Gaming for Smart People
Hot on the heels of MGS4’s release worldwide, Kojima Productions has unleashed the Metal Gear Solid 4 Database. Available for download from the Playstation Network Store, the database covers absolutely every single tidbit of information pertaining to the Metal Gear universe, starting from Metal Gear for MSX and ending with Metal Gear Solid 4.
Hot on the heels of the official worldwide release of Kojima’s magnum opus, Metal Gear Solid 4, Konami finally pressed and released the second Metal Gear Solid Digital Comic book. Unlike the original digital comic, the second is a straight DVD release, and is fully voiced. It also contains the original MGS1 digital comic on DVD.
When my copy finally arrived this evening, I was surprised to find that it didn’t come in a flimsy DVD case but in fact was housed within a meticulous and detailed tin case.
Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek: Metal Gear Solid 2 Bande Desinee’
This morning I walked in the pouring rain to pick up the Japanese Limited Edition version of Valkyria Chronicles, called Senjou no Valkyria in Japan. The LE is the regular fare in regards to Japanese Limited Edition boxes: it comes in a custom cardboard box, adorned with fantastic art from the game. Unlike American LE’s, though, these are truly limited. In Japan, Limited Edition copies of games are only shipped to stores if specifically ordered.
Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek: Valkyria Chronicles (戦場のヴァルキュリア) Japanese Limited Edition’
Despite arriving later in the Kansai area than Tokyo, the Super Famicom classic controllers for Wii have finally been sent out to Club Nintendo Platinum members. The controllers are an exact replica of the original Super Famicom controllers that were released in Japan, but have a classic controller plug, for that authentic Super Famicom experience when playing games on Virtual Console.
It would be an understatement to say that this past winter break was beyond busy. Among my many guests, my parents visited from the US. Still, even with them around, Eric from Book of Revenant and I still had time to delve into most sought after Dragon Quest Anniversary item: Dragon Quest Dungeon R.
Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek: HDRL plays Dragon Quest Dungeon R’
I realize that this post is a little late to the party, as all news outlets that could post on the existence of these limited edition drinks have already done so. Unfortunately, due to logistical mistakes (read: my local convenience store sold out very very quickly), I was unable to get my hands on a potion for quite some time.
Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek: Final Fantasy VII Limited Edition Potions’
This weekend was the first time in almost four months that I was able to make my way to Den Den Town in Nippombashi (日本橋), the gaming, electronics and anime shopping district in Osaka (大阪). This weekend’s hunt was a successful one, as I came upon quite a few great finds, that I wasn’t even expecting to come upon.
The first and the biggest purchase today was a copy of Castlevania Dracula X: Rondo of Blood (悪魔情ドラキュラX：血のロンド), previously owned, but still in mint condition. I did a little shopping before finally picking my copy up at Super Potato, but most stores had no copies. I had been looking for a long time, but after the recent announcement of Dracula X Chronicles for PSP, my resolve in finding a copy of the original was renewed.
After a few weeks of searching due to stocking issues, I finally got my hands on a copy of the new Devil May Cry Graphic File artbook. The book itself seems to be in short supply, even in my area, but it is obtainable with the right amount of motivation.
The first thing you may notice is that the cover is actually done by the same artist that supplied all the concept art for Sengoku Basara 1 and 2 (戦国バサラ). The art in the book is surprisingly comprehensive, not only offering location and monster art and renders, but also offering up a very large chapter devoted to the different color tests and design changes Capcom went through when initially designing Dante.
I was scouring the book store near the office this afternoon when I had some free time, and made a wonderful discovery. It seems the Persona 3 art book has finally shipped (named Persona 3 Design Works), and is available in stores, along with the final strategy guide.
I snapped a few choice photos, just for you; the reader.
I know there are a few Wild Arms fans out there, waiting for the release of Wild Arms Vth Vanguard on the 15th of December. Being a moderate fan of the series’ past games, I had to pick up the 10th anniversary fan book when I happened upon it in my local book store just a few short weeks ago. Sadly, I only had a chance today to take some photos.
Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek: Wild Arms 10th Anniversary Fan Book’
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