E3 09: Nostalgia Interview With Ignition Entertainment’s Shane Bettenhausen

Earlier this week Unit had a chance to talk to Ignition Entertainment’s Shane Bettenhausen about their upcoming DS game “Nostalgia.” Ignition is bring this game over from Japan, and if you’re a fan of steampunk inspired RPGs, this is going to be a a game that you’re going to need to pick up. Check out what Mr. Bettenhausen had to tell us about what to expect when we can get the games in our hands. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: King of Fighters XII Gameplay Footage

“King of Fighters” will be back later this year courtesy of Ignition Entertainment. Get a look at the new iteration of the game right here.

Boing! Docomodake DS Review: Fun With Shrooms

It’s not often that mushrooms get to star in their own game. The fungi tend to play second fiddle to other characters, most often mustachioed plumbers. Ignition’s latest DS title, “Boing Docomodake DS” actually has very little to do with saving a princess, but that’s about all that has in common with Mario. It’s actually a bit more in line with the recently released “Mushroom Men,” since you play as a mushroom on a quest to save its family. However, this unique puzzle-platformer takes a refreshing approach to navigating levels and stylus based gameplay, that set it apart from, not only Mario’s games, but most games on the market as well. What more would you expect for a Japanese telecom mascot?

That’s right, the mushroom star of “Boing Docomodake DS” is Ntt DoCoMo Inc.’s (Japan’s predominant mobile phone operator) mascot, and no matter how you look at it, it’s an unlikely character for its own game, especially one to get localized for U.S. release. It doesn’t matter; you don’t have to care about corporate synergy to appreciate the fun that is to be had on creative DS title. After all, similar synergy has brought us such great horrible games like “Cool Spot,” “Chester Cheetah’s Wild Quest,” and “Chase the Chuck Wagon.” While most of those games may have left a lot to be desired in terms of gameplay and overall enjoyment, “Boing Docomodake” manages to actually be a fun game. So, just sit back, relax, and let the shooms do the work. [Continue Reading]

Metal Slug 7 Review: Heavy Metal 4-Ever

There are very few franchises that have survived as long as the “Metal Slug” series has, without fundamental changes to their gameplay. For example, if you put “Metal Slug 7” up against the original Neo Geo “Metal Slug,” your average gamer would most likely be able to play both of them, without being able to tell the difference. However, “Metal Slug 7” is different, for a host of different reasons… but is it better?

And the definitive answer is … Kinda?

“Metal Slug 7” takes the long-running franchises standards and carries them through into the new game. SNK and Ignition don’t try to add in anything to the story, gameplay, graphics, etc. It’s all pretty much the same game that everyone should know and love – shoot your way through the levels, toss a few grenades, stab some bad guys, and save the hostages. After all, it it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it. For that I thank SNK for a worthy addition to the “Metal Slug” series, and, possibly the best portable version of the game (I can’t say for sure because I haven’t played “Meal Slug Advance” or either of the Neo Geo Pocket titles). The series has become reliable – in a very good way – especially since its’ closest relative, “Contra,” went so far askew, for so long. [Continue Reading]