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Lik-Sang out of business

Date: 2006 October 24 15:05 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

Well known importers Lik Sang have announced they have gone out of business citing Sony's law case against them regarding imported PSPs as the reason.

Tokyo Game Show

Date: 2006 September 25 07:45 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

The Tokyo game show has just concluded in Japan, while the major announcements were already made at E3 there are a few gems hidden about. A Bleach game on the Wii? Yes please!

Game On London

Date: 2006 September 18 07:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

Keen gamers out there will want to get to London's Science Museum as they'll be running a computer games exhibition called Game On. It's set to run from 21st October 2006 until 25th February 2007 and will feature games from the 1960's to the current day. It seems they’ll have a good mixture of console and arcade games on display and up for play, with over 100 playable games available. Interestingly enough, this exhibition will also feature the design processes involved with game production. Nintendo fans will also be pleased to hear that drawings by Shigeru Miyamoto will be only display. So for fans and wannabe games developers, it's well worth a look!

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, with children and concessions costing £6.50. Family discounts also apply. Advanced bookings are highly recommend to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Science Museum

Wii Price and Date Announced for the UK

Date: 2006 September 15 10:53 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

The Nintendo Wii will be launched on December 8th in the UK. Bundled with Wii Sports, one wireless controller and one nunchuck add on it will cost £179. Nintendo first party games will retail for between £34 and £39.

There will be 20 launch titles which include Zelda: Twilight Princess, Red Steel and Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz.

Additional controllers will be £29 for the Wiimote, £14 for the Nunchuck and £14 for the classic controller.

The price is pretty competative considering that it inludes Wii sports, though the Wiimote looks a little steep. Though I'm certainly hoping that One Piece will be out soonish.

Nintendo DS and GBA MP3 Player for Europe

Date: 2006 September 05 14:02 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

Nintendo have confirmed a Play Yan like accessory for the Nintendo DS and GBA is to be released in Europe. The cartridge plugs into GBA sized slots and will accept SD cards.

Souce: Gamesindustry.biz

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Set For UK Release

Date: 2006 August 21 07:10 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

After searching Play.com we've noticed that a release date for the PS2 Naruto game Ultimate Ninja has been given as 03/11/2006. Better sharpen your kunai and get practicing then.

Souce: Play.com

Rare Games Collection Stolen

Date: 2006 August 20 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been passed a press release from DDR:uk, a group of hardcore Dance Dance Revolution fanatics, on the 18th of August their equipment was stolen (with the exception of their custom build DDR machine, as it too big to easily move), their £25,000 collection includes a wide variety of rare and sought after games, most of which are no longer in production, along with specialist hardware and games controllers.

Since the items in question are rather unique, we would like to ask community minded otaku to be aware of the items stolen and keep a look out for them on places like popular auction sites, specialist games dealers and other places second hand goods are traded. The DDR:uk crew are offering a reward for any information.

The DDR:uk crew also help run events at anime conventions such as the games room, which was a huge success at AmeCon 2006, with the DDR machine being a huge attraction, along with the more unusual classic games. DDR:uk also put a plea out for hardware and games donation to help replace what was stolen.

On a side note the AmeCon manga library (which is made up of generous donations from Tokyopop and Tanoshimi and is stored with the DDR:uk hardware), was also vanadilised by the same criminals, with boxes of manga thrown out onto the street into the rain, and is now spoiled as a result.

We've deliberatly posted this to all editions of Otaku News, as although the items in question were stolen in the UK, many of the items stolen are rare they're desirable internationally, so all our readers should be made aware.

Free Visual Novel Construction Tool Released

Date: 2006 July 24 03:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > PC

Fans of dating games will be pleased to hear that the nice folks from CuriousFactory and Buredo have released a free game engine and construction kit, designed at making Visual Novels easy to produce in English. In a nutshell this will allow users to create their own interactive stories, anime and manga fans will probably be most familiar with dating games, but the companies are keen to promote that you can also produce other games using their game engine.

A good story is a must, good artwork is always nice too, but there are some crafty ways around this, such as taking photos of things and then using a bit of photoshop magic. It’ll be interesting to see if any otaku take up developing games on this engine. Currently the engine is Windows only.

New Anime Games on the DS

Date: 2006 July 15 09:34 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

A 2nd Bleach game for the DS is in development, and will be playable during the Jump Super Game Tour 2006 along with new Dragonball, Naruto, Yu-gi-Oh and One Piece games.

Souce: 4CR

Mo-Nintendo-poly for Fans

Date: 2006 June 11 09:18 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Gaming

I just read that there is a Nintendo version of the one of the world's most popular board games, Monopoly. And it's now available to pre-order. Nintendo characters decorate every step of the board - instead of purchasing buildings and streets, you purchase characters!

Now, I personally find Monopoly insanely boring. But I definitely pick up this somehow. For the figurines at least - you get cool icons to use, from DK's barrel to a Koopa Shell. My brother already has dibs on Link's shield!

Souce: Nintendo Gal

Battle of the Freebies

Date: 2006 May 17 04:23 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Freaky Things

Whilst not as shocking as some freebies, live action PSP game Finder love from Konami will come with a free bikini in special limited edition packs. There are three versions of the game based around three idols. Apparently though the bikini's aren't supposed to be worn.

Souce: IGN

It's E3!

Date: 2006 May 09 04:39 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

Even before even the main doors open the main players were fighting to get news out first. There's a lot to go through as the next gen battle finaly heats up.

Magna Carta Review

Date: 2006 April 22 06:03 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

We take a look at the manhwa styled fantasy RPG Magna Carta. Is it worth your hard earned cash with so many other anime and games out? RPG fans find out.

Battle Stadium D.O.N.

Date: 2006 April 14 15:00 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

Fans of shonen fighting shows might want to sit up and take notice of Battle Stadium D.O.N. a fighting game which will let players fight as characters from Dragon Ball, One Piece and Naruto. The release date is July 20th in Japan the same date as Bleach 3 for the PSP. The game is set for Gamecube and PS2 release.

Souce: Gonintendo.com

Extras Wanted in London for Japanese TV

Date: 2006 April 07 09:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

Dragon from the London Anime Club has sent us the following message -

"I know it's short notice but there is a Japanese film crew in town over the weekend filming for JTV. Although they are concentrating on Japanese Games in the West (the programme is sponsored by the creators of Naruto) they want as many fans as possible. So if you happen to be in the vicinity of Cafe Manga on 11am on Sunday morning then you are very welcome. And if you could also pass this info along to anybody else who you think might be interested."

So if you can get to London on Sunday 9th April (and head to Cafe Manga which is near the London Eye), you'll get a chance to be on Japanese TV. Naruto cosplayers get extra bonus points!

Souce: London Anime Club

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children DVD Details

Date: 2006 April 06 16:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Otaku rejoice! The popular RPG game series Final Fantasy has stolen many hours of our lives, especially Final Fantasy VII, which is why a CGI movie was made. It's set two years after the events of the game, and features everyone favourite Cloud and Sephiroth. It's due for UK release on DVD and UMD on April 24th and April 25th in the USA, it looks like it's going to be good.

Update: We now have a review of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.

Falsely Accused - Enzai The First Yaoi Game In The US?

Date: 2006 January 17 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > PC

We've just been sent the press release from JAST USA, about a rather novel PC game for a certain type of anime fan. Yep, we're talking Yaoi (or boys love). Appropriately for this kind of game, Enzai - Falsely Accused, the action takes place in a prison ^_- (our resident expert Spike's going to love this).

Record Handheld Sales for Nintendo

Date: 2006 January 06 15:47 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

Sales of the Nintendo Ds have reached 13 million worldwide, with Nintendo hailing it as the fastest selling games console ever in Japan. This has meant that stocks are low in Japan, much like the struggle to get the Pink variety pre Christmas in the UK.

Gamasutra.com is also reporting that eight out of ten games in the Japanese mutl-format charts is for the DS.

Souce: Gamespot

Evangelion Character Contest

Date: 2005 December 22 09:49 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

Gainax, the anime studio behind Neon Genesis Evangelion (currently airing Thursday nights on Adult Swim), has announced a new contest for the latest video game spin-off for the hit series. The contest is calling for fans to design a new character for the second part of Neon Genesis Evangelion Supplementary Story: A Midsummer Night's Dream, a game designed for cellular phones.

The guidelines for the contest can be found on Gainax’s website. Unfortunately for American Evangelion fans, they are in Japanese. The few guidelines that are known is that the character must be female, and must be in the same class as EVA pilots Shinji, Rei and Asuka. Contestants will not simply be limited to only submitting designs for the physical appearance of the new character, but can also create her personality, manner of speech, and so on. There is no explicit statement saying that the contest is only open to Japanese residents. Other rules and guidelines, such as a final submission date, are not known at this time.

Souce: Anime News Network

Otaku News Special Christmas Gaming Reviews

Date: 2005 December 18 06:15 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

It’s nearly Christmas and no doubt some of you are still undecided what to get, so as a special Christmas bonus we’ve got two PS2 game reviews.

DS Wi-fi is here

Date: 2005 December 02 07:09 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Anime

The Nintendo DS Wi-fi service has now been fully launched! DS owners can go online with certain games for free by locating wireless hotspots. Alternatively they can simply connect using their home wireless connection or by buying a USB adapter for their home PC and use standard internet connections.

New Gundam Mahjong Game

Date: 2005 November 21 12:34 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

Good News for Gundam Fans this Christmas as Bandai is releasing a new Mahjong Game inspired to Gundam. Haro Ichiza Gundam Mahjong, for the Nintendo DS is expected to be released on the 29th December and it will feature various characters from Gundam. Those who preorder the game in will get a "Gundam Mahjong New Year's grab bag", including a Gundam mahjong card game, a Haro Ichiza New Year's card and a character profile list. For more details check out the official website.

Souce: Anime News Network

New Digimon Virtual Pets

Date: 2005 November 18 08:07 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

According to Anime News Service Bandai are planning a major revival of their Digimon brand in Japan for 2006. The first wave of this will come in the form of its new "Digimon Mini" virtual pet toys due on the market on November 23rd.

PSP Ghost In the Shell:SAC Game Details

Date: 2005 October 20 15:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

UK fans of the Ghost In The Shell Standalone Complex Series should be pleased to hear that a game based on the anime will be released on PSP this Friday. Atari have sent us the details. The game sounds really good, not only do you get to play as the main cast members, each with different abilities, but you also get to command Tachikoma, that is surely worth the price of the game alone! You even get to train and customize them (*hums Tachikoma themetune* ^_-).

Shonen Jump Superstars features in NoM UK

Date: 2005 September 22 09:36 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

This months Nintendo: Official Magazine has an article on the DS fighter Jump Superstars! Superstars features a wide range of fan favourite characters from Shonen Jump magazine, and has frequently been described as a licensing nightmare. The article also goes on to talk about other recent games based on Jump titles.

Souce: Nintendo: Official Magazine

Grand Theft Auto banned in Saitama to Under 18's

Date: 2005 September 20 04:19 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

According to Mainichi Daily News, it was decided that the Saitama Prefectural Government labeled Capcom’s controversial video game Grand theft Auto a ‘Harmful Publication’ and so it banned its sale to youths under 18 years of age.

Legend of Zelda on US DVD

Date: 2005 September 18 16:48 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Anime > DVD

For those of you waiting patiently for Twilight Princess you might be interested to hear that the animated series "The Legend of Zelda" is coming out as a 3 disc box set retailing at $29.98 on October 18th. The DVD also features several of the live action Super Mario Show skits as well as bonus artwork and trivia game.

Souce: IGN

Tokyo Game Show 2005

Date: 2005 September 17 13:45 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming

It’s that time of year again when Otaku go all misty eyed- the Tokyo game show. So far the biggest announcement has to be from Nintendo, who has finally revealed the design of the Revolution's controller. It looks like a remote control but is totally wireless; games are controlled by pointing at the screen- and curiously will also work sideways when playing NES games. Sony disappointed though, as no PS3 games were yet playable.

Souce: Gamespot

Yoko Kanno to feature in Ragnarok Online 2

Date: 2005 September 15 06:19 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Anime

According to Gamespot, the famous Japanese composer Yoko Kanno will compose the music tracks for Gravity’s Upcoming online role-playing game Ragnarok Online 2.

Kanno was best known in the gaming industry for composing music for Koei's‘Uncharted Waters and Nobunaga's Ambition. She is also known as the composer behind various anime series including Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand alone complex, Escaflowne and Wolf’s Rain.

The new MMORPG will be playable at the Tokyo Game Show

Souce: Game Spot

Samurai Champloo on the PS2

Date: 2005 August 29 20:51 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Gaming

Bandai have announced that they are releasing a game on the hip-hop styled samurai series, Samurai Champloo. If the game's graphic style and music match those of the excellent series, then it could be a winner.

The official website is now up, though no content as of yet. http://www.champloo-game.com/

Souce: 1up.com

Square Enix Acquires Taito

Date: 2005 August 26 13:50 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Gaming

It's been recently announced that Square Enix have acquired Taito. Taito was a games brand I grew up with, through the cute 2D Bubble Bobble and Bust-a-Move games. They're also involved heavily in the arcades. And teaming up with CG and RPG kings Square Enix, well, we can only know the outcome will be interesting, overall.

Souce: Square Insider

Urusei Yatsura for Nintendo DS

Date: 2005 August 10 08:34 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

More anime based games for Nintendo DS. According to Rumic World the game will be based on Rumiko Takashi’s Urusei Yatsura. The release which is scheduled for October 20th will retail for 5,040 Yen and its official title will be: "Urusei Yatsura: Endless Summer". The game is designed by Marvelous also known for their hit Harvest Moon and XIII games.

Souce: Rumic World

Bleach for the Nintendo DS

Date: 2005 August 08 14:03 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Anime

According to Anime News Network, the popular anime/manga Bleach is set to become a game for Nintendo DS. Sega will team up with developer Treasure, best known for the adaptation of Astro Boy on the Gameboy advance.

The game: Bleach: Souten ni Kakeru Unmei is scheduled to be released in Japan in January of 2006 and the game will play in 2D and feature two fighting planes.

Sega was previously involved in the genre with their previous release of Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society on GBA. No word yet on a state side release date. For some gameplay images visit: http://media.ds.ign.com/media/763/763827/imgs_1.html

Fans of Bleach should already know that a 3D beat 'em up is already available for the Sony PSP.

Souce: Anime News Network

National Unified Otaku Proficiency Exam

Date: 2005 July 11 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Who is the biggest otaku? Is your friend Steve a bigger otaku than you? If so why? Well publisher Biblos are going to solve this question finally by holding the first Japanese national unified otaku proficient exam in their August 5th Edition of Elfix Magazine.

They claim they want to nurture an "otaku elite to carry the otaku culture through the 21st century".

The Mainichi Daily News explain that the magazine will even grade their otaku awareness level if readers write their answers down on a postcard and send it to the Elfix staff. The best results will be printed in the October 5th edition of the magazine.

VIZ Media Makes Licensing Deals for "Naruto"

Date: 2005 July 01 21:29 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ Media, LLC has announced on its website that it has made licensing deals with Bandai America and Hot Topic, Inc. for one of its most popular titles, "Naruto", the action-comedy about a young ninja, infused with the spirit of a powerful fox-demon, who strives to be the greatest ninja of all and learns life lessons along the way. This comes following the announcement of the "Naruto" anime, currently one of the highest rated shows in Japan, debuting on Cartoon Network this fall. VIZ Media currently publishes the "Naruto" manga in the monthly anthology "Shonen Jump", as well as in graphic novel format.

Bandai Releases Screenshots From Upcoming Inuyasha Game

Date: 2005 May 25 07:13 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

According to the Anime News Network, Bandai has released screenshots from the upcoming PS2 game: Inuyasha Feudal Combat.

Akira Toriyama to Provide XBOX 360 Game Designs

Date: 2005 May 19 12:42 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

According to Gamespot, Microsoft has announced in Japan that Akira Toriyama, known for the Dragonball Saga, will once again team up with the Chrono Trigger Team to provide character designs for the upcoming Xbox 360 role playing-game Blue Dragon.

Nintendo Revolution New pictures

Date: 2005 May 17 12:00 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming > Consoles

There’s been a flood of new console news in the run up to this years E3, which starts Wednesday. According to USA today the Revolution is about the size of three DVD cases piled up and is set to have online features, including a free player match up service. Especially exciting is the news players will have access to Nintendo’s back catalogue online, from Donkey Kong to Mario Sunshine. The Revolution will also be backwards compatible with Game cube and play DVDs.

The Beauty Of Final Fantasy

Date: 2005 May 12 16:42 | Posted By: Ash

Category > Gaming

The next stage in the Final Fantasy RPG series, XII, recently pushed back its release date from the Autumn of 2004 to an Autumn release of 2005, creating a sigh of disappointment and yet not much surprise, to millions of gamers waiting for the next instalment. This is the biggest RPG franchise in the world and for many gamers, has made the Playstation 1 and 2 the must-have consoles to have, simply because it has a monopoly of these games. Ash explores the history and the reasons behind their popularity, and looks forward to the new game.

Final Fantasy Music on iTunes UK

Date: 2005 May 12 13:56 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Websites

Discussions are underway to bring tracks from the 16 Final Fantasy Albums to the UK version of the iTunes website. The tracks would include songs from Final 1 through to XI as well as other FF themed CDs such as the ‘dear friends’ concerts and the 'Black Mage' albums.

Souce: Gamesindustry.biz

Xbox 360 Confirmed For This Year

Date: 2005 May 03 12:13 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Gaming > Consoles

Bill Gates has announced at the business writers' convention in the USA that the new Microsoft multimedia console, currently known as the Xbox 360, will launch in America this year. More questions are expected to be answered on an MTV special airing on May 12th in Northern America and May 13th worldwide.

Souce: Gamesindustry.biz

Bandai/Namco Merger

Date: 2005 May 03 07:45 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

Bandai Co. Ltd has made a deal to buy Videogame maker Namco Ltd for about 175.3 billion Yen (app $1.7 billion) in cash and stock .

Anime Games To Take US By Storm

Date: 2005 April 30 04:56 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Gaming

Bandai Games will launch seven new games on the U.S market later this summer according to its website, though it will introduce them for the first time at the E3 videogame Trade show.

NASA Educate Using Pokemon Cards

Date: 2005 March 04 17:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Freaky Things

The keen eyes over at BritAnime have found out that NASA have teamed up with the Pokemon Trading Card Game to develop an in-school education tool! The new Deoxys cards are designed to explore viruses, metorites, DNA and the ozone layer.

The Sagara Family Out Now

Date: 2005 February 06 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > PC

Some of our more avid gamer readers will be pleased to hear the details from PCR Distributing/JAST USA. of The Sagara Family, an interactive anime-style game for adults ported to English by G-Collections, like most games of it's genre, the main player has somehow found themselves surrounded by the beautiful members of the all-female Sagaras. Hmmmm, that sounds like a plot from a million other anime series we could list too! ^_-

Galerians: Rion DVD To Hit The UK

Date: 2005 January 12 18:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The folks over at Revolver Entertainment have sent us the details for Galerians: Rion, a CG film based on a PlayStation horror game Galerians, I've also wondered, would 3D CGI be classed as anime? Even if it is Japanese? Or is it one of those blurrily borderline questions? Anyway, it's out on the 24 of January, the same week as Cowboy Bebop Volume 1 and 2 are due to hit the stores in the UK.

Final Fantasy Orchestral Performance in Chicago

Date: 2004 December 22 18:05 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Gaming

The Square Enix website has recently announced news of their latest 'Dear Friends - Music From Final Fantasy' concert. The first of a series of concert performances, the event is to be held for the first time in Chicago at the classy Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. Exciting stuff, a definite event for diehard FF fans and orchestral-heads a-like!

Gamer Buys $26,500 Virtual Land

Date: 2004 December 20 16:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

We've just discovered an interesting story on BBC News, about a Gamer who has purchased an island on the RPG Project Entropia.

Apparently the new owner is able to "make money from his investment as he is able to tax other gamers who come to his virtual land to hunt or mine for gold". The Otaku News crew find this story interesting because this is not a tangible item in the real world, so can easily be copied if the original game creators so desired, we also wonder what would happen if the server went down and could not be restored from back up! ^_-

Souce: BBC News

US Game Pirates Arrested.

Date: 2004 December 12 18:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

Reuters are reporting on arrests of Game pirates in Washington D.C., for selling modified games consoles which are able to play pirated video games, the machines in question already had 15 games copied across. This is an interesting story, because it is not clear in the article if the modifications have been done for "backup purposes", or just for the sake of piracy. It should also be noted that Anime News Network mention that the retailer in question had been boycotted in the past at Otakon 2000 because they were selling bootleg anime.

Souce: Yahoo! News

PlayStation Portable Out Now In Japan

Date: 2004 December 12 17:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

Sony's new handheld games machine the PlayStation Portable was released in Japan today. At Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku over 1,000 eager gamers waited overnight outside the store forcing it to open early at 6 am! After three hours the store was sold out. Apparently Sony has shipped 200,000 units, but this was not enough to meet the demands, so Sony intend to produce and ship another 500,000 units in Japan by the end of the year. The PSP is due out in the USA and Europe in the new year.

Souce: Mainichi Interactive

Yamato Announces Late Spring Releases

Date: 2004 December 01 18:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Toys

ICv2 have the details for the late spring 2005 releases from Yamato USA. They'll be releasing a Mizuho in Space Suit Resin Statue from Please Teacher. For Capcom fans there's Morrigan & Lilith Collectible Miniature from DarkStalkers.

Love Hina fans can expect Naru, Mutsumi, Motoko, and Shinobu PVC statues from the Love Hina Again OVA. They'll also be be releasing figures from Guilty Gear, Read Or Die (aka ROD) TV, Iron Leaguer, and Cyber Formula.

Souce: ICv2

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