Tag: Konami - Page 6
Review Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal World Duel Carnival (3DS)
Is the first 3DS entry a Dark Hole or a Monster Reborn?
Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh series has a long and successful history in digital form, perhaps never more so than on Nintendo hardware – a relationship that stretches all the way back from the original monochrome Game Boy right up to Zexal World Duel Carnival, which is both the first 3DS Yu-Gi-Oh...
News Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal World Duel Carnival Is On The Cards For A Euro 3DS Release This June
Play your cards right
Konami has confirmed that it is bringing Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal World Duel Carnival to Europe on June 26th. The first entry in the card-battling series to hit the 3DS, Zexal World Duel Carnival launched in Japan at the end of last year and is based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal anime and manga. This is also the first time that the Zexal...
Review Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (3DS eShop / NES)
Join the fang club
Looking back, it's incredible to think that Konami took such a risk with the Castlevania series during its formative years. Having tasted critical and commercial success with the original NES outing, the Japanese company decided to give its direct sequel a different spin. The result was Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, a game which...
Feature The Castlevania That Konami Doesn't Want You To Know About
A chilling look at the 1988 arcade release Haunted Castle
Despite the critical mauling Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 received at the hands of the gaming press, Konami's gothic franchise has arguably never been in better health. After years of dismal sales and underexposure, the mainstream appeal of the series was emphatically restored by 2011's...
News Star Parodier Removed From the Wii Virtual Console in North America
An import classic that will be missed
If you've yet to play Hudson Soft's adorable Turbografx cute-em up Star Parodier, you are unfortunately out of luck as the title has been removed from the North American Wii Virtual Console. It joins some other titles in the past year and more that have been removed from the service, with issues such as...
"When you turn Zelda into a 2D platformer, it resembles Metroid"
We reported yesterday on the news that Koji "IGA" Igarashi has parted company with Konami after 24 years of service. Igarashi-san is perhaps best known for his work on the Castlevania series, an association which began with the seminal Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The game...
News Koji Igarashi Discusses Leaving Konami and Being Inspired by the Mighty No. 9 Example
"If you have the fans, you can provide them the games they want"
Earlier this week we reported the news that Koji Igarashi, best known for the Castlevania series, had left Konami. Affectionately known as IGA, his role with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night before going on to lead the Castlevania franchise throughout its exceptional years on Game...
News Koji Igarashi, Best Known for the Castlevania Series, Departs from Konami
"I've decided to break out on my own"
It's possible that gamers relatively fresh to Nintendo hardware won't know much of Koji Igarashi's work, but Castlevania fans that enjoyed the terrific series entries on the Game Boy Advance and DS — in particular — may mourn the formal passing of an era today, even if it's been on the cards for a...
Soapbox A Case For The Defence: Castlevania 64
The only things that suck are the vampires
Castlevania 64, which is how we shall refer to the original Nintendo 64 vampire-killing game to avoid confusion with the other Castlevania, is a game that’s been unjustly left on the series' scrapheap for far too long, and I’m going to tell you why. Now that doesn’t mean I’m here to excuse the...
Review Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (3DS eShop / NES)
What a horrible night to play this game
Sequels of the present day are almost an inevitability; a safe way for a developer to earn some extra revenue by expanding their previous game, slightly tweaking gameplay nuances and throwing in additional levels and enemies. However, in the late '80s, things were different – sequels could vary wildly from...
Review Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (Wii U eShop / NES)
Should've put a stake in it
With 1987's Castlevania on the NES, Konami created a classic. The vampire hunting action game was a whip-roaring success, kicking off one of gaming's most iconic series and introducing a generation of gamers to the adventures of Simon Belmont, the joy of whip-based combat, and the explosive properties of holy water. The...
News Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Was "A Great Opportunity to Explore New Ideas and Techniques"
The aim was to exploit "different ways of using interactivity"
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories certainly stands out within its franchise, and was a notable Wii release back in late 2009 — early 2010 for Europe. Its attempts at psychological profiling and a focus on avoiding combat were divisive, but for our money it was an unmissable horror title,...
Review Life Force (3DS eShop / NES)
A force to be reckoned with
The space shooter is a genre that has somewhat faded into obscurity in recent years, both due to advances in technology rendering their limited scope obsolete and their typically gruelling difficulty proving unpalatable to some gamers. The NES port of Life Force, (or Salamander, as it was originally known on Eastern...
Review Super Castlevania IV (Wii U eShop / SNES)
Fangs for the memories
The Castlevania series is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, thanks largely to MercurySteam's commercially successful Lords of Shadow sub-series. However, as many hardcore Castlevania fans will repeatedly tell you until they are blue in the face and you are deeply, deeply bored, the God of War-style gameplay...
Review Gradius (Wii U eShop / NES)
Just keeps shooting
To say that the original Gradius was influential on the evolution of the side-scrolling shoot 'em up would be a gross understatement. When it hit arcades in 1985 it was lauded for its amazing level designs and simple, yet wildly playable, power-up system. This NES release was one of the first home ports of the game and has become...
News Contra III: The Alien Wars Listing Points to Virtual Console Releases
Spread Guns at the Ready
Konami's classic shoot 'em up may be about to blast it's way onto the Wii U and/or the 3DS eShop in the West, if a recent rating by the OFLC is anything to go by. Contra III: The Alien Wars, or Super Probotector: Alien Rebels as it's known in PAL regions, was rated on 11th September, indicating that further Virtual Console...
News Dave Cox - A New Contra Has "To Have a New Idea"
Lords of Shadow producer still keen to work on the series
It's little secret that Dave Cox, the well-known producer of the Lords of Shadow series, is keen to continue working on Konami IPs, with Contra being a franchise that he's shown interest in reviving. His work with the Lords of Shadows games, including Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror...
News Konami Picks Up New Contra Trademark
It's aptly named Contra Run & Gun
The long-running Contra series doesn't look like its finishing any time soon. Contra: Evolution, a remake of the NES classic, recently launched on Apple's app store in North America - only to be removed mysteriously. Turns out it wasn't ready and it'll be available at some point later in the year, however, it seems...
News PES 2014 Will Not Be Dispensed On Wii U
Poor PES 2013 sales means there's no 3DS version either
EA created quite a stir last month when it confirmed FIFA 14, its next iteration in is popular football franchise, would be skipping the Wii U and would only be making it to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One - when they arrive. Of course that means...
News Konami Releases Strategy Portal for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
You'll be whip-smart in no time
Konami has released a strategy portal for the recently released Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate designed to be accessible both online and through the 3DS Internet Browser — to view on the 3DS visit Since the browser can be used while a game is running, the guide is sure to be a handy tool for anyone...
News MercurySteam Still Interested In Developing A Contra Title
David Cox talks up his "second great love"
Back in June last year, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate developer MercurySteam revealed it would love to work on a Contra game for Konami, should the opportunity arise. It seems that desire is still burning brightly, as Konami's David Cox, who works very closely with MercurySteam, revealed in...
Interview Reinventing Castlevania For A New Handheld Generation
Konami's Dave Cox talks about the latest entry in the bloodsucking franchise
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is almost with us, so what better time is there to sit down with the producer of the game and chat about its development, inspiration, aims and challenges — as well as the future of the Castlevania franchise? Nintendo Life:...
News Konami Won't Rule Out Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2 On Wii U
Never say never
Konami has been fairly adamant that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 isn't coming to the Wii U, thanks simply to a lack of available resource and time. This is perfectly understandable; developer Mercury Steam has only just finished work on the 3DS title Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, and has its hands full developing...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Kept Mercury Steam Afloat
Producer Dave Cox gives more details on 3DS epic
In an interview with Eurogamer, Konami producer Dave Cox has revealed that were it not for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, Spanish developer Mercury Steam might not be here today. Reflecting on the current demands of video game development, Cox said: Look what's happened to [Darksid
News Castlevania Producer Would Love To Work With Nintendo On Zelda
Dave Cox wants a link to the future
Nintendo's stance on collaborating with other developers is resulting in some interesting new titles, and rightly so — given the highly-esteemed nature of the company's portfolio, it's no surprise that other devs are falling over themselves to join forces with the Kyoto-based veteran. Speaking to Dutch site...
News Street Fighter And Samurai Shodown Influenced Castlevania: Mirror Of Fate's Combat
More interview goodness from Konami's Dave Cox
Konami producer Dave Cox must have an aching jaw, because he's given so many interviews recently relating to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate that he must be absolutely pig-sick of talking about the upcoming 3DS title. However, we're not complaining, because each new interview gives fresh...
Also, don't expect a home console version of Mirror of Fate
Konami producer Dave Cox has already stated that a Wii U version of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 isn't going to happen, but he's never really elaborated on the reason why - until now, that is. Speaking to Dutch site n1ntendo.nl, Cox had this to say:
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Could Come To Home Consoles
Nintendo exclusivity could mean a Wii U version in the future
It's something of a bumper morning for Castlevania fans, as Konami producer Dave Cox has been giving interviews with several different sites regarding the forthcoming 3DS title Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate. Having already spilled the beans on the game's development and...
News Konami: Forget Everything You Know About Castlevania
"You've got to drive the series forward" says producer Dave Cox
With the release of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate looming on the horizon, Konami producer Dave Cox has given a little more insight into the game's storyline and how it fits within the twisted Castlevania canon. Speaking to GameSpot, Cox stressed that although it's part...
News Silent Hill Producer Joins WayForward Technologies
Tomm Hulett leaves Konami for pastures new
A new director has been appointed at WayForward Technologies in the form of Tomm Hulett, the former Konami producer behind Contra 4, Rocket Knight and the more recent Silent Hill games. Konami and WayForward Technologies have worked together before, with the publisher releasing Silent Hill: Book of...
News Nintendo Takes A Bite Out Of Euro Publishing Duties For Castlevania: Mirror Of Fate
Responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution
In a move which mirrors the agreement between Nintendo and Capcom in Europe, Nintendo and Konami have confirmed that they have entered into a deal which will see the former company handling the European (and Australian) distribution of the gothic 3DS adventure Castlevania: Lords of Shadow -...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate's Boxart Comes With Lashings Of Belmont And Added Alucard
The gang's all here
Konami producer Dave Cox has revealed on this Twitter account the artwork that will adorn the cover of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate. That's it there, just under these words. The art showcases the four main characters of the game - Trevor Belmont and his son Simon, Gabriel Belmont/Dracula and everyone's...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate's Vocal Talent Has a Scottish Ring To It
Meet the actors behind the Belmont clan
As well as releasing a swanky new trailer for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, Konami has given a few more details on the basic story, as well as revealing the actors who will be lending their vocal talents to the game. Mirror of Fate focuses on Simon and Trevor Belmont, who - in the alternative...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate 3DS Trailer Appears Just In Time For Halloween
Whip-cracking fun
It's all about the timing. Konami has released a new trailer for its forthcoming 3DS adventure Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate - and guess what? Today is Halloween. What a spooky coincidence. The new trailer showcases the game's combination of whip-based action and platform exploration, and long-time fans of the...
News Konami Admits That Castlevania Mirror of Fate Isn't Metroidvania, But It's Going To Be Close
Konami and MercuryStream aiming for plenty of exploration in 3DS instalment
Konami producer Dave Cox has spoken to ONM about the forthcoming Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate, and as usual, the term "Metroidvania" has once again reared its ugly head. Cox has stated several times that the new 3
News Goemon And Ebisumaru Heading To 3DS eShop In Mystical Ninja
Game Boy classic confirmed for European release
Konami's classic Mystical Ninja series is getting a new lease of life this month — in Europe, at least — thanks to the launch of the Game Boy version of the game on the 16th August. Originally released in Japan in 1997 under the title Ganbare Goemon: Kurofune Tō no Nazo (Go Goemon: Mystery of the...
News Hideo Kojima To Infiltrate Eurogamer Expo Developer Session
UK's largest video game show will also feature every Metal Gear game
Eurogamer has confirmed that legendary game developer Hideo Kojima will be making a special appearance at this year's Eurogamer Expo to deliver a developer session and celebrate 25 years of Tactical Espionage Action. Kojima will be speaking on the opening day of the expo, which is...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Whips into Eurogamer Expo
Bump in the day
Much-anticipated 3DS action game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate will be playable at this year's Eurogamer Expo in London. Konami's portable vampire-basher joins other high-profile games on the showfloor from 27th to 30th September at London's Earls Court. If you want to learn more about the Belmont's next challenge...
Interview Dave Cox - Castlevania: Mirror of Fate
Burning questions answered
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate remains one of our most eagerly-awaited 3DS titles here at Nintendo Life, thanks to the simple fact that several of our staff are absolutely potty about Konami's long-running vampire-hunting franchise. Following hard on the heels of the sublime DS 'Metroidvania' titles,...
News No Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 for Wii U
Fangs for nothing
Despite Nintendo's insistence that Wii U won't miss out on support from third party developers and will be getting key multiformat releases, it seems that developers are yet to be convinced. As part of an upcoming interview with Konami's Dave Cox, it was confirmed that the forthcoming sequel to popular reboot Castlevania: Lords of...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate "Definitely Not Metroidvania"
Back and forth
The first part of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate's subtitle should be enough to tip you off that this is very much part of the series' modern lineage, linking as it does to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow on PS3. Series supremo Dave Cox has told Siliconera while there's plenty of ex
News Mercury Steam Talks Up 3DS for Castlevania: Mirror of Fate
Would like to work on Contra
One of the third-party titles that caught the eye ahead of and during E3 was Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate on 3DS, with a trailer boasting impressive graphics and the prospect of 2.5D monster-whipping action. The developer, Mercury Steam, has already suggested that it'll combine a focus of action with...
E3 2012 Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Gameplay Whips Into Action
The Belmont clan are back
The Belmont clan is synonymous with the Castlevania franchise, with descendants often picking up the mantle of defeating Dracula and saving the world. In Nintendo handheld entries you haven't always necessarily been in charge of an iconic Belmont vampire-slayer, something that the upcoming 3DS title Castlevania: Lords of...
News Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Teaser Video Drops In
Don't expect much
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate is coming to 3DS, but Konami's not ready to show it off just yet. Instead, as part of its pre-E3 conference, it's released a teaser video promising more next week. When we say 'teaser' video we really mean it: there's not even a snifter of gameplay here, just lots of arty blood...
News New Castlevania Title Confirmed for 3DS
Nintendo Power with big reveal
Last week we shared a rumour that a new Castlevania title was in development for 3DS: it seems that the rumour was true, as it's now been revealed in Nintendo Power. It's to be called Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate, which isn't the snappiest game title that we've heard. Details from the magazine,...
Feature The Full E3 2012 Schedule
Bookmark this (updated 31st May)
With one week to go, we've put together a complete guide to this year's E3 show so you know exactly what's on offer, when and how to watch it. We've compiled a list of the major press conferences and live events and converted them into a range of time zones so you know exactly when to come to Nintendo Life to get...
Rumour Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Heading to Wii U
A vampire double-whammy
Yesterday we heard there's a Castlevania game coming to 3DS, but that's not all: apparently Wii U owners will get a piece of the action too, as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is in the works for Wii U. That's according to the Paul Gale Network, who claims the Wii U title will interact with th
Rumour Castlevania Title in Development for 3DS
Could be called Mirror of Faith/Fate
The Castlevania franchise has been prolific on Nintendo's handhelds, with six titles evenly split between Game Boy Advance and DS. It wouldn't be too much of a surprise if Konami was planning a new entry for the series on 3DS, and in typical pre-E3 fashion a rumour has emerged online. The story has appeared on...
News Konami Announces PES 2013 for Wii and 3DS
No PES for U
Konami's confirmed its next football feast, PES 2013, will, reach Wii and 3DS later this year. Wii's had some pretty good versions of the beautiful game over the years and PES has already had two run-outs on 3DS, so fingers crossed for a quality soccer sim later this year. The press release doesn't mention a Wii U version, which is a...
News Uh Oh, Castlevania: The Adventure Rated for 3DS VC
Ratings board whips it out
3DS Virtual Console fans have a spooky treat to look forward to, as the Australian Classification Board has rated Castlevania: The Adventure. Well, we say 'treat', but The Adventure is generally regarded as one of the weaker entries in the series, particularly compared to follow-up Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge. Still,...