Good news for music game lovers! Koei announced this morning that Gitaroo-Man Lives!, the PSP port of the classic PS2 guitar-battle game, will be on US shelves earlier than expected: November 14, to be exact. $39.99.
Originally, the US version had been slated for a February 2007 release. It's basically identical to the Japanese version, which is already in stores: a new Duet Mode lets players play cooperatively on two new songs, called "Metal Header" and "Toda Pasion".
This actually makes a double dose of fun for fans of developer iNiS, as their Nintendo DS title Elite Beat Agents hits stores exactly one week prior to Gitaroo. If I had to recommend one, it'd be EBA. But get both.
Full press release post-jump.
GITAROO MAN® LIVES! COMING TO NORTH AMERICA ON NOVEMBER 14th, 2006
KOEI to Bring the Legendary Music Rhythm Hit to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) System Burlingame, CA – October 2, 2006 – Burlingame, CA – October 2, 2006 – Get ready to Gitaroo! KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that GITAROO MAN®LIVES! will ship to North American Retailers on November 14th, 2006.
“I’m bringing Gitaroo back,” said Gitaroo Man of his upcoming return to North America. The evil Gravillian family, Gitaroo Man’s archenemies, refused to comment.
“Packed with a quirky mix of Japanese pop art, lovable characters, and addicting musical death matches, the original Gitaroo Man became a certified intergalactic cult classic and was recognized for its innovation for music and gaming,” said Amos Ip, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for KOEI Corporation. “With the upcoming PSP version’s all- new Duet Mode gamers can jam to previously unreleased Gitaroo songs Metal Header and Toda Pasión.”
Consumers can learn more at the official Gitaroo Man Lives! minisite at www.koei.com.
About GITAROO MAN LIVES! GITAROO MAN LIVES! is the bittersweet tale of U-1, an ordinary young boy who dares to dream of becoming a skateboard master in order to attract the attention of Pico, the most popular girl in school. It is a heartwarming story of a boy triumphing against all odds and overcoming Kazuya, the school bully, winning the girl, and embarking on a journey of young love... then again, looking at U-1, perhaps not.
Actually, it is a spectacular story in which the last descendant of the legendary Gitaroo Man must use his magical guitar to save the planet Gitaroo from the evil Gravillians. This updated version of the original classic is optimized for portable play, and features new songs for the all-new Duet Mode.
Consumers can learn more at the official Gitaroo Man Lives! minisite at www.koei.com.
Key Product Features
- Music is the weapon in this fabled rhythm game where you help beautiful loser U-1 transform into rock legend Gitaroo Man and find true love.
- For the first time ever, share the spotlight in new Duet Mode while jamming to previously unreleased Gitaroo songs Metal Header and Toda Pasión!
- Battle for rock supremacy in Vs. mode via wireless (ad hoc).
- Includes all 10 colorful stages from the original including, “Flyin' to Your Heart”, “Bee Jam Blues”, and “Born to be Bone”.
- Music styles range from Rock, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Latin and more!
- Single Play, Vs. and Duet Play with three levels of difficulty.
- Music by COIL, with visual design and illustrations by pop artist 326.
GITAROO MAN LIVES! was developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. /Inis Corporation, and is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB. The game is for 1-2 Players (ad hoc). The suggested retail price is US$39.99.
