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VIZ Media launching subscription-based 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fall
VIZ Media, the localization company responsible for bringing Bleach, Naruto and all things Rumiko Takahashi stateside, has announced that it will be launching a 24-hour anime network called Neon Alley on consoles this fall.Which consoles will actually receive Neon Alley remains to be seen, as the press release (found after the break) does not list specifics. The $6.99 a month service will not be an on-demand streaming app, but rather an actual television channel with a schedule and everything. All content will be uncensored, in HD when possible, but always dubbed in English, which could be good or bad depending on your personal anime sensibilities.The channel will broadcast advertisements, despite the subscription fee, though VIZ says those ads will be "limited" and help keep the monthly cost below 10 dollars. Announced programming includes Naruto Shippuden, Inuyasha: The Final Act, Death Note and quite a few others, as well as original programming.
Elsword hacks and slashes into open beta
Ever wanted to star in your own comic book? Well now you can get a feel for what it would be like to hop through lovingly inked panels by jumping into the colorful world of Elsword. The manga-flavored MMO enters open beta today, offering a unique Otaku experience for those who aren't afraid of a little over-the-top action. Elsword is a side-scrolling MMO that eschews subtle combat for frantic button-mashing. As you level up, your character will not only grow in abilities, but actually have their look and voice change as well. The game offers solo adventures, co-op dungeon runs, and PvP battles. Elsword's open beta will continue through May 4th. You can get in on the action by signing up on the official website, and don't forget to check out the first look at Elsword we did earlier this month! %Gallery-120229%
Kill3rCombo launches Elsword closed beta
It's officially closed beta time for Elsword, the manga-themed MMORPG from Kill3rCombo. If you've been itching to star in your very own comic book, now's your chance, as interested players can sign up via the game's website. The closed beta period is going on right now and will run through Wednesday, March 30th. That should give you plenty of time to play as Rena, Aisha, or Elsword as you take on quests in the game's co-op dungeons or duke it out in the PvP arenas. Elsword sports a unique comic book style as well as a combo system that is both newb-friendly and deep enough to challenge veteran button-mashers. Elsword also features skill specializations, which allow for various playstyles. Kill3rCombo hasn't graced us with an open beta or release date as of yet, but stay tuned for more updates as the closed beta period rolls on.
Resort uses augmented reality to pair virtual girls with actual nerds
You've heard of this Love Plus thing, right? This Nintendo DS-based "dating simulator" is apparently a big deal in Japan, giving Otaku the opportunity to chat up (and kiss) girls the only way they know how: on a hand-held game console, with a stylus. To promote the latest version of the game (Love Plus +), Konami has developed an Augmented Reality iPhone app that players can take to the coastal city of Atami, allowing them to interact with their virtual girlfriends at any of thirteen romantic spots. One can even book a room at the Ohnoya hotel which, according to Discovery News, offers futon beds and a "barcode panel that allows the men to visualize their girlfriends in a flattering summer kimono." Over 2,000 virtual lotharios visited the resort town during the campaign, which began on July 10 and ends today. Check out the trailer for the game (in Japanese, which doesn't diminish the enjoyment for our English readers one bit) after the break.
WoW Moviewatch: Neon Genesis WoW
Kamuraki created this opening sequence parody for Chronicle of the Annoying Quest based off Neon Genesis Evangelion. It's called Neon Genesis WoW. As a result of its anime origins, your mileage may vary according how much you consider yourself an anime fan. Still, I don't think you have to be otaku to enjoy the sequence. I'm a character-driven story kind of guy, so I like the emphasis the movie puts on the characters. There's hints to relationships (that may or may not exist), and all kinds of questions created from even such a simple sequence. I think it works, even if Kamuraki just meant for it to be a fun parody. Click here to see the movie!
Fischer regrets 'geeks and otaku' comment, Jaffe sticks oar in
The internet, as it tends to do on occasions, went and got itself in a great big tizzy last week, after Nintendo of Europe's Laurent Fischer suggested that only "geeks and otaku" cared about the Wii's storage issue. It wasn't the smartest move of Fischer's career, and it attracted considerable bile -- and not just from Nintendo fans.God of War creator David Jaffe, as he tends to do on occasions, got narked, and expressed his annoyance over the comment in a colorful entry on his blog. After dedicating a hefty part of his amusing rant to comparing Fischer's remarks with 1987 film Can't Buy Me Love, Jaffe accused Nintendo of "arrogance [...] that should make the company very ashamed," and suggests that Fischer "has no real clue" about games -- all while getting Fischer's gender wrong (" ... she really needs someone to sit her down and explain to her ... "). Brilliant.Anyway, just as Jaffe was about to hoisted onto the shoulders of Nintendo fans everywhere, Fischer went and spoiled all the fun by apologizing ... sort of. "I have huge respect for those who, like me, share a common passion for Nintendo and want to make it clear that I would never use and I didn't use this terminology in such a context or way to cause offence," Fischer blubbed. "I regret that this misunderstanding has created such offence and disappointment within the community."It's not the most heartfelt apology we've ever heard, but we'll take it. Now give us a hard drive, Fischer.[Via Eurogamer]
Nintendo exec. apologizes for 'geeks and otaku' remark
Nintendo Europe's senior marketing director, Laurent Fischer, has apparently apologized for comments made earlier in the week, in which he said that the only people interested in a Wii hard drive would be "geeks and otaku." Fisher tells videogaming247 that he didn't mean to use those terms in a way to cause offense. He regrets any "misunderstanding" that was created by his comments within the community.What say ye Nintendo legions, forgive Fisher or should his penance be more profound?
Wii storage for 'geeks and otaku', says Nintendo marketing director
As Nintendo's WiiWare service ramps up with new content added every week, avid Wii users are finding themselves burning through the console's paltry 512MB of internal memory quite quickly. So we find it a bit odd that Nintendo's European Marketing Director not only considers the issue unimportant, but thinks it wise to berate those concerned with it by calling them names.Speaking to Edge Magazine, NOE Marketing Director Laurent Fischer was surprisingly dismissive of the growing space demands of WiiWare titles. According to him, only "geeks and otaku" want the issue actually addressed. Which just hurts.If by "geeks and otaku," Mr. Fischer, you mean Nintendo's loyal fanbase who download every game released, then there may some truth in that. But calling them names certainly won't keep those "geeks and otaku" loyal for much longer.
Get a Mac ads in Japanese
Apple has rolled out Japanese versions of the "Get A Mac" campaign. While you might expect these ads to be nothing more than the plain old English ads with a Japanese language overdub, the commercials are entirely in Japanese and use Japanese actors. Perhaps Justin Long (may he rest in peace) and John Hodgman just weren't otaku enough for the Japanese market.There appear to be three ads available right now, "iLife," "Viruses" and I can't quite determine the third one. You can see the ads on Apple.com/jp. If any of our Japanese-speaking readers would like to compare the dialog in these ads to their English brethren, drop us a tip!I wonder if Apple plans any other localized versions of these ads?Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Have Mario send your mail (via stamps from Japan)
Sure, old Mario has been known to paint, play professional sports, and even do some actual plumbing work on occasion, but he'll soon be able to power your mail through the postal service in the Far East.10-stamp sheets of 80 Yen stamps are now available for pre-order in Japan, where gaming otakus will soon be able to adorn their snail mail with the likes of goombas, magic mushrooms, and mustachioed men. The set will be out next month.Has the government of a country like the US ever done anything this official to honor one of the icons of gaming? Perhaps when we have avid gaming advocates in Congress -- or even, dare we say, in the White House -- things will look a little different with game legislation proposals and the postage of unwanted junk mail.[Via GameBrink]See also: French stamps to feature video game icons (Super) Mario Bros. question mark and POW block speakers
