When you have a franchise like this, that’s become popular in a certain type of game style and you change that so drastically, I understand the responses is going to be negative... I also felt a lot of the response was, I guess, unjustified in the sense that they based their [response] on just hearing about it or maybe seeing a couple of screen shots and making a whole assumption.

Insert Igarashi sad face.

Koji Igarashi Calls ‘Castlevania Judgment’ Fan Criticism ‘Unjustified’ [Multiplayer] [Pic]

Igarashi's answer? It's not a fighting game. See? Simple.

To Koji Igarashi, Castlevania Judgment is so much more than a fighting game. It's a 3D action adventure title that just happens to feature one on one fighting. "I understand that it looks like a 3D fighting game, but calling it that isn't doing it service."

Okay, so why a timed, one on one action adventure game? As with all things Iga-related, it really comes down to the whip.

"When I decided to make a Wii game, it was natural to use the controller as a whip, but I realized that after two hours of constant whipping players arms would get tired." The answer to the problem was time limits, and 3D action adventure with time limits needs quick fights, and that calls for competitors.

"Castlevania has a rich history spanning 22 years, and I thought it would be a great idea to bring together the different characters from the series, and this sort of game was the perfect way."

Igarashi is watching. He's seen your mixed comments and wants you all to know that this isn't a fighting game...it's a celebration of Castlevania's history in a game that is quick to pick up and play and a real treat for fans of the series.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to order a whip and a rakish hat.

GoNintendo's report from the mag hints at appearances from characters like Simon Belmont and Alucard, the use of sub-weapons like holy water and boomerangs, and (surprise!) motion controls.

Odd, yes, but while Konami may not be known for its fighting games — outside of Yie Ar Kung Fu — it had dabbled in 3D fighters when they were in their heyday. It was also responsible for one-third of the line-up Dream Mix TV World Fighters, a Japan-only fighting game that featured Simon Belmont and Solid Snake and was terrible.

Nintendo Power reveals Castlevania Judgement for Wii…a 3d fighter?! [GoNintendo]

Castlevnia Comic [Badger Comics via CVG]

[Metal Gear] is something that Kojima-san has worked on for a long time... That’s his decision and I completely respect him for doing that. Maybe the franchise as a whole will continue. And that’s maybe something that Kojima is thinking about, right? Snake might be at an end, but it could continue in other ways. I don’t know exactly what he’s thinking, but let’s see what he does.

Okay, if you say so. Let's!
Koji Igarashi Isn't Tired [MTV] [Pic]

Ooooooh!

The story takes place years after the Belmont family has completely disappeared, but Dracula is still going strong. Many organizations have cropped up to try and defeat the vampire but the only ones who seem up to the task are the mysterious Order of Ecclesia. The art style for the characters has changed from the traditional anime style to a much more pleasing (to me anyway) illustrative style that really shows of the beauty of the female protagonist in particular.

The combat has changed as well, this time relying on a "glyph" system. Essentially, magical glyphs can be absorbed that provide Shenoa with magical weapon abilities. These abilities can be assigned and used from three different areas: left hand, right hand or back. These glyphs can be used at will, but beware because they will sap your magic points! Equipping the same glyph to both hands will provide you with a quicker attack, but will drain your magic faster.

Also new to this title is the addition of a world map that will allow you to travel outside the confines of the castle to explore locations such as mountains and a sinking ship. Two person co-op play will also be made available via local DS wireless.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is set to release in the fall of this year and Mr. Igarashi slyly promised to try and make sure it launches on time with no delays. I hope he can pull it off because no matter how many Castlevania titles I play, I am always ready and excited for the next iteration.

I think there are a lot of talented composers these days compared to when we started back in the day. But if I were to name just one person then it would be [Koji] Kondo-san and his beats and music in Super Mario, just his upbeat tempos. I'm sure everyone in the world — no borderlines or age limit — everyone in the world who's come across Super Mario's music will never forget that melody... I think that the Super Mario song should be the national anthem for Japan. [Hums the death refrain] So when someone wins a gold medal at the Olympics, a Japanese athlete, the flag should go up with the theme song. Shoop! ...The world would have a different image of Japan if we use that.

Hit the jump for the full sized pic and more info.

What we do find interesting about another potential slog through Dracula's castle is the Wii menu item in the leaked title screen. What could Iga and crew have planned for Wii connectivity? Could it have something to do with the long-rumored Wii version of the venerable franchise or could WiiWare capabilities come to the DS? We can only speculate that, if these screens are real, third parties may be looking to take advantage of both machines' Wi-fi capabilities. Portrait of Ruin made good use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for its online shop trading service, so we wonder if Konami has something similar planned.

It's worth noting that these alleged screens have a very different art style than the previous two titles, which had a strong anime influence, something that wasn't necessarily well received by fans. If these screens are an indication of the direction of the next game in the series, we hope it means that long time character designer Ayami Kojima has a hand in it.

Take it as rumor for now or, at the very least, some damn good fakes. Thanks, Mike!

We're doing another Nintendo DS version. There hasn't been an official announcement, but we're doing it...we want people to enjoy the PSP version, and afterwards we're announcing it. So, please wait a little bit."

Torokun's Page [Deviant Art]

He tells GI that "I think the Xbox 360 would be the best platform for the U.S. market" citing the series' lopsided success stateside. Igarashi does, however, give PLAYSTATION 3 owners some hope, saying "As you know, Konami will release Metal Gear for the PS3, so Metal Gear might expand the PS3 market. In that case, we may release Castlevania for the PS3."

The Castlevaniac also touches on staying true to 2D, revealing that, based on the performance of the PSP port, he may decide to stick with side scrolling gameplay for any future console releases. I just pre-ordered ten copies. I suggest you do the same if you don't hate gaming.

Whip It Good: Koji Igarashi Talks About The Future Of Castlevania [Game Informer]

[via The Asian Power Hour]

The game follows the adventures of a new character Desmond Belmont, which means the Castlevania series entry on Wikipedia is just about due for an argument on canon. More details on the development and associate blog for the both of you interested in mobile gaming after the jump.

KONAMI INTRODUCES ORIGINAL CONTENT FOR THE MOBILE PLATFORM BASED ON THE COMPANY'S TOP VIDEOGAME FRANCHISES

Konami Mobile's First Original, Castlevania®: Order of Shadows Available in September On All Major Carriers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — August 23, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. underscored its commitment to the mobile games market today by announcing the development of original content specifically for mobile phones, based on the company's legendary videogame brands. Featuring never-before-seen game play, storyline features and original music, Castlevania: Order of Shadows for the mobile platform will be available on September 18 on most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks.

"As a worldwide leader in high quality, multi-platform videogames, Konami is looking to raise the entertainment standard of games for mobile phones," said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. "Mobile technology has exploded, providing powerful new tools to enhance today's mobile gaming experiences. Konami's esteemed game developers will be creating original titles based on the company's top franchises including Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid Mobile, Contra and others."

Castlevania: Order of Shadows is the latest chapter in the popular videogame series, designed exclusively for the mobile platform. Developed in collaboration with franchise mastermind Koji Igarashi (aka "IGA"), the game breathes new life into the Belmont family bloodline with fresh adventures, characters and perils. Featuring updated abilities and spells, unique enemies, original songs and full screen particle effects, the title takes mobile gaming to new heights.

To give consumers a direct connection to Konami Mobile's development team and insight to upcoming game titles, the company has launched the "Developer's Corner" on its Web site, www.konamimobile.com. The first installment of the Developer's Corner will feature a blog written by Castlevania: Order of Shadows' lead game designer, Tyrone Rodriguez, discussing the genesis of the title, working with IGA on his vision for a mobile Castlevania game, and Konami's aspirations for improving mobile gaming experiences. Also featured on the website will be mobile game emulators as well as art and video, so consumers can sample the new games before purchasing them.

Castlevania: Order of Shadows will launch for the mobile platform on September 18, 2007. For more information, please visit www.konamimobile.com.

Also on hand will be Koji Igarashi to present Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles on the PSP, and Silent Hill: Origins lead William Oertel will be there to "unveil the future of the series". Spooky.

Sounds like Konami is gearing up for a really big show. We'll let you know how that turns out when Kotaku visits Germany later next month. For now, the press release calls to you.

Games Convention 2007: First details about Konami's product line-up in Leipzig

The football game for a new generation: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH invites visitors to play PES 2008 for the first time

9:00am on August 23rd will mark a historic date for football fans and games players across Europe, as Konami uses the Games Convention in Leipzig to show the PLAYSTATION®3 version of PES 2008 for the first time.

Visitors to the Konami stand (Hall 4, Booth B11) will be the first people to get a hands-on play of the eagerly-awaited next generation football title, which is just one of dozens of big new titles from the publisher. With more details to follow, Konami has whet appetites with the announcement that key members of its development teams will be on hand to present new titles, including Koji 'IGA' Igarashi who will be showing Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable). Similarly, William Oertel, who is overseeing Silent Hill Origins for PSP® will unveil the future of the series.

PES 2008 will be released in Autumn and introduces 'Teamvision', a unique system of artificial intelligence that adapts according to an individual's style of play to create the balanced and strategic play of a high stakes match. Player detail and animation have also been taken to incredible details thanks to the high-definition power afforded by the Next Gen hardware, and visitors to Games Convention 2007 will also be invited to play the game on PC, Xbox 360 and more.

"We will witness one of the most exciting system changes ever at this year's Games Convention," commented Martin Schneider, Sales and Marketing Director Germany for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "We can promise visitors and gamers in Leipzig that Konami will play a major role in this year´s gaming year - delivering new games and additions to popular franchises, while producing exciting games for new systems and established formats."

When Nintendo's own maestro Koji Kondo took to the stage at this years GDC in March it was a packed house. During the hour-long presentation Kondo talked about the importance of sound and music in games from Super Mario to the Legend of Zelda.

Reader Joe says that the lecture was "interesting, engaging, and a lot of fun." So he was surprised to find, while searching for pictures of himself in the audience, that Shigeru Miyamoto wasn't quite as titillated.

Yep, that's him, sitting five or so rows back apparently sleeping. Hey, that flight from Japan can be a bitch, I don't blame him. Brian Crecente

Photos by GDC

From slamming lovable afroed hack Koji Igarashi to taking a blasphemous dig at Shigeru Miyamoto, the list is sure to cause some controversy. And plenty of traffic.

Let's just hope no Nintendo fans know where feature author Chris Buffa lives or he'll find his front lawn littered with burning Buffa effigies tomorrow morning. Proceed to GameDaily at your own risk! Michael McWhertor

Top Five Most Overrated Industry People [GameDaily]

I snap a few shots of the venue's lobby, noting the beautiful stained glass window that will go largely unnoticed by the hordes of fans that will soon fill the hall. Their focus will most likely be on the Guitar Hero II competition and the souvenir table set up beside it, or the Dream Authentics arcade machine that will be playing host to a Space Invaders competition once things get rolling. And the gates, of course. The gates behind which even now some of the greatest names in video game music were practicing for tonight's performance. The gates through which I would soon be passing through with my shiny backstage pass.

Yeah, About That Pass

After poking around a bit and watching The Video Game Pianist Martin Leung kick a little ass at Space Invaders, I take a seat on a bench across from an attractive blonde woman to try and give my contact at the show another call. She had said to hit up her cell when I arrived so she could hook me up with my ticket and pass, but two calls had already gone unanswered. I dial the number...and watch as the woman across from me pulls her cellphone from her pocket, looks at the screen, hits the disconnect button and puts the phone away. In my ear the ringing stops. I raise an eyebrow and cock my head a little, catching the woman's eye.

"Oh my god, did you just call me?"

It seems I share an area code with her family, and she thought I was her sister calling. As I often get mistaken for people's female siblings, I accept it. After spending a week at GDC being mistaken for McWhertor and catching the disappointed looks on developer's faces as they realize that Crecente isn't coming, being mistaken for a woman is almost a step up.

After a meeting with the Dream Authentics folks to discuss their home arcade machines, I am guided over to the gate, which is swung open by the hand of an elderly gentleman in an usher uniform. In the back of my mind I am playing out the circumstances that led to this frail gentleman earning the post of guarding the main security point for the whole concert. The phrase, "Watch the gate, grandpa" comes to mind.

The Nob Hill Masonic Center is your basic circular concert hall. The relatively small stage is surrounded on three sides with bi-level seating. As I am escorted inside I notice that almost several people walking about with green Video Games Live all access passes hanging from their necks. "Shouldn't I have one of those?" I ask my escorts, only to be told not to worry about it. Should be fine now. There are a few other members of the press sitting in the audience - all with green passes mind you - so I wander over to them, pull out my trusty camera and increasingly ratty notebook, and focus my attention on the stage.

Rehearsal - Once more with feeling!

One-Winged Angel. Why is it always One-Winged Angel? As my attention shifts stageward I recognize the distinctive chanting of everyone's favorite Aeris-killer's theme song. A song that follows me like the plague, inevitably showing up on any MP3 player I own despite my never actually actively putting it there. Sephiroth is such a bad ass that his song kills some poor other tune on my hard drive and takes its place.

Tommy Tallarico and VertexGuy, the amazing guitar player, flank the stage on electric guitars as the chorus chants and the symphony plays. The guitars add a raw power to a song I've seen performed live before at the Dear Friends concert in Atlanta, but without the video playing in the background it loses something for me. Square Enix won't let Video Games Live display images from their games, so there shall be no menacing Sephiroth standing amidst flames and smirking this night.

It's-A-Him, Mario!

As the symphony continues to rehearse...Metal Gear Solid, Medal of Honor, music from Sonic...some folks set up a camera and begin an interview right beside where I am sitting. Holy crap, it's Mario! More specifically the voice of Mario, Charles Martinet. I try and snap a few quick pictures, then curse as I realize the tracking light on my new camera is still on. If you by chance watch an interview with Martinet and see him bathed in an eerie amber light several times as he is trying to speak, that was me. Luckily I don't think they notice.

Martinet is a real character, and he loves his job. Any other man would have gotten sick of people asking him to do the Mario voice, but not our man Charles. He revels in the character, and when I finally get a chance to take a photo of him away from the interviewers, he not only poses, but also lets out a triumphant "Woo-hoo!"

After taking the picture I sit back down. Koji Kondo should be coming out to practice at any minute, and I was going to get a chance to see him!

"Anyone without a green badge needs to leave the auditorium now!"

Or possibly not.

As the legendary Koji Kondo prepares to take the stage, I am asked in no uncertain terms to make myself scarce. Fuming slightly, I head for the lobby, determined to find a shiny green all access pass of my own.

The Epic Quest for the Magical All Access Pass

"Hey, they just kicked me out for not having a pass!"

"Oh sorry. Here, take mine."

Thus ends the epic quest for the magical all access pass.

Once More Into The Breach

One my way back inside I run into the ever colorful Game Jew, who neatly sums up my entire experience at GDC this year by asking when Crecente was going to show up, and then looking really disappointed when I tell him he wouldn't be. Apparently he was eager to sing to Brian's testicles in public, and when it comes right down to it, who isn't?

The distraction costs me dearly. I enter the auditorium only to find that Koji Kondo is just wrapping things up, surrounded by members of the press who didn't have to play through an extremely short RPG to get their passes. It takes reflexes honed through years of dodging whirling blades while his music played in the background, but I manage to snap a shot of him before he is ushered off the stage.

Seeing Double

With a sigh I take my seat, going over my notes as The Video Game Pianist sits down at the piano for a little warm up. I find myself getting a lost in the music, only to be roused by yet another interview being set up right beside me in the aisle. Oddly enough, it's Mario interviewing...Mario?

Sure, Game Jew is a short Jewish man dressed as an Italian plumber, and Charles Martinet is an older man with white hair wearing bright red shoes, but beyond that the similarities are uncanny. You can find the clip of the interview mixed in with some other bits here.

After all that excitement I needed a little air, so I wander out into the lobby, where the crowd is beginning to gather. Sonic the Hedgehog is entertaining the crowd. Excuse the blurry picture, but the little blue bugger is the fastest game character alive.

The PMS clan is also on hand, doing something that probably has nothing to do with hotness, yet nonetheless is infused with it by association. I snap a pic, feel dirty for doing it, and head back inside the auditorium to hide for a bit.

Koji Kondo Signs Some Stuff...Not For Me

The team from Advance Media Network was milling about all throughout the rehearsal, and as I return to my seat their director of public relations pops in from backstage, carrying a Wii and a look of unabashed joy on his face. The Wii, it turns out, is the prize for the costume contest to be held before the show starts, and they just got Koji Kondo to sign it for them. Some lucky cosplayer will be very happy this evening. Not only did Sean get the Wii signed, but also a little something for himself.

Lucky bastard, though I suppose it all balances out considering AMN did sacrifice one of their media guys, Victor Torres, to fill out the Sonic costume that was parading through the lobby earlier. Apparently he was the only person they could find with the right build for the suit. A true Cinderella story, only instead of a glass slipper it was a giant foam hedgehog costume.

The Glamorous Backstage Pass Lifestyle

I don't think I've ever had a backstage pass to anything. Even productions I've been in myself. Like discussing how scary Adam Sessler is when he's drunk, backstage was a place I just didn't go. It isn't until I catch a wonderful scent that I work up the courage to wander back there. What is that smell? The smell of a good story? The scent of intrigue? No, my friends.

It was the smell of free pizza.

GDC has conditioned me to have a reaction to free food that borders on Pavlovian, so like a cartoon toucan I follow my nose...it always knows, you see. Past the door to the left of the stage into what was sure to be a glorious...hallway.

Backstage at the Nob Hill Masonic Center is pretty much a hallway with a few tiny rooms off of it. Not nearly as exciting as I would have imagined. I begin to think I never was allowed backstage before to save me from the disappointment. There is, however, plenty of free pizza, along with Charles Martinet, who seems to have an uncanny power to be everywhere at once. When I got back to my room later in the evening I was surprised and just a bit disappointed that he wasn't there, ready to cheer me up with a random "Woo-hoo!"

While the voice of Mario munches on a slice of pizza (with mushrooms!), I discuss the excitement of being backstage with some of the guys from Nintendo World Report, recently renamed from Planet Gamecube for obvious reasons. A guard getting ready for the Metal Gear Solid portion of the program wanders by, and I snap a quick shot of him posing with Martinet. Note the glowing exclamation point above his head...pure genius there. It's actually retractable, popping up via mechanical trigger.

The Video Game Pianist wanders up to the pizza table, only to find himself accosted by giant members of the press, like this one, for instance:

Please ignore the shirt. General consensus between friends, family, and colleagues has already indicated to me that the shirt was a really bad idea. I picked it up at the Big and Tall store near the convention hall earlier in the week. Apparently their plan is to make big men stand out more, to keep them from sneaking up on people.

Soon the pizza is gone, and the performers are preparing to take the stage. Time to go pick up my ticket and get seated!

There Is No Ticket

A brief foray outside finds me teamed up with frequent Kotaku contributor Collette Bennett, and having her around makes it a little easier to cope with the fact that we don't have tickets.

Apparently Tommy Tallarico wanted 70 tickets for guests from the venue, and they gave him only 30, which were eaten up quickly by guests like Koji and his entourage. Several members of the press actually purchased their own tickets, which I would have done had I not been told there was one waiting for me.

Our sponsors tell us not to worry. All we have to do is wait till everyone else is seated, and then grab some spare seats. Needless to say, I do not wind up in the front row. Indeed the front row seems like a distant dream as I take my seat in the upper tier of the balcony, and nothing helps you relax and enjoy a concert like the fear of someone sidling up to you with a ticket in hand, looking confused. Thanks to this happy fun ticket snafu I miss the majority of the costume contest, in which a Kingdom Hearts cosplayer walks away with a Wii.

Mercifully we manage to somehow find seats that hat not been sold...either that, or whoever bought them saw me looking pensive and decided not to bother me. Either way, the lights soon dimmed, and the concert finally began.

And We're Off

Tommy Tallarico will not stop moving, resisting every attempt I make to snap a quick photo of him as he introduces the show. Being a relatively small man, he has reserves of energy that larger folks like me utilize to keep us from going extinct, like the dinosaurs. It's a reflection of his great love of the video game music industry, the sheer amount of excitement the man has for this event.

I fully expected the $15 program I bought at the beginning of the concert to contain an actual program of events, allowing me to relax and enjoy the show without having to remember the exact order of performances. Much to my chagrin, the program book does not contain a program. I spent $15 for a glossy picture book, which is why you shouldn't expect the following show highlights to be in any particular order.

Retro-Spective

In the beginning, there was Pong. The show kicks off with a medley of classic gaming, from Pong, to Asteroids, to Defender, and onward. Like a cover band doing a medley of classic rock tunes, the audience reacts to their favorites, hotting and hollering when selections from Ghouls N' Ghosts or Satan's Hollow (a personal favorite) are played. Just quick snippets from each game, but more than enough to whet the appetite of a few hundred game enthusiasts.

Space Invaders Live

No, it isn't Space Invaders via Xbox Live. It's Space Invaders played with motion tracking by a pudgy Legacy of Kain cosplayer wearing a spaceship T-shirt that took at least five minutes to get on.

Metal Gear Solid

I have a confession to make. I've only ever finished the first Metal Gear Solid. I just can't seem to get into the whole stealth action thing. Having said that, it is strange that I find the music from the series so moving. I sit here, watching scenes from the games I have never experienced first hand and I feel nostalgic. The main theme in particular just speaks of the sad resignation of a person who has completely committed themselves to duty above all other things. I could just be talking out of my ass here. The segment is introduced by a pre-recorded Hideo Kojima, who I snapped a totally awesome picture of.

While the music plays, a box inches its way onto the stage, sitting there as the soldier from backstage makes an appearance. He wanders about for a bit, showing off his nifty switchblade exclamation point device, stopping for a moment in front of the box before shrugging and heading offstage. The box sits there through two more numbers before Tommy pops out of it...claiming to have been the only person small enough to fit inside.

Medal of Honor

Another series I haven't messed about with much, for the Medal of Honor sequence they eschewed the normal showing of game footage on the big screen, opting instead to show black and white photos from World War II. Women crying, injured men, families torn apart by war. While it was certainly moving, it felt a bit like a political statement, and I really hate it when I go to a concert and the artists feel like they need to make political statements. Not what I am there for.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Ah yes, this music brings me back. A fine arrangement of Sonic music, showcasing footage from the classic and not so classic titles, from the original game on up to Sonic Heroes, The probably went a few games too far, but at least they stopped before Shadow.

Incidentally, I've decided that I want the Green Hill Zone music to be played at my funeral, and my casket to be interred via a series of looping ramps.

Advent Rising

Tommy of course created the operatic soundtrack for Advent Rising, the ill-fated game written by sci-fi master Orson Scott Card. Whatever faults you might have found with the game, you certainly cannot take away from the beautiful sounds inspired by it. The music and game footage combination was so moving that after the concert Colette asked me about the game, which she had never played.

The saddest thing about Advent Rising was how much I loved the game, and the ending of it, which set us up for a sequel that will never come.

Koji Kondo

The man. the legend. The lounge pianist. Kondo comes out on stage first to tease us, appearing with colorful characters like Zelda, Link, and the ever-present Charles Martinet. When he returns to the stage later in the show, he takes a seat at the piano...which incidentally is behind a lighting fixture that I cannot see around. Thank goodness for the large screen, which allows me a view of Kondo playing through Mario songs with the ease and flair of a guy you might find stroking the ivories in a Vegas bar. The man has style, I'll give him that, but for some reason listening to him play doesn't have the impact on me I first thought it would. I'll go ahead and blame the lousy seats for this one.

VertexGuy

The videos of VertexGuy that appeared on the interwebs awhile back do him no justice. I've found in my explorations of video game music, that game players make some of the best guitarists you're likely to find, and VertexGuy is living proof. Take a look for yourself.

The Video Game Pianist

Martin Leung is, quite simply, a piano god. Hearing him practice earlier gave me just a small taste of the scope of this young man's talent. In the hallway that was backstage I asked him how it felt to play the music of composers like Koji Kondo while actually being in their presence. What I should have done is ask Koji Kondo how it felt to be completely upstaged by a guy not yet old enough to legally drink.

Leung appears on stage twice this evening. First he plays a selection of music from Final Fantasy which literally brings tears to my eyes. Even remembering it now, days after the fact, has me tearing up. His renditions of the songs from a video game series that at times has been so much a part of my life has me seeing those titles in a whole new light. As many others have noted, it makes you want to play the games all over again.

He then returns to the stage later on for an encore performance, and completely blows the crowd away with a medley of Super Mario Bros. music. At one point his fingers are moving so fast across the keys that he looks like he's in one of those artificially sped up time-lapse sequences that were so popular in music videos back in the day. He leaves the crowd completely in awe, earning a standing ovation for his effort. Even more of a standing ovation than Koji Kondo himself. What could possibly follow such a performance?

One Winged Angel

Arguably the most popular piece of video game music ever created, One Winged Angel is, of course, Sephiroth's theme song from Final Fantasy VII. When I saw the Dear Friends concert last year they did this song as an encore, and then came back on and did it again. That's how much people love this song. Despite the lack of gameplay video on the big screen an the somewhat muffled guitars compared to what I heard during rehearsal, it was a completely satisfying end to an evening of wonderful music.

As the performers file off stage after the final bow, I head out into the balcony lobby to see how my chances of getting in on the meet and greet line look.

Seeing as the entire first floor of the auditorium was already waiting, I made a decision not to stick around. After walking all over San Francisco for a week, the last thing I needed to do was stand in line for hours as a legion of fans in front of me stumbled over their tongues to find just the right words of praise to give these legends of the video game music world.

I did, however, manage to meet two of gaming's biggest names this evening, so it wasn't a total loss in that regard.

If you look deep into their eyes, you can see extreme discomfort, and quite possibly a little bit of fear.

A Night to Remember

Video games are more than just something gamers do to pass the time, and an event like Video Games Live serves as proof of that point. That you can separate the music or the art from the context of the game and create something so very satisfying shows the depth of the industry that we all know and love.

These are the thoughts going through my head as I hail one of San Francisco's many suicidal cab drivers for a ride back to my hotel to pack for the long trip home. The driver asks me if I had a good time, and I smile. "One of the best."

As the driver takes one of the city's famous downhill slopes at 45 miles per hour, I can't help but ask, "Have you ever played Crazy Taxi?" Michael Fahey

Christian Nutt over at Games Radar has a big, meaty GDC interview with all things Castlevania Koji Igarashi. From talking Gears of War to the rise of mini-games in Japan, they cover a lot of ground. Standout quote:

I'm sorry... I'm getting busier and busier. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting too old. I'm just waiting for my lottery winnings and then I can leave Konami.

Does that mean IGA is burnt-out or what? Brian Ashcraft

Big Igarashi Interview [Games Radar]

The Video Games Live concert happened last night in San Francisco and unlike most GDC related events I was actually able to attend. The legendary Koji Kondo was on hand to play some of his famous tunes on the piano and it was amazing. This little video clip was taken at a rehearsal earlier in the day before the hall was packed with people.

Mike Fahey will be bringing you a full fledged feature on the whole show later, so I won't steal his thunder. Not because I care, but more because he could crush me like a fly. Flynn De Marco

The Game Developers Conference is still a week and a half away, and already I am looking forward to it ending, if only for the special Video Games Live performance scheduled for March 9th, featuring legendary Zelda and Mario composer Koji Kondo, one of the biggest, most influential names in video game music. What Kondo did with only 4 channels of sound on the original NES rivals what most mainstream musicians today can muster with a full band.

As if that weren't enough, the special show will also feature the Video Game Pianist, a special performance of LucasArts classics performed by the original composers, prize giveaways, a costume contest, and game competitions. On top of all that, I'll be there, so you can find out first-hand what a video game blogger smells like after five straight days of GDC. I'm betting it smells like freedom. Hit the jump for more details and ticket info. Hope to see you folks there! Michael Fahey

Video Games Live Special San Francisco Performance

Legendary Nintendo Composer Koji Kondo to Perform Live & Meet Fans!

2007 Game Developers Conference to Present World Class Concert Event & Festival

SAN FRANCISCO - February 20, 2007 - The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is proud to present Video Games Live as its special closing night ceremony. After a sold out performance at GDC last year in San Jose, Video Games Live returns once again with a new show for 2007. Video Games Live is an immersive concert event featuring music from the biggest video games of all time accompanied by a full orchestra and choir along with completely synchronized state-of-the-art lighting and massive video screens. Exclusive video footage and music arrangements, solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and creative interactive segments combine to make Video Games Live the most successful video game concert in the world. The concert will take place at the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium on Friday, March 9th at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at: LiveNation.com.

Legendary Nintendo composer Koji Kondo will be making a special appearance at the event and is scheduled to perform one of his favorite melodies from his long and storied career. Joining Nintendo in 1984, he has worked on such beloved franchises as Mario , Zelda , Star Fox and many more. "There is clearly no game music more recognizable around the world than the themes that Mr. Kondo has created over the years." said Video Games Live executive producer and co-creator Tommy Tallarico. "What an incredible honor to have such a true legend in the gaming world join us on stage to celebrate video game music and the wonderful industry surrounding it."

Other special San Francisco performances to include:

* Martin Leung the Video Game Pianist to debut a brand new classic video game arrangement
* A rare special acoustic performance by the original LucasArts composers performing a medley of classics including Monkey Island, Outlaws and Grim Fandango
* On stage performance by voice-over legend Dee Baker who appears as characters in SpongeBob SquarePants (TV), Teen Titans (TV), Viewtiful Joe, Halo 2, EverQuest II, Doom 3, Tales of Symphonia, Arc the Lad, Final Fantasy X-2, Metal Gear Solid 2, Kingdom Hearts & Spider-Man
* Incredible guitarist (and video game artist) Chris Kline aka "vertexguy" debuting his live synchronized Contra "Jungle Theme" rock-n-roll presentation.

Other events consist of the ever popular pre-show festival stating at 7:00pm which includes game competitions with Guitar Hero II and Space Invaders on a customized Dream Authentic arcade cabinet. Prize giveaways include a Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS Lite and Guitar Hero II sponsored by Advanced Media Network and over 250 classic arcade games donated by Dream Authentics. Other pre-show festivities include a costume contest where audience members will come dressed as their favorite video game characters. Finalists to be judged on stage by the audience. 1UP.com will have a special booth in which they will be supplying personalized ID's and a chance to win a Nintendo Wii. Other show sponsors and prizes provided by Intel, Ex'pressions College, the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), Music4Games.net, the Grammy/NARAS P&E Wing & ASCAP.

Prizes will be given away throughout the evening during several audience-interactive segments, starring one of the most beloved classic arcade games of all time, Frogger, as well as a live Space Invaders contest. This unique interaction with a live symphony has only ever been attempted and performed at Video Games Live. Grand prize includes a $2,500 Intel laptop.

The post-show Meet and Greet, where fans can interact with renowned game composers and designers will be one of the largest ever with more than 20 industry luminaries TBA.

"Video Games Live is a milestone in the evolution of games as an art form in world culture," said GDC director Jamil Moledina. "Featuring VGL at GDC fits in perfectly with our goals of provoking innovation among game creators, and producing ideas that have dramatic reach into the greater entertainment audience."

"Partnering with the GDC to present Video Games Live is an honor; not only will fans of video games be amazed at what we have in store for them, but presenting this performance in front of the entire industry will also prove to be very special," Jack Wall, co-creator and conductor of Video Games Live said. "Video games have become one of the most thrilling and electrifying forms of entertainment in the 21st century. Video Games Live captures that same excitement level to help create the ultimate celebration of video games for everyone to enjoy."

Tickets for the March 9th event are priced from $38.50 to $65, and are now available at LiveNation.com. You can also order tickets over the phone by calling any of the following numbers: (415) 421-TIXS, (510) 625-TIXS, (408) 998-TIXS, (925) 685-TIXS, (707) 528-TIXS, (916) 649-TIXS, (530) 528-TIXS, (209) 485-TIXS, (559) 485-TIXS, (775) 787-TIXS & TTD (415) 957-0105.

Over at Eurogamer, the man himself talks about how he thinks all of the upcoming consoles are winners, and basically says he'd like to do a Castlevania for all of them... or at least a port.

I am very happy with the download services from the next-gen platforms, so I would also like to provide other previous Castlevania games on these services

He'd also like to do a Castlevania for the PSP, which would be just swell, since even one decent game for the system is a major coup. Florian Eckhardt

2D Castlevania for next-gen? [Eurogamer]

Check out Castlevania series composer (and constant Iga companion) Michiru Yamane's equally gorgeous card after the jump.

Anyone else experiencing a Patrick Bateman level of murderous business card envy? Or am I the only one polishing my axe? Michael McWhertor

Obligatory info about this clip: the "Mario & Zelda Big Band Live" concert took place back in 2003 at Tokyo's Nihon Seinenkan Hall. The DVD recording was included in Japanese game mag Nintendo Dream. Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo composer extraordinaire Koji Kondo put in appearences.

I'll make a confession. I didn't watch this clip. It's an hour long, and time, like good liquor, is precious. This morning, I did listen to it from start to finish. Ashura Benimaru Itoh's guitar reworking of the Super Mario Bros. is sheer brilliance. Brian Ashcraft

No, you haven't errantly landed on sister site Fleshbot. This is, however, a hot, man-on-pipe organ solo performance video of one game music lovin' altar boy doing the ten-finger shuffle to some of gaming's greatest hits. From Koji Kondo's Super Mario World castle theme, to The Legend of Zelda's dungeon tunes, even wandering into dreaded anime territory, he runs the gamut of nerd tunes. There's really nothing to see here, so just listen.

Thanks to everyone for the heads up! Michael McWhertor

My ringtone might be the Lupin The Third theme, but chances are yours ain't. If the Billboard Hot Ringtones ranking is any indication, it's probably Koji Kondo's Super Mario Brothers Theme, which is standing tall at #1. The song's been on the charts for a whopping 87 weeks, beating out Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther Theme. Anyone out there in Kotakuland got gaming ringtones? Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Billboard] Thanks, Mo!

According to Magic Box:

Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi said that Castlevania does not fit with Wii, because the Wii market is for people who want to have new experience, these type of people do not have time to play lengthy games like Castlevania; also he does not have a good idea to make use of the Wii controller in the game.

Dude, you aren't trying very hard. The Wii remote is a natural whip handle. Swinging overhead lashes out Belmont's mean razor blade whipe. Flicking the Wii remote sideways tosses a projectile weapon. And you could even pound stakes through vampires' hearts with a satisfying forward thrust. And I'm sure our imaginative readers could fill the comments section with endless other ideas.

Also, no one wants to play long games on the Wii? Hello? Aren't Metroid and Zelda highly anticipated on the Wii? - Florian Eckhardt

I'm just as shocked as you are, but Portrait of Ruin has all new sprites, new 3D enemies, new monsters, and new gameplay mechanics. The dual-player gimmick actually works.

Don't worry, cynics. They're still recycling the same skeleton animations for the umpteenth time, but after playtesting the DS game at E3, the amount of new stuff still has me in gamer shock and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin near the top of my DS must-have list.

Official Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Site

Well that's it boys and girls, a week's worth of games, glamour and glands (my throat is still killing me.) This year's E3 may not have been the most spectacular, but it certainly had its moments. If you couldn't keep up with the rising tide of our posts use the slow weekend to pick through some of the better bits including our video series Defend Your Game, Celeb watching KotakuStaku and the first annual Schwag run.

Next week look for a lot of E3 overrun including the video of our interviews with Electronic Arts' LA Studio head Neil Young, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and more.

We stuck around in the press room and on the floor until 4 p.m. and then packed our shit and headed out. Right outside the convention doors I ran into 4CR's Nick Luckett and I Am 8-Bit's Jon Gibson. We had a nice chat on the way to the hotel and a conveniently located hotdog lady. Nick insisted that the bacon-wrapped dogs would make me shit blood, but I ate one anyway.

After getting my bag, I headed out front to the Bell Captain to catch a hotel to Disneyland. (I'm spending the weekend at a hotel nearby with my wife and son.) I noticed Koji Igarashi, of Castlevania fame, and his crew lined-up on the curb waiting for the bell hop to snag them a cab too. After a few minute wait the man in the captain's hat waved down a cab and motioned it over. The Koji crew started to move in, but the captain waved them off and got my bag, stuffing it in the trunk and helping me into the car before Koji could say WTF.

Sweet, I just grabbed Koji Igarashi's cab and he would have liked it too. The driver's a total rasta, I'm listening to Marley as I write this.

Kotaku reader Daniel K. sent us in this mysterious photograph of a flamboyant man dressed entirely in gaudy leopard print duds hanging out with Koji Kondo at E3. Do you recognize him? Who is he? One of our on-site editors probably knows, but they are all sucking their thumbs whilst embryonically nuzzled in a booth babe's tequila-filled womb right now.

Daniel's email is after the jump! We're sort of intrigued ourselves, if only because we've never seen anyone pull off head-to-toe leopard print before.

I know E3 must be going stupenderriffically for you guys (it sure is for me). I don't know if you guys know or not, but it seems Koji Kondo (the legendary composer of Mario and Zelda music) was in the Wii booth the past couple days, playing the conductor game (on that rotating platform thingo) - I took three shots of him playing before I recognized who he was, and then completely geeked out when I finally did realize...and got a pic with him. (I just happened to run into Reggis later and got a pic there too! But that's another story)

Anyways, here is the bit where I'm asking for help identifying someone (I have pics). I went back to that area of the Wii booth later, and found that there were two other gentlemen sitting with Mr. Kondo, one regular business-y lookin' dude (not sure who he was), and another fella....all in leopard print clothing. Now, I'd seen the leopard guy yesterday, and last year too, but who is he??? I asked the booth girl, and she said the dude made Kirby and Pokemon. Now, we're goin' off at least several degrees of misinformation here, because when I get home and look it up, nope, turns out that ain't him.

Well, I had ended up getting a picture with him (when the booth girl asked him about a pic, she even yelled out "Hey! Leopard!"), so I can provide some clues that would help an investigation.

1) He's gotta be high up in the ranks (last year, a friend saw him being shown around Nintendo's booth by some suits), especially if he's rubbing elbows with Kondo.
2) His Starbucks cup holder had the name "Ash" written on it.
3) He loves his leopard print (wears it every E3). It is EVERYwhere. His shades, jeans, shoes!
4) His nametag even has leopard print.

Who is this Leopard Nintendo Man???? It's like his identity is supposed to be secret, because his badge is constantly and conveniently obstructed from a clear view (in my pics anyways). I wonder if Shigeru ever hits up clubs in leopard print too.

I guess when you're a Big N big shot, you can dress in all the leopard you want.

Filmed in 2003, this video was included on a DVD for Nintendo Dream magazine readers. Now, some kind Google Video uploaders bring this gem to everyone. Anyone interested in buying the CD, might look here.

Mario & Zelda Big Band Live [Google Video]
Mario & Zelda Big Band Live Details [The Mushroom Kingdom]