Populous Coming to the Nintendo DS

Xseed is coming out with its line-up for the fall of 2008, announcing the eminent release of Retro Game Challenge in the United States, and the worldwide launch of Populous DS and of Korg DS-10.

The first game announced, Retro Game Challenge, is actually a re-named Game Center CX: Arino's Challenge. Based on a very popular Japanese TV show, it brings classic Famicom titles to the forefront again. It deals with the story of two gamers living in '80s that have to compete in fictional 8-bit games, like shooters, racing games, action titles and RPGs, while also trying to gain the advantage by picking up hints and cheat codes from gaming magazines.

Populous DS is an adaptation to the Nintendo DS of the classic Bullfrog-created Populous franchise. The title is one of the earliest "god games" that became available on the PC. You need to look after the villagers of a virtual world, help them build up their village, and become more powerful, as they worship you and grant you different godly powers, which you must then use to battle other gods and their followers. The game has simple mechanics and a very fast-paced rhythm, making it an ideal title for the DS. The Wi-Fi connection of the handheld console also comes in handy, as it allows competitive multiplayer for up to four players, with earthquakes, tidal waves and lava being the main weapons.

Korg DS-10 is a full-fledged music creation tool for the DS, adapted from the Korg MS-10 synthesizer. The tool offers two analog synth simulators, a drum module, and a 6-track and 16-step sequencer.

Jun Iwasaki, the president of Xseed, stated: "It's been an amazing year for us. We've got a fantastic partnership with Marvelous Entertainment which we greatly appreciate, and the overall line up of titles we're showcasing is strong and diverse, which we're exceptionally excited about."