Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Kororinpa rolls onto Japanese phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/kororinpa-rolls-onto-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/kororinpa-rolls-onto-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/kororinpa-rolls-onto-japanese-phones/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hudson's Kororinpa, a game so short that it has to stand on a stool to get served at bars, has been ported from the Wii to Japan's i-Mode phones. The mobile version doesn't have any arm-waving shenanigans, of course, but it does appear to faithfully replicate most other aspects of the game. Kororinpa Mobile even does a decent job of copying the Wii original's 480i visuals. The i-Mode version was released in Japan yesterday, where it can be downloaded to 3G phones for just ¥315 (US$2.67).

JoystiqKororinpa rolls onto Japanese phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HudsonKororinpaMobileWiiMon, 02 Apr 2007 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Games' PixelJunk, as seen in Famitsu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/q-games-pixeljunk-as-seen-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/q-games-pixeljunk-as-seen-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/q-games-pixeljunk-as-seen-in-famitsu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This week's issue of Weekly Famitsu has an interview with Dylan Cuthbert of Kyoto-based developer Q-Games. The double-page spread reveals Q-Games' latest project, PixelJunk, which is being designed as a series of "casual games" for download from the PS3's PlayStation Store. We've taken some shots of the first PixelJunk images, as seen on the pages Famitsu, for your perusal. Pictured are three titles in the very early stages of development, including what looks like a static-screen top-down racer and another game that has Lemmingsy overtones. Q-Games is in talks with SCEA to bring PixelJunk to the West.



Gallery: Q-Games' PixelJunk

JoystiqQ-Games' PixelJunk, as seen in Famitsu originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PixelJunkPlayStation StorePlaystationStorePS3PSNQ-GamesMon, 02 Apr 2007 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams confirmed for Wii this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/nights-journey-of-dreams-confirmed-for-wii-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/nights-journey-of-dreams-confirmed-for-wii-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/nights-journey-of-dreams-confirmed-for-wii-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yes.

According to Famitsu, Sonic Team USA will have its sequel to legendary Saturn title NiGHTS ready for a Wii release this winter. NiGHTS 2 will now be known as NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (although that name isn't confirmed for the Japanese market). Famitsu explains that the main attraction of Journey of Dreams is how it provides gameplay with the Wii Remote, where you can glide, drift, ascend, and loop-the-loop without even thinking about the controls. Takashi Izuka of Sonic Team USA is Producer of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams. He leaves Famitsu, and the rest of the weeping-with-tears-of-joy world, with this comment:

"In 1996, we created the NiGHTS character to achieve a concept of 'being refreshed from being able to fly in the sky'. 11 years later, at last, we have broken our silence. NiGHTS will now fly in a new dream world: new stages, new story, and on the new Wii platform. Please look forward to NiGHTS and friends exploring this brand new adventure."

Yes.

JoystiqNiGHTS: Journey of Dreams confirmed for Wii this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Journey of DreamsJourneyOfDreamsNiGHTSSonic TeamSonicTeamWiiMon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More English Training (necessary) on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/more-english-training-necessary-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/more-english-training-necessary-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/more-english-training-necessary-on-ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The sequel to last year's successful Eigo ga Nigate na Otona no DS Training (translation: DS Training for Adults who Struggle with English) has just been released in Japan. Nintendo is promoting More English Training, the new title, with a TV ad campaign that shows how dangerous it can be to keep on saying "yes." You could end up with a mega-deluxe-super-whopper, or worse. Click for the clip. (And for this story in reverse, don't forget to level-up your Japanese!)

JoystiqMore English Training (necessary) on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEigo ZukeEigoZukeEnglish TrainingEnglishTrainingMon, 02 Apr 2007 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 03.22.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-22-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-22-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-22-07/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some game release Thursdays in Japan are surprisingly dull. Today is one of those days, really, but there is some digital sunshine in the Akihabara sky. If you have the means, do consider these three gems before economizing for the big releases of April*:
  • Armored Core 4 (online mech goodness from From Software; Xbox 360)
  • Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu Portable 2 (bigheaded baseball; PSP)
  • Front Mission: The First (SquEnix' frontin' robots; DS)

*Next month's Japanese hitters include Super Paper Mario, Gyakuten Saiban 4, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, and Panel de Pon DS. Wallets at the ready.

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 03.22.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armored Core 4ArmoredCore4DSFront MissionFrontMissionPowerful Pro YakyuuPowerfulProYakyuuPSPXbox-360Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Ouendan 2 images appear in Famitsu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/new-ouendan-2-images-appear-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/new-ouendan-2-images-appear-in-famitsu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/new-ouendan-2-images-appear-in-famitsu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


French site Jeux France has "plus d'images" (which, we think, means "more images") of potential DS GOTY Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Tamashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan -- aka Ouendan 2. The new scans are taken from the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu and reveal that Ippongi Ryuta (pictured, above left, in determined pose) returns, while a newbie called Saionji Hayato wears an astronaut outfit in at least one space-based level. Ouendan 2 is still on for a 2007 release in Japan, which could translate to a 2008 Westernization. Hit Jeux France for more scanner love.

[Image credit: Jeux France / Famitsu]

JoystiqNew Ouendan 2 images appear in Famitsu originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFamitsuJapanJeux-FranceOuendan 2Ouendan2Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minna no Golf 5 demo hits Japanese PlayStation Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/minna-no-golf-5-demo-hits-japanese-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/minna-no-golf-5-demo-hits-japanese-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/minna-no-golf-5-demo-hits-japanese-playstation-store/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you don't already have a dummy Japanese PSN account, now's the time to make one. We've spent the past 19 minutes downloading a playable demo of Clap Hanz' Minna no Golf 5, which is the PS3 debut for a series that's also known as Hot Shots Golf and Everybody's Golf. The demo weighs in at 241MB, and a quick play reveals what could be the greenest game of 2007 -- it just needs some frame-rate improvement in places and we'll be sold. The final product is due for release in Japan this July.

JoystiqMinna no Golf 5 demo hits Japanese PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoEverybody's GolfEverybody'sGolfHot Shots GolfHotShotsGolfJapanMinna no Golf 5MinnaNoGolf5PlayStation StorePlaystationStorePS3PSNThu, 15 Mar 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan gets celebrity-endorsed Miis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/japan-gets-celebrity-endorsed-miis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/japan-gets-celebrity-endorsed-miis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/japan-gets-celebrity-endorsed-miis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have a look at this here Japanese commercial for the genius of Mii. It stars two famous personalities -- Akashiya Sanma, renowned comedian/TV presenter (pictured, with teeth), and Shuuzou Matsuoka, one-time tennis player (pictured on the right) -- both of whom are having a great time as they construct their own faces. Possibly* as the start of an official celebrity cloning project, Nintendo of Japan is releasing these A-list Miis through WiiConnect24, which means that all (connected) Japanese Wiis will be receiving a message and file from NCL very soon. The duo will only be available until April 29, however, at which point the men in white coats will escort them back to a Kyoto lab.

(*possibly not)

JoystiqJapan gets celebrity-endorsed Miis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapanMiiSanmaWiiTue, 13 Mar 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 03.08.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-08-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-08-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-03-08-07/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's Thursday -- woohoo! That means new releases for Joystiq's bloggers and readers in Japan (and a "now shipping" date for the import tribe). If you're here, or there, consider splashing your Yen on these nifty gems:
  • Virtua Tennis 3 ("ace," "a smash," "grand slam," etc.; Sega, PS3)
  • Bomberman Land Wii (it's not Bomberman: Act Zero, so just be thankful; Hudson, Wii)
  • Eyeshield 21 (an American Football RPG from Nintendo; NCL, Wii)
  • Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 29: Monster World Complete Collection (pictured and collected: Wonderboy; not pictured but collected: Monster Land, Wonderboy III, Monster World II, Wonderboy V, Monster World IV; Sega, PS2)
  • Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana (it's a Mana game; SquareEnix, DS)
  • Yoshi's Island DS (home at last; Artoon, DS)

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 03.08.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSJapanPS2PS3WiiThu, 08 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Okami creator 'disappointed' by Twilight Princess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/okami-creator-disappointed-by-twilight-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/okami-creator-disappointed-by-twilight-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/okami-creator-disappointed-by-twilight-princess/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Okami is deeply beautiful to our eyes, and it's a superb game. Twilight Princess, we feel, is a deeply brilliant game. But is Link's most recent adventure also beautiful? Okami's Director, Hideki Kamiya, was in Tokyo last week to pick up an Entertainment Award (for his work on Okami, natch) at the 10th Media Arts Festival, which is an event held annually by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. (And that must have felt good, after Capcom's no-show at the AIAS awards.)

Kamiya was asked how he felt about Nintendo's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and he explained: "To be frank, I was disappointed when I saw [Twilight Princess'] visuals. I'm a Zelda freak -- it's no overstatement to say that I created Okami because of Zelda. I really wanted [Twilight Princess] to have that regal aura, because Zelda was what we were aspiring to. I wanted it to show me things that were surprising, but..."

So, which game do you find to be more beautiful?

[Thanks, pokemogu]

JoystiqOkami creator 'disappointed' by Twilight Princess originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CloverHideki KamiyaHidekiKamiyaOkamiTwilight PrincessTwilightPrincessZeldaTue, 06 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mizuguchi's Every Extend Extra Extreme announced for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/mizuguchis-every-extend-extra-extreme-announced-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/mizuguchis-every-extend-extra-extreme-announced-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/mizuguchis-every-extend-extra-extreme-announced-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It was never going to be Rez, and we knew it -- not unless Q has surprises for us -- but Tetsuya Mizuguchi's next bound-for-XBLA opus does have sufficient neon-on-black to make us very happy Marketplace campers. Every Extend Extra Extreme, or E4 for short, is a new take on E3 (which Q developed for the PSP last year). The original Every Extend game was developed by Omega for the PC (the freeware version is here).

Described as a "trippy visual journey of self destruction," E4 will enable you to play with your own tunes -- or, according to the peoplespeak of Q's press release, "wiz ur muzik" -- and against others in an online versus mode. If you're hooked on the PSP version (and if not, do get hooked), you'll know that the gameplay is all about chain reactions. Pretty chain reactions. But this XBLA version also offers Leaderboards and Achievements to keep the chain junkies flying. When, you ask? "Later this year."

Gallery: Every Extend Extra Extreme (E4)

JoystiqMizuguchi's Every Extend Extra Extreme announced for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionE4Every-Extend-ExtraEvery-Extend-Extra-ExtremeGDCMicrosoftMusicQ-EntertainmentRhythmXBLAXbox-360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter Portable 2nd sells a million in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-sells-a-million-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-sells-a-million-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-sells-a-million-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not unusual to see million-selling games on the DS (as Tom Jones would have crooned), but Monster Hunter Portable 2nd is the first PSP game to manage that feat inside Japan. The game got off to a great start last week and, according to a press release from Capcom, as of today one million units have been shipped to retail. Whether this is the start of something big in terms of a comeback for the PSP, or just a one-off success story, it still leaves Sony with an awful lot of work to do if it intends the PSP to ever catch up with the DS' phenomenal performance in Japan. Either way, it's great news for Capcom!

JoystiqMonster Hunter Portable 2nd sells a million in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomJapanmillionMonster Hunter PortableMonsterHunterPortablePSPsalesTue, 06 Mar 2007 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese software sales: week ending 02.25.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-25-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-25-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-25-07/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Media Create's Japanese sales data for the past week has just been released, revealing a PS3-free Top 30 that is headed by a monster hit (yes) for the PSP at Number One. For more mixed signals, set your dials to receive this week's Top Ten:
  1. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd - 705,281 units sold last week (new entry / Capcom, PSP)
  2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - 80,002 (new entry / Alchemist, PS2)
  3. Fire Emblem: Dawn Goddess - 75,359 (new entry / Nintendo, Wii)
  4. Sim City DS - 50,826 (new entry / EA, DS)
  5. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Town - 49,979 (186,716 sales to date / Level-5, DS)
  6. Wii Sports - 47,503 (1,090,736 / Nintendo, Wii)
  7. Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX - 45,792 (new entry / Tomy, Wii)
  8. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker - 40,507 (1,174,576 / SquareEnix, DS)
  9. Wii Play - 35,811 (944,586 / Nintendo, Wii)
  10. Picross DS - 26,693 (183,357 / Nintendo, DS)
And here are some lessons we can learn from the big figures:
  • The PSP is ALIVE, and Monster Hunter is the WINNER
  • EA has had a place in Japan, after all (see also: firing the whole Japanese studio was a really clever thing for EA to do)
  • There are as many Wii titles as there are DS games in this week's Top Ten -- Japan is bowing to its Nintendo duarchy

JoystiqJapanese software sales: week ending 02.25.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDSJapanLaytonMedia CreateMediaCreateMonster HunterMonsterHunterPS2PSPsalesales chartSalesChartSim City DSSimCityDsWiiThu, 01 Mar 2007 04:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter Portable 2nd off to a quick start in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-off-to-a-quick-start-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-off-to-a-quick-start-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/monster-hunter-portable-2nd-off-to-a-quick-start-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Famitsu is reporting on the impressive demand for Capcom's PSP RPG Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, which has launched in Japan this morning. Around 140 people were in line outside the West Shinjuku branch of Yodobashi Camera before the store opened, while more than 200 people were at the Ikebukuro branch of Bic Camera. Promotion of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd has had an impact -- the game's TV commercial seems to have aired more frequently here in the past week than that of any other game (this blogger watches too much Japanese telly), and the PSP hardware-plus-game bundle also appears to be selling out in Tokyo. Chances are, this PSP hit will top next week's Japanese sales chart.

[Image credit: Famitsu]

JoystiqMonster Hunter Portable 2nd off to a quick start in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomJapanMonster Hunter Portable 2ndMonsterHunterPortable2ndPSPYodobashi CameraYodobashiCameraThu, 22 Feb 2007 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[R-Type Delta hits Japanese PlayStation Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/r-type-delta-hits-japanese-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/r-type-delta-hits-japanese-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/r-type-delta-hits-japanese-playstation-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time of month again, as Sony opens its PSone archives to bring a new selection of old games to PS3 users' PSPs. And yes, it is a useful service -- especially for those who can't persuade their PSPs to run the PSone games they already own. Seven PSone titles are re-released today via the Japanese portal of Sony's PlayStation Store, bringing the total number available there to 31, and each release is priced at ¥525 (US$4.33). The seven (of which we'd class only one as "magnificent") are:
  • Shanghai Dynasty (Success)
  • The Drugmania (Hamster)
  • R-Type Delta (Irem)
  • Ore no Shikabane o Koete Yuke (SCE)
  • Puzzle Mania (Hamster)
  • Pet in TV (SCE)
  • Yaku: Yuujou Dangi (Idea Factory)

JoystiqR-Type Delta hits Japanese PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS3PSPThu, 22 Feb 2007 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese software sales: week ending 02.18.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-18-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-18-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-18-07/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Media Create's Japanese sales data for the past week has just been released, revealing a plummet for Virtua Fighter 5 (number one a week earlier, number 25 last week) and a great start for this week's WINNER, Professor Layton:
  1. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Town - 136,736 units sold last week (new entry / Level-5, DS)
  2. Tales of Destiny 2 - 73,022 (new entry / NamcoBandai, PSP)
  3. Bleach DS 2nd - 45,486 (new entry / Sega, DS)
  4. Death Note - 44,600 (new entry / Konami, DS)
  5. Soul Cradle - 43,253 (new entry / Nippon Ichi, PS2)
  6. Picross DS - 41,105 (156,664 sales to date / Nintendo, DS)
  7. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker - 39,598 (1,134,069 / SquareEnix, DS)
  8. Wii Sports - 39,128 (1,043,683 / Nintendo, Wii)
  9. Wii Play - 29,342 (908,774 / Nintendo, Wii)
  10. More Brain Training - 28,254 (3,991,966 / Nintendo, DS)
And here are some lessons we can learn from the big figures:
  • Professor Layton, you are the WINNER
  • PS2 is still a viable format in Japan, with four titles in Media Create's Top 30
  • Very soon, Nintendo will have provided More Brain Training to four million Japanese minds

JoystiqJapanese software sales: week ending 02.18.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSJapanPS2PSPsalessoftwareWiiThu, 22 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Panel de Pon DS announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/panel-de-pon-ds-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/panel-de-pon-ds-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/panel-de-pon-ds-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,


Panel de Pon, aka Tetris Attack aka Panel de Pon, is a game we've loved in many guises. We loved it on the Super Famicom, with its fairies and pixie music (nothing to do with Frank Black); we loved it on the SNES, when it became Tetris Attack; and we even flirted with the GBA version in Nintendo Puzzle League. What we really need now is more Panel de Pon -- and according to Nintendo's latest release schedule, we're going to get just that. The Japanese version of Panel de Pon DS lands on April 26, with wi-fi multiplayer and -- as seen in these screens -- some very funky backgrounds. No news of a Western release as yet, but we can't imagine why it would be a Japanese exclusive.

Gallery: Panel de Pon DS



[Image credit: Famitsu]

JoystiqPanel de Pon DS announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSIntelligent SystemsIntelligentSystemsPanel de PonPanelDePonWed, 21 Feb 2007 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gundam Musou HD promo movie now downloadable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/gundam-musou-hd-promo-movie-now-downloadable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/gundam-musou-hd-promo-movie-now-downloadable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/gundam-musou-hd-promo-movie-now-downloadable/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gundam Musou, thank Koei, looks nothing like Gundam: Crossfire. And the other differences between Musou and last year's ugliest new-gen duckling aren't merely superficial ones -- Koei's game appears to have some depth, more gameplay modes, and... did we mention that it's not butt-ugly? To help you see why this game ranks near the top of Famitsu's readers' most wanted chart, and why Sony has okayed a PS3 hardware bundle, publisher NamcoBandai has just released a promo movie on the Japanese PlayStation Store. Gundam fans and Dynasty Warriors alike should get in there (set up a fake Japanese account for access) and get downloading. "Pronto."

JoystiqGundam Musou HD promo movie now downloadable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dynasty WarriorsDynastyWarriorsGundam MusouGundamMusouPS3Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Paper Mario Wii screens (in our favorite ratio)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/new-super-paper-mario-wii-screens-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/new-super-paper-mario-wii-screens-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/new-super-paper-mario-wii-screens-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Since its announcement at E3 2006, Super Paper Mario has made a format shift and still managed to keep a suspiciously low profile. It's a game that has been developed in the shadows, with only occasional flashes to give the poor gaming press anything to write about. At last, though, Super Paper Mario is coming out into the open. Nintendo today confirmed an April 19 release for Japan, which means that Super Paper Mario (like the Wii itself) is going to debut in North America. The new 16:9 screens here show how beautiful the game has become and, although Wii Remote functions are yet to be properly explained, Famitsu reports that Peach's umbrella can be used to access secret areas. (Here come the Super Mario Bros. 2 flashbacks.) We're intrigued to see how Super Paper Mario can flit from 2D to 3D at the press of a button and retain some sort of consistency. America can discover on April 9 whether Intelligent Systems' ambitious project has succeeded -- and more importantly, find out whether Bowser ends up marrying Peach. The horror.

Gallery: Super Paper Mario (Wii)



[Image credit: Famitsu]

JoystiqNew Super Paper Mario Wii screens (in our favorite ratio) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FamitsuIntelligent SystemsIntelligentSystemsSuper Paper MarioSuperPaperMarioWiiWed, 21 Feb 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite Beat Agents sequel is on (oh yes)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/elite-beat-agents-sequel-is-on-oh-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/elite-beat-agents-sequel-is-on-oh-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/elite-beat-agents-sequel-is-on-oh-yes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dengeki Online has today posted Nintendo of Japan's latest release schedule, which includes mention of the long-awaited sequel to -- drum-roll for nervous anticipation -- Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (which was rejigged for the West as Elite Beat Agents). There's no release date mentioned other than a non-specific "during 2007." Four-player action is confirmed, though, as is the new sensation's snappy title: Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Tamashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan. Got all that? Quick translation: Burn! Hot-Blooded Rhythm Spirit, Yo! Fight! Cheerleading. Need we say more?

JoystiqElite Beat Agents sequel is on (oh yes) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSElite-Beat-AgentsiNiSMusicNintendoOuendanRhythmWed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem Wii TV ad focuses on Classic Controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/fire-emblem-wii-tv-ad-focuses-on-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/fire-emblem-wii-tv-ad-focuses-on-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/fire-emblem-wii-tv-ad-focuses-on-classic-controller/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of Famitsu's criticisms of Fire Emblem: Dawn Goddess, which is released in Japan this Thursday, is that the game makes no particular use of the Wii's Remote. This could have been a GameCube release. But it's not, and yet there remains a perfectly adequate way to play Fire Emblem: get a Classic Controller (which is just what the girl in Nintendo's latest TV ad has done). Click through to see the TV spot and notice the girl's surprisingly honest facial expression -- does Classic Control mean profound boredom?

JoystiqFire Emblem Wii TV ad focuses on Classic Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Classic ControllerClassicControllerFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Radiant-DawnIntelligent-SystemsJapanese TVJapaneseTvNintendoRPGStrategyWiiMon, 19 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[T-shirt goodness from Japan: Namco Game Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/t-shirt-goodness-from-japan-namco-game-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/t-shirt-goodness-from-japan-namco-game-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/t-shirt-goodness-from-japan-namco-game-series/#commentsFiled under: ,


When you're not wearing a limited edition Joystiq t-shirt (i.e., when it's in the wash), we suggest an alternative route to game geek chic. And to avoid the emo-ness of Atari logos, it could be worth looking to the online stores of Japan where, at the end of the month, MARS16 will unleash the first design in its fully-licensed Namco Game Series -- this iconic Galaga print. We've been sucked up and captured, handing over ¥3,990 (US$33) for our escape shirt. If anyone is wearing a cooler t-shirt than this right now, let us know about it (and we'll tear it off your back).

JoystiqT-shirt goodness from Japan: Namco Game Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GalagaMARS16NamcoMon, 19 Feb 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[AOU 2007: Cave's Muchi Muchi Pork shmup released (from its sty)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/aou-2007-caves-muchi-muchi-pork-shmup-released-from-its-sty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/aou-2007-caves-muchi-muchi-pork-shmup-released-from-its-sty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/aou-2007-caves-muchi-muchi-pork-shmup-released-from-its-sty/#commentsFiled under: ,

This new vertically-scrolling shmup from ace DonPachi developer Cave is a 100% pork-based product, whatever that means. Muchi Muchi Pork is playable at AOU 2007 and, according to Dengeki, it features a "Lard Gauge" that can power a "Lard Attack." How cool is that? What else we know: there's a two-player versus mode, Cave's booth girls were wielding frying pans, and the theme song goes like this: "Muchi muchi pork! Muchi muchi pork! Muchi muchi! Muchi mu-chii!" (Seriously.) Muchi Muchi Pork will be pigging out in Japanese game centers from the end of April.

JoystiqAOU 2007: Cave's Muchi Muchi Pork shmup released (from its sty) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007CaveMuchi Muchi PorkMuchiMuchiPorkshmupSat, 17 Feb 2007 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon anime coming to TV Tokyo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blue Dragon's universe is expanding rapidly, and Famitsu reports that an animated TV series is scheduled to air on Japan's TV Tokyo station in April. The Blue Dragon anime is in production at Studio Pierrot -- which has worked on the animated series of such hot properties as Power Stone, Naruto and Bleach -- and is directed by Yukihiro Matsushita, who previously directed the Star Ocean EX animation. Kluke, the female lead in Blue Dragon's main trio of adventurers, is voiced by Erino Hazuki (pictured), while Keiko Nemoto and Daisuke Namikawa provide the voices of group leader Shu and quiet boy Zero (respectively). Now how about some hype for the English-language release of Blue Dragon, Microsoft? We're dying out here.

JoystiqBlue Dragon anime coming to TV Tokyo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeBlue DragonBlueDragonMistwalkerTV TokyoTvTokyoXbox-360Sat, 17 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AOU 2007: Chase H.Q. 2 on patrol]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-chase-h-q-2-on-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-chase-h-q-2-on-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-chase-h-q-2-on-patrol/#commentsFiled under: ,


Taito's Chase H.Q. 2 has come a long way since its showing at AOU 2006. This year's version features a lifelike Nancy on screen, offering guidance in English to help you catch the bad guys. Players can choose from three car types -- Patrol, Muscle, and Sports -- and then select one of three body colors. Each motor has unique handling, car-shoving, and top-speed attributes. And there's a Patrol Light button mounted on the cabinet's dash, which has no real use other than to give you a Police Academy buzz of daftness. The original Chase H.Q. is probably the second-best driving game of the 1980s. Let's hope this 21st century successor does the force proud.

Gallery: Chase H.Q. 2



[Image credit: Impress Watch]

JoystiqAOU 2007: Chase H.Q. 2 on patrol originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007Chase H.Q.ChaseH.q.TaitoFri, 16 Feb 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[AOU 2007: Silent Hill to frighten arcade-goers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-silent-hill-to-frighten-arcade-goers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-silent-hill-to-frighten-arcade-goers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-silent-hill-to-frighten-arcade-goers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You wouldn't want to have your pants scared off in a public place, would you? Well, Konami doesn't care: pay your money, take your choice. Silent Hill: The Arcade, unveiled today at AOU 2007, replicates the chilling atmosphere of your darkened living room with... a little black curtain. Sneak between the drapes and you'll find what Famitsu is calling a "gun action shooting game." We'll bring you more details of this intriguing light-gun game just as soon as we get our trousers back on.

Gallery: Silent Hill: The Arcade



[Image credit: Impress Watch]

JoystiqAOU 2007: Silent Hill to frighten arcade-goers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007KonamiSilent HillSilentHillFri, 16 Feb 2007 03:55:00 EST<![CDATA[AOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-konami-shows-otomedius-shmup/#commentsFiled under: ,


Konami's Otomedius, revealed today at Japan's AOU 2007, is the 21st Century successor to legendary 2D shoot 'em up series Gradius and Parodius. Otomedius is said to preserve the spirit of Parodius, which sounds pretty sexy, but it also introduces a brand-new touch-screen feature as well as networked multiplayer modes. We're just a bit hyped about the prospect of Otomedius, and we'll do our best to bring you screens/movies as quickly as you can enunciate "Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius." (That is to say, you might have to wait a little while.)

[Photo via Impress Watch]

JoystiqAOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007GradiusKonamiOtomediusParodiusFri, 16 Feb 2007 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mizuguchi-produced single to grace Japanese phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/mizuguchi-produced-single-to-grace-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/mizuguchi-produced-single-to-grace-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/mizuguchi-produced-single-to-grace-japanese-phones/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"Chaku-song" and "chaku-movie" represent Japan's most popular system for getting full songs and music videos to replace traditional ringtones on cell phones. And now Tetsuya Mizuguchi is in on the game, with the release in Japan yesterday of his Genki Rockets' "Heavenly Star" track in the "chaku-song" and "chaku-movie" formats. Phone users in Japan can download the soaring technopop of "Heavenly Star" (vocal and all) to their handsets for just ¥105 (US$0.88), with the music vid going for ¥315 (US$2.64). Welcome to synaesthesia, indeed.

JoystiqMizuguchi-produced single to grace Japanese phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Genki RocketsGenkiRocketsHeavenly starHeavenlyStarLuminesMizuguchiQ EntertainmentQEntertainmentFri, 16 Feb 2007 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 tournament scheduled for AOU 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/virtua-fighter-5-tournament-scheduled-for-aou-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/virtua-fighter-5-tournament-scheduled-for-aou-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/virtua-fighter-5-tournament-scheduled-for-aou-2007/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You can never have enough Virtua Fighter, as we've been reminded while playing the sublime PS3 version of VF5 over the past fortnight. It's a game that successfully caters for every type of player, from wide-eyed novices to sharp-eyed experts -- and those groups could well clash north of Tokyo tomorrow, where Sega is holding a "Fight of the Century" Virtua Fighter 5 tournament at Japan's annual AOU arcade game exhibition.

The competition will take place in the VF5 corner of Sega's huge AOU booth, with 64 players (each of whom must have their own VF.Net access card in order to take part) fighting it out for the title of "Fighter of the Century." There's no big prize on offer (Sega isn't as generous as From Software), but that title will be coveted by Japan's Virtua Fighter hardcore and we expect the competition to be very serious indeed. The tournament will be played on Version B of VF5, which is the same build that Sega has ported to the PS3.

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 tournament scheduled for AOU 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOU 2007Aou2007JapanMakuhari MesseMakuhariMesseSegaVirtua Fighter 5VirtuaFighter5Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese software sales: week ending 02.11.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-11-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-11-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-software-sales-week-ending-02-11-07/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Let's welcome in Media Create's record of the past week's game sales in Japan. This is where you'll get big numbers and not-so-big numbers, mixed in with the crucial numbers one through ten -- a mathematician's wet dream. Firstly, here's this week's chart, with combined total sales of titles inside those pouting parentheses:
  1. Virtua Fighter 5 - 48,346 units sold last week (new entry / Sega, PS3)
  2. Wii Sports - 45,897 (1,004,555 units sold to date / Nintendo, Wii)
  3. Wii Play - 36,090 (879,432 / Nintendo, Wii)
  4. More Brain Training - 32,800 (3,963,712 / Nintendo, DS)
  5. New Super Mario Bros. - 29,026 (4,118,078 / Nintendo DS)
  6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - 27,519 (304,113 / Capcom, PS2)
  7. Wario: Master of Disguise - 26,815 (185,695 / Nintendo, DS)
  8. Harvest Moon: The Island I Grew Up On - 26,804 (106,212 / Marvelous, DS)
  9. Luminous Arc - 25,676 (new entry / Marvelous, DS)
  10. J-League Pro Soccer 5 - 24,468 (131,541 / Sega, PS2)
And here are some lessons we can learn from the big figures:
  • Virtua Fighter 5 is the WINNER
  • Sega is Sony's most valuable ally in Japan right now
  • Capcom's San Andreas marketing has paid off
  • DS-like "slow sellers" are also possible on Wii
  • There's still a place in the Japanese market for little players, which is just Marvelous

JoystiqJapanese software sales: week ending 02.11.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSJapanPS2PS3salessoftwareWiiThu, 15 Feb 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 02.15.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-15-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-15-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-15-07/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's another game release Thursday in Kyoto, and the chilling haru ichiban wind is a-blowin'. Time to get the fire going, pour a hot cup of green tea, and make ourselves comfortable in that red leather armchair. It's time like these when games like Layton (see above) are most welcome. And alongside the noble Professor Layton's latest adventure with Level-5, we're happy to stuff a few other portable gems inside our carrier bag today:
  • Bleach DS 2nd (more Treasure love; DS)
  • Professor Layton's Mysterious Town (the talk of Kyoto town; DS)
  • Lumines II (Japan has been very patient with you, Mr. Mizuguchi; PSP)
  • Tales of Destiny 2 (because Namco doesn't know when to stop; PSP)

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 02.15.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BleachBleach-Dark-SoulsDSLaytonLuminesLumines-2NintendoProfessor-Laytons-Mysterious-TownPSPSegaTales-of-DestinyTales-of-Destiny-2TreasureThu, 15 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Blue Dragon content hits Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


The first wave of Xbox Live content for Mistwalker's wonderful Blue Dragon is set for Marketplace distribution as of 8pm tomorrow, Japanese time. The good news for Japanese Xbox Live users is that said content is free (¥0, US$0). The size of the downloads hasn't been confirmed as yet, but the downloadable data offers plenty of extra fun for Blue Dragon experts, providing Hard and Super modes of play for those who have already completed the game on its standard difficulty setting. Further content is expected in the weeks and months to come.

JoystiqFree Blue Dragon content hits Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonMarketplaceMistwalkerXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 15 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Armored Core 4 championship offers $17k prize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/armored-core-4-championship-offers-17k-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/armored-core-4-championship-offers-17k-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/armored-core-4-championship-offers-17k-prize/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Well, US$16,674. Will that suffice? Armored Core 4 players in Japan (and, presumably, importers who live outside of Japan) have until March 1 to get their rusty mechs polished for the Armored Core Championship Battle 2007. Previous years' tournaments had been held regionally throughout Japan; thanks to the wonders of online play, though, this year's event will be played out via the PlayStation Network over a period of three weeks. The final stage of the tournament will, however, be held in Tokyo, where the top two players as of March 21 will do battle for the grand prize of ¥2million. The Xbox 360 version of Armored Core 4 is (coincidentally?) released in Japan on March 22, so this year's tournament is open only to players of the PS3 version.

JoystiqArmored Core 4 championship offers $17k prize originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armored Core 4ArmoredCore4championshipFrom SoftwareFromSoftwarePS3Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Women's magazine enters Japanese DS market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/womens-magazine-enters-japanese-ds-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/womens-magazine-enters-japanese-ds-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/womens-magazine-enters-japanese-ds-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NamcoBandai today released more details of its collaboration with Magazine House, the Japanese publisher behind anan, which is a monthly title aimed at the female market. Like the magazine itself, the upcoming anan-licensed DS game (full translated title, anan Supervision: Quick Female Power Boost) is designed to help Japanese women achieve what they consider to be their ultimate selves. anan Supervision offers players 50 types of "ideal woman" and encourages self-reinvention via its three-month training course. Qualities such as cuteness, strength, and beauty will be taught through a series of daily lessons. As-yet-imperfect Japanese women will have to wait until the summer for a Quick Female Power Boost.

JoystiqWomen's magazine enters Japanese DS market originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ananDSfemaletrainingWed, 14 Feb 2007 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gundam Musou PS3 bundle: a system-seller?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gundam-musou-ps3-bundle-a-system-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gundam-musou-ps3-bundle-a-system-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gundam-musou-ps3-bundle-a-system-seller/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Pre-orders for the Gundam Musou PS3 hardware bundle were opened in Japan yesterday, with Amazon selling the 60GB console-plus-game-plus-stuff set for ¥72,000 (US$594). The stuff included in the package is pretty nifty, mind: arty cards, technical dossiers, and glossy character profiles. The marriage of Gundam and Dynasty Warriors looks like it could be a happy event for all concerned, with Gundam Musou currently ranked fifth in Weekly Famitsu's readers' most wanted chart. If VF5 couldn't energize sales of the PS3, perhaps Gundam Musou can.

JoystiqGundam Musou PS3 bundle: a system-seller? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GundamJapanKoeiMusouPS3Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Idol Master downloads begin, otaku rejoice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/idol-master-downloads-begin-otaku-rejoice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/idol-master-downloads-begin-otaku-rejoice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/idol-master-downloads-begin-otaku-rejoice/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Already established as a cult classic in Japan (albeit with a slightly creepy cult), NamcoBandai's Idol Master has moved a sizeable number of players from dingy arcades back to their dingy bedrooms. And now, thanks to yesterday's introduction of downloadable items, there's even more fodder (we're not saying for what) available to players of the Xbox 360 version of this teen girl coaching sim. Schoolwear (pictured), kimonos and other outfits are priced at 1000 Microsoft Points, as there seems to be a premium for such garb, while leopard skin skirts and equestrian accessories (whips not included) are priced at a more reasonable 500 points per item. Probably the best line to take on all this: no comment.

JoystiqIdol Master downloads begin, otaku rejoice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadsIdol MasterIdolMasterXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 13 Feb 2007 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 02.08.07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-08-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-08-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/japanese-release-day-highlights-02-08-07/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Another Thursday in Japan, another round of lovely digital entertainment. Today is our favourite day of the week -- even more so than Sunday. We put our skates on (not literally, you understand) and got down to our local game dealer for some home cooking, mama. Here's what we picked up, the best of this fine February release day:
  • Cooking Mama (today we've been twirling pizza dough, fiercely whisking eggs, and rolling ham around asparagus spears -- tomorrow, we're going to try some haute cuisine; Wii)
  • Virtua Fighter 5 (yes, it's just a bit good; PS3)
  • Out Run 2 Special Tour (back to Japan in time for its 20th anniversary, but only just, and how we've been waiting for another Passing Breeze; PS2)
  • Jet Impulse (this game is giving us impulses already, but what have the skies done to deserve our ascent?; DS)
  • Luminous Arc (marvelous strategy from Marvelous; DS)

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 02.08.07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CookingCooking-MamaCooking-Mama-Cook-OffCooking-Mama-LtdDSJapanJet-ImpulseMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesNintendoOutRunOutrun-2-Special-TourPS2PS3SegaVirtua-Fighter-5VirtuaFighter5WiiThu, 08 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii-chargeable battery packs (almost) ready for release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-chargeable-battery-packs-almost-ready-for-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-chargeable-battery-packs-almost-ready-for-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-chargeable-battery-packs-almost-ready-for-release/#commentsFiled under: ,


"Where are the Wii-chargeable battery packs?" we asked last week. This week, we have the answer: "There they are!" That is, they can be reserved in Japan as of today, for eventual delivery before the end of February, and we have Japanese gizmo manufacturer Thanko to thank-o.

Thanko's lithium-ion battery and USB charge cradle, which can draw power from one of the Wii's USB ports, are retailing in Japan at ¥3,480 (US$29) per set or at the slightly discounted rate of ¥6,480 (US$54) for two sets. A three-and-a-half hour charge will, according to Thanko's press release, keep a Wii Remote powered for 25 hours. Just think how many times you could complete Kororinpa in that time...

JoystiqWii-chargeable battery packs (almost) ready for release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lithium-ionrechargeableUSBWiiWii RemoteWiiRemoteTue, 06 Feb 2007 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon paraphernalia arrives in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After its relative success in Japan, Mistwalker is hoping to expand Blue Dragon's potential in any/every direction possible while it moves forward with work on Blue Dragon 2. The smokers in the audience will be especially pleased to find a Blue Dragon Zippo lighter on sale via Bandai's LaLaBit Market net store during February and March, with the items scheduled for delivery in April. The lighters cost ¥10,500 (US$87) each -- a bit pricey, but then, they are going to become rare Zippos.

And there's other Mistwalker swag soon to go on sale at LaLaBit, as well, including snazzy Blue Dragon t-shirts and mugs. What we'd really like, though, is a genuine Blue Dragon flamethrower. (For toasting marshmallows.) That would be cool.

JoystiqBlue Dragon paraphernalia arrives in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonJapanMistwalkerXbox-360ZippoTue, 06 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom demos playable Flash version of Phoenix Wright 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/01/capcom-demos-playable-flash-version-of-phoenix-wright-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/01/capcom-demos-playable-flash-version-of-phoenix-wright-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/01/capcom-demos-playable-flash-version-of-phoenix-wright-4/#commentsFiled under: ,

Capcom has come up with a great lunchtime distraction for the bored-at-work: a playable preview version of Gyakuten Saiban 4 in Flash. The DS version of what we'd call Phoenix Wright 4 is still a couple of months away from its Japanese release, so we can only applaud Capcom's generosity here.

GUILTY: the dialogue in this demo will be largely incomprehensible to most Western players, as its script is written entirely in Japanese. NOT GUILTY: the music is sublime and manages to convey (without lyrics) how the trial is progressing; this is also the first time we've seen Odoroki-kun (captured here) at the bar. Cheers!

JoystiqCapcom demos playable Flash version of Phoenix Wright 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDSGyakuten SaibanGyakutenSaibanPhoenix WrightPhoenixWrightThu, 01 Feb 2007 10:45:00 EST