NAMCO BANDAI’S Q4 LINE-UP 3DS RANGE
Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions Formats: 3DS
Released: August 26th Dual Pen Sports Formats:3DS
Released: September 2nd Angler’s Club: Ultimate Bass Fishing 3D Formats: 3DS
Released: September 30th
A TRIO of 3DS titles further the publisher’s support for Nintendo’s new handheld. Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensionsis the latest title to draw on the company’s
extensive back-catalogue. In addition to updated versions of the two classic games, this compilation also features new takes on their gameplay, such as the motion-sensitive Pac-Man Tilt.
Dual Pen Sportsis a collection of sports-themed mini-games that require, as the title suggests, two stylus pens. You can find out more about this title on page 62. Finally, Angler’s Club recreates the most tranquil of pastimes, using the 3DS’ unique display to render lush environments.
ACE COMBAT: ASSAULT HORIZON
Formats: 360, PS3, PC Released: October 14th
THIS IS the big one. The advance guard of Namco Bandai’s Q4 assault, and one that’ll swoop in at breakneck speeds with enough sidewinder missiles to fulfil any Top Gunfantasies. While there are still plenty of hardcore options for flight enthusiasts, Ace Combat: Assault Horizonhas been made more accessible to Western action fans thanks to the Close Range Assault mechanic. Once gamers have an enemy in their sights, the camera zooms in so they can enjoy the destruction up close. The cinematic nature of this device – plus the spewing oil and metal shrapnel that flies through the air – is sure to appeal to a broader audience, but Namco Bandai isn’t resting on its laurels.
TALES OF THE ABYSS
Formats: 3DS Released: 2011
PROOF OF Namco Bandai’s continuing efforts to bring beloved Japanese franchises to UK consumers, Tales of the Abyssis one of two Talesgames in the works.
Abyssis the first instalment in the cult JRPG series to be released for 3DS and is a fresh take on the PS2 title that was never released in the UK. The game’s twisting plot is sure to whet fans’ appetites before PS3 title Tales of Graces Farrives in 2012.
2012 AND BEYOND
ALL OF THESE TITLES are just the icing on the Christmas cake. Namco has plenty of big titles due for release next year, starting with its latest new IP, Inversion. That’s not to say there
won’t be plenty from the firm’s biggest franchises. The publisher is taking its flagship racer in a new direction with Ridge Racer Unbounded, the Soul Caliburseries returns and a new Ace Combatwill take flight on 3DS.
Also due early next year
“We definitely have a challenge when it comes to Ace Combatbecause the genre isn’t as popular as driving and FPS games,” says marketing boss Lee Kirton. “But it’s a third-person shooter, no matter what way you look at it. “We want to break the
Western market and the aerial combat sector. Call of Duty broke the FPS market – it
took it from a 100,000 unit seller to a 5m unit seller. I’m not saying Ace Combatwill do the same, but wouldn’t it be nice to see a complete change in the air combat genre? And this is the time to do it.” Like Dark Souls, Ace Combat: Assault Horizonwill have a Day One edition, which includes a soundtrack, art book and more at no extra cost.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA IMPACT Formats: PSP
Released: October 21st
THE LATEST entry in the Narutoseries, Ultimate Ninja Impact throws players into battles against dark forces. Only by honing the powers of the titular ninja-in-training and the spirit of the nine-tailed demon fox that dwells within him can they hope to master his stunning special attacks.
40 August 12th 2011
www.mcvuk.com
are two Victorioustitles based on the hit Nickelodeon series. The show’s star Victoria Justice is billed by many as the next Hannah Montana and the IP is expected to take the UK young girls’ market by storm in 2012. Finally, Namco Bandai is working on a Ridge Racer title for PlayStation Vita and a Tekkengame for Wii U.
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