Record of Agarest War, also known as "that soul-breeding game," was announced for North American PlayStation Network release back in July, leaving Xbox 360 owners to sit and weep and wonder why. Now the publisher has revealed that 360 owners will get to indulge in creating the next-generation of hero alongside PS3 owners this spring, a decision that is apparently much more important than anyone suspected.

"In truth, we had Record of Agarest War ready to go up on the PlayStation Network months ago," [Ed.'s note: That's a lie.] says Ben Bateman, Editor, Aksys Games, "But when a haggard man emerged from a ball of crackling energy that materialized outside our office with dire warnings from a dark future, we decided to reconsider. As it turns out, a PlayStation Network-exclusive release of Agarest was-or rather, would have been-the catalyst for World War III. The gaming community was torn apart-literally-by this apparent favoritism, and from that schism poured the infinite minions of Satan himself, the Lord of Lies. The man told us, his eyes blank with the 1000-yard stare, of the horrors of this future war. He had been sent back in time, the last hope of a desperate human resistance, to prevent what the people of this desolate future Earth called, simply, ‘The Breaking.' As the last spark of life passed from his body, broken and battered by his journey through the time vortex, we swore to honor his final wish.

""This is why Record of Agarest War has been delayed," Ben continues, his eyes wet with tears, "So that we may release it on both consoles, and in doing so, save the world."

They are a brave, brave people.

Oh yes! Record of Agarest! We've mentioned the game on several different occasions, generally in the middle of the night when the kids were tucked safely in their beds, dreaming of...well, most likely dreaming of the same sort of things we were posting. We've studied the undearware differences between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, checked out some of the game's artwork, and we even reported on the game coming to Europe.

I'd go into detail about what the game is about, and what "Soul Breeding" entails, but I think Aksys' choice of teaser image speaks for itself.

Record of Agarest War Teaser Site [Aksys - Thanks Bonertown...Bonertown?]

BlazBlue's blend of high-resolution, gorgeously animated sprite based fighters and three dimensional backgrounds makes for a stunning presentation. Pretty though BlazBlue may be, the brawler has a depth that belies its 12 character strong roster, a bizarre cast of fighters slashing through an equally bizarre story line.

Should you educate yourself in the library of fighting education that is BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger?

Loved
A Deep Dozen: BlazBlue's roster may not have the numbers of Street Fighter IV, Soulcalibur IV or Tekken 6, but for a new franchise, twelve fighters is pretty respectable—especially when each character is so unique. No two characters play alike, with some having character specific health bars or custom interface icons that expand upon Arc's already deep fighting system. That variety comes with a price, though, as players who feel comfortable with protagonist Ragna may be bewildered when trying out Arakune or Carl.

You Are Soooo Good Lookin': Everything in BlazBlue, from its characters to its backgrounds to its win notifications, is overstuffed with lovingly rendered detail. The amount of work put into character animations is simply stunning, even if a few characters animate slightly better than others. BlazBlue's stages, which expertly mesh NPC sprites and 3D environments offer plenty of eye candy. Whether you personally enjoy the game's art style, however, will be up to you.

Lag? What Lag?: Taking BlazBlue online via Xbox Live feels surprisingly like playing someone in the same room. We had a few spurts of lag at the very beginning of our online matches, but once the action kicked off, the experience was unexpectedly smooth.

I Like To Watch: The game's online fighting mode supports up to four spectators, a mode I found key to enjoying my online experience. After watching more experienced BlazBlue players go at it as a spectator, I better understood how some of the fighters played, all the while getting an eyeful of the game's visuals without the distraction of having to fight for my life.

Shortcuts: By default, BlazBlue's control set up allows special attacks to be mapped to the right analog stick, making the learning curve less steep, letting the player enjoy more of the game's flashier moves. Hardly revolutionary, but it makes getting up to speed on the unfamiliar fighting system with a stock gamepad that much easier. For better balance online in online matches, this option can be toggled off in game settings.

We Got Modes: The console port of BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger comes with a wealth of options, including an expanded story mode, a match replay theater, unlockable galleries and more. One-on-one fighting may be the draw, but if you're simply soloing, there's no lack of modes to explore. I quickly grew tired of the dialogue and voice acting in the game's storytelling, but fans willing to put up with BlazBlue's fiction will be rewarded.

Hated
Tutorial Required: BlazBlue may be a new franchise, but that doesn't mean that Arc System Works has catered to the new player with some of its design decisions. The mechanics have a relatively steep learning curve, thanks to a roster that's arguably too diverse, too stuffed with crazy characters. Even the naming conventions attached to the fighting system—Heat Gauges, Barrier Bursts, Astral Heats, Distortion Drives—seem designed to confuse the player unfamiliar with the game's language. Even the rounds are called "rebels." Fortunately, the limited edition version of the game comes with an extremely helpful tutorial DVD. Buy it. Watch it.

Everything Goes To 11: Sometimes, there's just too much going on. Too much in BlazBlue is over-designed, resulting in visual confusion that's often hard to filter out. The cast of characters, while pleasantly wacky at times, is heavily populated with a level of unwelcoming bizarre that might have turned you off to the Guilty Gear series in the first place.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is ultimately a fantastic product, hopefully the start of a long-running franchise that can be added upon with new characters, refined move sets and improvements to the interface. The technique is there, with a fighting system that requires some serious investment, as are the visual fireworks that give the game its unique graphical appeal. Whether BlazBlue's anime aesthetic choices are something you'll find appealing will be a matter of personal taste.

Under the skin, it's a wonderful game.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger was developed by Arc System Works and published by Aksys Games for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on June 30. Retails for $59.99 USD. Played through Arcade Mode and Story Mode with multiple characters on Xbox 360, tested online Multiplayer modes via Xbox Live.

Confused by our reviews? Read our review FAQ.

The high-res 2D fighter joins a short list of PS3 titles that support Remote Play, allowing PSP owners a chance to play the game almost anywhere, even if they're away from their home consoles. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger was just released in Japan—and you can see footage of the game's Remote Play function in action at Gamersyde—with the North American version due to ship next week.

We quickly double checked with publisher Aksys Games who confirmed that the domestic version of the game will also support PSP Remote Play.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger [Gamersyde via One Last Continue]

Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Arc System Works' latest 2D fighter are getting the big box treatment by Aksys. The set not only contains a very pretty box and the game itself, but a 2-disc, 42-song soundtrack set and a bonus disc containing tutorials from the experts at Dustloop.com and Shoryuken.com. The video walks you through each character, showing you the ins and outs and delivering special tips for getting the most out of your favorite fighters.

How much would you pay for this much BlazBlue? That's the best part. The limited edition set is $59.99, the same price as the game alone. In fact, players who've already pre-ordered the game are getting a free upgrade to the limited version. If you've not pre-ordered yet though, you might want to get that done now, as the limited edition set is first-run only, with the second run consisting of the game all by itself, looking sad and lonely.

Check out the Xbox 360 version of the limited edition below, which is exactly the same as the PlayStation 3 version, except for the lack of blu-ray and a bit more green.

"Battle Fantasia's helps bring the fighting genre to the mainstream with its RPG-style appeal,” said Frank “Bo” deWindt II, Project Lead, Aksys Games. “If the fighting aspects don't hook you, the quirky characters and their stories will".

Great news, but where's the PlayStation 3 version for North America? Separate press release I missed? Perhaps it's a surprise?

BATTLE FANTASIA RUMBLES ONTO XBOX 360 IN FALL OF 2008

A Fighting Game of RPG Sized Proportions!

Torrance, CA (July 3, 2008) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment products, announced today that Battle Fantasia will be battling its way onto Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Fans of the fighting game genre can expect to see this high tension fighter in the fall of 2008.

Developed by ARC SYSTEM WORKS, creators of the highly popular Guilty Gear series, Battle Fantasia utilizes RPG-stylish elements and blends them with high level gameplay. Players will also be able to pick between 12 beautifully illustrated characters by Emiko Iwasaki, and battle it out in front of gorgeous high-definition 3D environments.

"Battle Fantasia's helps bring the fighting genre to the mainstream with its RPG-style appeal,” said Frank “Bo” deWindt II, Project Lead, Aksys Games. “If the fighting aspects don't hook you, the quirky characters and their stories will".

Battle Fantasia Prologue

There was once a time when the world was engulfed in darkness. Mankind fought six battles to save their world, but lost every single one. All hope was lost for humanity and many turned to god with prayers. But one day the darkness was finally driven back by the swords of four heroes.

Light returned to the world, and with it came peace and serenity. The world was then divided into two major countries: The Magic Kingdom and the Steam Empire. The people prospered like never before…

But in recent months, strange things have begun to happen. Rumors spread among the people that the darkness was returning...

However, fate has once again brought together warriors from all over the world. Some fight in the relentless pursuit of justice. Some fight due to their conviction and faith.

As the battle looms near, an epic new tale of new heroes begins to unfold...

Battle Fantasia Key Features:

· Gorgeous Cel-shaded Graphics

Experience Battle Fantasia's amazing art and graphics as you play through the game!

· Exclusive Console Story Mode

Play through each character's main scenario in "Story Mode", or discover hidden sub-scenarios to truly immerse yourself in the universe of Battle Fantasia!

· Exciting Online Play

Fight against opponents from far and wide or view your overall online rankings via Xbox LIVE

· Feel the Burn of "Heat Up" and the Sting of "GACHI"

Master the Battle Fantasia exclusive battle mechanics of "Heat Up" mode, "GACHI Match", and "GACHI Drive" to keep your opponents on their toes!

· Find Every Unlockable!

With over 80 unlockable illustrations in "Gallery Mode" and various Xbox Achievements, you'll find yourself playing for hours on end!

Battle Fantasia has not yet been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and Battle Fantasia can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

CASTLE OF SHIKIGAMI III ON THE 
Wii™ IN THE SPRING OF 2008



Bullet hell comes to the Wii!

Torrance, CA (December 14, 2007) - Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment products, is set to release Castle of Shikigami III, a vertical scrolling shoot'em-up on the Wii in the spring of 2008.

"Caste of Shikigami is known in Japan for its lively characters and challenging difficulty. There's just something to be said when a game paints the screen with enemy gunfire and rewards you for living life on the edge," said Michael Manzanares, Project Lead, Aksys Games. "I've always been a fan of the Shikigami series, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to bring this latest installment to the States."

Castle of Shikigami III Features:

• Tension Bonus System!
Your proximity to enemy units and gunfire determines your score and firepower!

• 10 memorable characters!
Each character has their own specialized weapons and powers, anything from chain lightning to psychic blades!

• 55 possible story combinations!
Experience a wide variety of scenarios with fully voiced dialogue!

• 2 Player Co-op Mode!
Dodge a never-ending barrage of bullets alone or with a friend!


• Exclusive console-only Dramatic Change Mode!
Switch between two characters in the middle of the fight to improve your chances for survival!


Castle of Shikigami III has not yet been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and Castle of Shikigami III can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Get Hooked on expensive Wiimote decoration [Wii Fanboy]