Atari and Namco Bandai have announced that Dragon Ball Z fans will have something new to look forward to soon. The everly popular anime will be making a debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles soon. The titles will support Next-gen graphics and online gameplay.

Will they be able to outdo Naruto’s Xbox 360 debut? Who knows, but we’ll be keeping an eye out. The full release can be found below.

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2008 – Atari, Inc. one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher and distributor, today announced that Dragon Ball Z®: Burst Limit is in development for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Exploding into the next level of intensity with next-gen graphics, online gameplay and lightning fast action, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is being developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. and is slated for a 2008 release.

“Atari is excited and ready to offer fans the next iteration of the Dragon Ball Z video game series on the next-gen consoles,” said Donny Clay, Producer, Atari, Inc. “With explosive cinematic graphics and online gameplay, fans of the series and of the fighting genre will surely enjoy Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit.”

Namco Bandai and Lucas Arts have today announced a little surprise for the upcoming Soulcalibur sequel. Soulcalibur IV will have both Darth Vader and Master Yoda appearing as guest characters. The catch is, the Sith Lord will only be available on the PS3 version while 360 gamers will take control of the Jedi Master. The latest title in the popular weapon based fighter will see release this Summer.

San Francisco, CA, December 3, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced exciting content for its January 2008 issue of SHONEN JUMP Magazine. The issue is expected to hit retail outlets nationwide tomorrow, December 4th, in plenty of time for the holidays, and offers a host of new surprises and exciting editorial content sure to delight even the most discriminating fan. This issue also marks the 5th anniversary of SHONEN JUMP Magazine, the most popular English-language comics anthology.

The January issue of SHONEN JUMP, rated T for Teens, marks an important turn in the development of anime and manga’s most popular series, the ninja epic, NARUTO! The serialized NARUTO returns to the magazine after a two-month hiatus with a whole new story arc that picks up two full years after the disappearance of one of the manga’s central characters. Everyone is older, stronger and different in many ways from the earlier chapters of the series and readers will delight in noting the developments. A hotshot Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village from training with his new mentor, Jiraiya, to find that everything back home has changed and readers will get to see a side of the character they’ve never seen before.

SHONEN JUMP recently introduced the BLEACH manga to its lineup, and it’s quickly become one of the magazine’s most popular. This issue features three full manga chapters, plus news on the related animation, which airs on Cartoon Network, and the card game.

The January issue of SHONEN JUMP has always included an extra-powerful Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG card, and this one is no exception: newsstand and subscriber copies alike come with the exclusive “The Wicked Dreadroot” card, and two pages of tips from experts.

The issue also delivers an exclusive first look at the new One Piece: Unlimited Adventure video game for the Nintendo Wii from NAMCO BANDAI Games America. Captain Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates embark on wild adventures in this all new original game, set to be released in early 2008. SHONEN JUMP further expands on the pirate theme with a rundown of some of history’s most notorious pirates and a special interview with the directors of the long-running ONE PIECE animated series.

“The dramatic break in NARUTO has been one of the most exciting things to happen in SHONEN JUMP,” says Marc Weidenbaum, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief. “It capped the SJ Evolution that’s been going on throughout 2007. Now everyone in the manga is older and they’ve changed in many ways. Part of the fun of reading this month’s NARUTO chapter is discovering these differences, combined with learning more about new looming threats to our favorite ninja. That together with the recently introduced BLEACH manga, and the pirate adventures of ONE PIECE make this issue a great way to close 2007 and start 2008 — and the fact that it also debuts in plenty of time for the holidays makes SHONEN JUMP an ideal stocking stuffer!”

From video game advertisers such as Namco Bandai and Sega, to non-endemic partners such as Sara Lee’s Ball Park Franks and the ONDCP anti-drug campaign — advertisers also agree that this January issue is going to be a must-read for hard-to-reach male teens — almost 2 million total readers in all!

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Burbank, CA, October 10, 2007 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, recently completed an extensive array of English ADR (Audio Dialogue Recording), editing and final mixing for Volumes 2 and 3 of the acclaimed .hack//G.U. trilogy of video games for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system from NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc. Both games are currently available in retailers nationwide.

With a global market for new titles, particularly between North America and Japan, expert localization services are now a critical component of game development. Bang Zoom! Entertainment has brought to bear an arsenal of talent and services used widely in the anime arena for new RPG game titles (many based on anime and manga series) slated for domestic release.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America approached Bang Zoom! Entertainment to work on the .hack//G.U. series after hearing of the facility’s reputation for providing superior ADR and localization services for hundreds of well-known anime titles. It retained the company to develop, record and mix a new English soundtrack for the .hack//G.U. series – a sprawling project as each game possessed more than 6,500 lines of dialogue – but it was all completed in a scant six weeks.

.hack//G.U. encompasses three volumes based on a popular anime and manga series set amidst a fictional online role playing game in the future. The two new PlaySstation 2 titles have been highly anticipated following the critical acclaim of the first edition. Following the premise of the animated series, players again return to the fictitious Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) setting called “The World” to continue protagonist Haseo’s journey as he and his friends look to escape from what has become a digital trap filled with dungeons and monsters.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America producer Masahiro Knittel flew to Los Angeles from Northern California and ensconced himself at Bang Zoom!’s studios to advise the team throughout the recording and mixing process. Bang Zoom! Co-producer Mami Okada interfaced closely with Knittel and strong rapport quickly developed that helped facilitate completion.

“I was immediately impressed with the professionalism and high quality of voice over production of Bang Zoom!, and I knew that my project was in good hands,” Knittel says. “ADR director, Tony Oliver, and I quickly developed a close producer-director relationship in the studio, which I believe really strengthened the process of recording, resulting in very convincing performances by each of the actors. I thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at Bang Zoom!’s studio, and I doubt you’ll find a more friendly and accommodating environment to work in. I am very pleased with the results of the studio recordings. These guys are on the top of my list when considering future ADR projects.”

Work commenced as a vast collection of the original Japanese dialogue was delivered, checked for quality and organized into a cohesive format. Sound engineer Jeff Prosser explains, “A huge part included putting all the Japanese files into Pro Tools for easy reference. We would refer to these files regularly for comparison in order to get the correct emotions or intensity from the English voice actors. It became a roadmap for the entire project.”

Corresponding video elements were also delivered as Quicktime and Matroska (Kodak) files, which were then transferred into a Final Cut Pro editing suite as a single continuous video file with an all important streaming time code to be used for script timing.

Critical was that the new English dialogue sync exactly to the movements of each character’s mouth without changing the meaning or context of the original Japanese. “The key was to make it sound natural,” says project ADR Director Tony Oliver, himself a renowned voice actor best known for his portrayal of Rick Hunter on the famed Robotech anime series. “Sometimes the rhythm of the speech must be altered a little to fit, but the meaning of what is said must always remain true to the original intent. That can be challenging and often requires substituting words and altering syntax until it seems natural. Each of the voice actors also adds their own rhythm and personality.”

To convincingly achieve the key role of Haseo, Bang Zoom! brought in noted voice actor Yuri Lowenthal, who performed on the original .Hack video game as well as an array of other game and anime productions including Afro Samurai, Bleach, Final Fantasy XII, and several Naruto game titles. All of the recording was done sequentially, according to how the actual game unfolds, so each actor understood how the plot evolves and could tighten their performances in-line and understand the motivations required for each scene. Recoding used tried and true Avalon 737SP pre-mics and Neumann U87 microphones.

“The biggest challenge with this title was the sheer amount of dialogue,” recalls Oliver. “It was way more than a conventional narrative because of different outcomes possible with each scene based on moves the player makes. But convincing performances must be recorded for each outcome. The difference with video games is that the dialogue for each resolution must be performed and mixed in such a way to preserve the continuity of the entire game. It’s critical for there to be the same intensity and emotion in each of the lines spoken. I think we definitely achieved that with this project.”

Time constraints for the project were very tight and Bang Zoom! chief engineer Patrick Rodman began mixing completed tracks as ADR sessions continued to progress. All three of Bang Zoom! Entertainment’s mix/ADR rooms were used simultaneously for .hack//G.U. “I level matched each of the over 5,000 newly recorded files by ear then began processing the dialogue, which included matching the new dub with the same effects and vocal treatments present in the original. Mixing was done entirely in Pro Tools using a Digidesign Control 24 console.” Rodman also meticulously balanced and matched EQ, reverbs and pitching using various Pro Tools and Wave plug-ins. Rodman, who has been with Bang Zoom! for 8 years, was well-suited to work on the .hack//G.U. series, having worked previously at Monterey Post where he contributed to the soundtracks of several Warner Bros. animated titles including Pinky & The Brain, Batman, and The Animaniacs.

“As games become more sophisticated the players and fans demand a more convincing and compelling level of acting,” concludes Eric P. Sherman, President of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “Likewise, because .hack//G.U. is based on a popular anime series, there must be synergy between the two and a higher quality of skill is required to do that. We are now applying our expertise gained from working on numerous anime titles to a new range of games that require localization for domestic release. .hack//G.U. was a very successful project, completed on a tight schedule, and we look forward to fans reveling in the new adventures and new English soundtrack the game presents.”

ABOUT BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading full-service audio post production studio for feature films, television, interactive gaming, anime and direct to home entertainment content. Founded in 1993, the company offers a range of specialized services including a critically acclaimed staff of recognized voice talent, ADR,/Foley recording, sound design, and 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II mixing and encoding. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is also committed to developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally.

Contact Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. at 1100 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505; Phone: (818) 295-3939; Fax: (818) 295-3999; Website: www.bangzoomentertainment.com.

The battle continues as leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that its popular ninja combat franchise will return to the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system in NARUTO(TM): Uzumaki Chronicles(TM) 2. Boasting an exciting new storyline, multi-player battles, and an additional array of playable characters, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 follows the success of its prequel to deliver an original adventure with intense combat. Based on the hit animated TV series SHONEN JUMP(TM) NARUTO(TM), from VIZ Media, players can expect fierce ninjutsu action with challenging missions set in a picturesque anime-style 3D world. NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is set to be released in late-summer 2007.

“In response to the overwhelming success, we felt compelled to give fans a superior sequel to NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles by digging deeper into the series; allowing gamers to become further engulfed into the ninja lifestyle,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc, “NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 will deliver the excitement of ninja combat on a massive scale while remaining true to the unique franchise.”

A brand new tale arrives as Naruto faces different challenges to defend the Hidden Leaf Village and surrounding villages from the evil force trying to dominate it. An ancient organization, which was thought to have been disbanded, is alive and in search of orbs to resurrect a mechanical terror. It’s now up to Naruto and all of the Hidden Leaf Genin to join forces with those of the Hidden Sand Village to stop this menace.

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 far exceeds its predecessor with features including:

- New Original Adventure - Explore the Naruto world with a brand new story line that can only be experienced through NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
- Multiplayer Co-op and Vs Battles - During the game, a second player is able to join in on the action for a simultaneous two-player adventure! Or, fight head-to-head with a friend and battle it out for the title of Hokage.
- Multiple Modes of Play - Additional gameplay modes further enhance the Naruto experience:
- Story Mode - Play alone or with a friend and traverse a lush, 3-D anime-style world in which Naruto and his friends work together to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane Clan and their nefarious army of “puppet walkers.” Hone your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock a secret chapter of the story.
- Mission Mode - Take on a series of challenging side missions.
- Survival Mode - Test your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock a secret mission.
- Multiple Playable Characters - Choose your favorite ninja, including Naruto, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Kakashi, Guy, Sasuke, or Choji, to complete story-driven missions and intense challenges.
- Character Customization - Prove yourself in battle and earn money to create the ultimate warrior using Chips and Plates that can customize your character’s speed, strength, stamina and even special moves.
- Lethal Attacks and Weapons - Harness the power of Rasengan, Lightning Blade, Sand Coffin, and other moves, straight from the series!

‘Pac-Man’ may be celebrating 25 years, but the timeless game still plays like its 1981. This Wednesday, August 9, ‘classic’ becomes the new ‘next-gen’ with the arrival of ‘Pac-Man’ on Xbox Live Arcade. The little yellow pellet-eater from Namco/Bandai is the latest retro title to debut as part of the Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays program and is packed with tons of features exclusive to Xbox 360.

GAME FOCUS:

‘Pac-Man’ for Xbox Live Arcade will take gamers down memory maze, with original gameplay and hundreds of levels. Graphics have been upgraded to high-definition but still maintain the charm and retro-look of the original iteration.

GAME FEATURES:

‘With high-definition graphics, Xbox Live Achievements and Leaderboards, the Xbox Live Arcade version of this all-time classic game provides hours of fun.

‘Pac-Man’ includes:

More than 250 exciting, addictive levels, mazes and action-packed fun
Original music and sound effects
High definition graphics
Leaderboards
Achievements

WHEN CAN I GET IT: Download ‘Pac-Man’ today, Wednesday, August 9, at 1am PST on Xbox Live Arcade. Pac-Man’ (Namco/Bandai): 400 Microsoft Points

System: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

The Naruto train is rolling in full effect in the US right now. Taking advantage of that, Namco is set to release their second title on the Playstation 2 platform this year based on the franchise. Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles is an action adventure title set for release this Winter. Assuming the role of Naruto, players play through story-driven missions involving him saving the Hidden Leaf Village as he learns what it truly means to be a great ninja.

Namco promises an original storyline with game-play that will offer large-scale ninja combat with many familiar locations ripe for exploration in an adventure setting. Players will experience the trials and tribulations of a ninja-in-training - fierce competition from fellow students and constant challenges from their teachers. Status-boosting chips and plates can be collected to customize all aspects of Naruto’s abilities and face-off against multiple enemies using either close combat moves or long-range weapons like shurikens and explosive cards. With familiar characters like Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji that can swoop in for assistance, the mix of mini-games and lethal attacks straight from the popular anime series will satiate any Naruto fan.

Details are still light on the ground, but we’ll be back with more on Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles as it breaks.

Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that “NARUTO(TM): UZUMAKI CHRONICLES(TM)”will be available this Winter, exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Based on the hit animated TV series SHONEN JUMP’s NARUTO from VIZ Media airing on Cartoon Network, this action adventure title offers players a chance to become Naruto, the aspiring ninja with the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sleeping deep within. Set in a vividly rendered 3D environment, gamers can play through the story-driven missions to save the Hidden Leaf Village from the threat of evil and fulfill Naruto’s dream of becoming the Hokage (leader).

“On the heels of the resounding success of ‘NARUTO(TM): Ultimate Ninja(TM),’ fans of the series have been clamoring for new NARUTO adventures on the PlayStation 2,” said Naruo Uchida, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.’s Senior Vice President. “With ‘NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles,’ we will deliver another layer of gameplay depth to the franchise by introducing an original storyline and providing an opportunity for fans to engage in large-scale ninja combat, all the while exploring familiar locations of the Naruto universe in an adventure setting.”

“NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles” introduces a lush, never-before-seen 3D world that will test the players’ Ninjutsu skills as Naruto, the feisty orphan who wants to become the most respected and admired ninja of all time. A brand new story drives the missions as players experience the trials and tribulations of a ninja-in-training - fierce competition from fellow students and constant challenges from their teachers. Players can collect status-boosting chips and plates to customize all aspects of Naruto’s abilities and face-off against multiple enemies using either close combat moves or long-range weapons like shurikens and explosive cards. With familiar characters like Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji that can swoop in for assistance, “NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles” offers mini-games and lethal attacks straight from the popular anime series to satiate any aspiring ninja.