This year's Penny Arcade Expo seems to be an interesting mix of announcements, unveilings and games that aren't just dated, but already available at stores. It's as if some of the publishers and developers in attendance haven't gotten the message yet: PAX is kinda a big deal.

Full D3 break-down on the jump. The only thing on the list I'm looking forward to messing around with this coming weekend is Galaxtix.

Bangai-O Spirits - Created by revered Japanese developer TREASURE, the twitch-fest shooter gameplay in Bangai-O Spirits includes more than 160 levels, punishing supermoves, exclusive content for the Western version, and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen. Bangai-O Spirits boasts a powerful level editor tool that turns the gamer into the designer, local wireless multiplayer for up to four players and the pioneering new Sound Load Technology. Bangai-O Spirits exclusively for Nintendo DS is currently available at retail stores across North America for the suggested retail price of $29.95.

NARUTO:: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 - TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher's highly anticipated NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 offers an all-new original storyline featuring the Anbu created for the North American audience and also features the largest character roster yet for the Clash of Ninja series. The latest iteration of the hit fighting game represents a huge progression from the previous game, including never-before-seen modes, improved visual presentation, and polished gameplay mechanics. The only four-player NARUTO fighting game series available,
NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 for the Wii home video game console is anticipated for release this fall 2008.

NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 - TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher's NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is the latest in the popular RPG videogame series offering a completely original storyline, expanded character roster featuring 30 playable characters and improvements to the battle system that will give players more options than ever before as they make use of the newly-added Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems.
For those who want to test their mettle against fellow ninja across North America,
NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 will also provide the opportunity to earn points and special ninja cards as players prove their strength over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is anticipated for release on Nintendo DS this October 2008.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix - A rich new addition to the beloved Puzzle Quest universe, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix incorporates a powerful blend of puzzle, strategy and RPG gameplay elements, into an all-new futuristic, science-fiction setting. Offering an innovative new hexagonal puzzle board for a wide range of strategic depth, a rich storyline and fresh gameplay elements, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer in Q1 2009 on Xbox LIVE Arcade, Nintendo DS and Windows PC.

We all know the world can't get enough Puzzle Quest... well, at least I can't get enough of it. And the thought of being able to play the very touch-perfect puzzle RPG on my iPhone gives me goosebumps. So after my little hint didn't result in any immediate announcement of an iPhone Puzzle Quest or Galaxtrix, I took matters into my own hands and emailed Infinite Interactive to see what was up.

Janeen Fawkner, producer on the game was quick to respond:

Hi Brian, We would love to do a game on the iPhone, but we'll have to see what our publisher D3P has in mind... We'll suggest it to them :)

Sounds good, but I'm impatient, so I went to D3 next, asking when we could hope to see a Puzzle Quest on the iPhone and pointing out that Inifinite was gung-ho. Their spokesperson's response?

They're looking into details now and will get back to me soon.

Now, now, I want it now! I even made this handy-dandy screenshot for them. You can imagine what a pain I was to my parents when I was a kid.

Update: D3 just got back to me with this: "D3Publisher of America is exploring opportunities to bring Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords to a variety of mobile carriers."

That doesn't sound like a "Yes we're making it and you'll have it next week" to me at all. Not at all.

I had about 15 minutes to play around with D3 Publisher's Dark Sector today and while I loved having the ability to arbitrarily and capriciously lop off limbs and heads with a Krull-like throwing blade, the shaky controls and spastic graphics just killed the game for me.

When not in motion, or under any taxing special effects, the graphics aren't really that bad. In fact, I initially kind of liked the look of the game. But once I started taking fire and jumping stuff, things nose-dived. In one scene I dropped down from a ledge, at the request of the game, and the animation showed my character float out off the ledge and then drop straight down, his legs never really bending. When explosions hit near the character the entire screen turns red, I don't mean like a red tint or a blood effect, I mean an ugly red that blanks out the entire screen.

Even if I was willing to put the graphic issues aside, the aiming also left me pretty cold. I actually spent a bulk of my time trying to figure out exactly what I didn't like about the aiming. The problem was that the aiming felt greased, like if you pushed too hard in one direction the reticle would zip past your target. And it wasn't just a sensitivity issue. It just felt off. I found that the best way to play was to move reticle to my target, let go of the thumbstick, and then press fire in bursts. This typically worked, but really sucked for fluid play.

The game's one salvation was that damn cool throwing knife. Not only did it have a much, much larger targeting area, but when you hit someone it slid through the target like a hot knife through butter. Initially the target just sort of slumps, but as their lifeless body hits the ground whatever you popped sort of falls off, like a leg or an arm. The resulting real-world physics and jets of arterial blood almost made up for everything else.. almost.

Cartoon Network has awarded D3Publisher of America the video game rights to the popular cartoon Ben 10, which features a young boy named Ben who discovers an alien device that allows him to transform into different alien heroes, each with their own unique form and powers. It's kind of like the old DC Dial H for Hero comic. Speaking of which, someone needs to secure those rights. Dial H would make an awesome game...just think of the downloadable community created content possibilities alone. Boggles the mind it does.

Anyway, Ben 10 has all the properties in place to make an excellent video game. A morphing hero that can adapt to many different situations, a Cthulu looking alien enemy complete with minions, a human nemesis named Kevin 11 who would be perfect for two-player competitive gameplay...the list goes on. Of course, as a licensed Cartoon Network children's property whichever developer the license ends up with will mangle it horribly, but a guy can dream. Michael Fahey

Cartoon Network Awards D3Publisher of America The Gaming Rights to Ben 10

Letting Any Kid Be an Alien Superhero

What kid wouldn't want to be Ben Tennyson - a boy who can turn into hundreds of different alien heroes? Soon they can. Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of the network, has awarded D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) the gaming rights to the hit action-adventure series Ben 10. D3PA, a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, has worldwide publishing rights to develop and publish console, handheld and PC games based on the Ben 10 series. The first Ben 10 interactive video game is scheduled for release in fall 2007.

"Interactive gaming has proven to be a leading category for our core audience," said Christina Miller, vice president of U.S. consumer products for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "We are fortunate to be partnering once again with an industry leader who knows the trends and gaming formats that will appeal to our fan base and allow them to experience Ben's world in a whole new way."

"Cartoon Network's Ben 10 has all the right ingredients for a successful game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "Working with this strong franchise will give D3PA the opportunity to translate the smart and edgy action of the series into a fantastic gameplay experience for its large fanbase."

Ben 10 follows the exciting adventures of 10-year-old Ben Tennyson who discovers a strange alien "wristwatch" called the Omnitrix, that enables him to transform into different alien beings, each with unique powers and abilities—all while retaining his 10-year-old personality. The series launched in January 2006, ranking #1 in its time period on basic cable for delivery with boys 6-11 and 9-14.

Ben 10, which was recently greenlit for a fourth season, can be seen on Cartoon Network Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. ET/PT where it anchors the popular Miguzi programming block. New episodes of Ben 10 will debut on Saturdays at 10 a.m. beginning February 17th.

The Ben 10 game from D3PA will help to round out an already robust Ben 10 consumer products program, which includes toys, games, apparel, footwear, accessories, home furnishings, back-to-school items and publishing.
Cartoon Network has a strong partnership with D3PA which has produced games for Nintendo's GBA and DS platforms based on the network's animated rock adventure Hi Hi PuffyAmiYumi.

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube , Nintendo DS , PlayStation game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd and Eddy, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more. Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

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