BloodRayne: Betrayal - New Screens

Five more images from WayForward Technologies' upcoming side-scroller. It's too bad it's not 1994 or this one would be splashed all over every game magazine as a must-buy title. As it is, it's getting a big PSN and XBLA release, but I'd really love to see games like this compiled and put on a disc so anyone who wants to play them can do so any time they need a fix. Back with more screens when they pop into my mailbox.

BloodRayne: Betrayal Gameplay Trailer + New Screens

New screens (below) plus a mere 44 seconds of beautiful, bloody side-scrolling (and surprisingly, only T-rated!) bliss thanks to WayForward Technologies and Majesco. Reinventing the sexy vampire killing machine as a slick looking retro arcade style slicer was a genius move and these days almost no one does a better game of this type than WayForward. August can't come soon enough, I say. Now about getting this thing on a DISC (as well as the usual download for the couch-bound sun haters out there)... THAT would make me a happier camper indeed...

BloodRayne: Betrayal Trailer

I just LOVE WayForward's games - they certainly know how to bring that old-school feeling to their projects and the results are pretty darn playable and a lot of fun overall. The Contra reboot on the DS was spectacular, Shantae back on the Game Boy Color was (and is) still one of the most highly desired games ever and now, Rayne is back in action thanks to the team. Awesome. If only this were a retail release at some point, it would be perfect...

Data East Arcade Classics Coming to Wii in 2010

Ah, memories... Remember the good old days of arcade games such as BurgerTime, Heavy Barrel, Caveman Ninja and other Data East quarter munchers? well, thanks to Majesco, G-Mode and developer G1M2, if you've got twenty clams burning a hole in your Side Pocket come early 2010, you're in for a treat.

Anyway, read up below, then start saving up those quarters, folks - this press release has your name written all over it. Screens underneath all the wordy stuff so you can reminisce about all that time you spent snagging those 1-UPs and trying to beat those Hi-Scores when you should have been hitting the books.

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
'DATA EAST ARCADE CLASSICS' FOR Wii™
Collection Includes 15 All-Time Favorite Video Games at an Amazing Value

EDISON, N.J., October 1, 2009 - Relive the glory days of video games without the pocketful of quarters as Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Data East Arcade Classics for Wii™. Licensed by G-Mode and developed by G1M2, this timeless compilation features 15 arcade favorites with full multiplayer support for only $19.99.

Players can now enjoy some of the best shooter, sports, puzzle and twitch action video games ever created in one convenient package. Data East Arcade Classics features 15 nostalgic titles, including: BurgerTime and its sequel, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory, Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja, Burnin' Rubber, Heavy Barrel, Caveman Ninja, Magical Drop III, Side Pocket and many more.

The collection keeps the classics intact but also includes special updates for the modern gamer: players can link their high scores to their Mii™ and accomplish 75 different goals across the games that let them unlock a wealth of bonus material, from soundtracks to bezels. Finally, all 15 games support single player and 2-player head-to-head or co-operative multiplayer along with Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk, Classic Controller or GameCube controller functionality.

Data East Arcade Classics for Wii is expected to release in early 2010 for a SRP of $19.99.

Gallery: Dawn of Heroes

I thought this one sounded familiar... Montreal-based developer Wicked Studios' DS exclusive Tactical RPG was initially announced for a June 2009 release, so I thought I missed out on it entirely. However, It turns out Majesco is actually publishing it on December 1, 2009, so here you go: the first game trailer and a nice batch of screenshots - enjoy!

I'm really liking the character customization aspects as well as the nice character art, which looks a little inspired a bit by the great Susumu Matsushita's work. Hmmm... I feel another developer interview coming on. It looks as if I'm off to bug some PR folks...


Oh... you wanted some official sounding info about the game as well? OK, read on, then:

DAWN OF HEROES

Story:
The once great Kingdom of Brimthule is in despair following the loss of its lord and champion. King Leroy sacrificed himself to entomb the great beast Ragnakore in a body of stone. Without its leader, the kingdom has split into baronies and is beset by curses, monsters, and misfortunes, with some believing Ragnakore, though trapped, is responsible. The time has come for new heroes to stand tall against the realm’s greatest foes; the time has come for the Dawn of Heroes.

Overview:
Dawn of Heroes features classic RPG concepts, character development, epic combat, quests and puzzle solving. Dawn of Heroes differs from other RPGs with hilarious dialogue, customizable parties, a variety of dungeons and items, and multiplayer features geared towards building a community of heroes all over the world.

Features:

*Take in breathtaking 3D graphics, from the massive world of Brimthule to the unique look of all its inhabitants.

*Immerse yourself in a deep storyline as you experience multiple quests and dangers.

*Play more than 50 missions with branching paths and side quests.

*Over 25 playable classes from 6 unique factions let you create your own party of heroes to work together as the ultimate team.

*Face a multitude of enemies from 12 unique factions.

*Collect hundreds of items during your adventure and share them online with friends.

*Awesome local and Wi Fi multiplayer action has players constantly optimizing their parties for a different battle every time they seek a new challenge.

*Streamlined user interface allows players to command all aspects of their adventure using the touch screen and stylus.

Screenshots:

If the game plays as well as it looks, the DS just might have a big sleeper hit this December. back with more on Dawn of Heroes in a bit - stay tuned...