Title:

RENT

I know what you’re thinking “Aren’t all reviews supposed to be unbiased?” Well yeah you’re right but sometimes we can’t help but sometimes we just can’t seem to keep our opinions out of our reviews. This happens especially when we don’t like genre of the game or the series So I decided that every once in a while I will review a game that I swore I will never play or one from a genre that I really don’t like and give a totally(well at least as much as it can be) unbiased opinion.

This time I’m reviewing Final Fantasy Tactics A2 Grimoire of the Rift. It’s a pretty old game about a boy who is just starting his summer vacation but is called for library duty. He opens a really old book and is sucked into the book. He soon embarks on a journey in the world of Ivalice; trying to find his way back home.

The graphics remind me of a Gameboy Advance game and that makes sense seeing that its predecessor was on the Gameboy Advance. I find some of the attack animations to look pretty cool like summons or when a meteor comes down on one of the clan members. The attack will still happen regardless of if it hits or not so that adds a sense of realism. Other than that the graphics are nothing too special and are pretty average.

There are two control schemes. One is the slightly annoying touch screen and the other is the buttons that do the exact same thing. However the touch screen may not be ideal for moving, attacking and navigating through the various menus. Trust me there are a lot of them. It is best to use the buttons than to try the touch screen. It can also be mixed up for flexibility. Other than that because the game uses a menu interface for all things except the map the control scheme works well in this game. The game focuses on the completion of a journal you keep of what you do and when you do it. The only way to do that is to explore Ivalice. You can do this by way of quests. There are many different kinds of quests some give clan titles, some are mandatory, and other’s just give loot in which you can sell to the bazaar to get some really cool weapons. The game basically progresses from quest to quest and when a mandatory quest is a success the story progresses. In the mean time you can do whatever you want. The game never really feels linear although it really is. It’s a nice take on an otherwise boring concept.

The game sort of plays like chess with extras like character and powers. It requires a lot of planning, strategy, and thinking. If you like this sort of thing it can be a really fun game and if you’re new to this kind of game it won’t take long to either find this game fun or not. The game is generally for everyone and it isn’t gender specific. However there are some really cool female characters. There’s Adelle, a head huntress with a mysterious past who joins your clan early on. There’s also Illua who still gives me nightmares. Anyone who poisons you so bad that your fingernails turn blue is not to be messed with.

Although this game will sometimes be so frustrating that you’ll want to throw the DS against the wall the successes in quests and the general feeling of thinking up the right strategy to defeat a boss that seems to be unbeatable will make you come back for more and more or maybe it won’t. Overall I can’t see why people would hate this game I found it fun and entertaining for hours and there’s much more to do in this game. This is not a game for everyone though so I suggest that this game be rented, played for a few hours and if you like it, play it more and if not send it back. It’s a learning experience and I must say I liked it and this is coming from someone who dislikes Final Fantasy.

On the demo they had three modes: Train, Dungeon, and Boss. The Legend of Zelda games are very famous for its dungeons so I started there. The first thing that I noticed about this game was that it was similar to Phantom Hourglass. It had the same cell-shaded art style and the same controls. It even had the map that I love to take notes on. The tasks in the dungeon involved movement. There is Link and a guardian and the task is to move them both to solve puzzles. Some of the puzzles include walking on lava (or any other liquid that could potentially hurt you), passing through flame shooters, and flipping switches simultaneously (which I was really bad at).

The second part of the game was my favorite, the train. It is a breath of fresh air from the navigation system in Phantom Hourglass. Instead of a ship, it’s a train which runs on a track so there are no lines to draw but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be alert. Keep an eye on the speed by adjusting it on a gauge to the right, pull the whistle with the stylus to clear the tracks, and fire the cannon when enemies are near. There is also strategy and the ability to make quick decisions involved. There is sometimes a crazy train that will collide with you and explode so you have to quickly switch tracks to avoid it. The train is a fun addition to the game and it actually makes travelling to places fun.

Of course there are nothing like the boss battles. In Phantom Hourglass they were the most creative and fun and this game follows the formula well. It makes use of both screens and some really cool items. In this boss battle for example the Whirlwind item is needed. It reminds me of one of those pinwheels that you blow on. It is used to blow away poisonous smoke that is in the way and in this case to remove the same smoke from covering the boss’ weak spot. After a while the boss flies up to the top screen and attacks Link from above dropping enemies that either harm or help.

All and all, this is a very fun game experience for Legend of Zelda games or even fans of Phantom Hourglass. It is a game that I am glad I tried out and I can’t wait for it to hit shelves.

This game is two-player co-op and I was informed before starting that this game had friendly fire so we could actually attack each other. So I grabbed a friend and started playing in the fairytale world. The game will have four players and four characters. Two were available for the demo those two characters were Little Red Riding Hood and The Naked Emperor but I was informed that Snow White and Jack form Jack in the Beanstalk will be joining the cast. I was then informed about the blood content in this game and let to roam the world freely.
The game is an interesting mix of the platformer and fighter genres it is also not a button masher but instead an analog masher. The analog stick is used for attacking and the right bumper is used to pick up (sometimes throw weapons if you want to be creative) and of course the A button to The game progresses kind of like a side scroller and when enemies pop out it becomes an all out brawl. Every so often chests appear and when those are beaten up weapons come out and that is when the game becomes that much more fun.

The game was created using the Unreal Engine and it looks nothing like it. The game is completely original and it pushes the limits of what I thought previous technology could do. I was also informed that the game has a Biometrical Liquid System which means blood actually coagulates like it does in real life. Blood becomes slippery and has realistic properties. It also has Dynamic Slicing which makes all slicing absolutely realistic and fun. We were while playing actually able to find a glitch in that mechanism while playing the game. An enemy threw an ax at my friend’s character and it got stuck on the character messing up the whole walking and control, but still it was great and I loved playing (and QA testing apparently).

This game took a lot of time and effort to complete and it looks like it’s going to pay off. I must say I think I’ve finally found a game on the 360 that I will enjoy playing over and over. I can’t wait until the game is released on October 29, 2009.

Editor’s Note: You can read Cherith’s First Look at Fairytale Fights from E3 here.  We’re including this new article to answer some more questions that weren’t available this summer.

Name of series:

Urusei Yatsura follows the story of Ataru Moroboshi. He seems to be your average boy. That is if you can count average as being a flirtatious pervert that talks to any girl he sees disregarding that has a girlfriend. One day aliens attack the Earth and Ataru is chosen as the one to save it. The catch is, in order to save the Earth Ataru must compete in a competition for ten days. The competition is tag and the person he has to catch is the beautiful Princess Lum.

He agrees to take part in this competition thinking it will be easy but the aliens forgot to mention that Princess Lum could fly. Day after day he tries to capture her and on the tenth day fueled by his girlfriend’s desire to marry him he finally captures the princess and proposes to his girlfriend. The only problem is Lum misheard and thinks that Ataru wants to marry her and thus she seals their marriage. This starts a downward trickle of bad luck that lasts as long as Lum is around.

Urusei Yatsura is a lighthearted fun anime that might be found on Saturday morning television. It has some adult themes and a lot of Japanese culture in it. (I found myself looking at the guide cards that came with the DVD often to figure out what they were talking about.) Each episode breaks off into two stories each fifteen minutes long and this is where the show suffered a little bit.

Each problem seems to happen and be solved in fifteen minutes leaving no room for explanation. For an example there’s an episode where the character Ten is introduced. This is Lum’s cousin who has decided to come to Earth to check out who it is that Lum has married. In that episode Ten gets mad at Ataru and the house burns down. In the next episode the house is back to normal and it is as if nothing has happened. This is of course a work of fiction and everything should not completely be explained but some things could have been expanded upon or connected just a little bit more to keep the person watching more engaged.

The show itself has a few funny moments and a few moments where it just seems the show is trying to be funny but it doesn’t work. This is an anime that can be watched at any point in time and could be understood but yet there’s still a point where the person watching wants more story and less action or at least action that has something to do with a larger story instead of mini-stories.

This anime just shows the craziness of the life of someone with really bad luck. The show is just as unpredictable as life itself. While that may be good for some others might want a longer and fleshed out story.

If you want to check out Urusei Yatsura, the 4 episode discs are currently on sale at RightStuf for $9.99.

Title:

Sometimes it’s good to go through your closet once in a while and pick up something totally different that you probably never got a chance to watch. This is fun especially if the film is good. Honey and Clover is that type of film. I have never seen the anime or read the manga so it was a totally fresh idea and I was completely blind to the story. It’s a good thing that I hadn’t seen the anime or read the manga, I really enjoyed the film.

Plot Summary: The plot is simple. This is a story about five art school students that are just trying to find their way. They get lost in the progress and that is what makes life fun. It’s a movie about living and learning. It also has a twist of love because when Hagumi Hanamoto enters the picture love triangles form and life becomes just a bit more complicated.

Why I think it deserves a watch: At first when I had heard that it was a romance story, I was hesitant to watch it. I thought it would be another “boy meets girl, boy falls in love with said girl, and they live happily ever after” type film but I was wrong. Though it does have some of those elements especially with the meeting of Hagumi and Takemoto where there is that awkward moment of silence while they look at each other or the seeing of blossoms at her artwork (I guess it’s the equivalent of fireworks after a kiss) this is still a story about life. The film outlines some interesting subjects. It covers popularity and what it feels like to be awkward in school while you try to uncover your own personality. It covers unrequited love it is funny watching Mayama stalk the girl that he likes all the way down to what lip gloss she wore. It talks about college life (pressure in classes and those wild college parties) and just about anything that can be fit into film format.

Overall, it’s a wonderful and enjoyable story, full of twists and unexpected turns (beach anyone?). They are all normal though and associated with life with bits of romance sprinkled here and there. This is a definite must watch for those that are fans of the genre or who are just looking for something new to watch.

Special Features:
Hanamoto’s Study Group – An interview of the cast about the film
Original Japanese Trailers – Original Japanese trailers for the film
Director and Cast – A little blurb about the creator of the anime and manga and the director
VIZ Pictures Presents – Previews for other films by VIZ Media

Note from the Editor: If you like the movie, or want to check out the anime before watching, check out yesterday’s announcement from VIZ Media:  ff0000;">iTunes will exclusively offer the first episode of HONEY AND CLOVER as a free download until August 31, 2009. Plus, every purchase of the complete first season of HONEY AND CLOVER will include a free, bonus episode download.

The critically acclaimed long-running cooking manga is written by Tetsu Kariya and illustrated by Akira Hanasaki. Published by VIZ Media under its VIZ Signature imprint,Oishinbo: Fish, Sushi and Sashimi edition is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will become avaialble on July 21^st with an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $15.00 CAN.

OISHINBO (or “The Gourmet“) depicts the culinary journey of journalist Shiro Yamaoka, who is tasked by fictional newspaper Tozai News to create the ultimate menu. Yamaoka and his father, Kaibara Yzan, have never enjoyed an ideal father-son relationship. In fact, it’s about as far from ideal as possible, and when they start arguing about food – which they inevitably do – the sparks really fly. In this latest volume of OISHINBO the subject of dispute is fish, starting with the question of whether mackerel can ever be truly good sashimi. Later, things come to a head during the “Salmon Battle,” which pits father against son in an epic contest to develop the best dish before a panel of judges. Will Yamaoka finally defeat Kaibara, or will he once again be left in his father’s shadow?

Previous OISHINBO editions have focused on other popular Japanese cuisine items such as ramen, gyoza, and sake. VIZ Media has selected highlights from the epic 100+ volume series and compiled them into seven a la carte editions that can be enjoyed individually or as a series. OISHINBO also won the prestigious 32^nd Shogakukan Manga Award in 1986.

VIZ Media to Release Children of the Sea manga!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced the release of Daisuke Igarashi’s surreal and riveting manga series, CHILDREN OF THE SEA, releasing July 21st in North America. The manga is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will carry an estimated MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $17.50 CAN.

When Ruka was younger, she saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea as she does. Ruka’s dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the oceans’ fish.

This is the first title to be published under IKKI by from VIZ Media, a sub-imprint of the VIZ Signature imprint. They have also created an online magazine which can be found here. They will present free chapters of their stories to their readers.

A little bit about IKKI magazine: IKKI, a monthly magazine published in Japan has established itself as the home of some of the most innovative, bold, and compelling series in the world of contemporary manga. Since its launch in 2003 IKKI has built a catalog of titles notable for its diversity. From action to comedy to drama, from slice-of-life stories to surrealist fantasies, the one common thing these works share is an uncommon emphasis on creative quality and on pushing the boundaries of the norm.

You can read the manga online at: http://www.sigikki.com/series/childrenofthesea.shtml.

ULTIMO! Featured in July Issue of Shonen Jump Magazine!

VIZ Media, one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of the serialization of the ULTIMO series (KARAKURIDÔJI ULTIMO) in SHONEN JUMP magazine. Originally announced to a packed house at a Press Conference at New York Comic Con in 2008, the serialization begins in the July issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, which is on sale now at retailers and newsstands nationwide.

ULTIMO represents a historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, co-creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man™, the Fantastic Four™, and the X-Men™, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular SHAMAN KING manga series, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

The ULTIMO back-story: High above Farmless City, citizens are stunned by the sudden appearance of two floating figures. Are they human boys, monolithic robots, or something much more strange? As the battle ensues between them, destruction and devastation falls on the hapless city. One figure is Vice, and seems to be as evil as his name implies. The other is Ultimo, intent on trying to stop Vice from wreaking more havoc. But who are Vice and Ultimo really? Where did they come from? Find out in the first chapter of ULTIMO!

“The addition of ULTIMO to SHONEN JUMP magazine marks this as a great time for both manga and comics, and we are very excited to be able to deliver this bold new story to fans every month,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief of SHONEN JUMP. “The captivating character designs and action-packed story blend the best aspects of Western and Asian comic book traditions and will delight fans of both genres. We invite fans of both comics and manga to seize the opportunity to explore this groundbreaking new series!”

For over half a century, Stan Lee has been synonymous with superhero comics. In addition to co-creating countless memorable series and characters, including Spider-Man™, the Incredible Hulk™, and Daredevil™, he served as the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Lee remains a hugely respected and dynamic figure in the entertainment industry and continues to develop a variety of film, television and video game properties.

Unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei began his career by winning the coveted Hop Step Award (for new manga artists) and the Osamu Tezuka Award. After working as an assistant to famed artist Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), Takei debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with Butsu Zone, an action series based on Buddhist mythology. His multicultural adventure manga series SHAMAN KING debuted in Japan in 1998 and has been adapted into a popular animated television series The SHAMAN KING manga series is published in North America by VIZ Media and to-date has sold more than 400,000 copies in the U.S.; for many years it was also serialized in English in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine.

VIZ Media August DVD releases

VIZ Media has announced their releases for the month of August. Check them out:

NARUTO Uncut Box Set Volume 15 Special Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available August 25

Ino faces an unusual exercise in royal etiquette when she is asked by an overweight princess to take her place and attend the first meeting with the young prince she adores. Then the Hidden Leaf Village comes under serious threat when important blueprints of the village are stolen! Naruto, Shikamaru and the others have their hands full finding and removing the massive numbers of paper bombs placed throughout the village. Can they save the Hidden Leaf Village from utter demolition?

Includes playing cards 37-45 and a collectible Mininja Gaara Figurine (5 of 6) (limited supply)

BLEACH Volume 19 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available August 18

Attempting to rescue Uryu, Ichigo, Rukia and their diverse allies launch an attack on the stronghold of the Bounts. But the evil Bount leader Kariya is far too powerful a foe, and things are looking grim. To make things more complicated still, it appears that one of their foes fighting alongside the Bounts is a former Soul Reaper, Maki Ichinose.

Episodes: 76 thru 79

HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set Volume 3 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available August 11

Gon has finally been licensed as a hunter, and things are about to get a whole lot tougher! First he has to rescue his friend Killua from the clutches of…Killua’s own family?! Then it’s off to Heavens Arena, home to the biggest fighting tournament on the planet, where Gon must square off against his old enemy Hisoka.  Gon is committed to being the best hunter he can be, but will he have to overcome more than a few broken bones to reach his goal?

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON: DP BATTLE DIMENSION Box Set 2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $24.92 each US / $35.99 each CAN · Available August 25

Ash and friends continue their Pokémon journey through the Sinnoh region, taking on new challenges like the Pokémon Summer Academy and meeting lots of new people, including a Top Coordinator, a Pokémon Ranger, and even some Poké Stylists! There are also a few familiar faces up to no good, like Pokémon Hunter J and Team Galactic – can Ash, Dawn, and Brock handle their latest threats?

POKÉMON: DP BATTLE DIMENSION Volume 3-4 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $14.98 each US / $21.99 each CAN · Available August 25

The episodes of POKÉMON: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension Box Set 2 split into two standard disc editions.

POKÉMON ALL STARS Box Set 2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $39.97 each US / $57.99 each CAN · Available August 25

Over 11 hours of Pokémon adventures featuring more of your favorite Pokémon in a commemorative DVD box set! Includes: Meowth, Treecko, Psyduck, Wobbuffet, Lapras, Totodile, Skitty, Chikorita, Torchic, and Onix!

New from VIZ Pictures:

DEATH NOTE:  L, Change the WorLd · MSRP: $24.92 US /$35.99 ·

Available August 18

The live action feature film -DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd introduces the unwritten chapter of DEATH NOTE and reveals how the legendary detective “L” spends the final 23 days of his life. The story begins as L takes on the “Kira” case, in which countless criminals are dying under mysterious circumstances. L successfully solves the case and stops Kira, but only after sacrificing his life, leaving himself with only 23 days left to live. For his final case L faces down a bio-terrorist group trying to wipe out humanity with a deadly virus ten times more potent than Ebola. As L tries to formulate an antidote with a scientist, he must also save the lives of two children who have no one else to turn to.

Children of the Sea KAIJU NO KODOMO © Daisuke IGARASHI / Shogakukan Inc.

]]> http://www.gamingangels.com/2009/06/turning-japanese-news-6-23-2009/feed/ 0 http://www.gamingangels.com/2009/05/punch-out-event-at-nintendo-world-in-nyc/ http://www.gamingangels.com/2009/05/punch-out-event-at-nintendo-world-in-nyc/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 01:18:12 +0000 vainya http://www.gamingangels.com/?p=14325 If there is anywhere that I’d like to go when I visit New York City it’s the Nintendo World store. This place is the hangout for fans of both the Wii and the DS. Anyway trying to get there was a nightmare. I figured that I would take the bus this time instead of the train. I was a whole hour early for the event but the traffic was horrible. By the time I got to the city it was already 1:30 and I was thirty minutes late. So I had to quickly walk the six blocks up. At the end of my walk I was finally greeted by the giant blue DSi in the Nintendo World window.

I opened the door and followed the crowd upstairs to where the DJ was supposed to be. I couldn’t see there was a huge crowd around it. It seems that they were asking a round of Punch-Out trivia. It seems that I came just in time for round two. Round one was quick it only took half an hour. So I grabbed a spot while people were answering the trivia and Nintendo was giving out these really cute pink sweatshirts and Wii points.

The round of trivia was didn’t last long because they were ready to start round two. I was close enough to see the standings and I saw that there would be two rounds of round two if that makes any sense. This round was against Von Kaiser. I watched as everyone was sent to their Wii terminals and was ready to punch-out. I watched a perfect game unfold during this round. That is to say Von Kaiser was knocked out without the player taking any damage. The round was over as quickly as it came. There was another round of trivia. Sadly I don’t remember any of the questions well besides the Nintendo character that was referee one. After that it came down to the final four. This time the round was against Disco Kid. At the end of the round the top three were recorded in the standings, there was another round of trivia and then the fight for third place against King Hippo. I remember at the end of the round the third place winner was joking about actually getting one of those pink sweatshirts.

There was the last round of trivia and then the face-off between Cyr F and Ariel C. by this time everyone was front and center. They had cleared all the other terminal s so that everyone can crowd around for a closer look. Everything was ready and all set and all eyes were set on Cyr F and Ariel C and their competition against Bear Hugger. The competition was fierce with action on both sides. I remember people shouting from both sides whenever there was a KO! Everyone’s attention was fixed on those little terminals. Then there was a KO on both sides at seemingly the same time. Everyone was arguing that it was most likely a draw. The staff waited for the screen showing the time just to be sure. The winner was Cyr F. After the game he was whisked off to the winners’ table where he had a box of goodies. Most of the winnings I couldn’t remember but I do remember the 200 dollar gift card and a copy of the game. He also got crowned World Video Boxing Association Champion and is the proud owner of one of the largest trophies that I have ever seen.

Cyr F. is awarded Punch-Out trophy

Not long after the ending of the competition the store was reset back to its original way that it had been and I was on my way back home. I always get invited to Nintendo’s events but I rarely go. I am glad to have been able to come this time. I got a lot of priceless memories and this really cool candy bar. Check it out.

punch out candybar

candy bar back

Platform:DS
ESRB: E- Everyone
Genre: Puzzle/Casual
Number of Players: 1
Publisher: Pop Cap Games
Release Date: 2-25-2009
Official Site

00ffff;">Buy

Do you have what it takes to be a Peggle master? Find out as you navigate series of ball – bouncing challenges in Peggle Dual Shot for Nintendo DS. You’ll need luck and skill on your side to score your best as you bounce balls, perfect tricky shots, and engage with real masters in this action-packed family- friendly game.

Graphics:
The stages are colorfully illustrated with what seems like painted backgrounds. I had just figured out on a recent play through that the orientation of the pegs match the background. For example, if there is a tree in the background the pegs will be arranged in the shape of the outline of the tree. I thought that was really cool. Since the game relies on the pegs as the main part of the game that’s about as far as the graphics go.

Controls:
The controls are simple. (When do I not say that?) The stylus, directional buttons, or the shoulder buttons can be used to move the launcher left and right and pressing “A” will release the ball. You can also release the ball by releasing the stylus once you have aimed the ball. The only problem I had with the controls was that sometimes when I was trying to aim with the stylus I would end up pressing the shoulder buttons trying to grip the system. When if first did that I had no idea what was throwing off my aim. Once I found out that I was just holding the shoulder buttons I just decided to stay clear of holding the DS from the top.

Flow:
I played through the Dual Shot adventure mode and I’m about halfway though Peggle Nights and there’s not much of a difference in terms of gameplay style. There is just a story change. Dual Shot’s story is that we are learning to be a Peggle master in Nights we are learning what the Peggle masters do in their dreams. The masters are an entirely different story though. There are ten masters: Bjorn, Jimmy Lightning, Kat Tut, Splork, Claude, Renfield, Tula, Warren, Lord Cinderbottom, and Master Hu in that order, They have the most interesting names and they each have a power unique to them that you can access by hitting the green peg. There are only two in each level so it’s best to use them wisely and they levels are designed for you to use them. My current favorites are Bjorn’s superguide ability which makes aiming the ball a lot easier and Tula’s ability to light up the nearest orange pegs.

Anyway, to complete the adventure modes you have to play through each of the masters’ five stages using their powers for each one. The last five levels are a free-for-all where you can use any of the masters’ powers to get through the levels. Those last levels are the hardest because it’s hard to know which powerup to choose. Those things make the flow interesting.

Fun Factor:
At times this game can be annoying because the ball just sometimes seems to have a mind of its own and will never go where you want it. Also the levels are sometimes frustrating and hard to clear, but the game has a certain flare that makes you want to keep trying the game over and over to see what you could have done differently to win.

Female Aspect:
The game shows no bias to which gender it prefers to play it. Anyone regardless of the gender can play this game and the same experience can be achieved.

Replay Value:
If you are looking for a game that you can replay over and never get tired of playing, this is your game. The game includes two games in one: Peggle Dual Shot and Peggle Nights which further enhances the replay value. There are also quick play rounds, so there is no shortage of Peggle fun.

Vainya’s Comments:
Peggle always seemed like it was too hard for me. The DS version was at first no different. It started out hard and then I gradually started to get the hang of the game. I think the DS platform worked in the game’s favor. Peggle is made for the DS. The touch screen controls seemed to work almost flawlessly and provided a fun playing experience.

Oh man I’ve missed out on a lot of news in the past week. I was trying to figure out what to do with all the press releases. As a solution I decided to bring back the weekly news round up. I plan to do this every Friday but I’m testing to see how this will work so Tuesday is fine. Let’s begin:

VIZ Pictures to Release Happily Ever After on DVD!
VIZ Pictures has announced the DVD release of the live-action feature film HAPPILY EVER AFTER on May 12th with a suggested retail price of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN

HAPPILY EVER AFTER is an award-winning visually striking romantic comedy from celebrated director Yukihiko Tsutsumi about a married couple’s unconventional relationship.

To complement the release, VIZ Pictures has launched a HAPPILY EVER AFTER giveaway contest for a prize package that includes the DVD, film poster, a premium Japanese cotton towel, and an Anime Sampler Pack courtesy of The Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment. Fans are encouraged to visit www.shojobeat.com/moviepack47 for contest details and online entry forms.

Releasing Today NARUTO Shippuden COLLECTOR for Summer 2009!

This exciting edition covers everything about the world of Naruto Shippuden, from the first-ever in-depth look at the new Shippuden anime story arc to an 11-volume manga guide. It also examines the latest Naruto Shippuden video games, card game and merchandise releases, and is loaded with puzzles, activities and a bonus 17-page manga preview. Also included are two double-sided full-color pinups, a Might Guy promo card, a 100+ Shippuden episode guide, and breakdowns on Series 12 and 13 of the Naruto Trading Card Game.

The volume is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Which is not bad at all. If you are a Narutard like I am go out and get one.

RumicWorld is Here!

On April 22nd VIZ Media released the first chapter of the latest work from one of the greatest creative forces in manga today….Rumiko Takahashi! You might remember her from
works such as Inu Yasha.

VIZ Media announced the debut of the new manga series, titled RIN-NE, which had launched simultaneously April 22nd exclusively in Japan in Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine and online for North American audiences on www.TheRumicWorld.com – the brand new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information.
A new chapter of RIN-NE will be released each week for English-speaking manga fans to enjoy at the same time as their Japanese peers.

Looks like to me the fansubbers will be out of business soon with this new invention of legally distributed anime and manga. Or not but this is great that VIZ media is doing this.

VIZ Media announces….a new NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign!

Starting April 22nd. (I know this stuff is so late) Trans World customers who purchase $20.00 worth of NARUTO Shippuden merchandise at any of the company’s more than 500 participating FYE and Suncoast stores will receive a free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD, while supplies last.

The special Sampler DVD features the entire first episode of the new NARUTO Shippuden story arc, along with a video game trailer for Namco Bandai’s Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja 4 and a variety of colorful downloadable Naruto Shippuden wallpaper designs that allow fans to customize their computer desktops. Grab them if there are any left.

New Story Arc for BLEACH – Arrancar now airing on Adult Swim!
Now something for the Bleach fans:

Bleach Arrancar is now airing two back-to-back episodes on Adult Swim every Saturday.
Check local times for availability (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/index.html).

Bleach is a popular manga and animated series that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

In the new Arrancar story arc of Bleach, Ichigo meets an unusual new student named Shinji Hirako, who has come to Karakura Town to recruit Ichigo into the Visoreds, a group of ex-Soul Reapers that have crossed over into the realm of the Hollows. Meanwhile, ex-Soul Reaper Captain Sosuke Aizen has sent his vicious mob of Arrancars to the World of the Living. When Ichigo is faced with this new and extremely powerful adversary, it will be up to him to protect everyone!

Be sure to watch it if you haven’t already!

VIZ Media releases 10 New Manga releases for Q2

VIZ Media releases TEN new manga series in Q2 to delight fans of sci-fi, romance, fantasy action/adventure, dinosaurs, heavy metal rock and more!

The manga being released are:

DOGS PRELUDE, Volume 0 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences ·

MSRP: $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN · Available Now!

Boasting furious action, switchback plotting, magnetic characters and dazzling art, DOGS is a series created by Shirow Miwa that tells the story of four individuals struggling to survive a bleak dystopian urban future with a mix of gun, sword, courage and luck.

Heine, the “Stray Dog,” is a cipher of a young man with a mysterious metal collar bolted to his neck and a disturbing talent for mayhem. Badou is a hired gun for petty jobs, both legal and not, whose reckless facade hides a serious intent. Naoto, a preternaturally skilled swordswoman, is searching for the assassin who cut down her family and mentor. And Mihai, a middle-aged former hit man, has been trying to live a quiet life but is continually haunted by the deaths of his lover and protégé. Driven by their ghosts, both dead and alive, and a desire for truth, all of them are inexorably drawn to the “Underground,” the dark and dangerous sector below the city that holds all the secrets–ones that can only be had for a price. DOGS, originally published in Ultra Jump magazine in Japan, weaves a dramatic tale of an alternate future reminiscent of great thrillers like Blade Runner and Battle Royale.

IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences ·

MSRP: $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN · Available May 12

Congratulations! You have been randomly selected by the government…to DIE in 24 hours! Please enjoy your final day and take pride in the fact that your death will inspire others to live life to the fullest!

Welcome to the world of Ikigami, the Death Notice, where to keep citizens on the straight and narrow path of productivity and prosperity, citizens are randomly selected by the government for termination!

IKIGAMI was created by Motoro Mase and originally debuted in Young Sunday. The manga presents a wicked slant on crime deterrence as readers see the last 24 hours through the eyes of the very people slated to die for their country with no hope of reprieve. What happens when people have no hope of survival will shock readers to the core in this new frighteningly dark series! IKIGAMI has sold more than a million copies and recently debuted in Japan as a live-action film. An acclaimed artist and manga creator, Mase was also nominated for Shogakukan’s 43rd Grand Prize for best comic by a new artist.

DETROIT METAL CITY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences ·

MSRP: $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN · Available June 9

Prepare to have your mortal soul devoured by the demonic Johannes Krauser II, front man for Detroit Metal City, the most outrageous death metal band on the Japanese indie rock scene! Soichi Negishi dreamed of moving to Tokyo and starting a bubblegum pop band, but now he’s fronting the most scandalous and demented metal band in Japanese rock! Deep down, Soichi still dreams of acoustic guitars and trips to Paris, but when the makeup comes on and he transforms into his alter ego, Krauser II, not even the denizens of hell are safe from his soul-devouring death metal sound. Can Soichi reconcile his sensitive inner yearnings with his wild on-stage persona – the vilest hard rocker in Japanese (and possibly world) history?

DETROIT METAL CITY takes the zany rock antics inspired by films like Spinal Tap to hilarious new extremes in this witty series created by Kiminori Wakasugi. A live action version of the film was recently released in Japan featuring cameos by Gene Simmons (KISS) and Marty Friedman (Megadeth). The DETROIT METAL CITY animated counterpart has also gained a major following across North America and the debut of the manga promises to be the most outrageous, profane, and funny rock and roll adventure ever!

GESTALT, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available June 16

In the legendary past the gods battled for supremacy and cast out a demon whose name cannot be spoken. Banished to earth, the demon found refuge on the mysterious and dangerous island known only as “G.” After experiencing a crisis of faith, Father Olivier of the Valaria Order decides to go there and find out the truth behind the legends. But Olivier’s journey is unsanctioned and the head of the Order engages the dark elf Suzu to stop him at any cost. As he begins his quest, Olivier encounters Ouri, a young girl from the south who cannot speak. When Suzu catches up to them, Ouri reveals herself as a powerful sorceress and quickly disposes of Suzu, at least for the moment. The pair continues their journey south, dodging the agents of Olivier’s order, the considerable native dangers of the island of G, and Ouri’s secret past.

GESTALT was created by Yun Kouga, one of the biggest names in manga, and incorporates many visual facets from computer and tabletop role-playing games to give the series a video game-like ambiance.

New SHOJO BEAT Manga Include:

HONEY HUNT, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available Now!

Life’s not easy when you’re living in the shadow of your famous parents. Can shy Yura, the daughter of an award-winning composer and a world-renowned actress, find the courage to step out on her own when her super-celebrity parents get divorced? Already accustomed to the daily pressures of being the child of celebrities, Yura’s frustration explodes in a rant against her parents – and to make things worse her emotional tirade is broadcast live on national TV! But when a powerful talent scout hears her impassioned declaration, he actually offers to represent her. The doors to showbiz are suddenly flung open for this timid wallflower. Will Yura step from out from the shadows to assume her place in the spotlight? Find out in this fascinating look at the crazy side of Japanese show business.

HONEY HUNT was created by Miki Aihara, one of the most popular shojo manga artists in Japan. Her popular series HOT GIMMICK and TOKYO BOYS AND GIRLS (both published domestically by VIZ Media) have gained her a significant following in North America.

RASETSU, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available June 2

A fantastic supernatural spin-off to the hit shojo manga series YURARA (also published by VIZ Media), RASETSU is about a girl named Rasetsu Hyuga who works for an exorcist agency where she uses her special powers to banish evil spirits. But there’s a story behind the mysterious red flower mark on her chest. It’s a memento left by a powerful spirit that vowed to claim her on her 20th birthday. Unless Rasetsu can find true love by then, she’s fated to become his. Yako Hoshino, a young man with spiritual powers and a past of his own, comes to the agency one day seeking help with a possessed book. He’s seen a lot of strange phenomena in his day, but the last thing he expects to see is Rasetsu bearing a striking resemblance to his old love Yurara! Fans of Chika Shiomi’s popular shojo series YURARA won’t want to miss this exciting debut.

TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL: THE OTHER HANZO(U) · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available June 2

This is the one-shot prequel to the critically acclaimed romantic melodrama TAIL OF THE MOON and also serves as an addition to the popular shojo series created by Rinko Ueda. Set in feudal Japan, a young woman is found with a huge scar on her back and has no memory of who she is. She’s given the name “Kaguya” and taken in by a local brothel where she’s put in charge of babysitting and housekeeping duties. Hanzou Hattori, the head guard of the nearby castle, starts to pursue her romantically. He eventually realizes that they’ve met before in the past…under very surprising circumstances! Later, a case of mistaken identity leads Kaguya to the village of Iga where she meets the high-ranking ninja leader Hanzo Hattori. Things get complicated when she figures out she’s gotten her Hanzo(u)s mixed up!

New VIZKIDS Manga Include:

DINOSAUR HOUR!, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available April 7

Journey back in time to an age when dinosaurs ruled the earth, fierce – and funny! In this world, dinosaurs are just regular dudes who may try to eat each other, but still have social foibles like the rest of us. With some of their antics, its no wonder dinosaurs went extinct. In each installment, DINOSAUR HOUR! introduces younger readers to exciting dinosaur species through fun and easy-to-read educational factoids mixed with wacky humor. Kids will also delight in dinosaur puppet cut-outs in the back of the book that readers can use to create fun dino-ramas. Educational and captivatingly illustrated, the humorous vignettes in DINOUSAUR HOUR! create the universal appeal of these creatures to make a captivating choice for even the most reluctant young reader.

LEAVE IT TO PET!, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available May 5

One day, nine-year-old Noboru does the responsible thing and recycles a plastic water bottle, but little does he know that the bottle will come back to him as PET, a robot with a mission to pay Noboru back for recycling him! The only problem is that PET’s sense of “helping” isn’t quite in touch with reality. LEAVE IT TO PET! combines the visual appeal of manga with episodic comedy, adorable characters, and a few gentle lessons about protecting the environment. The manga also features color pages and related activities and cut-outs, giving it strong all-ages appeal. This series an excellent candidate for book clubs and fairs, schools and libraries.

Pokémon Adventures, Vol. 1 (2nd Edition) · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available June 2

Go back to where the adventures of Ash and Pikachu all began in this new edition of the very first POKÉMON saga!

I actually am looking forward to the Pokémon one. There’s nothing like going back to Pokémon’s roots.

VIZ Media releases Award-Winning Novel ! – The Stationmaster

THE STATIONMASTER – this award winning novel by Author Jiro Asada is a collection of 8 short stories exemplifying contemporary Japanese fiction exploring themes of love, loss and redemption

The Stationmaster was a best-seller in Japan and Jiro Asada was previously given the prestigious Naoki Award for fiction. The title story has also been adapted for the big screen in a film released in 1999. It starred 1970s yakuza film icon Ken Takakura, who won a best actor award at the 1999 Montreal Film Festival for his performance. THE Stationmaster was Japan’s submission to the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000 for Best Foreign Language Film.

It is a collection of eight short stories award-winning author Jiro Asada.
It will be sold with a SRP of $22.99 U.S. / $26.99 CAN.

More DVD News from VIZ Media!

New DEATH NOTE Releases Include:

DEATH NOTE RELIGHT: VISIONS OF A GOD · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 23

Light and L have battled to the bitter end over the Death Note — but what does the DEATH NOTE saga look like from Ryuk’s point of view? When rogue shinigami Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note in the human world out of boredom, he has no idea how far the human who picks it up will take his newfound power. With the Death Note in hand, brilliant high school student Light Yagami vows to rid the world of evil, and when criminals begin dropping dead one by one, genius detective L steps in to track down the elusive killer known as Kira. An epic battle of wits pitting one brilliant mind against another unfolds — with the very future of humanity at stake! Ryuk’s not bored anymore!

DEATH NOTE DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available Now!

In the concluding DVD Box Set of this edgy crime thriller, Light Yagami is close to creating a world in which he holds ultimate authority over right and wrong through the power of the Death Note. But many obstacles remain, including a second Death Note user who has his own nefarious goals, and the two brilliant protégés of L, the genius detective who once vowed to expose the identity of the Death Note’s owner. Light is confident that he can prevail, but as the surviving players in the game converge for a final showdown, whose name will be the last one written in the Death Note? This is the final installment in the series, covering the last 17 episodes. A special bonus disc also includes 90 minutes of extra content.

New NARUTO Releases Include:

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Special Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available Now!

Naruto summons a couple of old amphibious pals – Gamakichi and Gamatatsu – to help him solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious Cursed Warrior. Back at home, there’s nothing more motivating for Choji and Naruto than a bowl of steaming hot Ichiraku ramen, and they’re really going to have to sing for their supper when the owner’s daughter is kidnapped! Can they get her back and save the restaurant’s secret recipes in time for dinner? Then, Anko must face the darkness in her past when she’s called to lead a mission to a place she once visited with her former sensei, Orochimaru! Will facing the truth save the mission – or break her forever? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Kakashi.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Standard Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Kakashi Mininja is included.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 14 Special Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available May 26

The ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village are summoned on a new mission to the Land of Stars, where a meteorite with incredible powers has been stolen! Naruto and the others begin to suspect it was an inside job when they learn that the ninja who stole the star used a special ninjutsu known only to the Star Village. Then, Choji, Hinata and Naruto set out for the Land of Greens to protect a group of merchants, one of whom turns out to be a princess! When Hinata is threatened by an evil ninja to reveal the princess’s whereabouts or Naruto will be hurt, will she choose to save a princess or the boy she loves? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Neji.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 14 Standard Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available May 26

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Neji Mininja is included.

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Volume 16 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

The latest BLEACH edition sees Ichigo and friends finally resuming their regular lives at home and school after their adventures in the Soul Society. But strange disappearances keep occurring and no culprit is in sight. Something strange has followed them home and it will put their faith and trust in each other to the test. Single Disc Edition features 4 original uncut episodes.

BLEACH Volume 17 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 16

A powerful new enemy has appeared in Karakura Town. Known as Bounts, these creatures literally suck the souls from humans. Rukia, Yoruichi and Soi Fon are sent from the Soul Society to investigate, and Urahara enlists the help of three mod souls to assist Ichigo and friends in preventing the deadly attacks. Single Disc Edition features 4 original and uncut episodes.

New HUNTER X HUNTER Releases Include:

HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set Volume 2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

The second of four DVD box sets of the HUNTER X HUNTER action/adventure fantasy series from Yoshihiro Togashi the creator of YUYU HAKUSHO. Gon and his friends have passed the first two stages of the Hunter Exam, but they still have three more grueling phases to complete. In the latest episodes, the hopeful candidates must escape the maze-like Trick Tower and survive a free-for-all on an isolated island before they can battle it out in the final tournament. As the wild adventures with treasure hunting, magical beasts, and bounty hunters continue, will Gon and his friends prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters? Find out in this new Box Set that features 15 episodes on 3 discs.

New INUYASHA Releases Include:

INUYASHA Season 7 DVD Box Set Special Edition · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $119.89 US / $169.99 CAN · Available Now!

This set is the final installment of the legendary INUYASHA series inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s smash-hit manga series. The story of the priestess Kikyo and half-demon Inuyasha ended in tragedy. As the series reaches its exciting finale, will Inuyasha and Kagome’s story have a happier ending? Each battle draws the group closer to their ultimate goal – the border of the afterlife and the final shard of the sacred Shikon Jewel. But the last stage of the journey is the most difficult of all. In their final battle with Naraku, will the bond between Kagome and Inuyasha prove strong enough to vanquish him at last? The Box Set features 21 episodes on 4 discs. Special Edition also includes a collectible figure of Inuyasha wielding his powerful Tetsusaiga sword.

INUYASHA Season 7 DVD Box Set Standard Edition · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $99.94 US / $142.99 CAN · Available Now!

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Inuyasha figure is included.

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON ALL STARS Volume 19 Torchic · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available Now!

POKÉMON ALL STARS Volume 20 Onix · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available Now!

Following the Pokémon 10th Anniversary celebration set, the Pokémon All Stars series consist of DVD releases commemorating top Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three all-time favorite episodes featuring their adventures. Collect them all!

Volume 19 Includes 3 Torchic episodes:

1. In The Knicker Of Time

2. Having A Wailord Of A Time

3. A Shroomish Skirmish

Volume 20 Includes 3 Onix episodes:

1. Showdown In Pewter City

2. To Master The Onixpected

3. Hooked On Onix

POKÉMON: DIAMOND AND PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION Box Set 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 23

Ash, Dawn, and Brock continue their journey through the Sinnoh region, with Ash working on his next two Gym badges and Dawn striving to break her recent string of defeats. Some new Pokémon have joined the team–including Paul’s traumatized Chimchar–challenging the depths of our heroes’ Pokémon knowledge. Luckily, they’ll be attending Professor Rowan’s Pokémon Summer Academy and meeting a lot of Pokémon experts! But will they learn enough to deal with the devious threats posed by Pokémon Hunter J and Team Galactic? Find out in this special 2-disc box set.

POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION Volume 1-2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $14.98 US / $21.99 CAN · Available June 23

The episodes of POKÉMON: DIAMOND & PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION split into two standard single disc editions

New VIZ Pictures Releases Include:

HAPPILY EVER AFTER · NOT RATED · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

In this new live-action release, Yukie Morita (Miki Nakatani) works hard to make ends meet while her husband Isao (Hiroshi Abe) hangs around all day gambling away their savings and getting into trouble. Isao’s uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table getting overturned and their meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but their unconditional love keeps them together through happiness and through hard times.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER was a box-office hit in Japan and based on a best-selling manga. This bittersweet comedy combines a visually-striking cinematography, a heartwarming storyline with love and friendship and a top cast of actors and will be enjoyed by all members of the family.

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Uncut Box Set 3 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available July 7

The day of Rukia’s execution draws ever closer, and to save her, Ichigo and his loyal comrades must navigate the madness of a Soul Society on the brink of collapse. Ichigo and Renji face the most difficult training of their Soul Reaper careers as they struggle to achieve bankai, without which they have no hope against the most powerful captain of the Seireitei–Byakuya Kuchiki. While all the players converge at the site of Rukia’s imminent execution, in the background, a group of Soul Reapers slowly uncover an unimaginable betrayal at the hands of one of their own–a betrayal that will shake the Soul Society to its very core.

Includes: Behind The Scenes of BLEACH, Kon’s US Tour original featurette, production art

BLEACH UNCUT Box Set 3 w/ Limited Collector’s Hollow Mask· Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $89.97 US / $129.99 CAN · Available July 7

Includes: Limited Collectible Hollow Mask (limited supply!)

BLEACH Volume 18 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available July 14

The Bounts target Uryu and bring him before their leader, the megalomaniacal Kariya, despite all efforts to stop them. Kariya’s goal is to gain the unique powers of a Quincy and use them for his own diabolical purpose. Members of both the Soul Society and the world of the living gather for a fierce face-off with the Bounts!

Includes: 4 episodes (72-75), original uncut episodes

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 1: Grass · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 2: Fire · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!

Volume 1 Includes 3 Grass-type episodes:

1. Grass Hysteria!

2. The Grass Root

3. Now That’s Flower Power!

Volume 2 Includes 3 Fire-type episodes:

1. The Flame Pokémon-athon!

2. Good ‘Quil Hunting

3. All Torkoal, No Play

That’s it for the VIZ stuffs now for the konami stuffs:

Nearly 900 Duelists Converge on the SHONEN JUMP Championship in Anaheim – Marks the Second Largest Event Ever

Nearly 900 Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) Duelists jammed the Anaheim Convention Center for the 68th SHONEN JUMP Championship the weekend of April 25-26, doubling the attendance expectations. Jeff Jones, Detroit, out-battled the field to win the SHONEN JUMP Championship, which is the largest and most prestigious Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG tournament series in North America.

Jeff Jones went head-to-head with Jarel Winston for the top honors after two days of Dueling. Both were up to the task, utilizing competition ready Decks, Jones using a DARK “Skill Drain” theme and Winston rocking the Lightsworn Deck, respectively. Jones and his peers took home prize packs that included such items as brand new Top 16 SJC game mats, Nintendo DSi™ units with Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Stardust Accelerator World Championship 2009, Wii™ units and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Wheelie Breakers, a 32 GB iPod Touch installed with Konami Mobile Games, and complimentary subscriptions to SHONEN JUMP magazine. Jones will also receive a paid trip to the U.S. National Championships, courtesy of KDE.

The large attendance numbers attest to the strength of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG and the passion of the Duelists around the Globe. The Anaheim SHONEN JUMP Championship, the first produced by KDE, was deemed a huge success by company officials. “I couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout for our first event,” added Konami’s Hoashi. The top 16 finalists from the SHONEN JUMP Championship in Anaheim along with the top 32 Duelists from the Sunday Regional qualified to participate in the 2009 U.S. National Championship, which will be held in July at a location to be named later.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH Announces the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME European and Latin American National Championships to be Held as Planned

To the delight of millions of Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game (TCG) Duelists in Europe and Latin America, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH (KDE) is pleased to announce today that all European and Latin American National Championships will be held as planned. The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG National Championships are some of the largest and most prestigious events held around the world each year, as Duelists worldwide vie to be crowned the World Champion of 2009.

Aspiring Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG National Champions should visit www.yugioh-card.com and click on their country’s flag for more event details.

(C) 2007 HAPPILY EVER AFTER Film Partners. (C) Yoshiie Gouda / Takeshobo Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.