Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst coming to Xbox 360

[HydrogLox]

Certainly looks that way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-BX98p5KB8 Bullet Soul - 1st DLC Caravan Mode (rel. 2011-08-16)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT6b1CzQ4CY Bullet Soul - 2nd DLC Version B (rel. 2011-09-13)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe2MRqFqxGY Bullet Soul - Game On Demand (rel. 2011-12-13) and DLC PV

Maybe somebody is refactoring the Bullet Soul site and media page in preparation for "Infinite Burst" updates.

[MR_Soren]

Maybe somebody is refactoring the Bullet Soul site and media page in preparation for "Infinite Burst" updates.

That would be my guess. There's been no real news so far, but they've got to start promoting the new game soon.

[Pretas]

It seems rather likely at this point that "Infinite Burst" is not a true follow-up to Bullet Soul, but merely a repackaging of the game with all the DLC included on the disc.

[HydrogLox]

It seems rather likely at this point that "Infinite Burst" is not a true follow-up to Bullet Soul, but merely a repackaging of the game with all the DLC included on the disc.

I would tend to agree - however one has to wonder who the intended target audience is. Willing Xbox 360 owners probably already have a physical or GOD copy of the game and the DLC if they are so inclined. Famitsu reported Xbox 360 as the target platform. It would almost make more sense if "Infinite Burst" would be a release of the complete package for the PS3 in the style of "Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! Meikai Katsugeki Wide-Han" - despite what may have happened to the Ketsui PS3 release. Given that "Infinite Burst" isn't anywhere to be found on the 5pb.Games 2014 release calendar and that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 are now previous generation consoles, a new Xbox 360 game or PS3 port would seem to be in danger of cancellation, while an Xbox 360 complete physical package re-release would seem pointless (from a business perspective).

[Pretas]

The worse-than-usual sales of the PS3 ports of Mamoru-kun (and its budget reprint), Under Defeat, and Ketsui likely convinced developers that releasing retail STGs on the PS3 is not worth it, because a large portion of the target audience is so fixated on the 360 that they may not own a PS3 or are prone to ignoring its games. That said, MOSS is still going ahead with a PS3 retail release of Caladrius, to my knowledge.

I'd guess that 5pb wanted to do a Platinum release of Bullet Soul, like SDOJ is receiving now, but the sales weren't high enough for Microsoft to approve it. This would have been the next best thing, and branding it a separate game would have also allowed them to easily include all the DLC for added value. They probably considered a PS3 port, but decided to keep it on 360 for the aforementioned reasons.

[Oniros]

I find it strange since the latest 5pb adventure games are being released on Ps3 and Vita but a Bullet Soul sequel only on 360?? This might mean that Ketsui on Ps3 has just bombed, and they have realized that the audience is on 360. Well time will tell.

Probably this. At least I'm very very happy that their gamble gave us Ketsui.

[NeoStrayCat]

I see what you guys mean, I had high hopes that they were gonna do a sequel, but it just turns out to possibly be a "complete edition" in some form anyways, oh well (already got the game and its DLC). >_>

[system11]

I want them to PS4 it.

[HydrogLox]

That said, MOSS is still going ahead with a PS3 retail release of Caladrius, to my knowledge.

And lets not forget Tozai Games releasing R-Type Dimensions on PSN Japan. And all of this happened after the "bombing" of PS3 STGs (Mamoru-kun, Under Defeat, Ketsui). It almost seems these former Xbox 360 developers are fleeing to PSN - possibly attracted by the existing Japanese PS3 install base?

I want them to PS4 it.

• PS4 doesn't even release in Japan until February 22.
• It will probably take them a year or so to figure out how to code product for the platform.
• In the short term the established install base of PS3s in the Japanese domestic market would be much more attractive.

[NeoStrayCat]

Well, digging up some info that I just ventured into right now (over at the 5PB/Sakari's blog), it looks like Bullet Soul:IB is (possibly/really) coming 4/24/14. (Subject to change.)

And it'll come in both Regular = (http://amzn.to/1gxcTIy) and Limited = (http://amzn.to/1j8j4UV) editions (The LE has a "Famitsu Special" (whatever that is), and an "Arrange Soundtrack").

Oh yeah, the game's official site page for it is up! (http://5pb.jp/games/bulletsoul-ib/)

Spoiler

So, do we still think it might be just a re-package port with the DLC added, or just an update/semi-sequel/etc. Like how PB:Extra was (of course though, a fighter, but same company worked on it).

[Mero]

Is that picture a new piece of art? (Didn't get the original but might get this either way).

[stryc9]

I've never seen that art before, unless it's some promotional piece that I missed.

[Stevas]

Do we know if it's going to be region free yet, or are we still just assuming as such because the original was?

[Cagar]

Why is it so hard for them to make an arrange mode without all of the bullet cancelling?

[Stevas]

Play Asia have listed this.

According to them, not region free (at least, they've not listed it as such).

Make of that what you will.

For fuck sake.

[HydrogLox]

So, do we still think it might be just a re-package port with the DLC added, or just an update/semi-sequel/etc.

I'm getting a "DoDonPachi DaiFukkatsu Black Label" vibe off of this, i.e. "Bullet Soul Infinite Burst" is to "Bullet Soul" what "DoDonPachi DaiFukkatsu Black Label" is to "Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Ver 1.5" (so something like the 2 DLC modes (standalone) + one new arrange mode).
Now DFKBL had Ketsuipachi which would be hard to live up to and I think Cave would be all over them if they tried to release a "KetsuiSoul".

Play Asia have listed this.

According to them, not region free (at least, they've not listed it as such).

play-asia: Bullet Soul Infinite Burst
play-asia: Bullet Soul Infinite Burst [Limited Edition]

Not exactly - there are question marks for NTSC-U/C and PAL. They always do that for Japanese Xbox 360 releases before anybody tries a physical copy. Check out play-asia: Dodonpachi Saidaioujou (Platinum Collection). It's the same thing - they are just being careful - so don't read too much into that.

AmiAmi: Bullet Soul -Infinite Burst- Regular Edition(Preorder)
AmiAmi: Bullet Soul -Infinite Burst- First Release Limited Edition(Preorder)

[Kollision]

"First Release" Limited Edition?
sounds confusing

[BobbyNewmarkiii]

Of all the x360 shmups i own, and i do got most of them, bullet soul is the most shitest by far

[NeoStrayCat]

Of all the x360 shmups i own, and i do got most of them, bullet soul is the most shitest by far

Pffftt, to you yes, but not to me, some people, really!

[emphatic]

Bullet Soul is the only 360 shmup that I got on release only to sell it on later. It was so bland that I actually made the effort to put it up for sale, and ship it abroad. But hey, I didn't have it long enough to try the DLCs, according to EOJ, they made it quite a different (fun even) game.

[colour_thief]

I really wanted to like the original. It certainly had nice production values. But the gameplay wasn't very fun.

Sequel will be a day 1 purchase.

[NeoStrayCat]

Well, I guess some people will have their ups/downs with it, not a problem for me...

I'll just wait on this if and when anything more for BS:IB comes up, and just hope its not a re-package, rather a Up./Semi-Seq./etc.

[Phellan Wolf]

So it is a repackage with new game modes or a sequel??
If it is a repackage they'd better add new stages.

[Kiken]

So it is a repackage with new game modes or a sequel??
If it is a repackage they'd better add new stages.

The game does not need additional length. 2 loops with five stages each (+ alpha) is plenty. What they need to do with the original game is rebalance it... again. The initial game is a pain in the ass when it comes to triggering stars... the 1.5 mode basically hands them to you. They need to find a middle-ground... also, Loop is hilariously broken (granted, I think all four of the ships need rebalancing).

And make the Bullet Souls do something.

[HydrogLox]

And make the Bullet Souls do something.

Hmmm... lets play with that

• Ditch the bomb as a secondary weapon and replace it with the "Soul Burst Device" (SBD).
• The SBD itself does not do any damage. It can however within a limited range ignite bullets souls - turning them into a "Soul Burst".
• A "Soul Burst" will propagate from one bullet soul to any other bullet soul it touches.
• Charge the SBD over time or through power ups to increase its range and/or the intensity of the resulting "Soul Burst".
• Enemies destroyed by a "Soul Burst" have a score multiplier applied.
• A "Soul Burst" will leave behind a new wave of bullet souls - ignite another "Soul Burst" in a limited amount of time and a chaining multiplier will also be applied to any destroyed enemies.
• The chaining multiplier increases each time the chain is maintained. So the score chasers goal is the "Infinite Burst".
• So now it is basically a game of balance - doing just enough damage with the primary weapon to create bullet souls and damage bigger enemies and scoring big with the secondary weapon.

[Phellan Wolf]

So it is a repackage with new game modes or a sequel??
If it is a repackage they'd better add new stages.

The game does not need additional length. 2 loops with five stages each (+ alpha) is plenty. What they need to do with the original game is rebalance it... again. The initial game is a pain in the ass when it comes to triggering stars... the 1.5 mode basically hands them to you. They need to find a middle-ground... also, Loop is hilariously broken (granted, I think all four of the ships need rebalancing).

And make the Bullet Souls do something.

Kiken I know that the main game needs some rebalance and tweaks however it will be nice that this game better be a new entry with a revamped system rather than a repackage of the first BS+DLC+New mode. They're selling it at full price.

[Kollision]

it will be nice that this game better be a new entry

fingers crossed, buddy

[drunkninja24]

I do find it amazing that we're this close to launch and we're still not entirely clear if it's a repackaging or an entirely new game

[Kiken]

I do find it amazing that we're this close to launch and we're still not entirely clear if it's a repackaging or an entirely new game

Because 5pb are being hellishly cryptic in regards to what this game actually is (I mean really, they haven't even released a single screen shot yet). We've got a title, genre, platform and release date... but beyond that, nothing.

[HydrogLox]

Siliconera - Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst Targets Xbox 360 On April 24

Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst is a follow up to the 2011 game with a new Union Burst system. Shmups usually skew towards hardcore gamers, but Mages says Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst is fine tuned for genre fans and new comers. Caravan Mode is made for players that enjoy score attack mode. Version B is designed for novices.

Pretty much sounds like "same game", "including all DLC" and "with new Union Burst System" only available on the physical release.