Bangai-O Spirits haunting US

Treasure's original Bangai-O on the Dreamcast was known for two things: an absurdly nonsensical English translation and screen-choking volleys of missiles and lasers. Although the hectic 2D shooter never emerged from its obscure niche, D3Publisher of America is giving the US another look at the franchise.

The publisher has announced that it is bringing Bangai-O Spirits, the DS revamp of the original game, to US shores in the second quarter of the year. More than a straight port, Bangai-O Spirits adds cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes for up to four people locally, as well as a level editor, and a novel way to share created stages with other gamers.

D3 is touting the game's "Sound Load" feature, which will let the DS output data as a sound file. Other DS systems can then receive the file by using their built-in microphones, allowing players to not only trade levels locally, but also get new levels from the Internet by downloading and playing back other users' Sound Load recordings. High scores and gameplay footage will also be transferable as sound files.

Bangai-O Spirits is being developed by Treasure, a Japanese studio notorious for its niche 2D action and shoot-'em-up games. Previous Treasure games include Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun, and Gunstar Heroes.