Japan’s best developers are betting big on Xbox 360 in 2007 and beyond, as Microsoft announces best-ever holiday entertainment lineup.
Flanked by a who’s who of Japanese gaming luminaries and video game development legends, Takashi Sensui, general manager of the Home and Entertainment Division at Microsoft Co. Ltd., took the stage at the Yebisu Garden Hall during Xbox 360 Briefing 2007 to announce support from some of Japan’s most renowned game developers and unveil an unparalleled lineup of holiday blockbuster hits and exclusives for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system.
Two of Japan’s most celebrated game developers, Tomonobu Itagaki from Team NINJA/Tecmo Ltd. and Hironobu Sakaguchi from Mistwalker, joined Sensui onstage to announce their support for the Xbox 360 platform. Itagaki highlighted the announcement that Team NINJA will develop “NINJA GAIDEN® 2,” the true sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed Xbox® original, exclusively for Xbox 360. Sakaguchi revealed pricing1 and availability for Mistwalker’s upcoming role-playing game (RPG) “Lost Odyssey™,” available Dec. 6, 2007, in Japan, and around the world in early 2008. In addition, representatives from SQUARE ENIX took the stage to discuss two new games for Xbox 360: “INFINITE UNDISCOVERY™” and “THE LAST REMNANT™.”
Japanese Developers Embrace Xbox 360
Ninja Gaiden 2 - Team NINJA
“NINJA GAIDEN 2” is the long-awaited sequel to the platinum-selling Xbox original, where players once again assume the role of Ryu Hayabusa as they guide the ninja hero on a quest to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Team NINJA’s announcement that “NINJA GAIDEN® 2” will be exclusive to Xbox 360 and available worldwide in 2008 provided gamers everywhere with plenty of reason for excitement, and served as yet another example of the blockbuster games being created by Japanese developers exclusively for the platform.
Xbox 360 owners in Japan will be the first to experience the magical world of “Lost Odyssey,” created by Mistwalker/feelplus Inc., and featuring a beautifully told story by Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of the “Final Fantasy” video game franchise. Available Dec. 6, 2007, in Japan, January 2008 in Asia, and February 2008 in North America and Europe, “Lost Odyssey” headlines a lineup of games by Japanese developers for Xbox 360 owners around the world this holiday, including these:
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation - NAMCO BANDAI Games
“Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation” takes players up to the sky and into the heat of realistic air combat with next-generation audio and visual effects and online multiplayer action.2 Available this holiday, only on Xbox 360.
Beautiful Katamari - NAMCO BANDAI Games
Marking the debut of Namco’s beloved ball-rolling puzzle game on a next-generation platform, “Beautiful Katamari,” the fourth installment of the “Katamari” series, features levels of quirkiness, cosmic animations and musical stylings never seen before. Available in October.
Lost Odyssey - Microsoft Game Studios/Mistwalker/feelplus Inc.
Famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi leads a staff of gaming masters to bring a truly next-generation role-playing experience to Xbox 360 in “Lost Odyssey.” Players will be led through a dramatic story of massive scale that features breathtaking visuals and an epic adventure made possible only by the power of Xbox 360. Available Dec. 6, 2007, in Japan, and worldwide in 2008, only on Xbox 360.
This incredible lineup joins many other amazing games from developers around the globe that will be available this holiday in Japan and around the world, including the following:
Assassin’s Creed - Ubisoft Entertainment
“Assassin’s Creed” is the next-generation game developed by Ubisoft that merges technology, game design, theme and emotions into a world where players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and experience the art of a master assassin. Available this November.
Halo 3 - Microsoft Game Studios/Bungie Studios.
In “Halo 3,” the third installment of the landmark “Halo” trilogy and hugely anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed “Halo 2,” people everywhere can take on the role of Master Chief™ and experience Master Chief’s greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind. In this third chapter of the “Halo” trilogy, Master Chief returns to face his greatest challenge as he readies himself for the final battle and seals his place in history. A hero must rise. Believe. Available worldwide, with availability in the United States on Sept. 25 and Japan on Sept. 27, only on Xbox 360.
Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom - Microsoft/Blueside Inc.
Six heroes from the “Kingdom Under Fire” universe fight their way through the Dark Dimension against hordes of demented monsters in a twisted action RPG exclusive to Xbox 360. Coming this winter, “KUF:COD” features seamless four-player co-op2 via Xbox LIVE®, randomly generated maps and nearly infinite weapons combos with unique abilities, enhancements and magical powers for players to learn and master.
Project Gotham Racing 4 - Microsoft Game Studios/Bizarre Creations Ltd.
“Project Gotham Racing 4” will redefine the acclaimed “PGR®” franchise by delivering a unique, exciting racing experience complete with dynamic weather and iconic cars and motorcycles. Available this October, only on Xbox 360.
Viva Piñata: Party Animals - Microsoft Game Studios/Krome Studios Pty. Ltd.
An exciting new party game based on the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive and hit animated TV series, “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” brings back the familiar piñata characters and invites players to compete in more than 40 mini-games against friends at home or over Xbox LIVE.2 Available this holiday season, only on Xbox 360.
“Gamers around the world can look forward to the greatest holiday lineup in video game history,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “We continue to evolve our strong relationships with Japan’s best and most innovative developers, and we’re looking forward to delivering exclusive high-definition titles for consumers worldwide, this year and beyond.”
It’s a beautiful day as the Prince of all Cosmos is back to save the universe on Xbox LIVE® as the first Beautiful Katamari™demo hits Marketplace
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (August 14, 2007) – NAMCO BANDAI Games America announced that they have released the first official Beautiful Katamari™ demo on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network today. The fun and totally addictive demo is available starting today for download and will have Katamari fans spinning with delight as it gives them a sneak peak at what’s to come in Beautiful Katamari when it releases later this Fall on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
“The Beautiful Katamari demo is a perfect introduction to 360 owners as it shows off the game’s brilliant new HD graphics, unique rolling gameplay, and wild and quirky Katamari-styled theme,” Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., said. “The new demo will have the Xbox 360 audience in love with Katamari as soon as they start rolling, guaranteed.”
About Beautiful Katamari
In Beautiful Katamari, take the Prince for a spin in astounding 720p next-gen graphics, that stay true to the quirky yet captivating art direction the series is known for, but glistening with a new coat of paint in high-definition, as the Prince is tasked to roll up bizarre objects in brand new environments. To keep his son inspired, the King of All Cosmos will provide another fresh and memorable soundtrack, that will have players moving and grooving to the beat as they roll through the absurd, yet wonderful world of Beautiful Katamari.
One is a lonely number, but thankfully the Prince can humbly ask the aid of one of his 50 cousins to get the ball rolling through his quest. The cousins have discovered new games to play since last time out, and love to compete with up to three of their friends in VS and co-op modes offline and online over Xbox LIVE®. The Prince and his cousins’ online adventure doesn’t end there as super cool future downloadable content will continue to expand on the amazing world of Beautiful Katamari, long after the game has launched.
For more information about Beautiful Katamari please check out our xbox 360 games database where we will link you to screenshots, trailers, achievement, cheats and all other info about Beautiful Katamari.
Xbox 360 is home to the most exclusives and biggest blockbuster games of 2007.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — July 10, 2007 — On the eve of the E3 Media & Business Summit (E3), against the backdrop of the Santa Monica, Calif., night sky, Microsoft Corp. tonight demonstrated its leadership in interactive entertainment when it showcased an unparalleled lineup of holiday blockbuster hits and exclusives for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. Microsoft delighted a live audience of thousands, and many more watching the live online broadcast, with titles such as the epic finale to the groundbreaking “Halo®” series, “Halo 3”; the successor to the seminal “Grand Theft Auto” franchise, “Grand Theft Auto IV,” featuring exclusive content for Xbox LIVE®; “Madden NFL 08” with stunning high-definition game play; and the widely anticipated “Rock Band,” where players can perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band.
The Best Place to Play the Most Exclusives and Biggest Blockbuster Games of 2007
Xbox 360 is a great place to play the next chapters of “Grand Theft Auto,” “Madden,” and “Halo” — the best-selling franchises of the last generation. In fact, “Halo 3,” “Grand Theft Auto IV” and “Madden NFL 08” are expected to account for one-third of all console new release sales in the U.S. during the second half of the year, according to a recent report by IGN Entertainment’s GamerMetrics. Xbox 360 has an unprecedented lineup of blockbuster titles available by holiday 2007, including these:
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation - (NAMCO BANDAI Games). “Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation” takes players up to the sky and into the heat of realistic air combat with next-generation audio and visual effects and online multiplayer action.* Available this holiday, only on Xbox 360.
Assassin’s Creed - (Ubisoft) “Assassin’s Creed” is the next-generation game developed by Ubisoft that merges technology, game design, theme and emotions into a world where players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and experience the art of a master assassin. Available this November.
Beautiful Katamari - (NAMCO BANDAI Games) Marking the debut of Namco’s beloved ball-rolling puzzle game on a next-generation platform, “Beautiful Katamari,” the fourth installment of the “Katamari” series, features levels of quirkiness, cosmic animations and musical stylings never seen before. Available this October.
BioShock - (2K Games). “BioShock” is the “genetically enhanced” first-person shooter set in the ruined undersea metropolis of Rapture. The game includes a great deal of interactive environments and player-driven choices, called emergent gameplay. Available this August, only on Xbox 360 and Windows®.
Blue Dragon - (Mistwalker/Artoon Co. Ltd.) Featuring the character design of Akira Toriyama, who designed “Dragon Ball Z,” and music by Nobuo Uematsu, the composer for “Final Fantasy,” “Blue Dragon™” is an epic role-playing game (RPG) centered on a young boy named Shu and several of his friends. Available Aug. 28, only on Xbox 360.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - (Activision). The new action thriller from the award-winning team at Infinity Ward Inc., “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” delivers the most intense and cinematic action experience ever. The epic title also delivers an added depth of multiplayer action providing online fans an all-new community of persistence, addictive and customizable gameplay. Available this fall.
Grand Theft Auto IV - (Rockstar Games) “Grand Theft Auto IV” is the next chapter of the award-winning “Grand Theft Auto” franchise, available Oct.16. “Grand Theft Auto IV” will feature episodic content through Xbox LIVE exclusive to Xbox 360.
Guitar Hero III™: Legends of Rock - (RedOctane/Activision). Fire up the fret board, crank up the amp and get ready to rock out on the new wireless Les Paul guitar controllers. “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” includes star-studded tracks by such legendary artists as Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Muse and Pearl Jam. Available this fall.
Halo 3 - (Bungie Studios) The epic saga continues with “Halo 3,” the hugely anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed “Halo 2.” The epic saga continues with Halo 3, the hugely anticipated sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Available Sept. 25, only on Xbox 360.
Madden NFL 08 - (Electronic Arts Inc.) EA’s unstoppable football franchise "Madden NFL 08" returns for the ’08 season in Hall of Fame fashion, featuring new players, modes, rosters and rewards to create the ultimate touchdown for pigskin fans. Available this August.
Mass Effect - (BioWare Corp.) An epic science-fiction action and role-playing game, “Mass Effect” will deliver an immersive, story-driven experience presented in a cinematic style with high production values. Available this holiday season, only on Xbox 360.
Naruto: Rise of a Ninja - (Ubisoft) Relive the hit anime and manga and experience Naruto’s transformation from noisy ninja-academy dropout to respected ninja. "Naruto: Rise of a Ninja" is available in October, only on Xbox 360.
Project Gotham Racing 4 - (Bizarre Creations Ltd.) “Project Gotham Racing® 4” will redefine the acclaimed “PGR®” franchise by delivering a unique, exciting racing experience complete with motorcycles and cars. Available this September, only on Xbox 360.
NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES THE BRILLIANT RETURN OF KATAMARI ROLLING OUT IN HD AND ONLINE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN BEAUTIFUL KATAMARI™
Katamari is Back and Ready to Roll, Next-Gen Style, on the Xbox 360™ and PLAYSTATION®3 system
Santa Clara, Calif., April 20, 2007 – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that The King of All Cosmos, everyone’s favorite pint-sized Prince, and the whole wacky and wild Katamari crew will be making their hilarious next generation debut in Beautiful Katamari™ for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft later this year. The newest installment in the insanely popular and highly captivating Katamari series will be rolling into the next generation world with Katamari-style quirky and unique high-definition graphics, an unforgettable new soundtrack, and a new online multiplayer feature that will have old and new players alike spinning when the title hits store shelves.
Experience the new high-definition, next generation sights and sounds of Beautiful Katamari™ as the Prince takes on a new high-rolling adventure, with his famous cousins in tow, to save the Katamari universe once again after the King of All Cosmos has a very un-royal and unfortunate accident. As usual, the King of All Cosmos demands the service of his son, the Prince, to roll anything and everything up into massive clumps and set things right, bringing harmony once again to the Katamari Cosmos.
Take the Prince for a spin in astounding 720p next-gen graphics, that stay true to the quirky yet captivating art direction the series is known for, but glistening with a new coat of paint in high-definition, as the Prince is tasked to roll up bizarre objects in brand new environments. To keep his son inspired, the King of All Cosmos will provide another fresh and memorable soundtrack that will have players moving and grooving to the beat as they roll through the absurd, yet wonderful world of Beautiful Katamari.
One is a lonely number, but thankfully the Prince can humbly ask the aid of over 50 of his cousins to get the ball rolling through his quest. The cousins have discovered new games to play since last time out, and love to compete with friends in multiplayer Katamari rolling games either together or online over Xbox Live® and the PLAYSTATION® Network. The Prince and his cousins’ online adventure won’t end there as a variety of future downloadable content will become available, continuing to expand on the amazing world of Beautiful Katamari, long after the game has launched. More online features will be rolled out at a later date.
According to some rumors floating around and landing in our inbox, we are to believe that Namco are going to release sequels to three popular franchises on the Xbox 360 soon. Katamari Damacy will be followed up with a title named "Beautiful Katamari Damacy", Ace Combat will bring "Ace Combat 6" and the Warhammer based game "Warhammer; Mark of Chaos" will see it's debut on the Xbox 360 later this year. Namco have released a couple great titles thus far on the console, and have two very promising titles coming soon, "Eternal Sonata" and "Culdcept Saga".
The rumor states that a Blockbuster Employee took a picture of the upcoming games database and these titles were listed as coming out soon. It's hard to believe just anything but with the power of the Xbox 360 and the ease of porting from the PC (in the case of Warhammer) it wouldn't be very far fetched to think that this rumor could be true. We are waiting for official confirmation though.
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