New 360 Shmup Pickup!!

Just picked up a Limited Edition that I thought I'd never get due to the fact copies of the game just don't crop up that often - Senko No Ronde Rev. X

I'll post photos when it arrives!

Under Defeat HD - PS3/360?

Rumours have surfaced again that this amazing G.Rev shooter is going to be released, presumably on PSN/XBL:

http://www.siliconera.com/2011/10/25/under-defeat-hd-means-one-more-shooter-for-ps3/
This story first circulated about 4 or 5 months ago but the inclusion of a potential release date and G.Rev's recent slightly cryptic facebook posts makes me think there might be some truth to this.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grev-Ltd/194052213944305

There's a thread up on System 11 too with a bit more info

Ikaruga the Model Kit Part 2

The black version of the Ikaruga model kit (Hitekkai) was released today, I'll put some photos up when my copy arrives. Again like the white version there's some lovely original artwork on the outer box.

Gunlord - New Neo Geo/DC Game

Gunlord the latest game from NG:DEV.TEAM has been announced for a while but preorders opened today:
http://www.ngdevdirect.com/index.php
http://www.ngdevteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91:pre-order-for-gunlord-aes-and-all-dreamcast-&catid=1:latest-news
The game looks similar to Turrican but with a Japanese slant:



I think the game looks gorgeous you can find more screen shots here on the official site: http://www.gun-lord.com/screens.html
Developer overview:
GunLord is a Eurostyle Platformer with emphasis on exploring huge worlds and blasting off enemies. This game features 8 stages of exciting 2D game play with over 45 unique enemy types. Blast yourself through giant landscapes, explore caverns and reveal all secrets!!
Release: NEO·GEO™ MVS December 2011, Dreamcast™ 2012, NEO·GEO™ AES 2012
Game
8 Huge Stages
16-bit Hand-drawn Graphics
Non-linear action with 8-way scrolling
Big Bad Boss Enemies
Constant 60 fps
Internet Ranking via Code

Accessories (DC)
VMU
VGA
Original Pad
Acade Stick

Hardware Specs (MVS)
MVS Multi Slot Compatible (MVS)*
Full use of 624 Megabits
30+ min. Full Digitized Stereo Soundtrack
In-System Software Updates via USB Port
Custom made PCBs

Hardware Specs (AES)
NEO·GEO AES Compatible (AES)
Full use of 624 Megabits
30+ min. Full Digitized Stereo Soundtrack
Custom made PCBs

* MVS cart also works with Super MVS Converter II on AES
I must admit that it think the boxart is stunning and the English AES version is really nicely put together:


Having rpeviosly order games from the company I know they put a lot of love into their releases and their packages are always of a high standard. Personally preordered the DC LE Dragon Box version this morning:

Can't wait!!
Gameplay vid now up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HohDEQpIRMw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Recent Arrival - Qubed

I've been after this US exclusive compilation for a while now and it's a game that has been tricky to find at a reasonable price. The game disk contains the previous XBL releases REZHD, LUMINES, and EVERY EXTEND EXTRA EXTREME. It's one of those titles that is probably dirt cheap over the other side of the pond but hard to get over here without paying the stupid postage charges this game seems to command on ebay. Anyway the game is in nearly new condition and cost £12.58 including P&P (you could probably get it a bit cheaper with some patience). I can confirm that Qubed works perfectly on a Jap 360 and there's a nice interview with the game designer (his name escapes me at the moment) included on the disk. At the moment I'm completely addicted to Every Extend Extra Extreme, I like the way they've expanded the original concept into an insane and tactical shooter/puzzle game. REZ HD looks stunning, I really like the lick of paint that the game has had and I think it might be one of those rare games that benefits from a HD makeover. I'm a huge Lumines fan and whilst the 360 port is cool there's something about the game that lends itself to the handheld format better, maybe it's because the control seems sharper? In short the compilation is a great showcase for the amazing work that Q Entertainment have done over the years, frankly I'm really not sure why this didn't get a PAL release a great value package. 8/10

I think this may be the last of the compilations I need to pick up with XBL shooters released in a physical format but I'm always on the lookout.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53666013@N02/6264454177/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53666013@N02/6264984454/in/photostream/

Nano Assault

Release day rapidly approaches, must admit this may be the game that makes me take the plunge and get a 3DS.

I'm big fan of Shinen's previous shooter releases - Iridion 2, Nanastray 1 and 2.

The game is touted as a spiritual sequel to the Nanostray series:

"Stop the deadly Nanostray virus from spreading and contaminating civilization in Nano Assault, a fast-paced action shooter set within a visually stunning cellular system that leaps off the screen in full 3D. Control your microscopic Nanite ship inside the dangerous virus to fight off infections, navigate through alien cell clusters, battle bosses, and ultimately analyze and destroy the virus' core to save humanity.
Find, analyze, and destroy the Nanostray virus DNA with your Nanite vessel.
Harness the power of multiple weapons: Powerful Beams that lock onto enemies for instant impact; Energetic Bombs explode upon impact and launch devastating projectiles; Spins rotate around enemies in energy-draining orbs
Blast your way through 32 twisted cell stages and dark worlds with rugged landscapes that self-adjust in difficulty based on how you play.
Battle and defeat 10 extreme bosses including the Black Nucleus, Hyper Blobs, and Spore Plants to collect secondary weapons including lightning chains, electric flashes that destroy everything in close proximity, and the quick and powerful laser.
Test your skills in "Boss Rush" mode and battle bosses back-to-back!
Stunning gameplay aesthetic is set in a distinctive electron microscope inspired world.
Ignite purifying blasts to clear infections by collecting power-ups that defeated enemies leave behind.
Respawn and clone yourself along the journey to ensure successful missions. AutoSaving is available after each stage or section.
Extra features include Missions Mode, an unlockable arcade style cell stage where you must destroy enemies against a time counter trying to get the highest score, and Hall of Fame where you can publish your level scores and compare them with friends online.
Detailed enemy Nanopedia lets you unlock information containing strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to defeat them."

Trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGkYxVNuXtU&feature=youtu.be

Dark Souls Limited Edition PAL

Watch "Dark Souls Limited Edition PAL - PS3" on YouTube