Himitsu

22 Madoka Icons

2011-06-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Another icon project picked out by Nathan/Gothykins/Tsukune. Mahou Shoujo Madoka icons this time. Follow the rules, blah blah blah, and yeah. Oh, and did I mention that there's 2 NSFW Akemi doujin icons? Have fun browsing~ Click the link to go directly to my LJ entry.

TEASER

[kimi no shiranai monogatari;]

21 Kampfer Icons;

2011-06-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

I made 21 Kampfer icons. Nathan/Tsukune/Gothykins picked the anime, so thank him.. Please enjoy, follow the rules, and blah blah blah.. Click the link to go to my LJ entry. Thanks c: I'll make the other batch later when I feel like it.

TEASER

[click me for Kampfer; you know you wanna see it.]

16 A Channel Icons;

2011-05-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

AHello fellow Himitsu readers. Well, if there's still anybody reading anyways ._. Since I've been bored, I've started making icons lately. I made little of episode 7 so far. Please follow the rules, take many as you want, comment, credit, blah blah blah. Click the link to go to my LJ entry. Thanks c: Will make more if pleased.

[click here for A Channel icons;]

Very Late

2011-02-24T23:47:00.000-08:00


We wish you a happy new year/christmas/valentinesday/ anyholidaythatwemissed? :D

B U M P !

Hey guys. Sorry that we're dead again. Yes, it's really the same old story. School, work, exam, college, family, issues, murders, oh gosh you named it. -_- But oh well. We got lives too just like you.... right? (: I've been inactive for a long time and so like... I rarely tweet/go on MSN/blog anymore. Well anyways, sorry that this is a very late post. I'll try to get the staff to work their asses off tomorrow or later, or SOON. I don't know. Ermm, but in the mean time... HAPPY LATE MERRY CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR/VALENTINES DAY/ANY OTHER HOLIDAY THAT WE MISSED TO ALL OF YOU! <3

I hope you guys had a good one. Heck, tell us all about it. Did you spent it at your parent's house, at a friend's, other relatives, got a valentine, celebrated, count down, etc? Tell us about it. Comment in the comment box for this post only, please. Or you may send a tweet to @ILYBrigade or any of the staff that has a twitter (@Ryouko_Ookami, @Capturing_God, etc... on the Idiots, Derps list). Thaaaanks. Oh, and I CANNOT forget about a little make up picture which is up there. Featuring Reisen and Tewi from Touhou Project. Future posts shall be written soon. And I, myself, might make a homemade story ._.; You'll see :D

Go ahead and comment... you know you want to!

ISML 2010: Heavenly Tiara Winner

2010-10-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Akiyama Mio from K-ON!/!! wins the Heavenly Tiara. Poster is by KholdStare88.

Holy crap. I wasn't really expecting Mio or maybe the other moeblobs (if they had the chance) to actually win the tiara, since I thought Shana and other contestants could pwn them. But anyways, congratulations Mio! I heard that ISML will have 2011 nominations and the like coming soon, so I'm looking pretty forward to new and old contestants.

Now let's fill in that spot...

Umineko no Naku Koro ni for PS3

2010-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

- PS3 Exclusive.
- 16th December release for 8379 Yen.
- Full HD support.
- Full voice - cast is mostly the same as the anime.
- Uses the sound novel's BGM.
- New opening song.
- Art is completely redone.

The bad thing is that they removed Beato Troll Face and Ahaha.wav, but come on! HD, Ono Daisuke voicing Battler, and VN's BGM!? Good enough reason to get it! I'm getting that shiz when it's coming out!

Makai Senki Disgaea 4 Announced!

2010-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Nippon Ichi is to release the wickedest SRPG ever, Makai Senki Disgaea 4, on the PS3.
Compared to 3, 4 will boast greatly improved graphics, a “gigantification” system, “network elements” and all manner of other stimulating changes – prepare yourself for the wickedest SRPG ever.

Vampire Lelouch and twin tail Werewolf in a Prinny cosplay with Zettai Ryouiki?

FЯED: THE MOVIE Review & Recruiting!

2010-09-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Is this how we look like when we're slacking?

Hello gangsters, home skillet biscuits, aliens, time-travelers, yanderes, fangirls, and tsunderes. Sorry that the blog was dead, again. Unfortunately, the staff is pretty lazy... Okay. REALLY LAZY. So I'll try to revive it once again with another weird post of mine, or not. Anyways I'm going to review Fred: The Movie, and I'll try to make it short-ish this time and also not make it crappy like the rest.

And I'm also going to explain some other junk. So just hit the "Read More" link and you're ready to go.

DVD Cover. Coming in October 15!

So from what I seen so far, it's about Fred, the main heroine of the movie, who's basically trying to ask and get Judy to sing with him and go to his house. She's a blonde girl who has a british accent (I think) and who Fred thinks is smokin` hot and as his girlfriend. While in the other hand, we have other people in the movie. Kevin, the enemy? or rival/stalker. He can sing, bully Fred around, and whatever he does on a daily basis. Bertha (Jennette McCurdy from iCarly) is a girl who seems to change her hair and outfits alot. She is also the girl-next-door to Fred, and she was the only one who got invited to his party and did the crazy video with him. Fred's Dad (John Cena from WWE) who trys to give Fred some tips and has been with Fred all along! Also including Derf, and others that I'm way too lazy to mention.

During the movie, we see Fred failing and failing on the adventure to get to the main goal, Judy. And in the end, we have screams, puking on Judy, a epic-looking Fred at the carwash, kid poops in pool news, a wacky video, Father-And-Son time, long-lost kid who looks horrible plus freaky, and yeah. JUDY! Alot of people complained about Fred having his own movie just because his voice is annoying or other reasons. But hey, I think this movie was okay. And you really need to appreciate Fred more... just saying. In my opinion. Maybe just a teeny tiny bit? o.o Moving along. Ended the review.

Did I also mentioned that Himitsu is recruiting staff? That's right! Our staff is pretty lazy and sometimes busy like work, school, real life, etc. You know. So I was hoping if we can have any readers or people to join our staff. If you would like to help us write articles, guest post, podcast, or maybe just help me (Milktea) do the blog's layout and make it prettier, then just comment here on this post. If you don't know an option for the comment, I highly suggest anonyomous/anon. Or just use whatever else there is in the list. I know we might not get any helpers, but can you please help us? I mean, that would be awesome :D

WE NEED:

Writers. AniManga/Etc Bloggers Only.
People who are good at graphics and can help with the layout. Photoshop is an absolute yes 'owo'
Guest-Posters perhaps? We never had one anyways.
People who want to join our upcoming Podcast (maybe) and guest star in our conversation.

Spread the word! We're looking for staff O.O

Ouran High School Host Club Manga to End in September

2010-08-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

The October issue of Hakuskensha's shōjo manga magazine LaLa has confirmed on Tuesday that Bisco Hatori's romantic comedy manga Ouran High School Host Club will end with a 52-page chapter in the next issue on September 24. The magazine had already announced in June that the series was entering its final story arc.

To mark the end of the manga, LaLa launched a "Host Club: The Last Party" fan campaign to give away presents. The campaign has an illustration contest for fan art, as well as votes for the fans' favorite "Title Page Illustration Selection" and favorite quotes from the manga ("The Best Collection"). The cast of Ouran's anime adaptation then recorded the top-ranking quotes for a CD. The CD is being offered to readers via a mail-away offer starting in the October issue. ~~Of course, you can just be a pirate and get it like that instead of trying to win their offer.~~

“Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu” – OVA Announced

2010-08-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

According to BakaTest News vol.11, a Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu OVA will be released before Second Season starts, which is around 2011.No details about OVA has been confirmed yet.

Happy Birthday Ritsu!

2010-08-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today is August 21, and it is Ritsu's birthday today! Yes it really is her birthday. I'm not kidding. Her birthday is today, and some people are celebrating it. Sure, she may not be too popular like Yui, Azusa, Mio, and others due to moe or whatever, but hey, I still love her. SO YEAH. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RITSU! MAY YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE! :D Read more of the post to see the birthday gallery dedicated to Ricchan!

And so the birthday gallery begins... Click the images for full size if you want them.

ISML 2010: Diamond Necklace Winner

2010-08-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

Shana wins the Diamond necklace! Another necklace, another win... I'm surprised that she won, again >.> But congratulations Shana-tan for winning! I somewhat love the poster * A *

BlazBlue Continuum Shift : DLC Character Valkenhayn Announced

2010-08-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

According to Famitsu, a formal announcement regarding the 2nd DLC character — Valkenhayn R Hellsing — was made at Arc System Works’ recent 「-BLAZBLUE STREAMING-」 event. Pricing nor date was revealed yet, but it will be soon! And if you don't know who Velkenhayn is, he is Rachel Alucard's Butler.

[Source]

“Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko” – TV Anime Announced

2010-08-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

According to Moonphase Diary, a TV anime of Irima Hitoma’s light novel series, 「Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko」, has been green-lit for production. [Official website] — not yet opened.

The story revolves around a highschool boy named Niwa Makoto. He lives with his aunt’s family since his parents are away on business. It is there were he meets his mysterious cousin of the same age Towa Erio — who happen to tie a futon mattress around her upper body and is a self-proclaimed alien. Her staple food is pizza.

[Source]

K-ON! Manga Ends in September

2010-08-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

According to the latest issue of Manga Time Kirara, kakifly’s manga series, 「K-ON!」, will officially come to an end in next month’s issue — due September 9th.

[Source]

Highschool of the Dead: Ep 1 Review

2010-08-02T12:25:00.000-07:00


Ooh noes help me! I've fallen down and I can't get up.

So let me sum up Highschool of the Dead for you. There are zombies, busty high school girls, action, pointless fan-service, and busty high school girls beating the shit out of zombies. Did I forget to mention the boobs? Nah I don't think I did.

When you first look at the name Highschool of the Dead you think of what else? Zombies and high school students beating the crap out of them. But in this case you'd only be half right. On the surface it looks like the type of anime you'd expect to have a lot of blood, gore, violence, and zombie slaying. But Highschool of the Dead is what I like to call "a mixed bag" an anime that only delivers only half of what it's suppose to deliver and half of things it's not suppose to. I did really enjoy watching it however there are some points I need to address. I'll explain more of it after the jump.


Nothing says great anime like having tits in the camera.

There's not a lot to talk about when it comes to the plot. Considering that it's just the first episode. But I'll try my best. Basically you have this ordinary high school kid named Takashi Komuro, and he's busy daydreaming about his past and shit. Then he's soon interrupted by Saya Takagi how basically calls him an idiot over and over again for dwelling upon things from the past. After that Takashi looks down the school gate to find 3 teachers trying to fend off an intruder. But little do they know, the intruder is actually a zombie (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand finally we get to the story.) Zombie bites the gym teacher, the gym teacher bites another teacher, the virus spreads through the school and now we have mass hysteria. Lovely. So Takashi grabs his 2 friends Rei Miyamoto and Hisashi Igou and run up to the observatory on the roof, and along the way bash the brains out a few zombies. Meanwhile the rest of the school is trying to get their asses out of the building as quickly as possible. Now here is where the pointless fan-service comes in. For one what's up with the unnecessary panty shots? Do you really need to look at some chick's pussy while she's getting trampled by 6 or 7 guys? The answer is a big NO! The only people that would enjoy this crap are the horny fanboys. Then again we can't really do anything but watch it. If only there was a filter system where we could filter through all the pointless fan-service and nonsense that doesn't need to be in certain anime. Anyway moving right along. After the whole "run for you lives" scene Saya and some gun-otaku named Kouta Hirano going to god knows where. So finally at the end of the episode, Takashi and the others take refuge on the roof. Ooh here comes the twist! Hisashi turns into a zombie and Takashi smashes his head in with a bat, and Rei screams and cries. The End.


Wow that is one nasty hickey

The characters of Highschool of the Dead aren't really anything to brag about. We've all seen it before. Takashi's your basic male protagonist. He's all angry and pissed off at life cause his past life sucked. Excuse me for a second I need to get a tissue and cry me eyes out. Ooh poor Takashi. Anyway moving right along.
Then you have Rei Miyamoto, Takashi's childhood friend. Now at first glance you'd be thinking "hmm this character might actually be useful and actually contribute to the storyline a bit." Nope! In actuality she's completely fucking useless. She can't do anything correctly, even when it comes to slaying zombies she's useless. Did she not play Resident Evil or watch Shaun of the Dead when she was younger? I mean it's common sense to know that you're suppose to go for the head when ever you're taking down a zombie. But then again if you're fighting a zombie face to face you might forget somethings. Anyway moving right along. Then we have Saya Takagi. Can anyone say the series' tsundere? Good. Not to mention that she's just there for the eye candy (not as much as the school nurse but you get the point.) All she ever does is whine, bitch and complain about everything. Especially in future episodes (which I'll probably end up doing). Then finally we have Kouta Hirano (note that most of the characters are named after real people. Coincidence? I think not.) He's basically just there for comic relief. I kinda like him, in my eyes he's a decent character and I wish we'd focus more on him instead of Takashi.

Hey Hisashi you watching? I just stole your wifey.

So overall I did enjoy the first episode of Highschool of the Dead. It's an interesting concept however it's over shadowed by pointless fan-service and panty shots. The characters are... decent and the storyline is interesting. Basically I liked this anime and I have high hopes for this becoming an anime that people will remember 20 years from now. Well that about wraps up this review. Look for more from me xDarknessx

Honey All Stars

2010-08-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

A very moe animated Vocaloid All Star Production, entitled Honey - Nanameue All Star, which was released to celebrate Meiko's birthday!

it features good 3D CG visuals, with very good choreograhed dancing, plus UTAU and Vocaloids together in the video.
Here's the video. Just tell us if it gets removed or there's an error.

Aniplex Announces Part of Durarara's English Dub Cast

2010-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

The anime distributor Aniplex of America has announced part of its cast for the English dub of the Durarara!! television anime series at its Otakon panel on Friday.

Celty: Kari Wahlgren
Mikado: Darrel Guilbeau
Shizuo: Crispin Freeman

Aniplex will announce more of the cast on its YouTube channel and on the official Durararausa.com website. Aniplex added that it will not be using the English Baccano! voice actors for the same characters in Durarara!!. The first of three parts in the DVD release — which will include video-only anime episodes — will ship in January 2011. Aniplex also confirmed that its Read or Die Blu-ray box set release will also ship this winter.

Funimation Reveals Dub Casts, New Site, Prepaid Cards

2010-07-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

North American anime distributor Funimation has announced on Friday the English dub casts for the Black Butler, Oh! Edo Rocket, and Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ anime. The company also revealed plans for an online social networking website and anime-branded pre-paid debit cards.
Funimation listed the main cast of Black Butler (pictured at right) in a press release. J. Michael Tatum will perform as the demonic butler, Sebastian, and Brina Palencia will voice Ciel. The dub of Oh! Edo Rocket (pictured below left) was also revealed. Greg Ayres will play Seikichi, a young fireworks maker, with Palencia voicing Sora, the mysterious girl who approaches Seikichi. The cast for Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ includes Newton Pittman as Reiji and Lindsay Seidel as Ein.

In addition, FUNimation has announced that it is launching an anime-focused social media and video hub in an all new FUNimation.com. Some of the additional content include improved video environment, ability to post comments and reviews on certain content, and cosplay and fan art galleries. Membership is free and allows users to create an account and personalized profile. An Elite Membership will launch later this year and provide access to high-quality English dubbed episodes before they are available to the public. Users are allowed to sign up for beta testing which will take place in September. FUNimation will launch the service in October.

Also revealed was FUNimation's plans for anime-branded pre-paid debit cards. The cards will be available in August and will contain images from anime such as Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Fruits Basket, Sgt. Frog, Soul Eater and Tsubasa with more to come out. The cards will work anywhere Visa credit or debit cards are accepted.

[Visual Novel] Jisei ~Review by Prongsy~

2010-07-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Title: Jisei
Creator: Sakevisual
Release Date: 06.04.10
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Other information: Full voiced! [Except the main character] Can be purchased for $15

Summary: Here, you play a male character named ?????, an unnamed person. At the start of the game, he wakes up in a coffee shop. As he went to the bathroom, he sees the ladies bathroom door open and spots a dead woman. Then you find out that he can actually experience how someone dies, just by touching them. As he turns around, he spots a woman, who accuses him as the murderer. That's when he's forced to solve the mystery.

Review: Why I got interested in this game? Well, the plot itself got me :P

The thing I liked is that its fully voice acted! And it's actually good! I actually liked how each voice fit with each character. And the music actually fits with the mood. Kinda mysterious in a way, considering what's happening during the game. And the awesome part is that it has an opening with its own original song. :D

The answer to solve the mystery seemed easy in the beginning, but as you progress more and more, it seems like there could actually be other people who could have done it. Now, the bad part for me is that the game was way too short for a VN. I finished it, in like, 3 hours or so. o-o Seeing how it is, $15 for this was a bit much for such a short game. I would have sold it for $5 instead of $15. But oh well. What is done is done.

As for the gameplay, it's just pretty much move and talk around in the coffee shop to learn more for the case. Not really much, but it's typically normal for a VN. No CG though, which made me a bit disappointed. And I think it was just me, but I didn't really like how the game progresses as you barely know anything about the person you're playing. All they revealed is his unknown power, about his sister, and... that's pretty much it. Hell, we could even say he's the real murderer behind this whole case!

Conclusion: T-T-T-That's all, fo- *shot* Jokes aside, this VN is somewhat good, but not really worth the money. (Of course, you can get it for free through the internet, but I'm not allowed to speak of it). So it's worth playing, if you want to experience a VN for the first time, but as I said, it's short for a VN. So if you want a short VN, go for Jisei!

The opening of the VN:

“Hetalia Axis Powers” – 4th Season Announced

2010-07-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

According to the official website, 「Hetalia Axis Powers」 will have a fourth season immediately following the current 「Hetalia World Series」 ONA. The new season will launch on September 10th and is scheduled for 24 episodes.

*New cast:

Norway: Iwasaki Masami
Denmark: Shimozaki Hiroshi

[Source]

Light Novel “Dragon Crisis!” – TV Anime Adaptation

2010-07-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

According to Super Dash Bunko imprint, a TV anime adaptation of Kizaki Kaya’s (author) and Itsuki Akata’s (illustrator) light novel series 「Dragon Crisis!」 has been green-lit for production.

The novel first debuted in 2007 and has since enjoyed 11 volumes to-date. A drama CD was released under Frontier Works in March 25th, 2009.

Synopsis:
Ryuuji was living peacefully as a normal high school student, until his older second cousin, Eriko, returned to Japan. Inside a box the two stole from “Dark Broker,” was a Dragon Girl, Rose! For some reason, this girl, Rose, was entranced with her rescuer, Ryuuji. And with that the Organization of Darkness known as “Fang” began moving, aiming at her. In order to protect her, Ryuuji would need to overcome his trauma and motivate himself to fight!

[Source]

“Yumekui Merry” – TV Anime Adaptation

2010-07-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

According to Moonphase Diary, a TV anime of Ushiki Yoshitaka’s action-fantasy manga series, 「Yumekui Merry / 夢喰いメリー」, has been green-lit for production. The news was originally announced on the cover of the latest issue of Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine. It is scheduled to begin broadcast on TBS / BS-TBS — exact date yet to be determined.

The 「Yumekui Merry」 manga series began serialization in Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine on May 2008. It was released 4 volumes to-date.
*Synopsis (courtesy of Manga-Updates):

Hujuwara-kun is your ordinary adolescent boy , but 10 years ago he noticed he had a power to see multicolored auras surrounding the persons body which he looks upon through his fingers. Every so often huju-wara has dreams about a war with cats , but one day a girl fell on top of him …. what will happen now with his incoming feline enemies?

[Source]

Light Novel “Kizumonogatari” – Anime Announced

2010-07-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

According to Moonphase Diary, Isin Nisio’s (author) and Vofan’s (Illustrator) light novel 「Kizumonogatari」 — prequel to 「Bakemonogatari」 — will receive an anime adaptation.

Main Characters will be Araragi Koyomi and Oshino Shinobu. Unfortunately, we don't know if the "I am a tsundere" Hitagi, Loli Mayoi, Busty Megane Tsubasa, Loved Nadeko, or any others will appear in the prequel besides Araragi and Shinobu.

[Source]

Touhou 12.8 – “The Great Fairy Wars” Announced

2010-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

According to the latest blog post from game developer ZUN, a new title in the Touhou Project doujin series was formally announced — entitled 「Touhou 12.8 ~ The Great Fairy Wars」.

The story is in relation to ZUN’s (author) and Hirasaka Makoto’s (illustrator) manga, 「Touhou Sangetsusei ~ Strange and Bright Nature Deity」. Apparently the ice fairy Cirno has declared a war against the Three Mischievous Fairies: Sunny Milk, Luna Child, and Star Sapphire.
In the game you play as Cirno and enjoy freezing bullets that you’re suppose to dodge. Also interesting to note is that TH12.8 will feature artwork from Hirasaka Makoto. A full version of the game will be released at Comiket 78 — August 13th-15th.
[Source]

Steins;Gate Game: Gets TV Anime

2010-07-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

5pb. head Chiyomaru Shikura reveals anime adaptation of his company’s game.

Chiyomaru Shikura, the head of the 5pb. game production company, has announced via his Twitter account on Sunday that 5pb. and Nitroplus‘ Steins;Gate game is being animated for television. More details (which Shikura cannot reveal yet) will be provided in the September issues of Kadokawa Shoten’s Newtype and COMPTIQ magazines, which will both ship on August 10. Singer/voice actress Halko Momoi also posted about the television anime adaptation in her Twitter account.

The game is the second “scientific adventure game” from 5pb. and Nitroplus, who also created Chaos;HEAd. The artist huke (Black Rock Shooter) designed the characters. The suspense story takes place in a realistic version of Tokyo’s Akihabara otaku shopping district. The game originally shipped for the Xbox 360 console last October, and a Windows port is shipping on August 26. Yomi Sarachi launched the main manga adaptation in the November 2009 issue of Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine, and Kenji Mizuta launched the Steins;Gate: B?kan no Rebellion spinoff in the February 2010 issue of Mag Garden’s Monthly Comic Blade magazine.

Yen Press Adds Highschool of the Dead & UraBoku

2010-07-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

The North American manga publisher Yen Press has announced at its Comic-Con International panel on Friday that it licensed Daisuke Sato and Shoji Sato’s Highschool of The Dead, Hotaru Odagiri’s Betrayal Knows My Name (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru/Uraboku), Kaoru Mori’s Otoyome-Gatari (The Bride’s Stories), and En Kitou’s Higurashi: When They Cry Demon Exposing Arc (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Onisarashi-Hen). The publisher will also release Aron’s Absurd Armada by Misun Kim online.

Yen Press is launching the beta version of Yen Plus Online, the replacement for its recently ended Yen Plus print magazine, on Friday. The service is free for the first month, and subscriptions will then be US$2.99 per month. Yotsuba&!, Jack Frost, a “special short story” called “Haunted House Call,” and other titles will be in the service. The service will not use Adobe Flash Player, so it will work on Apple’s iPad mobile device.

A Certain Biribiri Figure By Good Smile Company

2010-07-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our lovely Level 5 Railgun, or should I say Misaka Mikoto (Biribiri) haves her own figure by Good Smile Company. Now THAT is a amazing Biribiri figure thar. It comes with her coin + a sword.

ISML 2010: Ruby Necklace Winner

2010-07-20T13:08:00.001-07:00

Posting for Gangster, since he's sick >.> *Copy and pastes*

Gangster: Yay! Mikoto from Railgun/Index, the so-called level 5 railgun who controls electricity, wins the Ruby necklace! And it's her first one :3

Let's give a big clap to Mikoto for winning her first necklace!

Milktea: Biribiri, mai waifu <33333
Lol good thing Shana didn't won again, just saying. Since I'd be shocked o_O

Katawa Shoujo: Act 1

2010-07-09T12:06:00.002-07:00


See anything suspicious? Because I do. Hanako (one of tmfc) is there, covering something.

Dolly (Doll Judgement) introduced me to KS: Act 1. I started playing it like yesterday and finished it before I went to bed. First VN that I ever played o_____o Wasn't so bad, seriously.

The game is pretty much about you as Hisao Nakai. The main heroine/male character of the visual novel. In the beginning of Katawa Shoujo, you're outside in the snow and you're waiting for some girl. The girl finally comes and they start talking and blah blah blah. Then your heart starts feeling strange, and you later just end up in the dang hospital. The doctor is talking with your parents about medicine, how much you have to take it, and... transfer to a weird school? Yes I said it. Transfer to a school.

You have some sort of heart disease and you were forced to transfer to another school for people with strange and well-known diseases/problems. Or should I say, disabled children? o_O Hisao is like other heriones, like Kyon from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, or even Tomoya Okazaki from CLANNAD.

You're like... well how should I describe or say this? A sarcastic guy. You're normal, sometimes calm, and sometimes sweet. Yeah, you're that kind of guy. While you play as Hisao in Act 1, you get to talk to the main characters of the game, and maybe even the supporting characters. Sometimes they would let you pick decisions in the game, but not much, really.

It's basically a VN where you just talk your mouth off where there's too much information and lots and lots of dialogue! But like I said, Katawa Shoujo isn't so bad for a visual novel. If I played the 18+ one (Hentai included version/Full game) when it's out, then I would be so happy and review some more. But unfortunately, I don't have much to say about it now.

A B O U T KATAWA-SHOUJO

Katawa Shoujo is a bishoujo-style visual novel set in the fictional Yamaku High School for disabled children, located somewhere in modern Japan. Hisao Nakai, who has had a congenital heart disorder diagnosed just a few months ago, finds his life turned upside down when he moves to a new town and school after a long hospitalization. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends and eventually have romantic relationships with one of five main female characters.

- KS Site

M A I N - C H A R A C T E R S

Hisao Nakai: The main heroine of the game. He has a congenital heart disorder diagnosed just a few months ago. He moves to a new town and school after a long hospitalization. After being thrown into a new beginning, the chaotic circumstances have forced Hisao to rethink his apathetic disposition, especially regarding things like life, friendship and future.

Shiina "Misha" Mikado: Misha is the interpreter for Shizune and a fellow member of the student council. Cheery, playful, and never one to pull a punch, she happily joins in Shizune's attempts to get Hisao onto the student council.

Shizune Hakamichi: Strong willed and forceful, Shizune is definitely the leader type. She’s been the class rep, despite being deaf and mute, for as long as her class has had one, and generally takes charge in just about any situation she’s placed in. Shizune is known around the school as a fearsome taskmaster, and skilled manipulator, but also as a fair and just leader.

Hanako Ikezawa: At a young age, Hanako had a traumatic experience that left her life in shambles. Her father died when their home burned down in an accident, which also disfigured Hanako herself permanently. She is reclusive to the extreme, shunning from all other people to the point of actually panicking from any social contact. Her only trusted friend is Lilly, who has taken Hanako under her wing ever since the two were introduced to each other. She has scars on her body, so she tries to cover them.

Lilly Satou: Blind since birth, Lilly is caring, responsible and friendly - the perfect foil to Hanako, her best friend, whom she shares an almost mother-daughter relationship with, in addition to her free time often being spent drinking tea alongside her companion. In class she is a diligent student, with her sense of confidence serving her well in her role as class representative of class 3-2.

Emi Ibarazaki: Despite being left with legs amputated below the knee, Emi is perhaps one of the most cheery, happy-go-lucky girls on the entire globe, let alone the school. Not one to be left in despair even after the accident that claimed her legs, Emi views her disability more as a blessing, her prosthetic legs having brought her to the heights of her ability on the track team rather than becoming a permanent obstacle.

Rin Tezuka: Since Rin’s arms are tiny stumps due to a severe birth defect and subsequent surgery, she uses her feet and occasionally her mouth to do everything, which includes painting. Because of her disability, using skirts is tough, so Rin is wearing a boy’s uniform at school. Her creativity is matched by her philosophical streak: Rin is fond of occasionally getting lost in thought and giving voice to abstract ideas about man, the universe, and other things that thoroughly confuse people.

Kenji = Harry Potter!

Mai Waifu.

KENJI IS A PORN STAR?! SUGOIIIIIIIII!

Rivalry between Lilly and Shizune. Blind VS Deaf/Mute.

Kenji and Hisao on the roof. Drinkin` whiskey and getting drunk.

Kenji motivated me even more to troll women. ALCOHOL-RELATED
COURAGEEEEEE!

Art: 5
Characters: 4
Story: 3
Setting: 4
Music: 3

Act 1 wasn't so bad as a 1st visual novel for me. I enjoyed playing Act 1 and it was all fine. I gotta hand it to you... The art is okay, characters are just <3, story is kinda meh, setting is okay, and music just fits each kind of mood in the game.

If you want to play a short Visual Novel or want to play your first one, then try out Katawa Shoujo: Act 1. If you're the kind of person who pretty much basically wants to play a long visual novel that will last to the end and have more interesting things in it, then play something else.

I took the screenies while playing the game. Info is from the official Katawa Shoujo site and also the blog. Additional random text by me.

T10: Women's Picks of Summer & Spring 2010 Animu

2010-07-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

A survey of Japanese women provides an interesting snapshot of what their favourite anime of 2010 spring were, and what they are looking forward to in the summer 2010 season. Some rather surprising choices make their way into the rankings…
The best of the spring 2010 season, based on a survey of 2,285 Japanese female anime fans:

1. Hakuouki
2. K-ON!!
3. Arakawa Under The Bridge
4. Ookiku Furikabutte
5. Hetalia Axis Powers
6. Kaichou wa Meido-sama!
7. Angel Beats!
8. Working!!
9. Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru
10. Keroro Gunsou (7th season)

The high placing of K-ON!! is perhaps something of a surprise – moeblobbery evidently knows no gender bounds.
The most awaited anime of summer 2010:

1. Nurarihyon no Mago
2. Kuroshituji II
3. Sengoku Basara 2
4. Shiki
5. Digimon Xros Wars
6. Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi
7. MonHun Nikki Poka Poka Airu Mura
8. Tono to Issho
9. Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~
10. Seitokai Yakuindomo

Bakemonogatari: Tsubasa Cat Alter. Ero-OP

2010-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Shaft has revealed the alternative opening for Bakemonogatari’s Tsubasa Cat arc, Sugar Sweet Nightmare, is really of a rather erotic nature…

Videos:

INRL Version:

Anime Version (Finally out!):

BGataHKei: Otaku Death Threat to Anime

2010-07-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Nopan onanism anime B-Gata H-Kei has apparently been the subject of a campaign of otaku death threats, but the producers are for once resolute in telling the maker of the threats to go to hell.
The B-Gata H-Kei production committee’s announcement:

Currently there has been an ongoing series of threats to the writer of the B-Gata H-Kei anime.
These threatening missives are demanding certain changes in content and expression, and suggesting the writer may come to harm if these demands are not met.
Regarding the content of B-Gata H-Kei, we would like to make clear that the production committee bears all responsibility for the anime and that the committee will not accede to any demands regarding changes to the content.
We have already reported this matter to the police and an investigation is under way.

If only creators could be as resolute in the face of crazy feminists as they are in the face of creepy otaku..
Speculation rages as to just what demands are being made, but most seem to suspect seiyuu otaku, one of the most pernicious breeds of maniac, taking exception to some of the shows erotic antics. Demands for censorship of just this content are also a distinct possibility.

T10: Best Spring 2010 Animu & Awaited Summer

2010-07-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dengeki readers continue their dubious efforts at punditry by listing the most likely anime of the coming summer season, and what they fancy as the best of the passing spring.

Notably, the ranking reveals Angel Beats has unseated even K-ON!, possibly suggesting even the previously unassailable heights of moeblob anime may be under siege by anime daring to include actual plot.
The best of spring with the ranking the title secured in the previous anticipation ranking in parentheses:

1. Angel Beats! (2)
2. K-ON!! (1)
3. Working!! (3)
4. Ookiku Furikabutte (6)
5. Durarara!! (-)
6. Arakawa Under The Bridge (4)
7. The Tatami Galaxy (18)
8. Ichiban Ushiro no Dai-Maoh (17)
9. Mayoi Neko Overrun! (5)
10. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (20)

The most anticipated of summer:

1. Strike Witches 2
2. Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi
3. Sengoku Basara 2
4. Nurarihyon no Mago
5. Amagami SS
6. Digimon Xros Wars
7. Sekirei Pure Engagement
8. Kutoshitsuji II
9. Seitokai Yakuin-domo
10. Shiki

To-Love-Ru: Anime Announced

2010-07-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

Another anime adaptation of oppai, ecchi manga "To-Love-Ru" has been announced.

However, the announcement declines to elaborate on just what form the new title will take – an OVA or possibly even TV adaptation seem the only viable options at this stage.

ISML 2010: Emerald Necklace Winner

2010-06-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

Shana wins the Emerald necklace~ She's the second girl to win a necklace in two periods (Haruhi was the first girl in 2008 that did the same thing, she had the Ruby and Diamond necklaces).

Shana's necklace count is 4 now, and Ruby Period will start soon next week... can't wait for it :D

Top 10 Anime Grooms

2010-06-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

A recently conducted ranking of the top 10 anime husbands reveals a distinctly shounen flavoured ranking...

The ranking, based on an online survey:
1. Sakata Gintoki (Gintama)
2. Hibari Kyoya (Katekyo Hitman Reborn! // Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!)
3. Heiwajima Shizuo (Durarara!!)
4. Kazehaya Shouta (Kimi ni Todoke)
5. Orihara Izaya (Durarara!!)
6. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
7. Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
8. Sanji (One Piece)
9. Son Goku (DragonBall)
10. Rokudo Mukuro (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!// Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!) drawn with Kurosaki Ichigo (Bleach)

And so, the silver-haired samurai of Gintama, Sakata Gintoki, wins the top spot.

TKNRailgun: New Anime Announced

2010-06-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Continuation of Biribiri (and Kuroko + the rest of the gang?) anime "Toaru Kagaku no Railgun" has been announced.

The announcement comes by way of the latest edition of the manga and reveals that the series is due an OVA continuation set for release on the 29th of October.

Additionally a “major announcement” regarding the series is said to be due in the upcoming edition of Dengeki Daioh, but it is thought this may simply concern the OVA.

JB's Mom: Playboy askes Topless Spread + 50k

2010-06-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Playboy Magazine has offered Justin Bieber's mom, Pattie Lynn Mallette, a spread in an upcoming issue. The proposed deal is for $50,000 and would only feature the 34-year-old posing topless. No word yet if the mother of one of the most famous teen singers will accept the magazine's offer.

Later: According to Justin's rep., his mom will not be accepting Playboy's offer.

Twitter: Justin Bieber's mother makes a new tweet about the playboy offering, and this was her answer:

PLAYBOY!? Heavens No, HELL NO! Heavens AND Hell NO! Thx but no thx! My son finds this rumor hysterical! Please don't believe what u read!

- about 5 hours ago, via UberTwitter

Angel Beats: Anime Draws to a Close

2010-06-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

Otonashi and Yuri having some pizza. It looks delicious *A*

Popular, 2010 Anime - Angel Beats! is finally drawing into a close. Just 1 more episode and the anime will finally be finished.

Rumors says that the anime might have a second season in the near future. We'll see about that if it's true or not and if KEY is willing to do so. But I bet Jun wouldn't do it.

Iwasawa and Yui. The 2 vocalists of the famous band, Girls Dead Monster (or GirlDeMo for short.)

Newtype: Top 10 Seiyuu, According to Voice

2010-06-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

The latest seiyuu rankings from Newtype apeear to reveal that Nana Mizuki has been displaced from her top spot.. by none other that the person "inside" Yui Hirasawa: Aki Toyosaki

Top Ranking:
1. Aki Toyosaki (Yui Hirasawa - K-ON!)
2. Nana Mizuki (Lan Fan - FMA)
3. Yukari Tamura (Talim - Soul Calibur)
4. Aya Hirano (AYA STYLE)
5. Miyuki Sawashiro (Mamohime - Muramasa)
6. Yui Horie (Tsubasa - Bakemonogatari)
7. Minori Chihara (Chiaki Minami - Minami-Ke)
8. Kanae Itou (Saten - Railgun)
9. Haruka Tomatsu (Nagi - Kannagi)
10. Mitsuki Saiga (Mina Hazuki - DTB)

Vocaloid: New Vocaloid "Sukone Tei" Announced

2010-06-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

A new Vocaloid has been announced, Sukone Tei, offering “clear and sweet” vocals which are “lightly eccentric.”

E3 2010: Preview: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier

2010-06-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

In the escalating political climate of the near future—where strategies on the battlefield must be delicately balanced with maneuvers at the negotiating table—a new breed of soldier has arisen. Trained to be better than the best and outfitted with the most comprehensive array of high-tech gear ever assembled, the future soldier stands apart by his ability to remain undetected. He slips unseen behind enemy lines. He uses the perfect combination of diplomacy and force to achieve his objectives while remaining politically invisible. He is a Ghost. As a member of the elite Ghost Recon, you are among the few who possess the power, the adaptability, and the cognitive fortitude of the future soldier. Specialized in every area of combat, equipped for survival, and trained in absolute discretion, you are entrusted with the missions no other soldier can handle. Armed to the teeth with an arsenal of real-world high-tech weaponry only in prototype today, you are an F-16 on legs, trained to lock-on to your objective even in the world’s most complex, high-risk warzones.

E3 2010: Preview: Homefront

2010-06-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

The year is 2027. The world as we know it is unraveling after fifteen years of economic meltdown and widespread global conflict over dwindling natural resources. A once proud America has fallen, her infrastructure shattered and military in disarray. Crippled by a devastating EMP strike, the USA is powerless to resist the ever expanding occupation of a savage, nuclear armed Greater Korean Republic. Abandoned by her former allies, the United States is a bleak landscape of walled towns and abandoned suburbs. This is a police state where high school stadiums have become detention centers, and shopping malls shelter armored attack vehicles. A once-free people are now prisoners… or collaborators… or revolutionaries. Join the Resistance, stand united and fight for freedom against an overwhelming military force in Homefront’s gripping single player campaign penned by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn). Stand alongside a cast of memorable characters as an emotional plot unfolds in this terrifyingly plausible near-future world. Experience visceral, cinematic first-person shooter action as you fight your way across Occupied USA using guerrilla tactics, and commandeer military vehicles and advanced drone technology to defeat the enemy. Multiplayer brings epic warfare to the online arena as infantry, tanks, attack helicopters and combat drones battle across huge, open battlefields. A rich feature set offering layers of tactical depth combined with a game-changing innovation in the multiplayer space will set a new benchmark in online warfare.

E3 2010: Preview: Bulletstorm

2010-06-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Set in a futuristic utopia, an elite peacekeeping force thwarts the rumblings of civil war. But deception within the ranks has caused two members of the most feared unit to strike out on their own. Now stranded on an abandoned paradise, Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato find themselves surrounded by hordes of mutants and flesh eating gangs. They survive on two objectives: get off the planet alive and extract revenge on the man who sent them there. As Grayson Hunt, players wield an arsenal of over-the-top combat moves and outrageously large guns that feed into Bulletstorm’s distinct ‘skillshot’ system producing unprecedented levels of frantic gameplay and yell-inducing satisfaction.

Over-the-top, intense action – Epic Games and People Can Fly deliver a truly unique and over the top gameplay experience
Unique “skillshot” gameplay – rewards players who “kill with skill”
Upgrades system – enables players to pull off even bigger and better skillshots and earn further upgrades
Massive Boss Battles – People Can Fly bring their unique sense of scale to Bulletstorm with huge boss battles interspersing the intense action experience

E3 2010: Preview: Dead Space 2

2010-06-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Isaac Clarke Returns to Battle the Necromorph! . Engineer Isaac Clarke returns for another blood-curdling adventure in the sequel to the critically acclaimed Dead Space™. After waking from a coma on a massive space city known as “The Sprawl,” the lone survivor of a horrific alien infestation finds himself confronting the catastrophic new nightmare.

Battling dementia, hunted by the government, and haunted by visions of his dead girlfriend, Isaac will do whatever it takes to save himself and dominate the gruesome onslaught. With an arsenal of tools to dismember Necromorphs and new determination, an engineer will bring the terror to space.

E3 2010: Preview: RAGE

2010-06-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

RAGE is a groundbreaking first-person shooter set in the not-too-distant future after an asteroid impacts Earth, leaving a ravaged world behind. You emerge into this vast wasteland to discover humanity working to rebuild itself against such forces as raider gangs, mutants, and the Authority – an oppressive government regime that has a special interest in you in particular.

Featuring intense first-person action, vehicle combat, an expansive world and jaw-dropping graphics powered by id’s revolutionary idTech 5 technology. RAGE promises an experience like no other. Fearing a planet-wide extinction from a massive asteroid headed towards Earth, world leaders are faced with the inexorable task of ensuring human survival. Left with few alternatives, life-sustaining pods filled with select people are buried deep beneath the earth’s surface.

You are one of the chosen members of these modern day arks and abruptly enter the RAGE universe after surfacing alone. Leaving you to your own devices to stay alive in a world filled with those who prefer you dead, RAGE combines powerful storytelling with heart-pounding action.

E3 2010: Preview: Crysis 2

2010-06-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

The world has been ravaged by a series of climatic disasters and society is on the verge of total breakdown. Now the aliens have returned, with a full invasion force bent on nothing less than the total annihilation of mankind, starting by trying to rip the heart out of Earth’s most iconic city.

In New York, terrifying alien invaders stalk the streets and a nightmare plague strikes down the city’s myriad inhabitants with brutal epidemic speed. The city’s systems are in chaos, its streets and skyline are smashed and in flaming ruin. This is New York City like you’ve never seen it before. Neither paramilitary law enforcement nor the might of the US military machine can stand against the invaders, and all who choose not to flee are dead men walking.

Just to survive in this maelstrom of death will require technology beyond anything any modern soldier has ever seen. One man will inherit that means to survive. One supersoldier, wielding the combat enhancement technology of the future with Nanosuit 2, will make the last stand to save humanity from destruction in the urban jungle that is New York City.

E3 2010: Preview: SOCOM 4

2010-06-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

“Outnumbered. Outgunned. Under Fire. Take control.” You have six days. Six days to rescue an entire country plunged into chaos by a brutal revolution. Race against time to control a dire situation that threatens to escalate into global war. You are the legendary and fearless Operations Commander as you take command of the battlefield with your crack NATO squad. The destination is Southeast Asia. The time is now for you to take control…

Altler: K-ON! Mugi-chan Figure

2010-06-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

Moeblob anime, K-ON!'s rich and calm mother-like-nature and also yuri fan, Tsumugi Kotobuki, gets her own figure by Alter.

Nice keyboard :D

E3 2010: Preview: Littlebigplanet 2

2010-06-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sackboy is at it again!

Join Sackboy and a lively cast of imaginative characters into a completely new PLAY, CREATE, SHARE adventure. As Sackboy gets recruited into The Alliance, you’ll journey to several unique worlds filled with new challenges, learn to control new tools and discover a whole new way to play LittleBigPlanet.

A world of PLAY is at your fingertips!

Whether it’s the 50+ levels in the whimsical storyline, endless multiplayer fun, the over 2MM+ levels of imaginative user-generated content from LittleBigPlanet (1) or the inevitable amount of revolutionary games to be created from the CREATE tools – there’s an infinite amount of gaming fun for you and your friends in LittleBigPlanet 2.

CREATE your own games!

LittleBigPlanet 2 gives you complete access to customize everything - from your Sackboy’s appearance to developing your own videogame. With access to the games’ CREATE tools, your imagination can run wild in creating any type of game you want from racing games, mini-games, action/adventure games, and even multiplayer shooters.

SHARE a playground of Games!

2MM+ levels of user-generated content provides LBP (1) fans endless amount of Sackboy levels. With the introduction of LittleBigPlanet 2, users will inevitably take the new tool set and not only create more platform levels - but to create GAMES from all different genres. This variety of gaming experiences will define LBP2 as a new playground for all sorts of games!

E3 2010: Preview: Driver San Fransisco

2010-06-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

With crime lord Charles Jericho now on the loose San Francisco faces a terrible threat. Only one man can stand against him. He has driven the streets of a hundred cities, spent his whole life putting criminals behind bars. But to take Jericho down, there can be no turning back, and he knows that this may very well be his last ride. His name is John Tanner. He is the DRIVER. Developed by Ubisoft Reflections, creators of the original title, DRIVER SAN FRANCISCO is the return of the established action driving video game series that has sold 14 million copies worldwide. Gamers play John Tanner, a hardened detective involved in a relentless manhunt throughout the City by the Bay. Thanks to a groundbreaking gameplay feature, players can now seamlessly shift between more than a hundred licensed vehicles, keeping them constantly in the heart of the action. With its timeless atmosphere, unique car handling and renewed playability, DRIVER SAN FRANCISCO offers the free-roaming, classic, cinematic car chase experience.

E3 2010: Preview: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

2010-06-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players will experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer – solo or connected. The blistering speeds, brutal busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog. This network not only connects friends for epic head-to head pursuits and races, but also enables players to compare performances and stats, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate in friendly competition.

Career – For the first time in Need for Speed history, players will experience the gripping and heart-racing action of both cops and racers. Hot Pursuit seamlessly links a tremendously deep and fully-defined single player career with a groundbreaking multiplayer experience across all race modes. In the end, whether playing online with friends, taking on friends challenges or the single player career, players will earn bounty that levels them up and unlocks new cars, weapons and equipment.
Need For Speed Autolog – In Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, your friends drive your gameplay experience. Need for Speed Autolog is a revolutionary system that connects friends directly to each other’s games, enabling them to compare and share all their experiences, pictures and challenges. Need for Speed Autolog instinctively delivers challenges based on what your friends have been doing, creating a hugely dynamic, socially competitive experience.
Weapons and Equipment – Enhance the intensity of the pursuit using multiple weapons as the heat level increases during a pursuit. Whether taking down suspects with a variety of cop weapons or using evasion equipment as a racer to outsmart the cops, players will always have a method for gaining an edge over their opponent.
Cars – In Hot Pursuit, the cars go from hot to hotter. Experience the thrill of driving the world’s most desirable high performance cars at incredible speeds. Feel the power of busting suspects in supercharged cop interceptors like the Lamborghini Reventon or outsmarting the law as a racer in high performance supercars like the Pagani Zonda Cinque.
Seacrest County – Explore a world as diverse as the California coastline with desert, forest, seaside and mountainous regions. The open world of Seacrest County is designed to create the most intense pursuit experiences ever found in a racing game.

E3 2010: Preview: Call of Duty Black Ops

2010-06-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Call of Duty: Black Ops is set during the Cold War. Players take the role of black ops operators involved in missions behind enemy lines, taking place in various locations such as the Ural Mountains and Vietnam.

As SOG operators, playable characters will have much more significant roles on the battlefield than their previous counterparts who were often the common soldiers.

In this way, the player's characters will have their own traits such as voices (during in-game sequences) and shadows. Black Ops is a sequel to World at War as one of its main characters Reznov is returning.

E3 2010: Preview: Gran Turismo 5

2010-06-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

The next installment of the award-winning racing franchise, Gran Turismo® 5, is coming exclusively to the PLAYSTATION®3 system. Known for its signature beauty and precision, the highly anticipated racer will showcase new jaw-dropping cars, real-life tracks, and diverse racing styles.

Gran Turismo promises to deliver exciting advancements to the series in the most comprehensive racing experience ever.Build a dream collection from over 950 of the world’s most exciting cars, from exotic imports to muscle cars and performance supercars, to customize, race, and upgrade.

Travel the world to experience a wealth of real and fictional road, rally, NASCAR, city and drift courses. Expand the Gran Turismo experience with deep and robust online community features, and challenge friends in the new custom race lobby system for the ultimate track day.

The most advanced Gran Turismo yet, featuring unrivaled graphics and a true-to-life driving feel.

E3 2010: Previews: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Live and breathe as Ezio, a legendary Master Assassin, in his enduring struggle against the powerful Templar Order. He must journey into Italy’s greatest city, Rome, center of power, greed and corruption to strike at the heart of the enemy. Defeating the corrupt tyrants entrenched there will require not only strength, but leadership, as Ezio commands an entire Brotherhood who will rally to his side. Only by working together can the Assassins defeat their mortal enemies and prevent the extinction of their Order. And for the first time, introducing a never-before-seen multiplayer layer that allows you to choose from a wide range of Assassin characters, each with their own unique weapons and assassination techniques, and match your skills against other Assassins from around the world. It’s time to join the Brotherhood.

E3 2010: Preview: Rock Band 3

2010-06-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Most Music. Period. The RB3 disc soundtrack contains over 80 of the best bands from around the world, including bands that have never appeared in a music game, and support for existing Rock Band tracks (previous Rock Band discs, downloaded songs and track/artist packs). Plus, RB3 will give you immediate access to a library of over 2000 songs, with new content added weekly.

Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of Guitar Hero or any other music game.
Redesigned Music Library. Create and save set lists, and share them with your friends online. Improved song sorting makes it easier to find the songs you like–and hide the songs you don’t. Song recommendation system will recommend new songs for you based upon those you already like to play.

Expand the Band: Keyboard and Harmony Vocals. In addition to guitar, bass, drums, and solo voice, RB3 introduces 3-part vocal harmonies, and—for the first time ever—keyboard! Up to 7 players can play together for the ultimate social gaming experience.

Go Pro. Take your passion for music to the next level: “Rock Band Pro” lets you develop real musical instrument skills through gameplay! Pro Drums supports three expansion cymbals for more accurate drum set simulation. Pro Keys features pitch-accurate keyboard performance. Pro Guitar—the flagship of the RB Pro initiative—features realistic guitar and bass performance, utilizing the new “Mustang Pro” simulated guitar controller. Additionally, Harmonix is working with professionals in the music industry to deliver to players a real electric guitar controller.

Play Just For Fun … or Get Serious Casual player? RB3 has great new party modes for quick rocking sessions with friends. Serious player? A whole new universe of challenges awaits. The revamped Career Mode sets your band on a path to conquer the world, chasing 700+ goals and rewards.

Pro Modes take instrumental gameplay to the next level of sophistication. And seamless leaderboard integration keeps you always aware of how you’re stacking up against your friends.

E3 2010: Preview: Star Wars the Force Unleashed II

2010-06-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

The Star Wars® Saga continues with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the world was introduced to Darth Vader’s now fugitive apprentice, Starkiller—the unlikely hero who would ignite the flames of rebellion in a galaxy so desperately in need of a champion. In the sequel, Starkiller returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader—but instead of training his protégée as a ruthless assassin, the dark lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on – Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller. With all-new devastating Force powers and the ability to dual-wield lightsabers, Starkiller cuts a swath through deadly new enemies across exciting worlds from the Star Wars films - all in his desperate search for answers to his past.

E3 2010: Preview: Fallout New Vegas

2010-06-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas. It’s the kind of town where you dig your own grave prior to being shot in the head and left for dead…and that’s before things really get ugly. It’s a town of dreamers and desperados being torn apart by warring factions vying for complete control of this desert oasis.

It’s a place where the right kind of person with the right kind of weaponry can really make a name for themselves, and make more than an enemy or two along the way. As you battle your way across the heat-blasted Mojave Wasteland, the colossal Hoover Dam, and the neon drenched Vegas Strip, you’ll be introduced to a colorful cast of characters, power-hungry factions, special weapons, mutated creatures and much more.

Choose sides in the upcoming war or declare “winner takes all” and crown yourself the King of New Vegas in this follow-up to the 2008 videogame of the year, Fallout 3. Enjoy your stay.

E3 2010: Preview: Medal of Honor

2010-06-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Operating directly under the National Command Authority, a relatively unknown entity of Operators. Over 2 million Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines wear the uniform. Of those, approximately 50 thousand fall under the direct control of the Special Operations Command. The Tier 1 Operator functions on a plane of existence above and beyond even the most highly trained Special Operations Forces.

Their exact numbers, while classified, hover in the low hundreds. They are living, breathing, precision instruments of war. They are experts in the application of violence. The new Medal of Honor is inspired by and has been developed with Tier 1 Operators from this elite community.

Players will step into the boots of these warriors and apply their unique skill sets to a new enemy in the most unforgiving and hostile battlefield conditions of present day Afghanistan. There is a new enemy. There is a new war. There is a new warrior. He is Tier 1.

Fight today’s war and experience the most authentic modern warfare inspired by true actions of Tier 1 Operators. Rank up to Tier 1 and dominate the battlefield in a fast paced and tactical multi-player built by the award winning DICE studio.

E3 2010: Preview: F.E.A.R. 3

2010-06-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave. The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios.

E3 2010: Preview: Metal Gear Solid: Rising

2010-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Players assume control of Raiden, protagonist of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and supporting character in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Like previous titles in the Metal Gear series, Rising is a stealth action game, however creative producer Shigenobu Matsuyama notes that development is focused less on stealth and more on swordfighting action, giving players the opportunity to engage enemies in direct battle if they wish. Players will still have a degree of freedom to play the game as a stealth title, though the stealth sequences will emphasize Raiden's considerable speed and agility.

Director Mineshi Kimura has also stated that Rising would carry on the series tradition of encouraging players to progress through the game without killing, noting that there is a moral difference between attacking cyborgs or robots and attacking human beings, and that there's a "certain virtue to simply disabling your enemies instead of killing them."

A key gameplay feature for the game is titled zan-datsu (斬奪 lit. "cut and take"), which involves "cutting" through enemies and "taking" parts from the bodies of dismembered cyborgs and robots.Things which can be taken include life, energy, parts, ammunition, items, and occasionally information. For example, in the E3 2010 trailer, Raiden tears a battery — in the form of a glowing mechanical spine — from a dismembered cyborg enemy, which he then crushes after absorbing energy from it to heal himself.

"Cutting" entails sophisticated swordplay that lets players engage in third person melee combat, as well as precisely slash enemies and objects "at will" along a geometrical plane using a "free slicing" mode. Virtually any object in the game can be cut, including vehicles and enemies, though elements of the environment were intentionally limited to structures such as pillars and walls to better facilitate gameplay.

The free slicing mode is similar to other aiming modes in previous Metal Gear Solid titles, but produces a special targeting reticule in the form of a transparent blue plane which can be rotated and moved, tracing orange lines across the surfaces of objects to indicate exactly where they will be cut; it can also be used to enter a bullet time state, giving players the opportunity to precisely slash targets during moments of action, such as slicing through a falling target from multiple angles before it hits the ground.

These features can be employed strategically, for example disabling opponents, finding weak points and gaps in armor, severing support columns to collapse ceilings or walls onto enemies, or cutting through objects to remove enemy cover.

This is particularily important when facing cyborgs and robots, as cutting through different areas of their bodies will allow you to take different mechanical parts from within. Although Raiden's main weapon will be his katana, he will also have "sub-weapons", Kimura revealed.

E3 2010: Preview: The Fight: Lights Out

2010-06-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Grab your PlayStation®Move motion controllers and step into the dark and gritty underground of bare knuckle brawling in The Fight: Lights Out™. The power to climb to the top of the underground scene is in your hands. The only rule is that there are no rules — you decide how to take down your next challenger. Get them in a headlock and throw elbows to the skull, or go ballistic by swinging with all-out haymakers. Use the PlayStation®Move motion controllers to dominate opponents with accurately tracked strikes. Do you have what it takes to rule the underground?

Take control of a rough and tumble bare-knuckle fighter in the campaign mode as you crusade to beat down anyone that stands between you and your shot at becoming the toughest fighter out there.

Feel the action by using the PlayStation®Move motion controller as you step into the game and command your fighter’s every movement with lifelike 1:1 motion for deadly precision.

Unleash a wide arsenal of brutal attacks. Start simple with punches and uppercuts before amping up the intensity with headlocks and overhand blows to the head, plus an assault of other dirty fighting techniques using two PlayStation®Move motion controllers at once, together with the PlayStation®Eye camera.

E3 2010: Preview: The Sly Collection

2010-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

The critically-acclaimed Sly Cooper series makes its triumphant return this fall with The Sly Collection for the PlayStation®3 system (PS3™).

The Sly Collection features three PlayStation®2 action-packed classic hits; Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racconus™, Sly 2: Band of Thieves™ and Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves™ fully remastered in high definition.

The Sly Collection sees the mischievous raccoon and his gang of eccentric friends pull off daring heists in this entertaining platformer adventure.

Packed full with mini-games and thrilling missions from across the globe, The Sly Collection masterfully blends stealth, thievery, combat, strategy and exploration into one huge world.

E3 2010: Preview: Max Payne 3

2010-06-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Fast-paced, highly advanced and furiously violent, Max Payne returns to reinvent the shooter genre with the most sophisticated, stylized shooting action, and a dark and deeply immersive story following one of the most iconic characters in video games. 12 years after the events of Max Payne 2, Max finds himself in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where security work is plentiful but the risks are high. But murder and betrayal dog his every step, and once again, Max is thrust into the heart of a brutal city with nothing but his weapons and his instincts in a desperate search for the truth and a way out.

E3 2010: Preview: Test Drive Unlimited 2

2010-06-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

est Drive Unlimited 2 transforms the driving genre, adding the persistency, progression and customization of the latest multiplayer games to the racing experience. Test Drive Unlimited 2 blends single player and multiplayer Experiences seamlessly, creating a dynamic world of evolving content and challenges. Players define their online persona through unparalleled customization of their avatars and vehicles, and the acquisition of property, clothing and other accoutrements of a luxurious international lifestyle. The challenge comes to life with refinement and balance of the core Test Drive driving experience. All-new race types, vehicle classes, environmental challenges, locations and much more push this epic franchise to new levels of performance.

CONNECT: TDU2 blends the single-player and multiplayer experiences seamlessly. TDU2 is “always live” with automatic content updates and seamless online/offline integration. New content, challenges and features will integrate dynamically into the gameplay as the world evolves over time.

EXPERIENCE: An all-new single player story mode, with compelling character progression, an exciting narrative and immersive cut scenes to draw you in to the vibrant world of TDU2. Single player mode can be experienced offline or as part of the multiplayer experience. Create your custom avatar and build your fortune.

EXPLORE: Hit the streets on whole new island: Ibiza. New terrain types, architecture and beautiful vistas bring this legendary location to life. Take on hundreds of unique missions as you explore over two-thousand miles of roadway and back roads in this Mediterranean paradise.

M.O.O.R. ™: Massively Open Online Racing is back! Test Drive Unlimited 2 expands M.O.O.R. with an huge variety of exciting new features. Level up your character based on how you race, enjoy all new group racing modes, and take on other racers that you encounter in this open, persistent racing environment..

SOCIALIZE: A whole new, out of car mode, where you can walk around shared spaces and interact with other players. . All new clubs (guilds) now a huge part of the game.

CUSTOMIZE: Unlock a huge range of options and show off your custom avatar to friends and rivals. Customize your car with custom paint jobs, decals, interiors and trims. Customize every aspect of your avatar –– hair, clothes, physique and attitude. Buy your dream house (or yacht… or nightclub), decorate, furnish and invite your friends.

EVOLVE: Many new enhancements, features and modes; weather, day/night, motion blur, car damage, completely new handling model built from the ground up. Many new core driving modes and game-play; Championship, racing school, duels, cups. Off road is now featured, with a whole new class of vehicle and hundreds of miles of off road tracks now in the game.

DRIVE!: Test Drive Unlimited 2 puts the world’s most desirable vehicles in the player’s hands. These ultra-limited edition masterpieces are flawlessly replicated with Eden’s finely tuned driving technology.

E3 2010: Preview: Spider-man: Shattered Dimensions

2010-06-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Spider-ManTM: Shattered Dimensions is an action-packed adventure encompassing four dramatically different parallel universes, each with its own Spider-Man armed with unique strengths. Each stunning universe has its own detailed art design and thrilling gameplay with challenging skill sets to master in order to unlock powerful new moves. Explore dramatic, stunning environments, wield explosive new powers, and face epic boss battles against extraordinary foes. Experience the legendary Super Hero like never before: Four unique worlds. Four distinct Spider-Men. One unparalleled experience! Groundbreaking gameplay lets you deal damage in a variety of ways with four unique Spider-Man characters, two of which have been announced: Amazing Spider-Man – This most recognizable, acrobatic Spider-Man delivers innovative web combat and dynamic visuals in a world that pays tribute to the classic era of our legendary Super Hero. Spider-Man Noir – The cunning and clandestine Spider-Man utilizes the shadows to perform stealth takedowns in this 1930’s-influenced black-and-white cinematic environment.

Groundbreaking gameplay lets you deal damage in a variety of ways with four unique Spider-Man characters, three of which have been announced:

Amazing Spider-Man – This most recognizable, acrobatic Spider-Man delivers innovative web combat and dynamic visuals in a world that pays tribute to the classic era of our legendary Super Hero.

Spider-Man Noir – The cunning and clandestine Spider-Man utilizes the shadows to perform stealth takedowns in this 1930’s-influenced black-and-white cinematic environment.

Spider-Man 2099 – Free-fall and glide across vertical buildings as Spider-Man 2099 in a futuristic, next-gen landscape of giant skyscrapers and fast-moving hover cars.

E3 2010: Dead Rising 2 Preview

2010-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Dead Rising 2 shifts the action from the everyday world of mid-West America to the glitz and glamour of Fortune City, America’s latest and greatest entertainment playground. People flock to Fortune City from around the globe to escape from reality and the chance to win big.

The game sees the introduction of former national Motocross champion, Chuck Greene, as the main protagonist. Before he hit the big time with a team and sponsorship behind him Chuck was forced to repair his own bikes, leaving him incredibly resourceful; a real handyman. A single father, Chuck dotes on his daughter Katey who, since the loss of her mother, he will do anything for.

With hundreds of zombies on screen at any one time, the original Dead Rising forced gamers to turn the everyday objects they found in the Mall into improvised weapons capable of fending off attacks.

Dead Rising 2 promises to increase the carnage with even more zombies intent on feasting on human flesh and countless new objects with which Chuck can make the undead dead. Dead Rising 2 is being developed by Canadian developer Blue Castle Games in close collaboration with Capcom. A number of members from the original Dead Rising team will be working alongside Blue Castle Games throughout the development process, including Capcom’s global head of research and development, Keiji Inafune, who as the game’s Producer, will play an active role in the project.

E3 2010: Sony Playstation Move

2010-06-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Sony's PlayStation Move motion-sensing wand-based peripheral for the PS3 will debut on September 19, the company revealed at its E3 2010 press show today. It'll be relatively cheap, too, starting at $50 per controller, or $100 for a pair.

In a trend reverse that's seen Microsoft cram optional peripherals like WiFi into its new Xbox 360 "slim," Sony's breaking things out and offering the Move in several uniquely priced flavors.

For instance: You can buy one wand-controller for $50, which'll take care of you for games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf, where you're double-clutching a single club. You can buy two wand-controllers for $100, which'll cover you in a game like Motion Fighters, Sony's upcoming Move-centric boxing game. $100 will also buy you a single wand-controller, the requisite PlayStation Eye camera (necessary for tracking the light globes on the end of each Move wand), and a copy of the Move game Sports Champions. Or you can just pony up the $400 full monty for the latter bundle and a brand new PS3.

The sub-controller, which looks like Nintendo's Wii Nunchuk with several additional PS3-style buttons and minus the cable, will set you back and additional $30. It's necessary if you want to play games that require propulsion or camera repositioning via more traditional thumb-nub-related input.

Compare all that with Microsoft's Kinect, which requires no controllers (it's just you in front of a camera) and costs $150.

Response to Sony's Move pricing was mixed, with some in the audience booing and others cheering. One person in the amphitheater yelled "Too much!" while the guys sitting next to me yelled "Yeah!"

I'm sitting back on this until I've seen more of the games. Sony's Move looks notably more precise than anything I've seen from the competition, and that's about all I can say at this point.

E3 2010: Microsoft Kinect

2010-06-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Microsoft officially renamed Project Natal, the full-body motion control system for the Xbox 360, Kinect on Sunday evening during a kick-off event for the E3 2010 trade show. The event wasn't a keynote presentation, but a Kinect-themed 45-minute theatrical performance by Cirque du Soleil. The show featured a 76-person cast of "dancers, muscians, acrobats and clowns," 25-foot high projection screens above the stage and a 9-foot elephant puppet. The performance was also interspersed with brief demos of upcomong Kinect game titles.

During the performance, Microsoft did not show much more than the Kinect name and a brief look at some of the anticipated titles planned for Kinnect's launch later this year. Microsoft will release more details Monday morning during a press conference in Las Vegas scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Until then, here's a quick breakdown of what's been announced, and some of the rumors circulating in advance of Microsoft's official Kinect announcement.

Games

There are supposedly going to be around 12 titles available when Kinect launches later this year. Some of those titles, according to USA Today , include:

Kinectimals: a game where you can interact and train 20 different cats including the more carniverous felines like lions and cheetahs.

Joyride: a racing game.

Kinnect Sports: similar to Wii Sports, this is a grab bag of sporting events for Kinect systems including boxing, bowling, soccer, volleyball and more.

Kinect Adventures: a river-raft race game for up to four players (2 per boat).

Dance Central: a dance game produced by MTV.

The Los Angeles Times also has a breakdown of several games that Microsoft was showing to journalists last month that may also show up in Kinect. One game was an obstacle course that players make their way through, and another was Ricochet where you use your hands, head and feet to block oncoming bouncing balls. Ricochet was part of Microsoft's Project Natal demo last year during E3 2009.

Star Wars

At the moment most of the games for Kinect appear to be new and original titles. However, LucasArts will bring a more familiar franchise to Kinect by developing a full-body motion control game in the Star Wars universe. It's not clear if the game will be based on an older Star Wars title or something new, but Sunday's performance involved lightsaber duels so if Kinect works as promised Star Wars for Kinect stands to be a big hit.

November Rumor

There's no clear launch date for Kinect other than a holiday season launch date; however, UK-based gaming news site MCV is reporting that anonymous sources inside Microsoft are saying Kinect will launch in November.

Pricing

Pricing is another detail expected to be announced Monday morning. Current rumors suggest there will be two version of Natal with the more expensive version priced at $189, according to inside sources speaking to the gaming blog VG247 .

That's about all the information and rumor circulating about Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360, but all will be revealed Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Other rumored announcements for Monday include a slimmer version of the Xbox 360 with 250GB storage and intergrated Wi-Fi.

Video Controls

In the video below you can see how Kinnect can be used to fast forward through a recorded television program by simply waving your arm. USA Today says you will also be able to control menus for the Xbox 360's integrated Netflix feature with hands-free gestures.

You can watch Microsoft's announcement live on gamespot.com, and don't forget to check in with PCWorld as well as our sister site GamePro for all the post-press conference action.

E3 2010: Nintendo 3DS

2010-06-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

The 3D consumer electronics trend reached a boiling point today when Nintendo announced the portable 3DS gaming device, a no-glasses 3D system promising simplicity and elegance for gamers seeking a 3D experience. After getting a hands on with the new gadget at E3, there is little doubt that the era of effective and sensible 3D has finally arrived.

That said, at GeekTech, we care just as much about the engine under the hood as we do about the rims on our ride, and in that respect Nintendo still has a lot to answer regarding their revolutionary portable.

What's that 3D effect?

We've previously posted a rundown of the various 3D technologies available, and after prodding the Nintendo reps for more info, it's clear they aren't revealing their secrets just yet. However, given that the depth of the 3D effect on the 3DS can be turned up or down with a slider button, it appears that there is some degree of light diffusion happening directly in the device.

I predicted back in March that the 3DS would sport a parallax barrier screen, which works by diffusing separately polarized light to each eye. This may still be the case, but the specifics of how Nintendo is controlling the degree of depth is still a mystery.

Level Up Your Wi-Fi

Nintendo announced a robust Wi-Fi system-to-system communication mechanism that will transmit data on games you aren't even playing to other 3DS devices you may encounter in public. As awesome as this sounds for my Pokemon collecting game, I'm most worried about reliving the horrors of my WEP-only Nintendo DS. Expanded security options are a must for a new system and while you're at it Nintendo, please future proof your system and add some Wi-Fi N connectivity, too. The DS always felt stuck in the past in terms of hardware specs so a more future-thinking engineering design would help keep this device relevant in the eyes of geeks for years to come.
The Megapixels!

The 3DS sports three cameras, two on the back for taking 3D pictures and one front facing camera for head-tracking. But how many megapixels are we talking here? The DSi had one 3-megapixel camera and one .3-megapixel camera, but I'm hoping Nintendo we'll do much better than that for the 3DS.

The prospect of having a device that can take and display 3D pictures will be a massive selling point for the consumer market, but it'll need some good specs around that camera to ensure longevity on the gadget scene. From my hands-on with the device, I was not impressed at all with the picture quality. The 3D effect was great and fun to play with, but the actual pictures themselves would've looked horribly ugly on a typical 2D screen.
Multitouch?

The 3DS features a touchscreen, the same feature that made the orginal DS a huge consumer success. The Nintendogs demo being showed by Nintendo allowed people to use a stylus to control the screen.

While it worked great for this game, I wonder if Nintendo has ignored the huge multitouch gaming scene taking place on the iPhone. The DS platform has always prioritized interface before looks or hardware, so adding multitouch is something that can feel at home with the device, not to mention it would add another dimension for game designers to play with.

There's a lot left to uncover on the 3DS. What kind of beefy processor lies under the hood to power the 3D full motion pictures Nintendo is promising? What about screen resolution and that funky IR port on the back of the device I held? For the moment, Nintendo is mum on releasing any more info. I'm sure all the attendees at E3 gushing about Kid Icarus and Star Fox speaks volumes about the device for the time being.

Hopefully by the time the Tokyo Game Show rolls around later this year, Nintendo will be ready to spill whole can of beans on their portable wonder.

E3 2010: Microsoft unveils Xbox 360 Slim

2010-06-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Microsoft marked the unofficial kick off of E3 2010 Monday morning with its Xbox Media Event at the Wiltern Theater in downtown Los Angeles, whose highlight was the launch of the anticipated "slim" version of the Xbox 360.

Microsoft had one final surprise up its sleeve — or, rather, beneath a fake white Xbox. A new sleeker, "whisper-quiet" and black version of the console made its debut at the event. The console features built-in 802.11n networking and a 250GB hard drive. It ships this week for $299, which includes an Xbox 360 wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, HDMI input, USB flash drive storage capabilities and more, and a one-year limited warranty.

With the announcement of the slim Xbox 360, one of the rumors for E3 can also be confirmed as true.

Toaru Majutsu no Index: Season 2?!

2010-06-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

My my~ It looks like there's going to be a second season for Index. Will we get to see more Biribiri, Touma, and Index? and maybe some more fucked up, insane Accelerator laughter?

Date and details for the second season is unknown. Can't wait :D

ISML 2010: Sapphire Necklace Winner

2010-06-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Guess who? :D Shana wins another Sapphire necklace. Shocking, eh? Shana wins the 2010 Sapphire necklace and now has 2 of them. Will Shana get more necklaces in the upcoming rounds? Or will she get pushed out of the way by the contestants?

And for those who are DYING to see her old first ISML sapphire necklace/is a noob/hasn't see it yet, then here.

ToraDora Portable Game: The Taiga Path!

2010-06-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Aisaka Taiga's ending of the ToraDora! Portable game has shocked and excited fans. This happens when you pick the Taiga path. Look at the picture, don't they look happy together? I didn't really expect a loli like Taiga to get pregnant. Seriously.

Pretty [s]cool[/s] weird, eh? Routes with Minorin and Ami are also available, but it's not clear yet whether they include the opportunity to impregnate them (Make them pregnant).

Very old, I know~

Evangelion better than Michael Jackson?

2010-06-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Characters here are Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Mari.

Evangelion 2.22 has outsold the dead corpse of Michael Jackson to become the best selling Blu-ray EVAR. I mean seriously, how did Evangelion 2.22 outsold the dead MJ? Amazing!

Oricon statistics show that in its first week the movie’s Blu-ray release sold a magnificent 357,000 copies, the best selling Blu-Ray ever in Japan – the runner up being the zombie prince of pederasty Michael Jackson, with his posthumously released “This Is It” garnering only a pathetic 351,000 copies.

Combined DVD and Blu-Ray sales are already said to have reached 640,000 – the best selling “anime” anime of all time, and the 14th best selling anime ever – only mass market Ghibli and Disney animation boasts higher sales in Japan.

Rapper “Soulja Boy” Rips Off Death Note

2010-05-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Chart topping rapper “Soulja Boy” has been accused of flagrantly ripping off the Death Note OST in one of his latest releases, imaginatively called “Death Note.”

He is but the latest in a series of minor American celebrities caught plagiarising the works of Japanese artists with the evidently misplaced hope that nobody will notice, a practice since termed “Simmonsing” in honour of its foremost and most shameless practicioner

The track in question, “Long Journey,” which listeners should be warned is exceptionally bad even by contemporary rap standards.

The track from the Death Note OST he is alleged to have flagrantly ripped off, the “Near Theme”.

Whilst liberally “sampling” the music of others is an accepted staple of hiphop, generally it does not extend to stealing entire songs, series names and even fonts, all without credit.

Presumably the rapper, a barely literate 19-year-old who came to fame through such sites as YouTube, thought nobody would notice. He has previously been sued for allegedly stealing the name “Soulja Boy” from another performer, and even amongst other rappers has been dismissed as “garbage.”

As the album in question is merely a freely released “mixtape” it may escape any legal sanction, but this hardly makes it any less ethically dubious.

ISML 2010: Aqua, Topaz, Amethyst, Sapphire Holders

2010-05-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Current Necklace holders:

Aquamarine

K-ON's bass player & scaredy cat, Mio Akiyama, wins the aquamarine necklace. Shocking, isn't it?

Topaz

ToraDora's tsundere, Aisaka Taiga, the so-called "Palm Top Tiger" wins the Topaz Necklace. Doesn't she look adorable? Of course she does look like an angel :3

Amethyst

TMoHS's silent, moe Nagato Yuki wins the amethyst necklace. 1 necklace in ISML 2009, 1 necklace in 2010. Will Yuki win more necklaces, or will she just have two forever?

Sapphire

Beware Of Japanese Fans!

2010-05-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Japanese people rage can be scary and very racist, this rage was fallen at this Chinese fan of Hatsune Miku. This poor fan has been bullied to deleting his Hatsune Miku MAD, all because he programed a virtual idol sing Chinese.

It was after being uploaded it in Nico Nico Douga, racist comments started coming in, mostly about Chinese and Korean coming to the attention of 2ch and Nico. From too much negative comments the fan soon came to the only option of removing the video.

Japanese & Sex? Does that go even well together?

2010-05-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

A large scale scientific survey of Japanese sexual proclivities indicates just what kinky sexual antics they get up to.

The results come from the 2009 SOD Sex Survey, and incorporate responses from a stratified random sample of 1,000 Japanese aged 16-59 living in the vicinity of Tokyo who indicated they had at least one sexual partner (741 in total).

The results include homosexual pairings, but other questions indicate only 4% of both men and women surveyed admitted to any bisexual sexual activity, so the results are essentially overwhelmingly heterosexual. Additionally, half of overall respondents were married, 31% cohabiting and only 15% single.

It should be noted that the activities listed are exclusively considered in a sexual context, i.e. using drugs whilst having sex.

As might be expected, the sex Japanese get up to, such as it is, bears little resemblance to the fantasy sex presented in pornography, with 40% of Japanese apparently having sexual relationships not actually involving sex at all – little wonder birth rates are so low, as even Japanese with partners seemingly shun actual sex.

And of course the notion that Japan is a nation of perverts is a total fallacy.

13-yr-old girl and problems?

2010-05-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

A 13-year-old girl forced to marry a 23-year-old man has died after the injuries he inflicted on her during sex proved fatal.

The Yemeni couple were partnered in an arranged marriage as is common in the country, but when it came to consummating the union the girl suffered injuries to her genitals, described by doctors as a “tear,” which resulted in internal bleeding which later proved fatal.

Reportedly the girl was married off to the man in a sister-swapping agreement between two brothers keen to avoid the cost of buying their brides outright.

As in a number of Islamic nations, child marriage is widely practiced in Yemen, and shows little sign of being abolished despite international outrage and child deaths – laws establishing age limits have been repealed and efforts to re-establish them have met widespread opposition on religious and social grounds, with supporters of a ban being branded apostates by religious authorities.

Nitori and Gun

2010-05-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Oooh-la-la. Shorty Nitori gets a new gun. She's in Gensokyo right now, shooting and murdering people with that shiny gun of hers. Beware, or the kid will attack you from behind. Better than that, HEADSHOT! :D

T2 + Miku + Wallpaper = Magic?

2010-05-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Fans of Tony Taka's work will be happy to hear that his work of Hatsune Miku has officially turned to a wallpaper.

Want to see it? Look here

Male Cosplayer & Kickboxer Wins Championship?!

2010-05-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

A self proclaimed otaku kickboxer, 長島☆自演乙☆雄一郎 / Yuichiro Jienotsu Nagashima, has won a crushing victory at a major Japanese kickboxing championship, receiving the champion’s belt; he entered the ring cosplaying Hatsune Miku, and has on previous occasions appeared variously as Haruhi and a Sailor Moon character.

The event Nagashima triumphed at was none other than “Start of New Legend XIII”, held by the New Japan Kickboxing Federation – his entry was for the super welter weight competition.

His impressive victory was comprised of 11 bouts, all of which he won, and with seven of the victories being KOs. As you can see, his Hatsune Miku costume is actually rather good, beating even hopeful lady Miku cosplayers.

Miku Cosplay: A terrible nightmare?

2010-05-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

We have seen previously some very convincing cosplay of queen of virtual idols Hatsune Miku, but in this case the cosplay troupe assembled is more likely to induce nightmares and panicked flight than it is a queue of eager photographers.

Teacher: “My Pupil Made Me His Sex Slave”

2010-05-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

A female teacher is alleging she was cowed into submission and then sexually enslaved by one of her students.
The teacher, in her forties and working at a Chiba prefecture high school, claims she was the victim of a male first year pupil.

It is alleged that for three months in 2009 she exchanged 657 emails with the boy, as well as giving him lifts in her car and taking him out to dinner.
She also reports late night meetings with the boy, in which he requested she kiss him – she obliged.
The boy withdrew from the school for unrelated reasons, and she was later to claim that he had enslaved her:“I was controlled by my student, I didn’t know what he’d do to me if I didn’t go along with his demands. I’m the victim of indecent assault!” the teacher said.

The prefectural board of education disagreed and punished her for abuse of trust with a disciplinary pay cut, though only 10% for 6 months.
Just whether this is a genuine case of a schoolboy sexually enslaving his teacher or merely one of a teacher trying to get herself off the hook by claiming she was being raped is an interesting question.

Alice Margatroid gets married?!

2010-05-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Alice Margatroid, Touhou's puppet controler (and maker? o.O), plans on getting married to a 18 year-old boy who's a big fan of her. And Doll looks like it's going to get married as well. May the doll force be with the kid.

Vocaloids made it to the TOP!

2010-05-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yes you heard me correctly, Vocaloids made it to the top with their song Vocalogenesis. It hit number one in Japan's national album charts!
Vocaloids fans rejoice on this great event! :D

It was on May 18 that "Exit Tunes Present Vocalogenesis feat. Hatsune Miku" was listed as the top selling album. This may show how concentrated otaku's buying habits are the stuff that marketers dream of :O
Or.... that Vocaloids are getting more popular and earning mainstream appeal xD

Blazblue Review

2010-05-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone Tsukune here and this is my review of Blazblue for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

Prior to the events of BlazBlue, humanity was on the verge of extinction from the "Black Beast", a creature of Darkness. The world was saved by six heroes who wielded magic. They helped humanity create "Armagus", a fusion of magic and technology, to defeat the Beast.

After the war, the Novus Orbis Librarium (the Library or NOL for short) was created to govern the world with the use of Armagus. A great deal of dissent was caused by the Library, partly due to Armagus' use in nearly every facet of society, and the widening socioeconomic gap between those who could and couldn't use Armagus. This dissent would eventually form years later into The Ikaruga Civil War, when the Ikaruga Union openly rebelled against the Library. After the war, the Library imposed a harsher rule on the world, punishing any rebellion against the Library with the death penalty.

In December A.D. 2199, several years after the Ikaruga Civil War, a branch of the Library was utterly destroyed by an SS-class rebel named "Ragna the Bloodedge" also known as the "Grim Reaper", in an attempt to destroy the entire Library. The Novus Orbis Librarium, hoping to stop him, immediately announced the largest bounty ever, available to anyone who could capture him. Interestingly, Ragna possesses a powerful form of Armagus known as the "Azure Grimoire" (Grimoire of the Blue in Japan), also known as the BlazBlue. This led the Librarium, as well as the Ikaruga Union and other fighters, to hunt Ragna not just for his bounty, but also his grimoire.

You have 12 characters to choose from. Ragna the Bloodegde (the main protagonist of the game.), Jin Kisaragi (A hero of the NOL during the Ikaruga war and commanding officer to Noel.), Noel Vermillion (A lieutenant in the NOL and a subordinate to Major Kisaragi.), Iron Tager (Commonly referred to as the 'Red Devil' he works for a group known only as Sector Seven.), and Rachel Alucard (A mysterious vampire.) just to name a few.

BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel on a two dimensional plane. A round is called a "rebel" and one match can consist of one to five "rebels". To win a round, one player must either incapacitate the other by inflicting damage through various attacks to reduce health or by having more remaining health after the clock runs out if the rules of the match has one.

Every character has a weak, medium and strong attack. Also every character has a "unique" technique, called a Drive attack, which is different for each character. Those attacks are also known as "A", "B", "C" and "D". Various combos can be performed by every character through careful input of regular and drive attacks. A combo consists of two or more consecutive attacks that hit an opponent without them retaliating. As combos become longer, each attack will do less damage than normal to give the opponent a chance to retaliate. Grabs can be incorporated into combos also by pressing the "B" and "C" buttons at the same time. Occasionally, some attacks (e.g. Jin's Hirensou) will use portions of the player's heat gauge at the bottom of the screen. The heat gauge is filled by either dealing or receiving damage. When at a certain percentage, special moves called "distortion drives" can be performed. When a distortion drive is successfully performed and connects with the opponent, it deals massive damage and is visually flashier than normal attacks.

Along with attacks every character has two types of block. One is the regular block that can be broken with a "guard crush". That can be achieved by pushing the "guard libra" gauge all the way to the opponent's side through repeated attacks. If the opponent keeps blocking, then their guard can be broken, leaving them open for attack. The second type of block is a barrier block, which is initiated by blocking while holding the "A" and "B" buttons at the same time. A barrier block cannot be broken like a normal guard, but there is a limit on how long one can be held, which is indicated by the barrier gauge. If the barrier gauge empties, then the player will receive 150% damage until it regenerates to half-full.

A form of an advanced tactic is a "rapid cancel". These can be done after any attack to instantly cancel the character sprite's animation frames and reset back to the resting position. However this can only be done at the cost of 50% of the heat gauge.

Counters are the one of the easier tactics to perform. All that is required is for a player to strike their opponent while they are in the middle of an attacking animation to stop them in their tracks. This leaves an opponent open for a combo.

In addition to a player's regular block options, they can also "instant block", which requires stricter timing, but reduces the amount of time the character is stuck in their blocking animation and gives you a little heat.

If a player is under pressure from the opponent, a "barrier burst" can be done at any time to send the opponent away to create some space at the cost of having no barrier block and receiving 150% damage for the rest of the round. A barrier burst may also be used offensively to break the opponents guard (your character will still suffer the extra damage and be unable to barrier block for the remainder of the round).

So over all I give Blazblue a 8 out of 10. Stay tuned for more reviews from me, Tsukune (aka Darkness).

Controls: 7 out of 10

Characters: 9 out of 10

Gameplay: 10 out of 10

Soundtrack: 8 out of 10

“Nichijou” Anime Announced – A Bridge Too Far for KyoAni?

2010-05-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

An anime adaptation of slice-of-life gag manga Nichijou (“Everyday”) is to be handled by Kyoto Animation, but fans are wondering just whether Kyoto Animation will be able to work its magic on the source material in question.

The manga, harshly described by some as “degraded Azumanga,” looks to have character designs and material even Kyoto Animation would be hard pressed to turn into top selling moeblobs. There are doubts about the manga’s idiosyncratic sense of humour. The manga is however much more popular than K-ON! ever was prior to being turned into an anime, though amongst fans respect for the original work seems only to translate into scepticism as to what Kyoto Animation will do with the series, especially with regards to its art.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita Stripped

2010-05-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Our beloved trap from the anime "Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu" has been stripped.
Prepare and get your tissues out. This may cause a BIG nosebleed.

Version 1

Version 2

Korean Otaku marries Fate Testarossa Pillowcase

2010-05-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

A Korean Otaku fatty has married his Fate Testarossa dakimakura (pillowcase).
Fate Testarossa is of course already well known as the character perpetually vying with Nanoha for the position of most popular magical girl in Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.

And so, the fat ass took her on a date. To the theme park, then to a restaurant.

Fate must be enjoying her meal. Same for the fatty.

Barajou no Kiss Recommendation

2010-05-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Barajou no Kiss
Story: Most girls are crazy about jewelry, but not Anis Yamamoto. Not since her father gave her a rose choker as a child, claiming it was a protective amulet which would safeguard her from harm; however, if she ever took it off (a feat easier said than done!), she would be afflicted by a “punishment” of some sort. Not like it matters to her though, since the attention it attracts around school from faculty and students alike isn’t something she’s particularly fond of.
But after a certain incident causes the choker to disappear, she realizes that this punishment her father spoke of might have been a bit more than she bargained for!

Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Reverse Harem, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural
Story & Art: Shouoto Aya

If you like a reverse harem manga with a ton of cute bishies (guys/boys) and badass powers then read it. It's funny and cute. It also have some romance in it perhaps? :D

Yandere of the Week #1

2010-05-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

My friend suggested me to have a Yandere each week on my blog, so I agreed and decided to choose~ Don't worry. There will be a tsundere one as well~
*drumrolls* We haaaaavee... Kaede Fuyou (Shuffle!) :D

Kaede is a innocent girl. Very good at cooking, and might make a perfect housewife. Kaede will give it her all and she always takes lessons from Asa-senpai to make that one "perfect" dish for you. She'll cook you a homemade meal, school lunch, and anything else! But the truth is, Kaede will be obsessed with you. She'd be waiting for you at home and place dinner on the table for you everyday. Kaede also might go yandere if she sees you with another girl. She can grab a cleaver or knife and stab or do anything else to the girl with it. Even you too. So don't mess with Kaede, or your head is gonna get chopped. Cooking is serious business.

The Door in the Dark - Robert Frost

2010-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

A poem made by Robert Frost. Not by me! Please enjoy this poem and comment if you like.

In going from room to room in the dark
I reached out blindly to save my face
But neglected however lightly to lace
My fingers and close my arms in an arc
A slim door got in past my guard
And hit me a blow in the head so hard
I had my native smile jarned
So people and things don't pair anymore
With what they used to pait with before

Unforgotten Love - Unknown

2010-05-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is just a poem. Person who made the poem is somewhat Unknown. Made by someone else, not me! Please enjoy and feel free to comment.

What lips my lips have have kissed and where and why
I have forgotten and what arms have lain
Under my head till morning but the rain
Is full of ghosts tonight that tap and sigh
Upon the glass and listen for reply
And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain
For unremembered lads that not again
Will turn to me at midnight with a cry
Whus in winter stands the lonely tree
Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one
yet knows it's boughs more silent than before
I cannot say what loves have come and gone
I only know that summer sang in me
A little while that in my sings no more

Tenshi as #1 Otaku Wife!

2010-05-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Holy fuck! Tenshi is now #1 Otaku wife! Isn't that amazing?
The lovely, moe and silent Kaede Tachibana (Angel/Tenshi) from KEY's On-Going HIT anime, Angel Beats!, had just pwned the lovely two ladies from the popular, moe blob anime, K-ON!

Who are those two ladies you say? *drumrolls* dun dun dun dunn! It's moe moe kyun, blue striped pantsu girl Mio! and the food eating girl who never gets fat..... Yui! The two girls of the anime who do most of the singing for the anime's OP & ED. Yui is voiced by Toyasaki Aki, and Mio is voiced as Hikasa Yoko, if I can spell Yoko's last name right 8D

Anyways, Tenshi is now #1 and has surpassed the two girls from K-ON! Will one of the K-ON! girls strike back and get the number one spot and dominate the charts, once again? or will Tenshi will keep her first place until 2011 or 2010? Who knows!

Moe Moe Tenshi! Doesn't she look great in that outfit?
Credits: News goes to Sankaku Complex. Image goes to their respective owners.

Picnik Navigation

2010-05-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Confused? Getting dizzy? Never seen Picnik? First time actually trying it? Well look here newbies! Here I'm going to explain how to use the tools in Picnik and the like. I will also make tutorials.... maybe. If you're noobly enough to learn. Let's get started, shall we?

Home
If you click home, you're at the damn home page. Wanna try to make graphics with Picnik? click the "Upload Photos" button you fools. There's also FAQ (if you have the questions and see if they're already answered and the like), About Us (About Picnik), Buzz (compliments and shit, if you know what I mean), Contact Us (If you have any problems or whatever), Privacy Policy (more shit), My Account (you're account and stuff! :D).

Library
Start (Do awesome things and shit!): Edit Photos, Make a fancy or plain collage, Make a keepsake, or make a show. Get from computer: Upload photos you want and stuff. It will also show your recently uploaded pictures (if you uploaded any). History: All your saved photos. It will show the week's name and date and time of when you saved it. Get from website: Copy and paste a URL into the bar if you're way too lazy to upload a picture. Yahoo Search: I don't know what this is, but just type something and figure it out yourself, if you're a yahoo user. (I'm not!) Webcam Photo: You need a webcam plug in to do this. No webcam, no webcam picture. More: More...... stuff.

Edit
Here you get to mess around with your damn image. Got your uploaded image or Picnik sample ready? Good. Autofix: Just fixes your image to the way it was before you edited it. Rotate: Rotate your image up or down or whatever way! Look at the degrees. Crop: Crop your image. Keep this in mind, you can't get "EVERYTHING" when it comes to cropping images. Just being honest. Unless you're image is fucking small 8D Resize: So basically you make your image into clear-ish like small, medium-size, fucking big, or pixelated. I type in random numbers for resizing. So don't make your fucking image look crappy. Exposure: Play it around. Colors: Do something with the image for all I care. Sharpen: Make it sharp if you want. Red Eye: It's same like sharpen. I think.

Create
You're fucking ready to edit and mess up some more! Yaaaay! :D
Featured: What picnik has up and is popular. Effects: There's tons of effects, but some are labeled premium. Text: Put text on your image if you want, and you can use different fronts than that "same" boring Arial. Some fonts are labeled premium. Stickers: add stickers as accessories for your image. again, some are labeled premium. Stuff: make it purdy! alot are premium. Frames: if you want to add borders or the like for the hell of it. Advance: the good stuff for the people who have premium. Seasonal: Holiday shit. You know what I mean.

Save & Share
Congratulations you motherfucking noob! You are finally done with your image. Save your image and try to type in some words for the file image. That'll be great. Oh, and JPG = Sucky, GIF = for small files, PNG = Clear and alive baby! Click save photo. You can also share your image and spread the disease on teh int3rw3bz! There's more shiet.

Hope you all like this sucky tutorial navigation 8D
Oh, and here's some reminders for the time being:

Premium = The good shiet. Try to upgrade your picnik to get the good stuff. Yes you have to use real cash/money/mulah.
PNG = Clear and clean. It'll be alive once you upload it. No kidding.
JPG = It's kinda fine, I guess.
GIF = Shitty if you want little sparky pixels on your image. Somewhat thinks it's good for small files? o.o