For rhythm-action and other musical concerns, NBGI foremost has a Wii version of Taiko no Tatsujin (aka Drum Master), which sidesteps control issues plaguing the Wii version of the similar-in-spirit Samba De Amigo by virtue of a replica taiko drum controller that will be bundled with the game.
And then there’s the PSP version of Idolm@ster, a girl group management sim (of sorts) whose prior console successes were limited only by the Xbox 360’s small Japanese user base. Catching a ride on the PSP bandwagon currently hurtling through Japan, Namco Bandai will stand a much better chance of achieving its aims with this new version.
Namco Bandai’s most valuable licensed IP are appearing in titles that not only have their popularity in Japan assured because of what they represent, but also substantiate their names with first-rate graphics and refined gameplay: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm has the PS3 processing action that is virtually indistinguishable from the latest Naruto anime, and Gundam Musou 2 is another successful partnership between big robots and Koei’s Dynasty Warriors. Both titles are due for release in Japan imminently.
Sky Crawler ~ Innocent Aces ~ is another licensed game – this one taking its cue from a new Japanese anime flick set around World War II – and it seems to get away with its frilly name by presenting arguably the most accomplished Wii flight sim yet (granted, that’s not saying much). Little wonder this is the work of Namco’s Ace Combat team.
Namco Bandai is clearly putting a lot of its eggs in Nintendo’s basket, with Wii games Klonoa: Door of Phantomile and We Snowboard entertaining those who tried them, although interested parties among the assembled media and industry people are noticeably few.
Still, that’s likely in part due to the attraction of two new portable Tales of games (one DS, one PSP) on the other side of the aisle from where those Wii games are being presented. Namco Bandai has something for everyone at TGS 08.