New Trailer: El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron

UTV Ignition's phenomenally gorgeous, sure-fire winner of a sleeper hit may have been pushed back a little to an August release (from July 26), but don't be disappointed at all. Just go play the demo if you haven't (and play it again a few more times if you have) and absolutely pre-order this one so the fine folks at UTV Ignition can sleep better at night knowing you're all a bunch of hardcore gamers who'll support these guys and their awesome game. Or awesome GAMES, actually. Vanillaware's spectacular Dragon's Crown is also one of their future projects, so they need as many of your gaming dollars to show that you guys want this one as well when it's finally done and ready to ship.

E3 2011: El Shaddai Gets July 26 Release Date, More Lovely Screens

Looking at UTV/Ignition's upcoming El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron in screenshots, concept art and wallpapers these past months has been like walking through a museum made of dreams (and a few wicked nightmares), but seeing the game in motion makes things click a bit more into reality. Of course, I'm one of those cranky, crusty old-schoolers that doesn't believe EVERY game needs to be 110% innovative in EVERY area to be pure fun. Therefore, even if it turns out to be a straightforward third-person experience, the outstandingly bizarre visuals go a long way in carrying the rest of the game. Granted, the overall narrative is certainly groundbreaking in terms of subject matter and how it's been translated from a "That might not be a good game idea" chunk of religious text to "Holy Hell on a stick, I really NEED to play this just to see how the story turns out!" slice of current-gen awesomeness. July 26, 2011 is the release date - let's just call this an instant classic in the making for now and leave it at that.

Gallery Update: El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron

UTV Ignition's absolutely gorgeous action game mixes its surreal and brilliantly original art style with a unique take on biblical lore in a game that's sure to draw attention amongst core gamers as well as non-gaming folks interested in the religious imagery and themes. Good, bad of otherwise, this is certainly one amazing looking game. I've been watching this since it was announced and now that it seems its FINALLY getting a US release sometime this year, I'm HOPING the publisher drops into NYC with a build I can get my hands on. I also hope the game isn't buried and forgotten under the TON of bigger-hyped releases, as what's here looks like it's made to be played multiple times through in order to see everything. As it is, marketing this is going to be a tough deal for certain. How the hell do you advertise a game that takes such bold artistic liberties with a revered text while fitting the gameplay tastes of the masses? We. Shall. See, I suppose...

Here's a look at some of the fantastic art in character renders and game screens (more below the jump!).

EL Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron Gets Japanese Launch Date, New Screens

One of the more intriguing games I've had my eye on, UTV Ignition's El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, is finally getting a Japanese release for the PS3 and Xbox 360 this April with a US and European launch dates to be announced (he typed, with fingers crossed). Here's a look at some of the latest screens from the visually striking action/adventure game. I'll run a gallery later featuring a few of the beautiful (and nicely offbeat) wallpapers from the official site. I may as well stick the press release below the jump so you folks can find out what the game is all about (sorry for the cut 'n paste job - I'm tinkering away on some reviews and such, so I'm cutting back on my word count in today's posts)...