Konami Confirms Two DS Titles

Konami has released an updated release schedule for their 2006 lineup of software slated to be made available. The comprehensive release list solidifies release dates for several anticipated titles, but also introduces some new ones.
In regards to the Nintendo DS, the company has confirmed the North American release of two new titles, one of which being exclusive to the handheld device. Konami is slated to release Steel Horizon for both the DS and Sony’s Playstation Portable.

The game combines turn-based strategy and real time action in the time period of World War II. Steel Horizon allows gamers to control a myriad of naval vessels through three dimensional combat. Konami has blended the two styles of strategy games into one, allowing users to strategically position their vessels at the outset of the engagement, but shifts its focus to a real-time combat system when the battle begins.

While the company has yet to declare which particular countries will be selectable, it is confirmed that users can build and command WW II naval vessels such as battleships, submarines, air craft carriers, and destroyers.Steel Horizon is currently slated to release in the Fall of 2006

Konami’s subsequent offering for the DS is tentatively known as Tao’s Adventure: Curse of the Demon Seal. The company has high hopes for the game, describing it as “exciting, action-packed RPG” with an “endearing storyline which RPG fans will love.”

The game follows a young magic student, Tao, living on Bente Island. The action is said to begin when a monster’s curse turns the protagonist’s family and the rest of the village into stone. Tao thus embarks on an adventure to find the source of the affliction and put an end to it.

Set to release this coming Spring Tao’s Adventure is said to include a multitude of monsters, items, and traps that the user must interact with. Additionally, an optional Monster Arena will be available. In the arena, gamers traverse a forty story tower defeating each of the enemies.

Konami has yet to reveal details regarding the battle system of the title, however details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks and months leading up to the Electronics Entertainment Expo in May. Surprisingly, the anticipated Nintendo DS release, Ys Strategy did not appear on Konami of America’s release schedule for 2006. As of now, the title is still official, and slated for a Japanese release later in the year. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.