It was easier for a small-and-mid-sized developer like us to develop a game for Xbox 360 than PS3. Also, since the main feature of the game is the network battle, XBOX 360 with organized network infrastructure was considered more suitable for the game.

This GG2 was the first title that we took the overseas development into consideration and since Xbox 360 had been widely used especially in the U.S., we wanted to challenge the system.

Keep in mind that developers are saying programming for the PS3 is getting easier as their know-how increases.

All about Guilty Gear 2: Overture [Siliconera] [Pic]

"Guilty Gear 2: Overture retains a lot of elements that the fighting games are known for, so it's cool to see how familiar moves like the Gun Flame make the transition to 3D," said Michael Manzanares, Project Lead, Aksys Games. " Except now though, you're facing off against an entire army instead of just one character. You'll lose (badly) if you think you're a one-man army, so you definitely have to remember that you have your own army to command."

GUILTY GEAR 2: OVERTURE ON XBOX 360 IN FALL OF 2008

The 2D fighting game phenomenon is now an intense tactical action game!

Torrance, CA (March 11, 2008) Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment products, announced today that Guilty Gear 2: Overture will arrive exclusively on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Q3 2008. This Xbox 360 exclusive will take the frantic one-on-one fighting game series in an exciting new direction as an intense tactical action game.

"Guilty Gear 2: Overture retains a lot of elements that the fighting games are known for, so it's cool to see how familiar moves like the Gun Flame make the transition to 3D," said Michael Manzanares, Project Lead, Aksys Games. " Except now though, you're facing off against an entire army instead of just one character. You'll lose (badly) if you think you're a one-man army, so you definitely have to remember that you have your own army to command."

Guilty Gear 2: Overture Prologue
In the far future, humanity succeeded in developing an endless energy called the divine power. But although they were able to obtain wisdom, mankind could not cast aside their foolishness. Tension among the major powers led to the creation of biological weapons that were based on that power - Gears.

Justice, the only Gear able to command the legions of biological weapons, went berserk and declared war on all of humanity. That was the beginning of the worst war in history - The Crusades.

In response, mankind formed an order of elite knights, and with their participation, Justice was defeated. With her fall, all Gears ceased to function and entered a dormant state. The long-lasted Crusades came to an end, and it seemed like mankind restored peace.

However, true history has yet to reveal itself

Guilty Gear 2: Overture Features

* Tactical Melee Action
Take part in battle alongside your servants and destroy your enemies!
* Over Fifty Servants at Your Disposal
Engage in dynamic battles by balancing resources and deploying troops to turn the tide of battle!
* Dual Language
Experience the thrilling continuation of the Guilty Gear saga with fully voiced dialogue!
* Multiplayer Deathmatch
Team battle or Free-for-all, test your mettle on Xbox Live with up to four players!
* Refined Mechanics
Enjoy new items, skills, tweaks, and additional modes not seen in the original import!

Guilty Gear 2: Overture has not yet been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and Guilty Gear 2: Overture can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Demo: GUILTY GEAR 2 (Japan only) [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

The thrill certainly doesn't come from how gorgeous the game looks. The graphics are adequate, but nothing special, which is disappointing considering the historical eye candy quality of GG visuals.

While I enjoyed the demo, I still walked away with the sort-of feeling I played a regular hack-n-slash with a Guilty Gear skin on top of it, ultimately leading me wonder how much of the enthrallment stemmed from the GG branding. The H&S mechanics are solid, but not mindblowing or genre-busting. In other words, it's really cool to kill things as Sol. But the Sol factor's a big part of that equation, at least for me.

Note: Those who are heading to Comic Market 72 on the 18th at Tokyo Big Sight, be sure to check out the Overture goods Arc System Works has on display. There'll be t-shirts, mouse pads and mug cups.

Guilty Gear 2 Screens [Game Watch]

According to 1UP's recount of the Famitsu story, Guilty Gear 2 Overture will employ real-time strategy gameplay, interspersed with 3D head to head fighting. An odd choice, yes, but we'll have to see it in action before we pass judgment.

The game is due to hit the Xbox 360 at an unspecified date. Frankly, I can't wait to see how they pull this one off.

Arc System Works Announces Guilty Gear 2 [1UP]