Mana Khemia 2 leads the pack for 2009.

Lots of goodies from RPG publisher NIS America. Some remakes, some new ones, and one highly anticipated sequel. It’s no surprise that I loved Mana Khemia on the PlayStation 2 and with the recent PSP enhanced version, there’s no excuse for not checking it out. Well NIS America has finally announced the US release of the sequel on the PlayStation 2. I’m also intrigued by Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! From the video it appears to be a dungeon defense game. There are lots of other goodies coming too, including two PlayStation 3 titles. Check out the full list. In other news, Puchi Puchi Virus for the Nintendo DS finally released. Check out our review (based on a reviewer copy sent last year).

The definitive version of GG finally makes it to US shores.

Aksys Games has announced that the most current iteration of the Guilty Gear XX saga is coming to the US this spring for the PS2, PSP, and Wii. Fans familiar to the less plussy version of Accent Core will find an updated story, some tweaks to survival mode, a team battle mode, and best of all the inclusion of 2 returning characters from previous games (Kliff and Justice). As if that wasn’t enough, according to Games Radar, all boxed copies of the game will also come with a free soundtrack!

Source: Aksys Games

Now slated for March

Ignition’s website was recently updated to show a March 3rd release date for The King of Fighters 98: Ultimate Match for the Playstation 2. While not at all surprising due to SNK’s history of often delayed releases in the US, I’m still saddened by these delays that keep popping up. Seriously, can’t SNK get anything out on time?! I figured this whole Ignition/SNK deal was struck in order to stop these things from happening! Any bets on whether KOFXII will be making it for its 2009 release date?
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We’re ready for our close-up Mr. Hirai…

While it’s still a bit infrequent for my tastes, it’s great to see the PlayStation 3 is starting to crank out a couple of appealing releases this quarter. If you’re the type who appreciates getting on-demand access to the latest gaming footage, interviews and more — SCEA’s recent partnership with YouTube just might fit the bill. The new PlayStation-branded channel will deliver non-stop content which will also include a broad variety of services including the ability to share user-generated content, participate in promotions and act as a one-stop resource to stay connected with the company’s first- and third-party releases. Visitors can look forward to featured highlights on big name releases including Little Big Planet, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation

The press release touts the PlayStation channel will be an “evolving service” that will initially offer a featured video section and offer users the ability to customize their own YouTube playlists with PlayStation content or subscribe to the channel for more updates. In addition, the channel will also work in conjunction with other components of the PlayStation community including the official PlayStation homepage and the community blog.

Sony plans to leverage the channel as a means to funnel upcoming promotions, events, interviews and other PlayStation-related content to the ever-growing community.

Tiger, tiger… Oni Musou!!!

The first official TGA SFIV footage has already made its way onto the Interweb, thanks to legendary SF vet Phil Burnell aka Darksyde Phil. The video was taken during yesterday’s official launch party hosted at Tokyo Game Action located in Winchendon, MA.

While the match doesn’t showcase an excessive use of focus attacks (which I am sure we’ll see executed more frequently over time), it does give us a glimpse of how formidable E. Honda can be. If I recall correctly, Phil landed 93 wins on his second credit with the sumo brawler until Nestor came into the arcade with Sagat. Sadly, a follow-up clip showcasing the end to Phil’s reign wasn’t recorded. Hopefully that will materialize very soon.