Radiant Silvergun is a classic shooter that's developed a cult following despite the fact that it never saw release here in the states. In fact, it was the first game I ever imported, opening up a whole new expensive way for me to burn through my paycheck. It's no wonder Microsoft wants it. Getting it, however, is another story.

"Microsoft actually asked us if we could put it out," he says. "We're thinking about it, certainly, but it's not as simple as just saying 'OK, let's put it up.' I mean, sure, with Ikaruga, we released it as-is without having to do or add a great deal to the game, and it was popular and well accepted for what it was. But if you play Radiant Silvergun nowadays, it's certainly aged in assorted ways, and I'm not sure they're all good,"

Basically, Treasure would love to see the game get back into the hands of the players, but isn't sure that XBLA is the place to do it.

"I think we'd definitely like to see it out there. But the situation around that game is a bit different from Ikaruga, so I don't know if we'd see it on [Xbox Live]."

Could this herald a possible remake of the beloved title? Inquiring minds want to know. I want to know.

Hit up the link below for more, and be sure to check out Gama's full interview with Maegawa for more juicy Treasure info.

Treasure's Maegawa: Microsoft Asked For Radiant Silvergun On XBLA [Gamasutra]

Treasure already has two DS games under its belt, a pair of Bleach licensed fighters published by Sega, so they know the hardware. However, this one's under the publishing wing of ESP, responsible for some of Treasure's best shmups, including Radiant Silvergun, Bangai-O and Ikaruga. What could it be? Stay tuned! We'll let you know ASAP.

Treasure X ESP Nintendo DS Project [ESP via GamerCafe]

Treasure, the cult-fav developer behind Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun, is looking to start a "new action game." According to the company's site, Treasure is looking to hire a 3D CG programmer and designer. The homepage mentions there's an emphasis on originally for the new game. The company is also searching for a "motion leader," an effects designer, a character modeler, a background modeler and a scene designer. Hmm... Doesn't sound like they're making another shooter. Brandon Sheffield over at Insert Credit thinks it's a third person action game. I'm inclined to agree. Brian Ashcraft

Recruiting [Treasure via Insert Credit]

Suzuki is credited with character and object design duties on a number of Treasure's beloved hardcore-aimed games, including Sin & Punishment for the Nintendo 64, Ikaruga for Dreamcast and Radiant Silvergun for the Sega Saturn.

According to the DrMaster, the book will also include a number of interviews from outlets like IGN and Insert Credit, as well as a forward from Play Magazine editor in chief Dave Halverson. No price was disclosed, but we'll let you know when we know. Michael McWhertor

The Art Book of Yasushi Suzuki [DrMaster Publications]

Maegawa says that while the same team and director of Ikaruga are working on a top-down shooter for the Xbox 360, that "I would have to say that this game is totally different."

So why would the developer of hardcore shooters and uniquely Japanese action titles focus on the Xbox 360, which has a meager install base in its home country? Simple, really, the Treasure development staff just find it easier to developer software on Microsoft's console.

And the Wii? "...Absolutely, in the future, we'll make a Wii game. We've already been in discussions with Nintendo about it." Yay! Check out the full interview, loaded with frank, refreshing responses, at 1UP. Michael McWhertor

Treasure Talks 360, Wii, and PS3 [1UP]

Still, hope survives in the form of a release list from G-Rev—who just happen to have nothing to do with shmup developers G.rev, who, also unrelated, are responsible for Xbox 360 wet dream shooter-fighter Senko no Ronde as well as Dreamcast faves Border Down and Under Defeat.

The list, linked from the dark and lovely Brandon of Insert Credit and currently roaming the internet, also features another to-good-to-be-true title, NiGHTS for the Nintendo Wii.

But what do we have to go on with NiGHTS for the Wii? Pretty much nil. Sega has done virtually nothing with the franchise since its debut in 1996, but that hasn't stopped every Sonic Team and Yuji Naka hyperfan from putting a sequel or remake on his or her fantasy list alongside every new console release.

Is this just an internet rumor running wild, ultimately showing up on G-rev's exhaustive console listing? That's my guess. With Sega focusing on older IP like Alien Syndrome and After Burner, however, we'll rule nothing out.

I honestly hope this is true and that someone will have the good sense or financial recklessness to release a top-down shooter in the West, but I'm not holding my breath. As for NiGHTS Into Dreams for the Wii? I'm not going to set myself up for disappointment. I'm assuming this, like Shenmue III, will never see the light of day.

Pray that I'm wrong! Michael McWhertor

360 Ikaruga Sequel In The Works? [Kotaku]

Treasure, the folks behind Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga, aren't just known for intense shumps, but beautiful, intense shumps. It should be no surprise Treasure conceptual designer Yasushi Suzuki is now working on a manga called Purgatory Kabuki. The art is in the ukiyo-e woodblock style. The manga is getting a big push towards the gaming crowd as it'll be previewed in mag Play for five issues and two sixty-page chunks will be released on GameSpy.

Here's a blurb from the press release:

Purgatory Kabuki is a samurai action story set in the underworld or afterlife. For reasons unknown, former samurai Imanoturugi is obsessed with leaving the afterlife. To die in battle is a samurai's greatest honor. Yet, now Imanoturugi must claim 1000 swords from fallen warriors who now share residence in the dark underworld. By these and these means alone, this highly skilled blades will be allowed admittance back into the living world.

Where he shall find a dense and polluted urban sprawl dotted with convenience stores, fast food restaurants and pachinko parlors. Hey, samurai dude, the underworld can't be that bad! Brian Ashcraft

Treasure Dude Makes U.S. Manga [Insert Credit]

Exciting news, Ikaruga fans... rumor has it that Treasure is working on a grand finale to the Radiant Silvergun trilogy, rounding it all off on the 360.

The extent of the rumor? According to Play Magaine:

Treasure dropped a bomb in the form of an "original shooting game" announcement...and that can mean only one thing: RS3. Always planned as a trilogy, the Radiant Silvergun/Ikaruga (known in preproduction as "RS2") series will receive it's final installment on Xbox 360. Watch this space for more information.

That's a hell of a lot of "if" in there, buddy. Nevertheless, Racketboy and his readers remain convinced, noting: "It was written by maybe the most respected game mag writer ever (who now lives in Japan), so you can be sure of it's accuracy."

Wow, some random dude in Japan speculates that maybe, it just might be true, based upon no evidence whatsoever? That's the litmus test for veracity, right there. Sorry, Ash — if I'd known all that, I never would have talked you out of that "PS3 Slower Than PS2?!?!?" post you wanted to do.

Still, it does seem likely Treasure might opt to do a sequel to a couple of their all-time class SHMUPS, while they're slated to do one for the 360 anyway. Keep your fingers crossed. Florian Eckhardt

Radiant Silvergun / Ikaruga Sequel Upcoming? [Racketboy]