AM Show 2001: Star Blade: Operation Blue Planet

TOKYO - Perhaps one of the surprises during the 39th Amusement Machine Show today was the demonstration of Star Blade: Operation Blue Planet. Namco released a 3D shooting game named Star Blade for the arcades back in 1991, and it was later ported onto the 3DO and PlayStation. The sequel couldn't have returned at a better time, as the current technology available for graphics and sound have allowed the developers to bring the experience closer to reality. The game is contained in an arcade machine in the shape of a spherical pod. At the rear of the machine is a slot where the seat slides in and out of the pod. The interior contains the control panel and a half-sphere monitor, complete with a 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio system. Since the monitor wraps around, players will see the game as if they are looking through a fish-eye lens.

Namco provided further information during a conversation with GameSpot. "Though both machine and game were displayed at the show for demonstration purposes, we will make announcements regarding the release of the game in the future," the company representative said. "The machine will not be limited to this game, but can even be used possibly in a driving game."

The Star Blade demo was certainly one of the most popular games at the show, and there was a 70-minute wait to play the game.