To remain competitive, Wada says, "Therefore, we should consider some sort of 'Japan Alliance'." More medium to small-sized companies will need to realign — case in point, Tecmo and Koei. "Individuality is important," Wada adds. "It's not forcing everything into a single corporate brand. The ideal is a holding company under which several companies and brands can hang." Though, who would head up this alliance? Square Enix? Wada? He did come up with the idea...

世界市場の活況に潜む“日の丸ゲーム”の危機〜ゲームが破る閉塞（最終回） [NB Online via my game news flash]

Hit the jump for the full system requirements, or click the links above to snag the demo now.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum: Pentium® 4 1.6GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 640×480 High Color enabled, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, keyboard

Recommended: Intel® Core™2Duo 2.4GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 1280×720 True Color enabled, 16:9, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, DirectX 9.0 compatible, 12-button gamepad

Among the games on show will be Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce, Monster Racers and Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2.

The MCM Expo is a consumer-focused games, comics and anime/manga event, taking place this weekend (Oct 25/26) at the ExCel centre in London's Docklands.

If you can't make it, don't worry - Kotaku will be there to bring news of KOEI's lineup, plus the Dead Space launch, MK Vs DCU, Street Fighter IV Arcade and random cosplayers wishing they had made something a bit more suitable for the late October weather.

PLAY OUR 2009 LINE UP AT THE LONDON MCM EXPO THIS WEEKEND [KOEI]

I heard that Tecmo had declined an offer from Square Enix, and that was when I first thought about the possibility of Koei making an approach. I called a board meeting for the very next day [September 1] to discuss the viability of a merger with Tecmo; we then decided to contact Tecmo, which we did on the same day, and discussions between us ensued; three days later, we were able to make an announcement.

This didn't come out of nowhere as Koei's founders were long-time friends with Tecmo's. While the two companies are still ironing out the final details, Matsubara stated that the two companies' software engineers were excited about future collaborations. Dynasty Warriors Xtreme Beach Volleyball anyone?

Kenji Matsubara Interview [EDGE]

Obviously that's referring to how the folder is just a giveaway. Obviously.

Service starts next year and will be on the same server as the PC version.

DYNASTY WARRIORS: Multi-Raid (PSP) (Action)
WARRIORS OROCHI 2 (PSP) (Tactical Action)
Monster Racers (NDS) (RPG)
Saihai no Yukue (NDS) (Adventure)
DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 (PS2) (Tactical Action)
G1 Jockey Wii 2008 (Wii) (Horse Racing)
Neo Angelique Special (PSP) (Adventure)
Nobunaga's Ambition Online (PC/PS2) (MMORPG)
Uncharted Water Online (PC) (MMORPG)
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online (PC) (MMORPG)
DYNASTY WARRIORS Online (PC) (MMO Action)

In the 3 trillion yen ($28 billion) global games market, we have revenue of 40 billion yen, which begs the question of whether we can survive... We plan to make the most of this merger and move on to the next step.

Continuing, Matsubara assures that the recent stock market troubles will not effect the merger.

Koei Plans to Form Holding Company With Tecmo in 2009 (Update2) [Bloomberg via Edge]

A committee has been formed to oversee the business of the two newly-merged companies, comprised of the presidents of both companies (acting as joint-chairmen) as well as executive representatives and non-executive representatives of both companies. This integration will allow employees to demonstrate the full extent of their abilities, so as to best serve the company in the future. This committee is expected to produce a concrete integration scheme for unifying the two companies in the next two months.

三國無雙 Multi Raid [Games Animation Forum via PSP Hyper]

In the PlayStation days, the platform was only one, but the competition was so high. For PLAYSTATION 3, we have to spend huge resources. In the PlayStation 2 days, we could just focus on one platform, but these days, we have to spend resources on handhelds, popular consoles like the Wii, and high-performance consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3. It means that we have to spend too much money and many resources. That's a challenge for us.

Hey, it's a challenge for consumers, too! Honestly, picking just one platform to own these days seems very, very hard.

Koei President Matsubara Explains Third-Party Challenges In Japan [Gamasutra]

1. Please confirm that the decision on the start of discussions with KOEI toward integration of management is the reason for rejection of the Proposal.

2. If that is the case, please clarify concretely that major terms of integration of management with KOEI (form of the integration, stock prices assumption, integration ratio and so forth) are favorable for TECMO's shareholders than the Proposal.

3. If not, please clarify that TECMO has an alternative plan, which is favorable for TECMO's shareholders than the Proposal.

Tecmo didn't answer these questions until today. We've translated that, after the jump.

1. "The reason why the Tecmo board members did not accept this offer is because of the decision to begin merger talks with Koei."

2. "Supposing this is the case, then the plan to merge with Koei (form of the integration, stock prices assumption, integration ratio and so forth) is concretely beneficial to Tecmo shareholders."

3. "Supposing this isn't the case, then we would disclose alternatives that would be advantageous to shareholders."

Tecmo adds: "To answer Square Enix's proposal within the time frame of one week provided little room for negoitiation and discussion. Conversely, regarding the proposal from Koei, there is time for management to consider how to integrate and most likely arrive at ultimately raising our corporate value. This is why we have begun talks with Koei concerning corporate integration."

The Company yesterday received a written notice of the rejection of the Proposal from the board of directors of TECMO. Followed by the notice, the Company immediately requested TECMO for explanation of some issues to receive no response to it, even reasons of the rejection.

Under such circumstances, the Company is unable to make appropriate modifications to major terms of the Proposal including the TOB price, and determines that it is extremely difficult to continue the discussions with TECMO based on the Proposal. The Company, therefore, has decided to withdraw from the Proposal.

Square Enix turned down by Tecmo for Koei and then ignored? Ouch.

As the game industry environment changes with high-powered hardware, portable game machines and rapid growth as well as online mobile games, the accelerating consumer needs are varied and sophisticated. The industry has intensified. Multi-platform and the importance of overseas markets is pushing the industry towards global competition.

...Under these circumstances, these two companies have excellent financial positions, strengths and the ability to take advantage of each other in order to improve profitability and solidified the foundation of a worldwide leader.

The statement also acknowledges that both companies are in talks with the aim to integrate management in the future in hopes of creating a "stable and secure environment" as well as respect each other's individuality.

Hit the jump for not one, but two galleries showcasing the graphical stylings of both versions of the game. Long live the PlayStation 2!

DYNASTY WARRIORS®6 COMING TO PLAYSTATION®2 AND WINDOWS-BASED PC ON NOVEMBER 18, 2008

KOEI to introduce its Tactical Action mega-hit to more platforms along with never-before-seen content exclusive to the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

Burlingame, CA –- August 15, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that the company is bringing its mega-hit Tactical Action game, DYNASTY WARRIORS®6 to PlayStation 2 and to Windows-based PC.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 will debut on PlayStation 2 as a massive two-disc collection action-packed with the full cast of playable characters and pulse-pounding scenarios of the original release, plus platform-exclusive content including never-before-seen “Musou” mode stories, incredible new weapons, five additional stages and 10 new scenarios.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for PlayStation 2 will ship to retailers starting November 18, 2008, while the version for Windows-based PC will be available simultaneously and exclusively through digital download. The game is already in stores for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6
Selling over 18 million units combined worldwide, KOEI’s award-winning DYNASTY WARRIORS series and SAMURAI WARRIORS series of Tactical Action games have become a global phenomenon.

Based on the epic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the genre-defining DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 delivers the unparalleled exhilaration of single-handedly destroying thousands of soldiers on massive fields of combat. Utilizing spectacular fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and stuntwomen in Asia, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action adventure. The game’s lightning-fast fighting, intuitive combat system and breathtaking environments create an unparalleled gaming experience that pushes the limits of Tactical Action.

Created by KOEI’s Omega Force team, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is rated “T” (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is for 1 to 2 players. Press can find assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com. For additional information, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for Windows-based PC System Requirements
Minimum: Pentium® 4 1.6GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 640×480 High Color enabled, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, keyboard

Recommended: Intel® Core™2Duo 2.4GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB, 5GB or more of free space, 1280×720 True Color enabled, 16:9, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, DirectX 9.0 compatible, 12-button gamepad

The following video cards have been tested and found compatible with the product.
ATI Radeon™: X1650, X1950, HD 2600, HD 3650
NVIDIA GeForce™: 7600, 7900, 8500, 8600, 9600

"POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation brings together an eclectic mix of Tokyo street style, cosplay (costume play), fashion design and trend hunting to create a game that's part retail management simulation and part style exploration," said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President for KOEI Corporation. "As the game's shop owner you'll compete against rival designers, hire models and staff, design new items, all in search of the ultimate fashion trend."

You start off as a lowly fashion designer selling items out of a flea market stall, building up your portfolio and participating in fashion battles, moving on to larger and larger stores as you create your fashion empire.

Budding fashion designers are directed to hit the jump for some more screens from Pop Cutie!, along with the official press release, full of fashion goodness.

POP CUTIE! STREET FASHION SIMULATIONTM BRINGS STREET STYLE TO THE NINTENDO DS

KOEI gives fashion trendsetters control of the streets with a shop management and style simulation game exclusively for the Nintendo DS this September 2008.

Burlingame, CA - June 16, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and simulation games, announced today that the company is preparing to bring POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation™ to North America this September 2008. The game will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS.

"POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation brings together an eclectic mix of Tokyo street style, cosplay (costume play), fashion design and trend hunting to create a game that's part retail management simulation and part style exploration," said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President for KOEI Corporation. "As the game's shop owner you'll compete against rival designers, hire models and staff, design new items, all in search of the ultimate fashion trend."

About POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation
POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation is a game where players manage the day-to-day happenings of their very own fashion boutique. They'll hire models and assistants, choose the look and music for their shop, run the cash register and even place magazine ads. Best of all, they'll take to the streets and meet different characters in search of up-and-coming trends. Players will then use this inspiration in their studios where they'll create new clothes, accessories and even hairstyles. However, other shop owners are also prowling the streets looking for the next big thing.

Players will start the game as an independent designer with a small shop at a flea market. As players progress, they'll move into larger boutiques. The competition against rival shop owners culminates in a 'Fashion Battle,' where a panel of judges will decide if a player's style has enough cute or enough cool to become all the rage.

By gathering 'images' from people on the street and combining them, players will create clothing lines ranging from the conventional to the most outrageous trends from the streets of Tokyo. A simple touch interface allows players to consider color and shape combinations on the bottom screen while reviewing the actual design on the upper screen. Using Nintendo DS Multi-Card Wireless Play, up to two friends can challenge each other in fabulous Fashion Battles.

Fatal Inertia EX will be available in demo form along with the full version, which will set you back $29.99.

To celebrate the landmark, KOEI has decided to go ahead and announce a sequel to the game, cleverly titled Warriors Orochi 2. The game, scheduled for a fall release on the Xbox 360 and PS2, continues the story of the original title, with a mysterious new alliance threatening to bring the Serpent King back to life. Along with the story mode comes Orochi Mode, which revisits events in the first game to uncover secrets, and Dream Mode, which features an entirely different storline that the main mode. There's even a 2-player versus mode with four-different games including one-on-one fighting.

Boasting over 90 playable characters this time around, Orochi Warriors 2 lloks to top the original in ever way. Hit the jump for more details!

KOEI SHIPS OVER 1.5 MILLION UNITS WORLDWIDE OF WARRIORS OROCHITM

KOEI's DYNASTY WARRIORS® and SAMURAI WARRIORS® Crossover is an Undisputed Hit

Burlingame, CA - May 21, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, announced today that the company has shipped a combined one and a half million units worldwide of WARRIORS OROCHI™ across all video game platforms. The hit game is a crossover of two of the company’s biggest franchises, DYNASTY WARRIORS® and SAMURAI WARRIORS®.

“This milestone is a significant testament to the global impact not only of this game, but also to the tremendous admiration that fans worldwide share for the DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS characters,” said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President at KOEI Corporation. “As we celebrate, I would like to recognize and express our thanks to the video game world’s greatest fans for making this achievement possible.”

WARRIORS OROCHI is available for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, Windows-based PC, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

KOEI also announced that it is bringing WARRIORS OROCHI 2 to North America. The game will be available for the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®2 in September 2008. WARRIORS OROCHI 2 is not yet concept approved by Microsoft.

About WARRIORS OROCHI 2
Shattering time and space, the venomous Serpent King Orochi kidnapped the DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS in scheme to test his might. The heroes eventually defeated Orochi and his menacing army. While the slain Orochi lies in the netherworld, a mysterious alliance is hatching an otherworldly plan so that the Serpent King may rise again. Now a new group of warriors must join forces with history’s finest in an effort to stop this evil resurrection.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 takes place after the events of the original game. The game’s main “Story” mode features storylines for the kingdoms of Wu, Wei, and Shu, and the SAMURAI WARRIORS, while a new Orochi storyline looks back to the first series of wars to expose some of the Serpent King’s secrets.
The game’s newly added “Dream” mode features an original storyline different from that of Story Mode.

A new two-player “Versus” mode comes action-packed with four different games including “Tag Team” matches that pit individual fighters in lethal head-to-head combat.

The popular “Team Battle System” which lets players create their own three-person fighting unit returns for this sequel. At any given time, one warrior will be engaged in battle, while the other two are recuperating; restoring their Life Meters and Musou Gauges.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 features an overwhelming lineup of over 90 playable characters from both franchises including SAMURAI WARRIORS®2 XTREME LEGENDS®, plus new characters from Chinese and Japanese history.

Developed by Omega Force, WARRIORS OROCHI 2 is for 1-2 players (versus play).This game is not yet rated by the ESRB. WARRIORS OROCHI for Xbox 360 delivers the ultimate WARRIORS OROCHI 2 experience in stunning 720p HDTV and in game Dolby® Digital audio. This title is not yet concept approved by Microsoft. WARRIORS OROCHI 2 was released in Japan in April 2008 under the title, “MUSOU OROCHI: MAOU SAIRIN.”

Yeah, the 360 demo didn't run well and we really regret releasing it when we did... The final game performed substantially better but still often dropped frames... In FI EX, we've dramatically improved the frame-rate again and I think players will be pleasantly surprised... This combined with a significantly higher game speed makes for a much, much nicer experience.

Exclusive: 'Fatal Inertia EX' Arrives Via PlayStation Network Next Month [MTV Multiplayer]

ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS®XI COMING TO WINDOWS-BASED PC

One of Video Gaming's Longest-Running Historical Simulation Series Returns to PC on July 29, 2008

Burlingame, CA - April 23, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, announced today that the Historical Simulation game, Romance of the Three Kingdoms®XI (RTK XI) is coming to Windows-based PCs for gamers throughout North America on July 29, 2008.

"Following KOEI's successful launch of Warriors Orochi for Windows-based PC earlier this year, the response to bringing more of KOEI's popular franchises to the platform has been overwhelming," said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President at KOEI Corporation. "For PC releases, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series has always been at the top of our fans' wish lists. We are looking forward to bringing Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI to Windows-based PC this summer."

About ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XI

From legendary video game producer Kou Shibusawa comes his next historical simulation masterpiece. Rediscover an ancient civilization with an explosive history in the most stunning edition of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Set during the end of China's Han Dynasty and the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., RTK XI presents the most visually captivating evolution in the history of the series. Blurring the line between video games and art, RTK XI features visuals evocative of classical Chinese ink-paintings along with debates and duels rendered in real-time 3D animation.

As the ruler of a kingdom, each player will have complete control over their territories. More than 40 base commands give players the power to govern cities, manage their personnel, practice diplomacy and much more. Complete freedom to develop markets, shipyards, outposts, forts and military units expand on the already substantial benchmarks established by previous editions of the series. Furthermore, players will watch the era come to life through the uniquely individual personalities of the more than 780 officers and supporting characters they will encounter.

Players will need to dig deep within to prove themselves adept at both the military and political arts in order to bring China under one rule. Domestic affairs, diplomacy and warfare are all conducted on a single vast 3D relief map, dramatically bringing to life the eight massive scenarios that lie before them.
For improved control over each military campaign, RTK XI's turn-based game play allows the player to plan their movements without undue time constraints, and then execute their battle tactics when ready. RTK XI also introduces an entirely new system for researching military techniques, as well as an Advanced Tactics System that allows players to drive or lure enemies into devastating ambushes. Skilled players will be able to link together tactics for maximum damage.

Produced by Kou Shibusawa and developed by KOEI Co., Ltd, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI is rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. The suggested retail price is US$19.99.

Well, good news, PS3 owners! It's one step closer to arriving on the Kutaragi console-child, with the ESRB issuing a rating for Fatal Inertia EX this week. That EX means that it's getting the standard late PS3 port with (presumably) extra features that will probably then show up as downloadable content for the Xbox 360. Who's pumped for this whole dance again?! Whooo!

ESRB Game Ratings

To: tipsATkotakuDOTcom
From: SOME READER

Hi! This is SOME READER, is it possible for you to also delete all my comments from Kotaku, Some guy at my school is going to show them to my gf and im abt of a closet geek. I have only made 3 comments so i hope it is not an inconvienence, also it would be good if there was some way t delete my profile.

To: tipsATkotakuDOTcom
From: SOME READER

Hi! This is SOME READER again, is it possible for you to also delete all my comments from the Koei warriors forum? Sorry

(And no, we didn't delete his comments or account, per site policy.)

UPDATE - Koei have let us know that the clip shown above was mistakenly labelled a "trailer", and is in fact just a b-roll of gameplay footage that was swimming around their press vault. The real trailer's after the jump.

KOEI Entertainment Singapore Pte Ltd today announced that its inaugural production, Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online (English working title), has been launched in Japan on 29th February 2008. This is an all-new Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) offering players a chance to experience life during the historic 2nd and 3rd centuries of China's Han Dynasty.

KOEI was one of the first major global game developers to begin game development operations in Singapore. The epic adventure, Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online is KOEI Entertainment Singapore's debut title, and promises to be Singapore's first blockbuster in the interactive digital media industry.

"Singapore is a dynamic and vibrant city with a talented, highly-motivated and diverse workforce," said Mrs. Keiko Erikawa, the Founder & Chairman Emeritus of KOEI. "Singapore's positioning as a global media hub is coherent with our vision to provide exciting online content for the global markets."

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online is the first Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) which is developed in Singapore. Koei is a recognised leader in games and we are proud that Koei's Singapore team has contributed to the company's pioneering game development reputation. This is a landmark development which underscores Singapore's reputation as an Interactive & Digital Media capital, where creations are made for global consumption," said Mr Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board.

Since its inception KOEI Entertainment Singapore Pte Ltd has invested heavily into training the local workforce. It has also ignited the dreams of creative talent with a passion for developing games and created new types of job opportunities in the new digital media industry.

The highly-anticipated launch of Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online comes after successful customer trials in Japan. The game will be available initially in Japan, followed by localized launches in select territories around the world.

"KOEI's Romance of the Three Kingdoms series is a phenomenon that has captured the imaginations of gamers around the globe," said Mr. Kenji Matsubara, President and Chief Operating Officer of KOEI. "With Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online, KOEI Entertainment Singapore has created a new way to explore this rich episode in Chinese history. Gamers will not only find new ways to interact with this legendary world, but also new ways to interact with each other."

This new mid-term plan is a very significant development for Koei... The plan demonstrates our renewed commitment to our western businesses and the importance with which Koei views the markets outside of Japan. This plan establishes an entirely new division that unifies all of Koei's western territories, and represents a substantial part of the company overall... Now more than ever, Koei's development studios, and sales and marketing teams around the world are working more closely together to develop remarkable entertainment experiences for video gamers across the globe.

Actually, even within Koei, we are not always able to share technical information within the company itself. And it is true that we are not as good in Japan as the U.S. at sharing information and technology, to use the latest and greatest. The United States is better at doing that I believe, and I think this is reflected in the titles, the hit titles that you see worldwide. You used to see a whole bunch of Japanese titles and products and now there are only a few that you can count very easily. So I think you're right, Japan may be falling slightly behind in that sense.

Square Enix
The Last Remnant
New Xbox 360 exclusive

Bandai Namco
Beautiful Katamari Damacy
Ace Combat 6
New Xbox 360 title

Koei
Shin Sangoku Musou 5
Blade Storm
New Xbox 360 title

Micrsoft Game Studios
Lost Odyssey
Halo 3
Project Gotham Racing 4
Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
New RPG (may be shown only at TGS)
Games from Takara Tomy, Arc Systems, Success, Idea Factory

Konami
Xbox Live Arcade games
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

Check back tomorrow for our coverage. If this info is true, wonder what that new RPG is...
Microsoft Presser [GameFront via Gamers-Creed]