El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron has been released on 360 and been provided for us to preview/review by the publisher.

Believe it or not we are still playing it. Here are some extracts of what we made of it in chronological order:

"El Shaddai Ascension of the Metatron is like an undiscovered band -- all the more alluring for its obscurity. But as well as its super-cool status, it's also a very well put together game..."
- Teen Gamer (Sat, 24 Sep 2011)

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"El Shaddai's turns well worn gameplay and magically turns them into something from the future. However, successes in mechanics are not balanced by a deep, ongoing or inventive engagement with the source material..."
- Family Gamer (Mon, 06 Jun 2011)

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El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron 360 Release

16/05/2011 06:51

El Shaddai is released in its native Japan to critical acclaim, amidst a flurry of apocryphal merchandise.

With the Japanese version released I've had a better snoop around images and video available for the game. Although there have previously been various press releases and screen shots, it was good to finally see protagonist Enoch as he, led by the Lord's top angel Lucifel, enters the tower of Babel to capture the renegade Fallen Angels -- pictured in the updated screens here.

The release saw a range of merchandise and products to satiate eager gamers -- including limited edition Edwin jeans, T-shirts, umbrellas, posters, comics, and more. Perhaps the most telling news is that Japan's foremost gaming magazine, Famitsu, granted El Shaddai its Gold Award, praising beauty, accessibility and memorable characters.

I'm still tracking down a firm UK release date for El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, but it will be released in the US later in 2011.

Future of Gaming Award

22/09/2010

El Shaddai proves that old is the new new. Its ephemeral minimalist visuals have earnt the Old Testament's Book of Enoch a Future of Gaming award.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron not only has an unusual name and premise, but also a visual style to match. A quick glance at the screen shots shows how it wowing crowds at the Tokyo Game Show and was awarded the Future Game of the Show 2010 award.

From the makers of Devil May Cry, Okami and Viewtiful Joe, El Shaddai offers an intriguing storyline inspired by events in the Old Testament's apocryphal Book of Enoch. Smooth combat combines with platforming to make an unusual experience traversing both 2D and 3D.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron will be released on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 next year.

El Shaddai Announced

25/06/2010

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron brings the Hebrew Scripture's Book of Enoch to life in Devil May Cry fashion.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron has an unusual source of inspiration, as well as a very long name. It is a third person fantasy game inspired by events in the Old Testament - in particular the apocryphal Book of Enoch.

Enoch is caught up in a Heavenly battle with Fallen Angels. Against this dark backdrop he must prevail to save mankind from a great flood. It's a story that, like Dante's Inferno, has some weighty doses of adventure, humour, and horror.

Talent from Devil May Cry, Okami and Viewtiful Joe are being put to task on the epic saga. Much will be made of the universal nature of the topic, and grownup themes throughout. The developers promise that they are taking care to ensure that the game is presented in a manner that preserves its creators' vision - and that their unique creative impulse shines through.