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Worldwide PSP releases for the week of May 20
Another week, and luckily another set of game releases. Every Sunday we give you the 411 on what's coming out for the PSP worldwide. If a game is listed as coming out in a different country from where you live, don't worry. Your PSP can play games from any region. That gives every game on this list the potential to be in your future game library. We have some interesting choices this week, so read on! US Games Brooktown High Senior Year Diner Dash Legend of the Dragon Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End EU Games Crush Heatseeker Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Winx Club Asian Games Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 Juiced Eliminator Release dates may always change, so you may want to call before heading to your local game shop. I totally want Bleach, but do any of these games interest our readers?
Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 hits Japan with new CM
The PSP sure has had a lot of Bleach. Not that we're complaining. We haven't been following the series too closely recently, making all the new characters in the latest game unfamiliar to us. With over 37 playable characters and 22 partner characters in the game (so far), we're expecting this latest PSP effort to take Japan by storm.Expect more as we inch towards the import release in May.
Deal of the Day: Ape Escape Racer only $15
You've played the demo: now you can buy this import racer for cheap at Play-Asia. While we didn't think too highly of the game (too slow for our tastes), there aren't really any other monkey-themed kart-style racers on our system. So, if you have the itch for a Mario Kart-styled game, at least it won't cost you a pretty penny.Honestly, we recommend picking up Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 instead. As a CAG forum user pointed out, it's only $25. The Bleach games don't differ too much from each other, so you won't feel like you're missing out too much compared to Heat the Soul 4.
DS Daily: Adapting anime
We recognize that the fanbase for video games and anime overlap quite a bit, and so do a lot of companies out there. It's no surprise, then, that popular anime properties get adapted into game form quite a bit. We've seen it on the DS with Fullmetal Alchemist and Bleach, not to mention the ultimate in anime tie-ins: the Jump Super Stars series.If you like anime, does this kind of thing have any influence on you? Do you get excited hearing about a game version of your favorite show, despite the years of punishment licensed games have dealt us? Or do you get worried that a game will somehow tarnish the reputation of the source material? And if you don't like anime, have you run across any anime-based games that you love separate from the license? The GBA slot in our DS is often occupied by Sega and Treasure's brilliant Astro Boy: The Omega Factor despite our not being the most devoted Astro Boy fans.
Bleach Wii screenshot explosion
When we say screenshot explosion, we mean it. JeuxVideo put up fifty screens from Bleach for everyone outside Japan to sigh over. It's been out there for months, and we haven't seen any sign of a non-Japanese release, which we think is a travesty, particularly after seeing the trailer. Hit the jump for a selection of screens, and let us know what you think the odds are that we'll ever see this in an English-language version.
Bleach: Heat the Soul 4's battle system
If you've never imported one of the Bleach fighting games you're missing out one of the best fighters on the PSP. Being a fan of both the anime and the game series, I was happy to see that more info has come out about Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 from the official site. Finally there will be playable Vizards. The battle system is upgraded and supposed to have a new component called 'Soul Blaze'. The creators say the game is based on the manga, not the anime which may explain some of the visual choices.Lastly, here are the confirmed characters so far: Ichigo Kurosaki Shuhei Hisagi Ulquiorra Ikkaku Madarame Yumichika Ayasegawa Grimmjow Jaggerjack Hirako Shinji Hiyori Sarugaki The game is due out 5/24 in Japan.[Via DCEmu]
Japanese release day highlights: 02.15.07
It's another game release Thursday in Kyoto, and the chilling haru ichiban wind is a-blowin'. Time to get the fire going, pour a hot cup of green tea, and make ourselves comfortable in that red leather armchair. It's time like these when games like Layton (see above) are most welcome. And alongside the noble Professor Layton's latest adventure with Level-5, we're happy to stuff a few other portable gems inside our carrier bag today: Bleach DS 2nd (more Treasure love; DS) Professor Layton's Mysterious Town (the talk of Kyoto town; DS) Lumines II (Japan has been very patient with you, Mr. Mizuguchi; PSP) Tales of Destiny 2 (because Namco doesn't know when to stop; PSP)
DS releases for the week of February 12th
After last week's flood, it looks like DS owners are back down to a trickle of releases, but importers take note -- there's all sorts of hotness in Japan this week. The three Japanese releases are definitely games to watch. While we drool and dream over those, gamers in Europe can finally get in on some 3-on-3 basketball action, Mario-style.DS releases (US) F-24: Stealth Fighter For the rest of the world, check after the jump.
Bleach 2 brings the pain
Oh, we don't mean the pain of the action variety. This is more the pain of "where the hell is Bleach DS?!" We haven't even seen the first one and they're already on a sequel. What gives? Folks outside Japan can certainly appreciate a good fighting game. Oh well, looks like those of us who can't live without a little violence might have to turn to importing. This isn't just any violence, either. We're talking four-on-four multiplayer WiFi violence. Did any of you guys import the original? This sequel is said to improve on the gameplay, and that's a tall order. It did take them a while to get around to showing off anything from the sequel, so maybe some extensive fine-tuning did go on. If only we had more than a few screens to show off, but these will have to do for now. Check 'em out after the jump.
The top ten girls of PSP
You've seen the top ten girls of Hooters. You've perused the top ten women of tennis. You may even have seen the top ten girls of gaming, but you haven't yet seen the top ten girls of PSP. Until now that is! The requirements are simple, to qualify she has to be a girl and has to be in a PSP game. But enough with the procrastinating, on with the ceremony! Top ten after the jump ...
Can't get enough Bleach? Heat the Soul 4 revealed
I'm a fan of the anime series Bleach, but even I find it ridiculous how often these games are coming out on the PSP. Within two years, the Heat the Soul franchise is getting its fourth game. As usual, expect a larger roster of characters from the anime's continuing storyline. With the franchise's good looks and awesome presentation, Bleach fans will certainly want to get their hands on the game. But really, isn't this too much?Check out the official Japanese website to see videos of this fighter in action. [Via Game & Gadgets]
Wii and GameCube side-by-side
Loads of people, especially Nintendo haters, have been questioning the quality of the Wii graphics. French site, NGCFrance, has put up 13 sets of images from games featured on the GameCube and Wii one after the other to compare the difference, if any. We wouldn't completely trust these screens, fellow Wii fanboys/gals. We aren't saying that the site intentionally altered screens to try and make a negative point nor that the pictures are wrong due to our Nintendo fandom, we are just saying to look with an open mind. We especially love the Fire Emblem comparison. Magic blast vs. magic blast. Sweet. On a lighter note, Google translator is teh awesome. Check out what a Nintendo Fanboy from France had to say in Nintendo's defense: me yesterday I played there the mgs and DIFFERENCE EAST MUCH CLEARER than that!!!!!!!! because laWii same on a screen of 120cm reacted very well and remains super beautiful!! and sonic be superb!!! not no concern it above Wii will be more beautiful, more powerful and heuresement!! ^^ zelda tp pouwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwa!!! brilliant comamdes!!! Word.
"The Best" budget line expands in Japan
The PSP's lineup of Greatest Hits games in America is relatively small, and hasn't grown in quite some time. (In order to qualify for Greatest Hits status, a game must sell more than 250,000 copies and be more than 9 months old.) Japan's "The Best" series in Japan, though, continues to grow. Sure, it features really ugly packaging, but at the low, low price of 2800 yen (about $25), it might be worth it. The latest additions to the budget lineup include: Metal Gear Acid 2, Sengoku Musou, Bleach Heat the Soul 2, and Harvest Moon Portable. If you're wondering how these titles are selected, don't: unlike in America, it doesn't appear the Japanese budget program actually has qualifications.[Via Siliconera]
TGS 'best of' round part two: you asked for it
A smattering of additional game videos from the Tokyo Game Show, culled together from what you wanted to see added to our best of list. Videos are embedded after the jump.
Bleach trailer: ass kicking at its finest
Whether or not you're a fan of the anime Bleach, it's hard to argue with a good round of ass kickery. One of the first things we thought of when the WiiVolution was first introduced, way back in the long ago time of 2005, was a fighting game. What better use for the controller than beating down your best good friends?Bleach looks to do just that. This new trailer is equal parts gameplay footage and hot Wiimote-swinging action. Check it out after the jump.
Jump Superstars 2 announced
One can look around at the abundance of excellent games on the DS, usually feeling contented and satisfied. Yet, despite the numerous genres represented (and in a few cases, completely made up), the dual-screened wonder lacks a proper fighting game. Well, that's only partially true: Japan scored a brilliant game in Jump Superstars, a battle royale between essentially every popular anime and manga character in the country. And it was import-friendly! However, despite the game's excellent Smash Bros-like battle system, the real fun came via ad-hoc multiplayer...and what were the chances of finding another American gamer with this thing?Well, get excited, fighting fans. The most recent issue of Famitsu has confirmed a sequel, entitled Jump Ultimate Stars. There are a few new characters, a few new moves, the regular treatment...but this time, the game properly supports the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. If you can't find an American to beat down with Getsuga Tenshou, then just connect with someone across the Pacific. Warning: Japanese gamers are generally way, way better than you are.[Thanks, Thousand Dragoon Link!]
Bleach's 33 characters of kicking butt
Bleach: Heat the Soul 3 came out in Japan a few weeks ago, and the import reviews are slowly trickling in. PSP411's KageNaruto had nearly nothing but praise for the fighter, praising the game's great cel-shaded graphics and excellent voice acting, ripped straight from the anime. It goes into almost nosebleed-inducing detail about the gameplay (2960 words!). Of particular note are the visually intense specials that all 33 characters have (featured above). I'm a pretty serious Bleach fan, and after watching that video, and reading this review, I feel like I have no choice but to import this game immediately. Hopefully, Sony will bring the games out here one day, especially once the show starts airing on Cartoon Network this September.
Japanese PSP releases for the week of July 25th
Nippon terebi geimu wo shiyoka? You know the PSP can play games from all over the world, right? So, if you're tired of all those PSP games that are released here in the States, then maybe you should consider importing some games from the land of the rising sun. Here are this week's releases: Bleach: Heat the Soul 3The insanely popular Bleach anime series gets a third fighter for the PSP. It received a 28/40 in Weekly Famitsu. Bomberman PortableIt's Bomberman. Does it need any more explanation? And with Game Sharing, you can play with one UMD. It got a 26/40 in Weekly Famitsu. Portable Island: Te no Hira no ResortThis is a ridiculously boring "game" that has you having all the fun of being stuck on a deserted island. Ultraman Fightman Evolution 0Ultraman is still around in Japan for some reason. If you like men in tights fighting each other, you'll want to pick this up. It got a 25/40 in Weekly Famitsu. I'd recommend getting Bleach: Heat the Soul 3. It's by far the prettiest game of the bunch, as you can tell by the video embedded above. And, it's provided in a language that everyone can understand: beat things up. You can import it from YesAsia.com for about $49, shipped.[Via IGN]
Bleach sequel confirmed
While we haven't even received the first game yet, Sega has let loose word that a sequel to the popular fighting game Bleach for the DS is in development. In the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine, a single-page spread confirms that the game will be seeing the light of day, as well as depicting some of the combat to come. So Japan is getting a sequel, now how about working on getting the first game to US shores?
Bleach Wii info and screens
For those of you who've seen the anime and/or read the manga, the characters from Bleach need no introduction. For the rest of us, I guess they're dudes with swords? Regardless, the newest screenshots and information released clearly show an emphasis on maintaining the visual style and events depicted in the anime and manga. The article also confirms that the Wiimote will be used to dictate the direction of your character's slash.
