Clover Studio may have only been responsible for a handful of games, but the incredible quality of the likes of Viewtiful Joe, God Hand and Okami left a lasting impression on those lucky few who played them. Having closed their doors a couple of years ago, the talented developers renamed themselves appropriately as Seeds -- a name that never grew to fruition -- before settling on the name they are currently known by; Platinum Games Inc.

Despite sounding like a budget re-release label, things are looking up for the Platinum Games. The developers recently announced a partnership with none other than Sega, itself a publisher in need of somebody with Platinum Games’ creative skills. Following a two year development hiatus, the pair are keen on bringing new titles to the market as soon as possible and have announced four titles currently in development -- one DS, one Wii, one PS3/Xbox 360 and one secret title. Clearly these guys have been busy for the last few years.

The DS title is an RPG called Infinite-Line, and appears to follow the well trodden path of sprawling space opera, complete with 150 crew members and space crafts. With graphics that will allegedly “blow you away”, this kind of PR babble would usually carry little weight, but then this is a collection of the most talented minds in game development we are talking about here, so it’s certainly worth watching out for.

The Wii title, MadWorld, is a much more interesting concept if first impressions are anything to go by. A Sin City-esque black and white action game that specialises in comically extreme violence, MadWorld looks like what might happen if No More Heroes met Evil Dead. Starring a protagonist with a chainsaw for an arm, and enough deaths per second to satisfy even the most sadistic of gamers, MadWorld is anything but business as usual for the Wii, which can only be a good thing.

Their first step into the HD arena is PS3 and 360 title Bayonetta. Developed by Hideki Kamiya, the man responsible for establishing the blue prints for the 3D action game with 2001's Devil May Cry, Bayonetta looks set to push the genre even further into the ridiculous, following the Death Proof school of insanity by fitting the protagonist with guns on her feet. If you’re looking for subtlety and restraint here, chances are you’re in the wrong place. Those interested in pushing the boundaries of action gaming, however, need look no further.

So, four different formats, three very different titles and one more waiting in the wings. It’s clear that despite a number of name changes, Platinum Games have lost none of their irreverent humour and undeniable Japanese-ness. What’s in a name? That which we call a game. By any other name will still play as sweet.

R.H.
CeX Towers