After a recent SHMUP release (okay, not so recent. And they pretty much do SHMUPs exclusively), Cave is poised to drop another one on us. Kind of. Bug Princess 2 Black Label is more like a Director’s Cut than a real sequel, but it might just be the be-all-end-all version for series fans to get.

The key story and gameplay elements are exactly the same as the original Bug Princess 2. Make no mistake, however, there’s new stuff to justify the purchase. Even more bullets are included in this version, which is something I would never have considered possible but there it is. Players can also recreate a near arcade-perfect experience by slowing down the action (i.e. simulating processor strain). But by far the most interesting addition is the new Boss Rush Mode. All of the massive bosses from the first and second game are here, and high scores can be posted for bragging rights. There was also mention of an option to save progress, but details are still a little scarce at this point.

Bug Princess 2 Black Label has no definitive release date or price at the moment. Presumably it should be out in the next few months, and most likely sell for anywhere between $5 and $15 using Cave’s previous titles as a guide, but that’s all speculation. It is coming, though. And it’s looking like it’ll be glorious.

$6.99

Bug Princess 2

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-04-05 :: Category: Games

$4.99

Bug Princess

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-15 :: Category: Games

Cave has released a number of shooters on the App Store, and virtually all of them have been very well-received. In the interest of preserving that tradition, they’ve just announced an iOS port of Bug Princess (also known as Mushihimesama). I’m hoping that I have all my facts straight, but bear with me here.

Mushihimesama was a big hit in Japanese arcades when it was released in 2004. Thanks in no small part to its “Manic” and “Ultra” modes, I’m sure. After all that success, Cave released a sequel – Mushihimesama Futari – in 2006, followed by a 2010 spin-off most iOS users should be familiar with at this point: Mushihimesama Bug Panic. Still with me? Good.

So, Cave is getting ready to release the original vertical-scrolling shooter Mushihimesama, now under the name Bug Princess on the App Store for our enjoyment. My head hurts a little now… Anyway, the original arcade title that led to the creation and release of Mushihimesama Bug Panic is headed our way. According to the developer, it’s going to be compatible with the iPhone4, 3GS, iPod Touch 3rd Gen and up, the iPad and iPad2, and will require OS 4.2 or higher.

There’s no specific release info yet aside from “winter 2011,” but there isn’t a whole lot of 2011 left so it won’t be too long a wait. As for pricing… Well, that’s still unannounced, but it’s a Cave game so I’d imagine it’ll range from $5 to $10 or so. Best get those App Store funds ready.

A couple of months ago we mentioned that Cave was working on an HD version of Espgaluda II for the iPad, but at the time they didn’t disclose much else. We just knew that it was a thing. Well Cave has since chipped away at the ice a bit.

The “Guinness-recognized ‘danmaku’ shooter!” is indeed being refitted with high definition displays in mind, however it’s looking like this HD release will be exclusive to the iPad 2. At least for the time being. In addition to the remastered visuals – although according to the press release, the backgrounds and “some other graphics” will retain their SD quality – the “iPhone Mode” is being re-dubbed “Smartphone Mode” and receiving a new soundtrack by Kenichi Fukui and “KAY.”

Of course, that’s not all. Along with all this HD craziness, the current iPhone/iPod Touch version of Espgaluda II is getting a bit of a revision. For starters, the soon-to-be newly dubbed Smartphone Mode will also receive the new soundtrack. So there’s no need for audiophile non-iPad users to feel left out. Secondly, the full version will also get two separate “split” versions: Arcade and Smartphone. Each one will contain the full content of its titular mode, but won’t contain the other. Of course, the Full version will still be available, and contain everything. I’m guessing (keyword: guessing) this was done to allow more frugal App Store shoppers a way in, so to speak.

There’s still no official release date or pricing, but Cave promises that it’ll all be posted “soon” on their homepage. I’d strongly suggest iPad 2 owners with a love of bullet-hell keep an eye on it. Or here. We’ll probably mention something here, too.

This morning I got to sit-in on a streaming presentation by Cave World as they announced the particulars of their pending DEATHSMILES update. Options have been added, settings have been tweaked and lots of extra content has been tossed in that should keep the fans quite happy for a while. And they announced another game or something.

The update will include two new special features: First, players can unlock new costumes for Princess Tiara in iPhone Mode (eight plus her default, it looks like) by fulfilling “special conditions” such as clearing Normal Mode. The second addition is a jigsaw puzzle, similar to the one found in Mushihimesama BUG PANIC. Players can unlock pieces as they play and pick up equipment in-game and eventually put the whole thing together. What this accomplishes, aside from looking spiffy, wasn’t talked about, but it’s yet another carrot to keep players interested so it’s hardly a bad thing. As is the “hidden” BGM that can be unlocked by using some “special technique.”

In addition, special DLC weapons will be available for purchase. One of the DLC weapons, the “Golden Horn,” was shown off and looked to be somewhat of a screen-clearing powerhouse. None of these weapons (ranging in price from $2.99 – $3.99) will be required for achievements or unlocking content, but Cave fans probably won’t be able to resist using guns from Dodonpachi Ressurection in their game.

Last on the list of additions is a number of unspecified bug fixes and screen adjustment options. Now players will be able to shift the screen to the left or right in order to keep finger obscuring to a minimum, and the display can be reoriented (FINALLY) to accommodate those of us who hate holding our iPhones the wrong way. Oh come on, it’s totally awkward with the Home button on the left. Admit it.

But updates to their newest shooter aren’t the only thing they had in store. Cave World producer Masa King, clad in a French maid uniform (seriously), showed off a trailer for their upcoming social sim game: Castle Creator. Castle Creator lets players create their own castle town in feudal Japan, register their location and “skirmish” with other players when their town is big enough. There’s no specific date yet, but it is in production and should be out later this year.

Mention of a Mushihimesama BUG PANIC soundtrack CD release (featuring 24 tracks) was also made, but I think the bigger announcement was Espgaluda II HD. It was a last-minute thing, and aside from a very brief demo virtually no information was given, but iPad owners should still be getting plenty excited. It looks gorgeous.

DEATHSMILES owners can look forward to the update sometime within the next day or so.

$11.99

デススマイルズ～シューティングゲーム～

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-07-07 :: Category: Games

All we want to do is acquire your brains! It’s not unreasonable, I mean no one’s gonna merge with your eyes.

On This Episode:

Who We Are:

Contact The Show: Email | Twitter

Music:

“Beatnes7 (Theme to The Portable Podcast)” by The Eternal – Download on iTunes here:

How to Listen:

Apps Mentioned in this Episode:

$0.99

Plants vs. Zombies

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2010-02-15 :: Category: Games

$2.99

THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i-

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-07-07 :: Category: Games

$11.99

デススマイルズ～シューティングゲーム～

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-07-07 :: Category: Games

$6.99

9mm

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-07-14 :: Category: Games