“Konami’s 2006 lineup builds upon our leadership position in the music category, maximizes the popularity of our core franchises, and continues to set the industry standard for innovation and quality,” said Kazumi Kitaue, Chairman and CEO of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “This year we have a remarkably diverse group of products that appeal to every type of gamer, no matter how they like to play. Konami will continue to produce games like Dance Dance Revolution®, which go beyond the scope of conventional games.”
Below is additional information on Konami’s E3 2006 lineup:
BOMBERMAN®
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system
BOMBERMAN marks the debut of the determined hero on the PSP system with several new handheld gaming twists and classic party multiplayer action. Players can enjoy an original single player BOMBERMAN adventure or play wirelessly in classic multiplayer action, complete with new items and game sharing.
BOMBERMAN® Act: Zero
Release date: Summer 2006
Platform: Xbox 360
BOMBERMAN Act: Zero redefines the series for the next generation with breathtaking high resolution graphics and all-new gameplay elements. Deep within an experimental underground facility, humans are imprisoned as test subjects and trained to become deadly soldiers. Equipped with armored battle suits, players can fight for survival through the single player game’s 99 levels or go head-to-head online with up to eight players in multiplayer matches.
Brooktown High: Senior Year
Release date: Spring 2007
Platform: PSP system
The first dating simulation for the PSP system, Brooktown High: Senior Year lets players relive the carefree days of senior year in high school. Create your own character and interact with different male or female students, each with their own distinct style and personality, and enter the world of high school intrigue. Find your own niche and hang out with the rebels, jocks, preppies, and more as you try to find the guy or girl of your dreams.
Castlevania®: Portrait of Ruin
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Celebrating 20 years of vampire hunting, the legendary Castlevania series is back with an all-new action packed adventure for the Nintendo DS. Take control of two heroes, Jonathan Morris, a vampire hunter and his close friend Charlotte Orlean, a girl with tremendous magical ability. Players can now switch freely between the two characters and unleash powerful dual Summon Attacks to decimate their enemies as they fight to stop the resurrection of Dracula’s Castle amidst the chaos of World War II.
Coded Arms™ Assault
Release date: 2007
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Coded Arms Assault* explodes into the next generation, as players take on the role of a hacker trying to overthrow an evil corporation bent on world chaos in a futuristic cyberspace. The game lets players unleash unprecedented destruction on environments, using explosions to send deadly debris flying towards their opponents and strategically using high-powered weaponry to shoot out enemy cover. Multiplayer modes let players go head-to-head and also play through the game’s story mode cooperatively online.
Coded Arms™ Contagion (working title)
Release date: 2007
Platform: PSP system
The sequel to the best-selling first person shooter for the PSP system, Coded Arms Contagion thrusts players into a new cybernetic crisis where they must use their hacking abilities and an arsenal of high-powered weaponry to survive. Across a variety of new levels, players will take on original enemies with more firepower than ever before. Up to eight players can go head-to-head in the game’s new online multiplayer modes.
Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA™
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2/Arcade
DDR SuperNOVA features vibrant 3D backgrounds, cool music videos, life-like dancer animations, voice assisted tutorials and a new multiplayer Battle Mode. Players can also compete online, and even share game data between the PlayStation 2 and arcade versions of the game for the complete DDR experience.
Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX®4
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Xbox
DDR returns to the Xbox with Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX4, complete with new music and ways to play. There is a new Beginner Mode targeted toward DDR novices and the popular Workout Mode returns for players looking to feel the burn while they dance the night away. Players can also download new songs and dance competitively in the game’s different online modes.
Dance Dance Revolution® UNIVERSE (working title)
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Xbox 360
DDR makes its next-generation debut on the Xbox 360, taking dancing to a whole new level with high definition graphics, a massive song list and all-new game modes. Players can dance with friends in the new relay mode and even download exclusive songs and dance steps to keep groovin’ into the night.
Death, Jr. 2
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system
Death, Jr., Pandora and all their twisted friends are back in a new game for the PSP system as they try to get out of another mess after accidentally releasing a powerful spirit. Teaming up for even more firepower, DJ and Pandora will take on a variety of possessed enemies as they progress through an adventure that seamlessly blends smooth platforming, intense combat, complex enemy AI and a unique sense of humor.
Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Death, Jr., Pandora and the crew make their debut on the Nintendo DS with an all-new adventure. In their school’s annual science fair, the gang gets into another mess as they accidentally unleash the all-powerful, all-evil Moloch and need to sort it all out before DJ’s dad finds out. Using the DS touch screen to execute cool scythe moves and switch between DJ and Pandora, it’s a twisted experience like no other on the Nintendo DS!
Elebits (working title)
Release date: 2006
Platform: Wii (formerly code named Revolution)
Konami’s first game for the Wii, Elebits thrusts players into a revolutionary game of hide and go seek as they try to track down a group of mysterious creatures. Using the innovative Wii controller and fully interactive game environments, the world is at the player’s fingertips in this lighthearted adventure.
Gradius® Collection
Release date: June 2006
Platform: PSP system
The definitive collection of games for fans of Konami’s most highly acclaimed shooter series. A compilation of five classic Gradius titles in one complete package, Gradius Collection includes Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Gradius IV and, for the first time ever in North America, the long-anticipated Gradius Gaiden.
GoPets™
Release date: 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Raise and care for lovable pets with their own personality and interests in this unique game for the Nintendo DS. Take your pets online with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and take part in fun mini-games with other owners as well as trade for items to enjoy with your special furry friend.
Hellboy (working title)
Release date: 2007
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PSP system
Hellboy* takes players on a fresh adventure featuring the acclaimed comic book’s unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. As a visceral brawler, the game lets players unleash Hellboy’s superhuman abilities as they smash their way through hordes of enemies and also team up with a friend in cooperative play.
Karaoke Revolution®: American Idol
Release date: December 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2
Karaoke Revolution: American Idol* combines the highly acclaimed Karaoke Revolution game engine with America’s most popular television show to deliver an authentic Idol experience for the PlayStation 2. Sing along to 40 new songs, including hits from the show, and compete from auditions to performances on center stage in your quest to become the next American Idol.
Lunar Knights
Release date: Winter 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Descend into the gothic Sci-Fi world of Lunar Knights and take control of two warriors on a quest to reclaim the world from the vampiric legion. Spin together tornados, guide down flaming meteors, and blow snowstorms in Kojima Productions’ first ever title on Nintendo DS!
Marvel Trading Card Game
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system, Nintendo DS, PC
Marvel Trading Card Game features Marvel’s complete roster of characters and lets players take their game online like never before with massive sanctioned tournaments, a virtual card shop and interoperability between the PSP system and PC versions of the game. Utilizing the popular Vs. System Trading Card Game from Upper Deck Entertainment, players can learn the basics of the game as a super hero or super villain in the game’s single player campaign mode.
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel
Release date: June 2006
Platform: PSP system
Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel brings the celebrated MGS comics to life on the PSP system. Edited to thrilling music, explosive sound effects, and animated visuals, the eclectic artwork of Ashley Wood is taken to an exciting new level. Coupled with interactive gameplay modes, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel stands as the forerunner in this exciting new genre!
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Release date: 2007
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots* marks the return of Hideo Kojima’s legendary tactical espionage action series, evolved for the next-generation on the PLAYSTATION 3. New gameplay features, spectacular graphics and the return of several characters from the Metal Gear Solid series once again redefine this landmark franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Release date: Winter 2006/2007
Platform: PSP system
Big Boss returns to battle in this all-new MGS action game for the PSP system, where players control him throughout the game as well as recruit and use their own squadron of mercenaries. In addition to a full-fledged single player mode set after the events of MGS3: Snake Eater, the game’s multiplayer modes let players take their custom squad online to do battle across new levels, featuring a unique “White Flag” mechanic that will allow players to fight to the death or surrender to compete again.
My Frogger Toy Trials
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
For the first time in the franchise, players can take on the role of both Frogger and the Hero as they try to win a toy pet contest. Frogger and the Hero must rush to submit their idea before time runs out, collecting more than 20 costume power ups across the game’s colorful environments and using the Nintendo DS touch screen and microphone in exciting mini-games that can be played alone or wirelessly with friends.
Online Chess Kingdoms
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system
Online Chess Kingdoms lets players choose from one of five chess sets representing five distinct forces that are in a struggle to gain supremacy of the Universe. The game features several single-player modes and multiplayer online gameplay, letting players join factions and battle for supremacy in a persistent online world.
Rengoku™ 2 <(working title)
Release date: Summer 2006
Platform: PSP system
Rengoku 2 lets players assume the role of A.D.A.M., a battle android trapped in a mysterious tower filled with fearsome enemies. Players must now enter a new tower and purge it of the mechanical scourge hosted inside. Players can customize their battle android with more than 300 rare and unique items.
Silent Hill Origins (working title)
Release date: Winter 2006/2007
Platform: PSP system
The horror series that revolutionized the genre arrives on a handheld platform for the first time ever. Silent Hill Origins tells the tale of a solitary truck driver stuck in the terrifying town while making a routine delivery. New gameplay elements, such as a barricade system that lets players block off rooms from enemies, and an enhanced camera system deliver an added sense of isolation and anxiety in this frightening adventure.
Steel Horizon
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system, Nintendo DS
Assume the role of an American captain aboard one of three secret Navy flagship vessels during World War II in Steel Horizon, as you fight both the Axis powers and a sinister shadow organization in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Spanning 20 compelling missions, Steel Horizon features both real-time and turn-based strategy gameplay, as players strategically position their fleet and engage in real-time 3D combat.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007
Release date: January 2007
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP system, Nintendo DS, PC
Making its next-generation debut, the world’s best selling soccer series is back with more teams, new ways to play and even more realistic gameplay. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007* lets players go head-to-head with others online or take their favorite team to the top in the expanded Master League and several new modes of play.
Winx Club™: Join the Club
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system
In an all-new adventure, Winx Club: Join the Club follows the fabulous fairies as they try to thwart the plans of the fearsome Lord Darkar. Called into action, the Winx Club must secure the pieces of a powerful emblem before Darkar completes his frightening plot through side scrolling shooter levels and a variety of exciting mini-games.
Winx Club™: The Quest for the Codex
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Letting players immerse themselves in the world of the hit animated series, Winx Club: The Quest for the Codex follows the girls as they interact with familiar characters and travel to magical far off lands. On their travels, players will be able to dance, fly and design new outfits for their characters in several fast-paced mini-games.
Xiaolin Showdown
Release date: November 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PSP system, Nintendo DS
Based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation kids' television series, Xiaolin Showdown sends players on an action-packed quest to seek out and protect the Shen Gong Wu, magical artifacts of supernatural power. Playing one of six characters such as Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay, gamers will take the young warriors on a globetrotting adventure to locate the mystical objects that give their possessor super powers, then fight for their safe-keeping one showdown at a time.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (working title)
Release date: Fall 2006
Platform: PSP system
Based on the top-rated animated series from Cartoon Network, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is the first Yu-Gi-Oh! game for the PSP system. Up to four players can duel wirelessly in massive team competitions with all new characters, monsters and cards from the GX universe