A 'Spiritual Successor': Puzzle Quest: Galactrix:

The most obvious changes in this semi-followup to Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords are the space theme and the new circular game space, which allows for some interesting mechanics that are a slight-but-satisfying shift from the typical match three rules of play. As is obvious from screenshots, Galactrix has a galactic setting, with spaceships, stars, and planets. In this incarnation, players can have up to three ships with various capabilities and stats, so they can swap up play styles easily throughout the game.

I found the new layout of the play area, now in a circle shape, interesting — instead of falling down in a straight line, game pieces can slide in from all sides. The direction from which they slide depends on how you play your line of three (or however many) — while casual players probably won't notice this feature, it does add an extra bit of strategy. The game is due out in the first quarter of '09, for PC, XBLA, and DS.

Aliens for the Kiddies: Ben 10: Alien Force

Ben 10: Alien Force is a Cartoon Network property that features a kid (the titular Ben) who, while on summer vacation, comes to possess a watch known as the Omnitrix. The Omnitrix allows Ben to transform into a variety of alien forms in order to battle evil and save the world. A game based on the series (Ben 10: Protector of Earth) was released last year, and Ben 10: Alien Force is seeking to follow up on the apparent success of that game.

The game is an 3D action-brawler; it features 5 playable characters. While only Ben can transform into aliens, these aliens are selectable and each have unique qualities. The Wii and PS2 versions will feature a multiplayer coop mode; the DS version more strongly resembles a side scroller, but does feature three exclusive aliens. The game also features puzzles, though it was mentioned that it is not a puzzle heavy game — the focus is supposed to be on accessible, fun gameplay, estimated at 6 to 11 hours if one is breezing through and not focusing on collecting all the unlockables.

The game will see an October 28th release, launching simultaneously on the DS, PSP, Wii, and PS2. Yuri Lowenthal, the voice actor for Ben in both the cartoon and the game, wandered over to offer some thoughts on the challenges of recording for games — namely, most sessions are done alone, sometimes with very little context for what is going on beyond the actual lines.

My, That's Some Rack You Have: Onechanbara

Despite the enthusiasm of the person demonstrating this Wii game from Sandlot, which was compared to Earth Defense Force, I came away pretty unimpressed regarding this hack and slash — and I do love me some ridiculous hack and slash games every once and a while. 'It's like playing a cult-following B horror movie!' cried the demonstrator as he hacked and slashed his way through hordes of zombies with the Wiimote. It certainly had enough ridiculous costuming, jiggling cleavage, and blood to qualify.

The game features two sisters, Aya and Saki; players can choose to play as either and also engage in coop modes. Perhaps the most 'interesting' feature is the 'blood coating everything including your character' aspect of the game — if your sword gets covered it blood, it becomes dull and starts getting stuck in your zombie enemies. You must clean the sword off to return your weapon to its slashing glory. Furthermore, your character can become completely coated and go into a special rage mode, doing tons of damage ('The developers really like this because she looks naked!').

The game only has a Wii release planned in first quarter of 2009; it will be a 'budget title' and clock in for less than $59.99, actual price not yet decided.

Classical Shmup: Bangai-O Spirits

A follow up to Bangai-O, a side scrolling shmup released for the Dreamcast and N64, Bangai-O Spirits is a pretty retro looking game that features some playful technology. Featuring over 160 levels with an old school arcade feel, most of the presentation focused on the level editing and sharing capabilities.

Every level can be customized as you play to tailor your play experience, and for those among us who like creating things, levels can be created and shared. The interesting part is the delivery method, known as 'sound load.' It was a little hard to hear in the D3 room, but as a level was saved, it was possible to hear a sort of melody. This melody — the level save — can be uploaded or saved to computer as a .wav file. To transfer a saved level to the DS, one plays back the .wav while using the DS microphone. I didn't get an exact explanation of precisely how all this works, and it does seem ripe for mistranslation somewhere, but it's a cool idea nonetheless.

The North American release features some exclusive content, including eight all new levels and can support one to four player local wifi play. It will be released August 12th, and will be going for $29.99.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep: Shaun the Sheep

OK, I love sheep. I think real sheep are pretty cute, if kind of stupid, and really like the variety that don't barge through fences (i.e., trapped in a video game). Shaun the Sheep is an animated series from the Wallace and Grommet people, Aardman Studios — shown on Disney in the US, it's now getting a darling DS title to go with its adorable show. These are really, really cute sheep, and I had to stop myself from squeeing when the DS was fired up to demonstrate the game.

Shaun is a preternaturally intelligent sheep who is tasked with finding fifteen of his less cerebrally endowed herdmates in the game; the puzzle/adventure title is, unsurprisingly, being marketed as family friendly and fun for kids. Shaun features lots of mini and micro games and lots of cute sheep. The nature of gameplay is designed for kids, but also won't bore the pants off adults, especially those who are fans of Aardman productions.

The game will be released for DS on September 23rd and will retail for $29.99 — and feature lots and lots of cute and fuzzy sheep. Lots of sheep.

It features 30 characters from the series for gameplay that sounds a little bit action-RPG and a little bit squad-building. Wi-Fi multiplayer lets Naruto fans take on friends around the world, too. For ninja battles, presumably.

There are a staggering number of Naruto games; Path of the Ninja 2 is not to be confused with Rise of a Ninja, Ultimate Ninja, Ninja Destiny, Uzumaki Chronicles, or Naruto RPG.

I'm confused. Full release follows the jump.

Los Angeles - May 14, 2008

TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), publishers of interactive entertainment software, today announced NARUTO™: Path of the Ninja™ 2 for the Nintendo DS™. Everyone's favorite orange-clad ninja returns to the role-playing genre with Path of the Ninja 2, featuring an all-new original storyline, a huge roster of playable characters, an improved combat system and for the first time, exciting Wi-Fi battles. Based on VIZ Media's hit animated TV series NARUTO, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is scheduled to hit stores in September 2008.

"There are huge numbers of NARUTO fans across North America, and we wanted to give them more choices than ever before," said Laura Yoshioka, director of consumer software at TOMY Corporation. "This new adventure will allow fans to play as their favorite character and create their own dream ninja squad as they try to complete an entirely original mission."

NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is set to give players a portable outlet for their inner ninja this fall. A deep, original storyline will allow players to access 30 major characters from the series, from standards such as Naruto and Sakura to unlikely allies like the weapons-based Tenten. The improved and intuitive battle system will make it easy for even the newest fighters to get into the combat, using the DS Touch Screen to unleash devastating melee and jutsu attacks on any opponent foolish enough to get in their way. The new Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems provide even more squad-building options, while the Wi-Fi multiplayer feature offers aspiring ninja the chance to take on challengers from around the world.

For more information on NARUTO please visit www.naruto.com. For more information on NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2, please visit www.NarutoNintendoGames.com.

"We've listened to the fans and made a slew of improvements to the Japanese original, including a much faster frame rate, additional characters, and never-before-seen content," said Laura Yoshioka, director, consumer software of TOMY Corporation.

TOMY And D3Publisher Of America Bring Intense 3D Ninja Combat To Nintendo DSTM In NARUTOTM: Ninja Destiny Chakra-filled Battles Explode onto Two Screens with Innovative New Gameplay

LOS ANGELES - January 10th, 2008 - TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), publishers of interactive entertainment software, today announced the upcoming release of NARUTOTM: Ninja Destiny, the first-ever head-to-head 3D NARUTO fighting game for the Nintendo DSTM handheld system. Based on VIZ Media's hit animated TV series NARUTO, NARUTO: Ninja Destiny will pit characters from the hit NARUTO series against each other in high-energy combat. Players will use both screens for innovative, unique gameplay featuring trademark ninja moves and the cinematic special techniques of the NARUTO world. NARUTO: Ninja Destiny is scheduled to ship in February 2008.

"We've listened to the fans and made a slew of improvements to the Japanese original, including a much faster frame rate, additional characters, and never-before-seen content," said Laura Yoshioka, director, consumer software of TOMY Corporation. "Through the innovative use of the dual displays and touch screens, NARUTO: Ninja Destiny will bring the series' iconic battles to players in a way that is only possible on the DS."

Players will soon be able to take their ninja battles on the road with NARUTO: Ninja Destiny, the first 3D head-to-head NARUTO fighter for the Nintendo DS. Any aspiring ninja can unleash powerful jutsu and take advantage of items to brawl his way to victory against 16 different characters. Dual-screen combat will allow fierce battles to unfold on the top screen while power ups can be strategically unleashed on the touch screen for fast, frenetic action. Core fighting game fans and casual gamers alike will find plenty to enjoy, thanks to a combo move system that is both intuitive to pick-up and challenging to master. Featuring scenes, characters, and storylines from up to the 140th episode of the hit animated television series currently airing on Cartoon Network, NARUTO: Ninja Destiny offers an intense single-player story and versus mode, along with wireless multiplayer combat.

Pink on black. Ubisoft booth. I just got my ass handed to me by a Frag Doll.

Valkyrie, to be exact, who then continued to beat me two more times before I gave in, despite the fact that she continuously stopped fighting to give me pointers and completely failed to get off Kakashi's special move, which involves a rapid button-pressing fight. During my Track and Field days I learned how to tense my muscles so my hand vibrates, allowing for superhumanly fast presses. I demonstrated this to her by holding up my hand and making my fingers vibrate before realizing how many different ways that could be taken wrong and possibly get me kicked out of the convention hall. Not to mention I am much taller than she is. Hasn't anyone heard of height advantage? I am sure it applies to this situation somehow.

I left the hall slightly humiliated, but vowed revenge. The next day I returned and triumphantly had my ass handed to me two more times before victoriously conceding that I suck. One day I shall beat a Frag Doll at something other than facial hair growing and writing my name in the snow, and I will make them give me a t-shirt that I will wear proudly wherever men are repressed...a living symbol of hope for mankind.

D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES SOLID E3 2007 LINE-UP FEATURING TITLES BASED ON TOP-SELLING ENTERTAINMENT BRANDS AND ORIGINAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES

LOS ANGELES, CA - July 10, 2007 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) will showcase titles for gamers of all ages at this year's E3 Media & Business Summit, taking place in the Barker Hanger, Santa Monica, California from July 11-13, 2007. The company's line-up includes titles based on popular entertainment brands such as VIZ Media's hit anime series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™ and Cartoon Network Enterprises' Ben 10, as well as innovative offerings for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo.

D3Publisher of America's Game Line-Up Includes:

Dark Sector™ - An all-new and original action-thriller designed exclusively for next-generation consoles, Dark Sector thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black-ops agent sent on a dangerous mission into a decaying Eastern European city that hides a deadly Cold War secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens to find part of his body altered by an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities and he must learn to evolve along with his powers, to survive and to become a hero. A dark, gritty experience packed with fast action, incredible superpowers and an engaging story; Dark Sector is anticipated for release in Q1 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

NARUTO™: Clash of Ninja™ Revolution - Based on the hit series currently airing on Cartoon Network, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is an original Wii game exclusive to the North American Market and will include characters that have never been featured in the Clash of Ninja game series. The game will follow the storyline of the television series and will take advantage of the Wii Remote™ in fast-paced ninja action for up to four players in nine different gameplay modes. The next generation in NARUTO games will also include all new character animations, new interactive environments and special mini-games created exclusively for the Wii Remote. Co-published by TOMY Corporation and D3PA, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is anticipated for release this fall.

Dead Head Fred™ - Created specifically for the PSP system, Dead Head Fred draws players into an original 1940's inspired alternative universe where players will experience an innovative and refreshing twist on Action gameplay as they collect, upgrade and switch heads on the fly to strategically fight enemies in a story of revenge and redemption. As private detective Fred Neuman, savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory or his head, players embark on a quest for vengeance as they solve their own murder by using the severed heads of enemies to battle their way through challenging but bizarre environments. Dead Head Fred is anticipated for release on August 28, 2007.

Ben 10™: Protector of Earth - Players will take on the role of Cartoon Network's popular everyday-kid-turned-alien-hero, Ben Tennyson. Using the power of the Omnitrix which has embedded itself on Ben's wrist, players will be able to battle as one of five popular alien heroes from the show. By taking on these amazing powers, players can battle to save the world through the game's diverse challenges, puzzles and skirmishes. Ben 10: Protector of Earth is anticipated for release this fall for the Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ portable handheld system and PSP system.

Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire™ - Designed specifically for the Wii system, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire is a 3rd person action-adventure game where players unleash the magical powers of a fierce dragon, creating a unique and visually stunning weapon through their sword and arms. Players will utilize an intuitively designed, two-handed Wii control scheme and use both arms simultaneously to emulate the dragon's arms, wings, tail, fire and more as they embark on an epic fantasy adventure in more than 20 unique environments in 6 visually stunning worlds. Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire is anticipated for release this fall.

NARUTO™: Path of the Ninja - Following the story line from the Cartoon Network television show, Naruto: Path of the Ninja for Nintendo DS™ will allow players to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as they roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat. Each of the 6 playable characters will possess a unique time-based combat system and players will train their Ninja team to learn more than 90 different Jutsu techniques. Co-published by TOMY Corporation and D3PA, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja is anticipated for release this fall.

For product demonstrations of D3PA's E3 2007 game line-up, please visit Booth #425 & 427, Barker Hanger, Santa Monica, California, this July 11-13, or for additional product information and art assets, please visit: http://www.d3press.us/.

About D3Publisher of America, Inc

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems including Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ Game Boy® Advance, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and at www.VIZ.com.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd and Eddy, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more.

For purists, subtitles are better than dubs. Just think how Sega's Yakuza could've been better with the original Ryu Ga Gotoku voice track. Just! Well, leave it to the French to get it right with Naruto. Ubisoft's North American arm is developing Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, but including the original voice actors from the anime. That's right! The French game maker is including a Japanese voice track with English language subtitles. What's more, everything in the game has been approved by the creators of the original series. Well done, Ubisoft. Brian Ashcraft

Naruto To Have Japanese [Xbox Thanks Scazza!]

Choosing from six available characters, players will be able to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as you roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat.

I guess the Nintendo "Summer of Fun" has to end sometime. Kim Phu

NARUTO ROLE-PLAYING GAME ON NINTENDO DS? BELIEVE IT! [GameBrink]

Here's look at Ubisoft's Xbox 360 exclusive Naruto: Rise of the Ninja, which is due out this fall. Not a big Naruto fan, but I could see myself playing this. Perhaps. Maybe. Brian Ashcraft

Naruto Game [Japanator]

San Francisco-based anime and manga giant VIZ Media announced that it has acquired the Blue Dragon television, home video and non-video game merchandising rights for the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Kids in Fiji, your prayers have been answered! The cartoon is based on the Xbox 360 game, which is the first time Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu have collaborated since Chrono Trigger. The anime is from the studio responsible for Naruto and is helmed by Rave Master director Yukihiro Matsushita and the character designer for Ichi the Killer: Episode 0. Lead character Shu is voiced by the same actor who does Shizune in Naruto. No word as to when the anime will hit American television screens, but it's bound to be way after the fan subs. Brian Ashcraft

Blue Dragon Anime Rights Acquired [AnimeNewsNetwork]

It really shouldn't come as a surprise, as the lack of Wii hardware most likely had plenty to do with it, but Wii software is uncommonly scarce in this week's charts, with only Wii Play and Wii Sports cracking the top thirty.

Here are the top ten for the week of April 2nd to the 8th.

01. Naruto: Shippuuden Narutimett Accel (PS2) - 75,453 / NEW
02. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T. Portable (PSP) - 58,751 / NEW
03. Yoshi's Island DS (DS) - 47,566 / 629,459
04. Pro Baseball Spirits 4 (PS2) - 40,891 / 82,052
05. Musou Orochi (PS2) - 36,168 / 515,803
06. More English Training (DS) - 34,933 / 84,645
07. Wii Sports (Wii) - 30,807 / 1,315,931
08. Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball Portable 2 (PSP) - 29,944 / NEW
09. Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ (PS2) - 29,638 / 202,850
10. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village (DS) - 27,833 / 392,135

Now let's play a game of Spot the Lonely PLAYSTATION 3 Game!

11. Detective Conan: Tantei Ryoku Trainer (DS)
12. Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan DS (DS)
13. Pro Baseball Netsu Stadium 2007 (PS2)
14. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
15. Wii Play (Wii)
16. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP)
17. Rakushou! Pachislo Sengen 5: Rio Paradise (PS2)
18. Tamagotchi no Appare! Niji-Venture (DS)
19. Mario Kart DS (DS)
20. Digimon Story: Sunburst (DS)
21. More Brain Age (DS)
22. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
23. Pro Baseball Spirits 4 (PS3)
24. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (DS)
25. SimCity DS (DS)
26. Kageyama Method - Dennou Hanpuku: Tadashii Kanji Kaki to Rikun (DS)
27. Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Goku Legend (DS)
28. English Training (DS)
29. Common Knowledge Training (DS)
30. Super Robot Wars W (DS)

Did you find it kids? Tomorrow, hardware! Michael McWhertor

Media Create Sales Figures

I know Fahey is all goo-goo eyed over Naruto games, but I just can't get into them. And this pair of videos doesn't do much to win me over. Sure it doesn't appear that the game sucks, but that's about all I can say at this stage. Brian Crecente

On the other hand, some damn fine fighting games have been created from the license, including Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4 for the Gamecube, one of my favorite fighting games of all time. Now Namco Bandai has announced Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes for the PSP, due out in lat summer, with 3 on 3 combat, 20 playable characters, and single UMD versus play. There's no way it can hold a candle to Ninja Taisen 4, but it's not looking too shabby so far. Michael Fahey

Just two DS games, Naruto: Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu 4 and Jump Superstars show up when searching for import titles. Both are safe bets from a sales standpoint, as the fanbase for both is strong and the titles, like all DS games, are region free.

Jump Superstars has also been spotted at major brick and mortar retailers like Best Buy and Fry's, so this ought not sound many alarms for smaller importers like NCSX or Play-Asia, but could lead to more. Michael McWhertor

Retail Radar: GameStop offering imports [Gamespot]

We must agree with Alice over at Wonderland. Even if you don't read Naruto manga, watch the anime or play the video games, these book ends are pretty cool. The US $174.99 pricetag, however, is not. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Wonderland]

We all know that Crecente has a pirate shoe fetish. Not just any shoes will do. No, for Crecente's itch, he needs to be scratched by gaming shoes. Good thing reader coalhalo found these Naruto sneaker send-ups. These ninja kicks are called "Air Rivals," retail for US $63 and go on sale June 17th in Japan. But bad news Crecente, these only come in children's sizes.

More Here [Siliconera] Thanks, coalhalo!

Namco Bandai shot us a hot new batch of screens for NARUTO: Ultmate Ninga, which is due out in June.

"NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja" puts players in the vivid and vibrant manga world of Naruto Uzumaki, a student of Ninja Academy. Players can choose from more than 12 characters including Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura and master their chakra to perform deadly ninjutsu in the heat of battle. With 12 dynamic stages taken from the manga and anime series, gamers can switch stages mid-combat to outmaneuver the opposing ninja. When danger is near, gamers can unleash combos, projectiles and super attacks to ascend the ranks and become Hokage — the greatest ninja of all.

With the next gen PlayStation machine around the corner, it's time to cash in on the current model while Sony still can. Hence, the PlayStation 2: The Best collection, which will be hitting Japanese game shops November 2. I'm not sure if these are in fact the best. (I could spout off more appealing titles.) Nor, do I understand how the heck Sony is pricing these puppies.

For example, Become a Pilot! 2 will go on sale for 1,800 yen (about 18 bucks). Naruto Hero 2 will book for 2,800 yen, and Another Century's Episode will cost 3,800 yen.

Become a Pilot! might not be the most popular game, thereby explaining the cheaper price tag. But, Sony's rational for Naruto and Another Century's Episode seems totally illogical. Isn't Naruto the most popular anime in Japan? Is Another Century's Episode super rare or something? I don't get it. Both games were originally released in 2004, and both were created by Bandai. Yet, there's a ten-dollar difference in price. Those arbitrary PSP firmware updates make more sense.

List of "Best" PS2 Games [Sony Japan]