,410 yen, which roughly equates to around $80 in dollars.
For those of us not fortunate enough to live in Japan, online retailer Play-Asia is currently taking pre-orders, but be prepared to pay top dollar — $119.90.
There’s no word on if Konami is planning to offer a similar bundle in the states. However, they did offer pre-order incentives with Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin, so it’s certainly a possibility.
Puzzles? Adventure? Mix the two and you get Electronic Arts’ latest DS title, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure. An EA casual initiative, Henry Hatsworth features five exotic worlds in all, sprawled across over 30 levels.
Described as a “incredibly unique game” by executive producer Scott Walker, the adventure side of gameplay takes place entirely on the DS’ top screen, with players exploring levels and defeating opponents on a 2D plane. Puzzle activities, on the other hand, are displayed at the bottom screen. Completing puzzle combinations will net players power ups, health, and energy on the adventure side.
Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure is scheduled for a 2009 release exclusively on Nintendo DS. Keep in mind that it is a working title and as such is subject to change.
Pokemon fans, listen up! Nintendo has announced that a Limited Edition Pokemon Pack will hit store shelves on August 17. As pictured above, it will feature a custom Onyx Nintendo DS emblazoned with images of legendary creatures Dialga and Palkia. Other goodies include a never-before-released animated DVD Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness, along with a Dialga and Palkia carrying case and collectible mini-poster.
The entire bundle will retail at an MSRP of $129.99.
With PC edition of Mass Effect finished, BioWare is hard at work on the next installment in the series… and perhaps another side title set inside the Mass Effect universe to keep fans occupied while waiting. That title might just be on the Nintendo DS, says designer Miles Holmes:
We have a lot of big plans for Mass Effect. Having a DS version would be an awesome way to keep interest alive and keep it going in addition to the next one [Mass Effect 2]
Well, we can’t argue here. BioWare does have extensive experience with developing DS titles — see Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. A handheld Mass Effect could be interesting.
While Square Enix’s Chrono Trigger DS port is scheduled for a holiday release in Japan and North America, folks living in European territories will have to wait till “early 2009.”
Why? Believe it or not, Chrono Trigger was never officially released in Europe before, so this will be the first time Square is translating the game to PAL languages. At any rate, if waiting a couple more months bothers you, importing is always an option. Good thing the Nintendo DS is region-free. more »
Nintendo today released its financial data and sales figures for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In short, the company sold a record-shattering number of Wii and DS hardware units, while pushing software like no tomorrow. Overall, though, sales in Japan took a considerable dive compared to other developed countries.
One has to wonder: has Nintendo reached a saturation point? Have a look at the numbers, complete with comparisons to the previous year, after the jump. more »
Delays! Delays! Publisher Atlus sends word that the release of its Nintendo DS talking-shovel starring RPG Master of the Monster Lair has been pushed back from September to October 21. From the press release:
“It seems as though Nintendo DS adventurers in search of dungeon-crafting, monster hunting and loot collection will have to wait a little while longer,” stated the trowel, matter-of-factly.
Not too much of a setback. Rest assured that us RPG junkies will live, especially with the dual-screen iteration of Dragon Quest IV out in September. Alongside announcing the new release date, Atlus sent over a fresh batch of new screenshots, which can be viewed after the jump.
Nintendo of Japan, along with 54 other companies, has filed a lawsuit against a number of distributors that import the popular “R4 Revolution” single-slot flash cart. If you’re not aware, the device — coupled with a MicroSD card — allows users to load unsigned code onto their Nintendo DS, in addition to unauthorized copies of DS titles — otherwise referred to as ROM images.
Nintendo says the R4 cart is causing “immense monetary harm” to software companies, obviously due to its ability to run copied ROM images.
Capcom, Square Enix, Namco Bandai, SEGA, and Altus are just a few of the companies standing behind Nintendo in the suit, which has been filed in the Tokyo District Court under the Unfair Competition Prevention Law.
R4 DS [Nintendo]
