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Get a free episode of Naruto Shippuden Uncut

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 23rd 2009 at 3:00PM }

Time for another PlayStation Video Store freebie. You can get the first episode of Naruto Shippuden Uncut on your PS3 or PSP for zero dollars. The "Shippuden" story takes place a few years after the events of the first Naruto series, and covers the latter half of the manga's story. Note: the free episode is presented dubbed in English and presented in 4:3.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast demo now on Xbox Live

by Justin McElroy { Oct 22nd 2009 at 1:45PM }

You know what? We're done making fun of Dragon Ball Z on Joystiq. We always end up doing so much research just to pull a joke off that the only ones who get it are the ones whose feelings we hurt. It's a sucker's game and besides that, it's just mean.

So we're just going to tell you, without judgment, that Dragon Ball: Raging Blast has a demo that's now available on Xbox Live, and that it's a perfect way to kill time until the babysitter finishes heating up your Pizza Rolls.

... Shit.

Koei drops assets, plot details for Fist of the North Star Musou

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 14th 2009 at 12:43PM }

Hokuto no Ken, it means no worries for the rest of your days ...

Koei recently sent over a handful of screenshots from its recently announced video game adaptation of the Fist of the North Star anime series, Hokuto Musou, which is due out in Japan in 2010. Thankfully for those of us who aren't manga aficionados, these screens were accompanied by a brief primer on the series' plot. We won't bore you with the entire premise, but instead offer you this highlight from Koei's description:

"Channeling their energy into a single deadly blow, players can strike their victims and cause them to violently explode on screen. Gamers can also let loose with Kenshiro's signature move- a ruthless flurry of ferocious punches, triggering the instantaneous breakdown of internal organs, and death."

Yes, please.

Gallery: Fist of the North Star

Namco Bandai appoints three new execs to North American operations

by Justin McElroy { Sep 24th 2009 at 9:00PM }

Namco Bandai knows you can only continue to flog the equine corpse of Naruto and Dragon Ball Z so many times before it gets excessive. But rather than bring in new flog-ees, it's welcomed three new floggers to help run its North American operation.

The company has just added former Codie Catherin Fowler, former 2K exec Graeme Bayless and Atari honcho Robert Stevenson to executive positions between which neither you nor we appreciate the distinction. All said they looked forward to being blasted on forums as "somehow less respectful of the art of anime than 4Kids." And that's saying something.

Japanese gamers want Persona 4, Phoenix Wright anime series (and so do we)

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 17th 2009 at 1:00AM }

Japanese gaming pub Dengenki recently polled its readers on what series they'd like to see translated into anime form. The Top 10 list looks nearly exactly the same as our own wishlist:

1. Persona 4
2. Phoenix Wright
3. Okami
4. Kingdom Hearts
5. Idol Master
6. Metal Gear Solid
7. Yakuza
8. BlazBlue
9. Persona 3
10. Atelier Rorona

Atlus' PS2 RPG Persona 4 tops the list, managing to beat out some big names like Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear Solid. Perhaps the success of Persona: Trinity Soul reminded readers that the franchise works in serialized TV format? While we'd certainly like to see another Persona anime, an adaptation of Phoenix Wright seems like a no-brainer. Capcom, are you reading this?

[Via Andriasang]

Get a free episode of Gunslinger Girl from the PlayStation Store

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 11th 2009 at 6:30PM }

Who doesn't like a freebie? You can get the first episode of the second season of Gunslinger Girl -- presumably about a girl that slings guns (that's totally a lie) -- absolutely free from the PlayStation Video Store. Browse the "Anime" section of the Store, and look for the episode entitled "Distance Between Two: Brother and Sister." The offer is available on both PSP and PS3 until September 17.

Catch a trailer after the break.

Continued →

Rumor: A new Tatsunoko vs Capcom challenger appears

by David Hinkle { Sep 9th 2009 at 11:30AM }

You know how Capcom said that the North American and European releases of Tatsunoko vs Capcom would have some new faces not seen in the original Japanese release? Well, you could be looking at one of them from the Tatsunoko side as reader Vincent tipped us on the above scan. Vinny says the dude is Tekkaman Blade, who originally appeared in what is known as an anime. We're not sure what this anime is or what it does exactly, but as soon as we crack that code, we'll be sure to let you all know. While we do that, be sure to keep those fingers crossed for our pal Phoenix Wright.

[Thanks, Vincent!]

Gallery: Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Watch a few minutes of Record of Agarest War's '100 hour' adventure

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 28th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Niche RPG Record of Agarest War is coming to the States (in English!) courtesy of Aksys Games this fall. Considering the limited appeal of oldschool 2D sprite-based RPGs, the publisher has opted to distribute the game exclusively through the PlayStation Network. While it may be a "mere" downloadable title, Aksys is promoting the game's supposed "100 hours" of gameplay, making it easily one of the lengthiest PSN titles ever.

Record of Agarest War is known for its use of anime fanservice and this initial clip shows us why. Apparently, girls have trouble covering the entirety of their chests in the world of Agarest. While that may prove to be problematic in battle, the video (after the break) shows that real warriors have no need for appropriate attire.

Gallery: Record of Agarest War

Continued →

Naruto, Tales artists create special costumes for Tekken 6

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 3rd 2009 at 8:00PM }

Tekken 6 continues to expand its repertoire of manga-inspired special costumes. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, is collaborating with Namco Bandai by creating an alternate outfit for Lars (seen above). This is the second costume from a famous mangaka for Tekken 6, the first being CLAMP's design for Jin.

In addition to Kishimoto's outfit, Tekken 6 will also feature an alternate costume for Zafina designed by Mutsumi Inomata, character designer of Tales of Destiny and Tales of Graces (after the break). While some were afraid these costumes would remain a strictly Japan-only affair, Siliconera reports that all three of the special costumes revealed so far will be available in the US version as well when it launches on October 27th.

Continued →

Halo Legends trailer includes 3D swording, surprise teddy bears

by JC Fletcher { Jul 24th 2009 at 11:00AM }

Yesterday, you saw two still images from the Halo Legends anime miniseries. Are you ready to see more images -- played in rapid succession? As promised, GameTrailers premiered a trailer for the miniseries featuring snippets from five anime studios' takes on the Halo series. We were surprised to see, among all the traditional animation, a CG sword-fightin' segment from Casio Entertainment.

Anime News Network reports that Mamoru Oshii, the director of Ghost in the Shell, The Sky Crawlers and more, will direct one of the segments, proving what we have heard about Microsoft before: that it has a lot of money.

Halo Legends preview on GTTV tonight

by Richard Mitchell { Jul 23rd 2009 at 5:30PM }

A quick note for all the folks who like to stay up late to get their gaming news: GameTrailers will be showing off the first trailer for the Halo Legends anime series tonight on GTTV. The show will also have the first footage of Brütal Legend multiplayer, as well as new trailers for Command & Conquer 4 and NBA Live 10. GTTV is scheduled to air at 12:30am Eastern, so be sure to grab some caffeine if you want to see these brand spankin' new trailers.

Or, if you want, you could just wait until tomorrow when we post them right here.

Fate/Unlimited Codes coming to PSN 'early September'

by Griffin McElroy { Jul 23rd 2009 at 4:15PM }

Antsy to get your hands on the latest installment of Capcom's cartoon porn-turned-fighting franchise, Fate/Unlimited Codes? Great news: a press release we received earlier today narrowed the game's launch window down from an ambiguous "winter" to a somewhat less ambiguous "early September." Considering PSN releases materialize on Thursdays, our money's on Sept. 3 or Sept. 10 -- but don't quote us on that!

In case you're interested, the download-only title will run you $29.99. Then again, we bet you aren't that interested. In fact, we're pretty sure you're reading this because you did a Google search for "cartoon porn," in which case, shame on you.

Microsoft announces Halo anime miniseries

by JC Fletcher { Jul 23rd 2009 at 9:17AM }

click for SPARTAN-size
At the San Diego Comic-Con, Microsoft revealed plans to create an anime-style Halo miniseries called Halo Legends. As reported by the LA Times, "Five production houses in Japan are handling the physical animation, but Microsoft's creative staff is approving major visual and storytelling decisions." Those five well-known anime studios: Bones, Casio Entertainment, Production I.G, Studio4 C, and Toei Animation. The seven-part series will be released on DVD and "digital platforms" in early 2010 through Warner Bros.

Microsoft's Frank O'Connor discussed the project with the Times in his new position as creative director of 343 Industries, which, as speculated, is Microsoft's Halo division. "If you look at how George Lucas held on to 'Star Wars,' not just to make money from action figures but to control the direction the universe went in, you can see why we think it's pretty vital," O'Connor said of Microsoft's interest in maintaining control of the Halo franchise. "Luckily, Microsoft has the resources to enable us to do that."

Gallery: Halo Legends

Source -- LA Times
Source -- LA Times Blog

Production I.G admits involvement in Dante's Inferno anime

by David Hinkle { Jul 7th 2009 at 10:00PM }

Production I.G is likely a name many anime fans recognize, but, for the rest of you, know the studio has done amazing things in games, too. The company did the animations on Wario Land: Shake It!, and has done a lot with the Tales franchise, among other things. Now, it's taking on EA's Dante's Inferno, as the studio confirmed it's working on that animated project we heard about in March.

The info was revealed during an Anime Expo panel this past Sunday (via ANN), with the promise of more info come Comic-Con on July 23. As fans of Production I.G's work, we're anxious to see more. Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to watch that animated scene from Kill Bill about 800 times.

Sands of Destruction game and anime due early 2010

by JC Fletcher { Jul 7th 2009 at 9:25AM }

Funimation has obtained the rights to the anime series based on Sega's upcoming DS RPG, Sands of Destruction. Funimation plans to begin airing the first thirteen-episode season of the Production I.G-produced anime in spring of 2010. Like the DS game, the show stars a kid named Kyrie who gets drawn into a secret organization determined to destroy the world -- in order to free humans from subjugation.

In the same press release announcing the anime deal, Sega offered a January 2010 release date for the DS game itself. The game was first announced for North American release in December of last year. There's something kind of nostalgic about waiting over a year for the translation of an RPG.