ShonenJump
Latest
The best TVs and streamers to use in a dorm room
Sure, studying is important. But in between classes and hitting the books everyone will need time to relax with some Netflix. Some students might be able to get by with just a laptop, tablet or even phone for TV watching, but we think you can do better without breaking the bank. We've picked out a few TVs, keeping in mind that students will need sets that are smaller and not too expensive. And, if you happen to pick a TV that doesn't already have streaming apps built in, we've listed some of our favorite streaming devices, too. Speaking of streaming apps, you'll need good stuff to watch. We're not bothering recommending Netflix because let's face it, you probably already are mooching off your parents have your own account. Instead, allow us to recommend some services you might not have heard of -- say, for anime and manga fans.
Get new manga when Japan does with Shonen Jump's subscription service
Shonen Jump, one of the most beloved and longest-running manga magazines on Earth is once again reinventing itself. First printed in 1968, the publication has hosted its American localization as an online magazine since 2012 and, come December 17th, will offer a subscription service delivering the latest chapters from popular series the same that that they're released in Japan.
Dragonball Z HD refresh sees details, trailer pop up ahead of April 5 launch
The 100 episode limited edition high definition reintroduction of DragonBall Z has a name: DragonBall Kai, and a fresh HD trailer, embedded and lovingly fansubbed after the jump. More details have come out about the series since it was revealed, with the backers still emphasizing "no cropping" of original scenes, renewed opening and closing music plus re-recorded background songs. Just 24 more days to go.
Dragonball Z refreshed & renewed in HD for 20th Anniversary
Avoiding the obvious solution of gravity training, the original Dragonball Z TV series is getting remastered for HD, in honor of its 20th anniversary. According to this Shonen Jump scan, the reworked episodes will begin airing in Japan April 5, with footage extended (we're hoping that doesn't mean stretched, it doesn't seem like it) for 16x9 displays, with remastered sound effects and, where available, re-dubbed vocals by the original cast. The remastered edition will only consist of 100 episodes or so, but we're sure DBZ fans are already preparing to import this one on Blu-ray.[Via OKP]
Bleach: The Third Phantom is an ... SRPG?
We're used to hearing bizarre ideas from Sega by now, but the project announcement in this week's issue of Shonen Jump has left even us flummoxed. Following up its two previous Treasure-developed 2D fighters based on the Bleach anime/manga license, the Sonic studio plans to release the next edition to the series, Bleach: The Third Phantom, as an SRPG later this year.Aside from a mostly bare teaser site and a partial, blurry shot of a magazine preview, not much else of the game has been shown. We'll make sure to keep you updated if we hear anything in between our contemplations on whether or not this Bleach SRPG is a good idea.[Via Siliconera]
More comparisons between FFIV 3D and the original game
The latest issue of Shonen Jump has a page of new CG artwork and cutscene screenshots from Square Enix's 3D remake of Final Fantasy IV, previewing a game that we likely won't receive until next year. If the release schedule is anything like Final Fantasy III's (DS), we'll have to wait three months after the game ships in Japan before a localized version hits North America.Siliconera sectioned off the characters, and compared the images with their counterparts on the original SNES game. Cecil doesn't seem to have lost any of his femininity, and Kain's dragoon outfit looks just as badass as ever! You can check out the rest of the juxtaposed pieces at Siliconera, but we've got the original Japanese magazine scan after the post break.Also see: FFIV 3D remake compared with original 2D games
Friday Video: Fast as lightning
Since we talked a little about import games here this morning, showing off a trailer for a game often mentioned in the same breath as "if only" seemed appropriate for our video spotlight. If you're one of the four people around who isn't familiar with Jump Ultimate Stars, let us enlighten you. Jump Ultimate Stars is a fighting game packed with hundreds of manga characters. Yes, hundreds, from dozens of series ... and it also happens to be a great fighting game on the DS. Check out one of the trailers for the game after the jump.
New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game
We knew that it would be a while after Mistwalker's late 2005 announcement before we'd see Archaic Sealed Heat's release, but with little-to-no new media on the SRPG since its unveiling and half of 2007 gone by without word on its status, it was hard to convince ourselves that the game still existed.Shonen Jump's latest issue confirms that, yes, ASH is still being worked on for a holiday 2007 release, and that the graphics look just as impressive as ever. Check past the post break for the scanned magazine page to see a sampling of the ASH's artwork, CG cutscenes, and screenshots!
Go ahead, Jump! Ultimate Stars sale
As if language barriers aren't enough to dissuade would-be importers from ordering Japan-only games, the pricing on these titles often border on lunacy when compared to what new releases usually cost in the states. So while Play Asia's Jump! Ultimate Stars sale for $29.90 might not seem like much of a bargain, keep in mind that the online fighter usually sells for a staggering $48.90.It's a great game though; many have even compared it to the Super Smash Bros. series, except in 2D and with twenty hojillion playable manga characters. Since Play-Asia will be honoring the reduced price until next Monday, that gives you plenty of time to consider whether or not this discount is deep enough to warrant a purchase. We think that it is!
All NEW blurry shots from FFCC: Crystal Bearers
Well, 66% new, at least -- but that's more than we had a mere week ago. The good folks at Square Enix seem to make us want to suffer. They're teasing us with glimpses of this strange new Final Fantasy, the game that's not quite in keeping with the franchise's glorious RPG tradition. But exactly what do they have in store for us? At this rate, we'll find out sometime in late 2010. Just let go, guys. Give us the Crystal Bearers trailer and let us see it in action. That one teaser just wasn't enough!%Gallery-3302%
First look at Final Fantasy IV 3D remake [Update 1]
Japanese magazine Shonen Jump has unveiled the first screenshots of Square Enix's Final Fantasy IV 3D remake, confirming rumors about its development that've been circulating since yesterday. The preview shows a sampling of combat and Cecil wandering through a populated town. Run past the post break for the scanned page and a smug look from Shonen Jump's pirate guy.With FFIV released for the GBA around late 2005 and FFIII remade for the DS just last November, are you starting to tire from all of Square Enix's rehashes like we are? We won't deny that the 3D engine looks great, but do we have to revisit every single Final Fantasy adventure with it, especially when an updated version of this particular game already came out less than two years ago? And for the love of all that is good and holy, why haven't Secret of Mana or Chrono Trigger made it on the list of games to be remade yet?
Final Fantasy XIII scans -- still pretty
"Its exit is programmed for the year 2007 in Japan." You have got to love Babelfish. Its translations are top-notch. That's 100% besides the point, though. This is all about a few magazine scans from Japanese magazine Shonen Jump. What do we see? Well, besides the usual pretty Yuna/Ashe character (who goes by the name of Lightning, I think is what was pulled from these scans), there's this other dude in a white coat and some kind of detective hat. You know what? He does look a bit like Seifer. More along the lines of the Kingdom Hearts 2 Seifer, but older. Whatever. He'll be a good guy. Since there's not much else to say and not much else known about this darn game, why don't we play the "guess the RPG stereotype" game for this Seifer-clone? What do you think he'll be? Strong silent type? Womanizer? Amnesiac? Really good fighter with a cold heart, but still teaches the main character how to fight? Go for it. Also, if the translation is right, this game is programmed for exit in 2007 -- sooner than we thought, but you must remember how far Final Fantasy XII was pushed back.
