All posts tagged: Bandai Namco

Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters – Bandai Namco Introduces The World To Two More Appli Monsters

Published by Frank Inglese

As a twenty-two year old living in an age of cynicism, it’s not often that I wake up of a morning, catch wind of an exciting piece of news, and am rendered giddy in delight as a cause of it, but it is franchises like Digimon that have a certain grasp on me that I feel will never let go. Overnight, Bandai Namco Entertainment have updated the official Japanese site for their upcoming video game based upon the multi-media franchise expansion; Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters. This update, whilst insignificant to some, introduces audiences to two more Appli Monsters based on both Online and Offline gaming, whilst also re-introducing us to those who were first revealed alongside this cross-media project. The screenshots featured below are taken from the upcoming Nintendo 3DS title that will use the same name, Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters, but the Digimon shown will not be exclusive to said game, they will appear in every facet of the project. Onmon: Onmon is a Game-Type Appli Monster that adores not only online gaming but anything that …

We are Strangers of Sword City

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Hello there, Stranger! Welcome to Sword City! Here at Snap Thirty we left no stone unturned in our coverage for Stranger of Sword City, the latest in the line of dungeon role playing shenanigans. This game is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the genre: pretty pictures and brutal enemies to battle. First and foremost, you definitely want to read our full review of the PlayStation Vita version. The Vita version was released digitally in AUS/NZ thanks to BandaiNamco. Next up, did you know that this game is also on the Xbox One but not on the PlayStation 4!? Stranger things have happened in the video game business. But it gets crazier… this game was on the Xbox 360 first! You can learn more about Xbox’s steamy relationship with Stranger of Sword City in our special piece covering the Xbox One version. Do you want to try your luck at winning a copy of this Vita RPG for yourself? Then check out our awesome giveaway! Last but not least… chime in on the Stranger of Sword City thread over at the …

Import Duty – Stranger of Sword City (Xbox One)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Stranger of Sword City is a first person dungeon crawler JRPG in similar vein to the countless other old school JRPGs that have really started to make their way out of their native country of Japan. Handheld platforms, the 3DS and Vita, have a growing library of these titles. Stranger of Sword City has made its way to Australia and all over the world as a Vita release, and for all intents and purposes most would feel like it was hand-crafted specifically as a another addition to Vita’s dungeon crawling RPG line-up. But as it turns out, Stranger of Sword City didn’t quite start out as a Vita game, let alone a game for a Japanese system, it in fact began as an Xbox 360 game of all things. Stranger of Sword City was released in limited quantities for the Xbox 360 in Japan only, which would shock most people considering Microsoft systems are commercial failures in the Land of the Rising Sun. The artwork and packaging was a thing of beauty, and I was …

Stranger of Sword City – Review (Vita)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Say what you want about the Vita’s presence (or lack thereof) in the current video game market but there is no denying that it is a treasure trove of unique games that you really won’t find anywhere else. When it all comes down to it, the Vita specialises in three genres: Visual Novels, Rhythm Games, and Japanese RPGS. If you’re into any or all of these genres, then the Vita was simply made for you. While there is usually very little in the way of physical releases, the Vita has simply embraced digital distribution for the better as many titles that would have been impossible to release and distribute physically can now easily make their way to the PlayStation store with minimum costs and fuss. Everyone wins really, small publishers can get games on the digital store without having to worry about retailers, and gamers get easy access to a larger library games they wouldn’t see on store shelves. When it comes to niche Japanese games in the aforementioned genres, digital distribution on the Vita is …

Dark Souls III – Review (Xbox One)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

No game stirred up a more colourful word-of-mouth reputation than Dark Souls when it first landed in 2011. Dark Souls had an aura about it that masked the true nature of the game itself. This reputation created such a strong priori that the actual experience became a self-fulfilled prophecy. I am of course referring to the game’s difficulty that has become a modern day legend of sorts. Ask any one who has played these games and they will give you exaggerated views on how difficult they are, or you may meet several elitists  who will brag about how they breezed through the many boss battles. Not to mention, people have accomplished speed runs that have lasted just a couple of hours. So honestly is Dark Souls for real or is it all just hype? Well, it’s both but at the same time it’s really neither. It’s an action RPG where you traverse a fairly open but structured game world. You explore a dark and bleak world that is filled with secrets and treasures, where slowly but surely you get …

Pokken Tournament – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo 64 was an awesome concept back in the day, given that the main games were confined to a tiny 8-bit handheld, having a console game that allowed you to engage in glorious 3D battles was godsend, allowing players to transfer their Pokemon team onto the N64 for some visually dazzling battles that pretty much played out the exact same way as the traditional turn based battles. Still, it was nice to see Pokemon come to life and fully animated. Now this concept probably has lost its appeal in this day and age given that the 3DS has provided gamers with a fully 3D Pokemon adventure in Pokemon X and Y, with the upcoming Pokemon Sun and Mon hopefully raising the bar higher. Still, back in the day we dreamed up a Pokemon game where battles would be a lot more versatile and free flowing than the restrictions of turn-based, something that would be more akin to the way battles were depicted in the Pokemon anime. When it was first announced that …

Import Duty- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Blue Destiny (SEGA Saturn)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Gundam isn’t a Japanese niche, it’s huge all over the world with the same acclaim and widespread recognition as something like Dragon Ball Z. Whether it’s the anime, manga, or the huge selection of figurines and model kits that get their own dedicated section at Hobby stores, Gundam is a well-known commodity no matter where you are. That being said, fans outside Japan tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to video game adaptations. Over the past few decades, and even now, most of the good Gundam video games almost never leave Japan. We’ve seen a few games show up in local shops over the years, in particular the very undesirable Dynasty Warriors: Gundam spin-off/crossover series. Also at this point, a Dynasty Warriors re-skin is quite possibly the laziest way to make a video game, not to mention that playing as a mech in a Dynasty Warrios game doesn’t even remotely feel like controlling a mech. In fact, Luke Halliday has been trying to give away his copy of Dynasty Warrios: …

Bandai Namco Europe Launches Online Store, Brings Back the Pac (Among Other Favourites)

Published by Kane Bugeja

Lovers of games and merchandise rejoice, especially if that love is specifically for content that falls under the banner of Bandai Namco, such as Tales of, Tekken or the tried and true classic Galaga. In the ever spreading trend of digitising the world, shoppers will be able to enjoy an online marketplace through which to purchase posters, canvases, coffee mugs, hoodies, t-shirts and phone cases. You know, the essentials. More specifically, the 35th Anniversary of Pac-Man is being celebrated by a series of unique designs created by 35 artists. Now why they chose that number is beyond em, but I’m sure there’s something to it. In regards to the new online storefront, Hervé Hoerdt (VP of Marketing and Digital at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe) said: “We are all super excited about this long awaited store dedicated to our biggest fans! Our goal is to provide high quality, exclusive and unique items that have been carefully selected to communicate and represent our passion and love around iconic IPs. This is just the beginning as we are planning to work …

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes Of Heaven – Jonathan Joestar Character Battle Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

You know that there’s another JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure game coming out right? Yeah, I thought so. Anyone who’s anyone know’s that! It’s called JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes Of Heaven and it’s a follow up to the previously released PlayStation 3 fighting game All-Star Battle. Well it looks as though Bandai Namco Entertainment think that we’ve all forgotten about the characters that appeared in All-Star Battle and are taking this chance to re-introduce us with a series of introduction videos that should highlight some of the new additions to the game’s roster while also taking a look back at some of the old favorites. The very first in this, possible, series of fifty videos (seeing as there are fifty playable characters in the upcoming game) focuses entirely on the very first notable Joestar; Jonathan. Having had to train to defeat his step-brother Dio Brando who, in true Dio fashion, turned himself into a powerful Vampire, Jonathan trained in the art of the Ripple; an ability that uses the power of Solar Energy to vanquish foes, especially …

Prematurely Rock The Dragon – Pre-Launch Trailer For Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden Released

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Entertainment hopes you’re all ready to play a damn good Dragon Ball Z fighting game the likes of which we havn’t seen on a handheld title for quite some time. As you probably already know; Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden is about to be released around the world for the Nintendo 3DS. For us living in what is considered to be European regions, we’ll be getting the game on the 16th, but if you’re living in North America and surrounding area…you’ll have to wait until the 20th. Sorry, everyone. That’s okay though! Because Bandai Namco Entertainment have given the whole world the ability to prematurely rock the dragon with their latest trailer for the upcoming game being released only briefly before that of the video game. The new trailer pretty much goes over all the features of the game that we’ve come to know and love by this point in time but that doesn’t make it any less exciting, in fact, it works brilliantly to remind us all of why we should be overly …

Bandai Namco Announces One Piece: Thousand Storm SmartPhone Game

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Entertainment have only just announced their latest One Piece video game title Burning Blood, but it seems as though that is simply not enough because they’ve just gone ahead and announced ANOTHER One Piece title, this time called “Thousand Storm“. This new game, unlike Burning Blood, will not be released on the conventional consoles like most of the One Piece games that have come before it. Bandai Namco Entertainment seem to be, once again, heading into the realm of SmartPhone gaming for the new title labelled a “united Pirates RPG“…whatever that’s supposed to mean. Yes, Thousand Storm will not be released on any of the big consoles, instead it will call the palm of your hand it’s home as it is planned for an iOS and Android release in both Japan and throughout the West sometime in 2016. Thousand Storm will be an RPG heavily based on teamwork. It’s a video game that will urge you to partner up with two of your friends and take on the series’ antagonists as a team rather …

Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot – One Piece: Burning Blood Hits The West In 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

This is news regarding an upcoming One Piece video game so, chances are, you’ve already heard everything you possibly could’ve about it. That’s just the way promotion works for new titles based on this highly-popular Shonen Jump series. Only recently, Bandai Namco Entertainment revealed the Spike Chunsoft-developed One Piece: Burning Blood, announcing that it will not only be getting a release across Japan but also throughout the West. What we, the pop culture-loving people, were not told was WHEN we would be seeing this title hit local shelves, and today…that’s exactly what Bandai Namco have announced. Lacking specifics, One Piece: Burning Blood is confirmed to be released in the West sometime in 2016 for not only the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, but also for the Xbox One, making it the first One Piece video game title to cross the console border, previously only being released on Sony systems. Burning Blood will be unlike all the other One Piece video game titles that have come before it, rather than playing as a single character against …

Bandai Namco Entertainment Announces One Piece: Burning Blood

Published by Frank Inglese

About a week or so ago, I wrote an article regarding Bandai Namco Entertainment and their licensing of a video game name that went by the name Burning Blood. In this article I compared the name to that of the Japanese delinquent fight game Crows: Burning Edge, stating that there was a possibility that the company plan on bringing said game to the West under a new title. As it turns out…I’m dead wrong. The name Burning Blood actually belongs to a brand-new One Piece fighting game set to be released for the PlayStation Vita and the PlayStation 4. How do I know this now? Well Bandai Namco Entertainment announced this alongside a trailer for the upcoming One Piece game at this year’s Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia Press conference. Not much is known about this One Piece game, as of right now, but by judging by the trailer it looks as though it will focus heavily on the adoptive brothers Luffy, Ace, and Sabo; each of which being heavily present showing off their fierce fighting …

Crows: Burning Edge Possibly Confirmed For A European Release

Published by Frank Inglese

Video game publishers will sometimes do this interesting, and exciting, thing wherein which they will license a certain name, or variation of a name, in North America and Europe months after certain titles have been announced over in Japan. There are people who troll the world wide web waiting for companies to do this, then spreading the word that it has been done, and the latest to be “caught out“, so to speak, are none other than Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe who have recently licensed the video game title Burning Blood. Now, as of right now, Burning Blood means absolutely nothing because, for all intents and purposes…it is nothing. There is no Japanese video game that goes by that name at this point in time and it’s not a name we’ve ever heard of before, but we have heard something similar! Crows: Burning Edge is an upcoming fighting game by Namco Bandai Entertainment based off of the highly popular delinquent Manga Crows which, as you may know, was also the inspiration for the movie trilogy Crows …

It’s Time We Head Back – First Trailer Released For Digimon World: Next Order

Published by Frank Inglese

My experience with the original Digimon World video game is that of an odd one: I never had a PlayStation therefor I never owned the game, but my next door neighbour had both and, as a fan of the series, you could imagine I spent most of my time there playing it…but I had no idea what I was doing. Battles were impossible for me, my Digimon would constantly die, the town wouldn’t expand, it was a video game that was simply too difficult for my tiny brain to comprehend and yet I stuck with it for so long. Bandai Namco Entertainment Japan recently revealed that there is a brand-new Digimon World video game on the horizon; Digimon World: Next Order. When I first heard of the news I simply thoughts this was just another Digimon game that would fail to reach Western shores and therefor only work to disappoint me; a huge fan of the Digimon franchise. Bandai Namco Entertainment North America and Europe recently announced that they will be bringing the previous PlayStation Vita …

Liked It? Why Not Play it Again! – Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment Hits The PSN This August

Published by Frank Inglese

It was about a year ago that the original Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment video game first hit the PlayStation Vita across Australia and New Zealand courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment. We here at SnapThirty got the chance to review the Vita version and it was actually given quite a good score despite the fact that I’m not too big a fan of the series. The game brings the world of Sword Art Online to a medium that actually allowed me to enjoy it so, as you can imagine, I’m actually pretty excited for it to hit the PlayStation Network again only this time it’s for the PlayStation 4. Yes, Bandai Namco Entertainment are releasing the game, once again, but instead of it hitting the PlayStation Vita, it will call the PlayStation 4 it’s home, just like many other new titles coming out of Japan. The new version of the game will have updated visuals and will serve as a hype-building title for the next game in the series; Sword Art Online: Lost Song. Bandai …

Pokken Tournament Will Be Coming To A Dave & Busters Near You

Published by Frank Inglese

Australia is a wonderful country, but it’s not a country that features establishments like Dave & Busters wherein which an individual can sit down for a meal, turn around and play some of the latest arcade machines to be released. Places like that simply don’t exist down under, and it burns me up inside! You North Americans consider yourselves lucky, not just because you have access to restaurant/arcade hybrids like Dave & Busters but because the upcoming fighting title Pokken Tournament is set to be tested in the USA through Dave & Busters locations across the country. Kevin Bachus, the Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Game Strategy for Dave & Busters, recently held his very own Reddit AMA wherein which he was questioned about the localisation of this arcade title. Replying with confidence, Bachus detailed the relationship between the restaurant chain and Bandai Namco America saying that they’re more excited about the North American release of Pokken Tournament than they are of the new Tekken. The exact locations of these test machines has yet …

The King Of Monsters Is Back – Godzilla Now Available

Published by Frank Inglese

Gone but never lost, Godzilla returns once again as the king of monsters we all known him to be! Bandai Namco Entertainment are incredibly pleased to announce that the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 action title Godzilla has now been made available for digital download across Australia and New Zealand! This new game brings to life the destructive power of the world’s most powerful Kaiju in ways we’ve never seen before. While old-school Kaiju films and terrible Hollywood remakes show what a powerful creature like Godzilla would do in real life, this new game allows you to take control of the reptilian God and his monstrous opponents so that you’ll be able to feel what it is like to be your very own Kaiju! Developed by Japanese videogame studio NATSUME ATARI INC., GODZILLA gives players control of one of the most famous and destructive Kaiju (special effects monsters) in entertainment history. As Godzilla, players will have the power to trample and lay waste to cities. Players will also have to collect G-Energy which can be used …

New PlayStation Vita Title Digimon World: Next Order Just Announced

Published by Frank Inglese

No! No! This just isn’t fair! It seems like every single time the West gets even a little closer to Japan…they engage rocket boosters and speed off into the distance. Since the announcement of Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, Western fans of the franchise have longed to get their hands on it. Finally, a Digimon game for the older fan! Bandai Namco Entertainment throws us a bone and announces that the game will indeed be coming to the West on both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, albeit next year some time. Not a month after that, we’re hearing word of a brand-new Digimon game that’s in development; one called Digimon World: Next Order. The latest issue of Japan’s V-Jump magazine featured a two page spread regarding the new title yet, despite that, not a great deal of information on the game’s story or setting was revealed. What we know of the game is that it will centre around a young Digimon fanatic who’s two partners are Agumon and Gabumon, possibly meaning that the appearance of …

Clash of Characters – Project X Zone 2 Adds Some New Faces

Published by Kane Bugeja

In the ever so popular realm of cross over titles, Project X Zone 2 has recently made it known that a few newbies will be joining the worl blending fray. Well, they’re not newbies per se, in fact they’ve been around for quite some time…just not in the X Zone world. But now they are. Thus, with little to no further ado, I shall list these characters below. SEGA Sakura Wars Sakura Shingujio Gemini Sunrise Streets of Rage Axel Stone CAPCOM Street Fighter Ryu Ken Masters Ace Attorney Phoenix Right Maya Fey Bandai Namco God Eater Ciel Alencon Nana Kazuki Summon Night Aty So there you have it, some new allies to help you fight evil come 2015 (the as of now vague release date for the game). In the mean time, why not enjoy some scenic shots of the nifty locales you are sure to visit on your series hopping quest. Can you guess where they’re from? -30-

Bandai Namco’s “Godzilla” – The Battle Heats Up Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, the 2014 Godzilla film left you with one monster of a bad taste in your mouth. What we thought was going to be two hours of Heisenberg riding a giant lizard turned out to be crushed expectations and a lacklustre leading man. Thankfully all that is over now and the world is slowly but surely moving on from one of history’s biggest tragedies…I’m talking about the movie. Bandai Namco Games announced a while back that Godzilla will be returning to the world of video games with it’s new title for the PlayStation 3 and 4, appropriately named “Godzilla”. Up until now we only really knew that the game was getting a release but we didn’t know when we could expect it. Bandai Namco Games, alongside releasing a brand-new trailer for the game, revealed that it will be hitting shelves across Europe, Australia and New Zealand on the 17th of July this year. Yes, you read that correctly! In a little under a month we’ll be given the opportunity …

New Trailers Released For Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, Pirate Warriors 3 and J-Stars Victory Vs+

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Games have done something a little crazy today; they’ve gone ahead and released a whole bunch of information and assets regarding a few of their top upcoming titles all at once which, for people like me who’s job it is to report on this news, has me in a bit of a frantic state. Somewhat because I have to write up this news and somewhat because I’m very much excited about the new trailers that have just been released. While I could’ve done three seperate articles for these new videos, I decided against it because, well, they all actually have something in common that isn’t just that they’re Bandai Namco titles. Fans of Shonen Jump Anime and Manga wills urely be fans of the video game titles that Bandai Namco Games release because, in case you have no idea, a lot of their games are indeed based on Anime or Manga, especially that of Shonen Jump. Series’ like Naruto, Bleach, Saint Seiya, they all have their games published by Namco Bandai. About a …

Snap Play: Dragon Ball XenoVerse – Episode 03

Published by Frank Inglese

Solo Round! Frank (@FrankInglese) is back for another episode of Snap Play: Dragon Ball XenoVerse! Unfortunately this time he’s on his own; Kane (@KaneBugeja) has gone off into the mountains to train with his mysterious mentor Mr. Ficklepo and has left Franky on his own to record another episode. That’s fine though! Frank’s inner warrior has pushed him forward and he’s attacked episode two of the “Let’s Play-style” series with all his might! Follow Frank as he takes on the altered history of “Dragon Ball XenoVerse” with the focus in this episode being on the battle between the two invading Saiyans and the Z Fighters battling for the sake of Earth. Watch all our “Dragon Ball XenoVerse” videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvZh1IuA_h7ymvXXo3usZAhf3_yprCuJ3 Huge thanks to Bandai Namco Games who provided us with the review copy we used to record this video. -30-

Latest Dragon Ball Xenoverse Trailers Shows How Raditz Could Have Survived The Special Beam Cannon

Published by Frank Inglese

We all remember the first time Goku died in “Dragon Ball Z”, right? It happened almost as soon as he met his Saiyan brother and it was dealt to him by former enemy Piccolo. Goku locked his brother into a sturdy grapple and the green man fired a spiralling laser through both of the monkey men’s chests. Yeah, yeah, everyone remembers this. Do you remember every thinking to yourself; “Surely Raditz could have gotten out of that”? Because I do, and it has plagued me for years. From what I can remember, there was a lot of his body that Goku hadn’t locked up which surely could have been utilised to, you know…escape death. Well Bandai Namco Games Japan have released a brand-new trailer for their upcoming fighting title “Dragon Ball Xenoverse” that shows just how Raditz could have survived the dynamic duo’s team up and, well…it looks like he did it with ease. The video is meant to be showing off how “Dragon Ball” history is being altered in the story of the new …

Tekken 7 – Recently Revealed Character “Shaheen” Is Breathtakingly Handsome

Published by Frank Inglese

The most exciting thing about the prospect of a new fighting game is not simply that there will be a new fighting game but that there is going to be a whole new team of different characters that will have you trying to master their skills and be just as good with them as you are with franchise staples. I’ve not used Ryu from “Street Fighter” for many years because he just doesn’t seem as exciting as, let’s say, the newly re-introduced Charlie who’s coming to “Street Fighter 5” and it’s much the same with Tekken. Are people still using Jin? Actually, yes, probably, but that’s only because he’s a good-looking fellow and beautiful people get all the attention. That may not be the case for very long though because, just recently, Bandai Namco Producer Katsuhiro Harada made a Twitter post announcing a new character for the upcoming game; a man named Shaheen. So why are people going to pay more attention to him? Well, he’s a new character, first of all, but he’s also …

SnapThirty Presents: A Chat with Kerrin O’Connor

Published by Kane Bugeja

In this short little bonus episode, Kane, Frank and Luke sit down with Bandai Namco Australia’s own Kerrin O’Connor (Product and PR Manager for Codemasters and Square Enix) to discuss games. More specifically, the guys try their best to learn a little more about the upcoming Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, whilst completely respecting the notion of secrecy, which they are able to do due to their highly professional nature and awesome humility. (Note: No jobs were harmed in the recording of this audio) -30-

Tales Of Hearts R – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

The “Tales Of” series of video games have been around for quite some time. Like “Dragon Quest” and “Final Fantasy”, every once in a while we’re graced with just another fantastic title to add to the already extensive list of “Tales Of” video games. Each time, the games come packed with more than the last and works to excite long time fans of the series and recruit some rookies who’ll soon find themselves masters of the “Tales”. The latest release of the franchise is a remake of a Nintendo DS game titled “Tales Of Hearts R”. Developed and published by the wonderful Bandai Namco Games, “Tales Of Hearts R” hits the PlayStation Vita with full force. Thanks to Bandai Namco Games, us here at SnapThirty have been given the chance to review this new game. I’m going to try and figure out just why it is that this particular “Tales Of” title deserves to land itself a remake. Follow me on our very own tale as we hack, slash and level our way through “Tales …

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Introducing Rie and Crusadermon

Published by Frank Inglese

There’s not much that excites me more than the prospect of a new ‘Digimon’ video game. Unfortunately for me and my ‘Digimon-loving’ brothers and sisters, the last couple of games to be announced and released…never made it out of Japan. I know…soul crushing. That’s OK though because we’re all keeping up hope. We’re praing to all the Digi-Gods we know as we practically beg Bandai Namco Games to bring some of these titles out West. The latest piece of news from the upcoming ‘Digimon Story’ game, ‘Syber Sleuth’, is the addition of two new characters to the story. One being a human and the other being a high-level ‘Digimon’, these two will play quite a set of important roles in the events of the game. Why else would they be introducing us to them early? Previously revealed was a character named Kyoko Kuremi who, if you dont recall, is a super sexy female detective with legs that go on for ages…*cough cough*…Excuse me. Well the new character introuced today happens to be just as sexy …

Sin Like You’re Supposed To With The Upcoming ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ Video Game

Published by Frank Inglese

We’ve now officially entered the age of ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. In Australia, the Manga releases have just kicked off with most graphic novel retailers already selling the third volume. The Western fandom for the critically acclaimed Shonen series is slowly but surely growing bigger and bigger with each passing day. Recently, the Manga has been adapted into what looks to be a well-animated and wonderfully paced Anime series. Unfortunately for the aforementioned Western fans…it has yet to have been picked up by any simulcast distributor. Surely you understand we’re not too happy about that. That’s OK though because we know that, sooner or later, the series is sure to be picked up and released locally. To add to the burning passion of the series’ fans, Bandai Namco Games recently announced that there is a ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ Nintendo 3DS game in the works but showed nothing of this game as part of the announcement…until today. The beautiful people over at Bandai Namco Japan have released the very first trailer for the upcoming beat-em-up game alongside …

Digimon All-Star Rumble – New Trailer and Screenshots Straight From NYCC

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco games have done the ‘Digimon’ fandom a real solid and released a brand-new trailer alongside some seriously exciting screenshots of their upcoming fighting game title ‘Digimon All-Star Rumble’ ahead of this weekend’s New York Comic Con where we’ll be seeing much more from the much0loved video game developer/publisher. The trailer, much like the initial one that was released, takes audiences through a couple battles between ‘Digimon’ series favourites like Veemon, Gomamon and Gatomon. It shows ‘Digivolutions’ and special techniques that can be pulled off in-game. It’s the new screenshots, though, that are the more exciting of the new information because they introduce the world to the ‘Digimon All-Star Rumble’ story mode. This gameplay mode, featured in many if not all fighting games, will serve is the single player experience wherein which you’ll choose your favorite digital partner to take on a whole bunch of different enemies before going head-to-head with a ‘Digimon Rival’ which will signify the end of a level. Supposedly playing through the story mode will bring more about the games …

Natural Doctrine – Now Available Across Australia and New Zealand

Published by Frank Inglese

Can you hear that, reader? It’s the breaking of waves upon our local shores and with them comes another great video game import courtesy of NIS America and their Australian distribution pals over at Bandai Namco. ‘Natural Doctrine, the hardcore tactical RPG, has finally landed in Australia and New Zealand to the delight of many fans who’ve been waiting in anticipation for a local release ever since the game was first announced. This game, which has been noted as one only for the strong at heart, is available for purchase physically right now but for those of you wanting to add it to your digital collection, well you’ll have to wait another week though, if you think about it, that isn’t too far away. A Sony exclusive, ‘Natural Doctrine’ can be purchased for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita; the holy trio! There’s no reason for any RPG lover to pass this game by but if you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe NIS America: Developed as Kadokawa Game Studio’s inaugural title, NAtURAL …

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Sexy Lady Detective Character Revealed

Published by Frank Inglese

Flowing blonde hair, open shirt, short shorts, high heels and one tough looking muscle car. I think I’ve found my dream girl, reader. The latest issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump has introduced Japanese readers to a brand-new character who’s set to star alongside the protagonist of Bandai Namco’s upcoming PlayStation Vita title ‘Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth’. This ‘beautiful detective’, as she’s called, goes by the name Kyoko Kuremi but you can call her Miss Kuremi. This newly revealed character is an ace detective and you’ll be seeing her a great deal throughout the game as she will be giving you, the ‘Cyber Sleuth’, all of your investigative missions. She, like you, has heard about the recent incidents involving young men and women traveling to the ‘digital world’. It’s piqued her interest and she now wants to figure it out as best she can…that’s where you come in. Not much more is said about this glamor but she’s interesting enough to have caught the attention of many ‘Digimon’ fans around the world. We can’t wait …

Digimon All-Star Rumble – Bandai Namco Reveals ‘Digicard’ System

Published by Frank Inglese

We’re here, people. Tokyo Game Show is happening as we speak and from the expo comes a whole bunch of news about some awesome upcoming Japanese video game titles, one of which just so happens to be my most anticipated; ‘Digimon All-Star Rumble’. The game, which was announced by Bandai Namco about a month or so ago, pits Digimon against Digimon in much the same style as the PlayStation 2 ‘Digimon’ fighting game ‘Digimon Rumble Arena’. Featuring characters from the original season all the way up until the latest season, this game is the first from the ‘Digimon’ franchise in quite a while that WILL be getting a Western release. Bandai Namco Games today, at the Tokyo Game Show, released a whole new batch of screenshots and character models from the game that not only show us more of what it has to offer but also introduces us to the ‘Digicard’ system which is a gameplay mechanic that allows players to add special bonuses and upgrades to their digital partner. Two ‘Digicards’ can be equipped …

Upcoming ‘Hajime No Ippo’ Game Gets Its First Batch Of Screenshots

Published by Frank Inglese

Gloves up, fighters! As the referee for this bout I want as clean a fight as possible. No tricks, no cheap shots and no combat delay due to introspective thoughts of your past, you hear me?! I suppose that’s a hard rule to place an a ‘Hajime No Ippo-style’ boxing match, not one goes by without some sort of reflection on ones self. About a week ago, Bandai Namco Games announced that they will be releasing a brand-new ‘Hajime No Ippo’ video game for the PlayStation 3, a fighting title based closely off of the Anime and Manga series by the same name. Before today we had seen nothing of this game, bar a short teaser trailer that showcased the motion comic style of storytelling that is to feature. Bandai Namco Games today, however, have released a huge batch of images from the upcoming game which include both screenshots and art assets like character models and their hand-drawn designs. The new ‘Hajime No Ippo’ game is set for a release in Japan on the 11th …

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

The world is never and will never be short of ‘Naruto’ fighting games. This is a truth all Anime and Manga fans have come to understand, and most of them are more than grateful. Every two years or so the good people over at Bandai Namco Games in conjunction with video game developer CyberConnect2 create and distribute a brand-new ‘Naruto’ fighting title. Each new game brings about new characters, upgraded battle mechanics and improved graphics BUT every single time a new one is released reviews say mostly the same thing; it’s not that different from the last game. This almost seems like a curse for the franchise seeing as it has been this way for years but does the latest addition, ‘Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’, throw off the balance and break the hex of perpetual monotony? It’s quite possible. Unlike it’s predecessors, ‘Revolution’ does not fall victim to the habit of Anime-based video games simply retelling the story of the series. It is good thing to implement when it is the first or …

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution – In Stores Now!

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s finally here…for gamers living in Japan, Europe, the Middle-East and throughout Australasia…sorry North America, you’ll have to wait until the 16th before you can get your hands on Bandai Namco’s new ‘Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’ fighting game. Japan, as usual, were the very first to get the game with it being released just yesterday on the 11th of September. They’re already absolutely loving it so you can see why I’m so excited for it to get a release almost everywhere else…including Australia! As of right now the game is only available on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 BUT on thew 16th, the day it gets a release in North America, ‘Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’ will also be hitting up the PC through Steam. This new addition to the already extensive ‘Naruto’ fighting game catalog features over 100 playable characters, including the more recent ones who have only been introduced in the Manga at this point in time. With fantastic looking visuals and an upgraded set of gameplay mechanics, …

There’s A New ‘Hajime No Ippo’ Game Heading Our Way And It Looks Great!

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Games just yesterday announced that a brand-new ‘Hajime No Ippo’ fighting game title for the PlayStation 3 is soon to be released and not even a day later the world is presented with it’s very first trailer of the upcoming game. Labelled a game filled with ‘dramatic boxing action’, the new title follows the story of the ‘Hajime No Ippo’ Anime/Manga series, adding a whole other level of enjoyment thanks to it’s motion comic-style cutscenes and high-octane gameplay. So far we’ve yet to actually see any footage of actual gameplay but what we do have are a couple of screenshots that show just how dynamic it will be. The new ‘Hajime No Ippo’ game for the PlayStation 3 has only been announced for Japan and will reach consoles on the 11th of December this year. -30-

Bandai Namco Reveals Tales Of Xillia 2 Back-To-School DLC

Published by Frank Inglese

The highly anticipated video game sequel ‘Tales Of Xillia 2’ has just been released outside of Japan and despite it being developed two years ago, it still seems to hold up as a fantastic PlayStation 3 title, so sayeth Western fans of the game. Seeing as it is doing so well, Bandai Namco Games Europe have decided to release the first DLC pack for the celebrated game. The theme of this DLC happens to be ‘back-to-school’ and features a whole bunch of alternate costumes for the main cast of the game, each of which sends them back in time to their school days where life was so much simpler. Ludger, Gaius, Muzet, Jude, Milla, Alvin, Elize, Rowen and Leia will all get alternate schoolyard costumes which, much like the other in-game costumes, can be equipped and shown off in both battle as well as cutscene. To make this DLC even sweeter, Bandai Namco Europe have also added a a special leveling bonus which will have characters gaining +5 and +10 levels. ‘Tales of Xillia 2’, …

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution – More Mecha-Naruto Screeshots Released

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s 2014 and I’d be lying if I was to say that I’m NOT hoping for some sort of robot uprising very soon. I love machines and I want our eventual mech masters to know that I’m 100% on their side! OK, that’s enough robot overlord ass kissing, time to move on to actual news: Anime fans, specifically fans of the long-running Shonen series ‘Naruto’, will be well aware of the upcoming video game from Namco Bandai ‘Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’. Not only will this new game feature over 100 playable character from both the Anime and Manga but it will also feature a brand-new character who was designed by series creator Masashi Kishimoto himself. Mecha-Naruto was announced as a playable character a while back to the delight of fans the world over. Coming already installed with his own special moves and transformations, Mecha-Naruto is one heck of a force to be reckoned with. Bandai Namco Games released a few more screenshots centered around the new character yesterday with a little extra information …

Be Yourself…Or Someone Else With The Customisation Mode In ‘Dragon Ball: Xenoverse’

Published by Frank Inglese

Ever since I was a child, back in the days when the ‘Dragon Ball Z’ Anime used to grace television sets around Australia each and every weekday morning, I always wondered what it would be like to be one of the ‘Z Fighters’. I used to wish I could fight alongside my hero Goku, I used to dream of surpassing him by reaching the legendary ‘Super Saiyan 5’ of which I made up within my own mind, I used to ponder what my fighting style would be like and how I would beat each and every single one of the enemies that threaten Earth. Now, at the ripe old age of twenty, I realize that I don’t belong in the ‘Dragon Ball’ universe because, let’s face it, I’d absolutely be the guy to replace Yamcha once they decide to stop reviving him from the dead. Fact is…I’d be worse than Yamcha, so I let those dreams fade away. Now, thanks to the option to customize your very own character in the upcoming ‘Dragon Ball: Xenoverse’ …

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution – Gaara Showcased In Latest Screenshot Batch

Published by Frank Inglese

You know, reader, with all these talk about characters like Hashirama and Madara being featured in the upcoming ‘Naruto Shippuden’ fighting title ‘Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’ we almost forgot about one of the key players in the titular character’s history of growth. I’m of course talking about a sand Shinobi named Gaara who I’m sure you all know and love, well Bandai Namco Games have recently released a new batch of screenshots from the upcoming game that just so happen to put the spotlight on Gaara as well as the beast inside of him that originally lead this young man into becoming the monster he was once known as. Naruto’s old enemy Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage, brings his unique mastery of the Sand to the battlefield. As one of the 9 Tailed-Beasts Jinchûriki, Gaara can summon the One-Tailed Beast Shukaku and use his mighty power along with his limitless Chakra wells.- Bandai Namco Games Alongside images of the ‘sandman; himself come some others which actually showcase a pair of the new features that will be …

“Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution” Dated For Steam Release

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Games have brought PC gamers some good news today because they’ve just announced that their upcoming ‘Naruto Shippuden’ fighting game ‘Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’ will be getting a Steam Store release on the 16th of September this year. That’s just over a month away! Alongside this release date announcement comes something else quite special for those wishing to purchase the brawler game through Steam: If you purchased the previous ‘Naruto’ video game ‘Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst’ you will be given a small discount on the newer game as well as ten of the already revealed DLCs that will feature in the new game. Bandai Namco Games have also made a ‘Naruto’ video game bundle available through the Steam Store which brings together both ‘Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution’ and ‘Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst’ for little more than the cost of the newer game. This is a fantastic package for anyone who missed out on the last game or for anyone wanting to get into the series in a massive way! …

“Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle” Limited Edition Bundle Announced

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Games has today announced that they will be release a very special edition bundle for their upcoming action Nintendo 3DS title ‘Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle’, a video game based off of the Anime series of similar name. Follow four heroes as they journey from world to world, doing the very best they can to defeat an evil army of maleficent machines with the hopes of saving the known universe and all the citizens living in it. With an old-school concept that has young boys transforming into powerful robot-type beings, ‘Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle’ will have you and a friend take on hordes of mechanized enemies. Hack, slash and chop your way through all that stand in your way for the sake of two worlds that are about to collide in quite a fatal way. The ‘Limited Edition Bundle’ from Bandai Namco Games will come paired with a mini-figure of the main character and ‘Tenkai Knight’ leader Bravenwolf which cannot be purchased any other way. This bundle will come with both the game and …

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – ‘Mysterious Boy’, ‘Eater’ and New Character Yuuko Introduced

Published by Frank Inglese

The digital world of the ‘Digimon’ franchise seems as though it’s a pretty straightforward plane of existence: It’s data precisely engineered to produce the monsters and environments that populate the world. What we tend to forget is that, much like real programs, the digital world can sometimes come across certain problems and I’m not just talking about the ‘Virus-type’ Digimon that exist in the digital world, I’m speaking of course about glitches. Famitsu’s online publication has released a couple of screenshots and some general descriptions for two new ‘apparitions’ that will be appearing within the upcoming game’s digital world. The ‘Mysterious Boy’ and the ‘Eater’, both of which are the sources for their own urban legends, are two glitches in the overall digital system said to be the cause of death and/or disappearance for many digital monsters and humans wandering too far down into the depth of the digital world. The ‘Mysterious Boy’, as he’s so blatantly titled, is a ghostly figure that appears before wanderers and essentially signifies their disconnection from the real world …

Tekken 7 Announcement Trailer Unveiled

Published by Frank Inglese

Well who saw this one coming? Probably a great deal of fighting fans in the world who were moreso hoping for a new ‘Tekken’ game rather than simply anticipating. It was announced at this year’s Evolution Championship Series (a.k.a ‘EVO’) that ‘Tekken 7’ is now in development and has been for a little while at this point in time. Alongside the announcement came the teaser trailer for the upcoming fighter which, unfortunately, showed absolutely nothing of the actual game but set up a pretty serious storyline. Now the teaser does happen to feature the words ‘the final battle’ quite close to the end but I’m not so sure this will be the last ‘Tekken’ game. It’s a series that has lasted this long, I highly doubt it is going anywhere anytime soon. The game is supposedly being created through the Unreal Engine 4 which game producer Katsuhiro Harada had a little bit to say about: The power and flexibility means that we can focus our efforts on making Tekken 7 the best possible game without …