d3publisher posts

Last week GamePro leaked the news that Puzzle Quest 2 was in the works. Today D3Publisher officially announced that they would be handling the release of the puzzle-RPG game for developer Infinite Interactive. The game is due for release in the spring of 2010 but at the moment the only announced platforms are for the Nintendo DS console and the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade.

So what about a PC version? We contacted D3Publisher's PR rep who replied back, "At the moment we have announced Puzzle Quest 2 will be on XBLA and DS. We are possibly looking at other platforms/skus but no decision has been made at this time." We are betting that they will make the right decision and bring the sequel to this ground-breaking addictive game to our hard drive sometime in 2010.

A few months back developer Wideload Games and publisher D3Publisher released the unusual poker game Texas Cheat 'Em via Xbox Live Arcade and the Playstation Store. Today the PC version of the title has now been released via Steam, allowing folks who feel the need to cheat at card games the opportunity to do so.

While you can play this game as a normal poker title, Texas Cheat 'Em allows the player to gain a number of different "atvantages" over other players via the use of "cheat points". The Steam version comes with 12 Steam achievements along with stats tracking, leaderboards and more. The game normally sells for $9.99 on Steam but from now until August 17 you can purchase and download the title for $8.99.

Yet another instance of publisher consolidation is about to occur. In February, Namco Bandai Games announced their intention to acquire D3Publisher and today Namco Bandai has announced it has already gotten control of 95 percent of D3Publisher's stock.

Gamesindustry.biz reports that Namco Bandai does plan to get control of the remaining 5 percent of D3Publisher, making their acquisition plans complete. The deal will include buying D3Publisher's US operations and their in-house game developer Vicious Cycle Software. That company also develops the Vicious Engine middleware product for game developers. Namco Bandai stated, ""D3Publisher operations will remain unchanged at this time. Development of our current and unannounced titles is ongoing and will move forward as planned."

Players blast off into the future with Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, the sci-fi follow-up to the first fantasy themed Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Like its predecessor, Galactrix is a role-playing game that uses different variations of a gem-matching mini game for everything from combat to crafting. Apart from its setting, the sequel features some significant changes from the first game, the least of which being a circular board using hexagonal pieces. The plot involves a far-future humanity after it has spread out into the stars, met different alien races, and conquered them. In an age of relative peace, a new mysterious threat arises, revealed in number of cryptic cut scenes.

This launch trailer for Puzzle Quest: Galactrix provides some insight into the sci-fi themed puzzle/RPG hybrid's plot and highlights many of the features that will get people puzzle fighting questing again. The game is available now for the PC in retail stores and via Steam or Stardock's Impulse digital download services.

Download HD Puzzle Quest: Galactrix Launch Trailer (17 MB)
Download the Puzzle Quest: Galactrix Demo (132 MB)

This is the full PC demo for Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, the science fiction themed puzzle role-playing game hybrid. The demo includes single player campaign and instant action modes. However, players will not be able to save their heroes, advance past level 5, or travel to more than the first few star systems. The full game is expected to release in February.

Download Puzzle Quest: Galactrix Demo (132 MB)