Namco Bandai To Revive Arcade Classics Under 'Namco Generations' Label

Aiming to reinvent some of its classic brands for new audiences on digital platforms, Namco Bandai is creating a new label called Namco Generations, through which it will release high-definition, enhanced versions of classic arcade brands for download on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. "Namco Bandai holds a rich heritage of classic games that shaped the early history of the video game industry," says marketing VP Carlson Choi. "They defined what arcade games should be, and set the benchmark for retro revivals with Pac-Man Championship Edition and Galaga Legions." The first Namco Generations title will be a follow-up to the acclaimed Pac-Man Championship Edition for XBLA: Pac-Man Championship Edition DX, which releases on XBLA tomorrow, November 17 and on PlayStation Network on November 23. Namco Generations will also release Galaga Legions DX and Aero-Cross, which it describes as a "reimagining" of 1985 arcade title Metro-Cross. The company says it will announce more projects under the label throughout 2011. The company is also highlighting a new community newsletter associated with the brand, accessible through the main menu of games released under the Namco Generations label. It promises behind-the-scenes info, play tips and game announcements through the newsletter, aiming to build a community around classic arcade revivals.