Kotaku: Namco Bandai

Ace Combat 6 Trailer Really Does Make Things Better

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Yes, yes, the Ace Combat 6 trailer voice overs really do make everything better — even Hayao Miyazaki's classic Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Hit the jump for the original AC6 trailer.

Namco's Dancing Wii Game With Added iDOLM@STER

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:00:00 MDT

In the upcoming issue of Famitsu, Namco Bandai announced Wii music rhythm game Happy Dance Collection. The game has players rhythmically match Wii-mote motions. Yes, it's cutesy and it's got Mii crowd integration, but the real kicker here is the music. As expected, the game features popular J-Pop like "http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=2CHH8PDJqoI">Popstar" and "Choo Choo TRAIN", but also "Go My Way" from Namco's idol singer simulation Xbox 360 game THE iDOLM@STER. The female dancers also look iDOLM@STEResque. How's that for fan service!
The game is slated for sometime this year.

Wiiでアイドルマスターみたいなゲームを製作中 [Hatimaki]

Namco Bandai Says Soulcalibur IV Install Size "Significantly Overblown"

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:00:01 MDT

Namco Bandai's Soulcalibur IV may be known for massive volumes in some aspects of its design, but a rumored 6.5GB hard drive installation for the PlayStation 3 version is not the sort of bloat that sits well with gamers. Add to that an alleged 2GB save file and PS3 owners with a measly 20GB would have had to do some serious housecleaning in between grumbling sessions. The rumors of its disk space requirements have been greatly exaggerated, says the publisher.

"Those numbers are not accurate and are significantly overblown," a Namco Bandai rep told Kotaku. "The actual amount of space for the Soulcalibur IV install and save data file are inline with other games requiring this feature."

Reps did not respond to requests for more accurate (read: exact) installation sizes, nor did they comment on the hard drive requirements for the Xbox 360 version. We have an open request with Namco Bandai and Sony Computer Entertainment America to find out more.

Rumor: Soulcalibur IV Requires Xbox 360 HDD, Needs 8.5GB Of Disk Space On PS3

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:40:09 MDT

According to importer YesAsia, the PlayStation 3 version of Soulcalibur IV will join the ranks of games requiring a substantial installation to the console's hard drive. How substantial? Substantial. About 6.5 GB worth of your HDD, with 2 GB of space on top of that allocated to save data. The latter disk space requirement makes some sense, as the game looks to have a fairly robust character creation tool, which we hope allows for a larger number of custom fighters than its predecessor. Regardless, 2 GB, if true, is still rather hefty.

Xbox 360 fans may also be in hard drive requirement heaven, as the official Xbox site indicates that Soulcalibur IV requires a hard drive to play. This could have huge implications if... wait, who doesn't have an Xbox 360 with a hard drive by now?

We've contacted Namco Bandai Games to verify this information, but have yet to hear back.

Update: We received an update from NBG on the PlayStation 3 version. It should be noted that Xbox.com has removed the "Hard drive required" specification following the publication of this post.

Soulcalibur IV (Japan Version) [YesAsia via NeoGAF]

Soulcalibur IV [Xbox.com]

Ivy's Soulcalibur III Outfit Surprisingly Less Whorish Than We Recall

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:40:01 MDT

If the Soulcalibur IV media flood has you pining for a simpler, more demure Ivy, perhaps this Soulcalibur III era Ivy from Enterbrain will fit the bill. Oh, sure, the breasts are still obscene and the outfit isn't exactly appropriate for Sunday mass, but at least there's some amount of coverage here. Plus, it's perfect for displaying on your work desk. What co-worker wouldn't impressed by $120 USD worth of PVC, molded perfectly into Ivy form?

If the cost and shame hasn't scared you off yet, inquire with your immobile action figure importer of choice, because there's not a ton of time between now and September.

Soul Calibur III 1/6 Ivy [HobbyStock]

Soulcalibur Hits Live Arcade Wednesday

Mike Fahey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 MDT

While we've still got several weeks before we can get our hands on Soulcalibur IV, Xbox 360 users can gear up this Wednesday by downloading the original Soulcalibur for Xbox Live Arcade. The game has been given a fresh coat of paint to support high-definition resolutions, as well as multiplayer support in the form of online leaderboards. No online multiplayer, sadly, but the original for the Dreamcast didn't support online multiplayer either and it did just fine. All this can be yours for 800 Microsoft points.

Also appearing on XBLA this week is 280 new questions for Wits & Wagers for 320 points, which is not nearly as exciting as Soulcalibur but certainly has its charm.

This week on Arcade: SOULCALIBUR and Wits & Wagers DLC [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

The Soulcalibur IV Ladies In Action

Mike Fahey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:20:00 MDT

Ah, the ladies of Soulcalibur IV, as lovely as they are deadly. Namco Bandai has released a series of videos that highlights the various charms of the female side of their roster, from the annoyingly childish voice of Mina to Amy's gothic lolita goodness; Ivy's lack of adequate chest protection to Hilde's full-body steel casing. Hit the jump for four more videos featuring the best female-fighting the SC universe has to offer.

Wonder why they didn't include that Raphael chick? She was hot!

New Soul Calibur IV Screens: Tits

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:20:00 MDT

Sorry for being curt there, but really, that's about all there is to these latest Soul Calibur IV shots. Tits. Oh, and that subtle crotch shot. Good to see Namco Bandai are remembering it's not all about Star Wars, and that there's a church full of the converted who still enjoy being preached to every now and again.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Gameplay, Demo In July

Mike Fahey — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:20:00 MDT

GameSpot's latest episode of their weekly On The Spot show has Namco Bandai marketing manager In Joon Hwang showing off the PlayStation 3 exclusive Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm in action. The game basically takes the fighting from the previous Ultimate Ninja titles and moves it into a 3D arena. The game features 25 characters (*sigh*) along with support character who drop in to help out.

It looks great, but how does it play? We'll know soon enough, as a playable demo will be coming out around E3 in July, initially available exclusively to Qore subscribers and then released to the unwashed masses a couple weeks later.

Update: Good old YouTube. Thanks Kumuasata!

Hit the link for the full episode of On The Spot.

On The Spot for 6/26/08 [GameSpot - Thanks xpowerdumpx!]

Soul Calibur IV Features Hot Tag-Team Action

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:30:00 MDT

The latest issue of Famitsu has more news on Soul Calibur IV. Nothing on Star Wars or disappearing clothes here, though, this stuff's technical: the game will feature tag-team action. Yup, in the good old-fashioned Marvel v Capcom style. Well, almost. It's supposedly not quite as extensive - it's suggested that team-mates are used only for stuff like combos, not full-blooded, mid-battle tap-outs. There's also only mention of it being available in singleplayer, but still. A Vader-Kratos (if confirmed) one-two punch? What a weird and wonderful world we live in.

Soul Calibur IV Features 'Character Swapping' [1UP]

Eternal Sonata On PS3: More Than Just A Port

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Eternal Sonata's due on the PS3 (at least in Japan) in September 2008. It was released on the 360 (at least in Japan) in June 2007. Time enough for tri-Crescendo to make the wait a little more worthwhile for PS3 owners, yes? Yes. Plenty of time. The PS3 version will feature two new playable characters, new dungeons, new quests, multiple endings (which depend on your in-game actions), new costumes, some new musical numbers and even new 2D character illustrations. That's a lot of stuff! Maybe even enough to convince some die-hard fans to buy the thing twice. All those upgrades should feature in the Western versions as well, which will be out...sometime in the future.

New Details on Eternal Sonata's PS3 Port [Eternal Sonata]

Tales Of Vesperia Gameplay Footage

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Enough of the pretty screenshots. Let's see how Tales of Vesperia looks in motion. Above is what we can expect from the game's battles, while after the jump, a cutscene (all in Japanese) showing the main characters discussing...something. Hopefully an explanation as to why they think it's OK to let a dog smoke.

Tales Of Vesperia Demo Hits Asia

Mike Fahey — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:20:00 MDT

Here's some good news, bad news, and then good news again! The first good news is that Namco Bandai's Xbox 360 exclusive Tales of Vesperia now has a demo up on Xbox Live. The bad news? Currently the demo is only available in India and Asia...but do not fret! There is no fretting! Users in other regions who just so happen to have a Japanese Silver account set up are more than welcome to download the demo and fool around with the title. The icing on this Oreo good-bad-good cake? The demo only weighs in at 278 MB, and it runs in good old English, so no battling with the squigglies. Sweet!

Demo: Tales of Vesperia [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

Ace Combat Team Working On Anime-Inspired Wii Flier

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:00:00 MDT

On August 2nd, Mamoru Oshii, the director behind anime Ghost In The Shell, will release his new flick The Sky Crawlers. Based on a series of novels, the romance adventure focuses on a group of dogfighter pilots and is set in a fictionalized World War II-type setting. The film just had it's American premiere at the Skywalker Sound studio in California, where soundtrack work for the film was done. And to tie-in with the movie, Namco Bandai is releasing Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces, which is being developed by the Ace Combat team. That's good news! The game will sport an original story and use the Wii Remote for throttle and the Nunchuk for the control stick. It's out the fall in Japan — no word about a Western release.

Innocent Aces [Dengeki Online via Game|Life]

Microsoft Japan RPG Presser Starting Shortly!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:07:23 MDT

Microsoft's Xbox 360 RPG Premiere 2008 press conference is about to get under way in Tokyo. Outside the event, a banner hangs with Namco Bandai Games', Square Enix's and Microsoft's logos. Check back throughout the night for any breaking news from the event.

[Famitsu Pic]

Pac-Man As Feudal Japan Era Ghostbuster

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:40:37 MDT

I've always been a bit disappointed with Namco Bandai's attempts at Pac-Man modernization, Pac-Man Championship Edition notwithstanding. The yellow blob's transition to 3D has resulted in some awkward and ugly renditions, but artist Jared Moraitis' spin on the ghost eating hero could make for a fascinating game, should Namco Bandai have the good sense to repurpose the Afro Samurai engine for a more anthropomorphized Pac-Man with some much needed swordplay. Knowing Namco, though, this will have to remain in my dreams until the company has squeezed every drop of blood from the Gundam and Tales Of stones.

Pac-Samurai [Pop Monkey - thanks, Drew!]

Darth Vader's Apprentice Joins Soulcalibur IV Cast

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:00:23 MDT

A brand new character is joining the cast of Soulcalibur IV and, surprisingly enough, this one isn't sporting Jabba the Hutt sized breasts. Darth Vader's "secret apprentice" Starkiller, star of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, will join Yoda and Vader in pitting lightsaber against blade when the game hits the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next month. Yes, Starkiller is coming to both versions of Soulcalibur IV, making your decision that much easier.

Soulcalibur IV Unleashed [GameSpot]

No Plans For US PS3 Eternal Sonata Release "At The Moment"

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Timed Xbox 360 exclusive Eternal Sonata is getting a PS3 release with extra content in Japan. But what elsewhere? According to a Namco Bandai US spokesperson:

I can’t speak for any other territories, but I believe Eternal Sonata is only announced for the PS3 in Japan right now... We have no plans to release the game on the PS3 in the US at this moment.

So no plans "at this moment." But tomorrow? The day after that? Next month? Who knows?!

Namco Bandai Eternal Sonata PS3 Japan Only [videogaming247 Thanks, nekotails!]

Oh La La, Soul Calibur IV's Destructible Clothes

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:00:00 MDT

The most recent Soul Calibur IV trailer seems to indicate that besides Star Wars characters and enormous boobs, the game also has destructible body armor. Meaning? That it appears throttling opponents hard enough causes armor to fly off. Wonder if it will be possible to knock Vader's helmet off or if this is just going to your typical disrobe-female-fighters kinda thing. Honestly, we're pulling for naked Yoda.

Pic and video after the jump.

「ソウルキャリバーⅣ」、戦闘中にキャラクターの服が破けることが判明 [Hatimaki]

The Splatterhouse Press Release Is All Sticky

Mike Fahey — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:30:00 MDT

One day the official press release will be faster than the preview magazine cover, but until they develop some sort of magical network that spontaneously connects people all over the world our gaming news will come EGM cover first, then official release. Such is of course the case with Namco Bandai's revival of Splatterhouse, which we've known about for a couple of days now.

The press release does reveal that the game will feature the same characters from the original, including Terror Mask recipient Rick Taylor, his imperiled girlfriend Jennifer, and the iconic setting of West Manor, though a new story written by comic book writer Gordon Rennie (JUDGE DREDD!) will see Rick escaping the confines of the house, scouring the world to rescue his girl.

The promises brutal, combo-infused combat, a new leaping technique that adds a whole new element of explorations, and a regeneration mechanic that uses visible cues rather than a health meter to display Rick's status.

The game is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2009. Hit the jump for the whole sticky mess.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES SPLATTERHOUSE

Classic Action-Horror Franchise to Debut on the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 System in 2009 with Gruesome Combat and Heart-Stopping Scares

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (May 29, 2008) – NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced the long-awaited debut of the Splatterhouse franchise on next generation consoles with an all-new installment of the series for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, developed by BottleRocket Entertainment. Inspired by the landmark 1988 arcade hit, Splatterhouse combines visceral, adrenaline-soaked combat with horror elements to deliver an original gaming experience that defies the boundaries of the traditional action category with over-the-top gore and shocking new gameplay mechanics.

Splatterhouse follows college student Rick Taylor as he tries to rescue his girlfriend, Jennifer, who has disappeared after entering the mysterious and run-down West Mansion. Confronted by horrific other-worldly creatures, Rick comes across a mystical sentient mask that promises to give him the power to find Jennifer. Full of desperation and rage, Rick puts on the “Terror Mask” and is transformed into a juggernaut of pure violence and destruction. Featuring an original storyline by critically-acclaimed comic book writer Gordon Rennie (Necronauts, Judge Dredd), Splatterhouse takes Rick beyond the mansion as he scours the ends of the world to rescue his beloved Jennifer.

Embodying the unfiltered, primal aggression of its namesake, Splatterhouse gives players countless ways to decimate the mansion’s assortment of demons, monstrosities and abominations. Featuring a dynamic combat system, Rick will be able to use his brute strength to perform bone-crushing melee combos, savage grapples and wield an assortment of makeshift weapons including the series’ trademark 2x4 and even limbs and heads ripped from enemies themselves. Players will also be able to reanimate the corpses of fallen enemies to fight alongside Rick, imparting strategic depth to the game’s battle and unique puzzle systems. More agile than ever before, Rick can now leap great distances and propel himself to out of reach areas by swinging from outcroppings in the environment, adding an all-new level of exploration to the series.

Introducing a new regeneration mechanic, players will be able to determine Rick’s status in battle by visible cues detailing how injured he is, doing away with the traditional health bar. If he succumbs to the mansion’s deadly inhabitants, they will begin to dismember him, savagely tearing away limbs and ripping at his flesh to expose his internal organs. To survive, Rick must call upon the power of the Terror Mask to regenerate his mutilated body, allowing players to watch in gory detail as bones, veins, muscles and skin return to his body in real-time.

“Splatterhouse promises to deliver an experience full of the gore, hard-hitting action and gritty atmosphere that fans of the franchise expect,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc. “Packed with plenty of surprise twists and gripping gameplay, this entirely new entry in the series is set to introduce the bloody saga of Rick and the Terror Mask to a new generation of gamers when it launches in 2009.”

Splatterhouse will launch for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system in 2009. The game is currently featured on the cover of the June issue of EGM, now available at newsstands nationwide. For more information, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

More Soul Calibur IV Screens, More... Well, T&A.

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:40:00 MDT

Namco Bandai has released new SCIV screens that depict new characters like Death-Star-under-construction dress wearin' and a battle axe carryin' Ashlotte along with sword swingin', thong donnin' Shura. There's more! The screens also confirm Setsuka from Soul Calibur III.

New SCIV Screens [Strategy Informer]

How Many Planes Do AC 6 Fans Need?

Mike Fahey — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:20:00 MDT

After my last Ace Combat 6 DLC post I finally went out and picked up the game, and after a few hours of play I was kicking myself for not grabbing it sooner. Against all sanity I even hopped online to download one of the gaudy Idolmaster planes - only to help me humiliate my foes online of course - and was floored by the sheer number of dlc planes Namco Bandai had pushed out. How many do we really need? 20? 30? How about 8 more?

Yes, next week 8 more planes will be hitting Xbox Live, with two standalone planes and three package deals. Packages include Razgriz Set 4 (3 planes, 300 points), the Jungle Flamingo Set (2 planes, 300 points), and the Idolmaster Ami Mami set, featuring two mercifully unpink planes for 400 Microsoft points.

Have any of you actually been keeping up with these, collecting the whole set, so to speak?

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Xbox Live® Market Place Downloadable Content Available 29 May 2008

Su-33 - TYPE ACE2- (200 Microsoft Points)
Ace Combat 2 Aircraft. A faithful recreation of the Ace Combat 2 aircraft performance design. Outstanding stability and lack of recoil provide for a truly unique sense of flight. Although possessing an extremely durable body, this aircraft lacks SP weapons, which were not introduced until after Ace Combat 2.

Su-47 -GRABACR EMBLEM- (FREE)
Ace Combat: Squadron Leader Grabacr Squadron Aircraft. An aircraft that boasts increased mobility in designated speed zones, but a slight decrease in all other zones. The need for precise speed control makes this aircraft suitable for experienced pilots. The signature aircraft of the Belkan Air Force 229th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Originally employed as an Osean Federation offensive squadron, they took their final stand for the pride of Belka against the rival Razgriz squadron.

RAZGRIZ SET 04 – (300 Microsoft Points)
This is a 3 airplanes set with the colors from the Razgriz airplane colors from Ace Combat 5. The 3 airplanes included are: F-22A、F-117A、Mirage2000-5

• F-22A Raptor - RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

• F-117A Night Hawk – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

• Mirage2000-5 – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

JUNGLE, FLAMINGO SET – (300 Microsoft Points)
This includes the F-14 in green and the A-10A in pink.

• F-14D SuperTomcat - JUNGLE WING
Monotone color, Green Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

• A-10A ThunderBoltⅡ - FLAMINGO WING
Monotone color, Pink Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

THE IDOLMASTER AMI,MAMI SET – (400 Microsoft Points)
This set includes F-16C and the F-2A with some special Idolmaster colors.

• F-16C Fighting Falcon - THE IDOLMASTER MAMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Mami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!

• F-2A - THE IDOLMASTER AMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Ami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!

# # #

First Look At Tekken Movie Costume

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:00:00 MDT

Another game, another movie adaptation! Here's a first look at the upcoming Tekken movie. No, better yet, a look at an actor in the movie wearing his movie costume! That's world champ martial arts fighter Cung Le as Marshall Law in his Marshal Law garb. The movie is being directed by Marked for Death director Dwight H. Little and stars former boy band singer Luke Goss as Steve Fox, Kill Bill's Chiaki Kuriyama as Ling Xiaoyu and some other people as other characters.

Cungle's Page [MySpace via SDTEKKEN]

Namco Bandai In SHOCK Soul Calibur Breast Cover-Up

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:40:00 MDT

Yes. Shocking. For your submission, the above picture, showing Soul Calibur's Ivy as she's depicted on the game's official website. On the left, how she appears on the Japanese site. On the right? How she appears on the American site. This will not go down well with die-hard fans, Namco Bandai. They're not in this for the swordplay.

Thanks rikasao for the tip!

Xbox Live Arcade Soul Calibur Looks... Constrained

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:20:00 MDT

I remember the Dreamcast version of the original Soul Calibur blowing my baby blue socks clean off when I first saw it. Then again, that was on a 4:3, standard definition TV. This update, on a 16:9 screen and in HD? With those Windows 3.1 desktop-lookin borders? I...look, it still looks great, and I maintain the first is the best game in the series, it's just going to take a while to get used to seeing it look so different, that's all.

Soulcalibur IV Ups Its T&A Quotient Again

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:40:05 MDT

The newest issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine reveals another soul in the Soulcalibur IV character roster. Like new ladies Angol Fear and Scheherazade, both designed by well known Japanese guest artists, the newest addition to the Soul universe comes courtesy of Gantz creator Hiroya Oku. As you can see, the fighter known as Shura sports four swords, two on each hip, plus ample and prominent cleavage, in front and back. They certainly have a "type."

We expect that much higher clarity in-game shots of Shura will become available, officially, at Famitsu.com in the coming days. Until then, squint to your hearts content.

Soulcalibur IV New Character [CNG4U]

Tales of Vesperia Coming to PS3

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Namco Bandai has released a list of upcoming 2008 titles. While the list includes stuff we already know (SoulCalibur IV), it does offer up new tidbits like RPG Tales of Vesperia being confirmed for Xbox 360 and the PS3. Namco Bandai has since corrected the list, stating that it's only an Xbox 360 title. But really, is this a surprise? Namco Bandai, like Capcom, seems to be making pretty much all its games multiplat. The list also includes some new titles like a *surprise* Gundam game for the PSP as well as a Naruto title for the PS3. There are also Namco Bandai's predictions regarding how well the games will do! Hit the jump for the full list:

SoulCalibur IV PS3, Xbox 360 2 million units
Afro Samurai PS3, Xbox 360 800,000 units
Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3 PS2 600,000 units
Dragonball NDS 500,000 units
Super Robot Taisen Z PS2 500,000 units
Tales of Vesperia PS3, Xbox 360 500,000 units
Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit PS3, Xbox 360 500,000 units
Family Trainer Wii 500,000 units
Taiko no Tatsujin Wii 400,000 units
Tales of Series NDS 400,000 units
Naruto PS3 400,000 units
Gundam PSP 400,000 units

Below is the since corrected list:

IR PDF [Namco Bandai via http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294999">NeoGAF Thanks, Charlie!]

Capcom, Nippon Ichi, Namco Bandai, Gust, And Idea Factory Team For RPG Fan's Wet Dream

Mike Fahey — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Being a gigantic fan of the Japanese RPG and knowing the appetites of said fans, I am half tempted to just toss these new Famitsu scans out onto the site and then head for high ground to avoid the ensuing flood of drool, but I'll be nice.

Cross Edge is a new RPG due out in Japan for the PlayStation 3 this September that is a collaboration between some of the top names in the genre. Nippon Ichi, Gust, Namco Bandai, Idea Factory, and even Capcom have lent their properties to this superstar game, which features characters from Darkstalkers, Disgaea, Ar Tonelico, and many more. Hell, a game with Etna and Morrigan together alone is worth eleventy million dollars. The game features turn-based battles, a plot that involves rescuing souls, and...if you look to the bottom right corner of the scan...the ability to dress your characters up in a wide variety of outfits, from PE clothes to devil costumes.

Chances of this coming out in the states? Pretty damn unlikely. Chances of me importing this? Over nine thousand. Thanks to SupaPhly for the scans!

So Many Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Screens

Mike Fahey — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:40:00 MDT

This latest batch of screenshots from Namco Bandai do absolutely nothing to ease my excitement over Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for the PlayStation 3, despite cell-shaded screenshots always looking a bit rough compared to the game in motion. I'm going to have to sit down with my nephew one day and get a crash course in exactly who all these people are, though that could lead to me finally putting aside my pride and buying one of those damn headbands and start calling myself the next hokage.

For the record, that will never, ever happen.

Soulcalibur IV Screens: Talim, Rock & Yoshimitsu In Action

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:20:16 MDT

You may already be aware that three more souls have been confirmed to appear in Soulcalibur IV—Yoshimitsu, Talim and Rock—but have you seen these three in action at 720p yet? No? Then to the gallery with you, where you'll see even more shots of my personal go-to soul Yoshimitsu and plenty of beefy Rock pics. Yes, that is a rhinoceros head!

And The Best Reader Plane Is...

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:00:51 MDT

We have a winner! That's right, Coin Plane has been selected by Kotakuland as the best reader plane. So! Maker of Coin Plane, send us an email at kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom so we can get that Ace Combat 6 copy out to you. CONGRATS.

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the cosplay contest. That will go up shortly.

Obviously, Yoda Is Not Fair

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:00:48 MDT

C'mon, Yoda in Soul Calibur IV? Not exactly fair. He's a Jedi Master and short. Really, really short. How can bigger characters compete? Says the game's director Katsutoshi Sasaki:

The influences that Yoda will have in terms of gameplay because of his height, [is that] some of the upper attacks won't hit him... However, we always try to make the gameplay fun, so we prepare positive demerits of choosing Yoda and also negative demerits on it. There's always some give and take... I don't know who will be best to use to defeat him, but what's more interesting is you can use Asteroth to make it like David and Goliath. That'd be fun.

Yeah, a hoot... Seeing how Goliath lost and all.
Yoda's Unfair Advantage [Multiplayer]

More Splatterhouse Details Bleed Out

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:20:52 MDT

Yesterday's news that Namco Bandai was reviving Splatterhouse for a next/now-gen release was met with greater enthusiasm than I'd expected. Suppose there's a reason why EGM opted to give the cover treatment. Thankfully, we have a tiny bit of new detail on the game, courtesy of 1UP.

The ZD gang reveals that Bottlerocket games—the folks behind the Mark of Kri games for PlayStation 2—are piloting the good ship Splatterhouse. And they even offer up a shot of the in-game model, bigger and bloodier than the wee thumbnail above. Squeal! I'm moving my bed next to the mail slot, for more instantaneous EGM gratification.

Previews: Splatterhouse [1UP]

Even More Planes For AC6 Tomorrow

Mike Fahey — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:20:00 MDT

I thought it was over, but you folks just keep on buying them. Namco Bandai is readying yet another batch of downloadable planes for Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for release tomorrow via Xbox Live, including yet another gaudy, incredibly expensive (400 MS points) IDOLM@STER model and two planes that really do nothing but shoot colored missiles for show purposes. Along with those three, a cheapy Typhoon and a completely free PJ Emblem F-16C, they're also releasing a 400 point pack containing four aircraft from the Razgriz squadron of Ace Combat 5 fame. Hit the jump for more details on the release, or check out the gallery to see the pretty planes that keep fans coming back for more.

Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation
Xbox Live® Market Place Downloadable Content Available 24 April 2008

Typhoon - ORANGE WING- (300 Microsoft Points)
Monotone Color, Orange Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions. This aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

Su-47 Berkut - VIOLET WING - (300 Microsoft Points)
Monotone Color, Violet Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions. This aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

Typhoon - ROT - (200 Microsoft Points)
Ace Combat Zero, Rival Rot Team Aircraft. Extremely agile maneuverability assures this aircraft's dominance in a dogfight. Hindered by low durability, overwhelming attack prowess is its foremost form of defense. The elite Rot Team, led by the "Red Swallow", was charged with maintaining air superiority over Area B7R. The proud and deeply patriotic team leader, soon became the face of the Belkan Air Force.

F-16C Fighting Falcon - PJ EMBLEM - (Free)
Ace Combat Zero, Wingman PJ Aircraft. Increased maneuverability is attained via reductions in armor.
A thorough set of customizations enable this aircraft to adapt quickly to changes in the tide of battle. Initially a member of the Ustio Air Force's Crow Squadron, PJ flew as Galm 2 during the Belkan residual force sweeping operation, Stone Age. Fighting to protect the one's he loved, PJ's sense of justice remained steadfast to the end.

Tornado GR.4 + F-15E Strike Eagle + CFA-44 Nosferatu + F/A-18F SuperHornet - RAZGRIZ (400 Microsoft Points)
The heroes of Ace Combat 5, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

Rafale M - THE IDOLMASTER IORI - (400 Microsoft Points)
THE IDOLMASTER, Iori Minase Aircraft. Although her bratty attitude may send you for a loop, once under
your control she may just reward you with a flawless performance. Her characteristic "spoiled sport" attitude is the fuel that keeps her flying, even when she's in a tight spot.

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Look At What's Inside The Soul Calibur IV CE

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Here's the contents of the Soul Calibur IV Collectors Edition! The box, it's big and colourful. The book, it's black, and book-like. That other thing? That's the "Tournament Kit", which is the most overblown term for a card with a blank tournament tree on it I've yet to come across. The shirts? While different in colour and subject (white with Yoda for 360, black with Vader for PS3), they only come in XL. Sorry skinnies. And fatties. I leave it up to you to decide whether these contents of questionable worth warrant an $80 price-tag.
Tournament kit in Soulcalibur IV special edition explained [Siliconera]

Splatterhouse Returns!

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:20:03 MDT

Splatterhouse is back! The next issue of EGM is said to have the exclusive first look at Namco Bandai's revival of the twenty year old sidescrolling hack and bludgeon classic that features a Jason Voorhees lookalike on the hunt for his missing girlfriend. In the arcade version, protagonist Rick Taylor uses the power of the Terror Mask and his expert ability to whack things into a bloody mess to track down the lovely Jennifer. The TurboGrafx 16 port is currently available via the Wii Virtual Console.

New-gen Splatterhouse details are non-existent, but EGM subscribers should start seeing their copies hit later this week.

EGM Heads to the Splatterhouse [1UP]

Afro Samurai Will "Smack the Taste Out of Your Mouth"

Brian Crecente — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:00 MDT

Senior Producer David Robinson talks up the upcoming stylish slasher Afro Samurai. It is, he says, a game "carved out of style." Sounds like it, you can cut up a person anyway you want, none of it pre-canned animation. You can cut of body parts, nose, fingers. Sounds pretty damn cool.

XBLA Soul Calibur Is The Dreamcast One, Not The Arcade One

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:20:00 MDT

Soul Calibur's coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Hurray! But...wait. Which version is it? The magnificent Dreamcast version? Or the, uh, less magnificent arcade version? Rest easy, kids. Namco Bandai have told Shacknews that "the game is based on the Dreamcast version with no major additions or subtractions". Glad that's sorted. Now all we need to know is how far over the 150MB limit this thing's going to come in at, and we'll be all done.
Soul Calibur XBLA Based on Dreamcast Version [Shacknews]

Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online Gets Free Update

Mark Wilson — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:30:00 MDT

Those who are still enjoying Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online will be happy to hear that Namco Bandai has released a free update to the game (a point of clarification, I assume, because they've historically charged for online capabilities). The update brings Pickup Match Mode, allowing players to skip the waiting room and jump straight into continuous matches. Other than that, there are some minor interface and matchmaking optimizations along with a few bug fixes (that you can read about after the jump). Oh, and there's rumble support now...the metaphorical fat kid of the software patch world. "Wait for me guys!! I'm almost there and it's gonna be so much fun!"

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES RELEASES UPDATE FOR TEKKEN® 5: DARK RESURRECTON™ ONLINE

Santa Clara, Calif., (April 17, 2008) - Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that they have released a free update for TEKKEN®5: Dark Resurrection™Online. Available at the PLAYSTATION®Store, exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the new downloadable update brings a host of new features that will further enhance the gameplay experience:

· Pickup Match Mode - For those who want to skip the waiting room, players can now continuously face off in one-on-one matches

· DUALSHOCK®3 rumble support - Feel the impact of each blow and attack

· Room name display - Allows users to input and display names for online rooms

· "Flag" search - A network filter that enables users to better select opponents with optimal connection speeds

· New notifications - Let's waiting players know when it's their turn to fight or inform them when others have entered or left the room

· More casual matches - When Rank Match is set to Off, match results no longer affect Win/Loss record.

· Multiple bug issues have also been resolved

Released in March 2007, TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection is a must-have for Tekken aficionados as it boasts new features including the opportunity to fight as Jinpachi Mishima, the previously unplayable boss from the arcade version. Optimized in 1080p, TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection features classic gameplay with various modes that will test gamers skills in a host of showdowns and allows them to view character art and movies.

TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection Online was released in August 2007 as an online update which allows players to battle each other online in custom matches, with the results being tracked on the leader boards, a first for the franchise.

TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection is now available for download on the PlayStation Network for $19.99. TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection Online is also available for the low price of $9.99. Both games can be purchased as a bundle for $29.99. For more information on TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection and Dark Resurrection Online, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com.

Naruto: Ultima Ninja Storm Website Is Tricky

Mike Fahey — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:00:00 MDT

The official website for Namco Bandai's Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for the PlayStation 3 is now live! Inside you'll find a spot to sign up for a newsletter, the trailer we posted yesterday, and the screenshots we posted the day before, along with a few choice new additions. Ah, but wait! You cannot simply enter the website...that is not the way of the ninja. You must first discover the correct combination on the puzzle wheel before you can get to the goodies inside. If only there were some sort of giant hint, staring you right in the face. Until that appears, you'll just have to blindly fumble for the solution.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Website [Namco Bandai - Thanks LDjosh!]