DC Last Hope - Preorder

NCS remitted our payment for the Dreamcast version of Last Hope last week and all that remains is the waiting. While we haven't had the opportunity to check out the Neo Geo version of Last Hope, prospective buyers may check out the video on the publisher's website here:

Last Hope for Neo Geo Normal Quality

We're guessing the visual and audio quality of the Neo Geo original transitions to the Dreamcast version in near 1:1 ratio. A Neo-CD version of the game is also expected to ship some time next year. Pricing for DC Last Hope is set at US$39 and the game will boot on USA, Japanese, and European Dreamcast consoles. Preorders are welcome to ship on December 22, 2006.

From the publisher
The evil empire is rushing at light-speed across the galaxies, heading towards Mother Earth. Barely 24 hours ago, they penetrated the last defense line of our galaxy, the Arsion Laser Belt. Millions of innocent people perished in outer space colonies. 70% of our fleet was destroyed during first contact. Our intelligence has now extrapolated their arrival within six days. Conventional weapons cannot stop them. Our last hope is in your hands: The Z-42 Warpstar. Warp into their territories and destroy their leader before they reach Earth.

Last Hope is a shooting game with rotating satellite system and heavy influence by tactical game play. Memorizing level architecture and enemy patterns are necessary for further approaching. The satellite and the beam are the most important components of the game mechanics. You have to learn to deal with both techniques in interaction with the other. It is possible to rotate the protection unit in 360° around the player's ship and to engage it in 8 gradations. Just press "X" to shoot, "R-Trigger" to rotate clockwise and "L-Trigger" to rotate counter-clockwise. The protection unit mainly serves the defense of enemy plasma projectiles and to fire a stronger plasma shot.

There are four difficulty settings: very easy, easy, normal and hard. Less experienced players can enjoy the game on very easy and easy, while experienced players will enjoy the game on normal or challenging it on hard. There are a total of 6 stages. These vary from a sandy space laboratory, a channel fulfilled with muddy water, a idyllic landscape with floating continents, a soul melting enemy factory on fire to an eerily and muggy alien stage.

Last Hope is comparable to classics like R-Type and Gradius. Yet it has it's own visual impressive graphic style and fresh game play. It also features a superb 16-bit digital audio soundtrack, which suits perfectly the games atmosphere.

Exclusive features only available in the Dreamcast™ compatible version:

• 16-bit CD soundtrack
• VMU support (saving + visuals)
• DC joypad + arcade stick support (R- and L-trigger support)
• Use of DCs soundchips (64 channels/stereo)
• Highres title screen

Exclusive Dreamcast™ Game Modes:

• Adjusted difficulty (Reduction of shoot frequency and flight velocity of enemy bullets / no ranking)
• Explosions / particle effects reduced for more clarity on screen
• Better hitting response for hit enemies
• Improved visualization of boss hit zones