EX-TERM-IN-ATE! EX-TERM-IN-ATE! Wait, no, those are the other ones. But whatever. The point is: after hearing nothing about Space Invaders Get Even! for months, the game has randomly appeared on the European and Australian Wii Shops. We are unashamedly jigging with joy as we type this. And the extra-terrestial goodness doesn't stop there, for Alien Crush Returns has also joined the line-up. Needless to say, we wholeheartedly welcome our new rulers (of all our spare time).
The other game is Brain Challenge. Sorry, Brain Challenge.
I've been a huge fan of Naxat Soft's Alien Crush and otherCrushgames since they came out. It's no exaggeration to say that the availability of Alien Crush on the Virtual Console factored into my decision to purchase a Wii. When Hudson revealed plans for a 3D WiiWare update of Alien Crush, it definitely captured my attention.
Alien Crush Returns, it turns out, is much more than an update: it is a direct sequel to Alien Crush, and a very different game. While the new version doesn't outshine the original, there's certainly more of it. And it finally brings online leaderboards to the series -- along with direct online competition!
This is a big week for fans of James Bond. Those who found themselves interested in the super spy's latest exploits will have a chance to nab Quantum of Solace this week. If you enjoy FPS games, or are looking for some people to play online with, we'd suggest Game Night. Of course, Quantum of Solace isn't the only game releasing this week. Head past the break and check out what else is on offer.
Producer Peter Dassenko, who's handling the upcoming Alien Crush Returns for Wiiware, spoke with theBBPS.com about the title and Hudson as a whole. As pumped as we are for Alien Crush Returns, it's not the only interesting thing about the interview. Dassenko pretty much confirms that we will see updates to other Hudson titles hit WiiWare, much like Star Soldier R and, of course, Alien Crush Returns.
"The special thing about Hudson is that we really do listen to what our fans want," Dassenko said. "We know there are a ton of fans out there demanding remakes or completely new versions of our more popular brands like Military Madness, Adventure Island, Bonk, and more," continuing on to say that he's "sure we'll see other series making the leap to current-gen soon enough." Sounds good to us!
We're very excited about Alien Crush Returns, because, as you've noticed, we're all about the Turbografx-16 original and its pseudo-sequel, Devil's Crush. We need some more time to learn to love Jaki Crush, but we're definitely fans of that one too. But just because we're insane-o-crazy about this series doesn't mean we're avowed video pinball fanatics. For the most part, outside of Naxat's excellent games, we're unmoved by simulated pinball.
Are you a fan of pinball games? If so, are you also a fan of the noisy, clattering, awesome real thing? Also, what's your opinion of Crüe Ball?
Tycho and Gabe, as well as all those other game companies, must be feeling pretty insecure right now, because they're all going to be upstaged by a humble WiiWare game. Or, at least, that would be the case if this year's Penny Arcade Expo were being attended exclusively by a crowd of weirdos just like us, because Hudson will have Alien Crush Returns and Bomberman Blast on display at their booth. This will be the first official public appearance in North America by either of these games!
If you thought Hudson was done announcing WiiWare games, you were dead wrong. In fact, Bomberman Blast was just a warmup for the real WiiWare announcement, which we all knew was coming, but we're elated to see: Alien Crush Returns is coming to North America! A few new screens came with the announcement, which you can find in our gallery. Chris Kohler's impressions of today's Japanese release suggest that this news is, in fact, a good thing.
According to the press release, "Alien Crush Returns is the only pinball game for WiiWare that lets gamers compete head to head online." It also happens to be the only pinball game for WiiWare. As with Bomberman Blast (and Star Soldier R), Hudson will host periodic online tournaments, starting with one near the unspecified launch period.
The Mega Man love-in continues on the Japanese Virtual Console, with perhaps the most beloved entry in the extraordinarily prolific franchise -- the one that spawned "Okkusenman." The only other game on the Virtual Console today: Chase H.Q., Taito's police pursuit racer.
The relatively light VC release schedule (for Japan) is ameliorated by the fact that one of the games is Mega Man 2. It's also bolstered rather significantly by the WiiWare releases, which include both Alien Crush Returns and Space Invaders Get Even!, two games that oh man we are seriously dying for.
Just one day before the Japanese release of Hudson's Alien Crush Returns, we're treated to new screens of the remake/sequel of the glorious Turbografx-16 pinball game. The one above appears to be one of the new boss levels (briefly seen in the trailer), in which you fire pinballs at a grotesque alien rictus.
Also highlighted: the two-player versus mode -- which is based on score and time, as far as we can tell, and not simultaneous multiplayer, but we doubt it, because that sounds amazingly insane -- interfering with each other's shots, sharing flippers, and generally just having a frustrating old time.
Just knowing that a new Crush pinball game is being released tomorrow somewhere makes the world seem like a happier, warmer place.
Hudson has just launched the official Japanese site for upcoming WiiWare title, Alien Crush Returns. Within the site, you'll find a lot of content, including a nice video, along with several screens. Also, if you have some knowledge on translating Japanese, you can find some nice control explanations right here. Overall, it's a pretty neat site that you should check out. Be sure to hit up our gallery below, as well.
We're very excited about 
