Tokyo Game Show also does not particularly cater to foreign attendees, so if you are going to attend in the future make sure you either have a pretty good grasp of the Japanese language, or go with a Japanese friend who can translate for you; otherwise you won’t understand everything and you’ll miss out on a lot. I’m sure some of you reading this are thinking “Duh, you’re in Japan” but you would think with Microsoft having a strong representation and TGS having a reputation as a huge show that there would be more effort in this area.

Internet hype paints Tokyo Game Show as a “can’t-miss” event, which may have given me unrealistic expectations going in. Even so, I did enjoy seeing the trailers of games I’m interested in, including many which may not see the light of day outside of Japan. I’m glad I got the chance to attend TGS for myself, hopefully next year will be better. And for those of you who couldn’t make it this year, here are all the photos I manged to take before they chased me away:

[View with PicLens]

1234►

And with those wise words of Gandalf, my friend Eric and I set off on our very own journey to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan to experience the live performance of Howard Shore’s complete score. Only 2 nights in NYC Oct. 9th and 10th, the movie will be projected while “over more than 300 musicians will bring the music of Middle Earth to life” by the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra, The Collegiate Chorale, and Brooklyn Youth Chorus, conducted by Ludwig Wicki.

After making it to Radio City we got on line to enter the music hall. Hundreds of people joined us in the theater when the bell rang at half past seven indicating that the show was about to begin. In the comfort of our velvet seats, we sat and eagerly waited for the movie to start, while the orchestra started their tuning. The conductor stepped onstage and the magic began. An uproar of cheers and applause echoesd through the music hall. The screen was lit up and subtitles graced the bottom of the screen as we all quietly watched the movie.

After experiencing this I don’t think I can ever watch another film without a whole orchestra performing live. The whole experience was indeed mesmerizing. To be wholly enveloped in the true meaning of what a great score would do for a film is absolutely wondrous.

The only thing I found a little unnerving were the random applause from fans of the movie, for characters’ cameos while the orchestra was playing an astounding piece in accompaniment of said scene. Other than that everything else was sheer awesomeness. The musicians deserved the standing ovation that they received tonight.

And as a special surprise, Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood were there! They came onstage with the conductor and took a bow.

If you are in NYC, I hope you find the opportunity to go see it on the 10th. If not, you can always wait until next year and the following year to see the next two. It’s an experience you’ll never want to miss out on. Thanks Eric for inviting me.

[View with PicLens]

website: Battle for Middle Earth with the Fellowship at Radio City in NYC!

Just because I sometimes find myself going through game withdrawal after completing one, or experiencing the occasional restlessness when games I want aren’t out soon enough, that doesn’t necessarily make me a fangirl, does it? I’m sure we’ve all looked up info on new games, and gone to the official websites and listened to the background music there over and over continuously for hours on end, and nonchalantly asked our friends to create ringtones out of our favorite videogame theme songs (or battle music), haven’t we? You all know what I’m talking about!

Okay, so maybe I am a bit of a fangirl. But who isn’t?

Anyway, I was working on Sony’s Press Kit for our TGS09 gallery (coming soon!) and, as if I was destined to see it, there it was sitting in my folder on my desktop — the limited edition FFXIII PS3 slim *cue heavenly glow with that “ahhh” sfx* Holy crap!

The sexy streamlined curves of the newly redesigned PS3 slim with Lightning printed subtly on the clean ceramic white matte finish. And packing a 250GB hard drive to satisfy all my downloadable desires! I was in looove!

My inner fangirl definitely just got a lot geekier! Who said you can’t fall in love with a machine, tell that to Helo or Gaius! I don’t usually go crazy over these limited edition consoles, but this one made me scream like a schoolgirl. I didn’t even know I could scream that high!

But then I realized something’s a bit off. The pink.

Ok I’m a female gamer, but pink? Pink is definitely not my color. I wish it was the usual Final Fantasy blue or even the pastel green, but I guess the reason they chose pink was because of Lightning’s hair color and not because they think the pink will move the new PS3 slim for the casual female demographic. Or so I hope.

But pink was the least of my worries. I was ambushed by the bundle’s price tag. 41,600yen?? You’re kidding right? Oh well, I hate pink anyways…

Of course, if any of you guys feel generous enough and want to see my unrequited love fulfilled, the bundle goes on sale in Japan on December 17, 2009, the same day as FFXIII game release!

PAX09 marks the first game convention I’ve ever been to. Not knowing if I would actually be able to adjust my full-time job work schedule to attend PAX, I applied for a last minute press pass right before the deadline. And when I say last minute, I mean I didn’t book my ticket to Seattle until the night before!

I bought my ticket Friday night and took the morning flight out of JFK to SEA on Saturday. I couldn’t fall asleep so I ended up watching Star Trek (Chris Pine, I <3 you!) and bits and pieces of My Life in Ruins. As I got off the plane, I couldn’t help thinking that this must be the craziest thing I’ve done in a long while, flying out to my first game convention by myself at the last minute. (I know that’s not even that crazy, but hey, what’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done lately?)

I took a taxi down to the Grand Hyatt hotel to pick up my press pass. Little did I know I was in for a big surprise. All hotels are completely booked! PAX is HUGE, and I mean HUGE for Seattle. Sort of like Comicon in San Diego. It seems that anyone who loves games was at PAX! I didn’t really know what to expect going in… but I was just a little bit taken aback at the massive amount of attendees. I guess when people think of a videogame convention they imagine a sea of Simpsons’ comic book store guy clones, but I was pleasantly surprised by the casual atmosphere and the friendly vibe of all the attendees.

I can’t wait for PAX East (in Boston) in late March, 2010. I’m hoping to get some of the PCS crew to go with me this time! (So what if you’re on the West Coast, Shola — that’s no excuse!)

Click here to view all my PAX09 photos!

After a long delay, Level-5 decided to kick it back old school by completely revamping the battle system from what was suppose to be an action-RPG to turn-based RPG. As a DQ fangirl, I’m glad they made the right choice by switching it to the turn-based system.

Dragon Quest IX is set to go on sale on the 11th of July in Japan. I’ve already called a couple stores here in NYC and I have my fingers crossed that they will be receiving an early shipment on Friday.

I will admit that when the game was announced I was a little bit skeptical. I was expecting the new Dragon Quest to be made for the PS3 or 360. Dragon Quest VIII had such a massive and expressive world to explore, and the DS is so tiny that I’m a little wary of being disappointed by this attempt on the DS. I want it to live up to it’s predecessors. I know they managed to port over DQ4 & DQ5, which is a good sign, but even so I don’t want to get my expectations up too high. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, unbelieveable things do come in small packages (of all people I should know this!).

Also, let’s see if Dragon Quest IX will convince me to upgrade my DS for a DSi or not.

For now, here’s a couple clips of DQ9 — please stay tuned for my first impressions of the game once I get my hands on it!

Japanese CM for Dragon Quest IX featuring SMAP

See also:

• Slow, Shambling, Flesh-Craving News Day?
• Video Round-Up For Jan. 9th, 2010
• A ComicBook Orange is Back!
• I’ve Got The Glow
• Battlefield 1943…Not Quite
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/dragon-quest-ix-is-finally-released/51434/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:30:48 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=48861
A month shy of a year after the release of the iPhone 3G, Apple has decided to update their hardware yet again along with the new iPhone OS 3.0. There isn’t much of a difference between the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S, except for a couple features. This is not a comparison between the two phones; this is just my personal opinion on the features of the new software update, since I’m not hardcore enough to wait outside in the rain to buy the new iPhone 3G S (and no it’s not because I’m not upgrade eligible…no nothing like that all! /cry!!!).

I’ve waited patiently to try out some of the new features, and now that I have, I’m loving some of them — others, not so much:

• Copy/Cut/Paste is useful — when it actually works! It activates easily enough by tapping and holding in SMS or on websites, however this can be a problem when all you meant to do was edit your text message (activate the magnifying glass). Most frustrating for me personally is the fact that I can’t get Copy/Cut/Paste to work at all on one of my favorite sites, Flickr.com!
• Voice Memos — I’ve downloaded several apps which do the same thing, but the sound quality is much better with Voice Memos. You can trim clips and then send them via email or MMS (once the service is available). Only downside is that the clips are saved in m4a format.
• Silent Mode – When you activate Silent Mode, games and apps (not counting iPod and Youtube) are now silent — but since Apple didn’t mention this change, users might first think their audio has stopped working. For me, when I activate Silent Mode, I just want my phone not to ring.
• Spotlight Search — This is a pretty handy new feature. Now I don’t have to open every individual app to find something, I can just use Spotlight Search. Plus, you can go into Settings and customize your search to limit where you want it to search.
• Recent Calls — This list now has a lot of additional info which makes it easier to see who called. Each contact’s name has a small label underneath it indicating if it’s a mobile or home phone; a small icon indicates an outgoing call while names of missed callers are in red. Additionally, you can now see the duration of each call, not just the time it was made.
• Landscape Keyboard — This is one feature I’m not a huge fan of. When using the iPhone, I’m a one-hand typist so I’d never willingly choose this option, but sometimes an unintentional slight tilt of the phone will bring it up and this aggravates me! In fact, I don’t even like it when I’m surfing the web and it goes to landscape! You should have the option in Settings to turn this feature off for Messages, Mail/Contacts/Calendars, iPod and anywhere else. I might prefer this option in Safari, but I don’t like it in my SMS, etc.
• Settings — Under Settings there is a subcategory for Messages, and you can finally turn off “repeat alert”! With this deactivated, your phone won’t keep vibrating to notify you that you have yet to read the new message you just received instead of thinking someone is stalking you with multiple text messages (we wish we were all that popular, but who are we kidding?). Now, when you hear the alert it really does mean that you have a new message not an old one that keeps nagging at you.
• SMS — Did you know, you can double tap on the space bar for a period? I’m easily amused and I know it’s a minor detail, but it’s very useful! Instead of being lazy and not using proper punctuation because switching modes is too much of a hassle you can do it without having to think twice. Proper punctuation is always a good habit.
• iTunes — Download movies and music without having to connect to iTunes on your computer. This is so much more convenient, especially for busy people on the go (or lazy people on the couch).
• Skype — I know this is not a new iPhone feature, but hear me out! Skype actually works without having to turn off 3G or activating airplane mode. As long as you’re connected to a wireless connection you can make Skype calls just like a regular phone call. Yay!
• Email — You’re now able to search within your Inbox, Sent Messages, etc. This makes life easier so you don’t have to scroll down through hundreds of emails trying to find an email in a hurry, for example your e-ticket, which I had to do the other day.
• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) — This is so early 2000! I never understood why Apple never implemented this feature, but I guess better late than never. Of course, we have to wait until AT&T unlocks the feature at the end of summer. Let’s see if they will charge us an arm and leg to use it.
• Internet Tethering — I’m interested in this feature, I guess, but I have a feeling that AT&T may charge a lot to use it.

“My momma told me to be proud of what I have!”
…but even she would be interested in some of the 3G S features. Here are the ones I wish I had on my 3G:

• Camera – 3.0 megapixels. Who says size doesn’t matter!?! The higher the resolution the better! I know this is probably Apple’s prototype of what the iPhone camera is capable of doing in the future, and I’m sure by the time I’m upgrade eligible they will be close to perfecting it. The camera on the 3G is not quite the best cellphone camera out there, but I’m pretty sure it’s better than the G1’s (sorry, Google). The cool thing about the 3G S camera is that it has auto-focus. Since this is a cellphone camera you probably don’t have much expectations, but you can touch anywhere on the 3G S screen and the camera will shift the focus to the spot you’ve touched and adjust the exposure and white balance.
• Video — Also, you can take videos on the 3G S. Again, I don’t know why this feature was never introduced in the first generation of iPhones since most cellphones have video capability (even if it’s not the greatest quality). But the cool thing about Apple’s video, you can trim within the iPhone itself, just like the Voice Memos. Very cool.
• GPS/Compass — I am a map fiend and this is probably one of my most favorite features to have on a phone. It’s very convenient, especially in cities like NY where your cab driver may not know where they’re going and you actually have to tell them which direction to go! The compass on the 3G S indicates the direction you’re facing, taking the guesswork out. Life is simpler with the new compass. If you’re a tourist and you have an iPhone you have NO excuse to get lost, just make sure you look left and right before crossing!
• Faster Internet — You can never have a fast enough net connection. The most desirable updated feature would be quicker load times on Safari, but again, this is probably not something Apple can have complete control over since it depends on the speed of your internet provider and phone services.

 

To Upgrade, or Not To Upgrade?
I think at this point it’s a matter of wanting rather than needing. With the software upgdate, there is no immediate need to upgrade to a newer model. I have a feeling (just a hunch) that in 2010 there will be a new iPhone coming out and some of the new features that are on the 3G S are mainly just prototypes. The first version probably has its fair share of bugs and unforseen issues, making it hard to justify spending another $200-$600 (depending on your contract eligibility to upgrade or not). I rather spend that $200+ on videogames and food, but that’s just me.

See also:

• Introducing the All-New Manga Recon!
• Popular PSN Games Are Half Off For A Limited Time
• GCA 2008: Best Comic Strip
• San Diego comics reviews pt. 1
• Tekken 6 Patch Almost Ready For Primetime
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/feed/ 1 http://www.popcultureshock.com/tallys-anime-boston-2009-report/50113/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/tallys-anime-boston-2009-report/50113/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:54:32 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=50113 This was my second year at Anime Boston and though there were some notable differences from last year–some good (vastly improved registration process), some bad (noticeably subdued industry presence)–the greatest difference in my experience was definitely due to my own change in perspective. Last year I was a bubbly new fan at my first anime convention, wowed by the cosplay and eager to attend things like “How to become a ninja in one hour.” Everything was novel and I was anxious to try it all out. This year, as a convention “veteran,” I had a much clearer idea of what kind of content was truly interesting to me. Unfortunately for me, there was not all that much of it. With virtually no manga industry presence at all (only one publisher, Media Blasters, bothered to attend and none presented panels) only fan panels catered to the manga crowd, leaving the anime companies to carry the industry side alone.

As others have mentioned, David and Janice Williams of ADV spent their panel on Friday announcing… nothing, though the strangest aspect of that panel really was the nature of some of the audience members’ questions which seemed clearly aimed at putting the panelists on the defensive. Stranger still, however, was Sunday’s “State of the Industry” panel to which representatives from the attending anime companies simply failed to show. Though the panel proceeded gamely, thanks to impromptu panelists Neil Nadelman and Eric Stehmer, those of us in the audience couldn’t help wondering what exactly it said about the “State of the Industry” for the industry to simply stand us up. You can read more details about both of these panels in Ken’s and Sam’s reports, and I shall now move on.

One highlight of the convention for me this year was attending panels presented by PCS Manga Recon reviewers, one of which (Friday morning’s “Please Save My Manga”) I participated in as well. Particularly enlightening was Saturday’s “Manga Genre Madness,” presented by Erin Finnegan and her fiancé, Noah Fulmor, assisted by Chloe Ferguson. This ninety-minute panel ran through every crazy genre of manga Erin could manage to find, spanning everything from obscure sports (such as curling and ping-pong) to religion, with multiple examples of each. The panel was presented in a wonderfully humorous, fast-paced manner mainly by Erin (with Noah taking over asking questions of the audience during the breaks between sets of slides). Both fun and informative, this panel was probably my favorite out of all those I attended this year.

In a very different vein, I also attended Saturday’s “What Is Boys’ Love?” panel. I chose this over the late-night 18+ yaoi panel, partly because of my long commute and partly because this was billed as an introduction to the genre meant to appeal even to non-fans (or perhaps parents of fans) and I was very interested to see what it would contain. Presented by Cynthia and Nikita of Boys Next Door, the panel began with an explanation of the different terms used to describe the genre, including the outdated Japanese term, “shonen-ai,” which is no longer used except to refer to pedophilia. After establishing “Boys’ Love” (or BL) as the appropriate term now used in Japan, they continued with a brief history of the genre, beginning with older works (such as Moto Hagio’s classic Heart of Thomas) which they find generally offensive due to the common themes representing homosexuality as something tragic and torturous, frequently leading to the death of one or more of the main characters.

They then broke down recent series into a few sub-categories, some of which would not be labeled as BL, such as “amitai” series like Legal Drug, Tokyo Babylon, or Yami no Matsui, in which somewhat ambiguously sexual and/or romantic relationships between men are featured, but not as the primary plot of the story. They also discussed “slashable” series, in which those relationships exist only as subtext (often deliberately inserted–especially in related official artwork–to appeal to female fans) and, on the other end of the spectrum, the vast volume of (mainly untranslated) doujinshi, much of which is very sexually explicit.

The panelists were knowledgeable and fun to listen to, and though their choice of slides and subject matter was definitely restrained with the all-ages crowd in mind, they presented a very well-rounded look at the genre. One highlight for me was an audience-prompted discussion regarding the disturbing power imbalance featured in stories that adhere strictly to the “traditional” seme/uke dynamic, and how the panelists feel the genre is changing to accommodate more stories with the characters in equal roles. If there was any point in which I wished they might have felt at liberty to recommend specific titles it was then, as these books are sometimes difficult to find and are (in my opinion) much healthier reading choices for young women. One of the aspects of the genre I personally find troubling is the seme/uke pairing, which reinforces submissive roles for women (who are intended to identify with the uke) that are archaic and, frankly, offensive. The panel was well-attended, and though I was a bit dismayed by the general audience reaction throughout much of it (watching a bunch of young women hooting lustfully at slides of suggestively posed bishonen does tend to bring to mind images of unruly, drunken men in a strip club), friends on Twitter were helpful enough to remind me about the natural overexuberance of youth and I was eventually able to chill.

In a different vein once again, one panel I attended last year that I decided to check out again was Bettina Kurkoski’s “Inside Manga: The Creating Process.” Joined this year by fellow artist Tabikat, Bettina (My Cat Loki) once again went through her process as a creator, from concept to print. Though the information presented was still incredibly useful and I was grateful to have the opportunity to go through it again now that my basis for understanding is much greater, I couldn’t help but feel that Bettina was just going through the motions this time around. Whether the listless (occasionally rude) audience or the demise of TOKYOPOP’s OEL line (of which My Cat Loki’s final volume was an unfortunate victim) might have been responsible, it’s hard to say, but there was definitely less enthusiasm up at the table this year, and I declined to stay on for Bettina’s follow-up panel, “Inside Manga: Getting Published.”

Though there were relatively few panels to interest me this year, the convention in general was a very satisfying experience overall. Having spent the year interacting with fellow reviewers and manga bloggers online, it was a great pleasure to be able to meet and speak with so many of them in person, something which more than made up for the lack of official manga industry presence. Also, despite even higher attendance than last year’s con, this year was much better managed overall, evident in such areas as the dealer hall which was alloted twice the space–not to provide more room for vendors, but to allow significantly more breathing room for con-goers browsing the hall.

Many thanks to the conventions organizers, panelists, vendors, guests, artists, and attendees for making Anime Boston 2009 a success!

See also:

• Read This Way: Me and MangaNEXT
• AnimeNext 2008 Convention Report
• Read This Way: The Otaku Scene at NY Comic-Con
• Five Things To Do at NY Anime Fest 2007
• Manga Recon at NY Comic-Con!
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/tallys-anime-boston-2009-report/50113/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:56:14 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=47036 I’m wondering if anyone remembers Furonda Brasfield from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 6. She’s the one who greatly entertained the judges during their traditional Thai dance with her quirky ways.

Anyways, I saw a McDonald’s commercial recently and wondering if that’s her eating the burger. Anyone else seem to catch this? Or maybe I’m just delirious…don’t mind me…Jon told me to post it :P (ok he didn’t!)

See also:

• Slow, Shambling, Flesh-Craving News Day?
• Has Anyone Seen My Skin | Val Verde Ep 3
• Bruce Lee versus Iron Man
• I’ve Got The Glow
• Andy Milonakis Does Reggae With Bumblebee
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/feed/ 1 http://www.popcultureshock.com/tokyo-game-show-2009-square-enix/51666/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/tokyo-game-show-2009-square-enix/51666/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:56:59 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=51666

0 Day Attack On Earth

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by GULTI
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Multiplay, Co-op Play & Online Rankings
Genre: Shooter
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

In 0 day Attack on Earth, you are the pilot of a heavily armed aircraft, and Earth’ s last hope against alien invasion.

Battle gigantic UFOs above cities modeled from real satellite imagery!
click here for gallery

The 3rd Birthday

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Character Design: Tetsuya Nomura
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: Cinematic Action RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

The stunning CG and unique backdrop that captivated audiences in Parasite Eve evolve onto the PSP with an all-new system for Aya’s next adventure.
click here for gallery

Cross Treasures

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by syn Sophia, Inc.
Illustration by Shinya Suzuki.
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: December 3, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 4,980 JPY (tax-inclusive: 5,229 JPY)
Network Features: Online Multiplayer (2 to 4 players)
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (Kids’ Corner) & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.crotre.com/

Create your own avatar and embark on a breathtaking adventure! With action-packed battles and a multiplayer mode for up to 4 players, the fun never stops!
click here for gallery

Crystal Defenders

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 29, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 900 yen (tax-inclusive)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Defensive Strategy (Tower Defense)
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Experience the simple, yet engaging strategic gameplay of Crystal Defenders, soon to be available on the PlayStation Portable!
click here for gallery

Death By Cube

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Multiplay, Co-op Play & Online Rankings
Genre: Action
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Shoot your robot’s lasers, sprint to disorient enemies, and use your shield to reflect incoming shots.

Complete each stage’s objective, or else suffer certain DEATH BY CUBE!
click here for gallery

Dissidia Universal Tuning

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: November 1, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Ad-Hoc
Genre: Dramatic Progressive Action
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

All-new features and fine-tuned gameplay are just some of the surprises awaiting players in this latest edition of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest Motto Fushigi no Dungeon

Copyrights: ©2006, 2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: September 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 500 Points/month (525 JPY)
Free Trial Version Available Now
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth only) & Promotional Trailer

The latest installment in the Dragon Quest Fushigi no Dungeon series is here!

Explore an endless variety of randomly generated labyrinths. As the hero you’ll have vocations, skills, and an assortment of other new tricks to help you spelunk the deadliest of dungeons.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest Wars

Copyrights: ©2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Developed by INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
Japanese Release Date: Currently Available (Japan)
Suggested Retail Price: 500 DSi Points
Network Features: DS Wireless Play, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Genre: Simple Battle
Platform: Nintendo DSi
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (Kids’ Corner)

Fight it out with your favorite Dragon Quest monsters in this intuitive simulation game that takes place on a battlefield of monstrous proportions.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie

Copyrights: ©ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/ARTEPIAZZA/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo (Regular Booth, Kids’ Corner)

After 14 years, the third installment in the Zenithia Trilogy comes back to life on the Nintendo DS. Travel between two wondrous worlds on a magical and mystifying quest as this tale is told anew.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest III

Copyrights: ©1988-2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/CHUNSOFT/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: Fall 2009
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth), Promotional Trailer (Square Enix booth & DoCoMo booth)

The Erdrick Trilogy comes to a dramatic finish…on the mobile platform!

Dragon Quest III, originally released in 1988 as the final installment of the Erdrick Trilogy, lived up to its legacy and became an RPG legend. Now it is available with new graphics, music, and other features made possible by the latest mobile technology.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road II

Copyrights: © 2008, 2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: Available Now (Chapter 5 coming on September 11)
Suggested Retail Price: 100 yen/play (One monster card per play. Cards also available for sale.)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Card Game
Platform: Arcade Machine

Fearsome battles between the menacing monsters of the Dragon Quest series play out in this exciting card game. Chapter 5 introduces new compatibility with Dragon Quest IX. When certain ferocious foes from past games appear and Chance Encounter Communication is active,
they’ll make a special appearance on your Nintendo DS as well!
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Character Design: Toshiyuki Itahana
Japanese Release Date: Monday, November 12, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 6,990 JPY (tax-inclusive: 7,340 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo
Website: http://www.crystalbearers.jp/

His body imbued with the power of crystals
He controls magics beyond our knowledge
He possesses abilities greater than ours
And powers that can cause us grievous harm
Is he a savior, or is he damned…?
He is…a crystal bearer
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy IV

Copyrights: ©1991, 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 800 Points (840 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth) & Promotional Trailer

The original FINAL FANTASY IV – now on your phone!
The classic tale remains just as you remember it, with in-game graphics now optimized for the mobile platform.
This latest edition of FINAL FANTASY IV includes a fully original, post-game extra dungeon exclusive to the mobile phone release.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: July 21, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 800 Wii Points (Additional episodes: 300 to 800 Wii Points)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

A New Moon Leads to a New Destiny

What destiny awaits Cecil, Kain, and Ceodore? See for yourself in the WiiWare version of FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS!

The final chapter, The Crystals, will be available for download in Japan on September 29.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy XI

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 5,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 6,090 JPY)
Network Features: Internet Connection Required
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox360, Windows®
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

FINAL FANTASY XI, the first online title in one of the best selling video game series of all time, comes to you in this new all-in-one value pack boasting the original award-winning game plus all expansions and add-on scenarios to date!
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Final Fantasy Agito XIII

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

Ours is not to decide when or where we begin—only that which is to follow. The chronicle unfolds as a squad of elite cadets forge their paths through the chaos of a war-torn world. Choose from a variety of characters and experience multiplayer gameplay only a handheld can deliver.
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Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation® 3
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

Features a modern setting and an action-packed combat system where every move counts. In a kingdom ruled by swords and sorcery, a battle over the final Crystal is about to begin.
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Final Fantasy XIII

Copyrights: © 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: December 17, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 8,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 9,240 JPY)
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation® 3
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/

The latest entry in the FINAL FANTASY series arrives on PlayStation 3!
Experience the title’s radically evolved battle system, spectacular Eidolons and more on the show floor!
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy XIV

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Internet Connection Required
Genre: MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game)
Platform: PlayStation 3 / Windows PCs
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer
Website: Japanese English

The second online epic in the groundbreaking FINAL FANTASY series is coming soon! The vast realm of Eorzea beckons to adventurers the world ’round. Answer the call, and claim your glory as the saga unfolds.
click here for gallery

Front Mission Evolved

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Spring 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Third-person Shooter
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 / Xbox 360 / Windows PC
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo

In the year 2171, the lines between nations have been redrawn. The newest installment of the FRONT MISSION series takes you down to ground level, letting you control both wanzers and pilots from a visceral third-person view. Experience intense battles around the globe as you unravel an intricate and insidious conspiracy.
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Fullmetal Alchemist: Daughter of the Dusk

Copyrights: ©Hiromu Arakawa / Fullmetal Alchemist Production Committee, MBS © 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: December 10, 2009 (Japan)
Suggested Retail Price: 5,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 6,090 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Adventure
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/haganefa2/

Two brothers find themselves at odds in the wake of a series of bomb attacks and the mysterious disappearance of Prince Claudio. Where conflicting motives intersect, events will take unexpected turns as the story reaches its climactic end…
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Guin Saga Mobile

Copyrights: ©Kaoru Kurimoto / Tenro Productions / Project Guin ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 500 Points (525 JPY) Per Story
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer

The hit anime series comes to life on your mobile phone!
Fates intertwine in this epic, sweeping tale of adventure based upon
the bestselling series of fantasy novels.
click here for gallery

Hikari no Yon-Senshi: Final Fantasy Gaiden

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Suggested Retail Price:5,695 JPY (tax-inclusive: 5,980 JPY)
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/hikarino4sensi/

In this new yet nostalgic adventure coming soon to the Nintendo DS,
join four spirited youths as they embark on an epic journey led by the will of the crystal.
click here for gallery

Kingdom Hearts Coded

Copyrights: ©Disney
Developed by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Currently Available
Suggested Retail Price: Episode 1: 300 points (315 JPY), from Episode 2 onward: 500 points (525 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer

KINGDOM HEARTS coded

A mysterious message found in Jiminy’s Journal leads Sora on another fantastic adventure in the latest addition to the series, available from KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE.
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Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Copyrights: ©Disney
Developed by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
*All the information on this document applies only to the Japanese version of the games listed.
Japanese Release Date: January 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation:Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/bbs/

Turn back the pages of time and join three all-new characters in this
earliest chapter of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga. Playable on the show floor, where you can choose between Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.
click here for gallery

Kuni Yaburete Sanga Ari

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Epic Strategy
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Seize the lands of rival nations and rise to the top of the realm in this real-time battle strategy game for the iPhone.
click here for gallery

Lord of Vermilion II

Copyrights: © 2007-2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 27, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: Price Varies With Establishment
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Online Fantasy Trading Card RPG
Platform: Arcade
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

The second installment in the Lord of Vermillion franchise is coming soon! Engage in thrilling battles in this arcade-based fantasy card game that blends classic RPG elements with online multiplayer combat. A number of favorite Square Enix characters will be jumping into the fray to lend their strength as well!
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NieR Gestalt

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by cavia inc.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Downloadable Content Planned
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer (Playable demo available at the Microsoft booth)
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/nier/

In a world crawling with mysterious, dark creatures, a bloody struggle is about to begin. Prepare for a gripping blend of high-speed action and innovative game mechanics.
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NieR Replicant

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by cavia inc.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Downloadable Content Planned
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer (Playable demo available at the Microsoft booth)
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/nier/

In a world crawling with mysterious, dark creatures, a bloody struggle is about to begin. Prepare for a gripping blend of high-speed action and
innovative game mechanics.
click here for gallery

Seiken Densetsu 2

Copyrights: ©1993, 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: Mobile (DoCoMo)
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Another remake of Secret of Mana 2 on the cellphone.
click here for gallery

Sliding Heroes

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: September 24, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 600 JPY(tax-inclusive)
Network Features: None
Genre: Real-time Tilting Strategy
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Sliding Heroes is an innovative real-time strategy game for the iPhone. Deploy warriors, mages, clerics and lancers. Tilt the battlefield to make your heroes slide, collide, divide and conquer!
click here for gallery

Song of the Summoner: The Unsung Heroes – Encore

Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Save the day by summoning Tune Troopers created from the music on your iPhone.
click here for gallery

Star Ocean: The Last Hope (International)

Developed by tri-Ace Inc.
Copyrights: ©2009, 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: February 4, 2010
Suggested Retail Price: 7,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 8,190 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo
Website: http://www.eternalsphere.com/so4/

The latest installment of the STAR OCEAN series blasts off on the PLAYSTATION 3, unearthing the origins of man’s journey into the great unknown.
click here for gallery

Thexder Neo

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 1, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 1,000 JPY (tax-inclusive)
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Action
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

The classic THEXDER, restored and ready for action.Transform between mech and cruiser modes to infiltrate the planetoid Nedium and destroy the ultramagnetic-field generator.
click here for gallery

I tried googling this earlier after receiving a random text from a friend that works in Manhattan, but nothing came on the searches until I went to ny1.com.

Here’s the article: RIP: Heath Ledger. Just wow…He was found dead today at around 3:30PM EST in his downtown NYC apartment…I’m just shocked…

Ok, enough about Rock Band, this is a post about Weezer. They have their sixth album coming out in April 2008! I’m excited. I haven’t bought a CD since their last album, which came out in 2005 (can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I bought anything related to music for myself…).

I guess I was a little disappointed with their fifth album. Hopefully, they don’t disappoint us with this one.

I still support you Weezer!

Ok, enough about Rock Band, this is a post about Weezer. They have their sixth album coming out in April 2008! I’m excited. I haven’t bought a CD since their last album, which came out in 2005 (can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I bought anything related to music for myself…).

I guess I was a little disappointed with their fifth album. Hopefully, they don’t disappoint us with this one.

I still support you Weezer!

And being the nice person that I am (^_~) I present to you what I promised from my last post, Final Fantasy IV (2007 remake for NDS, JP version) released yesterday in Japan.

 

Intro!

See also:

• Nicolas Cage to star in Sadhu movie
• Amazing Spider-Man #545 – The End of An Era(?)
• Killing Joke Remastered
• Heroes World Tour T-Shirts
• Wondercon 2009 Photo Parade
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/final-fantasy-iv-is-here/43053/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon-2/51432/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon-2/51432/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:50:18 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon/43010/ FFIV’s 2007 remake is coming out on December 20th in Japan. I’m gleeing with excitement over here. I mean look at it…how can you not fall in love with this game again? (T_T) I will be stalking and camping import stores here for this game. I will update again once this game comes out.

Until then…Here’s a clip from FFIV’s theme song “Theme of Love” remade with some beautiful lyrics it aired on MTV Japan. If I could sing, I would definitely sing this song…believe me! But I can’t, so let’s watch someone who is better off doing this song justice:

Here’s the trailer + translations:

See also:

• FFIV’s Remake Coming Soon!
• Alternate 300 Trailer
• Aachi & Ssipak Trailer
• Black Goliath tribute on YouTube
• Pitt’s Purge YouTube video
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon-2/51432/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon/43010/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon/43010/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:50:18 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon/43010/ FFIV’s 2007 remake is coming out on December 20th in Japan. I’m gleeing with excitement over here. I mean look at it…how can you not fall in love with this game again? (T_T) I will be stalking and camping import stores here for this game. I will update again once this game comes out.

Until then…Here’s a clip from FFIV’s theme song “Theme of Love” remade with some beautiful lyrics it aired on MTV Japan. If I could sing, I would definitely sing this song…believe me! But I can’t, so let’s watch someone who is better off doing this song justice:

Here’s the trailer + translations:

See also:

• FFIV's Remake Coming Soon!
• Alternate 300 Trailer
• Aachi & Ssipak Trailer
• Black Goliath tribute on YouTube
• Pitt’s Purge YouTube video
• Powered by Contextual Related Posts

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/ffivs-remake-coming-soon/43010/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/super-mario-galaxy-launching-at-midnight/42899/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/super-mario-galaxy-launching-at-midnight/42899/#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:16:15 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/super-mario-galaxy-launching-at-midnight/42899/

I got this in my inbox the other day and I want to go! But I’m not sure if this little guy is going to motivate me enough to wait on line for 6hrs, and did I mention it’s damn cold?! Unless anyone wants to PictoChat with me…I’m up for a duel of TicTacToe!

Long time no see! It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything up. I haven’t been up to much except work so I don’t really have time to actually play much of anything, let alone post about them. But don’t fret, Tally is here to blog about another game that a handful of you might be dying to play. After my last hiatus, I bought Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates to replace the void in my gaming addiction. I didn’t get to pick it up before the street date like I did with Phantom Hourglass, but I still think I’m a baller.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates came out in Japan on August 23, 2007 and it seems like it won’t be out in the US until the second quarter of 2008. Being me, I can’t wait for an NDS game to come out a year later in the US, so I bought the JP version. This game isn’t very easy on you when it comes to the language barrier so I don’t really recommend importing this game unless your knowledge of kanji is up there. Also, unlike Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass there are no furigana to help you translate the kanji and all the dialogue takes place in the upper screen along with the action.

To start things off, an opening cutscene takes place in small village where you meet the two main characters, Yuri and Cherinka, fraternal twins, as little children. Yuri and Cherinka are fighting over who gets to be the first one to chop up the logs. Their father, Ratov, tells them to do it together instead. Without their father’s guidance they can’t pick up the axe, but Ratov tells them to concentrate and try to work together. During this cutscene they introduce you to the other two playable characters, Misu and Aruhanaremu. Gnash, the archer won’t be introduce until later on. I’ve included a clip of the opening scene below.

Anyway, the story is your usual Final Fantasy style, young heroes/heroines embarking on an epic journey for peace and revenge…Need I add more? The gameplay is similar, if not the same as the FFCC for the GC. Instead of controlling your character’s movements and actions via stylus, the buttons are used. You still control where magics are cast with the directional buttons and just release the X button to cast it. Also, you can combine spells together with another character to turn it into a higher tier version of said spell. After every monster killed, they drop items either spell magicites, potions or items use for creating better weapons and equipments.

I have yet to try out the game with another owner of the game, but I did make an archer character and I tried one simple mission and it seemed like it would be quite fun if you had 1-3 other players along for the ride. The missions are based on your level and the number of party members (up to 4 players). In multi-player mode your character is separate from the character in single player mode…so yes you will have to create a “new” character; overall it would be a lot easier to grind through levels if you can co-op with someone else for the levels instead of soloing dungeons. You get rewarded with prizes accordingly to how well you did in the missions.

Overall, I really like this game. Sadly US gamers won’t be able to get it until next year. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek:

As promised, here’s the ad for the upcoming games for the Nintendo DS that was in the FFCC: Ring of Fates manual. (left) Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Fuketsu no Gurimoa and (right) Final Fantasy IV both for the DS. I’ll probably get the imports of both those when they’re available. I’ve been calling about Tactics A2 for DS all week so hopefully that should be here soon!

So with Ring of Fates and those two imports (just mentioned in the spoiler), not to mention the FFXI expansion which I might be interested in, my Final Fantasy cravings should be more than satisfied! Of course, for those you waiting for the US versions, don’t worry, I’ll be sure to let you guys know how they are.

Speaking of imports and US versions, one last note about Ring of Fate — I don’t recommend buying the import unless you understand a lot of kanji. If your overall Japanese is just conversational, that might not cut it here. So level up! Or wait til next year…

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (ゼルダの伝説 夢幻の砂時計) comes out tomorrow (the 23rd of June 2007) in Japan. Last night I asked Jon to stop by an import game store down in Chinatown, just in case there’s a slight chance they would have it. Turns out they just got it in. So yes, I own a copy of Phantom Hourglass even before the Japanese release, I’m such a baller… or maybe just lucky. I like to think I’m a baller…

The graphics are wonderful for an NDS game~! It’s probably over-the-top Japanese cuteness, but hey it is the Windwaker sequel. I’m not a cutesy type of gal, but if the game can do cuteness some justice, then I ain’t complaining. Just as long as you don’t see me with a pink DS…because you know that’s not how I roll. I’ve been dying for a new game to play on my DS ever since I stopped playing Pokemon Pearl (US version) so Dylan can catch up. Phantom Hourglass kept me up pretty late. I wanted to solve the next puzzle, but by then it was already 2am and I had work at 10am. As for the gameplay, most of the action happens in the bottom screen and you use your stylus for everything. You ocassionally have to use the mic for certain puzzles. The directional button isn’t really used for much except to pull the menu out. The same goes with the Y, X, and B, A buttons. I only played a bit of it last night and got to the second island.

Some of the puzzles are a bit tricky since they rely on you knowing Japanese. You will need to read the clues to help solve the puzzles, which are of course in Japanese. If you think that’s a little too difficult, I suggest you wait until the NA release of it. According to Gamestop.com the release date isn’t until October 2007.

What surprised me most wasn’t the game but the text interface. I like how the JP version has furigana over the kanji, for younger kids or even for adults who forgot how a certain kanji is suppose to be read. All you do is put your stylus over a kanji and the furigana appears above it. Pretty nifty if you ask me! This is cool for people who want to play Zelda in Japanese, but can’t read all the kanji. So, for all you importing this game, as long as you know your basic kana, you can still make out the more difficult kanji and look it up in a dictionary if you’re stuck. And as for people who don’t know what furigana is you can read all about it on Wikipedia.

As far as I’m concerned, I’m pretty pleased with the game. The music is awesome, although low at times. I guess my only disappointment is the constant usage of the stylus, be it for moving around, attacking, or even solving puzzles. As a New Yorker, this is just not a train game.

Images above: I scanned in the box art: front and back, the cover of the manual and the page with the main characters. I’ll post a video of the opening or something soon.