Date: 2009 March 26 16:19
Posted by Joe
We've just been sent an exciting press release from Rockin' Android about their plans to release doujin videogames (sometimes referred to as 'indie games') on the PC.
In a nutshell they've licensed and translated a great selection of indie games for release in the US, Canada, South America and Western Europe territories.
Don't forget to check their website to see a selection videos and interesting articles about the games they're going to release.
Full Story
Press release as follows:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009
GAME PUBLISHER "ROCKIN' ANDROID" DEBUTS WITH OFFICIALLY LICENSED DOUJIN VIDEOGAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN PC MARKET
San Francisco, CA – Newly formed videogame publisher Rockin' Android announced today during Game Developers Conference 2009 the U.S. release of five doujin videogame titles it has acquired, marking the very first time that rare and exclusive fan-created, anime-style games for the PC have ever been officially licensed and localized for commercial sale outside of Japan. Among the five titles, SUGURI Perfect Edition and GUNDEMONIUM Collection will be released for direct retail sale, while Flying Red Barrel –A Diary of a Little Aviator–, Qualia and Miku Miku will be exclusively available as download-only titles. All five titles are side-scrolling, shooting/fighting action games slated for a summer 2009 release.
"Doujin games are basically home-made videogames programmed, coded and created entirely by hardcore fans and game enthusiasts, but contrary to the perception of something ‘home-made,' they look and play like professionally produced arcade games," says Enrique Galvez, president of Rockin' Android. "In Japan, doujin videogames are the innovatively cool, small indie label alternative to mainstream console games, as thousands of anime, manga and videogame fans regularly seek out these limited-run products at conventions and specialty shops in Tokyo. As such, we're thrilled to finally have the rights to introduce these very unique retro arcade-style games to a wider audience in North America, South America and Western Europe.
"SUGURI Perfect Edition, GUNDEMONIUM Collection and our other licensed doujin games all feature a combination of highly stylized anime visuals and stunning character designs with easy-to-follow interface controls, making for a competitive, fun and addictive game that has multiple replay value," Galvez explained. "With the look and feel that's reminiscent of old-school retro games, they're a refreshing change from the current wave of videogames plagued by convoluted storylines and needlessly complicated controls and moves. At the same time, they're contemporary enough to appeal to today's gamers who are looking to experience a little-known side of Japanese videogame fandom that's uniquely different and fun."
Rockin' Android's first PC game release will be the SUGURI Perfect Edition, streeting on June 30, 2009 and value-priced at $19.99 SRP. This DVD-rom contains the two complete games (SUGURI, Acceleration of SUGURI), an expansion pack (Acceleration of SUGURI X-Edition) and two soundtrack albums (TRANCENATION of SUGURI original soundtrack and Acceleration of SUGURI Soundtrack). In addition to the DVD-rom release, downloadable versions of SUGURI, Acceleration of SUGURI and Acceleration of SUGURI X-Edition will be also be made available for purchase at a later date on the company website, www.RockinAndroid.com.
Further details regarding the release of GUNDEMONIUM Collection, as well as for the download-exclusive games, Flying Red Barrel –A Diary of a Little Aviator–, Qualia and Miku Miku, will be posted in the coming weeks on the company website.
Title: SUGURI Perfect Edition
Catalog# RADVD001
Barcode 876964000123
SRP $19.99
Cut-off date 05/26/09
Street date 06/30/09
About SUGURI and Acceleration of SUGURI:
Fan-acclaimed SUGURI is one of the most unique side-scrolling shooter titles ever created by doujin game developer Orange_Juice. Showcasing beautifully rendered designs and backgrounds, innovative weaponry, captivating gameplay action and a cool techno-trance soundtrack, SUGURI is a must-have, must-play doujin game.
Experience the rush of battle as you wage intensive aerial duels in Acceleration of SUGURI, the follow-up to the fan-favorite SUGURI. The rapid-fire combat action that players have come to love in the first game is all here, but now in the form of a hybrid shoot-em-up/fighter. You'll choose from among multiple fighters (such as Suguri, Nanako, Hime, etc.) each equipped with an automatic lock-on targeting system and an arsenal of hyper weapons, power shields, etc. So get ready to focus and concentrate like never before, because you'll have to fight your way through multiple, harshly difficult stages and overwhelmingly powerful foes with deceptively distracting weapons firing a bombardment of missiles, laser spears, and beams coming at you in every insane direction imaginable!
About Game Developers Conference:
The Game Developers Conference® (GDC) is the world's largest professionals-only game industry event. Presented every spring in San Francisco, it is the essential forum for learning, inspiration, and networking for the creators of computer, console, handheld, mobile, and online games.
The GDC attracts over 18,000 attendees, and is the primary forum where programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business decision-makers and others involved in the development of interactive games gather to exchange ideas and shape the future of the industry. The GDC is produced by the Think Services Game Group, a division of United Business Media, LLC. Additional information can be found at: www.gdconf.com.