Castlevania the latest big DS game to slip into 2007
Wi-fi extras added to Portrait of Ruin force three month delay
When do occasional cases of disease become an epidemic? Maybe we're not quite there yet with the release dates for high profile DS games being pushed into 2007, but the news that Konami's much anticipated Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin has joined the backwards march of Star Fox Command and Contact means the shelves are starting to look more than a little bare.
At least in this particular case, when we actually get to play the game there will be some extras to enjoy, with the gamemakers adding wi-fi modes that will enable you to swap and trade the spells you find in the game. There'll also be a co-operative boss attack mode, where you and a mate can take on as endless a stream of bosses as your strength and skill will allow.
But returning to our main gripe, looking back at our 30 hottest DS titles between now and Christmas feature, the sad fact is that around a quarter of those games have slipped. Farming sim Harvest Moon, Elite Beat Agents and Ubisoft's Rayman update Raving Rabbids have all been quietly moved, while we're becoming increasingly unconvinced that Panzer Tactics and Flipper Critters will make 2006 either.
Indeed, the only big DS games we can confirm will be out in Europe are:
The Sims 2 Pets – October 27th
Need For Speed Carbon – November 3rd
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam – November 24th
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend – November
Yoshi's Island 2 – December 1st
Pro Evolution Soccer 6 - December
Let's hope they're all taking daily medicine against the dreaded slippagitis.
