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Konami shows off their E3 spread, from DDR to PES

by: Randy - posted: 6/3/2009 1:25:00 AM
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Konami released their full game list for E3.  They've got stuff spanning all current platforms, with a breadth of genres covering them.
  • DanceDanceRevolution -- I'm rather confused by this announcement, since no fewer than six billion iterations of DDR exist on every platform known to man already.
  • Karaoke Revolution -- Fifty new master tracks, sixteen venues, online modes.
  • Saw -- Defeat Jigsaw's brutal survival-horror traps.
  • Silent Hill: Shattered Memories -- The series' debut on the Wii.  The Wii Remote is used as a flashlight and cell phone.
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 -- "Vastly improved" graphics; "mature skill and vision" is required to create space and scoring opportunities.
  • Zephyr: Rise of the Elementals -- You don't "harness" the power of a raging tornado.  You are the raging tornado.
  • Ant Nation -- Magnifying ants in an ant farm.  You know, to make them tougher.
  • Magician's Quest Mysterious Times -- Become the greatest magician of all time, in a world where "time flows as it doese in the real world"?
  • Puzzle Chronicles -- Rise up from prisoner to usurper of the Asharin Empire's throne.
  • Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers -- It's like 3D plus 2D.
  • Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment -- All new downloadable (360, PS3) RPG; enlist to fight "for peace -- and revenge."  Both?  Such dichotomy!
  • WireWay -- Flip, rub, and draw your way through levels as an alien left behind by the mothership.
  • Zombie Apocalypse -- A dual-analog shooter; Left 4 XBLA and PSN.
KONAMI ANNOUNCES DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE LINEUP AT ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO 2009

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Konami Reinforces its Position as an
Industry Leader

LOS ANGELES - Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Booth #2401 - June 1, 2009 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., revealed its blockbuster product lineup for the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. In celebration of the company's 40th anniversary, Konami will showcase more than 10 titles for all platforms - including the Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)   - at this year's event, as it reinforces its position as an industry leader and trend-setter.

Featuring video game titles across all skill levels, genres, and age groups, Konami continues to set new standards in the video game industry. The company will release new additions to some of its most renowned franchises along with original IP - including two more releases from its ever- growing slate of products based on Hollywood franchises.

"This year we have video game brands that will appeal to every type of gamer no matter what console they own or skill level they possess," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.  "Konami's 2009 lineup features new additions to some of the biggest franchises in the history of gaming. These titles, combined with our new original IPs and unique downloadable content, comprise what is certain to be the most diverse and progressive lineup we have ever delivered."

Below is additional information on Konami's E3 2009 titles (listed by genre):

MUSIC/RHYTHM:

DanceDanceRevolution
Release date: Q4 2009
Platform(s): Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Wii™, PlayStation®2

Taking the revolution to another level!  DanceDanceRevolution enhances the entire series' across all platforms! DanceDanceRevolution is sure to be the life of the party and get you into shape with outrageous multiplayer fun, huge smash hit soundtrack, entirely new modes and more!  There is now a DanceDanceRevolution for everyone! And after more than a decade as one of the most popular franchises in the music genre, DanceDanceRevolution has transcended from a video game into a pop culture icon.

Karaoke Revolution™
Release date: November 2009
Platform(s): Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Wii™

Karaoke Revolution® returns with an all-new lineup of music, characters, and venues!  Get the party started with friends or perform solo and rise to the top of the charts.  Sing to 50 new master tracks, choose from 16 different venues, and enjoy online modes (Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3) with your friends.  Tailor your game experience with customizable characters, wild outfits and accessories, and create your own custom venues!  Keep the party going with a fresh new selection of downloadable master tracks (Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3).


SURVIVAL HORROR:

Saw
Release Date: October 2009
Platform(s): Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Windows PC

Jigsaw has killed your partner and destroyed your life.  Now he has trapped you in an abandoned insane asylum that he alone controls.  If you can defeat his brutal traps and survive, you may just discover the truth behind what drives this twisted serial killer. SAW is a third-person perspective, survival horror game based on Lionsgate's highly successful SAW film franchise, which has grossed more than $665M worldwide and sold more than 28 million DVDs.  The game features many of the deadly mechanical traps seen in the film, as well as terrifying new ones.  Players will pit their wits against Jigsaw as they navigate his world in an attempt to evade and escape his gruesome traps, while also struggling against his minions in brutal combat by using weapons found within the environment.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Release Date: Fall 2009
Platform(s): Wii™, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)

Shattered Memories marks Silent Hill's debut on the Nintendo Wii where the fear is more real than ever before.  Players will be drawn into the mysterious town using the Wii Remote as a flashlight and a cell phone as they search for clues.  Also available on the PS2 and PSP, Shattered Memories promises to be more terrifying than ever. The choices the players make will shape Harry Mason, as well as the people he meets and the places he visits.  The enemies evolve as well, taking the form of the player's deepest fears.  


SPORTS:

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010
Release date: Q4 2009
Platform(s): Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Windows PC  

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 (PES 2010) will include the biggest set of new features in franchise history. PES 2010 focuses on enhancing the excitement of matches between players, making for a truly challenging experience that will constantly test the player. While the graphics have been vastly improved, at the center of PES 2010 is a lifelike representation of the pace and skill of top-level soccer. The PES Productions team has recreated the pace and tactical approach of a top-flight soccer match, with mature skill and vision needed to create space and scoring opportunities, making easy goals a thing of the past. To further the realistic gaming experience, Konami implemented an all-new tactical system called 'Power Gauge', which features an easy-to-use sliding bar system with several categories; half for defense, and the other half for attacking play. Each category allows users to easily change their overall style of play, and adopt strategies related to support for the player in possession, how often players change position, and the pressure put on the opposition when they have the ball.


ACTION/PLATFORMER:

Zephyr: Rise of the Elementals
Release date: Q4 2009
Platform(s): Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Wii™   
Harness the power of a raging tornado and battle the forces of evil in an effort to save the world!
Sinister forces have deceived players to believe that their destructive behavior will save an epic hero.  In reality, they're working for evil.  Players must take control of a dynamic tornado to tear through open environments, chew up the landscape and spit out everything in the way.  The more destruction, the bigger the tornado grows. Work against time based, collection and point challenge, players search for hidden elements and enemies from another world. As the debris flies and the trail of destruction is left behind, players must battle bosses and defeat the forces of evil.


CASUAL GAMING:

Ant Nation™
Release date: Summer 2009
Platform(s): Nintendo DS™, WiiWare™

The beloved childhood pastime of lazy Sundays spent with a magnifying glass and an ant farm finally arrives on the DS in this challenging and addictive strategy simulation that trains the ant minions - as well as your brain - through the use of the Nintendo DS stylus.  Players must zap, tap, and manipulate the ants to make them tough enough to survive a variety of harsh environments and strong enough to defend the planet against evil alien robot insect invaders! It's up to you to build the best Ant Nation!

Magician's Quest Mysterious Times
Release Date: Available Now
Platform: Nintendo DS™

Become the greatest magician of all time by solving mysteries and traveling through an epic adventure in the most immersive simulation game on DS.
As players attend Magic Academy, they'll be immersed in a living, breathing world where time flows as it does in the real world, and each week, player's wizardry skills are put to the test in a new magical adventure. Custom avatars can be made with 1,500 varieties of clothing, furniture and characters to choose from.  Additionally, players can learn new magic spells and abilities by forming different bonds with the 150 unique characters populating the world.  Different stories and adventures will be revealed depending on what bonds are formed with the game's characters and how the player chooses to solve each of the 52 adventures.  Use more than 100 magic spells to become the greatest magician of all time!

Puzzle Chronicles
Release date: Q4 2009
Platform(s): PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DS
Downloadable: PLAYSTATION®Network, Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Windows PC

In the savage lands of the Asharin Empire, the tribesmen have been captured by the King. After acquiring his freedom it is up to the player to gain vengeance for the tribesmen, no matter what the cost.  To exact revenge, the player will need to become a great warrior capable of toppling an empire by mastering the puzzle based combat system in this Puzzle RPG of legendary proportions.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers
Release date: Available Now
Platform(s): Wii™

A new era has dawned and Yu-Gi-Oh! returns with a fast paced twist on card dueling.  Yusei Fudo and Jack Atlus are the hottest new duelists in Neo Domino City and have taken dueling to the streets in a hot new motor-sport called "Wheelie Breakers" that combines traditional card dueling with D Wheel racing.  Players climb upon their D Wheel motorcycles and summon monsters from their decks to battle each other as they race around the track.  Their monsters use unique attack powers to try and keep other riders from completing the race.  By defeating a rider you steal his summoned monsters and add them to your deck.  This is a no holds barred battle for track supremacy in a combination of wheel and deal!


Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009
Release Date: Available Now
Platform(s): Nintendo DS™

Yu-Gi-Oh! Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 is the most robust offering in the World Championship franchise to date! The game provides more than 2,800 playable 5D's cards in 3D environments.  Players can choose to travel through 5D's Story Mode to duel in fun mini games with characters from the all new TV animation, collect cards and compete in multiple battles, including Turbo Duel racing.  Also included is the all-new World Championship Mode where players can polish their trading card game strategies and tactics in single player battles or multiplayer duels via Wi-Fi connect.  

Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment
Release Date: Q4 2009
Downloadable: PLAYSTATION®Network, Xbox LIVE® Arcade

Konami's legendary tactical RPG series returns with the all-new Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment for Xbox LIVE® Arcade and PLAYSTATION®Network! On the continent of Sostegaria, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. In a small town on their border is a simple church orphanage, home to young Tobias Martin.  Caught in the tide of battle, Tobias and his comrades enlist to fight for peace - and revenge. But they face an unstoppable warrior, who wields the almighty Flames of Judgment, and who will let no one stand in his way.

WireWay
Release Date: Fall 2009
Platform(s): Nintendo DS™

Introducing the lovable, yet trouble making alien who has been left by his ship. He needs to flip, rub and draw his way through dynamic levels, avoiding enemies trying to foil his way home. Bringing a whole new fun type of game play to the Nintendo DS™, players launch the character with the wire to help him reach his goal while overcoming the crazy obstacles and enemies that get in his way! Benefit from no time limits or dangerous enemies. Mistakes don't affect your lifeline!

Zombie Apocalypse
Release date: Q2 2009
Downloadable: PLAYSTATION®Network, Xbox LIVE® Arcade

As the zombie infection spreads uncontrollably and the undead outnumber humans, a small band of heavily equipped gunslingers are out to destroy as many zombies as they can and try to save any of the remaining survivors.  Up to four players can try and stop the zombie apocalypse with an arsenal of deadly weapons, such as an assault rifle, flame thrower, grenade launcher, and when ammo is low a chainsaw will be your last line of defense against becoming one of the undead.

This action packed, arcade-style shooter will test your dual analog stick shooting skills and ability to survive 55 days of relentless zombie attacks.

For more information, please visit: www.konami.com.


About Konami
Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.

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