Namco announces 2 new XBLA titles [UPDATE]
After releasing a slew of classic Arcade titles, Namco looks like having a new aproach to the XBLA service. 
In what can be the best game announcement for XBLA since Rez HD and Ikaruga, Namco revealed that Soul Calibur (!!!!) and a new twin-stick shooter called Infinitum will be coming to XBLA this Summer.
Soul Calibur is a series of weapon based fighters that started on the Dreamcast (actually the series started with Soul Edge on the PS1), being considered one of the best fighters ever made (and the highest rated console fighter ever). July 29th is the expected release date of the new title of the series, Soul Calibur IV, so I think it's safe to say that Soul Calibur XBLA will arrive around that time. The XBLA version will feature HD graphics but unfortunately no online play (maybe no online play is better than awful online play) Btw, Soul Calibur will be XBLA exclusive, maybe because PSN already has Tekken.
The other Namco title, Infinitum is a twin-stick shooter in the vein of Geometry Wars and the upcoming Schizoid, in Infinitum your ship will grow as you kill enemies "revealing even more massive and powerful enemies that were previously too large to see".
I have to say I was caught off-guard by this announcement, although Inifinitum just looks like another twin-stick shooter, Soul Calibur is a personal favorite and is very high in my list of gaming priorities.
UPDATE: Infinitum is now known as PowerUp Forever, thanks VanIslePimp
Press release after the jump:
Santa Clara, Calif., (April 16, 2008) – Leading video game publisher and developer, NAMCO BANDAI Games, announced today their summer lineup of titles for Xbox Live® Arcade for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system’s PLAYSTATION® Network. Infinitum, a space arcade shooter with literally no bounds will be coming to Xbox LIVE and the PLAYSTATION Network. Soulcalibur®, the highest rated fighting game of all time, will be available on Xbox LIVE. The titles reinforce NAMCO BANDAI Games’ commitment to being a market leader and innovator in interactive entertainment.
“Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PLAYSTATION Network give us a unique opportunity to bring old classics and new, unique concepts to our consumers,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Digital distribution will continue to be an integral part of the company’s initiative to bring world class interactive entertainment to fans around the world.”
Below is more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games’ forthcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade and PLAYSTATION Network games:
Infinitum
Release Date: Summer 2008Platform: Xbox LIVE Arcade, PLAYSTATION Network
Get ready for high-octane, shooting action with Infinitum. Space and time are irrelevant in your search for evil forces as you fight a relentless horde of enemies across an endless spatial battlefield. Destroying elite enemies allows you to absorb their energy, transforming your ship’s size, shape and power. As your ship evolves and grows your world and its enemies shrink to insignificance, revealing even more massive and powerful enemies that were previously too large to see.
Soulcalibur
Release Date: Summer 2008Platform: Xbox LIVE Arcade
The highest rated console fighting game ever is back again for a new generation! Sharpen your blades and relive old grudges against classic adversaries in high definition. Prove your mettle against the world with a variety of leaderboards spanning every character and mode. Match your wits and fighting instincts in Arcade, Training and Survival modes, or challenge a friend in local-play Versus mode.
For more information on Infinitum and Soulcalibur, please visit:
http:// www.namcobandaigames.com
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About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, Naruto™ and Tekken® brands. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., and our products log onto www.namcobandaigames.com.All rights reserved. “PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", and "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Press Release © 2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
From: XBLAH!.net and NamcoBandaiGames.com
Comments
McLean78
72409
Since when is Schizoid a shooter?
Anyway, Infinitum (I hope it's not called PowerUp Forever) sounds really interesting. If they really nail the growth/evolution aspect, it could be like a simplified version of the Spore concept packed into a shooter. Or else, it could just be feeding frenzy with guns.
AuthenticVIP
21290
You should probably take a look at the press release on Namco Bandai's official website again... the name has been changed from Infinitum to PowerUp Forever.
VinnieDaMac
13457
Soul Calibur with no online is a deal breaker for me, mainly cause I still have my dreamcast hooked up to one of my TVs. Unrelated, but I can't wait for Schizoid.
As I mentioned on the forum post, I don't know what value this will have to me. I'm buying SC4 when it comes out, and if I want something to whet my appetite for it before it comes out, I own SC2 and SC3 for the PS2, as well as Soul Blade for the PS1 (SC2 is also backwards compatible on the 360 for people who own the Xbox version).
I thought about whether I would buy it to complete the series (I own every game except for SC1, as I've never owned a Dreamcast), but with XBLA's DRM scheme, I don't really feel like I own any of the games.