No stranger to turning frowns upside down with its humorous delay announcements, publisher Atlus today revealed that four of its upcoming Nintendo DS and PSP games have been delayed as its central super computer has attained sentience.

The new release dates follow below:

• Tokyo Beat Down (DS) - March 31 (originally March 10)
• Hammerin' Hero (PSP) - April 7 (originally March 3)
• The Dark Spire (DS) - April 14 (originally March 10)
• Steal Princess (DS) - April 21 (originally March 24)

Atlus further noted that the self-aware super computer now has "a hunger for manflesh" and is "plotting to take over the world," with an unnamed engineer adding that "every working day for us passes in constant fear, terror, and paranoia with the knowledge that our primary computer is now plotting to destroy us."

Yeah, the guy's name is Lewis Cannon. That's the kind of awesome game that Atlus' Tokyo Beat Down is shaping up to be.

Also teased in the following media is patrol officer Rika Hyodo. According to Atlus, "She may be a woman, but she's more man than you'll ever be!"

Tokyo Beat Down, a Nintendo DS game, will hit stores March 10 at an MSRP of $29.99. Check out the title's announcement trailer for some retro thug beat-downs.

Atlus today announced Tokyo Beat Down. It's a game where you "beat down thugs," "dish out justice," and probably clean up the streets. That last part is unconfirmed speculation.

"Experience the sweet nostalgia of classic coin-op beat 'em ups, where you must rely on your fists, firearms, and anything else that happens to be lying around to beat the sin out of Tokyo's criminals," writes Atlus.

Nintendo DS. March 10. $29.99.

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