<![CDATA[Kotaku: acquire]]> http://tags.kotaku.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: acquire]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/acquire http://kotaku.com/tag/acquire <![CDATA[Gladiator Begins Won't Begin Until January 2010]]>  The PSP version of Acquire's Gladiator Begins will be beginning a little late. The game's Japanese release date has been squeezed back a bit.

The release will altered from November 11 to January 14, 2010. The reason for the delay is the discovery of a "fatal bug", and further development time is needed to make sure the game isn't released all buggy-like.

Besides fixing the bug, Acquire is adding the ability to transfer data from PSP to PSP as well as the ability to save the game to a Memory Stick.

With all the brouhaha (NSFW) caused at this year's Tokyo Game Show, the company is also planning to use the gladiator lady at more promotions in the future. Imagine that!

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<![CDATA[Booth Check: Q-Games, Nyko, Acquire, Jun-Tech Zodiac Darts]]> Sharing one booth at TGS were three companies that don't have much in common.













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<![CDATA[Way of the Samurai Finds Path To Xbox 360]]> Former PlayStation exclusive series Way of the Samurai is making the platform jump. Publisher Spike announced its intentions to bring Way of the Samurai 3 to the Xbox 360 in February.

Originally released on the PlayStation 3 in November, Way of the Samurai 3 (aka Samurai Dou 3) debuted in Japan with 81,000 units sold. Not bad for a week's worth of sales, but developer Acquire and Spike may want to up those numbers with a port for Xbox 360 owners. The new version, dated for February 26th in Japan, will have "new elements" and offer downloadable content of some form.

Hopefully, that means we're one step closer to a Western release, regardless of the platform. I've always loved these quirky, if graphically underwhelming samurai adventure games. Who's with me? Anyone?

『侍道3』がXbox 360でも発売決定 [Famitsu]

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<![CDATA[Yes, Tenchu 4 Is To Be Released In The West]]>
Good news, cat ninja lovers: Tenchu 4 is getting a Western release. Previously confirmed only for a Japanese release, developers Acquire have signed a deal with Ubisoft that'll see the game distributed throughout North America and Europe. No word on a release date, but the game will be playable at TGS, so we'll check it out then, see if the cat handling's up to scratch.

Tenchu 4 Coming to America [IGN]

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<![CDATA[Tenchu 4 Answers Ninja Cat Gameplay Prayers]]>

From Software and Acquire are bringing Tenchu-style ninja action to the Wii with Tenchu 4, the eleventh game in the series. This promotional clip, via Insert Credit, shows that Acquire is on the right track, finally letting us take control of kitties for some of the game's stealthier sections. It would appear that ninja-trained cats needs a bit of coercion to enter stealth mode, but when they do, expect serious pussy action.

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<![CDATA[MTV to Buy Harmonix]]>

The New York Times is reporting that MTV is set to acquire Harmonix Music Systems, creators of super kick-ass music game Guitar Hero, for $175 million in cash.

The deal will put MTV's logo on the box and could lead to future games that allow gamers to play along with their favorite songs on the channel.

So, future Guitar Heroe's will include a plastic guitar, 300 hours of commercials and one song you've never heard of? Me sad.

I've added the official press release. And I just want to add, I still love you Harmonix guys, even if MTV owns you now.

MTV Will Aquire Maker of Music-Oriented Games [NYT]

New York, NY, and Cambridge, MA. - Sept. 22, 2006 - MTV Networks (MTVN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., developer of the PlayStation 2 hit Guitar Hero and other music gaming titles, on behalf of MTV. Under the terms of the transaction, MTV Networks will acquire all of the outstanding stock of Harmonix for $175 million in cash. In addition, Harmonix shareholders may be eligible for incremental earn-out payments through 2008, to the extent that financial results exceed specific targets.

The acquisition of Harmonix demonstrates MTV's commitment to music and furthers its strategy of engaging passionate music fans through a deep and immersive multi-platform entertainment experience. With the addition of Harmonix's strong music gaming titles, MTV will enhance its music-based universe of entertainment, news, gaming, and interactive content offerings, and increase audience engagement and time spent with the brand across all screens.

The announcement follows MTV Games' successful partnership, initiated in November 2005, to feature Harmonix's Guitar Hero franchise in original programming, creative promotions and competitions across a number of MTV's multi-platform properties. Guitar Hero, published by RedOctane/Activision, is among the top-selling PlayStation 2 games this year and has been honored with several accolades at the Interactive Achievement Awards, Game Developer Choice Awards, and other industry events. Guitar Hero 2 is scheduled for release this fall.

"The acquisition of Harmonix will deepen MTV's connection to its audience via on-line, mobile and console music gaming, and expand the relationship with both labels and artists through the creation of games based on classic songs as well as future album releases," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "Harmonix's technology allows everyone to pursue their rock and roll fantasies, even people like me, with more musical ambition than actual talent."

"Harmonix is a wonderful addition to Viacom's tremendous collection of digital assets, and is precisely the type of transaction that will help us aggressively grow our digital business while maintaining strong fiscal discipline," said Philippe Dauman, President and CEO, Viacom Inc. "We're committed to a swift integration and look forward to helping Harmonix become even stronger with the support of the incredible marketing and creative power at MTV Networks."

"The acquisition of Harmonix advances MTV Networks' strategy of connecting with target audiences by creating immersive, multi-platform environments that extend to every device they use," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "Harmonix is an innovator in giving audiences new and dynamic ways to interact with music, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome the company into MTV Networks' strong portfolio of multi-platform brands."

Harmonix pioneered music and rhythm gaming with the introduction of Frequency in 2001 and Amplitude in 2003. These games won numerous accolades including one of Rolling Stone's "Best Console Games of 2003" and IGN's "Reader Top 10". The company also developed the Karaoke Revolution franchise, which turned singing into a competitive game. This title was named by TIME Magazine as the "#1 Video Game of 2003" and won Electronic Gaming Monthly's 2003 "Gaming Innovation of the Year" award.

"We are very excited to combine our unique assets in the music and gaming space with one of the most recognized brands in the music world. We look forward to continuing to create innovative ways for people to enjoy music," said Alex Rigopulos, Harmonix's CEO.

Mr. Rigopulos and other key employees will continue in their roles following the completion of the acquisition. Harmonix will join MTV Networks' Music and LOGO Enterprises unit, led by Jeff Yapp, Executive Vice President.

"Harmonix's talented team will be a powerful and important addition to MTV that brings enormous talent and expertise. All of us are excited to begin working with them to develop meaningful and creative ways to deliver music to our audience," said Mr. Yapp.

The transaction is expected to close in the 4th quarter of 2006, and is subject to certain customary conditions.

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