Ikaruga back on Partner Net

Over on the SHMUPS forums, it has been revealed that Ikaruga has appeared back on Partner Net (the "insiders" version of Xbox Live). Though we still don't have an official release date for the game, the Partner Net version was able to be downloaded and played (unlike the last time the game appeared on Partner Net where it simply wouldn't load). The download was roughly 49MB.

Along with the short post, there were a few images of the game posted as well showcasing a few of the menus, leaderboards, and replay options. An interesting note is the fact that Ikaruga will support both a 16:9 and 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio.

I'll have more information just as soon as its available. It seems that Ikaruga may be popping up on the Xbox Live Arcade much sooner rather than later...

[Discuss on Forums]

Treasure Launches Ikaruga Website

I was browsing Treasure's homepage earlier today, trying to gather some more information about Bangaioh, when I found that the Xbox Live Arcade port of Ikaruga now has an official website.

Though the page itself is a only a teaser bit right now (no real media or content), there is a bit of information listed about the game's release that I hadn't seen yet. More details are sure to come, but it's great to see the game finally making its way to Microsoft's service after so many months of "no response" in regards to the game's existence. Full details from the official website are below -

Ikaruga, Xbox Live Arcade
* 1-2 Players local (2 Player Co-op Mode over Xbox Live)
* Online Leaderboards and Rankings (with replays available for download)
* High Definition Support (Improved graphics for HD)
* When in Yoko mode, the game's resolution will maintain a 100% faithful arcade resolution.
* Vertical monitors will be supported
* Scheduled for release Winter 2007
* 800 Marketplace points

Rez and Ikaruga Coming to XBLA

James "Milkman" Mielke has broken some great news over at his editor blog - Rez is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade. The lock-on on-rails title is still one of the most inspired music/shooter hybrids ever realized. With the addition of 1080p High Definition support (the Dreamcast version did support VGA output) and hopefully a steady 60fps, the Xbox Live Arcade version of the game may very well be the definitive version of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's masterpiece. There are very few games that I give a "must play" rating to and Rez enthusiastically receives my recommendation.

[Update] In addition to Rez, there were a few more games revealed today for the Xbox Live Arcade platform. Ikaruga has also been officially announced for the Xbox 360 months after rumors were circulating that the game was in development. Though it is only one part of Treasure's promised Xbox 360 support, it is a sign that the developer hasn't completely ignored the console since announcing that it was in the process of developing for Microsoft's next generation system.

Other games for Xbox Live Arcade shown at the Pre-Tokyo Game Show Press Conference by Microsoft include Hudson's Omega Five, Taito's Exit, and Q Entertainment's Every Extend Extra Extreme.

Famitsu Weekly Spoils Treasure's Surprise

Over on NeoGaf, the latest Famitsu Weekly news has spoiled Treasure's countdown game that is going to be revealed in less than 18 hours. According to NeoGaf poster Johnnyram, Treasure and ESP will be bringing the Bangaioh series to the Nintendo DS this winter. I'm waiting for the countdown to expire to see the updated website, but until then, I need to contain my giddiness.

There were a few games that I speculated this could be based on Treasure and ESP's history, and though Bangaioh was the secret wish of mine, I didn't bother putting much hope into that idea. This quickly jumped up to be my second most anticipated DS game of this fall/winter (with Contra 4 barely edging it out). Action and arcade shooting fans have a lot to look forward to from Nintendo's handheld this year.

Here's the basic information revealed in Famitsu:

DS | Bangaioh Tamashii
ESP
This winter
- 4 players via wireless play
- stage editor included

New Treasure DS Project

Treasure and ESP have a teaser countdown for a new DS project that's set to be revealed in 5 short days. The teaser website can be found here.

The two companies have a rather long history with one another that has included releases such as the home ports of Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga (Dreamcast), Silhouette Mirage, Bangai-O, and Hajime No Ippo (GBA). Whether or not the game is based on an existing franchisse or an original creation is yet to be seen, but I'll be eagerly awaiting the teasers reveal in a few days. If I was a betting man, I would guess that the game is probably going to be some form of action/platformer hybrid and more than likely an original title.

In other Treasure news, Sin and Punishment was recently rated by the Australian ratings board (the OFLC). This could be a sign that Sin and Punishment may be getting prepared for a worldwide release on the Virtual Console, which would mark another rare occurance where a game is released on the VC for a territory it wasn't originally released on. The game was developed for the Nintendo 64 by Treasure and is considered to be one of the best games on Nintendo's last cartridge based console that didn't receive a release outside of Japan.

Treasure Now Recruiting (Related to the Xbox 360 game?)

After announcing an original Xbox 360 shooter, Treasure has been silent on pretty much all news surrounding the untitled game. Outside of the 1UP interview earlier this year, there have been no official details released about the project.

This hasn't stopped the internet and its wild speculation from trying to put together their own twist on the game. Fan sites and journalists have already attempt to link the game to everything from Ikaruga to Bangaioh. Treasure did put to rest most of the rumors about a Radiant Silvergun successor during the aforementioned interview, but by doing so, has also spurned even more questions than before.

Fortunately, it seems we may be getting one step closer to some official details, as Treasure has recently announced on their website that they are currently recruiting for several positions based around 3D game development. Though the website doesn't specifically state which console the project they are recruiting for is on, based on the description provided of the roles they are hiring for and their similarities to the information provided by Masato Maegawa, it is reasonable to assume it may have some connection to the unnamed Xbox 360 game.

If you have experience in game development, live in Japan, have a philosophy of wanting to participate in original projects, and have a passion for creating games, follow the recruitment links that Treasure has provided. The positions that they are currently looking to fill include 3D game programmer, 3D CG designer, animation/motion leader, effects designer, character modeler, background modeler, and scene designer.

With a design resume consisting of some of the best action games over the last three generations, it is safe to say that Treasure's history truly speaks for itself. To say that my "frothing demand" is increasing even with this tiny tidbit of information is a fair statement. Is it wrong of me to get so excited about a project that doesn't even have a title yet?