When Midway went bankrupt last year, Warner Bros. paid $49 million for most of the Mortal Kombat publisher’s assets. Not included in the deal were some of its studio locations, the TNA wrestling license, and apparently the Hydro Thunder speedboat racing franchise.

Independent studio Vector Unit announced that it was developing Hydro Thunder Hurricane for Xbox Live Arcade, a sequel to the original 1999 arcade hit. The original Hydro Thunder quickly found its way into gamers’ homes, as Midway had a Dreamcast port ready for that system’s September 1999 launch and produced Nintendo 64 and original PlayStation editions the following year.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane will feature new levels, speedboats, water physics, and cooperative as well as competitive multiplayer modes. Following its billing as a full-pledged to the arcade original. The developers are including online races for up to eight players, with split-screen support for four gamers. The game’s races will be set across eight “theme park” worlds with some over-the-top trackside obstacles, including distractions like a giant warhammer-wielding Viking and a sea serpent threatening to sink players’ chances of finishing first.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, hydro thunder hurricane forecast for xbox live arcade games, midway arcade speedboat racing, news

After a long time of yelling about vengeance, Kratos is finally on the verge of getting it. God of War III hits Playstation 3 this week after years of anticipation. However, the Ghost of Sparta isn’t the only draw in what is shaping up to be a huge week at retailers.

Just before God of War III debuts, retailers will welcome the latest extension in Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise. The new DS game launches Sunday, and will be available in HeartGold and SoulSilver versions. Each edition comes with a Pokewalker pedometer, allowing players to level up their combative pets even when they’re not playing.

Another renowned franchise receiving a new installment this week is Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight as it launches for the PC. Billed as the conclusion to the series’ “Tiberium Saga,” the game features different campaigns for the Global Defense Initiative and Brotherhood of Nod factions, with each faction playable in solo or cooperative modes. It also features a five-versus-five, objective-based online multiplayer mode.

Other familiar franchises with releases this week include Dragon Age and Perfect Dark. Last year’s hit Dragon Age: Origins will receive its first retail expansion in the form of Awakening, while Rare’s original Nintendo 64 shooter is being re-released on Xbox Live Arcade with a high-definition facelift courtesy of 4J Studios.

Not every major game launch of the week comes from an established series. THQ and 4a Games are launching the post-apocalyptic survival shooter role-playing game Metro 2033 on the PC and Xbox 360. Also, Sega is rolling the dice with new RPG and strategy titles, as Resonance of Fate heads to the Xbox 360 and PS3, while Infinite Space comes to the DS. The former is set in a steam punk world and developed by Star Ocean studio Tri-Ace, while the latter is the latest fruit of Sega’s partnership with Bayonetta and MadWorld developer PlatinumGames.

The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later in the week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

March 14, 2010

Pokemon HeartGold–DS–Nintendo Pokemon SoulSilver–DS–Nintendo

March 15, 2010

Rage of the Gladiator–Wii–Ghostfire Games Triple Shot Sports–Wii–The Code Monkeys 101 MiniGolf World–DS–Teyon

March 16, 2010

God of War III–PS3–Sony Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight–PC–Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening–360,PS3, PC–Electronic Arts Metro 2033–360PC–THQ Resonance of Fate–360, PS3–Sega Infinite Space–DS–Sega Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon–WII–Xseed Games T.A.C. Heroes: Big Red One–DS–Storm City Games Hidden Mysteries: Buckingham Palace–DS–Activision Sonny With a Chance–DS–Disney Family Gameshow–WII–Zushi Games Ltd

March 17, 2010

Perfect Dark–360–Microsoft Hall of Fame Ultimate Hoops Challenge–Wii–Zoo Games

March 19, 2010

Mount & Blade: Warband–PC–Paradox Interactive

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, command and conquer, God of war, new release installment, nintendo sega, video games

Release Date Nov 26, 2009

Language English, Japanese

Genre Shooting

Version Japan

Mushihimesama Futari Version 1.5 is one of the latest arcade ports of Xbox 360. If you can spare some cash to purchase the game price of $ 74.90 then what are you waiting for? Go ahead and order Mushihimesama Futari HERE..

Read on to know why this shooter deserves your money and attention.

If you have played a Cave shooter like DoDonPachi before, you wouldn’t be sure what to expect. The shmup earns good reviews but is only validated once you played the game.

The insect-themed Mushihimesama Futari, means “together with the bug princess, allows you to choose either of the two characters: Reco, the cute, purple-haired girl, or Palm, the little, dragon boy. The characters play almost identical except their movement types are quite the opposite based on your selection of normal or abnormal shot type.

The first thing you will notice when you actually started playing is how tight the controls were. It feels so right when you glide through the air and dodge enemy fire. The thing that separates great shooters from the rest of the average shooter are how well-designed the patterns are. Things maybe daunting at he start of MushiFutari but continued play will uncover passage ways designed in the patterns. It is a matter of some trial and error so don’t lose hope when you fail at the first try.

There’s only two buttons in game play, shoot and bomb. However, if you tap the shot button you get a spread shot that covers the screen. If you hold shot then you get a concentrated laser. It also depends on which character you choose to play along with the play style you choose. Holding down the shot button will either make your player slow down or speed up when you tap the button.

Earn multi colored gems when shooting down enemies can be collected to increase your score. Wisely choose the right time to use an appropriate attack which will yield more gems and larger-sized gems.

Mushihime-Sama Futari: Reco PVC Figure 1/7 Scale

Speaking of visual appeal, the game is stunning. Beware of getting distracted from the beautiful background scenery and fantastic animations. There is no obvious way to tell you’ve been hit when bullets come in the flavor of bright purple projectiles when the scenery just look breath-taking.

The music is also a high point. Sure it’s standard Japanese techno-pop, but damn if it isn’t catchy as hell. And it definitely has that old-school flavor.

You get your money’s worth with the number of modes available. You have two modes to choose from: 1.5 and Arrange.

The first mode 1.5 offers 3 challenges namely Original, Maniac, and Ultra. However, these aren’t just difficulty levels. Every mode offers a new scoring method and way of playing the game. In the Original mode, your rank increases based on how well you do in each stage. It will also determine the speed and density of bullet patterns in later stages. Maniac offers a counter that keep track of your multiplier that will affect the number of gems dropped by your enemies depending on how high the number is. Ultra mode and Original are scored in the same way. The rain of death coming down on you at this point is enormous. Before you begin playing in this mode, a warning pops out of the screen to ask if you won’t mind being murdered every second. Your answer will be a definite “yes” of course.

See a unique twist from the original game on the Arrange mode. In this mode, you control both Reco and Palm. One character serves as a shield while the other acts as an offense. You can choose to let bullets slow down around your characters by tapping the shot button. When you hold down shot the bullets, they will deflect back at enemies. The number and size of the gems are available only after the bullets are deflected. Thus, the more bullets you “collect” by tapping shot the greater number and size of your gems. You’ll need to strategically switch between characters to recharge your shields.

Now we go to Black Label which weakness is being an on-disc DLC. It is possible that Cave placed the option on the main menu and when clicked, takes you to Xbox Live. We can’t help but think that what we paid is only to get the download code to unlock the mode.

The lucky few shooter fans who got the first-press copies of the game came with a DLC code lets them download Ver. 1.01. Version 1.01 is a tweaked version of the very first arcade version of the game. It offers a pretty good challenge since it came before the more manageable Ver. 1.5. But don’t let this fool you. This version is equally tough to play too. The Novice mode can even make the bullets difficult to slow down. Of course, that’s the beauty of shmup. You play them over and over and memorizing the patterns so you finally get the feeling of accomplishment when you successfully 1cc original and proceed advanced modes with higher difficulties.

Mushihimesama Futari is one of the best shmups out there in the market. A perfectly designed, meticulously detailed, and a very absorbing shmup that you can lay your hands on. Don’t wait any longer and play this lovely shmup!

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, cave, dodonpachi, Mushihimesama Futari, review, shmup, video game

Safari Studios released their Xbox Indie Arcade named Creed Arena. The game is filled with 16 arenas and unique game feature that involve winning over the fight crowds.

Play your way in arena battles set in gladiatorial fashion. You have various ways to play the game either solo, split-screen co-op, online multiplayer and even split-screen online multiplayer. Multiplayer feature is not always available for Xbox Indie titles.

Try out the demo and try out the Live Multiplayer game mode if you’re impressed enough to buy the game.

Snag this baby for 400 Microsoft point.

Read the full press release below.

Sydney, Australia – January 03, 2010 – Indie developer Safari Studios has just released Creed Arena onto XBOX Live Indie Games, a dazzling new shooter with some unique game mechanics.

In just 3 days of sales, Creed Arena has already surpassed many other games on the channel. XBOX shooter fans from around the world are hailing Creed Arena as the best indie shooter around.

Fetatures include:

• 16 unique arenas, each with a different challenge

• Solo Championship – become the most popular gladiator in the tournament

• Splitscreen Co-op – play through the game with a friend

• Online Multiplayer – try to get to the top of the global popularity chart

• Splitscreen Online Multiplayer – 2 people can play online together

About Creed Arena

Fight other gladiators infront of thousands of spectators. Become the most popular fighter in the tournament. Win enough fans to unleash your “crowd rage”, an intense rampage that makes you bigger, faster and more powerful. Unique weapons, 16 arenas, and intense action in solo, co-op and online muliplayer.

About Safari Studios

Safari Studios is a two man indie development team based in Sydney, Australia. Matthew and Laurence Rietdijk have been developing XBOX games for 2 years now, and one a top 20 position in Microsoft’s most recent Dream Build Play competition.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, creed arena, indie shooter, Safari Studios, Shmups, video game, xbox live arcade

The game play of MiniSquadron is set as an arcade type. Flip 360 degrees, twist, dive, and shoot your way to win! Gain advantage from enemies by collecting lups and special stars. Other physics based elements of the game include your plane that can stall and fall if the plane is flown either too high or hit by the enemy. The tip is to keep your plane’s head down and dive as you fall then you can still regain control and fly upwards to prevent a crash.

The single player game has 8 stages. Each stage has 12 waves of enemy aircrafts to defeat. Enemies are in forms of propeller planes, bombers, and jet fighters, to UFO’s. The enemies are equipped with cannons, homing missiles, spray bombs, and even lasers. As players progress through the various stages, expect to unlock up to 56 aircrafts. These aircrafts provide players with more powerful weapons and faster aircrafts. Players need to meet certain requirements to access the aircrafts. The aircrafts are unlocked only when players achieved a certain score during a wave during a particular stage. Know the requirements on how to unlock an aircraft by tapping it. They can be unlocked when they have achieved a certain score during a wave at a certain stage.

Mini Squadron delivers well-done graphics and music. It brings the classic cartoon-styled 2D shooter to life although it is nothing amazing. The aircrafts have a unique look to them together with their fluid animations. The symphony classical music in the background fits perfectly to the aerial action in an odd way.

Players can manipulate the aircrafts all with the use of a virtual control pad. The controls are fairly simple and responsive. In default mode, the plane will fly straight. Flip your plane into 360 degrees by drawing a circle on the virtual control pad. This feature makes it easier to maneuver to the tail of enemy aircrafts.

The aerial combat action can be intense, especially when going against more than 10 enemy aircrafts during a wave. Dodging bullets and missiles and maneuvering to finish those pesky enemy jets can be really fun. Given that the game rewards you extra score for defeating enemies without taking a hit, any seasoned MiniSquadron player should aim to achieve the highest score.

One of the weaknesses of MiniSquadron is the lack of online high scores and achievements feature that other iPhone games has. It would be great to see how your top score rank in the world. The multiplayer mode in MiniSquadron is only available on local network connection. If MiniSquadron permits global online multi-player then this game would be perfect. It would be really fun to challenge 10 other players to a fight to the finish.

MiniSquadron is a great 2D shooter. Players will enjoy a fun, aerial combat experience thanks to its intense game play. With over 50 aircrafts to unlock and master, the game has a high replay value. It is definitely a must-own game for any fans of classic 2D shooters.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, minisquadron iphone game, review, shmup, video game

Thanks to IGN for this great find.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, christmas gift ideas, holiday buyer's guide 2009, video games, xbox 360

Gamekiss, the Online PC game portal, announces the official website launch of its brand-new title Valkyrie Sky. Gamekiss officially names its own genre called “Arcade Shooting MMORPG“.

Valkyrie Sky is a RPG based on the Norse mythology. It incorporates the game play of old-school games like “Galaga“, more similarly, the Touhou game franchise. The MMORPG combines shooting-the best genre of the arcade platform-and MMORPG, a popular online platform, into one.

Experience the thrill of player vs. player (PvP) and battle for occupation of the World Map through the structure of two realms. You are sure to find latest features of the life system in MMORPG including fishing, cooking, playing music and auctioning as added amusement to the arcade shooting genre.

Players can select from 4 different jobs: “Swordsman“, “Bowman“, “Magician” and “Summoner“. Choose from a total of 12 different classes of each character having three different class progressions. Each character class has an important role in the party, such as tanking for the swordsman class and nuker role for magicians.

The first official CBT of Valkyrie Sky will be launched from www.gamekiss.com on October 21st 2009.

More details can be found at valkyriesky.gamekiss.com.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, : valkyrie sky, arcade shooting, closed beta testing October 21, Gamekiss, mmorpg

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, : valkyrie sky, schedule, video games, warrior of valkyrie sky registration

The sequel has the force of Earth, Bydo Empire, and Granzela army locked in a hex grid war.

R-Type Command sequel is coming at you on October 27 to Japanese retailers. Irem is preparing a downloadable version scheduled to come out on the same day. A boxed copy is priced 5,040 yen ($53) while the downloadable release goes for 3,800 yen ($40).

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, irem, new release, r-type tactics II operation bitter chocolate, shmup

The evil empire is rushing at light-speed across the galaxies, heading towards Mother Earth. Barely 24 hours ago, they penetrated the last defense line of our galaxy, the Arsion Laser Belt. Millions of innocent people perished in outer space colonies. 70% of our fleet was destroyed during first contact. Our intelligence has now extrapolated their arrival within six days. Conventional weapons cannot stop them. Our last hope is in your hands: The Z-42 Warpstar. Warp into their territories and destroy their leader before they reach Earth.

Game Features

Pink Bullets is a tactical shooting game with impressive visuals and excellent arcade game play.

All Versions
• Free 360° rotary protection unit for shooting and dodging enemy fire
• Six stages
• Handdrawn NEO•GEO style backgrounds
• Fully animated CGI enemies
• Superb video game style soundtrack
• Constant 60 fps with up to 4 parallax layers
• Lighting FX
• Smooth plasma FX

Pink Bullets specific features

• Six credits and instant respawn during one credit
• Higher player ship speed from beginning
• Players ship does permanently equip the Rotary Protection Unit
• Protection unit itself can destroy enemies
• Five difficulty settings
• Overall less hard difficulty
• Altered stage color theme for higher Visibility
• Advanced scoring system, with beam chaining multiplier/combo meter
• Pink enemy bullets

This is not officially licensed, designed, manufactured, distributed or endorsed by SNK/Playmore corp. of Japan or SEGA Corporation.

Order your copy of Pink Bullets here.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, august 2009, new release, pink bullets last hope, shmup, video games