However, Shienryu does offer some challenges as you must reach the end with only a few lives, although pick-ups will help you along the way by giving you lives, increased ammunition, faster shooting or being able to shoot lighting!

At the end of the game you can record your score on a local leaderboard to see all your scores. Shienryu can be played on both PS3 and PSP.

Although it isn’t the number 1 shoot’em-up around, it is worth a go for anyone looking for a bit of cooperative madness, and is well worth every penny of the price- £3.99.

Buzzin’ Games   5/10

The Sonic Wings Special story is enjoyable to play through over 9 missions; and there are 17 different levels altogether you can select. The game can also be played in a two player cooperative mode and the other player can join at any other point through the game. This obviously makes the game more manic; with bullets flying everywhere, but it means you can both enjoy the game at the same time.

Each stage has its own unique touches with varying enemy ships which gives you something new to look forward to on each mission. You can also interact with some of the scenery. There are different characters available to use, each with their own unique warship which all come with special moves to really wreak havoc on the enemy. As you progress through this 2D computer game your ships’ guns will improve with increased quantity and quality of missiles to aid you against the more challenging boss battles at the end of each round.

With different game modes, a good selection of characters (including unlockable ones) and a multipath story this game is definitely a worthy purchase for fans of the retro style shoot’em-up genre.

Sonic Wings Special is released on European PSN & PSP by MonkeyPaw Games Inc price £3.99.

Buzzin’ Games  7/10

GaiaSeed - Japanese Retro PS One Game

MonkeyPaw Games Inc. announced today that GaiaSeed is now available on the recently launched Japanese PS One Import section on the European PlayStation Network.

The release marks the first time that European gamers will get the chance to play the addicting horizontal shooter in its pure, un-touched form.

As with most games in the Import section, the release marks the first time that many gamers will get to play the direct-from-Japan import.

GaiaSeed is one of the greatest shooters that never made it to Western markets. The classic is currently available at the affordable price of EU €4.99.

“We’re gradually bringing back Japanese classics without the need of paying a premium price because of their rarity. GaiaSeed is a great example of a classic shooter that simply needed to be shared with the masses. The silky smooth gameplay has definitely stood the test of time and still remains as one of the most addicting space shooters ever,” said John Greiner, president and CEO of MonkeyPaw Games.

About GaiaSeed
GaiaSeed is a horizontal shooter from Techno Soleil featuring solid control, precise bullet collision and a simple powerup system that’s a blast to use. The smooth and silky display of algorhythmic perfection always challenges but never frustrates.

Featuring six stages, GaiaSeed’s massive 2D backgrounds and variable difficulty further increase the game’s replay value for high-score perfectionists. The title’s unique presentation with techno-beat ambiance and fast-paced visual effects also remind gamers today of the uniqueness of past classic shooters.

A rare find that normally sells for upwards in the $150 range, GaiaSeed is a great classic play that fans of other shooter classics like R-Type and Gradius will appreciate.

More Import Classics from MonkeyPaw Games
MonkeyPaw Games plans to import more classic Japanese PlayStation®Network games to European digital markets at a fair price. Fans of import games are encouraged to voice their suggestions on our social networks for their most-wanted Japanese titles. Other released titles courtesy of MonkeyPaw Games include the eye-opening Cho Aniki and the challenging Sonic Wings Special, both classic 2D shooters.

Cho Aniki combines challenging and quirky gameplay with a hilarious cast of over-the-top Japanese body builders. Sonic Wings Special is a critically-acclaimed shooter with tight controls and enemy bosses that overflow with nostalgia.

These games are also available on the European PlayStation®Network at a price point of EU €4.99 each.

Sony expects the PlayStation store to be back online tomorrow, according to a memo sent by Sony to developer and publishing partners.

When the PlayStation store returns, Sony will begin by resuming the scheduled releases that were interrupted by the PSN downtime.

Alongside the store’s relaunch will be content originally scheduled for 26th April and the first PlayStation update affected by PSN downtime. Three days later on 27th May, there will be another store update for games originally scheduled for 3rd May.

The following week, the PlayStation store will update twice on 31st May and 3rd June, covering content that was supposed to release during the past three weeks. At that point, the PlayStation store will be back on schedule and return to a single content update each week.

Though these are Sony’s stated plans for relaunching the PlayStation store, the memo says that the firm is willing to adjust content releases on a case-by-case basis.

Users will also be able to download their free games as part of Sony’s ‘Welcome Back‘ programme once the PlayStation store returns.

Adding to the futuristic shooter’s seven game types and four co-op missions, the PSN launch will include ‘Crossover’ a PSN-exclusive map, which draws players into the financial district just as it transforms into a war zone.

Also exclusive to Blacklight: Tango Down’s PSN release is the ‘Join in Progress’ feature, which allows players to team up with their friends and enter matches without having to wait for an intermission.

Additionally, UTV Ignition Entertainment will offer players a free tour of duty in the engaging Blacklight universe with a downloadable multiplayer demo that will be available on the PlayStation Network alongside the title’s release.

Blacklight: Tango Down is a fast-paced, action-oriented first-person shooter that marks the first release of what will be a multi-platform entertainment franchise. Beyond the video game, a BlackLight feature film from Twentieth Century Fox and comic book series are currently in development. Designed to bring a fun, absorbing, and high quality AAA multiplayer experience to DLG venues, the game exists in a future between contemporary and sci-fi shooters – part Blade Runner and part Call of Duty.

Exclusive Content and Brand-New Features Deliver to PlayStation Gamers The Wildly Popular Shooter At Its Very Best  (£9.99 /€12.99) on PlayStation Network

UnderGarden new screens

Atari have announced the release of a series of new screens for its enchanting puzzle game The UnderGarden, developed by Vitamin-G the creators of Aces of the Galaxy.

The UnderGarden presents a wonderful exploration experience for gamers with an affinity for solving new style puzzles and will be unleashed this winter Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStationNetwork and Windows PC Download at Atari.com

UnderGarden new screens

The UnderGarden is a casual zen-like game that challenges players to explore beautiful underground caverns filled with strange life forms; physics based puzzles and plenty of hidden secrets.

The world comes alive and music evolves as players get deeper into the world of The UnderGarden. With local co-operative gameplay, players can chill out, work together to solve puzzles and explore the world. The UnderGarden offers 20 different levels of modern exploration filled with brain teasing physics and eco-friendly puzzles that evoke an emotional response to the beauty and calm of this underwater oasis.

UnderGarden new screens

1 Use different types of fruit to help solve brain-teasing physics-based puzzles.
2 Watch the world around you bloom and come to life.
3 Pick up musicians to enhance the soothing audio tracks.
4 Unlock new looks for your character as you progress through the UnderGarden.
5 Explore a variety of different levels.
6 Solve tricky puzzles.
7 Gather pollen to make your world blossom with plant life and colour.

For further information visit the Atari website

Powered by CryENGINE®3, Nexuiz is a fast paced Arena first-person shooter with competitive game play built specifically for consoles. Featuring the innovative mutator system, players progress through the ranks opening up new mutators that allow players to alter the rules for each match.

On launch, Nexuiz will feature multiplayer modes including Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag complete with full competitive leader boards designed for social networking. New games modes, models, and maps will be available as downloadable content post launch.

Nexuiz is set in a galactic war fueled for centuries by the Kavussari and Forsellians. Over time the two races entered into treaties with the Herald Accord, a union between different cultures in the galaxy. Even though peace settled across their planets, the seething hatred between the races kept the fire of war simmering under the fragile truce.

Sensing their newest members could spread war throughout the galaxy; the Herald Accord gave the Kavussari and Forsellians a choice. Pit their warriors against each other in the arena rather than on the fields of war, or face total annihilation. The Nexuiz was formed, a series of battle arenas on the home planets of the Kavussari, Forsellian and the desolate planet of Atavirta.

Watch the Nexuiz gameplay trailer:

The UnderGarden

Atari have announced plans to release their new puzzle exploration experience for gamers who have an affinity for  solving new style puzzles, The UnderGarden is scheduled for release this Winter.

Developed by Vitamin-G, the creators of Aces of the Galaxy, The UnderGarden is set to unleash its mythical mojo this Winter and will be available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC Download at Atari.com.

The UnderGarden is a casual zen-like game that challenges players to explore beautiful underground caverns filled with strange life forms; physics based puzzles and plenty of hidden secrets. The world comes alive and music evolves as players get deeper into the world of The UnderGarden.

With local co-operative gameplay, players can chill out, work together to solve puzzles and explore the world. The UnderGarden offers 20 different levels of modern exploration filled with brain teasing physics and eco-friendly puzzles that evoke an emotional response to the beauty and calm of this underwater oasis.

Vice President and General Manager of Atari Europe, John Burns said; “The UnderGarden offers an imaginative and novel take on the puzzle genre. With its beautiful striking visuals, hypnotic soundtrack and taxing physics puzzles, The Undergarden is a underwater journey of triumphant discovery.”

Watch the trailer here:

For further information visit The UnderGarden website.

The trailer features Bounty Hunter Kit Ballard, part cat, part girl and completely lethal! Prepared for every eventuality, Kit has the ability to change her appearance in an instant with over 60 combinations of weapons and costumes available to her.

Blade Kitten welcomes the player to Hollow Wish, it is here in this mysterious shell planetoid filed with dark secrets and shadowy cloaked figures that Kit Ballard works as one of the best bounty hunters in the business.

She is one of the last of her species, having fled her homeland after the genocide of her people at the hands of the ancient and mystical race known as the Darques.

Kit has since made a name for herself rounding up some of the most deadly scum in the galaxy. With her unique Darque Blade hovering at her side and obeying her every command, Kit can cut through even the toughest rogue drone while hunting down soft targets. Also along for the ride is Skiffy, Kit’s laid-back little sidekick who, when needed, serves as her protector.

Join Kit, Skiffy and the Darque Blade in the all new action adventure game… Blade Kitten.

Blade Kitten is released in September 2010, the all action adventure has a 12+ rating and will be available for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Play Station Network and PC download.

Blade Kitten screenshot

Major videogame producer Atari have announced the upcoming European launch of Blade Kitten, the game based on the  comic book series by creator Steve Stamatiadis.

Developed by Krome Studios, Blade Kitten brings the world of bounty hunter Kit Ballard to life and will launch this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation Network, and Windows PC Download.

Blade Kitten marks the latest creation by Mr. Stamatiadis, the force behind the multi-million selling TY the Tasmanian Tiger series. In Blade Kitten, a prequel to the comics set three years prior; players are invited into the world of Hollow Wish where they take on the role of Kit Ballard, one of the best bounty hunters in the business.

With her pink hair and tail, Kit is part cat, part girl – and fully lethal.  As one of the last of her species, Kit commands her unique ‘Darque Blade’ hovering sword to defeat enemies.  Also along for the ride is Skiffy, Kit’s laid-back sidekick who lends a hand in collecting items, solving puzzles, and when needed, serves as Kit’s protector.

Blade Kitten goes beyond most downloadable titles to deliver a strong narrative, with high-quality cinematics, and a colourful, frenetic visual style, that lends to the pick-up-and-play arcade action.  Players will jump right in and easily begin exploring and fighting their way through 19 levels, including three exploration levels with Noot (a rideable alien mount).  Blade Kitten also features innovative gameplay mechanics, intuitive ’scramble style’ exploration, fully voiced dialogue, dramatic narrative and a powerful distinct anime-inspired visual direction.

John Burns, Vice President and General Manager for Atari Europe, said;

“We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Blade Kitten for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Playstation®Network and PC Download. With its colourful anime inspired universe, simple pick up and play arcade action and intuitive scramble style exploration Blade Kitten is destined to become one of the hot digital releases of 2010.”

For further information visit the Blade Kitten website.