Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Local Video Game Company D3 Publisher Launches 2009 Lineup
D3 Publisher is an L.A.-based video game company that just seems to know what’s up. By refusing to pigeonhole themselves into any particular genre, the developers have projects that range anywhere from cartoon franchise spin offs to sexy heroine hack n’ slashers, all of which cater to any and all gamers alike. Perhaps best known for their intergalactic-themed Puzzle Quest series, D3 is churning out a few fun titles that simply shouldn’t be overshadowed.
Last month news broke about a projected buyout by publisher Namco Bandai, which will inevitably offer both companies more series and licenses to work with. While the gaming world is still getting adjusted to this year’s early premier titles (Halo Wars, Street Fighter IV, and the upcoming Resident Evil 5), 2009 may just be D3’s year of gaming prominence. LAist was recently invited to check out some of the companies’ latest projects; check out a few highlights after the jump.
Puzzle Quest: Galactrix: Puzzle Quest is arguably one of the best of those “in-depth” games that’s masked as a casual title. While games like Bubble Bobble or Bejeweled are fun, Puzzle Quest offers an RPG element where players can upgrade their characters and their fleets based on strategies incurred in battles. While such an element does in fact provide more of an immersive experience, Galactrix is one of those games that can be most enjoyed on a commute or as a work/classroom distraction.
Onechanbara- Bikini Zombie Slayers: What appears to be a title that can only stem from the minds of the sexually creative Japanese, Onechanbara is definitely one for the boys. But that’s not to say that this writer wasn’t entertained. Dressed in skimpy clothing and armed with deadly samurai swords, Suki and Aya traverse their world slashing zombies, which is essentially the long and short of it. Sure the story lacks a bit of depth and the gaming mechanics could be more intuitively developed, but what more can you really ask of a game centered around the innocent, adolescent appeal of sex and violence?
Sponsored message
Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard: Have you noticed how celebrities have become more attracted to video games lately? First we had Samuel L. Jackson playing the voice of Afro Samurai, and now a comedic team comprised of Will Arnett and Neil Patrick Harris are on board for Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard. When washed up 80’s video game star Matt Hazard (Arnett) was cast in Marathon Megasoft owner Wally Wellesley’s latest video game project, he went on a mission to prove that he hasn’t lost his super hero flair. Running into spoofed enemies along the way (a surly carpenter/Mario derivative, for example), what Eat Lead lacks in gameplay it makes up with an award-winning comedic story. Self-referential video games are often overlooked in the general sphere of sales, but this is just one of those games that will turn into a cult classic in no time.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
