We have just under two weeks to go before E3 gets here and publishers are just barely rolling out their E3 line-ups. I guess a lot of them are either trying to figure out how much they could make from Microsoft's used game fees for the Xbox One or they just don't have a lot to announce right now until the big conferences kick into high gear. Either way, Tecmo Koei unleashed their line-up for this year's epic trade show event.
Tecmo's line-up will be headlined by the zombie ninja game, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. The game will lead a charge of ultra-violent, historical and off-beat games under the Tecmo Koei label this year at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. The details on the games can be viewed below with their official press rollout fact sheet.
YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z[PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 / Early 2014]In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyborg arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyborg arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this upcoming collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE[PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 / September 6, 2013]DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE heightens the signature DOA fighting style with the inclusion of new modes from DOA5 Plus, dynamic new stages, and deadly new fighters to deliver the ultimate in fighting entertainment. Players will take on the roles of their favourite DEAD OR ALIVE fighters—as well as combatants new to the franchise—in an intense, action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The famed DOA hand-to-hand combat is enhanced with new content that extends the experience. Along with an array of single-player modes including story mode, DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE offers online options with arcade-style matches, tournaments, and rich social features.DYNASTY WARRIORS 8[PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 / July 12, 2013]DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 returns to the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin, through the actions of historical military and political figures of the time, as they fight to gain control over the Three Kingdoms of China. The much loved series takes one step further, merging numerous replay elements such as multi-endings and extra modes with synergies between action and game systems. With all new enhancements to Story Mode, new scenarios, new and returning characters, beautifully redesigned stages and more, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 promises to offer fans the most definitive Warriors experience to date. Take to the battlefield with the greatest warriors in history and carve your path to glory!ATELIER MERURU PLUS: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND[PlayStation Vita / September 3, 2013]ATELIER MERURU PLUS: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND brings this popular title from famed developer GUST to the Playstation Vita. ATELIER MERURU PLUS adds new elements of land development to the RPG and simulation game system, providing additional depth and gameplay in this anime-style adventure. In addition, extra content and features are packed in including new costumes, new endings, and all the DLC from the PS3™ version. Fans will have an opportunity to see what unfolds in this third and final chapter of the Arland series.TOUKIDEN[PlayStation Vita / Q 4 2013]TOUKIDEN takes Tecmo Koei’s expertise in historically themed games to an expansive fantasy world influenced by historical and traditional Japanese elements. Developed by the same studio that created the famed Dynasty Warriors series, this all-new franchise casts players in the role of a demon-fighting Slayer. Starting from the Utakata Village headquarters where they will accept quests, players will venture out to battle monstrous and deadly Oni (demons) before they destroy all of humanity.
I know the PSV gets a lot of flak for selling under the expectations par, but it at least has a very varied selection of games out there and even more diverse games coming later this year. The portable device really could shine with the right line-up of titles to exploit its features and a decent price cut. Just maybe...just maybe they can catch the Nintendo 3DS? Ha, nah.
Anyway, Tecmo's line-up isn't looking too bad. The games are very expected and hopefully they're likely to unveil something for the next-gen consoles, as many titles these days have become a bit trite compared to what could be done and what isn't being done, namely expanding on various unexplored genres and themes that don't include a ninja fighting zombies.
Tecmo Koei will be hand at E3 in the West Hall, Booth #4700. Key members of the design teams will also be on hand for interviews and appointments. Need more info? Well, we don't have anymore. You'll just have to wait for E3 on June 10th.
