While in the U.S., Tsunoda showed off the controller-free motion controller with the help of a 3D brick breaking title and a build of Burnout, in Japan they brought along copies of Katamari Damacy and Space Invaders Extreme to show off to the press, developers and publishers.

Tsunoda, dressed in a white t-shirt, jeans and trademark over-sized sunglasses, first walked a small gathering of press through the concept of the project.

The device, which uses a camera and infrared sensor, not only detects movement, but the person playing a game, he pointed out.

To prove his point Tsunoda, who has long hair, had one of the press try their hand at the breakout game. When the writer started playing the transparent icon on screen changed both the hair and body type to more closely match the player.

Tsunoda said that the device doesn't require a special background or lighting to play, despite the fact that the game was set up in a well-lite, almost completely white room. In fact, he said, because it makes use of an infrared sensor, a person could play a Project Natal game in total darkness.

Because Microsoft is meeting with Japanese publishers and developers, Tsunoda said they worked up prototype ports of Katamari Damacy and Space Invaders Extreme that would work with the controller-free controller. That doesn't mean, he added, that those games will ever see an official release date.

In Katamari Damacy a player holds their hands out in front of them and slides them through the air in the direction they want the growing ball to move. A player holds their hands straight up in the air to shift the camera to the other side of the ball and starting moving in that direction.

Playing around with the game for a few minutes I was impressed with how responsive the controls seemed to be, allowing me to move around moving objects fairly deftly and pick up only the items I wanted to with the ball. It was a fun way to play an already fun game. One that would inevitably expand the potential audience for the game.

Next up, Tsunoda started up Space Invaders Extreme. In the Project Natal version of Space Invaders you have to shuffle side-to-side to move the defending space ship across the bottom of the screen. To shoot you raise both hands in the air. You can either hold your hands in the air, making the ship fire as if you were holding the button in, or raise your hands and drop them as if you were tapping the fire buton.

The game, with its more immersive play and increased physicality, was a delight to play. I've made no secret of the fact that I love Space Invaders, and this was a welcome addition to the already prevalent franchise.

The team on Project Natal have been busy porting lots of games over to the new control system, but not to release them. Instead, I was told, they're doing it to see how the controls translate and if it helps or hinders game play.

This seems like a great way to point point the strengths and weaknesses of a new type of controller. Hopefully, that will mean that when the device comes out less games will have this type of control slapped on and gamers will instead be able to choose from a more substantive selection of games with controls that make sense.

A total of three new stages are being added to Space Invaders Extreme with tomorrow's new downloadable content, along with the requisite new enemies and bosses to add that extreme flavor. Perhaps the most exciting news is also the least extreme: two emulators are included in the pack, consisting of both the original black and white Space Invaders and the 8-bit color Space Invaders 2. Sure, you can play those two versions on countless devices using programs readily found on the internet, but that's completely beside the point.

The point is, this is probably as extreme as Space Invaders is likely to get any time soon, and it all happens tomorrow, provided you have 240 Microsoft points to spare.

The excitedly titled Arkanoid Live! brings classic block-busting gameplay to Xbox 360 owners, upping the resolution, adding multiplayer options and introducing a frightening new boss, SKULL. That's an 800 Microsoft Point investment.

Taito's Space Invaders Extreme makes its console debut alongside Arkanoid, bringing the rhythmic, colorful twist on standard Space Invaders gameplay to you for 800 Points. Expect tripped out visuals, courtesy of trip out experts Llamasoft, and incredibly addictive gameplay.

Finally, the kid-friendly Zombie Wranglers offers the youngins a chance to round up scores of undead with an E10-rated romp that tasks budding zombie hunters with cleaning up Potters Field. It too will set you back 800 Microsoft Points.

Minter and Llama Soft are responsible for the "colorful and synthetically organic visualizer backgrounds" in the XBLA version of Space Invaders Extreme, giving players a chance to protect Earth from invading aliens while also hallucinating legally. That's with up to four players, by the way, as the Xbox 360 release features multiplayer and co-op modes.

New media awaits you!

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

The Games That Started It All Are Back! SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS Jump into Players' Hands

TAITO Brings Two Classic Arcade Games to the Handheld Arena on June 17th, 2008

LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—TAITO Corporation (TAITO™), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., announced today that it is launching all-new versions of two of its classic arcade games.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS® - a worldwide sensation since its original 1978 release - TAITO has re-imagined the legendary game to appeal to both the original SPACE INVADERS generation and those that are new to the game. Now faster-paced and more intense, SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ will become available on Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation Portable) system on June 17, 2008.

TAITO is also launching ARKANOID™ DS, a fresh take on an old-school favorite, coming exclusively to Nintendo DS on June 17, 2008. Originally released in 1986, ARKANOID was a blockbuster hit that introduced new innovations to the genre. The game that players know and love now offers multiple modes and fun, colorful backgrounds. Players can also match their ARKANOID skills against other DS users with multiplayer options.

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

Simple but addictive, these timeless games are loved by generations around the globe. TAITO has maintained the simple, beloved gameplay, while adding new twists to create exhilarating gaming experiences.

Features: SPACE INVADERS EXTREME

* New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game's excitement.
* New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay.
* New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game - they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points.
* New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play.
* New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms.

Features: ARKANOID DS

* Explore three game modes that offer varied gameplay designed for a wide range of users.
* Compete against others with two or four person multiplayer options to claim the title of ARKANOID DS champion.
* Decorate ARKANOID DS with colorful designs by trading points gained through gameplay for fun backgrounds and icons.
* Rock to an irresistible soundtrack produced by Zuntata, TAITO's award-winning sound team.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME is rated E (Everyone). ARKANOID DS is rated E (Everyone). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

ARKANOID DS will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

Not unlike Q?'s Gunpey and Every Extend Extra, Space Invaders Extreme adds layers of trippy effects, filling the screen with an excessive amount of visual noise. Even more suspect, your shots will trigger sound effects that I could swear were ripped straight from Rez.

Gameplay-wise though, it does add a handful of fresh elements to make the constant shooting a bit more exciting. You'll get bonuses for destroying invaders by column, by color, by shape, or by row and be rewarded for doing so with points and alternate stages. There's a Fever Mode that's essentially a point grabbing free for all and a Roulette Shot that awards you with extra lives.

With the slight sketchiness of latching on to the Q? schtick of success, it may seem like Space Invaders Extreme is a me-too gimmick filled attempt at bringing relevance to a 30 year old arcade game. It was enjoyable for the first fifteen minutes, but it's unclear whether this simple enjoyment will last beyond that. We'll know more when the game hits early 2008.

Cooking Mama 2
Arkanoid DS
Exit DS
Space Invaders Extreme
The Legend of Kage 2
Pet Shop Monogatari DS
Paddle Controller DS (Peripheral)

Boy I hope it's Space Invaders Extreme and not Space Invaders eXtreme or Space Invaders Xtreme.
Taito's TGS List [ITmedia]