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Gaming habits in Japan

Edwin — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 02:43:27 +0000

Everybody knows that the DS Lite rules all and sundry in Japan, but it makes you wonder what is it exactly that makes them fly off the shelves as though they were the next best thing since sliced bread?

Here are some interesting facts for you to sleep over - over 45% of the population have a portable game device, with the GBA holding on to top spot with a 24.1% share, followed by both the DS and DS Lite at 24.1% and 14.4% respectively, while the Sony PSP languishes at 10.7%.

More than two times the amount of DS Lite owners actually play games on their beloved handheld everyday compared to PSP owners - could this be due to the lack of engaging games on Sony’s handheld?

Brain games and RPGs top the type of games that gamers love to play, while 60% of gamers love the stylus input as it throws away boring old D-pad convention.

I personally have chosen the DS Lite over the PSP as my most recent purchase, and am currently enjoying myself thoroughly. Animal Crossing, anyone?

Source: Kotaku

Final Fantasy Tactics on PSP feature new cutscenes, jobs

Edwin — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 02:41:40 +0000

Looks like the upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics for the PSP platform will come with new cutscenes in addition to job classes. In addition, there will be ad-hoc multiplayer to make the game all the more interesting. This is good as you could always borrow one of your friend’s Calculators when it comes to decimating an entire map of enemies.
It is also interesting to note that Square Enix is currently working on RPGs for both the Nintendo DS Lite in addition to the PSP platform - and with word of a Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2 coming out on the DS Lite, which would you, our dear reader, choose? A slightly revamped version of the PSOne game, or a totally brand new game that was developed from ground up while retaining the great qualities of its PSOne predecessor?

Source: PSP Fanboy

DS Lite to receive hardware update?

Edwin — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 02:31:55 +0000

Rumors abound on the World Wide Web, and word on the street is Nintendo would be offering a hardware revision of the already super sexy DS Lite sometime next year. It is said that the new DS Lite will receive a larger screen, measuring between 3.5″ and 3.8″ from the current 3″. How this will affect game development remains to be seen if the rumor is true, but I personally call it a hoax. Does this move anger those who have already upgraded to the DS Lite from the ancient DS Phat, or will it put you off from picking up a DS Lite this Christmas, knowing that a better version could potentially come out later next year? Ultimately it is your call, but there are just too many delicious titles being released on the DS Lite the past year to avoid picking it up.

Source: Kotaku

More Pokemon goodness coming your way

Edwin — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 02:21:35 +0000

Pokemon: Diamond/Pearl will definitely receive a hot reception in the American market, just like how all other Pokemon games were in the past. It will most probably see a spring release date despite troucing opposition in software sales since its release in the local Japanese market. So far reviews of the Japanese versions have been nothing but glowing, and you know an American release will do nothing but further bolster the Pokemon brand and see an exponential increase in DS Lite sales. Expect to see the new WiFi trading system come into play with the Diamond/Pearl version as well.

Source: DS Fanboy

Bleach DS 2nd Screens...

Edwin — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 02:36:34 +0000

The Nintendo DS looks set to receive yet another top notch title with Bleach DS 2nd Screens, but it looks as though gamers living Stateside are on the losing end as they haven’t even received the first version while the Japs already have a sequel on their hands.

From the screenshots, we know that the sequel to this massively popular multiplayer title will bring more exciting online battles for owners of the DS. There is just something about unbridled violence that gamers seem to thrive on these days, as we have certainly come a long way from the days of pill poppers like Pac Man.

Source: Go Nintendo

New Yu-Go-Oh! game coming your way

Edwin — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 02:52:08 +0000

Konami is currently working on bringing Yu-Gi-Oh! Spirit Caller to the US. They are targeting a release date of early January next year, and fans of the card-flipping genre will be thrilled as they have been starved of a new Yu-Gi-Oh! adventure for quite some time already.

It is a new year at the Duel Academy, and everyone is raring to prove their ability by giving their all. You, the protagonist, will begin in the Silver Red Dorm. Shortly after your arrival, your senses are assaulted by the voice of the spirit duelist.

Since the spirit duelist is of good alignment, it will help you along in your quest as you solve mysteries that pop up all too frequently.

WiFi multiplayer capability is supported in Spirit Caller, and with over 1,400 cards to dabble with, you are bound to have hours of handheld fun. Each purchase also comes with a trio of exclusive trading cards that you can sell or auction off.

Source: DS Fanboy

Cake Mania making its way to the DS

Edwin — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 02:52:23 +0000

Looks like the Nintendo DS isn’t limited to new genres thanks to its unique input system, it also offers more than enough firepower to handle Flash ports, and Cake Mania is one of the upcoming titles that might retail at an incredibly low $19.99.

Despite being able to play it all over the Internet, there is something about bringing this game everywhere you go with the DS.

Cake Mania is actually a baking sim (can you believe it) that features you, the young chef Jill who is charged with the task to save the family business by baking her way to success.

Amongst the activities Jill is involved in would be taking part in various baking shows across exotic locations such as Hawaii and even in a casino.

There are 80 levels which have been faithfully reproduced from the original Flash game, and gamers can also expect the Back to the Bakery expansion to be bundled with each purchase.

Source: DS Fanboy

EA to bring Sim Theme Park to DS

Edwin — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:07:20 +0000

I guess the DS platform is really ideal to bring old PC classics as it features the perfect input format. Electronic Arts has announced that they will be porting over the Theme Park simulation for the DS, and word on the street is a Japanese version will be released next March.

Several German sources have cited a similar launch date for Europe, but do take all that news with a pinch of salt. EA might be in the bad books of most people for producing sub-par games, but it is a good thing to see younger gamers pick up classics in this day and age of High Definition gaming.

Source: DS-x2

Arvale: Short Tales now available

Edwin — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:02:27 +0000

The Pocket PC platform is often maligned and overlooked when it comes to quality games, but Arvale: Short Tales is a RPG that can be considered as an epic on your communication device.

Being the third game in this instalment, you can pick up Arvale: Short Tales for $19.95 in a try or buy offer.

Expect to clock up anywhere between 10 to 20 hours with this game, and with over 30 locations and hundred of detailed maps, characters, and a noteworthy bestiary, you would have a great time completing all four stories inside.

We’re nto sure what a ninja with a pirate’s eye-patch is doing inside the game though, although the sorceress must’ve done some great magic to achieve those bulbuous breasts.

Source: Pocket Gamer

Undercover: Dual Motives for DS

Edwin — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 01:57:23 +0000

The Nintendo DS’ microphone function is underutilized in games, and I always was a little bit apprehensive of it as I wouldn’t want to get spit all over my precious DS during frantic gameplay moments.

Apparently Undercover: Dual Motives will make use of the microphone in some of the more endearing moments within. Imagine blowing paper darts at him literally by aiming with the stylus on one hand and puffing away. Anyone who sees you doing that in public will probably get turned off and complain about how the DS teaches people to be rude, but they just don’t get the point do they?

No idea on when Undercover: Dual Motives will be released, but the screenshots on the right (not sure if it is actual gameplay or not) look pretty sweet.

Source: DS Fanboy