SGcafe Anime, Manga, Cosplay, Vocaloid News For Otaku Aug 2012 Issue by VR Media Pte. Ltd.

August 3rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Arma 2 glitch provides hilarious dance off Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/arma-2-glitch-provides-hilariousdance-off/ By Xharky on August 3rd, 2012

Some weird glitch present in the landscape of a vanilla installation of Arma 2 provides an impromptu stage for a dance off between several players…hilarity ensues. Arma 2 is a First Person Shooter game which differs from CoD or Battlefield by realistically simulating all ballistics in the game. Rounds will travel in parabolic trajectories and are affected by bullet drop tendencies based on their calibre. Bullets will also ricochet from surfaces based on the angle which they impact, along with material penetration, with rounds suffering from velocity and directional changes. The game also allows extensive mods to be created, with a complete toolset for developers who intend on making their own content. And apparently, not just attempting to be a realistic version of CoD or Battlefield, even the player models have savvy dance moves!

Retailers such as The Card Geeks and Toy Coin will be attending to satisfy your craving for anime goods! Last but certainly not least, registrations for doujinshi booths are now officially open with booths available while slots last. Please read and download the Booth Terms and Conditions and Registration Forms from the following links: http://www.acme.sg/acme4/ TermsConditions.doc http://www.acme.sg/acme4/ BoothRegistration.doc

ACMEIVACMEIV-

All applications must be signed and mailed to (or dropped off at): Kareshi Kanojo no Mise (The Anime House) 1 Selegie Road, PoMo #B1-17, Singapore 188306 Please note that cosplaying in A.C.M.E IV is highly discouraged by the management of Singapore Expo. More information will be available in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Corpse Party OVA in the works Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/corpse-party-ova-in-the-works/ By shia on August 3rd, 2012

A.C.M.E IV first wave of highlights revealed Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/a-c-m-e-iv-first-wave-of-highlightsrevealed/ By sentinel011 on August 3rd, 2012

A.C.M.E will be returning for its 4th year, this time in a bigger and better location! Here are the important details of A.C.M.E IV that you should take note of. Mages, the company that brought to us Corpse Party announced today 02 August 2012, that they will be producing a new OVA for Corpse party. Date: 25th August 2012 Time: 10am to 6pm Location: Singapore Expo, Garnet Rooms And here are some of the highlights of A.C.M.E IV that you should watch out for: Bushiroad Trading Card Game tournaments, brought to you by Bushiroad SEA and Genesis Frontier Touhou Hisoten tournament, brought to you by HisoutenSEA community and KKnM.

The new anime, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls will serve as a sequel to Corpse Party: Missing Footage, which was packaged with the limited edition of “Corpse Party Hysteric Birthday 2U”. The original Corpse Party game follows a high school student who are trapped in an elementary school that was later demolished and turned into their high school. The elementary school is haunted by children who had disappeared to grisly murders. In “Corpse Party Hysteric Birthday 2U”, an anthology game based off the original, several writers tell the story of the birthday of unfortunate Sachiko, one of the students who cursed the school after her grisly death. 1

August 3rd, 2012

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Mages has not given a date or price on the release of the OVA as of press time. Source : ANN

Miku Flick 2 to release with 0 day DLC Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/miku-flick-2-to-release-with-0-daydlc/ By shia on August 3rd, 2012

Famitsu reports that there will be 3 new songs added to Miku Flick 2 as a DLC that will be released on the same day as the release date of Miku Flick 2. Miku Flick is a music game that uses flick, the typing method of choice for the Japanese language for the iPhone to type out the lyrics as she sings along. Miku Flick 2 comes with other vocaloid characters, such as Rin/Ren and Luka and there will be duet songs. Sega plans to release these 3 songs as a additional DLC pack that will be released on the same day as Miku Flick 2. The date and price are unconfirmed as of press time. Cantarella by WhiteFlame

Sega might want to look at how things turned out when Mass Effect 3 released with Day 0 DLC contents, the general opinion was very negative and to some people it felt like a cash grab. In my humble opinion, Sega should just package it into Miku Flick 2 and charge more or at least delay the DLC for a few weeks so as to not ruffle the feathers of consumers..

Information Title : Miku Flick 2 Maker #Sega Date of release#Soon Price#Undecided Platform#iPhone#iPod touch#iPad#iOS 5.0### Copyright##C)SEGA #C) Crypton Future Media, Inc Source : Famitsu

Gemini by Dixie Flatline

Kyuubey asks if you would like to sign a credit card contract Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/kyuubey-asks-if-you-would-like-tosign-a-credit-card-contract/ By shia on August 3rd, 2012

Kyuubey here has a interesting preposition for you, it asks if you would like to sign for a Madoka Magica Credit card.

Colorful X Sexy by Team MOER 2

August 3rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Kotaku Japan reports that the Orient corporation will be bringing Madoka Magica Mastercard to the market and it will feature the 5 ill-fated magical girls from Madoka Magica in collaboration with the launch of the movie. The card is named “Mahou Shoujyo Madoka#Magica Mastercard UPty”

Card Benefits • No yearly fee • As long as card is used once a year, there will not be a card fee. • if you sign up before 20th August 2012 , 200 lucky winners will get tickets to the Madoka Movies(part 1&2) • 8 different original premium cards will be randomly sent to you With such benefits I would like to sign up too! But there must be some catch right ?

At the conference, Festival Directors Mr Haruhiko Miyano from Dentsu and Mr Shawn Chin from SOZO spoke towards an audience of sponsors, partners, media and bloggers, sharing what’s in store for us in Singapore this year.

Well, it is a revolving credit card and might have a very high interest rate on the credit you use and hence fall into a debt trap , as expected of Kyuubey that devious little thing!

Mahou Shoujyo Madoka#Magica Mastercard UPty is now available for contract on their official site. Would you like to be contracted too? Source : Kotaku Japan, OHP

Anime Festival Asia 2012 contents and guest line up revealed in today’s press conference

Mr Haruhiko Miyano spoke of the increased response of content partners, and introduced a new concept that will be replacing the Cool Japan segment in the previous AFAs called Japan Future Entertainment.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/anime-festival-asia-2012-contentsand-guest-line-up-revealed-in-todays-press-conference/ By sentinel011 on August 3rd, 2012

Southeast Asia waits in anticipation as to what would be the guest list and programs for this year’s Anime Festival Asia in Singapore will be like. The first venue of the very first AFA, Singapore is looking to end the year with an awesome first release line-up. AFA is known for many things, and one of it is its unique content creation. The Anime Festival Asia held in Singapore is AFA’s flagship event, and we are promised that only the best will be available in Singapore.

Partners such as Amuse, A-Sketch, Horipro and King Records are currently in the list. If you do not know who they are, they are the managing companies of past, present and future artistes performing in Anime Festival Asia and JLive Asia. These companies will be having booths showing exclusive content at AFA12. More companies are currently

August 3rd, 2012

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in the works, so we can expect to see more in the next wave of updates from AFA. Without further ado, we present to you the special guests announced earlier this afternoon. Special Guests Shinichiro Watanabe

Danny Choo has definitely branched out and worked in tandem with AFA over the years, having supported the event with his Mirai Millennium as we as being the event’s official host. The jovial host’s own content has spawned out a web portal, TV show and products about Japanese pop culture! Featured Content “K” anime showcase

Easily one of the most influential directors of the anime industry to incorporate music heavily into his works, Watanabe has worked on many hit anime series such as “Macross Plus”, “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo”. The director has also worked together with Yoko Kanno on the recently concluded anime series “Sakamichi no Apollon”, with the last time working with the musical matriarch since “Cowboy Bebop”. We thoroughly enjoy the musical productions and direction he has done with his anime, and can’t wait to see what he has to say on his journey in anime directing. Go Nakanishi

Upcoming anime “K” will be featured in AFA this year! The visuals and camera directions of this anime were outstanding, based on the short clip shown to us during the press conference. To further up the ante with content, there will be a separate cosplay competition focusing on the title, with the grand prize sending the winner to Japan for a future “K” event as an official cosplayer! In addition, AFA’s guest cosplayers will be cosplaying as characters of the anime series. Do look out for them! Anime KARAOKE MA’☆ (pronounced as ‘Master)

Go Nakanishi is no stranger to AFA, having attended last year. This year, the top anime producer will share and feature his latest work, “K” in AFA. More details as we explain further down below! Danny Choo

The latest iOS app specializing in Japanese Anime opening and ending theme songs will be showcased in AFA12! the app allows you to adjust various options such as volume, pitch and tempo controls on top of its main karaoke function. You can post scores on Twitter once you are done. The app also allows one to practice their Japanese as it displays both phonetic English and the original Japanese lyrics. 4

August 3rd, 2012

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Guest Cosplayers KANAME☆

T.M. Revolution

KANAME# has been with AFA since its second year, have have attended every available AFA ever since, including the past Malaysia and the upcoming Indonesia AFAs. His cosplay still astounds many current cosplayers, and his vision and advice still inspires both cosplayers and anime fans alike. SINGI

We can’t help but to be captivated by SINGI’s cosplays. Simple characters are portrayed with aplomb, depending on the character’s personality. We are looking forward to her elaborate cosplay showcases and attendance at this year’s AFA12. I Love Anisong – Electric Groove

T.M Revolution, also known as “Takanori Makes Revolution“, is no stranger to both the Japanese pop scene as well as the Anison scene. Takanori Nishikawa is no stranger to singing for anime titles, as Rurouni Kenshin’s third ending theme “Heart of Sword (Yoake Mae)” was also Nishikawa’s third single. His fanbase has soared since then, and TMR has since sang for numerous anime titles, such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Darker than Black, Sengoku BASARA, Soul Eater, Bleach, and many more. Nishikawa is also no stranger to attending and performing overseas conventions, having been to Taiwan, New York, and other various conventions in USA. Fans not only from Singapore, but Southeast Asia will surely anticipate TMR’s high octane performance come November at Anime Festival Asia! Sphere

August 3rd, 2012

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titled “Blayblue”. FLOW has performed the first series’ first opening theme, “Days”. They have performed for AFA Malaysia earlier in June this year, and will return later in the year to perform for their fans and Anison lovers this coming November! fripside

Four popular voice actresses who are selected to become Anison’s idol unit are made even bigger through Sphere! Sphere consists of the following voice actresses: - Haruka Tomatsu (Nagi from Kannagi, Naruko Anjo from AnoHana, Ichika Takatsuki from Ano Natsu de Matteru, Asuna Yuuki from Sword Art Online) - Minako Kotobuki (Mugi from K-On!, Rika Dobashii from Hatsukoi limitied, Yuko from A Channel, Karina Lyle/Blue Rose from Tiger & Bunny ) - Ayahi Takagaki ( Feldt Grace from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Noe Isurugi from True Tears, Touko Zaizen from Inazuma Eleven, Wakana Sakai from Tari Tari) - Aki Toyosaki (Yui from K-On!, Momo Deviluke from Motto To Love-Ru, Momoka Oginome from Mawaru Penguindrum, Chiyuri Kurashima from Accel World)

Composer Satoshi Yajinuma (SAT) and voice actress Yoshino Nanjo made up this synthpop group. Fans of the current fripside will definitely know that they have produced theme songs for popular anime series “To aru Kagaku no Railgun”. Under their belt are 5 singles (three which hit the top 5 Oricon weekly charts) and 2 albums. The duo have performed at Animelo Summer Live twice. Check them out at AFA this year! SEA*A

Anime fans will rejoice that not one, not two, but four voice actresses are coming to Singapore! Not to mention, two of them have attended AFA’09 with the rest of the K-On cast. Sphere has performed numerous concerts in Japan and also at the largest Anison concert in the world, Animelo Summer Live! FLOW

The wonderful local girls of SEA*A will be performing at their fourth AFA, their second time in Singapore! We are especially proud of local talent, and SEA*A’s songs are no slouch, with DREAM SHOOTER being one of the theme songs for Cardfight! Vanguard anime series! Do not miss out on their bubbly dances and songs! May’n

Southeast Asia will never get enough of FLOW’s electrifying performance, and this will be the third time performing in Singapore! We sure hope that FLOW will be performing their latest song from the recent Eureka Seven AO series, 6

August 3rd, 2012

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May’n has grown together with Anime Festival Asia since 2008, from a young artiste to a veteran performer, holding regional concert tours as well as large localized concert tours. Her most recent song, “Chase the World”, was sung for the hit anime series “Accel World”. Singapore will once again be fired up by May’n's performance. —–

After the press conference, media guests had a photo op with the butlers and maids from all three AFAs, as well as its first Regional Cosplay Championship winner-turned-judge Clive Lee in his wonderful Unicorn Gundam costume. With such an awesome line-up and contents for the fans, they will no doubt be elated. As this is the first round, there is no mention of the ticket pricing nor when will the online ticketing sales be launched for its I Love Anisong segment. Check out our article at a later time as we continue to update more on AFA12′s first wave of contents! More information can be accessed through Anime Festival Asia’s facebook and official site.

Star Wars: The Old Republic officially going Free2Play Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-officiallygoing-free2play/

August 3rd, 2012 By Xharky on August 3rd, 2012

Turns out all the speculations were true, and player hopes have been fulfilled. EA|Bioware has officially announced that their hulk of a MMO; Star Wars: The Old Republic, will be transitioning to a Free2Play model sometime later this year. Free2Play players will be able to reach the current level 50 cap in the game, and will also have access to all 8 classes. However, there will be minor restrictions that have to be removed through microtransactions (so you still have to pay…something). When new content and level caps are introduced, Free2Play players will have to purchase them, either through subscribing, or through individual purchases.

Published by: VR-Zone

01 August onwards. From 6th August to 19th August, Bandai Namco plans to put up more posters of different designs at more locations. A small sample of posters are available in the gallery below. IdolM@ster Cinderella Girls is a spin-off social game based off the wildly popular game “The Idolm@ster” that is on the mobile phone platform. Bandai Namco has invited over 100 popular artists to draw the illustrations of the idols in the form of cards. Players can collect cards of the idols and train them to become the No.1 top idol unit.

For existing subscribers however, they will receive an allowance of the new cash shop currency ‘Cartel Coins’ for every month that they have subscribed to the game since its launch, until the Free2Play release date. After the Free2Play launch, existing subscribers can continue their subscription, and they will receive unrestricted access to all ingame features, content and any future updates. They will also be given a certain amount of Cartel Coins every month for spending in the cash item store. A bonus amount of Cartel Coins will be given based on the number of months they have subscribed to SWTOR before the Free2Play launch. Star Wars: The Old Republic will also be going on sale this month, for US$14.99 including a 1 month subscription. Sources: Official Press Release, SWTOR Free2Play Page

IdolM@ster Cinderella Girls to “hijack” Akihabara train station advertisement spots Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/07/idolmster-cinderella-girls-to-hijackakihabara-train-station-advertisement-spots/ By shia on August 3rd, 2012

Source : 4Gamer, OHP

Piko to attend this year’s STGCC Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/07/piko-to-attend-this-years-stgcc/ By sentinel011 on August 3rd, 2012

Famed nico singer Piko announced at a live concert in Hong Kong yesterday evening that he will be attending STGCC this September.

Bandai Namco has announced on the 31st July 2012 that they would be promoting their mobile social game “Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls” for the iPhone/Docomo market by running advertisements at both the JR Akihabara station and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line’s Akihabara station. Bandai Namco has named the campaign “Akihabara Station Advertisement Hijack” and will be putting up posters from

At the 14th ACGHK with an estimate of 700,000 attendees, Piko mentioned to the 5,000 strong audience that he will be 8

August 3rd, 2012

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attending Singapore Toys, Games, and Comics Convention 2012 on the 1st and 2nd of September. It is not known if he will be there for a performance, or purely a meet-and-greet session, or maybe both. Nonetheless, Utaite fans will rejoice with Piko’s appearance at STGCC. While confirmation has come from Piko’s side, no public word has been confirmed from STGCC as yet. We expect fans eagerly waiting for more details to be revealed by STGCC. Source: musicman-net

OniAi to air in October, 1st trailer streamed Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/07/oniai-to-air-in-october-1st-trailerstreamed/ By shia on August 3rd, 2012

Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankei Nai yo ne, also known as OniAi in short, will be airing this October and the production company T.O Entertainment has released the 1st trailer for our viewing pleasure. The story revolves around Akito, who was separated from his twin sister, Akiko while they were young, and after some circumstances, they are living together again and going to the same high school. Akiko has a severe brother complex while Akito fends off his younger sister’s advances in a light hearted romance comedy. Daisuke Suzuki, whom is the author of the series, launched the series in 2010 with illustrations by Gekka Uruu. The light novel series has over 430,000 copies in print. Suzuki’s previous works include the hilarious Goshuushousama Ninomiya kun, that lead to the animation adaptation of the series with the same name. Our previous news about the series can be found here. Source : ANN, OHP

August 8th, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Game Review: Record of Agarest War Mariage PSP Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/game-review-record-of-agarest-warmariage-psp/ By sentinel011 on August 8th, 2012

Gratuitous fan service, annoyingly hard bosses and inter-generational relationships, Record of Agarest War Mariage[アアアアアアア Mariage] (Agarest M)(Yes it is written as th

“Mariage” ) is the 4 in the series of Adventure RPG that Compile heart has put onto the market. Record of Agarest War Mariage was released on 19 July 2012 by compile heart and goes for 6,090 yen for the normal edition and 8,190 yen for the limited edition.

Steins;Gate skin released for Feel On “comics experience” Twitter app Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/steinsgate-skin-released-for-feel-oncomics-experience-twitter-app/ By KarbyP on August 8th, 2012

Feel On! for Twitter by Japanese app developer LisB (read “L is B”) is an iPhone Twitter client that lets you frame your thoughts in comic or manga-style panels, and publish them to the popular social network. The app was released throughout the world in the regional iTunes app stores of 139 countries last year. But the version you really want is the one from the Japanese iTunes store. That’s the only one that has access to a Steins;Gate skin for the app, released earlier today as an in-app purchase for existing users of Feel On! for Twitter in Japan. The Steins;Gate skin costs 350 yen from the iTunes app store, while the app itself is free to use. This is the first in-app purchase – ever – for the Feel On! Twitter client, and we get the feeling that it won’t be the last. Especially since 5pb and MAGES head honcho Shikura Chiyomaru is a pretty big fan of Twitter.

The limited edition also includes a pencil board, a materials book and a set of posters of the heroines. If you like blatant fan service, grinding levels and brutal boss fights in a J-RPG this is the game for you. Read our full review here!

Plus, Twitter plays a pretty heavy role in Robotics;Notes, 5pb and Nitroplus’s latest entry in the Science Adventure series of visual novels that takes place in the same universe as Steins;Gate, in the year 2020. This is just speculation on our part, but we think that at some point in the future – say, sometime after Robotics;Notes begins its TV anime run on Fuji TV’s Noitamina time slot later this year in October – LisB and MAGES will probably work on releasing a Robotics;Notes skin for the Twitter 1

August 8th, 2012

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client as well. It’d make perfect sense – but again, all of that is pure speculation right now. It’s not like we have access to an actual time machine, or the ability to receive D-mails from the future, after all. … Or do we?

Source: Feel On, 5PB Mobile site

Miku Flick 02 30-second trailer recaps all of the sequel’s new features Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/miku-flick-02-30-second-trailerrecaps-all-of-the-sequels-new-features/

August 8th, 2012

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By KarbyP on August 8th, 2012

“Hatsune Miku is baaaack on the iPhone!” the playful voice of Saki Fujita teases in this new 30-second promotional trailer for the soon-to-be-released iPhone game app, Miku Flick 02. Like its predecessor, this rhythm-action sequel has players perform taps and flicks on a Japanese-style smartphone keyboard in sync to a number of popular Vocaloid songs performed by digital singer Hatsune Miku. This time round, her friends Kagamine Rin, Len, and Megurine Luka will also join in on the fun. Some of the songs here will be duets. This new trailer is nowhere near as satisfying to watch as the previous, two-and-a-half-minutes-long play video that Sega released for the app. For the most part the new trailer is a recap on all the new features Sega is adding to Miku Flick 02. Apart from the addition of an “Extreme” difficulty level, which is a notch above “Hard”, there will also be three new modes of play: Replay, Karaoke, and Climax. Only one of the modes is clearly defined on the game app’s official website: Replay mode is where you go to view your best hi-score or “super play” performances. Karaoke mode is pretty self-explanatory, which leaves us with Climax mode, which we’re not entirely sure refers to what exactly. Could this be the new name for the nighimpossible “Break the Limit” mode in the original Miku Flick? The official website has also been updated with a list of songs (nine tracks + one hidden… any good guesses on what the hidden track might be?) that will be included in the game. Like we previously reported, the game will also support DLC song packs, the first of which contains three duet songs.

August 8th, 2012

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The game will feature voice samples and photos of idols simulating Valentine’s Day, Xmas, Wedding and other red carpet events. The “Super Deluxe Box” is to include • 1 copy of AKB 1/153: Love Election (2UMD for the PSP edition) • 4 making of DVDs with AKB 48 idols totaling 400 mins • 3 making of DVDs with SKE 48 idols totaling 300 mins • 2 making of DVDs with NMB 48 idols totaling 200 mins • 1 making of DVDs with HKT 48 idols totaling 100 mins • A 150 pages swimsuit photobook featuring all 153 idols • 10 Photos of the idols • Code for downloadable content

Miku Flick 02 for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad (iOS 5.0 and above) will be released on the iTunes App Store soon (date is to be determined), to be sold in Japan for 900 yen. As with the first Miku Flick, an English international version of the app is also planned for release in the near future. Source: Miku Flick/02 -アアアアアア/02-アアアアアアアアiPhoneアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアアア

AKB48 3rd Dating Sim now for PSP & PS Vita Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/akb48-3rd-dating-sim-now-for-pspps-vita/ By GermanSausage on August 8th, 2012

More cheers for getting a PSP or a Vita this Christmas.

The “Super Deluxe Box” will be on sale for 14,679 JPY. The standard edition will be priced at 7,329 JPY. The pre-orders will come with an additional three idol photos. AKB 1/153: Love Election will be on sale in Japan on December 20. Source: ANN, SiliconEra, Jefusion, Japandman, アアア

The next Final Fantasy XIII Sequel will be announced on September 1st Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/the-next-final-fantasy-xiii-sequelwill-be-announced-on-september-1st/ By GermanSausage on August 8th, 2012

On September 1, the next Final Fantasy XIII title will be announced at the Final Fantasy Anniversary event at Shibuya. According to Famitsu, Square Enix’s Yoshinori Kitase has confirmed with the gaming magazine that work on the sequel has “just begun”. More information will be revealed by the publisher during the anniversary event at the “Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Saga: New Development Presentation”. Square Enix has been constantly intheheadlines with good and bad news, as well as many floating rumours about its games.

For AKB, this will be it’s 3rd dating simulation game. AKB 1/153: Love Election is published for the PSP and Vita. The dating simulation to be published by Namco Bandai will feature idols from AKB48, SKE48, NMB 48 and HKT 48. Making a total of 153 idols for players to meet, date and progress all the way to the nuptials.

Source: Kotaku, Andriasang

Arc System Works has unveiled the new Blazblue Chrono Phantasma Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/arc-system-works-has-unveiled-thenew-blazblue-chrono-phantasma/

August 8th, 2012

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By Kyoka on August 8th, 2012

Amane = Neshiki Arc System Works has just revealed their new successor to the fan favourite Blazblue franchise. Known as Blazblue Chrono Phantasma, was announced at Arc System Works’s yearly event “BlueFes 2012 -Riot Summer Again-” just yesterday. The game has new updates and features, and introduces 3 new characters to join the fray. The game is scheduled to launch in Japanese arcades by winter 2012, while location tests will take place at Akihabara’s Hey arcade from August 6 through August 12. So if you’re in Japan, do have a sneak preview of the game. Arc System Works has a promotional video shown below, also screend during its sunday event. New updates: • Renewed background graphics • Character design drawn by Mr. Toshimichi Mori ( Director and Producer of the Blzablue series) • New game BGM music • 3 new characters “Amane = Nishiki”, “Barrett” and “Azrael” • Changes to the design parts of existing characters • Added new moves to existing characters • Configurations and screen changes ( guard primer now not shown)

Barret

Azreal Source: 4Gamer

Ano Hana theatrical release dated for Summer 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/ano-hana-theatrical-release-datedfor-summer-2013/ By shia on August 8th, 2012

Oreteki reports that the theatrical release for “Ano hi mieta hana no namae wo bokutachi ha mada shiranai”(Ano Hana) has been dated for Summer 2013. Unfortunately it is unknown as of press time if there will be any changes in the staff producing it.

Ano Hana is follows the story of 5 kids who have grown up after growing apart due to a unfortunate accident that claimed the life of one of their friends, in which the main protagonist, Jinta has become a shut-in after the accident, until one day he starts seeing the ghost of Meiko , the girl who had died in the accident. She returns with an unfulfilled wish that she has forgotten and hopes that Jinta can fulfill it.

August 8th, 2012

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Mages is developing the game for Ano Hana and it will be on the PSP and it will be release on the 30th August 2012. Read more about it from our earlier post here. Source : oreteki , Ano Hana Movie OHP

Sony releases 5th Anniversary Hatsune Miku S Series Walkman

Colors

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/sony-releases-5th-anniversaryhatsune-miku-s-series-walkman/ By Kyoka on August 8th, 2012

Walkman Neck Strap

Special interview with Arisaka Mika Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/special-interview-with-arisaka-mika/ By bj0rN on August 8th, 2012

Its been five years since the huge success of the ever popular vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku sang to the hearts of fans everywhere, and to commemorate its 5th anniversary Sony has released its Limited Edition series of Hatsune Miku S Walkman. Limited to only 3939 units per walkman design, it comes in Black or Turquoise. Why the strange limited quantity number you ask? It appears to be a word play on Miku’s name, “Mi” refers to the number 3, or “Mitsu” and “Ku” meaning the number 9 in japanese, which is properly pronounced as “kyu”, hence the term Mikumiku “3939″.

Early last month, jazz singer Mika Arisaka was in town for the grand opening of KAWARA Cafe & Bar. We are happy to be able to meet up with her for a little chat and interview. For those who are unaware of who she is, Mika Arisaka sang for one of the Gundam SEED ending themes, titled “Life Goes On”. She is also pretty well-known amongst the Japanese Jazz community; SGCafe dropped by her performance at The Still Bar prior.

This special walkman is only available in Sony Japan priced at 12,800 Yen without speakers, and 15,800 Yen with speakers. Features: • Original 5th Anniversary Hatsune Miku Walkman wallpaper art • Shipped with Pre-installed full version of “Fragments of the star”

How’s your stay in Singapore so far and what do you think of it?

• Official numbered serial number engraved on back of Walkman with original art

It has been wonderful! There’s good food and I had Ginger Chicken and Bak Kut Teh. There was some Garden Festival at the Orchid Garden now but I can’t attend it sadly even though I like flowers. I haven’t been to much Asian countries, only Bali and Thailand. Too bad the Merlion is under construction so I couldn’t get to see the real thing. I think Singapore is amazing. There’s so many things to see and all here and I hope I do have enough time to explore more. I’ll definitely would love to come back again.

• Bonus Hatsune Miku Walkman neck strap

Source : Hatsune Miku Project F Official website

Great show on Friday at Still Bar with DJ Takizawa Kentaro, I would presume it’s your first performance in Singapore?

Back Design

Yes, it’s my first time in Singapore however it’s not my first time to perform with Kentaro. We’ve collaborated on numerous occasions in Japan for a long time. I also have a choir with about a hundred children called the Sun Showers.

August 8th, 2012

More about yourself, so what got you into music and performance? You even went to pursue studies in America at Berklee College of Music. I was born in Japan with two elder brothers and an elder sister. They are a lot older than I am and as I grew up, I listen to various kind of music, such as Reggae, Rock, R&B, Funk, Classical as well. I also play the classical piano as a child. I then decided to go to the States to live with my sister when I was 15 and spent about 10 years there and went to Berklee College of Music. I was heavily involved in Jazz there and eventually I decided that I want to be a vocalist. How was life in America for you during the times you pursue music there? It’s been 12 years since I’ve been back so it was before the 9/11 when I was there. It was interesting with a lot of things like cultural influences, racial and political issues. I tried to find my identity there as an Asian and a Japanese, so it was a refreshing experience there.

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I’m trying to get the Sun Showers together and go to Tohoku region to get the children from both there and Tokyo to get together to make a live album. I would like to make my own jazz album and have guest to collaborate together. I’m more interested in teaching nowadays rather than doing my own stuff. It’s great to see my student have their own releases and watch them go far. I still sing with Reggae Disco Rockers but we’re probably gonna make something next year. —– We hope she will be back in sunny Singapore for more local delicacies as well as spreading the love for jazz and all things good. SGCafe wishes Mika Arisaka continued success and fulfilment with her career and life ahead. [By: Bj0rN; Editor: sentinel011]

World Cosplay Summit 2012 Results Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/the-world-cosplay-summit-2012results/ By sakurazaki on August 8th, 2012

This year’s World Cosplay Summit has shown a myriad of cosplayers from all over the world with beautifully crafted armor and costumes. What makes this year’s WCS different from last year’s? Let’s find out! The “World Cosplay Summit” also known as WCS, was created to promote international exchange through the Japanese youth culture of manga and anime. The cosplay event sponsored by TV Aichi has grown from a weekend event in 2003 to an international event comprising of the parade and championship. The event is now held annually on the Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of August since 2006. So you’ve also sang for some animes along the way, how is it different to sing for an anime compared to what you normally do? It was different in a way. They have all sorts of theme, especially Gundam. There’s like a written image for it where I was to try write the song to fit the theme of the series and had to do my research. I also added in some homage to it with the first Gundam series with ” moeagare” and i used that in ‘Life Goes On’ to try to make a connection. What are your source of inspiration and motivation to be a singer? With music, I can communicate with people and its like an international language that I can connect people with. That really inspires me to encourage a lot of children to sing especially with a live band. It’s somewhat different from karaoke but the feeling of performing with a live band is a whole new experience for them too. It’s one of my lifetime work to provide these opportunities for them.

The World Cosplay championship began in 2005 and is designed to determine a Grand Champion through stage performances by representative teams from each participating country. The championship is graded on the finish of the costume design and the teams performance on stage. This year, England, Indonesia and Russia have joined to bring the total participating nations to 20. The championships held on the 4th of August 2012 has just come to an end and indeed it has been one of the most exciting years. With amazing performances and fabulous costumes that one will only witness once every few years!

It’s been quite awhile since your last album release. Any future plans of releasing new singles or albums? Or do you plan to do more live performances like what we saw on Friday at Still Bar?

August 8th, 2012

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The Best Wig award went to team Brazil

Representatives waiting for the results to be announced Team Japan won the top prize clinching the Championship title for the World Cosplay Summit 2012!

The Brother award went to Team Singapore once again

Team Singapore placed second with a breath taking performance and commendable costumes

Italy claims the prize for faithfulness to the original series

Team Indonesia placed third with their amazing costumes and well-choreographed performance

August 8th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Performances from the other countries

For more information check out the following websites WCS Official Website : http://www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/ e/WCS Twitter Main Site : https://twitter.com/ cosplay_summit

August 10th, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Miku Flick 02 released in iTunes Japan and Singapore, new 60-second trailer features “Just Be Friends” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/miku-flick-02-released-in-itunesjapan-and-singapore-new-60-second-trailer-features-just-be-friends/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

Sega has just released Miku Flick 02 on the iTunes app store and – guess what – it’s available to Singapore iTunes account holders! I kid you not: you can buy the app right now for S $13.98! In Japan it’s sold for 900 yen. We’ve also checked the US iTunes app store, and it appears that currently Miku Flick 02 has not gone live over there yet. Keep in mind, though, that the iTunes app store updates at different times for different regions; so US readers, if you check back with Apple later in the day, who knows, you might indeed be able to spend your day happily Miku-flicking. To commemorate the game’s release, Sega has also put out a new 60-second trailer, this time featuring Megurine Luka’s Just Be Friends. Like the previous trailer, this one also recaps all the new capabilities added in 02. This new trailer also offers a good look at what we believe to be Climax Mode. We’re not hundred-percent certain of this yet, but pay attention to the new trailer and you’ll see that at one point Sega shows the game being played with a single virtual button (with a musical note on it), as opposed to the traditional Japanese virtual keyboard. That, we think, is Climax Mode – a super-easy mode where you can focus on taking in the sights and sounds rather than worry about typing the wrong Kana and what not. Head over to the iTunes app store today to get it, pronto! Source: Miku Flick 02

A.C.M.E IV: Bushiroad announces TCG tournament schedule, groups release information of their wares Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/a-c-m-e-iv-bushiroad-announcestcg-tournament-schedule-groups-release-information-of-their-wares/ By sentinel011 on August 10th, 2012

More exciting news ahead, with A.C.M.E IV announcing their Bushiroad tournament schedule of their card games, while doujin groups Colleteral Damage Studios and Metronome dish out new wares for sale at the venue.

Bushiroad TCG Tournament schedule and details at A.C.M.E IV This is the day that all Bushiroad TCG fans have been waiting for! Today we will be revealing the format and schedule of all Bushiroad TCG tournaments at A.C.M.E this year, so all Bushiroad fans, sit tight and start reading! Weiss Schwarz Tournament Time: Registration starts from 10am tournament starts from 11am to 3pm Number of participants: 256

10.45am,

Format: Double elimination, random pairing Cardfight!! Vanguard Japanese tournament Time: Registration starts from 1pm to 1.45pm, tournament starts from 2pm to 6pm Number of participants: 128 Format: Double elimination, random pairing Cardfight!! Vanguard English tournament Time: Registration starts from 2pm to 2.45pm, tournament starts from 3pm to 6pm Number of participants: 64 Format: Double elimination, random pairing

August 10th, 2012

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Chaos TCG tournament Time: Registration starts from 2pm to 2.45pm, tournament starts from 3pm to 6pm Number of participants: 32 Format: Double elimination, random pairing Victory Spark tournament Time: Registration starts from 2pm to 2.45pm, tournament starts from 3pm to 6pm Number of participants: 32 Format: Double elimination, random pairing

Superscenic 2 collects the original works from the nine active artists within the CDS team along with some commissioned works that we have done in the past over 80 pages of A4 prettiness. Xeph, WaHa, Tragic Comedy, Haimerejzero, GreenTeaNeko, JUN, IdleErrant, Setsuri and Semi-Shigure. Some of them had been with the team since its formation while others had only joined as recent as last year.

Of course, the tournaments will be held at A.C.M.E, at the following date and location: Date: 25th August 2012 Location: Singapore Expo, Garnet Rooms Hopefully this information will help all TCG players to plan their schedule in advance. Have fun in your games, and good luck! —– Continuing on, we have the doujin groups Colleteral Damage Studios and Metronome teasing us of what’s in store for us: Colleteral Damage Studios: Superscenic 2: The Definitive Collateral Damage Studios Artwork Collection – Pre-order your copy at A.C.M.E IV!

The first Superscenic, #CDS0001, was put together by the original Collateral Damage Studios (CDS) artists back in 2007. It was announced during the first Kaleidoscope and debuted at EOY of the same year. A compilation artbook featuring the work of various artists in the group and some guest art, it was unlike anything else the doujin community had offered then. It captured the spirit of the young group then; the raw skills and talents along with an earnest desire to showcase their works to the public. Five years on, thanks to all the support the community had given the group, CDS had grown to be popular and more importantly, better. Going by product number, we had produced about thirty products by now. It was time to test our limits and do something memorable to mark the occasion, something both familiar and different from what we usually do. It was time for another Superscenic 2.

Check out what lurks beneath the minds of these artists when left un-inhibited by fandom. Enjoy their individuality and their styles as they illustrate their imaginary worlds. Learn from the team’s experience of working with each other and working with clients to create some really pretty artworks. The book itself will be officially launched at Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention 2012 (STGCC) on 1st-2nd September 2012 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall at the price of $50. If you buy at STGCC, you will get the book and two postcards, all within a specially designed bag to carry them in. The preorder price is $46 and it comes with an extra print. To preorder, simply drop by the CDS booth at either ACME (EXPO on 25 Aug) or ICDS (Ngee Ann Polytechnic on 26 Aug) and leave your name/contact number and email. As a promise, you will also need to leave behind a $1 deposit. Yes, just one gold-looking coin. Then collect it on the day of STGCC itself. If you are unable to collect, we can make arrangements for you to collect your pre-ordered copy at another event.

Subsequently, Superscenic 2 will be available at future events that CDS goes to and, if we are lucky, some bookstores.

We are also giving away two fully autographed copy of the book for only $1 for anyone who helps us spread the word around. Just follow some simple steps. 1. Share our posts on Superscenic 2 on Facebook or retweet any Superscenic 2 related posts on Twitter.

August 10th, 2012

2. Bonus points if you include a short write-up on why you want the book yourself in your report. 3. ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ CDS on either Facebook or Twitter (obviously) 4. Pre-order the book. 5. Lucky draw closes on 31st Aug, 2359 and two lucky winners will be chosen randomly. You will get the autographed book upon collection during STGCC itself. Site | Facebook Metronome: Kuroyukihime (Accel World)

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product will look like. The final design may be subjected to change. More information to come as the clock ticks to A.C.M.E IV!

Concert overview: Nakagawa Shoko Asia Tour in Singapore Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/concert-overview-nakagawa-shokoasia-tour-in-singapore/ By sentinel011 on August 10th, 2012

Last weekend was a blast, with Nakagawa Shoko performing in Singapore for the second time. What’s the difference between her own solo performance compared to the one at AFA09, and was it any better? Read on! Nakagawa Shoko, or Shokotan as her beloved fans call her, was in town last Saturday on the 4th of August to perform her last leg of her ASIA TOUR at Singapore’s Kallang Theatre. An estimate of about 600 fans and attendees came, with a few of them in costumes and fanclub outfits.

Would you like to do some accelerating together with Kuroyukihime? Link up with her at the upcoming ACME! Please email us at metronomist@gmail.com with your name, contact number, item name and sizing, to place your orders. Thank you!

The concert was scheduled for an 8pm performance, but only until 8.15pm did the concert begin. Shokotan started her concert with a bang with tunes from popular anime series Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, wearing a colourful neon UV reactive dress. Performing ‘Sorairo Days’ as a starting song immediately got the audience pumping, followed by 2 other popular tunes from Occult Gakuen and Shokotan’s on variant of Saint Seiya opening theme. Her first emcee was lively as she introduced herself. A large screen behind provided the audience some background information about Nakagawa Shoko, switching between English and Chinese text. The theatre had this very warm and fuzzy atmosphere as Shokotan tried her best to express herself to the audience in a mix of English and Japanese.

##08 - KUROYUKIHIME #Series: ######### (Accel World) #Price: $30.00 #Color: Black #Size: S / M / L / XL #Silkscreen #Cotton T-shirt #Design & Art Works By bj0rN / CDS Disclaimer: This digital image is intended to give an idea of how the actual

August 10th, 2012

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A medley of tunes of favourite anime titles soon followed, from series such as K-On!, Macross Frontier, Sousei no Aquarion and Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu . Shokotan belted a few more classic songs before performing her own original songs. The Interlude that came after kept the audience hyped up, while Nakagawa Shoko blasted out in a shimmery red and black outfit. Her second emcee segment had bits of Singlish inside, with one particular sentence saying “Is everyone feeling shiok? (“Shiok” means great/awesome in English). She also taught her famous catchphrase for awesome – “GIZA!”

13. calling location

More hard hitting tunes followed, ending the concert with Beezelbub’s ending theme “Tsuyogari”. But…..

We feel that all otaku should experience Nakagawa Shoko’s concert, to get the feel of an otaku performing for her fellow otaku friends. Her live performance gives off much better vibes than what you can experience from her DVD footage. That said, Shokotan hopes to perform in Singapore again in the future, so keep your fingers crossed and wait for her next live! All in all, it is a very satisfying 90 minute concert for all, especially for those who are new to her live experience.

….the concert ain’t over till the lady said so! Calls of encore calling out “SHOKO!!” resonated the hall for 5 minutes, with Nakagawa Shoko dressed as Hatsune Miku! She proceed to sing a classic Sailormoon theme song “Moonlight Densetsu”, followed up by a Mandarin variant of “Sorairo Days”. The live concert came to an end as Shokotan’s band members came foward to be introduced to the audience. A special message appears at the end for the audience, expressing her thoughts and wishes of this ASIA TOUR.

14. 空空空空空 Horizon 15. 空空空空 Tsuzukusekai 16. 空空空空 Tsuyogari Encore: 17. 空空空空空空空空 Moonlight Densetsu 18. 空空空空空-空空空ver.- Sora iro Days Chinese Ver.

Special thanks to Akiba no Hoshi for the photos and aniculture for the set-list information.

Watch 150 people dance to Weekender Girl in this Hatsune Miku Project Diva f promo video Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/watch-150-people-dance-toweekender-girl-in-this-hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-promo-video/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

With that, here’s the song list: 1. 空空空空空 Sora iro Days 2. 空空空空空空空空空空空空 Flying Humanoid 3. 空空空空空空 ver.Ω Pegasus Fantasy Ver.Ω 4. Medley: Don’t say “lazy”(K-On!) + 空空空空 Seikanhiko(Macross Frontier) + 空空空空空空空空空 Sō Sei No Aquarion (Aquarion) + God Knows… (Haruhi Suzumiya no Yuutsu)

A while back Sega announced that they were looking for 150 volunteers to appear in a Hatsune Miku Project Diva f promo video, where they’d be dancing to the beat of kz[livetune] and Hachiouji-P’s Weekender Girl.

5. 空空空空空空空空空 Cruel Angel Thesis

Well, the PV’s finally done – here it is!

6. 空空空空空空空空 Namida no Tane, Egao no Hana

8. souffle secret

There are guys. There are gals. Professional dancers. Office workers. Hipsters. Otaku. Fashionistas. A cafe barrista. A waiter. Socialites. Famous Vocaloid creators. And, of course, Saki Fujita (pictured above), the voice of Hatsune Miku… Everyone’s here for Miku!

9. rainbow forecast

Will you be there for Miku, too, when her game (Hatsune Miku Project Diva f) drops August 30 in Japan and Asia?

10. pretty please chocolate on top

Oh and in case you’re looking for the original dance tutorial videos, so that you may join in on the fun at home:

11. ARENA (band solo)

Read more about Hatsune Miku here on SGCafe!

7. CAT Life

12. TYRANT too young

August 10th, 2012

Halo 4 Developer 343 Industries release video of UNSC weapons Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/halo-4-unsc-weapons/ By Xharky on August 10th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Will your favourite character make an appearance in Toaru Majutsu no Index: Endymion no Kiseki (The Miracle of Endymion)? Find out in this minute-and-a-half PV trailer, the first for the forthcoming movie. In addition to returning ensemble characters, the movie will also see three new characters in a plot, penned by series author Kazuma Kamachi, revolving around Endymion which is a newly-constructed space elevator in Academy City. One of the new characters is Arisa Nago (pictured above), a Level 0 girl who Index and Kamijou meets at the outset of the movie, and is subsequently revealed to be targeted by Stiyl Magnus and his team of magicians. The movie’s synopsis, according to Mangahere:

For all FPS buffs out there, Halo 4′s developer 343 Industries has released videos of UNSC weapons in action, along with rebuilt sound effects for them. Halo 4 will be the first game in a new trilogy (named the ‘Reclaimer Trilogy’) in the Halo universe of games. It begins four years after the ending in Halo 3, and features the return of the Master Chief and Cortana. The game itself will be released in the usual Standard and Limited Editions. The limited edition will include access to future DLC in the form of competitive multiplayer maps, and digital items for avatars and customization of the player’s in-game Spartan IV characters. An extended version of the series ‘Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn’ and a special Briefing Packet will be included.

Academy City’s space elevator Endymion. One day as its completion nears, Kamijou and Index meet a Level 0 girl named Nago Arisa. Index and Arisa have a mysterious connection in their ravenous appetites. While the three are enjoying their time after school, Stiyl (who has brought in some other magicians) suddenly attacks. His target is Arisa. Why is a member of the science side like her being targeted by the magic side? With the attack form the magic side underway, Academy City deploys a unit meant to maintain order led by its female leader Shutaura. As the situation developing around Kamijou, Index, and Arisa grows more and more confused, Stiyl says, “That girl could likely cause a war between the magic side and the science side.” When science and magic cross paths, the story begins with Endymion as its stage! J.C. Staff, the studio that produced the TV anime series, will once again take up production roles for the movie. Director Hiroshi Nishikiori, who was involved with both the Index I and Index II TV anime series, also returns as director for the film. A Certain Magical Index (空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空空) the movie will begin playing in cinemas in Japan 23 February 2013.

A Certain Magical Index movie’s subtitle – Endymion no Kiseki (The Miracle of Endymion) – revealed in Summer Comike PV Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/a-certain-magical-index-moviessubtitle-endymion-no-kiseki-the-miracle-of-endymion-revealed-insummer-comike-pv/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

August 10th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone By Xharky on August 10th, 2012

Recently, according to an officially published report from Activision Blizzard that World of Warcraft has currently 9.1 million subscribers, down from the 10.2 million from the last report in May. This has brought up much discussion over on reddit on whether this giant in the world of MMOs is finally going down. However, with upcoming AAA+ title Guild Wars 2 releasing a month before WoW’s upcoming expansion Mists of Pandaria, will this giant finally be toppled? Guild Wars 2 builds on AreaNet’s well received and editor’s choice award-winning Guild Wars, by extending the lore and world of Guild Wars approximately 200 years into the future. With new mechanics like dynamic events, an updated combat system, the game is set to welcome players into the world of Tyria on August 28th (25th for preorder headstarts) Some information on the new stuff:

[Via Hachima]

World of Warcraft loses 10% of subs in 3 months, will Guild Wars 2 dethrone it? Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/world-of-warcraft-loses-10-of-subsin-3-months-will-guild-wars-2-dethrone-it/

• Dynamic Events: This replaces the MMO tradition of fixed quest elements by allowing players to complete quests in different ways, and changes the types of quests given based on what is happening in the area. For example, if you defend a village from invaders, they may return with siege weapons to resume the attack, or regroup in nearby caves which forces you to explore and clear them out. You can choose between defending a town’s water supply, or help workers repairing the damaged pumps later on. Every action by players carry a consequence, whether it is intended or not. • Updated combat system: Environments will affect skill damage, and tactics are rewarded. Most skills benefit from positional play, and environments will provide additional weapons from flammable objects, to catapults and even siege golems. Players can also team up to combine skill effects, such as firing arrows through a firewall will create a rain of fire, and combining necromantic dark magic and weapon attacks to be able to life-steal from enemies.

Will Guild Wars 2 overtake WoW in playerbase? Or will this titan continue to roll? Guess it’ll just have to wait till pandas invade Warcraft.

August 10th, 2012

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1st Maoyuu Maou Yuusha PV is curiously described as “ver 0″ Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/1st-maoyuu-maou-yuusha-pv-iscuriously-described-as-ver-0/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

Source: Yaraon

Does this mean there’ll be a “ver1″ that’s going to blow our minds even more than this 1st 0th trailer already has? Pony Canyon streamed on the Web today a first trailer for Maoyuu Maou Yuusha, an anime adaptation of the fantasy light novel series about a hero (“yuusha” in Japanese) and a demon queen (“maou”) becoming friends after she explains to the young hero that the war between humans and demons is a complete farce. Not all demons are evil, not all humans are good, and the ongoing war was apparently forged for social and economy reasons.

Shoko Nakagawa plays Ragnarok Odyssey, Persona on her PS Vita, wants to see God Eater and FF10 remake on it Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/shoko-nakagawa-plays-ragnarokodyssey-on-her-playstation-vita-wants-to-see-god-eater-and-ff10remake-on-it/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

For instance, if the war were to end, soldiers would lose their jobs, and the economy would descend into recession. The story told in Maoyuu Maou Yuusha began life as postings in a 2Ch message board thread.

Japanese TV personality and popular Anisong singer Shoko Nakagawa is a gamer. Not only that, she’s a platform-agnostic gamer. Although Shoko-tan is a presenter on the Nintendoaffiliated TV-Tokyo kids show Pokemon Sunday (read all about her thoughts on Pokemon in our interview with her here), the 27-year-old talent also plays games on her Xbox 360, PS3 and – most recently – the PlayStation Vita. So, what does Shoko-tan think of the PS Vita? In a blog post yesterday, she said: I’ve been playing a lot of Ragnarok Odyssey ever since I took the Vita out of its packaging. The graphical fidelity is amazing almost to the point of disbelief, and I like the inclusion of a touch panel too.

August 10th, 2012

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2nd Madoka Magica TPS Android game app stars Mami Tomoe; 1st game (Homura Akemi ver.) ported to iOS It’d be heavenly to see God Eater, Resident Evil, or a Final Fantasy on this screen! If only! And what about that HD remake of FF10, there’s still no word on if it will really come out on the Vita?

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/2nd-madoka-magica-tps-androidgame-app-stars-mami-tomoe-1st-game-homura-akemi-ver-ported-to-ios/ By KarbyP on August 10th, 2012

It’s shame that right now there aren’t too many software titles, even though there’s such great potential in the hardware. I want to get Persona 4 because I’ve heard it’s good… but wait, I also want more time in general! (^ω^;) (;^ω^) And also the update for archives [support for PlayStation Archives, or PS1 games on PS Vita], it’s not ready yet, huh…” That was yesterday. In another blog post earlier today:

Frontier Works today released Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Tomoe Mami (空空空空空空空空空空空 TPS FEATURING 空空空), the second entry in their series of Madoka Magica-themed third-per-shooter game apps. The game has you looking over the shoulder of Mami Tomoe, almost as if you were tagging along behind her, as the firearm-equipped Mahou Shoujo ventures forth into danger, dropping foes like flies until she gets to the witch lurking in the dungeon’s deepest pits.

Got a red Vita case, a less-bulky AC adaptor, and Persona 4 Golden today!! I want to try and make time in my schedule to play the game~~~!!! (###) At first I was worried that the red case might be a tight fit, but as it turns out it’s roomy enough to store 3 game cards [on top of the PS Vita] as well as the compact AC adaptor, hurray! (###) Why the heck was the original PS Vita AC adaptor that came in the box so ridiculously big anyway?\ Looking forward to finally playing Persona! (###) “ You and everybody who’s waiting eagerly for Persona 4 Golden’s English release (or the Chinese localised version, which comes out next week on August 16), Shoko-tan.

Initially Mami is only equipped with a single-shot pistol. But there are also stronger weapons that will be unlocked whenever Mami falls in combat (to make the game easier), or whenever Mami manages to take down a witch. Apart from shooting, Mami can also use magic to help her vanquish her enemies. Tapping on the Soul Gem icon on the upper-left-hand corner of the screen will cast a spell that stops all enemies in their tracks. Each use of magic will, however, cause the Soul Gem to gradually lose its shine. When it’s completely shrouded in darkness, you won’t be able to use magic any longer (although that’s a pretty fair consequence, compared to what actually happens in the critically-acclaimed anime series).

— Shoko Nakagawa’s new album, nsum – Nakagawa Shoko ga Utatte Mita! (nsum # #############), goes on sale in Japan August 15. Shoko-tan is also a guest vocalist in DECO*27′s latest album, Love Calender, available now both at retail stores in Japan, and internationally through iTunes. Here’s the official music video for Shoko-tan’s track in the album, TAKING SWEET SHELTER feat. Shoko Nakagawa / ### feat. ####: Source: Shoko Nakagawa’s official blog [via Kotaku]

August 10th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Tomoe Mami supports Android devices running version 2.2 or above, and is available from the Google Play store now, priced at 630 yen. The first entry in the series, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Akemi Homura (空空空空空空空空空空空 TPS FEATURING 空空空空空), is also available for Android and – starting today – for iOS devices on firmware 4.3 and above. Available from the Google Play and iTunes app stores (Japan region) for 630 and 600 yen, respectively. Source: Famitsu

August 13th, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Sleeping Dogs: launch trailer vs live-action fight film vs screenshot gallery Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/sleeping-dogs-launch-trailer-vs-liveaction-fight-film-vs-screenshot-gallery/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Sleeping Dogs, arguably the biggest video game title in August, comes out tomorrow, August 14. In this open-world cop drama set in Hong Kong, you play as Chinese-American undercover cop Wei Shen, who infiltrates and gets in deep with the triad organisation known as “Sun On Yee” (it’s a reference to a real-life triad gang). Expect chopsocky fisticuffs that mixes martial arts with improvisational fighting styles. Expect blazing gunfights on the streets of Hong Kong where some unfortunate fruit-seller’s stall may be the only cover for you to duck under for a brief respite, before you jump out and shoot bad guys in the head mid-dive. Expect moral ambiguity, in a storyline whose missions will sometimes require you to be a bad guy in order to be the good guy. Also expect top-notch voicing work, from an international cast that includes Will Yun Lee, Edison Chen, Emma Stone, Kelly Hu, and more. Take a listen in the launch trailer for the game: Apart from the launch trailer, Square Enix has also put out a live-action fight film based on the game – which is itself inspired by Hong Kong cinema. Warning: This short film contains drug use, violent content, and strong language which may be pretty intense for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Which did you like better? Sleeping Dogs is available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles August 14 in Singapore and the United States, available at all good video games retailers.

August 13th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Singapore: VS Arashi starts tonight, 8pm on Channel U; â&#x20AC;&#x153;J-Doramaâ&#x20AC;? Full Throttle Girl premieres Saturday Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/singapore-vs-arashi-startstonight-8pm-on-channel-u-j-dorama-full-throttle-girl-premieressaturday/

August 13th, 2012 By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

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from the clutches of three Hunters – agents dressed in black – for 60 minutes. The rules? Stay within the pre-defined game zone – which is usually a famous Tokyo hang-out spot like Shibuya – and safety-first: those who are caught in any sort of minor accidents are disqualified. Should the participants succeed, a handsome prize money of some 600,000 yen awaits them. But it’s not as easy as it sounds; some of the participants are friends who are likely to travel together and, as the saying goes, “when chased by a bear, you only need to run faster than the person beside you.” The things people do to not get eaten by a bear for money.

Two variety shows and one J-dorama: This August, Channel U has prepared quite the treat for fans of Japanese television programming.

VS Arashi

The J-Wave on Singapore TV starts tonight with VS Arashi, a game show where a guest team of celebrities take on Arashi, the enigmatic J-pop group that has taken Japan by storm since their debut (“Arashi” literally means “Storm”), in a number of wacky physical-challenge attractions: Kicking Sniper, Bound Hockey, Giant Crusher, and more. What in the world could “Giant Crusher” possibly entail? You’ll just have to watch to find out! VS Arashi airs every Monday 8PM on Channel U.

Run for Money

Then tomorrow, August 14, watch Japanese TV personalities and regular folks alike push their limits in Run for Money, a reality game-show where participants are told to escape

Expect thrills, spills, and heartless acts of betrayal in Run for Money, Tuesdays 8PM on Channel U.

J-dorama: Full (Zenkai Girl)

Throttle

Girl

Finally, J-dorama fans can look forward to Full Throttle Girl, an 11-episode love comedy starring Yui Aragaki, Ryo Nishikido (from Kanjani Eight or 関関関関∞), and Hiroko Yakushimaru. Here’s the synopsis from Fuji TV: Devoted to becoming an international lawyer, Wakaba Ayukawa (Yui Aragaki) is full of ambition. Her hard work pays off when she lands a job at an international law firm, but to her disappointment, the first prestigious assignment that is given to her is to babysit the boss’ (Hiroko Yakushimaru) 5 year old daughter, Hinata. Wakaba loathes kids and nursing, but unwillingly takes on the job as she is fixated on wealth and success. One day when she goes to a preschool to pick up Hinata, she meets a man named Sota Yamada (Ryo Nishikido). Sota is a man without higher education, wealth, or a future goal, someone that Wakaba absolutely cannot stand, the complete opposite of her ideals. Once again, contrary to her will, she ends up looking after Hinata and a few other kids along with Sota. Despite being exhausted from all the first-time experiences in child care, Wakaba begins to realize what is truly important to her. A heart-warming comedy about work, relationships and love.” Full Throttle Girl premieres on Channel U Saturday, August 18, at 11.30PM. 3

August 13th, 2012

Source: Xin MSN

Gran Turismo 6 is in development… but Yamauchi won’t say when it’s coming out Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/gran-turismo-6-is-in-developmentbut-yamauchi-wont-say-when-its-coming-out/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Gran Turismo 6 as well as further GT5 DLC are in the works. But When can we expect them to be released? Series producer and CEO of developer Polyphony Digital Kazunori Yamauchi wouldn’t say.

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Hatsune Miku projected in a different “light” in this music video for Project Diva f theme song, Odds&Ends Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-depicted-in-adifferent-light-in-this-music-video-for-project-diva-f-theme-songoddsends/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Earlier today the full music video for ryo (supercell)’s Odds&Ends was leaked onto the interwebs, depicting what we assume to be ryo and his band mates rocking out to the Project Diva f theme song. Hatsune Miku also appears in this video, but not in the sort of form you’re used to seeing. And no, we’re not talking about the 2D animated version of Miku, as seen in the picture above. It’s something else. Something pretty mind-blowing. You’ll know what we’re talking when you see it. I don’t want to spoil it for you. If for whatever reason you really need to skip to the moment of truth (serious, why would you? Watch the whole thing!), the awe-inspiring sight begins right around the 04:30 mark.

“If I carelessly talk about when it’s coming out, what will happen is people will claim that we’ve fallen behind schedule if we ever decide to change the release date, so I won’t ever speak of such things (unofficially at events or interviews) ever again,” Yamauchi explained with a bitter smile when fans asked him the million-dollar question on everybody’s mind, in a talk session at the Gran Turismo Asian Championship 2012 grand finals held in Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture on Saturday. In 2009, prior to the release of Gran Turismo 5, Yamauchi revealed in an interview with Eurogamer that “we’ve actually reached a point where we can probably release [GT5] anytime, except that you can also keep working as long as you want to as well, it’s just a matter of timing.” In the end, a release date was only decided upon consultation with “various parties at Sony”, and after additional features like YouTube replay sharing in HD were implemented. GT5 was in development for a total of five years, and was finally released on 24 November 2010. It’s still early days for now, but when Gran Turismo 6 comes out, what features do you hope to see in it?

The CD single for Odds&Ends also features Sky of Beginning by Jin feat. Hatsune Miku (and not a kz/livetune track, which Famitsu and ourselves previously speculated on), and will be released in Japan on August 29 – one day before Hatsune Miku Project Diva f for the PlayStation Vita goes on sale. A limited-edition version of the CD single also comes with a Blu-ray or DVD containing the music video, plus a Hatsune Miku Grafique – that squarish, cardoard-like plushie that appears in the music video. For more details on that, read our previous story. Source: Crunchyroll

Tsukihime remake is amongst the topics covered in TypeMoon’s 10th Anniversary Phantasm art book Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tsukihime-remake-is-amongst-thetopics-covered-in-type-moons-10th-anniversary-phantasm-art-book/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Souce: 4Gamer [via My Game News Flash]

August 13th, 2012

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Type-Moon 10th Anniversary Phantasm is not simply just an illustration book or a collector’s item. Nope. To fans of the visual novel maker, it might as well be a holy bible, what with over 400 pages covering everything from Fate/Prototype to the upcoming Tsukihime remake, and all the stuff in between: the original Tsukihime, Canaan, Melty Blood, Mahou Tsukai no Yoru, etc. What you see above is an image – courtesy of Akibablog (same pic as this watermark-less one Japanator found) – of some of the concept art from the Tsukihime visual novel remake, announced way back in 2008. Now that Mahou Tsukai no Yoru is finally out, Type-Moon is finally proceeding with the remake, full speed ahead. Apart from your first look at new Tsukihime, the book also contains interviews with voice actors, profiles and commentary from key staff members, and numerous galleries for all manners of Type-Moon things: April Fool’s Day 2005-2012, Ichiban Kuji Premium Illust Art Gallery, and – in my opinion the highlight of the book – a freaking Saber Gallery. The book is out now in Japan (released on August 10, 2012), but has already been sold out at various places online, including Amazon Japan – which lists a bunch of secondhand copies for nearly twice the price of a brand new one. Readers in Singapore who’d like to pick a copy up should check with Kinokuniya Books. Tell us in the comments below if you know where else folks can go online to grab a copy of this much-coveted holy bible, or any thoughts you might have on the new look in the Tsukihime remake.

August 13th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

August 13th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Akibablog (warning: NSFW)

Next week’s Music Station will be Atsuko Maeda’s final AKB48 TV performance Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/next-weeks-music-station-will-beatsuko-maedas-final-akb48-tv-performance/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

(Above) AKB48 at the Music Station Super Live 2010 broadcast The idol group has planned a special AKB48 medley for the August 17 broadcast of Music Station. For her final TV performance with the group, Maeda says she’s aiming for perfection and wants to finish her it gracefully and beautifully – without any slipping or tripping over, of course. AKB48 first went on Music Station back in June 9, 2006. At the time the group was still part of an indies label, and Maeda was only 14 years old. The group performed Skirt, Hirari on their maiden appearance.

Next week’s Music Station, to be aired on August 17 in Japan, will be Maeda’s final AKB48 TV performance, Japanese music news site Natalie reports. The 21-year-old, regarded by many as the “face” of AKB48, will be leaving the popular Japanese idol group on the 27th this month, after a 3-day live concert performance at the Tokyo Dome from August 24 to 26. In a statement released to Japanese media, Atsuko Maeda said that her most memorable Music Station moment was “when I tripped over during the Super Live performance on 2010 December 24. ‘Yabai (Oops)’, everybody made fun of me.”

(Above) AKB48 on the June 9, 2006 broadcast of Music Station Since then, AKB48 has been on the programme a total of 22 times. Of those, Maeda has appeared in 21 of the performances – she had not been part of the “Ue kara Mariko” TV performance as the front-lining members of that single were determined by a rock-paper-scissors tournament. In addition to appearing as an AKB48 “senbatsu” (frontliner) member, Maeda also has had two solo appearances on the show.

August 13th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Natalie

Family Mart X Hatsune Miku presents: Kagamine Rin’s Omelette Napolitan The group performing Manatsu no Sounds good! (真真真 Sounds good !) for the first time on Music Station on 25 May 2012. Apart from reminiscing about past Music Station appearances, Maeda also aired her thoughts on the upcoming AKB48 Tokyo Dome concert:

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/family-mart-x-hatsune-mikupresents-kagamine-rins-omelette-napolitan/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Plus a look at the final packaging for the Hatsune Miku Po Pi Po vegetable juice. It costs less than 200 yen!

Rin’s Omelette Napolitan

“I’m really glad to be able to participate in our Tokyo Dome concerts from August 24 to 26. To me, it [the significance of performing at Tokyo Dome] feels like, ‘we started out as a small group but look how far we’ve come!’ Performing at Tokyo Dome has always been a goal for the management behind AKB48, and so all of us performers in the group wanted to live up to that and achieve the goal – but honestly, we never dreamed that this day would really come. So if I were to have graduated from the group before we were able to perform at the Dome, I think I would have regretted it.”

Finally, a Kagamine Rin themed item! It’s a perfect match for her image colour (yellow)! From August 14 to September 10 Family Mart outlets in Japan will carry a Rin’s Omelette Napolitan (真真真真真真真真真真) as part of the Hatsune Miku 5th Anniversary Miku Loves FamiMa campaign (関関関関関関th Anniversary 関関 LOVES 関関関関関関関関関関関関). Judging from the pictures alone you might think that this to be a regular plate of omelette rice. That’s not the case, however. In an attempt to switch things up a bit (since omu rice is so blatantly common), Family Mart decided to go with Spaghetti Napolitan covered under that fluffy omelette instead of fried rice. Two slices of cheese garnished on top evoke Kagamine Rin’s trademark head-ribbon. Customers are also advised to use the ketchup that sits on the side to draw their favourite sayings or a face on the omelette. Also worth noting: this dish, Rin’s Omelette Napolitan, is made and produced under the supervision of Good Smile Cafe. Only 40,000 packs will be available throughout the promotional period nation-wide.

August 13th, 2012

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Mad Catz test-launches a new line of low-noise joysticks in Japan; pre-orders for the PS3 version begin today [video] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/mad-catz-test-launches-a-new-lineof-low-noise-joysticks-in-japan-pre-orders-for-the-ps3-version-begintoday-video/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

Miku Vegetable Juice This week the Family Mart X Hatsune Miku blog also shared a little more detail on the previously-reported vegetable juice that’s themed after the song Po Pi Po. The final name for the drink is Po Pi Po Mirai Yasai (真真真真真真真真真真). It will be sold at all Family Mart outlets between August 14 and September 10, available in two form factors: a 350ml pet bottle (158 yen), or a 200ml juicebox (105 yen). I’m a little surprised that the drink would be sold for well under the 200 yen as “advertised” in the Po Pi Po song, but that’s Family Mart for you. Competitive, mass-market pricing for all. In case you’re wondering, FamiMe is keenly aware of the 200 yen meme from the song, but decided to price it lower to encourage sales. So now you don’t have an excuse to pick one up. A total of six designs are available for the illustrations that adorn both the pet bottle and juicebox containers.

Only in Japan for now: Mad Catz has launched through Amazon Japan a new line of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 joysticks – the Team Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Versus Series SH – that are similar in construction to the Street Fighter X Tekken FightStick V.S., but fitted with low-noise Sanwa parts. Pre-orders for the PS3 SH stick will start later today (August 11), at 13:00 hours Japan Standard Time (GMT+0900 hours) exclusively from the Mad Catz shop on Amazon Japan. The stick will be sold for the special “test-launch” price of 19,800 yen (US$253) to monitor market demand. 4Gamer notes that this is 4,000 yen cheaper than Mad Catz’s Street Fighter X Tekken VS Edition sticks in Japan (23,800 yen). As the market price for a set of low-noise joystick parts and buttons from Sanwa alone is roughly 7,000 yen, 4Gamer believes that Mad Catz will adjust the price of the stick accordingly for future batches. Expected shipping date for the PS3 stick is tentatively August 30. An Xbox 360 version of the stick (pictured below) will ship sometime in September. Mad Catz is not ready to announce pre-order details for the X360 stick at this point, but the testlaunch price will be the same.

Source: Family Mart X Hatsune Miku

August 13th, 2012

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noise buttons provide an advantage in tournament matches, due to the fact that you are less likely to telegraph your combo inputs to your opponent in such situations. There may be some truth to the notion that lownoise joysticks can lead to improved chances of winning. In a Daigo Umehara column published in Arcadia magazine a while ago, renowned Japanese Sagat player Bonchan revealed that Ryan Hart, a top European Street Fighter IV who plays Sagat, uses the negative edge technique (performing special moves by releasing buttons instead of hitting buttons) when throwing out Tiger Shots so as not to telegraph his fireballs. But just how much quieter is the new SH series joystick, and is it quiet enough to give you a competitive advantage? 4Gamer took an SH stick to the test in this video, performing back-dash cancels in Tekken and comparing it to a second joystick loaded with regular Sanwa parts: What do you guys think? Are low-noise joysticks something you’d consider when it’s time to get a new one? Keep in mind, however, that a microphone sensor’s audio sensitivity is different from that of the human ear, so the SH stick may in fact be quieter than as heard in the video. Source: 4Gamer, Famitsu

New system announced for the selection of Singapore WCS representatives Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/new-system-announced-for-theselection-of-singapore-wcs-representatives/ By sakurazaki on August 13th, 2012

Singapore has been a faithful participant of the World Cosplay Summit since the year 2006 and now to up the excitement of the competition, a new system has been introduced to determine the representatives.

Why launch the stick in Japan first? According to Famitsu, Mad Catz’s decision for the Japan test-launch is due to consumer demand there for a quieter joystick solution that would not annoy family members or neighbours during play, especially at night. Apartment complexes in Japan are notorious for their thin walls. In addition, Mad Catz sponsored pro players Daigo Umehara, Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi, and Kenryo “Mago” Hayashi have also reportedly told the company that low-

The World Cosplay Summit began its prestigious World Cosplay Championship since year 2005, and was designed to determine a Grand Champion through stage performances by representative teams from each participating country. The new system will aid in the selection of Singapore’s World Cosplay Summit Representatives for the year 2013! The following information is adapted from Cosfest Asia: All interested cosplayers/non cosplayers will register with us first as individuals. You will be interviewed and auditioned by us. We will also 10

August 13th, 2012

explain to you what is required to join the World Cosplay Summit. At this point, you are not required to have any costumes ready yet. We will then announce the shortlisted group of cosplayers who will then go on to the next phrase. Bear in mind that lots of physical stamina is required to be the WCS Singapore National Team because you will have to go around in many costumes at Nagoya during the Championship!

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an all-ages PS2 port of the PC visual novel Fate/stay night – back when it was still a rumour. Since then, the game has been officially announced at Type-Moon Fes, and now Crunchyroll brings word that the official website for the game has been updated with a batch of screenshots taken from Realta Nua’s opening intro (produced by ufotable, the studio behind Fate/Zero) – which will be on display on actual PS Vita demo units at this weekend’s Comic Market event in Japan.

After that, the WCS Singapore manager team will hold a session where all who have signed up to be considered for WCS Singapore draw lots to decide who they have been paired up with. In this system, you do not form your own ready teams but instead, be paired up with another cosplayer. Only after you are paired up, then do the both of you start on costume discussion, performance planning and costume making. The purpose of this is to encourage more interaction between various cosplayers and for you to make more friends. If you are interested, message us here at the Cosfest Facebook with your: Full name Nick name Birthday Contact number: Series you would like to cosplay to enter the World Cosplay Summit Selection rounds Let’s have a great WCS Singapore 2013 National selection round!” For more information visit the following sites

To view the screenshots, go to the official site through this link. Also in today’s update, Type-Moon has provided a little more detail on the bonus “Hanafuda” digital card game that folks who pre-order will receive a product code for; it’s a downloadable PSP title that supports Game Sharing and local ad-hoc wireless play.

Cosfest Asia Mainpage : https://www.facebook.com/ COSFESTASIA

Pre-order Fate/stay night Realta Nua, receive a bonus Hanafuda game that tells the story of the “Holy Grail Onsen” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/pre-order-fatestay-night-realta-nuareceive-a-bonus-hanafuda-game-that-tells-the-story-of-the-holy-grailonsen/ By KarbyP on August 13th, 2012

This downloadable game is a sequel to the bonus included with the original Realta Nua on the PS2 that was called Tobidase! Trouble Hanafuda Travel Journal (真真真真真真真真真真真真真真).

We first told you about a PS Vita port of Fate/stay night Realta Nua (apparently Irish for “a new star”) – originally

Although the PS Vita/PSP Tobidase! sequel had a working title that simply added a “2″ to the original’s ridiculous long moniker, Type-Moon had a change of heart, announcing today that the downloadable game will instead be called Tobitate! Chojikuu Toraburu Hanafuda Daisakusen (関関関関関関関関関関関関関関関関関, which translates into something like Take off! Super Dimensional Trouble Hanafuda Attack Plan).

August 13th, 2012

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Tobitate! will feature a “Seihai Onsen” or “Holy Grail Onsen” story scenario penned by various creators: Kinoko Nasu, Gen Urobuchi, Hoshizora Meteo, and Yuichiro Higashide. It’s also said that Fate/Zero’s Archer, Rider, and Berserker camps will also play a part in the Holy Grail Onsen scenario. Source: Fatevita [via Crunchyroll]

August 15th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

Perfume releases World Tour 1st site and ticket pricing Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/perfume-releases-world-tour-1stsite-and-ticket-pricing/ By sentinel011 on August 15th, 2012

SGCafe has previously reported on Perfume’s announcement of their first overseas live tour, and today they have released a comprehensive site, complete with ticket pricing and more!

Brace yourself, Guild Wars 2 pre-purchasers, for yet another chance to play The Game before it officially comes out next week. Developer ArenaNet has just announced on their Facebook page that they will be conducting a server stress-test later today/tomorrow (depending on your timezone). It’s scheduled to start on Pacific Time (GMT-0700 hours) August 15 from 12:00 noon to 4PM, which translates to Singapore time (GMT+0800 hours) August 16, 3AM to 7AM. If you’ve participated in any of the previous weekend betas or server stress-test events, your save data will carry over.

Granted that the locations are all in the Asian region, makes you wonder why it isn’t called Asia Tour instead. As of now, the only additional information that is shared on the site is the ticket pricing and the live commencement timing. The Tour Goods list has yet to be updated, though. VIP – SGD$128 General Admission – SGD$88 Doors open: 18:30 (SGT) Show time: 19:00 (SGT) We have also heard that a good percentage of VIP tickets are allocated for P.T.A fanclub members through their official site. (Check their news post on 9 August!) Links: J-live ASIA facebook, Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st official site

Guild Wars 2 pre-purchasers: get ready to stress test some servers later today Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/guild-wars-2-pre-purchasers-getready-to-stress-test-some-servers-later-today/

If you’ve only participated in weekend betas, but never a stress-test, and are contemplating taking leave tomorrow so you can take part in this one, fair warning from us: they really mean it when they say this is a stress test. There have been reports of players not being able to log-in at all when the servers were overloaded during these tests. Besides, Guild Wars 2 comes out two weeks from now, August 28. And all gamers who’ve pre-purchased the game will access it three days earlier, on August 25 (all dates given relate to Pacific Time). So let someone else do the stress testing, and improve the game experience for you, two weeks from now. Even if this is the game that critics expect to finally dethrone World of Warcraft, there’s really no rush! Guild Wars 2 can be pre-purchased from https:// buy.guildwars2.com/en-gb/ If you’ve pre-purchased Guild Wars 2, let us know which server you and your friends are planning to play on in the comments below. Source: Guild Wars 2 Facebook page [via Guild Wars 2 Guru]

Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Spruce up your pre-fight VS screens with illustrated “character panels” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tekken-tag-tournament-2-spruce-upyour-pre-fight-vs-screens-with-illustrated-character-panels/

August 15th, 2012

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By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

What you see above is not an actual Tekken Tag Tournament 2 screenshot, but an artist’s (*cough*mine*cough*) impression of what your pre-fight VS screens in the game could look like, should you decide to use custom “character panels”. Once you unlock them with fight money, you can swap out the default 3D character panels with 2D ones. Three designs are available for each character in the game, each illustrated by Tomio, Fujisawa, Shunya Yamashita, and JUNNY respectively. Before we take a look at what each illustrator’s character panel designs look like, here’s an actual example using pictures that did not come out of MS Paint:

Tomio Fujisawa (フフフフフフフ) A graphic designer and a part of Spooky Graphic, a team of artists whose work in videogames includes Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops and Peacewalker, and Sega’s Kurohyo: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho (Yakuza New Chapter on the PSP). Fujisawa previously worked with Project Tekken on a line of fantastic Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection posters that you’ll see below.

August 15th, 2012

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Shunya Yamashita (フフフフフフ) Did weapons and NPC design for Final Fantasy X, card illustrations for Square Enix’s Lord of Vermillion arcade game, etc. Has some fascinating video games and anime-based artwork over at the illustration gallery on his blog. To get to the gallery, click on “イイイイイイイイイ” (WARNING: NFSW).

August 15th, 2012

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JUNNY Did the cover illustrations for the two SoulCalibur novels (イイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイ) that came out in Japan in January this year, a poster for the Mastercup 4 5-on-5 Tekken 6 BR tournament in Japan sometime last year, and way too many other non-video-games-related projects to list. More of his amazing work can be found on his blog (again, NFSW).

August 15th, 2012

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PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale adds DmC’s Dante to roster; buy PS3 version, get Vita port free [video] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/playstation-all-stars-battle-royaleadds-dmcs-dante-to-roster-buy-ps3-version-get-vita-port-free/ By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

Update: now with video. Original story: When PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale ships in November 20 this year (delayed from its original October 16) its roster DmC Devil May Cry’s Dante, Little Big Planet’s Sackboy, Spike from Ape Escape, and Ratchet & Clank from, well, make a guess. The four characters were announced today at a Sony Computer Entertainment Europe press conference at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Today’s roster announcement brings us one step closer to realising what’s rumoured to be the final roster for the game, which Eventhubs reported on last month. There was also a leak on the official website. Character profiles are a feature that’s actually already in the arcade version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (click on the links to see your favourite TTT2 characters drawn in the styles of each of the three illustrators), which was why we didn’t include Famitsu’s information on character panels in our earlier story on collaboration costumes. But we figure there might be a lot of folks who do not already know about the character panels functionality, since TTT2 is the only fighting game (as far as I can recall) that has such a feature. Although custom character portraits in SoulCalibur V and SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny are somewhat similar to this. Also, I wanted to take the opportunity to show off my mad MS Paint skills. “…………….” Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 is scheduled for a September 11 release in Singapore and the US. Pre-order details for Southeast Asia can be found at the end of this post.

But that’s not all the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale news coming out of Germany today. SCEE also announced that the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita versions of the game will be included with every copy purchased, in something called the “Cross Buy” programme. What this means is that if you buy the PlayStation 3 version, you’ll automatically get the Vita port for free – and viceversa. Sony is currently doing a similar thing with Sound Shapes, a downloadable rhythm-based platformer available digitally through PlayStation Store. Buy the game, and you’re automatically entitled to download both the PS3 and PS Vita versions. Could Sony’s generosity encourage the fighting games community to pick up PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale as a competitive title? We’ll find out when the game launches in November. A private beta for the game is currently being conducted for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Source: Destructoid

Read more about the Tekken series here on SGCafe! Source: Famitsu, Gamersyde

August 15th, 2012

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Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Extra costumes designed by various illustrators, including UK’s Simon Bisley Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tekken-tag-tournament-2-extracostumes-designed-by-various-illustrators-including-uks-simon-bisley/ By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

That’s Alisa, Heihachi, and Anna you see in the image above, donned in a set of special “collaboration” costumes – designed by various illustrators in Japan (and one abroad) – that will be featured inTekken Tag Tournament 2. Famitsu revealed images for six of these collaboration costumes today. Some of which were designed by illustrators whom the Project Tekken team worked with for extra costumes in previous games. Which is your favourite?

Alisa Design: Shigeto Koyama (イイイイイイ), who’s credited for design works on Eureka Seven AO, Gurren Lagann movie, Evangelion 2.0 movie, and more.

Jaycee Design: Mutsumi Inomata (イイイイイイイ), who designed Jin and Xiaoyu’s extra costumes in Tekken 5, and Zafina’s in 6. Has also worked on the Tales of series, and Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny.

Miguel Design: Ryouji Minigawa (イイイイ), who did Lee Chaolan, Marshall Law’s extra constumes in Tekken 5, Roger Jr.’s in 6.

August 15th, 2012

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Anna

Kunimitsu

Design: Ito Oogure (イイイイ), better known as Oh! great (Air Gear, Tenjho Tenge). Did Asuka Kazama’s third costume in Tekken 5, Lili’s third costume in Tekken 6. Also designed Ashlotte for SoulCalibur IV.

Design: Katsuya Terada (イイイイ), character designer for Blood the Last Vampire. Also did creature designs for Kamen Rider W.

Read more about the Tekken series here on SGCafe! Source: Famitsu

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 opening intro has Angel, demons, and fearless fight spectators Heihachi

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tekken-tag-tournament-2-openingintro-has-angel-demons-and-a-fearless-fight-spectators/ By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

Design: British comic-book artist Simon Bisley.

August 15th, 2012

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Namco Bandai posted the new opening intro for the console version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 this week. Hit the jump to see it: it’s got Angel, demons, and a fight audience who’s not afraid of anything. Pretty cool guys (and so is the opening). Why aren’t the spectators spooked at all by Ogre and Angel’s unconventional ring entrances? Aren’t they worried at all if they might get hurt in the clash between Ogre’s flaming breath and Angel’s laser attack? Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada, who decides on many of the minor details within the Tekken universe, has the answer on his Twitter stream: “The spectators are American!” he replies in Japanese to a fan who was impressed by the audience’s bravado. (It’s a joke, of course.) The opening CG you see above won’t be the only one stored on the console release of Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Responding to fans who were disappointed to see that their favourite character wasn’t featured, Harada explained that the original TTT2 opening will also be included:

Read more about the Tekken series here on SGCafe. Source: Eventhubs, @Harada_Tekken

Vergil is in DmC: Devil May Cry [Gamescom 2012 trailer] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/vergil-is-in-dmc-devil-may-crygamescom-2012-trailer/ By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

Also on Twitter, another fan in the fighting games community recently asked Harada which member of K-On! is Tekken sumo wrestler Ganryu’s favourite. For those of you who have been wondering:

Vergil, Dante’s long-lost twin brother appears in this new Gamescom 2012 trailer for Capcom and Ninja Theory’s DmC Devil May Cry – a reboot for the series. The silver-haired older twin appears before dark-haired Dante to recuit him for The Order, an organisation that seeks to free the human world from grasp of demons – who apparently ran the orphanage where Dante was raised. Vergil’s bio in DmC Devil May Cry: Vergil is Dante’s twin brother. While Dante was put into an orphanage run by demons and ended up a street kid, Vergil was adopted into a rich, educated and very privileged home. A highly intelligent and gifted individual, he wrote a security encryption program that eventually made him a multi-millionaire before he even finished school. Vergil hates the demons for having killed his mother and enslaved his father and uses his riches in the single minded pursuit to bring them down. Calculating and dispassionate, Vergil’s decisions are always logical, strategic and never emotional. He formed the underground organisation known as

August 15th, 2012

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The Order to research the demons with the goal of toppling their hold over humanity. The trailer also contrasts Vergil’s cold, calculative nature, with Dante’s hot-headed brashness, when one of their own – Kat, a female psychic – is trapped in Limbo. Vergil opts to abandon her lest risk the fate of humanity, but Dante is unwilling to leave without her.

Source: Xbox360GamerSA

Shoko Nakagawa to host 24hour-long live broadcast to mark new CD release; guests include kz and sasakure.UK Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/shoko-nakagawa-to-host-24-hourlong-live-broadcast-to-mark-new-cd-release-guests-include-kz-andsasakure-uk/ By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

To commemorate the release of her new album tomorrow, Shoko Nakagawa is hosting a very special episode of her regular Nico Nico Live broadcast that will run for 24 hours long. The broadcast will begin August 15, 12-midnight JST (GMT +0900) – which is August 14, 11PM Singapore time (GMT +0800) – all the way till the same time the following day. The stream is entitled: Shoko-tan’s Nico-user Live (in Harajuku): Shoko Nakagawa tries to sell her new mini-album nsum~ 9

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Exclusive 23-hour TV – You can save Nakagawa with your purchase of a copy (イイイイイイイイイイイイイイイnsumイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイ24イイイイイ -イイイイイイイイイイイイ-) . And it will include a music video showcase of past Shoko Nakagawa songs, a live feed of various fans’ meet-andgreet handshake sessions throughout the day, as well as talk sessions with invited guests Hyadain (イイイイイ), Hachiouji-P (イイイP), Merochin (イイイイ), kzイlivetune), sasakure.UK, and Hyakka Ryoran (イイイイ).

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Alternate CD jacket illustration, for the regular CD (without DVD) version Here’s the link to the livestream: http://live.nicovideo.jp/ watch/lv102717479 Nico Nico Douga regular and premium users alike can hit the yellow button that says イイイイイイイイ to DVR the entire broadcast, so that you can skim through the entire 24-hour long video to get to the parts you want to see. Full program schedule as follows: 00イ00—Music videos and selected live footage 12イ00—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 1) 12イ45—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 2) 13イ30—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 3) 14イ15—Guest appearance! Hyadain (イイイイイイイ) plays a game live on streamイ 15イ00—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 4) 15イ45—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 5) 16イ30—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 6) 17イ30—Guest appearances! sasakure.UK talks about the albumイ Hyakka Ryoran-san (イイイイイイ) tells us about his occasional visits to the Nico Nico Douga siteイ

中中中中中nsum中中中中中中中中中中中中中中中CD+DVD中

19イ15—Guest appearances! kzイlivetuneイand HachioujiP (イイイP) talks about the albumイ Merochin (イイイイイイ) choreographs for a song live on streamイ 21イ00—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 7)

During the broadcast Shoko-tan will somehow attempt to sell 3,000 copies of her newly released mini-album from her live location (it’s not stated how fans are supposed to buy a copy that will count towards this tally; probably only the copies sold at the Harajuku location will count). Even if you can’t tune in to the the full 24-hour broadcast, at least try to tune in near the end to find out if Shoko-tan manages to accomplish her goal or not. Shoko Nakagawa’s new mini-album, nsum~Nakagawa Shoko ga Utatte Mita! comes out tomorrow, August 15.

21イ45—Fans’ handshake session live-feed (session 8) 22イ30—Special Talk Sessionイイ Can Shoko-tan sell 3,000 copies of her new mini-albumイ What will happen to Shoko-tan if she doesn’t sell 3,000 copiesイ A final spurt for the goal in this 24-hour broadcastイイ 24イ00—Results announcement イBroadcast Overイイ Schedule times are a rough approximation. イ Events might be moved forward or back, depending on circumstances. Source: Natalie, Barks

Hatsune Miku X Family Mart campaign starts today [commercial videos & photo tour] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-x-family-martcampaign-starts-today-commercial-videos-photo-tour/

August 15th, 2012

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By KarbyP on August 15th, 2012

The Miku Loves FamiMa campaign (イイイイ 5th Anniversary イイ LOVES イイイイイイイイイイイ) start today! All those Hatsune Miku food items we’ve been telling you about are finally available on store shelves! To get the word out, the convenience store chain put out a television commercial: There are some hilarious outtakes too: Crunchyroll’s Scott Green notes that FamiMa’s Hatsune Miku CMs are similar in nature to the Corolla + Miku “Bacon Wrapped Hotdog” commercials from a while ago: Do we have places that sell bacon-wrapped hotdogs in Singapore? I kinda want one now, thanks to Miku (although I think the intention of the Corolla commercials was to sell cars). Well, they don’t sell bacon-wrapped hotdogs in Family Mart in Japan either. But you know what they do sell? Bread that’s shaped like leeks (イイイイイイイイ):

Family Mart East Ikebukuro Seiko Building Branch (photo tour) During the campaign period (39 days, from August 14 to September 10), a particular branch of Family Mart locaed in the Seiko Building in East Ikebukuro (イイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイ) will also be plastered with Miku loves FamiMa decorations, including illustrations from Miku designer Kei and other artists. Famitsu visited the store and did a photo tour:

August 15th, 2012

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More (decorations, food items sold at the store, and a Hatsune Miku X Family Mart smartphone app):

August 15th, 2012

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Source: Crunchyroll, Famitsu

Shakugan no Shana illustrator Noizi Itou tweets on coming to Singapore for STGCC Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/shakugan-no-shana-illustrator-noiziitou-tweets-on-coming-to-singapore-for-stgcc/ By sentinel011 on August 15th, 2012

Last year STGCC invited Hanasaku Iroha’s illustrator, Kishida Mel to give a talk about his works and a meet-andgreet session. This year’s special guest has been officially announced – or not? Famed illustrator Noizi Itou tweeted the following: Speaking of which, I will be heading to Singapore end August for an event called STGCC. I am both nervous and thrilled, since this is my first time in Singapore. The image below is a screen capture of her twitter account:

August 15th, 2012

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The quote is highlighted in red STGCC has not officially announced yet, but luck has been our side so far with our discovery of Utaite artiste Pico before their official announcement as well. Noizi Itou is a manga and game artist who draws for several high profile anime series, which includes The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi, Shakugan no Shana, Another and more. She has released almost 10 illustration art books to date. Source: Noizi Itouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Twitter

August 17th, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and DmC Devil May Cry demo play videos from Gamescom 2012 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-anddmc-devil-may-cry-demo-play-videos-from-gamescom-2012/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Borderlands 2, the video game, is done. Development work on it has been completed, and now Gearbox Software is busy making that awesome Mechromancer DLC character that gamers who pre-order the game will get. Borderlands 2, the awesome 20ft wall mural, on the other hand, is not quite done yet. But it will be, in about 13 hours from the time this post is up. Until then, you can watch UK graffiti artists Sam Hope and Dave More go at it at Gamescom in Germany in this live feed: http://www.aworkofart.eu/

Can’t get enough of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and DmC Devil May Cry from just the official Gamescom trailers alone? Then watch Raiden and Dante go at it (separately) in these play videos captured on cameras from the Gamescom showfloor in Germany. Raiden’s robot friend sadly doesn’t make an appearance at the Gamescom demo (maybe at TGS?). Still, you get to watch Raiden slice up some poor sod’s car, and some other poor sod (who’s probably not the owner of that classy car) like sashimi. DmC Devil May Cry’s Dante makes some sashimi too. But he prefers to use only fresh, live demons from the world of Limbo for ingredients. If you were worried that this series reboot might stray too far from the core gameplay experience that Devil May Cry’s been known for, this video below should put you at ease.

Stay tuned to SGCafe over the next couple of days, where we’ll bring you loads and loads of Borderlands 2 coverage. We’ve played quite a lot of the four-player co-op shooterslash-RPG when Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford was in Singapore this week, so expect more details on the Mechromancer, skill trees, cool character skins, and much, much more very soon. Borderlands 2 comes out in Singapore September 21.

DJMax Technika Tune 9minute-long “Let’s Play” trailer kicks off “Summer Fes’ 2012″ campaign Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/djmax-technika-tune-9-minute-longlets-play-trailer-kicks-off-summer-fes-2012-campaign/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Borderlands 2: Watch “live” as UK graffiti artists Sam Hope and Dave More create Gamescom wall mural Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/borderlands-2-watch-live-as-ukgraffiti-artists-sam-hope-and-dave-more-creat/

Find out howDJMax Technika Tune is played on a PS Vita in this 9-minute-long trailer, hosted by popular Niconico “Let’s Play” video-maker Gacchiman (ガガガガガ). 1

August 17th, 2012

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This is but only the first in a series “DJMax Summer Fes’ 2012″ campaign trailers that features various popular Niconico users singing, dancing, and otherwise doing something with DJMax Technika Tune. Next week’s trailer, to be released on August 24, features Niconico user Yuge (ガガ) – renowned for his “Let’s try singing” videos – who will perform Keys to the world from the game.

DJMax Technika Tune for the PlayStation Vita goes on sale September 27 in Japan. Source: 4Gamer

August 31′s video is a “songs introduction” trailer hosted by Vocaloid producer KagomeP (ガガガ P). The tracks Ooh La La, Brand NEW Days, and RockSTAR will be covered.

And finally, two “Let’s Try Dancing” videos featuring Boutou (ガガ) and Apricot* (ガガガガガガガ) will be streamed on September 7 and 14, respectively. Again, these are folks who are famous on Japanese video upload site Niconico Douga for their dance videos. Boutou will dance to A Song of Sixpence, while Apricot* performs to the beat of Shining My Boy.

Niconico Live to stream Animelo Summer 2010, 2011 performances; Hatsune Miku a special guest in 2012 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/niconico-live-to-stream-animelosummer-2010-2011-performances-hatsune-miku-a-special-guestin-2012/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

This year’s Animelo Summer, codenamed Infinity, will take place at the Saitama Super Arena on August 25 and 26. To get fans of the annual anison event hyped up for the actual concert, Niconico Live will be broadcasting concert footage from 2010 and 2011, viewable for free, on three consecutive nights. The fun begins August 22 (Wednesday), 9PM JST (GMT +0900 hours) or 8PM Singapore time, starting with Day 1 of the Animelo Summer Live 2010 -evolution- concert (looks like this is the entire thing, as seen on DVD and Blu-ray). August 23 (Thursday) night, 9PM JST’s broadcast will feature the Day 2 concert of Animelo Summer Live 2010. Each day’s concert features entirely different artistes, so you might want to catch both. Finally, on August 24 (Friday) night, a digest video of Animelo Summer Live 2011 -rainbow- will be streamed online. It’s not the entire concert because the DVDs and Blurays for that are still on sale. As usual, Niconico users free and premium alike can click on the ガガガガガガガガ button to DVR the broadcasts, so that they may watch it any time after the broadcasts. 2

August 17th, 2012

To go to each day’s broadcast page, click on the respective links below: ガガガガガガガ2012ガガガガSPガガガガ Animelo Summer Live 2010 evolution- 8.28 ガガガガガ2012ガ8ガ22ガ(ガ) 21:00ガ26:00(ガガ) >>ガガガガガガガガガガガガガガガ2012ガガガガSPガガガガ Animelo Summer Live 2010 -evolution- 8.29 ガガガガガ2012ガ8ガ23ガ(ガ) 21:00ガ26:00(ガガ) >>ガガガガガガガガガガガガガガガ2012ガガガガSPガガガガ Animelo Summer Live 2011 -rainbow – ガガガガガガガガガガガ2012ガ8ガ24ガ(ガ) 21:00ガ24:30(ガガ) >>ガガガガガガガ

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Been a while since we’ve heard news of a Pokemon-themed limited edition Nintendo portable. Between August 25 to September 14, Pokemon Center Tokyo will be taking preorders for a Pikachu Yellow version of its 3DS LL (3DS XL in the West) handheld. Quantities for the Nintendo 3DS LL Pikachu Yellow edition will be limited. Nintendo does not plan to put this on retail shelves; it’s only available to those who pre-order. If you do, you’ll get one September 15. As with any regular 3DS LL sold in Japan, one of these babies will run you 18,900 yen (price not including AC adaptor; in regions outside Japan an adaptor is included).

Hatsune Miku in Animelo Summer 2012 -INFINITY∞-

Apart from today’s news on the Niconico broadcasts, we’d just like to take a brief aside to tell folks that Hatsune Miku will be a performer at Animelo Summer 2012 -INFINITY∞-. She’s an artiste for Day 2 (August 26, Sunday). Nothing like a good Hatsune Miku live performance to make your summer all mellow-mellow (heh… geddit? Animelo… nevery mind). Source: Anisama

Nintendo 3DS LL Pikachu Yellow edition launched, sold exclusively at Pokemon Center stores in Japan Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/nintendo-3ds-ll-pikachu-yellowedition-launched-sold-exclusively-at-pokemon-center-stores-in-japan/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Those of you lucky enough to be in Japan in the aforementioned period, try and get one from a Pokemon Center store in these branches: Sapporo, Tohoku, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka (we’re not sure if that’s all of the Pokemon Center store branches in Japan). Better yet, go to all of the aforementioned stores, and tell us if there’s a Nurse Joy at every branch to heal your Pokemanhood. Source: 4Gamer

August 17th, 2012

One OK Rock’s “The Beginning” – theme song for live-action Rurouni Kenshin movie – posted on YouTube channel

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/one-ok-rocks-the-beginning-themesong-for-live-action-rurouni-kenshin-movie-posted-on-youtube-channel/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Geddit? WTF? That the acronym you can use to refer to Tekken Tag Tournament 2‘s expanded online functionality, and it’s really quite apt, given the staggering amount of free content - all DLC characters, stages, and techniques - Namco Bandai is giving away to fans. (Seriously, folks, you’re missing out on a lot if you don’t pre-order.)

Here’s the music video for One OK Rock‘s 7th single, The Beginning, taken from the J-rock band’s official YouTube page. Comprising four members – Taka (vocals), Toru (guitar), Ryoto (bass), Tomoya (drummer) – the enigmatic J-rock band was formed in 2005 and was recently here for the Singapore stop of their Start Walking the World Tour. One OK Rock’s The Beginning, set to be released August 22 in Japan, is also the theme song for the liveaction Rurouni Kenshin movie that’s headed to cinemas there August 25. A set of hi-res movie trailers, putting the spotlight on the various ensemble cast members in the movie, surfaced on the Interwebs this week. Between the seven clips, you’re looking at over three minutes of footage from the movie, which we can’t help but get excited about.

Kenshin Kaoru Sanosuke Saito Megumi Kanryu Jine Source: Crunchyroll

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 “World Tekken Federation” trailer: Don’t get hung-up on the word “premium”

On top of the basic online functionality (6-player lobbies, replays; game updates that will add even more modes like 50-player lobby arenas and 16-player lounges), a “World Tekken Federation” service will let you track detailed player stats, leaderboard rankings, and create teams – this is essentially clan support in Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Just don’t get hung up on the phrase” a new premium service” when the emcee says it in the trailer. Many in the fighting games community were concerned, since the word “premium” usually means “paid” content in MMOs and other free-to-play titles, but in Tekken Tag Tournament 2′s case, it’s really not used in that context. The World Tekken Federation service is free to all players, according to Mad Catz’s Mark “Markman” Julio who responded to a query on Twitter asking if WTF was something that had to be paid for monthly or annually. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the emcee’s Corissa Furr, who played Lili in the “Bad Girls” “Girls Power” trailer for TTT2: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is scheduled for release on September 11 in Singapore and the US. Read more about the Tekken series here on SGCafe! Source: Eventhubs

Project Diva developer teasing Hatsune Miku on Android announcement [speculation] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/project-diva-developer-teasinghatsune-miku-on-android-announcement-speculation/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Expect some kind of video, relating either to Hatsune Miku on Android, or Project Diva f’s AR functionality – later today from Sega’s Project Diva development team later today. Possibly Android-related (and Hatsune Miku-related, of course).

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tekken-tag-tournament-2-worldtekken-federation-trailer-dont-get-hung-up-on-the-word-premium/

August 17th, 2012

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now that the series is on PS Vita, it’d make perfect sense to release the older PSP entries for smartphone devices. Check back with us later today to find out for sure. Source: Twitter

Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge film synopsis revealed – Kurapika’s scarlet eyes “stolen” from him Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hunter-x-hunter-phantom-rougefilm-synopsis-revealed-kurapikas-scarlet-eyes-stolen-from-him/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Sega’s Hatsune Miku Project Diva team loves the iPhone. Or developing for the iPhone. One or the other. Maybe both. And that’s probably why they’ve already put out not one, but two Hatsune Miku game apps for the iOS platform – Miku Flick, and Miku Flick/02. We hear it all the time from our readers: “Why iOS? Why can’t it be for Android? I’d gladly buy the app right away if it were available for Android!” Well, folks, it looks like the Project Diva team may finally have gotten to work on something on Android… We don’t really know yet; this is all just rumours and speculation for now. Late last night, the Twitter account for one of the members on the development team posted the image you see above, of Hatsune Miku being displayed on an Android device. Chances are, that’s not Miku Flick or Miku Flick/02. Which doesn’t feature a landscape mode (can someone confirm this for us? Tell us in the comments). What is it then? Your guess is as good as mine. But we’ll find out soon enough. Earlier on the developer’s twitter stream, it’s mentioned that they’ve prepared some sort of video announcement they’d like to share with fans, but declined to because the Hatsune Miku loves FamiMa campaign had just started. They didn’t want their announcement to detract from that. So they’ve decided to release the video on Thursday.

Kurapika goes blind in the plot for the upcoming Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge movie, when a mysterious malevolent party assaults and robs him of his prized eyes which have the ability to turn crimson red when Kurapika gets emotional. It’s a trait all Kurta clan members have, which makes their eyes one of the seven most beautiful wonders in the world. But it’s also the reason why the entire clan was nearly decimated (Kurapika is the sole surviving member) by the Phantom Troupe, a gang of pirates who committed the massacre because they wanted those eyes. And Kurapika would have ended up dead just like the rest of his clan, had it not been for intervention from the rest of the Hunter X Hunter heroes (Gon, Killua, Leorio), who managed to retrieve the last-remaining Kurta member from death’s door before it was too late. Just as our heroes manage to save Kurapika and catch a breather, the Phantom Troupe appears before them. As it turns out, our mysterious big band is a member of the troupe. Specifically, the one with the No.4 spider tattoo – all members of the Phantom Troupe are marked with a spider tattoo bearing a different number (do you see the tattoo in the first and third images below?). Who is this mysterious assailant? How did they manage to entrap Kurapika – and why now? And will Kurapika ever regain his sense of sight? Find out in Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge, when it hits theatres in Japan January 12 (and subsequently on Blu-ray and DVD).

The video may or may not necessarily be connected to the Android image. It could also be another Hatsune Miku Project Diva f trailer, this time centered on its Augmented Reality (AR) functionality. But given the timing of these hints, as well as Sony’s PlayStation Mobile announcement – over 30 “PlayStationlike” titles will be released for supported Android devices – yesterday at Gamescom in Germany, we’re hoping it’s not Project Diva f-related. What do you think? Could we be hours away to a Hatsune Miku Project Diva on Android announcement? You know, 5

August 17th, 2012

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Source: Hachima

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance has a final release date, Gamescom trailer expands upon E3′s Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-hasa-final-release-date-gamescom-trailer-expands-upon-e3s/ By KarbyP on August 17th, 2012

Kojima Productions and Platinum Games’s lightning-boltaction blockbuster title Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance gets a release date at Gamescom: February 19, 2013 for US, February 21 in Japan. Also, Raiden gets a pet in a new Gamescom trailer that expands upon the one you saw from E3 in June. The new stuff starts from 03:18. Players assume control of katana-wielding cyborg ninja Raiden in this Metal Gear Solid spin-off that’s less on tactical espionage, and more about confronting your foes in the most stylish way possible, giant sword in hand. 6

August 17th, 2012

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The game was at one point cancelled by Kojima Productions (like Sleeping Dogs once was), but subsequently resurrected when the studio outsourced development to Platinum Games – hence the “Revengeance” in the title. Why feature a robo-dog in the game? That’s probably a decision on Platinum Games’s part. Several NeoGAF forum users noted that a robot dog was originally planned to be included in Platinum Games’s Vanquish, but was ultimately cut out. All that research on a controllable robo-dog is now going into Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance… with a vengeance. It could also be a homage to Casshern, some other forumgoers noted. We’ll try and get information on an Asian release date on this highly-anticipated PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 action title. In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful stills:

Source: NeoGAF

August 22nd, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Persona’s Elizabeth & Aigis, characters from Fantasy Earth: Zero and Sora no Kiseki are also guests in Lord of Vermillion Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/personas-elizabeth-aigis-charactersfrom-fantasy-earth-zero-and-sora-no-kiseki-are-also-guests-in-lord-ofvermillion/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Fantasy Earth: ZERO () Free-to-play MMORPG Fantasy Earth: Zero‘s joining the fight too. Lyle and Tivarece, who are both rulers in the game’s universe, are your FE:Z guest characters.

Over the past weekend, Square Enix announced at a Lord of Vermillion national tournament in Japan that the next version of the game, to be released in arcades there Autumn 2012, would feature guest characters from the Persona series – and possibly more. Only one character, Yu Narukami, was detailed at the event. Now, courtesy of the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine, we finally have details on a couple more of those guest characters that will be added in Lord of Vermillion Re:2 ~Saisei~ (ロロロロロロロロロロロロRe:2 ロロロロ).

Persona series () From Persona, Elizabeth and Aigis will be joining the aforementioned Sister-Complex Kingpin of Steel (that’s Yu’s “nickname” in Persona 4 Arena, for those of you who didn’t pick up the amazing fighting game).

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky / Sora no Kiseki () Estelle Bright, the heroine in Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky RPG is the final guest character announced in this week’s Famitsu reveal.

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Now, if only arcades in Singapore would bring in this excellent tabletop collectible-card-game, which is based on the same technology as seen in Sega’s Sangokushi Taisen series.

Kamikyoku / 神神

Source: 1, 2, 3

Kagamine Hachi Gassen / 神神神神神神神

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f: five more songs revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu magazine Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-fivemore-songs-revealed-in-the-latest-issue-of-famitsu-magazine/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Five more songs from Hatsune Miku Project Diva f are revealed in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine, which brings us to a grand total of 30 known tracks so far. Only two more to go!

Artiste: AnyuuP (ロロロロP)

Hachi

Hana

Artiste: MojyaP/Niregiru (ロロロP/ロロロロ)

Tengaku / 神神 Artiste: Yuuyu (ロロロ)

Stay with me Artiste: shu-t (We weren’t able to find any clips for shu-t’s Stay with me… could this be an original?)

Sadistic.Music∞Factory Artiste: cosMo@BousouP (cosMo@ロロP) (No clips for this track too… let us know if you’ve heard this track before; we’ll update this story accordingly as soon as we have more) Hatsune Miku Project Diva f for the PlayStation Vita goes on sale in Japan and Asia August 30. Source: Imagebam

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f, Diva Arcade merchandise part of September & October’s Sega Prize line-up Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-divaarcade-merchandise-part-of-september-octobers-sega-prize-line-up/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Which songs are you hoping will fill those final two slots in Hatsune Miku Project Diva f’s song roster? Expect a proper trailer from Sega sometime later this week introducing the five new songs Famitsu revealed. For now, here are some samples taken from YouTube:

Back in June, Hatsune Miku Project Diva f’s producer, Seiji Hayashi, had refused to talk about merchandising tieups when asked about it by 4Gamer, as they were still brainstorming for ideas.

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Now that the PS Vita rhythm-action title is on the verge of release, those merchandising ideas have finally been filtered through and materialised – the first batch of which will be included in the October line-up of Sega Prizes. Miku fans can attempt to capture and win these Sega Prizes from UFO Catcher machines, or buy them directly from places like Amazon.

Hatsune Miku and Future Stars Project mirai Mascot Cleaner Vol.4 Features the Vocaloid stars in costumes relating to the song Sakasama Rainbow (逆逆逆逆逆逆逆逆). 10cm in length, eight designs in total.

October’s Sega Prize line-up also includes some Project mirai themed items. There’s also something for Project Diva Arcade fans. But unlike the rest of the items mentioned here, these will come mid-September. Which of these items tickle your fancy? Let us know in the comments below.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f MultiPouch A 20cm-long pouch for your PlayStation Vita (also has space for a couple of small items). Two designs are available.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva Arcade Dedicated IC Card Case VersionB Three designs in all, these 8cm-long card cases are the perfect way to keep your Hatsune Miku Project Diva Arcade Ver.B IC card in pristine condition.

Hatsune Miku Cleaner Strap

Project

Diva

A cleaner strap and cloth perfect for wiping the PS Vita’s touchscreen after play. Three designs available, all of which are 10cm in length.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva Arcade Micro-fibre Towel Two designs, 70cm in length.

Source: 4Gamer

August 22nd, 2012

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Borderlands getting a four-part comic series in November Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/borderlands-getting-a-four-partcomic-series-in-november/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

2K Games and Gearbox Software’s Borderlands is getting the comic-book treatment this November, with the release of the first issue in a four-part series from publisher IDW. Entitled Borderlands: Origins, the series is illustrated by Augustin Padilla, written by Mikey Neumann (who served as writer for the first game; Anthony Burch is penning the story for Borderlands 2), and provides an insight into the origins stories for Roland, Mordecai, Lilith, and Brick – the original vault hunders from Borderlands 1 who will return as nonplayable characters in the sequel. Here’s a plot synopsis for the first issue: “Roland.” For the millions and millions of fans of the smash-hit video game BORDERLANDS, a lingering question exists: how did the Vault Hunters get on the bus with Marcus in the first place? Find out how Roland got on the bus with Mordecai, Lilith, and Brick in this exciting look at the soldiers of the Crimson Lance and what made him leave their ranks and search for the Vault. Surprises abound in the first part of a four-issue series chronicling where Borderlands began.” Two covers will be available for this first issue: one featuring Roland, and a variant cover – a piece of fan-art from renowned comic-book artist Ray Dillon – that has the playable cast of Borderlands 2 on it.

August 22nd, 2012

An insert ad for Borderlands: Origins will be included with every copy of Borderlands 2, which is slated to hit PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 21 (pre-order details here). Source: Newsarama [via GameInformer and VG24/7]

A.C.M.E. IV reveals merchandise from retailer Toy Coin

Published by: VR-Zone

As you can see, Toy Coin will be bringing in the Ichiban Kuji for OreImo and Angel Beats!, so fans of these two highly popular series better start preparing for the Toy Coin booth! Singapore Toys,Games and Comics Convention (STGCC) in conjunction with A.C.M.E IV will also have their own promotion within the event! Basically, buy your STGCC tickets at A.C.M.E IV and stand a chance to win a Hatsune Miku VN02 Mix toy! The lucky draw will be conducted at 5.45pm and the lucky winner will collect the prize on the spot!

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/a-c-m-e-iv-reveals-merchandisefrom-retailer-toy-coin-goods/ By sentinel011 on August 22nd, 2012

We would also like to announce several new features of A.C.M.E IV that would cater to their respective fanbases:

More news on merchandise to be released at A.C.M.E. IV this coming Saturday! The committee reveals some upcoming gems and exclusives to be sold at the event.

Show Dolls will be attending the event, so look out for a display of beautiful dolls from various anime and manga series!

There will be exclusive figurines such as Nendoroids and exclusive Ichiban Kuji items up for sale. Below is the writeup of A.C.M.E. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s press release:

Garage Sales Booth: Check out nifty items like artbooks, games, Nendroids, PVC figurines all looking for a new home at unbelievable prices!

Once again, we have several updates for you. As you might know, A.C.M.E IV is on this coming Saturday. We hope you are prepared for it! Anyway, first up is an announcement for Toy Coin. As previously announced, Toy Coin is one of the retailers who will be present in A.C.M.E IV, so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a closer look at the items that they will be bringing in to the event!

And finally, in response to enquiries about our Gundam vs Gundam tournament format, the tournament will be held in 1 v 1 format, with single elimination and the winner decided by the best of 3 rounds. We are only preparing for a 16 player tournament, so interested Mobile Suit pilots, please send your registration to the following email address: gvg@acme.sg

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

That’s all we have for this round of announcements! We are certainly saving the most important information for our last article, so stay tuned and visit our website (www.acme.sg) regularly!

Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena skins for your iPhone 4/4S, PS3, and Dual Shock 3 controllers Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/persona-4-the-ultimate-inmayonaka-arena-skins-for-your-iphone-44s-ps3-and-dual-shock-3controllers/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

PS3 Dezaskins Two designs are available for the PS3 skins, which also goes for 3,980 yen. Note that the price does not include any Dual Shock 3 skins – those are sold separately.

Tell the world which character you “main” in Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena with these iPhone 4/4S cases from maker Dezaegg. 13 designs are available in all, each corresponding to a different fighter. Also available: Persona 4 Arena-themed PS3 and Dual Shock 3 skins. Pre-orders from Dezaegg’s official website starts today. The cases and skins go on sale September 28. This is not the first time Dezaegg has made Persona-themed iPhone 4/4S cases; back in July a groovy set of Persona 4: The Golden-themed cases was released.

iPhone 4/4S “Deza Jacket” Each case comes with a protective film for your iPhone’s front bezel, as well as a matching digital wallpaper. Priced at 3,980 yen. Scroll down to the end of this post to view all designs.

Dual Shock 3 Dezaskins Like with the iPhone 4/4S cases, 13 designs are available for the Dual Shock 3 skins. Each skin will run you 980 yen.

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Dezaegg

Atsuko Maeda’s final performance at the AKB48 theatre to be live-streamed August 27 on YouTube and Google+ Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/atsuko-maedas-final-performanceat-the-akb48-theatre-to-be-live-streamed-august-27-on-youtube-andgoogle/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Atsuko Maeda graduates from the idol group AKB48 August 27. On that day, she will be performing live at the AKB48 theatre in Akihabara for the last time, and it – as announced by the group’s management earlier today – will be streamed live on YouTube and Google+. 8

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

The broadcast begins at 6PM Japan time (GMT+0900 hours) or 5PM Singapore time. To catch it, go to the official AKB48 YouTube channel, or Atsuko Maeda’s Google+ page. The decision to live-stream Maeda’s final performance at the AKB48 theatre was made due to an overwhelming number of applications for tickets to see AKB48‘s “absolute ace” for the last time: a whopping 229,096 fans entered the ballot for August 27′s 250 “premium tickets”. The odds of landing one of these tickets were 1:916.38. This was the biggest number of ticket applicants since the 250-seat theatre opened in December 2005. Thus the management’s decision to live-stream the entire event, in part of appease fans who were not able to obtain one of the much-coveted premium tickets, despite their best efforts. Apart from the live-stream, the AKB48 management will also be running a Google+ campaign where fans can attempt to get their messages to Maeda. Beginning August 21, fan messages posted on Google+ with the hashtag “ロmaeda0827″ will be compiled and subsequently printed on flower petals, to be sprinkled on the AKB48 theatre like confetti during the August 27 performance. Additionally, fans can also collaborate on an Atsuko Maeda gradauation album through the social network by sharing their photos with one another.

Arc System Works has refined the release date for the console version (PlayStation Network / Xbox Live Arcade) of Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus from a vague “Summer 2012″ to a slightly more concrete “late October, 2012″. Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus (read as “Accent Core Plus”) was originally released on the PS2 in 2008 and featured Kliff and Justice as playable – but overpowered – boss characters. In a press release, Arc System Works says that the forthcoming PSN and XBLA release of Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus will contain everything as seen in the 2008 PS2 release, with the addition of online mode (if you’re played BlazBlue, Arcana Heart 3, or Persona 4 Arena you should know what to expect for online). At launch, it will not feature the balance tweaks (especially those for Kliff and Justice) that were made in Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus R, a new version that’s coming out in Japanese arcades September 20. However, at some point in the future a patch will be released for Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus on PSN/XBLA that will update it to reflect the changes made in R – just take note that this won’t be at launch.

Guilty Gear Low-Noise Stick Sanwa Edition- 神神神神神神神神神神神神神神SANWA EDITION- 神

Source: Oricon

Guilty Gear XX ΛCore Plus to hit consoles late October; low-noise GG joystick in September Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/guilty-gear-xx-%CE%BBcore-plusto-hit-consoles-late-october-low-noise-gg-joystick-in-september/

Although the game itself will only be available from October, Arc System Works will be bringing out a Guilty Gear-themed PlayStation 3 joystick that’s fitted with low-noise parts from Sanwa on September 6, to be sold at Enterbrain’s Ebten store. For 15,540 yen including tax, the stick comes with a special poster illustrated by Guilty Gear creator Daisuke Ishiwatari. Alternatively, you can opt for a poster-less version of the stick for 13,980 yen.

August 22nd, 2012

The parts used in this stick from ASW are the same ones as those featured in Mad Catz’s SH series.

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Persona characters to come in as guests in Lord of Vermillion Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/persona-black-shooter-and-mahoutsukai-no-yoru-characters-to-come-in-as-guests-in-lord-of-vermillionre2-saisei/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Persona 4 Arena’s Sister-Complex Kingpin of Steel, Narukami Yu, will be the first in a new line of guest characters featured in Lord of Vermillion Re:2 ~Saisei~ (ロロロロロロロロロロロロRe:2 ロロロロ), an expansion to the current LoV Re:2 that will be released in Japanese arcades Autumn 2012, Square Enix announced yesterday at a national tournament. In LoV Re:2 ~Saisei~, Narukami’s special technique is Ziodyne, which does lightning-based damage to one enemy unit within his attack range, and lowers the target’s defense and movement speed for a set amount of time.

Although Narukami (which the Japanese has taken to calling “Bancho” or ロロ as he was the nameless main character in Persona 4) was the only character announced at yesterday’s event, Square Enix said fans can expect to see more characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, as well as Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena to make an appearance in this card-based, tabletop arcade game that plays similar to Sega’s Sangokushi Taisen. Source: 4Gamer

Outside of the Persona series, Square Enix also announced that characters from TV anime Black Rock Shooter and Type-Moon’s visual novel Mahou Tsukai no Yoru will be making guest appearances. Keeping in mind that Lord of Vermillion is essentially about a war between mythological creatures, who do you think will be featured as guests? Update: Black Rock Shooter and Mahou Tsukai no Yoru guest characters were already part of a previous version of Lord of Vermillion Re:2. 10

August 22nd, 2012

Finally, Square Enix announced that five cards from the original LoV that didn’t make it into Re:2 will return in the Saisei expansion. One of which features Izanami – but not the same one as seen in Persona 4:

Published by: VR-Zone

design protector sheet, AR card, and a PS Vita Trooper Pack pouch.

According to Engadget China, a glossy screen protector is part of the Hatsune Miku protector sheet; the entire thing comes as a single piece, so you won’t be able to remove the glossy screen protector part and replace it with your own matte screen protector, unless you decide to cut it out yourself. For more images of these five cards, head over to 4Gamer’s report. Source: 4Gamer

Engadget China goes handson with Hatsune Miku limited edition PlayStation Vita

They also appeared to be surprised that you’ll have to apply the protector sheet on by yourself (only the illustration on the back panel comes pre-attached on the PS Vita unit). But not to worry: the protector sheet comes with an instruction card that shows how you’re supposed to align the whole thing properly. This was something we already knew about quite a while back – Sega chose to do it this way as the protective sheet is a pre-order bonus for the regular version of the game, for those who already own a PlayStation Vita.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/engadget-china-goes-hands-on-withhatsune-miku-limited-edition-playstation-vita/ By KarbyP on August 22nd, 2012

Colour us envious: The lucky, lucky folks from Engadget China were able to go hands-on with a final retail unit of the Hatsune Miku limited edition PlayStation Vita a whopping two weeks before it goes on sale (if you want one of these babies, better pre-order before they’re gone). So they’ve done their due diligence by giving us a first look at the much-coveted handheld in a detailed hands-on report that includes comparisons with a regular Crystal White PS Vita. Sold for HK$3,488 in Hong Kong, the Hatsune Miku limited edition Vita comes with a 4GB memory card, an original-

Due to the method of printing used on the sheet, its surface is smooth and slippery to the touch, which could be a minor concern for some. Compared to that, the bigger concern Engadget had was the fact that the Hatsune Miku protector sheet – like most other protective films of such nature – was susceptible to scratches. There was already a demo unit at the event they were at that had plenty of scratches on it. If your fingernails are long, you’re bound to scratch it at some point, they explained. If it were a regular protective film, that would have been fine, but this is a one-of-a-kind design that’s not for sale.

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Our advice: you might want to consider applying a second protective film to keep the Hatsune Miku protector sheet pristine. Finally, Engadget China added that the rear touch panel on the Hatsune Miku limited edition PS Vita, despite sporting a special illustration, has the exact same texture as a regular Crystal White PS Vita. Apart from the special illustration, the limited edition Vita is no different from a regular Crystal White.

August 22nd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Engadget China

August 23rd, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f developers talk Dreamcast & Phantasy Star Online 2 references in this video interview Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-fdevelopers-talk-dreamcast-phantasy-star-online-2-references-in-thisvideo-interview/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

The Dreamcast controller makes a cameo in the PV for RemoCon (リリリリ). Did you notice that from watching any of the previous songs trailers for the game? In the following video interview, the Hatsune Miku Project Diva f development team says that as much as possible they’ve tried to include interesting parodies or references here and there throughout the game for players to find. Some of it will be obvious, some of it won’t. The Dreamcast controller falls under the former category – it’s an actual item that you’ll be able to use as decoration in the My Room feature of the game.

AR Live The above video interview you see above is actually the second of a two-parter. Here’s the first part, which has the developers discussing the process they took with creating character modules, and a brief demonstration of the game’s AR Live function.

Dead or Alive 5 will have 2player online training & 16player tournament modes Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/dead-or-alive-5-will-have-2-playeronline-training-16-player-tournament-modes/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

Famitsu.com takes a look at the online modes in Koei Tecmo’s Dead or Alive 5. Other than standard ranked matches, a two-player online training (which was first introduced in the genre by Street Fighter X Tekken) and 16player tournament modes will be included. There’s also text chat support, for those of you who don’t feel like putting on a headset and chatting with your opponent when you’re about to slaughter them in the 3D fighter.

The developers also talked about the story behind the Phantasy Star Online 2 tie-in as seen in the PV for the song Online Game Addicts Sprechor (リリリリリリリリリリリリリ). When it was decided that Online Game Addicts Sprechor would make it into Project Diva f’s track list, the team really wanted to have actual MMOG references in the PV for it. Which means they would have to approach an actual MMOG maker to ask for permission to include any such recognisable elements. Fortunately, Sega already has a current MMOG property: Phantasy Star Online 2. So they approached the PSO2′s producer Tabata Sakae, who told them “well, since within Sega we’re pretty much the only MMOG property… and since it’s Hatsune Miku, sure, we’ll go along with it.”

August 23rd, 2012

Famitsu also has a batch of images that shows Brad Wong, Elliot, Helena and La Mariposa (Lisa) slugging it out. The four characters were the latest to be confirmed for Dead or Alive 5, which comes some seven years after the previous numbered title in the series, 4.

Published by: VR-Zone

Dead or Alive 5 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles is scheduled for release on September 25. Like with Tekken Tag Tournament 2, pre-orderers are entitled to a set of swimsuits for the characters: Source: Famitsu

Spec Ops: The Line adds 2player co-operative mode in free DLC pack Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/spec-ops-the-line-adds-2-player-cooperative-mode-in-free-dlc-pack/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

Thought you finished your tour of duty in Dubai as Colonel John Konrad in 2K Gamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spec Ops: The Line, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you? Well, think again, pardner. Developer Yager has just added four brand new 2-player cooperative missions to the game, available via a 200+MB DLC pack. These co-op missions are playable online as well as offline via system-link.

August 23rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Here’s what each of the four new missions entail. Consider this your mission briefing: • Carpark Extraction – Reach the chopper before a devastating sandstorm prevents your extraction • Gorge Top – Locate and assassinate the 33rd VIP. Get out of there once the target is down before reinforcements arrive! • Refugees – You are a part of a refugee insurgency in an encampment held by Konrad soldiers. Your objective is to get out of there alive! • Graveyard Sabotage – Hack the Com Stations in order to scotch communication with Enemy-HQ Each mission can be played on four difficulty levels, with the hardest being FUBAR (F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition). Even on the easiest difficulty level, these missions are no cakewalk. In Graveyard Sabotage, for instance, you start the mission by going into a firefight with unidentified targets that you can’t see, due to a sandstorm, and ends with a heavily fortified area filled with tangos who are trying to flush you out with rocket launchers. The co-operative mode DLC pack is available now, free to all Specs Ops: The Line players.

Kyubey from Puella Magi Madoka Magica: “make a contract with me, eat my face cake” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/kyubey-from-puella-magi-madokamagica-make-a-contract-with-me-eat-my-face-cake/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

I bet this was exactly what Mami Tomoe had in mind when she told Madoka Kaname to “wish for a cake” if she didn’t know what to do with her wish. (In the world of Puella Magi Madoko Magica, the magical creature Kyubey offers to grant talented individuals a wish – anything they desire – on the condition that they enter into a contract with him to fight demons as a Mahou Shoujo or Magical Girl.) Bandai’s official online store Premium Bandai has begun taking pre-orders today for a “Kyubey Face Cake”, made with vanilla mousse and cranberry sauce, that will ship out in November to fans of the anime series who’d love nothing more than to take a bite into the villainous magical cat’s likeness.

August 23rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

This is not the first time Premium Bandai has offered a cake based on the critically-acclaimed anime series from 2011.

Source: Comic Natalie, Premium Bandai

A Mami Tomoe-themed “Mou Nani mo Kowakunai” (“I’m not afraid of anything anymore”) cake with pineapple and peach fruit bits in it was made available earlier this year.

Tales of Xillia 2′s Rowen J. Ilbert has really fast fingers [character intro video]

To commemorate the forthcoming theatrical release of two Puella Magi Madoka Magica films, Premium Bandai will once again take pre-orders for the Mami Tomoe-inspired cake later this year in October.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/tales-of-xillia-2s-rowen-j-ilbert-hasreally-fast-fingers-character-intro-video/

August 23rd, 2012

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Late last night (in the AM), the organisers for A Certain Magical Event dropped a massive bombshell upon unsuspecting fans on their Facebook page.

By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

Nagi Yanagi, who performed songs like Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (Bakemonogatari ED) and Sayonara Memories while she was a guest vocalist with the music group Supercell (led by Odds&Ends‘ Ryo) between 2009 and 2011, will be coming to Singapore for A.C.M.E. IV.

Don’t let his mild-mannered, refined appearance fool you. Tales of Xillia 2′s Rowen J. Iibert – one of your party members from the first game returning for the sequel – is a master at typing text messages on mobile handsets. I’d love to see him go toe-to-toe with Steins;Gate’s Shining Finger, Moeka Kiryu. Heck, this guy might even be able to clear the hardest song in Miku Flick in Break the Limit mode. Watch Rowen (CV: Makoto Terada) fight alongside protagonist Ludger Will Kresnik in these two following clips, also published today:

Apart from the aforementioned two singles, Yanagi also provided vocals for the majority of Supercell’s second album Today is A Beautiful Day (2011); for their first album, Supercell’s leader Ryo had relied on Hatsune Miku for vocals. Yanagi also has a solo career, and was the artiste behind songs like Vidro Moyou (リリリリリリ, the ED for Ano Natsu de Matteru) and Ambivalentidea” (ED for Jormungand). Outside of anime, she’s also worked with visual novel maker Key on two songs for Rewrite, and a concept album (a collaboration with Key’s Jun Maeda) entitled Owari no Hoshi no Love Song. To meet Yanagi in person and receive her autograph, all you have to do is purchase one of her CDs at A.C.M.E IV from the Cantaria booth. The autograph session will take place at the venue 3PM. From A.C.M.E.’s Facebook page:

Tales of Xillia 2 is set one year after the original Xillia, and its story revolves around 20-year-old Ludger Will Kresnik (CV: Takashi Kondou) and 8-year-old Elle Mel Mata (CV: Mariya Ise). In many of the promotional materials it is hinted that at some point in the game the player may have to be prepared to “destroy the entire world for the sake of one girl”. Other characters include Alvin.

returning

from

the

first

game

Tales of Xillia 2 for the PlayStation 3 is slated for a November 1 release in Japan. Namco Bandai Games will release an English version of the original Tales of Xillia sometime in 2013.

Singapore: Former supercell vocalist Nagi Yanagi will be here for A.C.M.E. IV Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/singapore-former-supercell-vocalistnagi-yanagi-will-be-here-for-a-c-m-e-iv/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

********SPECIAL NEWS ALERT******** We have just confirmed an appearance of a very special guest!!!..and that person is none other that Yanagi Nagi-san!! Well, unfamiliar with that name? But we believe you will not be unfamiliar with songs like “Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari” and “Sayonara Memories” by supercell. Indeed, she is the lead vocal for these songs under the alias “nagi”. She produced her first single under her own name “ビビビビビビ” (ED theme for Ano Natsu de Matteru), followed by “Ambivalentidea” (ED Theme for Jormungand). That is not all, she sang for two songs in the OST of Key’s visual novel, Rewrite and collaborated with Jun Maeda of Key to produce the original concept album “Owari no Hoshi no Love Song”. worked with visual novel maker Key on two songs for Rewrite, and a concept album (a collaboration with Key’s Jun Maeda) entitled Owari no Hoshi no Love Song. Yanagi-san would be having a signing session at 3PM. You would only need to buy 1 of her CDs in A.C.M.E. and you would be able to get a free autograph by Yanagi-san in person! (hmm maybe we should change the conditions, this seems too easy >.<) The autograph session and sales of her CDs would be at the Cantaria booth. (they would also be the ones selling Suzuhira sensei works >.<) So see you all there!!”

August 23rd, 2012

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Persona 4′s Jiraiya & Izanagi no Ookami, Fatal Fury’s Terry Bogard are the next Bandai D-Arts action figures Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/persona-4s-jiraiya-izanagi-noookami-and-fatal-furys-terry-bogard-are-the-next-bandai-d-arts-actionfigures/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

Jiraiya (Yosuke’s Persona) and Izanagi no Ookami (the evolved form of Yu Narukami’s Izanagi) from Persona 4, and Fatal Fury’s Terry Bogard are the next in line to receive Bandai’s D-Arts movable-parts PVC figure treatment. Feast your eyes on these glorious images of the figures in various poses, courtesy of Famitsu.com. Then scroll down for pricing and availability details.

August 23rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Persona Jiraiya is available in stores sometime in September, to be sold for 3,675 yen including tax. The figure is about 160mm tall. Comes with a pedestal for Jiraiya to stand on. Izanagi no Ookami is about 170mm tall, comes with his trademark spear, interchangeable hand parts, and a pedestal. Available mid-November for the price of 3,990 yen. Apart from Jiraiya and Izanagi no Ookami (white), a previous line of the D-Arts figures featured regular Izanagi (the black Izanagi as seen in the image above) and Konohanasakuya (Yukiko’s Persona).

Fatal Fury Terry Bogard comes with a ridiculous number of interchangeable parts: hair, power wave, burning knuckle, power geyser, facial expressions, and three types of interchangeable hand parts for both the left and right arms. Plus a haversack accessory part that’s tied to a specific hand part. This guy’s roughly 150mm tall, and will be sold for 4,410 yen (what a deal, considering the crazy amount of accessories you’re getting). Available late-November. Source: Famitsu

Little Battlers Experience W delayed to October Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/little-battlers-experience-w-delayedto-october/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

Level 5 today announced that the next entry in their miniaturised robot combat video game series, Little Battlers Experience W (リリリリリリリW) will have its September 27 release date delayed to October 18.

August 23rd, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Fans of the Little Battlers Experience (known as Danboru Senki in Japanese) franchise -there’s an anime series as well – will just have to wait slightly longer before they can finally get their hands on this latest installment, which is being released simultaneously for the PSP and the PS Vita. Crossplatform multi-play is supported in W. In typical Japanese-developer fashion, no real reason was cited as to why the game’s being delayed for three more weeks, other than that publisher Level 5 is doing it to ”further improve the game’s quality, provide an even more fulfilling amount of content, and ultimately ensure a great user experience for all customers.” But you know, developers do not simply wake up one day and decide they’re going to delay a game’s release just to “make it better”. Unless the game you’re making is, well, Gran Turismo. In which case the delays are justified. Little Battlers Experience is set in a futuristic universe where teenagers and adults alike collect combat-ready miniaturised robots called “Little Battlers” that they do battle with, Pokemon style. All’s swell, until a mysterious terrorist group suddenly hijacks all of the Little Battlers in the world, and sets them to attack innocent bystanders. …… You’d think the folks who made all these robots would have seen this coming a mile away. That maybe it’s not such a good idea to equip these robots with tiny machine vulcans. Ludicrous plot mechanics aside, the game itself looks like a blast to play. Guess we’ll find out when Little Battlers Experience W ships October 18. Source: 4Gamer

Minami-ke Omatase’s (OVA) ensemble cast prepares for Halloween in this PV Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/minami-ke-omatases-ova-ensemblecast-prepare-for-halloween-in-this-pv/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

The tenth volume of slice-of-life gag manga Minami-ke will come bundled with a special original video animation DVD containing a one-off episode, Minami-ke Omatase, that features scenarios in depicted in five chapters from series. Publisher Kodansha today uploaded a promo video for the OVA.

For those of you who’ve been following the manga series, these are the five specific chapters that will be featured in the OVA: • Chapter 179: リリリリリ / Because the weather’s hot 8

August 23rd, 2012

• Chapter 181: リリリリリ / For some reason • Chapter 185: リリリリリ / Words of Magic • Chapter 189: リリリリ / Ambience • Chapter 192: リリリリ / On a whim The Minami-ke Volume 10 + Minami-ke Omatase OVA DVD limited edition set is scheduled for an October 5 release, to be sold for 3,700 yen including tax. Pre-orders begin August 28.

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been the prompt for the mass account purge on Monday, in an attempt to dwindle the figures and restore investor confidence. It is unclear, however, why Facebook has chosen to target specifically user accounts with the word “cosplay” in it. Oddly enough, it would seem that users who had the word “cos” – a term that many Japanese cosplayers include in their cos names – were not affected at all.

Prior to the Omatase OVA, the series has seen three TV anime seasons - Minami-ke (2007), Minami-ke Okawari (2008), and Minami-ke Okaeri (2009). There was also another OVA released in 2009, entitled Minami-ke Betsubara. Source: Yaraon

Facebook mass-deletes cosplayer accounts without warning Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/facebook-mass-deletes-cosplayeraccounts-without-warning/ By KarbyP on August 23rd, 2012

If you’re a cosplayer who goes under an alias on your Facebook profile, it might be a good idea to go to your Account Settings – right now – and click on “Download a copy of your Facebook data”.Also, try to avoid common words in your username. It might potentially save you from a lot of trouble and heartache.

It could very well be that the term “Cosplay” is simply the most frequent term employed in Facebook usernames (possibly the sole silver lining to this gloomy story: “cosplay” could be the most popular term included in Facebook usernames). Examiner.com postulates that other common terms found in user account like “photography”, “gamer”, and “sports”, are likely to be targeted next. Our hearts go out to cosplayers affected by Facebook’s thoughtless, extremist measure. Source: Examiner.com, New.com.au

Several cosplayers found themselves in for a rude shock when they accessed the popular social network service Facebook earlier this week, only to discover that their user accounts – along with years of accumulated personal data including photos, videos, and hundreds if not thousands of contacts – had been deleted. According to news site Examiner.com, their accounts were deleted due to a mass purge Facebook performed on Monday that targeted usernames containing the word “cosplay”, in an attempt to clamp down on “duplicate” or “fake” accounts that go by an alias rather than the users’ real names. These “duplicate accounts” were said to comprise approximately 8.7 percent of Facebook’s monthly active users. When the social network revealed this 8.7 percent figure in a regulatory filing made earlier in August, the information did not sit well with investors and caused a dip in the publicly traded company’s stock price. This might have 9

August 27th, 2012

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Atsuko Maeda’s final AKB48 interview: “I might try studying abroad in New York” [full transcript] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/atsuko-maedas-final-interview/ By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

However, for this performance I did not want to let myself get carried away. I mustn’t let it feel like a dream [I told myself]. It’s a joy to be able to perform on stage, and I was able to experience and savour that sense of joy for real this time. —Moving forth what do you think AKB48 will be like without your presence? How would you like the group to evolve? I’d really like for the AKB48 to remain as a group and maintain its own identity regardless of whomever is graduating. Yesterday, after everyone came to see me off [before I made my way here to Akihabara], I turned and saw a bunch of new AKB songs on the monitors behind me. And that made me ponder. As I would be graduating today, yesterday I began to see myself as someone outside of the loop, as someone who could view AKB48 from an objective viewpoint. Looking at everything around me, [when I saw how wonderful it was] gradually a smile began to form on my face. And when I saw everyone else’s faces, it put me at ease too.

Earlier today Atsuko Maeda held her final AKB48 press conference at the AKB48 Theatre in Akihabara, Tokyo, where she will be performing for the last time as an AKB member (streamed live today from 5PM Singapore time; YouTube link here). At the press con she spoke about future showbiz plans, about AKB48′s iron-clad “no-romance” rule (which she’s no longer subjected to beginning tomorrow), and the possibility of studying abroad – by herself – in New York. The full transcript from the session, as follows: -

From now on I’ll be supporting everybody’s activities from a spectator’s point of view. And I look forward to seeing their growth. —Maeda, in the past you’ve often blogged about about the splendourous breakfasts you allow yourself to indulge in from time to time (note: two weeks ago the AKB48 CAFE & SHOP announced that it will introduce a new breakfast item based on something Atsuko Maeda has blogged about, to be voted on by fans). How was your breakfast today? Ah, I didn’t manage to grab a bite this morning. In fact I haven’t had anything yet. During the 3-day Tokyo Dome concert period, althought there was time allotted for sleep, I was so anxious that I woke up super early for the past three days in a row. Now that the concert’s done, I was able to feel at ease, and as a result I overslept this morning. So there wasn’t time to eat breakfast (laughs). —Once you’ve graduated from AKB48, that means a romantic relationship is no longer forbidden, right? I wonder about that. As a joke I told Akimoto-sensei (producer for AKB48) that as soon as today’s over, at 0:00 midnight on the 27th, I’ll go and fall in love, or something like that.

–The dream-like 3-day Tokyo Dome concert has finally concluded.

But in reality I don’t have any such person in mind. Even within my inner thoughts, it feels like romance is something that’s still a ways off, so I don’t know about that.

This concert was really the one I’ve been happiest with, in all of my almost seven years [with AKB48]. Whenever I go on stage to perform, I get so anxious that my mind simply goes blank, and so I never got to truly take in the entire experience [of performing on a big stage]. It always felt to me like, “is this a dream?” 1

August 27th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

—Once you’ve had some time to unwind and settle down, what would you like to do? I’d like to go to various places, if there’s time for that. But I want to go to all those places by myself. Maybe I should live and study abroad in New York, which is the one place I’m most interested in amongst all the various countries. But if I do that I’d like to do it by myself. Not having an insider’s perspective to the place, I think I’d be able to challenge myself in many interesting ways. —How about taking your former stint with being in AKB48 as a title, and continuing your career in showbiz as “Atsuko Maeda”? Hmmm… If I were to think about it [and weigh the pros and cons] calmly, I think if I were to go into showbiz that way it would make me very uneasy.

Hit the jump if you’re interested to find out what the game’s trophies are. You’d have to guess what the conditions to unlocking these trophies are, however; it’s not specified in the trophy description. All of the trophies have to do with unlocking profile titles in the game. The sole exception is the Platinum Trophy, which is unlocked when all other trophies are. Although the conditions for unlocking these titles/trophies are not specified, you do get a sense of what you’re supposed to do simply from the name of the title. Here’s the list of trophies in Japanese, followed by a rough translation of all the titles you’re required to obtain to unlock Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies in the game. Note that the first item on the English list (Bronze-Silver-Gold-Platinum order) is the very last one on the Japanese list (PlatinumGold-Silver-Bronze order). Hatsune Miku Project Diva f comes out in Japan and Asia (including Singapore) August 30.

However, if Akimoto-sensei and everyone with AKB48, including the members, staff, and fans, think that I should do it and would support that endeavour, then at the very least, I wouldn’t want to let everybody down. I’d try my best. —After leaving AKB, how about taking on the path of an aspiring actress with the goal of one day walking down the red carpet at the Academy Awards? Although I’ve considered becoming an actress and aiming for that sort of lofty dream before, eventually I felt that I didn’t quite have the conviction to work hard for that sort of goal yet. So not right now, but someday I might aspire towards that. Atsuko Maeda’s final greeting at the photo-session: Actually I cried quite a lot yesterday, so I’m sorry if my face looks less photogenic than before (laughs). I’m really glad that so many of you have come. Today is my last day with AKB48… but since I already did all the crying yesterday, I’m hoping that today I’ll be able to finish everything all smiles. I’d like for everyone to have a good time today, my sincerest thanks to everyone. Please continue to support us, both AKB48 and Atsuko Maeda. Thank you very much. Source: Oricon Style

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f’s list of trophies leaked [minor spoilers] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-ftrophies-leaked-minor-spoilers/

August 27th, 2012

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Silver Shooting Star If it’s for you… Beautiful furniture A place to rest (こここここ) EditP MEIKO’s Manager KAITO’s Aibo (partner) Luka’s Tea Buddy Len’s Friend Rin’s Play Buddy (こここここここ) Miku’s Partner Hobby: PV Appreciation

Gold Memories Album Module Collector Entertainer Super Player (こここここここ) Expert Player (こここここここ) Source: Jin

The World Ends With You Solo Remix- out today for iPhone and iPad Bronze This is who I am (ここここここ) That’s good!

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/the-world-ends-with-you-soloremix-out-today-for-iphone-and-ipad/ By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

Begun making Edits Live tour Good morning (こここここここここ) Itadakimasu Esper Home interview Art Colection I love DIVA Welcome to DIVA!

One of the best games to ever grace the Nintendo DS is getting an iOS port. Square Enix’s The World Ends With You (Subarashiki Kono Sekai or ここここここここここ) was a stylish action RPG set in real-world Shibuya. Not only that, but it had a killer soundtrack and an intriguing storyline as well: as an amnesiac Neku Sakuraba, you have to work with a partner to try and clear seven missions on seven consecutive days, in a cruel “Shinigami Game”; fail 3

August 27th, 2012

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any of the missions, and Neku ceases to exist. Clear all the missions, however, and an unspecified reward (well, you’ll find out halfway through what this “reward” is) is yours.

Outside of the core game there is also a Beyblade-like multiplayer mini-game where you slide a pin badge around attempting to knock others’ pin badges off the playing field.

Above all, The World Ends With You featured a unique combat system that required you to take control of two separate characters, simultaneously, fighting on two separate screens.

If you didn’t have the chance to pick up this cult classic on the DS, I heartily implore you to check it out. This game was so amazing that even if you’ve finished the original DS version, enough time has passed since it came out that it might be a good idea to revisit it again on iOS – I know I will be. The World Ends With You -Solo Remix- is now available on the Singapore iTunes app store for S$ 22.98. That may seem a little pricey for an iOS game, but this was originally a DS RPG about 30~40 hours in length – now with its graphics redrawn in HD.

“Madoka Magica” movie trailer features a new theme from ClariS Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/madoka-magica-movie-trailertheme-by-claris/ By IceTea on August 27th, 2012

A new trailer for the upcoming Madoka Magica movies were recently aired in Japan, featuring a new theme song “Luminous” by the teenage female duo, ClariS, who also performed the OP “Connect” for the anime series. “Luminous” will be the theme song for the first movie, Gekijou-ban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Zenpen: Hajimari no Monogatari and the CD single is expected to go on sale on October 10.

In enemy encounters, you and your partner are teleported into different realms but fight the same enemies (an enemy defeated on one screen will disappear on the other). On the DS’s lower screen, you controlled Neku by slashing, tapping, dragging, and rubbing away at the touchscreen. Simultaneously, you also controlled Neku’s partner with the d-pad, who performs combo attacks (hit the left or right dpad directions) that can be modified by hitting up or down. For The World Ends With You’s iOS port, however, Square Enix has reimagined the combat system so all of it takes place on one screen now (hence the subtitle -Solo Remix-). Your partner now appears to be AI-controlled, but to make up for the lack of multi-tasking, there are new combat elements as well (as seen in the trailer from 1:10 onwards). By the way, even though the trailer below is in Japanese, the game is out now internationally in English as well.

Producer Atsuhiro Iwakami had revealed that the film trilogy will begin with a two-part compilation of the TV series, followed by the first movie Gekijou-ban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Zenpen: Hajimari no Monogatari which will open on October 6. The 2nd movie, Gekijou-ban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Kohen: Eien no Monogatri, will follow on October 13 as well. Kalafina is expected to be returning to perform a theme song for the films too.

Borderlands 2: play this “16bit demake” while you wait for the full game Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/borderlands-2-play-this-16-bitdemake-while-you-wait-for-the-full-game/

August 27th, 2012

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By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

Borderlands 2 developer Gearbox Software has put out a browser-based game – entitled “The Border Lands”, a 16-bit “demake” of their successful FPS/RPG franchise – as part of their promotional efforts for the highly-anticipated sequel.

Ever wondered how the cast of Puella Magi Madoka Magica would look like in yukatas? The 13-episode anime series never got the chance to dress its cast of characters up in any sort of fan-service costumes.

And guess what, folks, it’s actually pretty good!

But thanks to Mobage’s Puella Magi Madoka Magica social game, we’re finally able to take a look at Mami Tomoe’s yukata sugata (Japanese for “yukata appearance”).

You pick from one of four characters – Salvador, Maya, Zero, or Axton (who are also the playable cast of Borderlands 2) – each with different stats, and proceed to slug away at the myriad foes of 16-bit Pandora. Slain enemies will occasionally drop a weapon chest, which lets you swap your currently equipped weapon for one of two options, including: a twin-shot that cover your front and your back simultaneously, rocket launchers that can pierce through terrain, and even a spread-shot that fires in random, uncontrollable directions.

As long as you’re not actually spending any time or money playing these bloodsucking excuses for a video game, these social game thingamajigs are actually pretty awesome! In terms of the amount of eye-candy they provide, that is.

Card Illustrations

Here’s the official game description according to a press release: The Border Lands’ is a 16-bit lo-fi game which offers a tantalizing glimpse into the origins of many elements still present in today’s hit franchise. It may not have 87 bazillion guns, or dynamic online coop but it does fit on five floppy disks! For those who perhaps unsurprisingly no longer have a working floppy disk drive, the game can also be played online for free online.” The web-based game is accessible from the URL http:// www.wubwub.eu/demake.php Be sure to let us know how far you got and what your best high scores are in the comments below! Borderlands 2 for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 gaming platforms comes out internationally on September 21. For Borderlands 2 price and pre-order campaign details in Singapore, click here.

“Madoka Magica” girls put on summer yukatas for Mobage social game Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/madoka-magica-girls-put-onsummer-yukatas-for-mobage-social-game/

August 27th, 2012

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Event cutscenes

If for some reason you’re interested in picking up the social game, then you might be happy to learn that – like many Mobage social games – there isn’t an IP block or any such other means being employed to keep nonJapanese players out (pity the same can’t be said of Madoka Magica Online). As long as you’re able to register for a Mobage account through your smartphone (a fair amount of Japanese literacy is required), then you’re in. That said, paid content for the social game will only be available to players who can authenticate their account with a Japanese mobile number. Even on the free level of service, many of the promotional items and in-game campaigns cannot be accessed unless you’re verified. Source: Crunchyroll

August 27th, 2012

Start your weekend with these Hatsune Miku music videos: “Weekender Girl” and “Fake Doll” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/start-your-weekend-with-thesehatsune-miku-music-videos-weekender-girl-and-fake-doll/ By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

Music videos for kz/livetune and HachioujiP’s feel-good Hatsune Miku song Weekender Girl, as well as HachioujiP’s electro-ballad Fake Doll are up now on video sites YouTube and Niconico Douga. Both are original tracks written and composed specifically for Sega’s Hatsune Miku Project Diva f. Which do you like better? Not that you’d have to choose between them: Fake Doll is the coupling track for Weekender Girl in a CD single that will be released in Japan August 29.

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~Tip sent in by SGCafe reader Luvmichan.

Atsuko Maeda’s AKB48 graduation parade on August 27 cancelled Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/atsuko-maedas-graduation-paradein-akihabara-on-august-27-cancelled/ By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

A “graduation parade” event where fans lining up on the streets of Akihabara could catch a glimpse of Atsuko Maeda prior to her final performance at the AKB48 Theatre has been cancelled, AKB48′s management announced today. The event was born out of a request from Atsuko Maeda herself after she heard that the odds of landing one of the premium tickets to her final performance at the AKB48 Theatre had been 1:916.38.

Two versions of the single will be available: a regular edition CD priced at 1,050 yen, as well as a limited first-print CD +DVD+bonus gift: Hatsune Miku keyholder [こここここ:CDこ DVDこここここここここここここここここここWeekender Girlここここ] that will be sold for 1,785 yen. Prices include tax.

“Can we somehow arrange for me to meet more of my fans in person?” Maeda reportedly asked the management, who had assented to it after consulting with both the local police as well as residents on safety measures.

Readers in Singapore might want to check with HMV; there’s a good chance they’ll bring it in, but it may not be the CD +DVD version. For that you might have to order online. A digital copy of the CD single will also be sold on iTunes Singapore on August 29 for the low, low price of S$4.98. A total of four tracks are included – Weekender Girl, Fake Doll, and their respective karaoke (instrumental) versions to do your own covers with. iTunes has started taking pre-orders for Weekender Girl/ Fake Doll, so if you want to be amongst the first to download the songs, head to the iTunes store online today!

However, today the management had a change of heart, and announced the event’s cancellation to allay safety concerns posed by a potential overcrowding situation on the streets of Akihabara reminiscent to the 500,000-man parade at Ginza this past Monday, when Japan’s 71 Olympic medalists rode through the metropolitan Tokyo area on five double-decker buses. In the interest of public safety, police had advised for the graduation parade to be cancelled. On the AKB48 official blog, the popular Japanese idol group’s management apologised for the unfortunate turn of events. Fans, however, can still watch Atsuko Maeda perform at the AKB48 Theatre for the last time on August 27 via a live broadcast on YouTube, Google+, and the Fuji TV channel in Japan.

August 27th, 2012

Source: AKB48 official blog [via Natalie]

Yanagi Nagi appearance details, merchandise exclusives from KKnM at this Saturday’s A.C.M.E IV Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/yanagi-nagi-appearance-detailsmerchandise-exclusives-from-kknm-at-this-saturdays-a-c-m-e-iv/ By sentinel011 on August 27th, 2012

Our previous article has mention of guest Yanagi Nagi. Now to wrap things up, the A.C.M.E committee has shared with SGCafe some very exclusives for all to salivate over. Of course, more details of Yanagi Nagi’s appearance are also featured below. Gundam VS Gundam and Tohou tournaments’ rules and regulations are also featured. Of course, for those who intend to queue overnight, comiket style; there are also details about that too! All these and more are explained in the press release below:

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Here are the details for the Ichiban Kuji: ~~~~~ Time 3:00pm Ticket Price: $16.00 each tickets *No Reservations of Kuji tickets *No Pre Sales would be done *First come first serve only, limited amount of tickets per purchase round for each title. (e.g. Typemoon 10th Anniversary – 3 tickets only per purchase round, Puella Magi Madoka Magica Part 2 – 3 tickets only per purchase round) *No Discounts would be given, all prices at fixed price ~~~~~ Sheng Tai Toys has the following promotion at A.C.M,E IV as well:

In the last article of our A.C.M.E series, the spotlight shall be on the products that will be on sale at the event, along with a special guest that we will be announcing shortly. So without any further ado, head over to the KKnM website to see the items that will be on sale: http://www.theanimehouse.com/ ACME%20IV/KKnMacme2012.htm In addition to the items in the above link, KKnM is also happy to present the following two sets of Ichiban Kuji:

English Version of One Piece Carddess Promotion specially at ACME at KKnM booth! Buy 3 packs and flash your cards to receive a One Piece Before Meister Vol. 2 mini figurine!! ~~~~~ The entire list of items looks tempting, yes? But that is not all! Cantaria, in conjunction with Suzuhira Hiro, has also brought us a whole slew of products that are illustrated by Suzuhira-sensei herself. Here’s a picture for your reference:

August 27th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

overnight for their desired item, fear not! You can look for our friendly overnight queuemaster Chin Yong at the Changi Point MacDonalds. He will be holding A.C.M.E IV signage and he will be equipped with queue numbers to be given to fans who are queuing overnight. Please note that Chin Yong will be at Changi Point MacDonalds at 10pm, so basically the first person to contact him personally at that time will be first in the entire A.C.M.E queue.

The price list for these items would be released on the day itself as there could be more items arriving, even as we speak. So worry not! There’s also an autograph session for Suzuhirasensei! Conditions for the autograph session would be a minimum purchase of SGD100.00 worth of Suzuhira-sensei’s works and items. A limit would be imposed, and please note that the autograph session would be at 1.30pm at Cantaria’s booth. Cantaria also has something to say about the other special guest that they have specially invited for this event. The following except is lifted straight from the A.C.M.E Facebook page (http:// www.facebook.com/acme.sg):

And finally, we would like to send a friendly reminder to the gamers out there who are participating in A.C.M.E IV’s Touhou Hisouten and Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Versus tournaments. Here are the links to the rule, regulations and timing for the respective games: Touhou Hisouten: touhou2012.php

http://www.acme.sg/

Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Versus: http:// www.acme.sg/gvg.php That’s all for now. All that is left is to attend the event on 25th August, and be at Singapore Expo’s Garnet Room at 10am. See you then! Us at SGCafe feel that there’s a need to point out to all interested merchandise hunters and Yanagi Nagi fans on how to get to A.C.M.E IV. We have provided the site map and layout from their facebook page:

~~~~~ We have just confirmed an appearance of a very special guest!!!..and that person is none other that Yanagi Nagi-san!! Well, unfamiliar with that name? But we believe you will not be unfamiliar with songs like “Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari” and “Sayonara Memories” by supercell. Indeed, she is the lead vocal for these songs under the alias “nagi”. She produced her first single under her own name “ビビビビビビ” (ED theme for Ano Natsu de Matteru), followed by “Ambivalentidea” (ED Theme for Jormungand). That is not all, she sang for two songs in the OST of Key’s visual novel, Rewrite and collaborated with Jun Maeda of Key to produce the original concept album “Owari no Hoshi no Love Song”.

Site Map

Yanagi-san would be having a signing session at 3PM. You would only need to buy 1 of her CDs in A.C.M.E. and you would be able to get a free autograph by Yanagi-san in person! (hmm maybe we should change the conditions, this seems too easy >.<) The autograph session and sales of her CDs would be at the Cantaria booth. (they would also be the ones selling Suzuhira sensei works >.<) So see you all there!! ~~~~~ Ok, that is a lot of new information for a post. Now, for A.C.M.E attendees who would like to queue

Event layout Look out for SGCafe as well, as we are having a special activity for all our forum members! Take a picture of yourself with your loot of the day at A.C.M.E and post it up onto our forum and win special prizes from us! For more information, head over to our forum thread.

August 27th, 2012

Kami Jigen Game Neptune V’s 6th PV details “Informants”, “Disc Make”, and “Nepstation” game mechanics

Published by: VR-Zone

Informants System (見見見見見見)

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/kami-jigen-game-neptune-vs-6thpv-details-informants-disc-make-and-nepstation-game-mechanics/ By KarbyP on August 27th, 2012

Some of the NPC characters in the game – IF, Famitsu-chan, Dengeki-chan (Famitsu and Dengeki are two of Japan’s biggest video games magazines, by the way) – are informants that you can send on expeditions to find out more about the dungeons you’ll be visiting. The more they go on expeditions, the faster they’ll level up.

You can make your own game discs in PS3 JRPG Kami Jigen Game Neptune V (ここここここここここここV), the third entry in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series. However, as this 6th PV shows, there’s a chance that your creation might be certified as a “Sh*t Game” by people who’ve never even played it.

Informants will return from each expedition with credits, items, and occasionally information that may or may not be helpful to you. For instance, in the PV Famitsu-chan claims to have found a great way for increasing the amount of EXP you accrue in combat. If you choose to believe her, you’ll earn 1.4x the amount of EXP on your next trip to a specific dungeon. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes believing a piece of information can lead to your detriment.

Watch the promo video, then scroll down for the full playby-play to find out what’s going on.

Dungeons

Fight monsters to level up, search for rare items, jump over obstacles. That’s the basics of dungeon exploration in Neptune V.

While an informant is still out on an expedition, you can increase the chance that she returns with rare information for you by going into the same dungeon and triggering/ disabling flags. That said, fair warning: sometimes triggering a flag might summon an enemy that’s tougher than even the dungeon’s boss.

August 27th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Disc Make

Combat

In the world of Neptune/Hyperdimension Neptunia series, game “discs” are what your party members use to conjure spells and other actions.

In combat you can build up an Exe Drive gauge to unleash EX Finish and ExeDrive moves.

New in Neptune V is the ability to make your own game discs by picking out three “Idea Chips” – which can be anything from game genre (“RPG”, “Simulation”) and mechanics (“Synthesis”), to other means of elevating a gane’s status (“Have a popular actor be part of your voice cast”, “Pre-order Campaign”, “Famous Game Creator”) – combining these ideas, and burning the finished product onto a Blank Disc.

Nepstation

Then the game is promptly certified by people who’ve never played the game as either a Godly Game (こここここ) or a Sh*t Game (ここここここここ), which will have an effect on the skill’s stats. Just like in real life. Get your play style rated by a panel of judges. Score well, and you may be rewarded with an otherwise unobtainable item. This is clearly a parody of Sony’s Weekly Toro Station, which is hosted by the PlayStation mascot cats Toro (white) and Kuro (black).

Character Challenge

How deep is your love for the game’s characters? Character challenges are goals you can attempt to clear while in control of specific playable characters. Examples of these challenges include “Jump 10 times” and “Travel 1,500″ while in a dungeon. Clearing challenges will not only buff a character’s stats, but unlock bonus voice samples.

August 27th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Kami Jigen Game Neptune V (ビビビビビビビビビビビビV) for the PlayStation 3 comes out in Japan August 30. An English release has not yet been announced.

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop Culture A daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture

Hatsune Miku Project Diva Arcade: Songs for September, new modules released today Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-arcadesongs-for-september-new-modules-released-today/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Three songs originally featured in Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend will be making their way to Project Diva Arcade on September 6. • Nekomimi Switch / Cat Ears Switch (ねねねねねねねね); Music & lyrics by daniwell, illustration by Miro (ねね) • Rin Rin Signal -Append Mix- (ねねねねねねねね -Append Mix-); Music & lyrics by Dios/SignalP (ねねねねP), Illustration by Watarinarumi (ねねねねねね) • Lovers Suicide in Oblivion / Boukyaku Shinjuu (ねねねね); Music by OPA, lyrics by Asaki No’9, illustration by Ichika (ねね) The new songs will be selectable once Project Diva Arcade is patched on September 6. There’s actually an update for Project Diva Arcade today as well, but it’s not for new songs. Instead, three new modules have been released: • TYPE2020 – 250vp, designed by Supercell’s Shirow Miwa (ねねねね) • Sonic Style (ねねねねねねねね) – 250vp, designed by Sega’s Yuji Uekawa (ねねねね) • Loreley (ねねねねね) – 250vp, designed by Anko (ねねね)

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Square Enix and Sony announces a Final Fantasy XIII/ XIII-2 Dual Pack for Asia just one day before the Final Fantasy makers are set to unveil to the world “new information about the direction of Lightning’s story“ at the series’ 25th Anniversary Event in Tokyo tomorrow. The two-pack compilation for PlayStation 3, officially called “”Final Fantasy XIII/Final Fantasy XII-2 Dual Pack” features both games with Japanese voices and interchangeable English or Chinese text, and will be available in Singapore and other Asian regions on September 12, to be sold for the recommended retail price of S$99.90 (although Play-Asia is listing it at a much higher price). On top of both games, the set also comes with a a set of post cards: the “Final Fantasy XIII & XIII-2 Post Card Best 8 Selection”, as it’s called.

Asia: Final Fantasy XIII/XIII-2 Dual Pack announced as part of series’ 25th Anniversary celebrations Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/asia-final-fantasy-xiiixiii-2-dualpack-announced-as-part-of-series-25th-anniversary-celebrations/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

If tomorrow’s announcement does indeed turn out to be a Final Fantasy XIII-3, then it might be a good idea to grab the dual pack so that you have a good idea on the story so far. Although no official pre-order campaign has been announced yet, readers in Singapore who’d like to make a pre-order should head down to their favourite PlayStation partner shop. We recommend enquiring with Gamescore or FunzCentre.

Persona 4 The Card Battle social game launches in September Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/persona-4-the-card-battle-socialgame-launches-in-september/

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Source: Famitsu

Marvel vs. Capcom Origins launches September 25 (PSN), 26 (XBLA) You’ve played the Persona 4 RPG. You’ve played the Persona 4 fighting game. Now play Persona 4 The Card Battle, a social game for smartphones and feature phones that Atlus announced today.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/marvel-vs-capcom-origins-launchesseptember-25-psn-26-xbla/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Persona 4 The Card Battle will be released on the GREE social platform in late September, but pre-registration for the free-to-play title starts today. Players who pre-register will receive a bonus Rare card, at random (you might end up with a Super Rare or an Ultra Rare), at the outset of the game. All told, Persona 4 The Card Battle will boast some over 400 character cards based on the RPG franchise. In the game, players explore the rural town of Inaba as they gather increasingly powerful Persona cards. As they do so they will run into many of the characters from the original RPG series. Apart from the typical social game “player vs. player” combat, Persona 4 The Card Battle appears to also feature a co-operative “player vs. environment” mode. Specifically, there will be rival boss battles in this social game that you won’t be able to defeat alone; the only way is to communicate with other players, and work together.

Capcom today has announced a concrete release date forMarvel vs. Capcom Origins, a compilation of two games – Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs Capcom – updated with HD remastered graphics and GGPO-enabled online play. The compilation will be released on the PlayStation Network first on September 25, a Tuesday, priced at US$14.99/ €14.99/£11.99/AUD23.95. A price for Singapore has not yet been announced. Subsequently, Marvel vs Capcom Origins will be brought out to X360 owners via Xbox Live Arcade on the following day, September 26, to be sold for 1,200 MS Points. If you’re wondering why PlayStation 3 owners will be getting the game one day earlier than their Xbox 360 counterparts, the explanation is really quite simple: PlayStation Network releases usually come out on a Tuesday, while Xbox Live Arcade releases are scheduled for Wednesdays. Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom were released as arcade titles in 1995 and 1998 respectively. Two other instalments – X-men vs. Street Fighter, and Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter – also came out in between those years. Capcom went with MSH and MvC for this particular compilation because they felt these two were the most iconic titles in the series. Despite requests from the fighting games community for a re-release of X-men vs. Street Fighter, Capcom Senior VP Christian Svensson has gone on record to say that “anything ‘X-men’ specific is off the table due to licensing reasons.”

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f: all 82 character “modules” in one video Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-all-82character-modules-in-one-video/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Plus official pictures for Black Rock Shooter and the rest of yesterday’s reveal, such as Border Break, Shining Blade, and Puyo Puyo collaboration costumes. Now that the game’s finally out (released today), Sega’s not holding back!

“Hatsune Miku Project Diva f All Modules” trailer If the homage to Niconico Douga at the beginning didn’t put a smile on your face, then the rest of this trailer, which showcases all of Hatsune Miku Project Diva f‘s 82 modules (character costumes), probably will. Sega also mentions in the description of the video that a Project Diva f demo is out now on the PlayStation store. Do check it out, those of you who aren’t quite convinced if this is something you’ll want to pick up yet (we obviously think it’s a killer app for the Vita).

This Week’s Songs Reveal Yesterday we reported that Black Rock Shooter and Yume no Tsuzuki were the final two songs included in Hatsune 4

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Miku Project Diva f, as revealed in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine. Today Sega has brought out some images from the respective songs’ PVs… not that it matters any more since you’ll be able to get a better look in-game anyway!

Black Rock Shooter

The cover illustration was done by KEI, who was the original illustrator that decided on Hatsune Miku’s look.

Yume no Tsuzuki

Singapore readers who’d like to pick a copy up should check with Kinokuniya Books, who usually brings them in on Friday (check with them tomorrow).

This Week’s Modules Reveal As usual we’ll do a simple roll call for all the modules Sega has revealed this week. Many of these modules should be familiar to Miku fans, but there are quite a few surprise costumes as well, including collaborations with Sega’s arcade third-person shooter Border Break, PSP RPG Shining Blade, and puzzle series Puyo Puyo. Hatsune Miku Append (ねねねねねねねね) Design: Masaki Asai (ねねねね)

This Week’s Famitsu Weekly Speaking of Famitsu Weekly, guess who’s gracing the cover of this week’s issue?

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Kagamine Rin Append (ねねねねねねねね) Design: Osamu (ねねね)

Racing Miku 2012Ver (ねねねねねねね 2012Ver) Design: GAN

Kagamine Len Append (ねねねねねねねね) Design: Osamu (ねねね)

Sorcerer Apprentice / Madoushi no Tamago (ねねねねねねね or literally: Egg of Sorcerer) From: Puyo Puyo series (ねねねねねねねねねねねねね)

August 31st, 2012

Elf Princess of the Forest / Mori no Yousei Hime (ねねねねね) From: Shining Blade (ねねねねねねねねねねねねねねねね)

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Hatsune Miku SW School Competitive Swim / School Kyouei (ねねねね SW ねねねねねね) Design: Sega (no particular designer was mentioned for all of the swimsuit modules here)

BB Operator (BBねねねねねね) From: Border Break (ねねねねねねねねねねねねね) Kagamine Rin SW School (ねねねね SW ねねねね)

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Kagamine Len SW Boxers (ねねねね SW ねねねね)

KAITO SW Half-spats (KAITO SW ねねねねねねね)

Megurine Luka SW Competitive Swim Type / Kyouei Type (ねねねね SW ねねねねね)

MEIKO SW Waterpolo (MEIKO SW ねねねねねねね)

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone By Neubronner Eugene on August 31st, 2012

If you adore famous cross-player Touya Hibiki then you’d best make your way down to STGCC this weekend. She’s announced a special, extremely limited run of her 2012 winter ROM release at her booth at the event held at Marina Bay Sands Expo halls on September 1st and 2nd. Sakine Meiko (ねねねねね) Design: daigoman

The cd-rom full of awesome photos (See her preview picture above) will be released at 6pm at her booth in the event hall on a “first-come, first-served” basis. We recommend lining up well in advance because it’s sure to sell out. These goods, according to her twitter, were meant to be released for Winter, but “as a special service” she’s bringing down an extremely limited run (Numbers unknown) to the event! Be sure to check her out there, and we’ll be sure to bring you the reports with our hands-on showfloor presence. Source: Twitter

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f: Black Rock Shooter and Yume no Tsuzuki are your final two tracks [video] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-blackrock-shooter-and-yume-no-tsuzuki-are-your-final-two-tracks-video/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Plus a look at a batch of new character modules, courtesy of this week’s Famitsu Weekly magazine.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f is out now in Japan and Asia, available from all good video game stores and digitally through the PlayStation store.

Limited special release of Touya Hibiki’s winter ROM at STGCC Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/limited-special-release-of-touyahibikis-winter-rom-at-stgcc/

Last week Weekly Famitsu revealed the titles of all but the final two tracks in Hatsune Miku Project Diva f.

August 31st, 2012

Info on the final two tracks is finally “unlocked” this week, now that we’re less than 24 hours away from the official release of the game (for those of you who’re planning to buy the download version, the PlayStation store usually updates around 12 to 2PM, going by experience). The final two tracks are: Black Rock Shooter (ブブブブブブブブブブブブブ); artiste: ryo Yume no Tsuzuki (ブブブブ); artiste: Dixie Flatline

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Shoko Nakagawa is playing Final Fantasy VII on her PlayStation Vita Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/shoko-nakagawa-is-playing-finalfantasy-vii-on-her-playstation-vita/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

As a bonus we were able to find a video of Project Diva f’s version of Black Rock Shooter running in PV appreciation mode. Unfortuantely, as the Vita doesn’t allow for any form of video output (unless you have very specialised equipment), the vid maker shot the footage on a handycam. So pardon the video quality (or lack thereof); it’s just going to look infinitely better when you finally get your own copy of Hatsune Miku Project Diva f. According to the vid maker, he used Hatsune Miku’s default module for the PV as there is no “matching module” so as to speak. Or at least, he wasn’t able to unlock it despite having cleared Black Rock Shooter on all difficulty levels. And here’s Yume no Tsuzuki. Note that the video here isn’t the one in Project Diva f.

The 27-year-old voice actress, anisong singer, and presenter TV Tokyo programme Pokemon Sunday is thrilled by her PlayStation Vita’s newfound ability to run PlayStation Classics, thanks to yesterday’s firmware 1.80 upgrade. On her official blog, Shokotan shared these pictures of Final Fantasy VII running on her PS Vita, and had the following to say:

New modules ()

Apart from the song reveals, Famitsu also had a full spread on a bunch of new modules from the game revealed for the first time. These including Racing Miku and Hatsune Miku Append. Expect to hear more about these modules and songs tomorrow (possibly with a hi-quality video), as new Hatsune Miku Project Diva f is usually revealed officially every Thursday. Hatsune Miku Project Diva f for the PlayStation Vita comes out in Asia and Japan August 30. A Hatsune Miku limited edition PlayStation Vita + game bundle is also available. Source: Imagebam

Super! Lololololol God-like hardware lolololol amazingggg! Downloading FF56789 [through PlayStation Classics/Archives] and PSP software [from the PlayStation store] was pretty quick, and I like the way all these game app icons line themselves up neatly on the homescreen, all on my Vita! Now I want to see FFT, Chrono Trigger, Tactics Ogre on 10

August 31st, 2012

my Vita too!!! If we can have the FF4 remake on it as well that would be heavenly!! FF7′s finally hereeeee! It was refreshing to see Midgar as rendered on the Vita’s screen, which is so much more vivid than the original Playstation [playing on my TV], just so awesome that I can bring it everywhere with me, kyaaaa that really cheers me up! What a blast of nostalgia, seeing Aeris Cloud Barret aaaaaah! Oh it’s still in the process of being downloaded [onto my Vita] so I guess I’ll go attend to some work. To be able to play these many games just with a set of Vita, that’s really awesome. I’m glad to have lived to experience this, so much that it brings tears of joy to my eyes! Written from my iPhone” Final Fantasy Tactics, Chrono Trigger, and Tactics Ogre? One step at a time, Shokotan! Source: Shoko Nakagawa official blog

Published by: VR-Zone

your memory card before it can be used by another PSN ID. Alternatively, just remove the memory card prior to restoring to factory defaults, and insert a second one for your other PSN ID.

PlayStation Classics We’re not going to list all of the 221 titles available from the Asia PlayStation store; just go on your Vita and browse through all the good stuff! That said, we do understand that a lot of the PlayStation Classics games on the Asia PlayStation store are in Japanese, which can be quite frustrating if you’re just looking for something to play with that doesn’t require JLPT lessons. So here we’ve put together a partial list of gems that gamers from all walks of life should be able to play comfortably – even if the only Japanese words you know are “sushi” and “moe”. Games that do not require Japanese language proficiency (our top picks):

Asia: 221 “PlayStation Classics” now playable on your Vita thanks to firmware 1.80

• Crash Bandicoot (platformer)

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/asia-221-playstation-classics-nowplayable-on-your-vita-thanks-to-firmware-1-80/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

• DonPachi (see above)

• Cyberbots (fighting) • Darkstalkers 3 (Vampire Savior EX Edition, fighting) • Dead or Alive (fighting) • Dodonpachi (2D plane shooter) • Everybody’s Golf 2 (sports) • Fatal Fury Wild Ambition (fighting) • GuiltyGear (fighting) • Gunners Heaven (2D side-scrolling shooter, similar to Metal Slug) • Metal Slug, Metal Slug X • Mr Driller (action/puzzle) • Plasma Sword (fighting) • Pocket Fighter (fighting)

The long-awaited PlayStation Vita 1.80 firmware update has finally been released today, allowing gamers access to over 200 “PlayStation Classics” from the Asia PlayStation store (600 in the Japanese store). Apart from adding support for PlayStation Classics, 1.80 also boasts a long list of upgrades, including the ability to navigate menus on the Live Arena homescreen and various system apps with the Vita’s physical buttons (previously it was touchscreen only). For details on all the shiny new upgrades, watch this introduction trailer: Important: Do note, however, that beginning with firmware 1.80, memory cards in your Vita are now “locked” to your current PSN ID. Previously it was possible to store content downloaded using various PSN IDs on one memory card; this is no longer possible. For those of you who’ve been swapping PSN IDs around on your Vita by going into Settings and choosing to restore your system to factory defaults, you will now have to reformat

• R4 Ridge Racer Type 4 (racing) • Real Bout Fatal Fury Special (fighting) • Rockman 1 to 5 (platformer) • Samurai Shodown 1 to 4 (fighting) • Silent Bomber (action) • Tekken 2 (fighting) • The King of Fighters 95 to 99 (fighting) • The Last Blade (fighting) • Um Jammer Lammy (rhythm-action) • XI[sai] JUMBO (puzzle, download the free trial version)

And here’s a list of our top picks for those of you who can read the language: • Arc The Lad I to III (RPG) 11

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

• Atelier Elie, Atelier Marie Plus (RPG) • Biohazard 1 to 3 (survival horror) • Bokujou Monogatari Harvest Moon (simulation) • Breath of Fire IV (RPG) • Grandia (RPG) • Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (platformer) • Legend of Dragoon (RPG) • Metal Gear Solid (tactical espionage action) • Popolocrois (RPG) • Silhouette Mirage Reprogrammed (side-scrolling shooter) • Spectral Force 1 and 2, Spectral Tower 1 and 2 • The King of Fighters Kyo (turn-based… RPG?) • Wild Arms (RPG) For a partial list of games from the UK and UK PlayStation stores, check out Examiner.com’s story here.

Hyperdimension Neptunia JRPG series to receive anime adaptation Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/08/hyperdimension-neptunia-jrpgseries-to-receive-anime-adaptation/ By KarbyP on August 31st, 2012

Set in a fictional universe known as Gamesindustri that’s split into four regions – Lastation (a parody on Sony’s PlayStation), Leanbox (Xbox), Lowee (Wii), and Planeptune (Sega Saturn) – the games’ stories are based loosely on realworld gaming events. For instance, the original Hyperdimension Neptunia began as a parody on the console wars and Sega’s eventual exit from the hardware business, but later had all the console makers regions’s goddesses unite against a common threat: piracy Arfoire the witch, who’s named after the infamous Nintendo DS flash cartridge.

Idea Factory and Compile Heart’s Hyper/Ultradimension Neptunia series of JRPGs is getting an anime adaption, this week’s Dengeki PlayStation magazine revealed. No further details are available at this point; we don’t know if this will be a TV anime series, or an original video animation. A production studio has not been named as well, although the voice cast will likely feature the same ones as heard in the game. The games’ voice cast includes: Rie Tanaka (Maria from Hayate no Gotoku) as Neptune or Purple Heart (the goddess of Sega-inspired country Planeptune) and Imai Asami (Steins;Gate‘s Kurisu Makise, Idolm@ster‘s Chihaya Kisaragi) as Noire or Black Heart (Sony-inspired Lastation), and Eri Kitamura (Lollipop Chainsaw) as Uni (the PlayStation Portable, personified).

The second game – Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk.II – was still about combating piracy, but featured the goddesses’ younger sisters – the personification of portable gaming devices from all four hardware makers – as playable characters instead. The latest instalment in the series, Ultradimension Neptunia V or Kami Jigen Game Neptune V (ねねねねねねねねねねねねV) is set to come out for the PlayStation 3 in Japan this Thursday on August 30, and will have the protagonists travel back in time to “Gameindustri 1989″ where they will meet new characters based on 16-bit consoles. For more info on this third game’s new mechanics – such as the ability to make your own “game discs” by combining Idea Chips such as “Genre: RPG” and “Pre-order Campaign” or “Employ Famous Voice Actor” – read our previous story here. Although there’s no word yet on an English version, given that the previous two games were given the full localisation treatment, chances are we’ll see Ultradimension Neptunia V on store shelves sometime in the future too.

August 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Flickr