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

October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

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

Pose for pictures with Robotics;Notes’ main heroine in this official AR app Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/pose-for-pictures-with-roboticsnotesmain-heroine-in-this-official-ar-app/ By KarbyP on October 9th, 2012

An official Robotics;Notes iOS app has been released on the iTunes app store, just in time for the anime series’ debut on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” late-night anime timeslot this Friday in Japan (at 1:15AM, or 25:15 hours on Thursday night) The app’s key feature is an AR camera that lets users take pictures with the heroine in Robotics;Notes, Akiho Senomiya. You can do this through two methods, depending on if the AR camera is set to “Portrait Mode” or “Marker Mode”. Portrait Mode works like most other AR apps out there: Akiho will appear on-screen, plastered upon a video feed of your actual surroundings as picked up by your iPhone’s camera, and you can adjust Akiho’s pose or expression before taking the shot. More poses and expressions can be added via a “shop” menu from November onwards. Marker Mode, on the other hand, is more like a QR code scanner. That is, when the iPhone camera picks up a certain image – such as a particular poster illustration found at shop fronts or on the Robotics;Notes official website - a 3D character will appear on the touchscreen. Said 3D character’s position is tied to the AR marker (the shop poster or an online image), so you’ll be able to look at the character model from different angles and sides by physically moving your iPhone around.

Outside of the AR features, the Robotics;Notes app will also have a page for news and announcements published on the series’ official website, a “shop” menu where you can download wallpapers and addition AR camera poses and expressions (paid content), and a “tips” page that will be refreshed every week, prior to the airing of a new episode, containing explanations for new lingo or terms that will be used in the upcoming episode. In other words, this nifty feature will serve to replicate the visual novel experience for anime viewers somewhat. In visual novels, “tips” are often trivial explanations about specific items that writers add in to give players a better understanding of the fictional universe (but are otherwise not required to understand the plot). Future updates planned for the app include a group-chat functionality, more AR features related to Robotics;Notes merchandise (we’re not too sure what this refers to; could

October 9th, 2012

just be more AR markers for users to scan), and the ability to access “special contents”. “TV animation 「ROBOTICS;NOTES「 official application” is free to download, and available now on the Japanese iTunes app store. Supports iPhone and iPad models running iOS 4.3 and up. iPod Touch compatibility will be added at a later date.

Published by: VR-Zone

it’s a double-A-side release, this also means that both tracks will be featured in the forthcoming 2013 album, which will be Luna Sea’s eighth full release and the first in 13 years, after 2000′s Lunacy. Today’s announcements augment the second coming of the Kanagawa-based act, and a return to their roots; Luna Sea was originally formed in 1986 and disbanded once back in 2000. For the entire period, the band belonged under the Univeral Music recording label. Following disbandment in 2000, several Luna Sea members went on to furthering their solo music careers. In 2010, the members got back together and held a press conference in Hong Kong to announce that the band would be doing a reunion concert tour. At that point the band, collectively, was signed on to Avex Group-owned record label HPQ (individually, several members of the band were signed on to various other labels for their solo work). This year, Luna Sea is scheduled to go on a “Zepp concert tour” all across Japan in November. At this tour the band also plans to unveil both of the tracks from their December single release to their fans live for the first time. Thereafter, the band will hold a six-day concert at Tokyo’s Budoukan in January 2013, and after that an overseas concert tour is lined up next but details are sparse on that at the moment. Moving forth, Universal Music also plans to release Luna Sea’s music internationally in 63 countries through iTunes, including the new single in December and the full album next year. Source: Oricon Style

Source: 4Gamer

Luna Sea returns to Universal Music label; new single release planned for December, 8th full album in 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/luna-sea-returns-to-universal-musiclabel-new-single-release-planned-for-december-8th-full-album-in-2013/ By KarbyP on October 9th, 2012

J-rock band Luna Sea announced today that they have returned to the Universal Music recording label, and will be releasing a new single this December, whilst working gradually towards a full album release scheduled for 2013.

Tiger & Bunny : The Beginning Movie Premiere Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tiger-bunny-first-movie-screening/ By sakurazaki on October 9th, 2012

The weekend has just passed and the first batch of Tiger & Bunny fans have experienced the premiere of the Movie! Ticket sales started only a few days before the movie and were sold out almost immediately. The premiere of Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning, held at Vivo City’s Golden Village, did not disappoint its fans.

Completely Sold Out!

The single release in December will be a double-A-side, meaning the band considers both of the new songs included in the release to be good enough to stand on its own. Since 2

October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Cosplayers Spotted!

Fans gathering early to catch the premiere!

Even Cosplayers did not miss the opportunity to express their love for the movie by dressing up as the main characters

Excited movie goers equipped with their own poster holder’s for their exclusive movie posters & Kotetsu / Barnaby Tshirts!

Cosplayer Selicia displaying her exclusive movie poster Donning the “Let’s Believe Heroes” T-shirt from Uniqlo

October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

awesome cosplayers? Wait no further, apply a position with us as a writer or a journalist! Here are some of our requirements. Tasks/Description:1. Fluent in written English 2. Work a minimum of 4 days per week, including weekends 3. Work a minimum of 6 hours per work day 4. Have in-depth knowledge of any of the following: - anime, manga, cosplay, console/arcade games, J-pop music, Japanese movies, Idols, voice actors 5. Having in-depth knowledge of 2 or more of the above categories is a plus 6. Ability to read and understand conversational Japanese is a plus 7. Event coverage and report skills are a plus 8. Able to work independently Interested? Fill up this form! Take note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

For Tiger & Bunny Fans who missed the opportunity to catch the movie on 7th Oct, Golden Village is extending its screenings to 5 different slots at two GV Theatres, Grand Europa and GV Vivo City. Do not miss the coming slots this week on the following dates and times: 11 Oct (Thursday) – 7.15pm 12 Oct (Friday) – 7.15pm 13 Oct (Saturday) – 7:30pm 14 Oct (Sunday) – 1:00pm, 5.15pm Visit the Golden Village Website to book your tickets now! What are you waiting for? Link : http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/ gv_moviedetails_3052.jsp

[Recruitment drive] writers and journalists for sgcafe.com wanted! Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/recruitment-drive-writers-andjournalists-for-sgcafe-com-wanted/ By sentinel011 on October 9th, 2012

So you brag about knowing everything when it comes to otaku culture, including video games and cosplay. Well, here’s your chance to be part of the media industry by writing for SGCafe! Are you updated with the latest in anime, manga, video games, cosplay, or anything related to Japanese pop culture? Do you wish to interview the hottest Japanese artistes and

STGCC Interview: Touya Hibiki and Kousaka Yun Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/stgcc-interview-touya-hibiki-andkousaka-yun/ By Mello on October 9th, 2012

This STGCC, our interviewer was given the chance to chat with the event’s special cosplay guests Touya Hibiki and Kohsaka Yun. Hibiki, famous for her cool portrayals of many popular male characters such as Lelouch Lamperouge of Code Geass and Uta no Prince-sama’s Tokiya Ichinose, frequently partners with fellow Japanese cosplayer Yun, who is well-known for her cosplays of sweet, cute characters such as Kaname Madoka of Puella Magi Madoka Magica fame and Araragi Tsukihi from Nisemonogatari. Which is your favourite character you have cosplayed so far?Yun: Sakura from Cardcaptor Sakura Touya: Prince of Tennis Do you sew all of your own costumes? Yun: Some are sewn while some are bought. How do you feel about cosplaying overseas? Touya: People we meet overseas are more enthusiastic and kind. Being given the opportunity to travel overseas as cosplay guests, how has the experience been like for you? Touya: We are very thankful to be chosen to cosplay overseas. Cosplaying is also more accepted outside Japan. Yun: I am not too sure why I am chosen, but I am very happy and thankful too. Is this your first time in Singapore? What is your impression on Singapore’s cosplay scene? Is it different from Japan’s? Touya: Yes, it is our first time here. Actually, we have not heard much about Singapore’s cosplay scene and have not been here before, so we are looking forward to the event tomorrow. 4

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Published by: VR-Zone By Neubronner Eugene on October 9th, 2012

Yun: I have interacted with my Singapore fans online so I am excited to meet them in person.

The crew at SGCafe recently got to sit down with the devs from IO Interactive, creators of hot and upcoming title Hitman: Absolution at a press event with some hands-on time. The verdict so far? The game looks great, despite some niggling issues, and we’ve got the preview to prove it. Read the rest of our preview here.

Plamodeller mods a Fate/Zero Berserker out of HG AGE Gafran What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in cosplay so far? Touya: When I do a photoshoot even though it’s all different, I feel satisfied with it.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/plamodeller-mods-a-fatezeroberserker-out-of-hg-age-gafran/ By sentinel011 on October 9th, 2012

Kit builders have been around for ages, but anime-themed modifications of existing kits are few. Kit builder ‘okajo‘ created his own version of Berserker from Fate/Zero.

Yun: I feel satisfied when I get a nice photo. What is your most challenging costume and which is your favourite? Touya: Cosplaying female characters. Yun: Cosplaying male or boyish characters (laughs) How do you choose a character to cosplay? Touya: We choose characters from series that we like. (To Touya) As a cosplayer who cosplays male characters, do you look at fellow female cosplayers’ portrayal of male characters or male cosplayers when looking for cosplay references? Touya: I don’t look at other cosplayers for reference, only the drawings of the character. (To Touya) Through your experiences, what are the challenges for a female taking on a male character cosplay? Touya: Actually, I find it easier for me to cosplay a male character, but it’s difficult when I try to cosplay a female character.

Hitman: Absolution’s Contracts and AI will blow you away Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hitman-absolutions-contracts-andai-will-blow-you-away/

October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

^ Design Comparison ^

Modification areas

Heavy modifications were made to the kit, with the HG Gafran only used as the base. Other parts that were present in the mod include HG GN-X’s legs, HG Thrones Zwei’s buster sword, and of course many pla-card and epoxy putty used. While the end result’s colour is different from Berserker’s actual colour scheme, the design does have the same menacing feel of Berserker. What sort of modification ideas do you have, or would like to see? Source: modelers-g | gundammodelkits

October 9th, 2012

New dates for J-Live ASIA’s Perfume World Tour ticket sales announced Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/new-dates-for-j-live-asias-perfumeworld-tour-ticket-sales-announced/ By Rika on October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Malay for me? Just for kicks) – has already gone live. Here, take a gander below. Future episodes will be uploaded to Machinima Prime every Friday. If you like the series enough, make sure to preorder a limited edition copy of Halo 4, which comes with an extended 90-minute-long version of the Forward Unto Dawn along with making-of featurettes. Although this isn’t quite the live-action Halo movie that Peter Jackson was supposed to have produced, Forward Unto Dawn is still a worthwhile endeavour from Halo 4 developer 343 Industries. One that certainly inspires confidence in the troops – those brave men (and women) who shall rally (online) for a common cause (to frag the hell out of the Forerunners) come November 6, when the game finally drops.

Fans left disappointed by the cancellation of J-Live ASIA’s Perfume ticket sales last month will be glad to know the new dates have been confirmed! J-Live ASIA has recently updated their Facebook page with new information pertaining to both physical ticket sales and online balloting. PHYSICAL TICKET SALES Start time: 10am, 14th OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY). Available from the AFA SHOP at *SCAPE Singapore ONLINE APPLICATION (BALLOTING) Application period: 12pm, 15th OCTOBER 2012 (MONDAY) – 21st OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) The special balloting link will be available online from the official JLIVE Website! Don’t miss out!

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” live-action series offers a glimpse of UNSC military life Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-liveaction-series-offers-a-glimpse-of-unsc-life/ By KarbyP on October 9th, 2012

In case you’re interested to find out who the folks behind Forward Unto Dawn are:

Can you say, “Hail to the (Master) Chief?” As part of the promotional materials for Xbox 360 sci-fi shooter Halo 4, Microsoft and 343 Industries have made an episodic, live-action digital series and are putting all of it up on the InterWebs, right on the Machinima Prime YouTube page. The first episode of the digital series – entitled “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” (can someone translate that into

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” tells an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice on a scale never before seen in the “Halo” universe, taking fans back to the beginning of the human and Covenant war, and leading into the events of “Halo 4.” Set against the backdrop of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) military academy, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” follows a group of cadets who are training to be the next generation of soldiers in the UNSC’s ongoing war with insurrectionists in the outer colonial planets. Among these cadets, Thomas Lasky struggles with his doubts about the war, and with 7

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the burden of expectations he may not be able to carry. As Lasky comes to terms with his potential as a military leader, the terrifying alien alliance known as the Covenant arrives and turns his world upside down. Inspired by the Master Chief, he must decide what it means to be a hero. “Halo” fans who experience Lasky’s thrilling origin story in “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” will be rewarded with special insights into the story of “Halo 4” and the “Halo Infinity Multiplayer” experience. The story will unfold weekly through a series of five episodes, setting the stage for the worldwide launch of “Halo 4” on Nov. 6. Directed by Stewart Hendler (“H+,” “Sorority Row”), written by Todd Helbing and Aaron Helbing (“Smallville,” “Spartacus”) and backed by a top-tier production team, including Executive Producers Lydia Antonini and Josh Feldman, former Warner Bros. and Playtone executives, respectively, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” features a diverse cast of established and upand-coming Hollywood talent, including Tom Green (“Dance Academy”) as Thomas Lasky, Anna Popplewell (The Chronicles of Narnia) as Chyler Silva, Daniel Cudmore (X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Twilight Saga) as the Master Chief, Ayelet Zurer (Angels & Demons, Munich) as Mehaffey, Mike Dopud (Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol) as General Black, Enisha Brewster (Footloose) as April Orenski, Masam Holden (“Grey’s Anatomy,” Elizabethtown) as Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Osric Chau (“2012”) as JJ Chen, Iain Belcher (“Supernatural”) as Vickers, and Kat De Lieva as Dimah. “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” is produced in association with Emmy®-winning production company Herzog & Company/HCO (Gettysburg and the forthcoming Killing Lincoln). Continuing its involvement with the “Halo” franchise, Legacy Effects (The Hunger Games, The Avengers, Avatar) is creating specialized costumes and armor, and visual effects are being created by Toronto-based Arc Productions bringing the Halo universe to life with fidelity never before seen. Emmy-winner John Sullivan (“The Pacific”) is serving as the Visual Effects Supervisor for the production.

AKB48 team reshuffles go into effect November 1

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on October 9th, 2012

A major reshuffling in AKB48‘s team line-ups – which will also reduce the number of teams within the popular Japanese idol group from the current four to three (just A, K, and B; Team 4 members to join their seniors in the other teams) – will take effect on November 1 onwards, the group’s management announced at a concert and handshake session in Iwate prefecture yesterday. Minami Takahashi, the current captain of Team A will be promoted to General Manager of the entire AKB48 group, with Mariko Shinoda assuming the role of Team A’s captain in Takahashi’s stead. Yuko Oshima will keep her position as the captain of Team K, while Ayaka Umeda will lead Team B as its captain. Key positions aside, numerous AKB48 members have also been reassigned to a different team. For the most part, the line-up reshuffle will only affect AKB48′s live performances, especially the ones held almost daily at the AKB48 Theatre in Akihabara. A different team performs there each day, and every team has its own setlist. At the moment, Team B’s setlist is entitled “Theatre no Megami” (「「「「「「「, last performance: October 22), Team K’s is RESET (October 24), Team 4′s is Boku no Taiyou (「「「「, October 25), and Team A’s is Mokugekisha (「「「, October 29). Although the team reshuffles officially take effect November 1, brand new setlists for the reorganised teams will not be ready in time. Until they are, each AKB48 team will instead be performing a generic “Waiting Kouen” (「「「「「「「「「) set that features a specific list of songs hand-picked for the occasion. Previously, each team comprised approximately 16 members. After the reshuffling, each team will have 22 or 23 members instead. As the Waiting Kouen setlists were designed with a maximum of approximately 16 members in mind, during this period each team’s members will perform on a rotational basis.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/akb48-team-reshuffles-go-intoeffect-november-1/

October 9th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Yuuka Tano Tomomi Nakatsuka Shiori Nakamata Moeno Nitou Sakiko Matsui AyakaMorikawa Yui Yokoyama (NMB48 / AKB48 Team A) Mayu Watanabe Team K [23 people] Yuko Oshima (new Team Captain) Sayaka Akimoto Maria Abe Tomomi Itano Mayumi Uchida Rie Kitahara (SKE48 and AKB48 Team K concurrent posts) Asuka Kuramochi This is the second time in AKB48′s five-year history that the teams line-ups have been reshuffled, and it is one that many fans consider inevitable given that Atsuko Maeda – wildly regarded as the “face” of AKB48 – graduated on August 27. The team reshuffling was announced August 24. Here’s what the line-up looks like after the reshuffle: Team A [22 people] Minami Takahashi (appointed General Manager) Mariko Shinoda (new Team Captain) Karen Iwata Rina Izuta Anna Iriyama Ryoka Oshima (promoted) Tomomi Kasai Rina Kawaei Ayaka Kikuchi Riho Kotani (AKB48 Team A / NMB48 Team N) Marina Kobayashi Sumire Satou Natsuki Satou Juri Takahashi

Kana Kobayashi Amina Satou Haruka Shimada Shihori Suzuki Rina Chikano Chisato Nakata Sayaka Nakaya Mariya Nagao Nana Fujita Ami Maeda Yuka Masuda Jurina Matsui (SKE48 Team S / AKB48 Team K) Natsumi Matsubara Kaoru Mitsumune (promoted) Miho Miyazaki Tomu Mutou (promoted) Team B [23 people] Ayaka Umeda (new Team Captain) 9

October 9th, 2012

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Anna Ishida (SKE48 Team KII / AKB48 Team B) Haruka Ishida Miori Ichikawa Misaki Iwasa Mina Oba Shizuka Oya Yuki Kashiwagi Haruka Katayama Rena Kato Haruna Kojima Natsuki Kojima Mika Komori Haruka Shimazaki Miyu Takeuchi Miku Tanabe Mariko Nakamura Wakana Natori Misato Nonaka Reina Fujie Minami Minegishi Suzuran Yamauchi Miyuki Watanabe (NMB Team N / AKB48 Team B) HKT48 Aika Oota JKT48 (Overseas Attachment) Aki Takajo Haruka Nakagawa SNH48 (Overseas Attachment) Mariya Suzuki Sae Miyazawa Graduated Atsuko Maeda Source: Natalie

October 11th, 2012

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

K-On! and Hello Kitty are part of NTT DoCoMo’s answer to iPhone’s Siri in Japan Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/k-on-and-hello-kitty-are-part-of-nttdocomos-answer-to-the-iphones-siri-in-japan/ By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

The new version of Shabette-Concier is free to all NTT DoCoMo customers who’ve subscribed to the sp-mode Internet connection service, and will come pre-installed in smartphones and tablets (well, tablet) announced today under the telco’s Winter 2012 line-up, some of which will begin going on sale in Japan from November. All of the devices in the line-up are Androids; NTT DoCoMo is the only carrier in Japan to not offer Apple’s iPhone products.

Want to have long, endearing conversations with the gals from Kyoto Animation’s hit TV series K-On!? No problemo! All you’ve got to do is go to Japan and buy a new phone from NTT DoCoMo. Japan’s leading telco NTT DoCoMo announced today that it’s giving its cloud-based voice-command concierge service, Shabette-Concier, a major upgrade for the Winter 2012 season: more functions, more apps supported, and the addition of over 30 interactive avatars, including K-On! characters. A partial list of these interactive avatars can be found at NTT DoCoMo’s official website over here. Besides the KOn! girls, other licensed avatars include Chibi Maruko-chan, Hello Kitty, and Snoopy & His Friends. 2012冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬 : 冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬 : 冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬 | 冬冬 | NTT冬冬冬

Jrock Evolution 2012 report – UniTE & MUCC [Singapore] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/jrock-evolution-2012-report-unitemucc-singapore/ By sentinel011 on October 11th, 2012

Shabette-Concier works similar to Siri, in that upon activation of the app, a voice will playback on your phone prompting you for a query. The service was first launched in Japan in March of this year, and has since been updated periodically to support more questions and applications over the months.

5th October was a big night. Despite rushed marketing efforts (the event was only confirmed and announced in September) and the fact that it was a weekday night, the long time J-Rock faithful in Singapore turned up in droves for what is the second major J-Rock event in 2012, MUCC’s first ever live performance in Singapore. 1

October 11th, 2012

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Ageha was next, and every time I hear the guitar intro the sound reminds me of Ken’s playing (Ken , which made a lot of sense since Ken (L’Arc~en~Ciel) was their producer for Ageha.. Super favourites Utagoe and Saishuu Ressha were next, and Tatsuro executed both perfectly, even better than any recorded live versions I have watched before. Maybe I’m just biased, or maybe I’m just really intoxicated by this point, like the rest of the crazy crowd were.

The now-legendary band from Maverick DC Group (whose seniors are L’Arc~en~Ciel), performed together with their juniors, newly formed (in 2011) Visual-Kei band UniTE, as part of J-Rock Evolution, a world-tour unit of some of the big name J-Rock artistes in the industry from Maverick DC Group and PS Company. While some fangirls were arguably pissed at the absence of Alice Nine, who were scheduled to perform in Jakarta but not in Singapore, they really only have the rowdy local K-pop fans to blame (Google or Facebook if you do not get what I mean). Friday marked the first successful attempt by MUCC to hold a live performance in Singapore, two years after they have failed to come as part of another event that is best left unmentioned. MUCC fans were left waiting for the last two years, and came Friday it was all worth it. UniTE opened the show for MUCC with eight songs which got the crowd up to the right temperature. The one-year old band, made up of five really, really, pretty boys (especially LIN!! Oh mine how much more pretty can a guy gettttt), wowed the crowds with their energy and constantly provided fan service for the fangirl crowd, who were mostly there for UniTE. They did a relatively short live (roughly forty minutes), with no encore, and for some reason forgot to do a self introduction of their members during their MC session. It would have been nice to see more of them though.

Their MC session came up, and unlike UniTE who seemed a little bit tensed up during what was their first ever overseas MC session, MUCC pulled it off easily like the seasoned veterans they are. Tatsuro was funny as hell as usual, even as the whole band struggled to speak in English. The band went on to perform several more of their recent songs such as Nirvana, as well as their new song Mother (which will be the new EP for Naruto) and came back during the encore with Flight (One Piece) and Libra, completely their first live in Singapore (which hopefully won’t be their last) successfully with a loud bang. All in all, a great mix of old favourites and recent stuff from MUCC’s set list, which read like a list of songs someone starting out on MUCC songs should first listen to.

And then MUCC came on. The crowd roared. Tatsuro came on cloaked and barefooted (that rumour about him never wearing shoes on stage is true!) opening the show with Chemical Parade, FALLING DOWN and Howling.

After the live though, the VIP ticket holders were treated to a surprise event – a photo taking session (where the two bands were asked to pose on the stage for the audience to fire their camera phones away from the floor) and gosh! a handshake session!!! Miya, Yukke and Satoshi looked slightly stoned during all the fan service sessions, probably from all the ‘high’ prior.

Out came Yukke’s EUB (electric upright bass)…..and MUCC started playing the intro to Fuzz! Fuzz, one of my favorite MUCC songs, was also regularly played in many of their lives. Just seeing Fuzz performed live alone justified the price of the VIP ticket.

Possibly the one and only chance to shake hands with MUCC (something probably quite impossible in Japan considering how big they are) I shook each member’s hand and told them I am a big fan of theirs and asked them to definitely come back to Singapore (Yukke and Miya looked shocked at 2

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my super exaggerated reaction) and Tatsuro handed me my signed poster. That made my night. And my weekend. And my October. And my 2012.

By Rika on October 11th, 2012

For those who are interested in the exact set list, here it is: UNiTE. intro 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

melt into UNiTE. Io U -s m e hAIVIE re:make Distory world wide wish Eniver

MUCC intro 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Chemical Parade FALLING DOWN Howling Fuzz Ageha Utagoe Saishuu ressha TALK NIRVANA ARCADIA featuring DAISHI DANCE Kaze to taiyou Mae he Ranchu MOTHER

SGcafe was proud to be one of the preferred media to cover Cosplaymania earlier this month, which featured guests such as KANAMEĺ&#x2020;Ź, REIKA and our very own JESUKE. Aside from them, there are quite a number of cosplayers who are pretty good themselves too. Here are some of the many!

En1 Flight En2 Libra (Set list provided courtesy of the organizers) [Reported by freelance writer Ryu, who has been a long time Jrock fan; Published by sentinel011]

Cosplaymania 2012: Cosplay feature! Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/cosplaymania-cosplay-feature/

October 11th, 2012

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See more in our gallery below (Photos by Z3LL Photography)

October 11th, 2012

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megpoid the Music# â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a PSP rhythm-action game starring Vocaloid Gumi [images] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/megpoid-the-music-a-psp-rhythmaction-game-starring-vocaloid-gumi-images/

October 11th, 2012

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By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

That’s right, folks! Vocaloid Gumi, voiced by Megumi Nakajima (Macross Frontier’s Ranka Lee), is getting her own game! “megpoid the Music冬” from developer ParaPhray or 冬冬冬冬 (we’ve never heard of them either) is a Gumi-based rhythm-action title that will head to the PSP in Spring 2013. Gumi is a Vocaloid character created by Internet Co., Ltd as the official mascot for its line of Megpoid software, powered by Yamaha’s Vocaloid2 technology. The name “Gumi” was originally voice actress Megumi Nakajima’s childhood nickname. Both Internet Co. and ParaPhray will share the copyrights for this PSP title. There’s a two-page feature on the game in this week’s issue of Weekly Famitsu (on sale in Japan October 11), so if you want the full details, be sure to pick up a copy from your local import bookstore. In Singapore, the latest issue of Famitsu can usually be found in Kinokuniya book stores on Fridays. Alternatively, just wait for a full reveal on the game from official sources tomorrow – a website or something to introduce the game is bound to come up. In the meantime, here are a few images/scans and details to tide you over:

No details on the rhythm-action gameplay have been unveiled thus far. However, the info-box on the game does say that megpoid the Music冬 will support “1 to 4 players”. Costumes-wise, expect to see over 40, not including items or accessories that Gumi can equip. Four songs have been confirmed in the megpoid the Music冬: • Ame ga Futte (冬冬冬冬冬冬 or It’s Raining) by Reruriri (冬冬冬冬) • Koi wa Kitto Kyuujoushou (冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬 or Love Will Surely Soar) by Noboru (冬冬冬冬) • KiLLER LADY by HachioujiP (冬冬冬P) • MeguMegu Fire Endless Night (冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬冬) by samfree More songs will be announced at a later date. That said, Famitsu did drop a little hint in the article on what fans can expect to see: popular songs that have accumulated over 4,800,000 views on Nico Nico Douga. Does this mean DECO*27′s Mosaik Role (冬冬冬冬冬冬冬) will make it in for sure? We’ll just have to wait to find out. Like in Sega’s Project Diva series, outside of the main gameplay modes, megpoid the Music冬 will include a Gumi Room (GUMI冬冬冬) as well. Some of the features in Gumi Room are: • Costume Change – modify Gumi’s look by making her change into costumes and accessories purchased ingame (with points accumulated through play) • Diary – once certain conditions are met, you’ll be able to read diary entries made by Gumi.

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• Gallery/PV – a mode where illustrations and PVs can be viewed. Some of the pieces contained here include the works of Nou (冬冬) and Tsukasa Ryugu (冬冬冬冬冬) Source: 1, 2

Resident Evil 6 – More horror than action this time?

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from various Fate series battling it out in a Holy Grail Hot Springs war. Six teams for Super Dimensional Trouble Hanafuda Epic Battle (ととととととととととととととととと) have been unveiled previously: Saber, Lancer, Caster, Archer, Rider, and Berserker camps. Today, the game’s official website reveals three more teams: Extra, Prototype, and Prisma Illya camps.

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/resident-evil-6-more-horror-thanaction-this-time/ By sentinel011 on October 11th, 2012

The Resident Evil franchise, also known as Biohazard in Japan, started off back in the late 90s with corny B grade dialogue and cheap scares. Serious lack of ammunition and monsters at every turn made it a commercial success and coined the term “survival horror”.

Players will notice that the game’s graphics looks similar to its predecessor as both are utilising the same game engine. This is where the similarities stop, though, as Resident Evil 6 is a heavily action oriented game with tons of Quick time button mashing, thumbstick wiggling events that lets you, run away from explosions, release holds from enemies, avoid having your face meet a grinder, and even climb ladders! Sadly, the graphics suffers dithering in intense scenes and ends up looking not as polished. Want to read more on what we say about Resident Evil 6? Check out our full review!

Fate/stay night [Realta Nua]: Extra, Protytype, and Prisma Illya teams join the Holy Grail Hot Springs war Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/fatestay-night-realta-nua-extraprotytype-and-prisma-illya-teams-join-the-holy-grail-hot-springs-war/ By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

Gamers who pre-order Fate/stay night [Realta Nua] will receive a bonus downloadable PSP title – Take Off! Super Dimensional Trouble Hanafuda Epic Battle- that has teams

Unlike the regular Holy Grail war, the Holy Grail Hot Springs war does not involve actual combat. Instead, the various teams will play Hanafuda cards against one another until a victor is decided – so yes, the bonus PSP title is little more than a card game. That said, the bonus game will feature scenarios penned by various creators who’ve worked on Fate properties over the years, such as Kinoko Nasu, Gen Urobuchi, Hoshizora Meteo, and Yuichiro Higashide. Of the three teams revealed today, Kinoko Nasu will be providing the scenarios for the Extra and Prototype camps.

October 11th, 2012

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Hiroshi Hiroyama, the manga artiste and writer behind Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya will naturally be handling the storyline for the PI camp. Fate/stay night [Realta Nua] for the PlayStation Vita goes on sale in Japan November 29. PS VITA冬冬冬冬Fate/stay [via Otanews]

night

[Realta

Nua]冬冬冬冬冬冬

Does the world need XCOM to save us from unknown enemies? [Video]

Kalafina’s MV for Hikari Furu – theme song for 2nd Madoka Magica movie – to debut on a Nico Live stream this Saturday Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/kalafinas-mv-for-hikaru-furu-themesong-for-2nd-madoka-magica-movie-to-debut-on-a-nico-live-streamthis-saturday/ By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/does-the-world-need-xcom-to-saveus-from-unknown-enemies-video/ By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Kouhen) -Eien no Monogatari- hits theatres in Japan this Saturday. To commemorate the occasion, Kalafina, the artiste behind Eien no Monogatari‘s theme song Hikari Furu, will appear as guests on a special Nico Live stream. “Nay,” says this particular Russian ambassador at a global council meeting held to determine if XCOM – a multinational special task force that was deactivated after they successfully defended Earth from an alien threat at the turn of the 21st century – should be reinstated. Those flying saucers you see running amok in the skies outside? “Those are probably just weather balloons.” What about the reports of alien abductions and attacks? ”Weather balloons often probe and abduct humans and it is nothing to worry about.” XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a turn-based strategy title for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 from developer Firaxis Games (who also made Civilization V) hits retail shelves internationally on October 12, 2012.

So if you’re fan of the neoclassical-slash-gothic Anisong pop group, make sure to tune in to the stream this Saturday, October 13 at 9PM Japan time (GMT+0900 hours) or 8PM Singapore time (GMT+0800 hours). Here’s the URL in case you want something to copy-and-paste: http:// live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv109250007 Most of the stream will consist of a talk corner where the members of Kalafina share their thoughts on the movie and other Madoka Magica related material with MC Akihito Tomita. After the talk segments, Kalafina will perform Hikari Furu “live”.

Recommended retail prices for XCOM: Enemy Unknown in Singapore are as follows: PC – S$59.90 PS3 – S$79.90 Xbox 360 – S$69.90 A single-player demo containing two tutorial missions is available from Steam for Windows PCs. And if that’s not enough, the full music video for Hikari Furu will also be shown for the first time on the livestream, alongside that of ClariS’s Luminous (とととと), which was the theme song for the first Madoka Magica movie. The two films are a re-compiled version of the awardwinning anime series that aired on TV in Japan last year, with Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Zenpen) -Hajimari no Monogatari- [Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie (Part 1) -The Story of the Beginning-] setting up

October 11th, 2012

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the premise and introducing key characters and themes in the series.

winning the Tekken tournament through his unique fighting techniques that emphasize on “speed and weight”.

Part 1 made its way to theatres in Japan last Saturday. Part 2 [(Kouhen) -Eien no Mongatari- which translates to "The Story of Eternity"] will unveil the dark secrets behind magical being Kyubey’s source of powers, and ultimately kill off several of the series’ key characters before getting to a bitter-sweet ending. In other words, this is not a children’s show.

Stages Trailers for the new stages were also published on the game’s YouTube channel. From top to bottom: Poland, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Chile. Which is your favourite?

Source: Nico Video

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 1.02 online update unlocks Miharu, Sebastian, and Slim Bob [Updated]

TGS2012 – Even more cosplayers [Part 2] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tgs2012-even-more-cosplayerspart-2/ By Rika on October 11th, 2012

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tekken-tag-tournament-2-1-02online-update-unlocks-miharu-sebastian-and-slim-bob/ By KarbyP on October 11th, 2012

The newly-released 1.02 game patch unlocks three of six confirmed additional characters – Miharu, Sebastian, and Slim Bob – fixes two glaring bugs (Kunimitsu ducking under certain “mid” attacks, and an Ancient Ogre infinite combo), and adds a couple more stages for you to Knocc ‘Em Down in. All of this downloadable content will, of course, be completely free to all Tekken Tag Tournament 2 players. So make sure to jump on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live to download all the new stuff pronto; we’ll see you and the rest of the fighting games community online on Ranked Match and the World Tekken Federation network. Update: We’ve added video move lists (made by YouTube user BloodBurger) for all the three characters unlocked in this update.

Liking our cosplay features from Tokyo Game Show this year? We have even more! We spot several Sengoku Basara cosplayers as well, and quite a few other high quality cosplays. Tokyo Game Show is just one of the many events in Tokyo that cosplayers all over Japan participate in. Other events include the bi-yearly comic market, also known as ‘Comiket’. Enough banter. Enjoy the photos!

Miharu A classmate of Ling Xiaoyu’s, Miharu is the Chinese fighter’s best friend and often hangs out with Xiaoyu and her pet Panda after school.

Sebastian Sebastian is Lili’s butler, and as such, shares many moves with the ”Monegasque-Gymnastic” style fighter. Lili was first introduced in Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection.

Slim Bob Slim Bob’s origins can be attributed to Bob’s ending in Tekken 6, where he somehow lost a bunch of weight without realising after he attracted mass media attention for

October 11th, 2012

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More pictures in our gallery below: 10

October 11th, 2012

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October 16th, 2012

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

Kyari Pamyu Pamyu’s debut album wins an award for its CD jacket design Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/kyari-pamyu-pamyus-debut-cd-winsan-award-for-its-jacket-design/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

funny, and have a fantastical touch to it,” she added when asked about her thoughts on the design. “We’d like to continue putting out such quirky and funnylooking designs for our future releases.” Steve Nakamura, the CD jacket’s art director, also explained the concept behind the award-winning design: “Since it was a debut work, we hedged our bets on make-up and [Kyari Pamyu Pamyu's] facial expressions to create a look akin to that of a unique character.” “In today’s world, I believe that rather than going with something conservative and typical, a quirky CD Jacket would brighten up the day of those who see it. I’m glad that we managed to pull it off,” he continued.

Music Jacket Taisho (ミミミミミミミミミミミミミミ)

Kyari Pamyu Pamyu‘s debut album, Moshimoshi Harajuku, has been selected as the winner of the prestigious Music Jacket Taisho 2012 award for its impactful spin on the renowned model and singer’s close-up portrait, the award’s committee announced today. The CD Jacket design, in which a giant, cartoon mouth was painted on Kyari Pamyu Pamyu’s face, was said to be so eyecatching and impactful that the entire CD jacket design could be seen as the 19-year-old singer’s calling card.

Japan’s “Music Jacket Taisho” (ミミミミミミミミミミミミミミ) award was founded in 2011 to highlight to music lovers in Japan the appeal of a good CD jacket design, and to encourage music makers to continue the culture of inventing inspirational designs for their releases by recognising the artistes and designers who make an effort to do so. The award is now in its second year. All domestic music CDs (including works from foreign artistes) released between 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 by record companies affiliated with the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) were eligible and considered for 2012′s award. A committee looked through the releases and came up with a shortlist of 50 nominees, which the general public then voted on via a specially-created site. Incidentally, the winner of the first Music Jacket Taisho was Keisuke Kuwata’s Musicman.

“To be named the receipient of such a prestigious award for my debut work, I’m extremely elated!” Kyari Pamyu Pamyu said. “It was a jacket design that we fussed over a lot because we didn’t want it to just be cute. We also wanted it to be quirky,

Source: MyNavi News

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Fairy Tail movie “Priestess of the Phoenix” to air in Singapore theatres this week Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/fairy-tail-movie-priestess-of-thephoenix-to-air-in-singapore-theatres/ By Rika on October 16th, 2012

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Did you know that Yahoo! Japan – and only in Japan – has a marketplace where they sell apps for Google’s Android OS? No? See, that right there is precisely why the Yahoo! folks have secured an early-access exclusivity deal this third Madoka Magica TPS app. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Miki Saya & Sakura Kyoko (ミミミミミミミミミミミ TPS FEATURING ミミミミミミミミミミ) is the third entry in this game app series, and the first to feature two playable characters; the first two instalments only let you play as Homura Akemi or Mami Tomoe, respectively. The gameplay in all three apps is similar: you explore dungeons and defeat witches from an over-the-shoulder view much like in a typical third-person-shooter.

Singaporean anime fans rejoice for another movie based on an existing animated series looks set to hit local shores this month! While there is no confirmed release date yet, its entry on Yahoo! Movies Singapore says that it will premiere on Friday, October 19 (we think maybe they meant October 18, as movies in Singapore typically premiere on a Thursday). [UPDATE] Cathay Cineplex have revealed to premiere the movie at Cathay Cineleisure. Internet booking hasn’t been up on the booking website as of press time. The Fairy Tail movie “Priestess of the Phoenix” premiered in August in Japan on 73 screens, debuting at ミ9 and raking in US$768,533 in its opening weekend. The film features the titular Fairy Tail, a notorious guild of magic-users and their adventures with a new original character Eclair, voiced by Aya Endou of Macross Frontier fame. Jang Keun-suk provides the opening theme “200 Miles” while the ending theme is “Zutto Kitto” (ミミミミミミ; “Assuredly Forever”) by Aya Hirano, the voice of Lucy Heartphillia. Watch the trailer here!

Multiple stages are available, and what’s interesting about this new version is that in the first stage you’ll begin playing as the pre-Magical Girl version of Sayaka, who’s equipped only with a baseball bat. Stage 2 has you assuming control of Sayaka after she’s gotten her Magical Girl or Mahou Shoujo (or… Puella Magi?) powers. Her default weapon is a sabre, but as you clear stages and defeat witches, you can unlock other weapons that have varying attack ranges and strength attributes. After clearing a few more stages you’ll eventually get to play as Kyoko Sakura, who handles differently as she fights with a staff.

“Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Miki Sayaka & Sakura Kyoko” Android app exclusive to Yahoo! Market (for now) Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/madoka-magica-tps-featuring-mikisayaka-sakura-kyoko-android-app-exclusive-to-yahoo-market-for-now/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

Outside of physical attacks, both Sayaka and Kyoko will also be able to use magic spells, cast by tapping the Soul Gem icon in the upper-left-hand corner of the screen. Each use of magic will cause the Soul Gem to get increasingly dirty. When it’s covered completely in impurities, you won’t be able to cast any more spells, but unlike in the actual animation series, Sayaka or Kyoko won’t die (Game Over) right away. Since this new version is focused on melee attacks, naturally the difficulty level here would be higher than past entries.

October 16th, 2012

That said, you’ll be able to choose from three difficulty settings: Easy, Normal and Hard.

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

Update [11:22AM]: It’s back up! Update 2: The buy button has been pulled again due to an error (Square Enix gave Amazon Supreme Commander 1 codes instead of Supreme Commander 2). For further updates on the deal, check this NeoGAF thread. Original story: Seven digital-download games for US$9.99. How crazy is this deal? So crazy that Square Enix has told Amazon that they will no longer provide them any more codes for the deal; this is the very last batch ofAbsolutely Great Square Pack codes Amazon will sell. To purchase the deal, log-in to Amazon, and keep refreshing the product page until you can buy it (they’re experiencing some problems due to the huge number of users trying to access the page). You will need to register a credit or debit card with Amazon, and – this is the most crucial part - enter an American billing address. Just type in one you find on the Internet or something. With a working 5-digit postal code.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TPS Featuring Miki Saya & Sakura Kyoko is available from today (October 16), sold exclusively at the Yahoo! Market for Android at the moment. Although a version of this app will probably make it to the Google Play store and iTunes app store at some point in the future, Yahoo! claims that its version will feature a bonus: Sayaka and Kyoko’s voice actresses – Eri Kitamura and Ai Nonaka – have recorded a few extra voice samples (yes, this game is voiced) that will not be included in future versions offered elsewhere. Source: 4Gamer, Yahoo! Market

Last chance to buy Deus Ex: HR, Hitman: Blood Money and 5 other games for US$9.99 on Amazon [Updated X2] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/last-chance-to-buy-deus-ex-hrhitman-blood-money-and-5-other-games-for-us9-99-on-amazon/

For more information on the status of the Absolutely Great Square Pack – whether it’s completely gone or not – check this NeoGAF thread and look for posts by “Amazon Video Gamer”. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings Tony says so. Alternatively, scroll down and check the first detailed customer review by Ellen Ripley, who says that more keys are being entered in small batches. The Absolutely Great Square Pack is Amazon’s deal of the week that went live on Sunday, October 14 US time, and was supposed to last all the way till Thursday, October 18. But the pack was sold out on Sunday mere hours after it came online. Amazon has restocked it the pack with codes from Square Enix at least twice since then, all of which sold out incredibly quickly. And now Square Enix is telling Amazon that this will be the last batch of codes they will provide for the deal. Once it’s sold out, Amazon will replace the deal with a “25% off Digital Games” deal that will begin tomorrow. Here’s what the pack contains: 1. Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Augmented Edition [Download] 2. Deus Ex: Human Revolution – The Missing Link DLC [Download] 3. Hitman: Blood Money [Online Game Code] 4. Just Cause 2 [Download] 5. Just Cause [Online Game Code] 6. Quantum Conundrum [Download] 7. Supreme Commander 2 [Download] 8. The Last Remnant [Online Game Code] 3

October 16th, 2012

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Source: NeoGAF

“The Story of Rebellion” is your 3rd Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/the-story-of-rebellion-is-your-3rdpuella-magi-madoka-magica-movie/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

So, like I said earlier, the new movie will focus primarily on Mami Tomoe, Anzu, and Homura Akemi. What about Sayaka Miki? Her fate was actually revealed through a short scene back in the last episode of Madoka Magica: she died, remember? She died even in the new word created by Madoka’s wish, due to over-expending her magical abilities for the sake of protecting Kyoko.

The subtitle for the third Madoka Magica movie, due sometime in 2013, has been revealed to be “The Story of Rebellion” (ミミミミミ or Hangyaku no Monogatari), according to tweets from Japanese movie-goers who just saw the second flick. A brief teaser was shown at the end of the second film, and according to one movie-goer, the third movie looks to be a story that focuses on Mami Tomoe, Kyoko Sakura, and Homura Akemi. A cutscene where Ultimate Madoka fights alongside Homura was also shown.

In the original universe, prior to Madoka making her wish, Mahou Shoujos or Magical Girls would turn into witches – the very enemies Magical Girls swore to fight and protect people from – after their Soul Gems are turned completely black due to the use of magic. As a result of that, Sayaka was supposed to turn into the witch, Oktavia von Seckendorff. But in the new world created by Madoka’s wish, Mahou Shoujos do not turn into witches when they use up their magical powers, a fate that she thought was too cruel. So Sayaka’s existence simply vanishes, instead of turning into a witch. This process of Magical Girls vanishing after they’re done is referred to as “Enkan no Kotowari” (ミミミミ the “Law or Circles”, named after Madoka which is one of the readings for the Kanji ミ), and there is a huge flaw with it, as Mami, Homura, and Kyoko finds out in the new movie. Sounds pretty epic, huh? Almost as epic as this fan-made orchestral re-arrangement of Luminous, ClariS’s theme song for the first Madoka Magica movie: Source: Alfalfalfa, Hachima, Madoka Magica wiki

Unlike the first and second parts, which are a condensed retelling of the original hit TV anime series, the third Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie is based on a completely new script.

Perfume’s Singapore performance to be broadcast “live” to 62 theatres all across Japan Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/perfumes-singapore-performance-tobe-broadcast-live-to-62-theatres-all-across-japan/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

If you’re not already familiar with the story told in the Madoka Magica series, it might be a good idea to stop reading right now, and just wait till you’ve had a chance to watch both movies, which will be shown in cinemas in Singapore (and seven other countries outside of Japan) sometime between October and December. Beyond this point it’s not possible to delve into what was shown in the teaser at the end of the second movie without going into spoiler territory.

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When Japanese electropop trio Perfume comes down to Singapore on November 24 to hold a one-day-only performance at SCAPE as the last stop in their Asia tour, fans here won’t be the only ones swinging their glow-sticks and tapping to the beat. Some 3302 miles away, Perfume fans in Japan will also be joining in on the fun too; the tour’s management announced this week that the concert would be broadcast “live” to 62 theatres all over Japan.

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The film will star Tori Matsuzaka as Ken Washio/Ken the Eagle, and Ayame Gouriki as Jun/June the Swan. Gou Ayano, Ryohei Suzuki, and Tatsuomi Hamada will play the roles of Jo Asakura/Joe the Condor, Ryu Nakanishi/ Rocky the Owl, and Jinpei/Jimmy the Falcon respectively. Cast members for Gatchaman’s enemies will be announced at a later date.

The “live viewing” sessions will commence at 8PM Japan time at the theatres listed (full list in Japanese over here) and entry tickets will sell for 3,000 yen a piece, available to the public beginning October 27, 12PM Japan time. Perfume’s Asia tour, also known as “Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st” is the first time the electropop group has ventured out of their home country to perform overseas, and a part of the group’s strategy to go global after they were transferred from record label Tokuma Japan Communications to Universal Music. Although the news of the live viewing sessions does not affect Perfume fans outside of Japan, the fact that they’re able to arrange something like this is significant as it opens a door of possibilities: could future Perfume concerts in Japan also be broadcast to theatres in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea (the countries covered in the Asia tour)? We’re keeping our fingers crossed. Source: Natalie

Science Ninja Team Gatchaman live-action movie in the works Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/science-ninja-team-gatchaman-liveaction-movie-in-the-works/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

Renowned TV and movie director Touya Satou (Kaiji 1 and 2, Gokusen) will lead the production crew. The movie’s script will be penned by Yusuke Watanabe who also did the ones for the Gantz and 20th Century Boys live-action adaptations.

Tatsunoko Productions’ classic anime series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman is getting a live-action movie adaptation. Nikkatsu Corp will produce the movie, which begins filming on October 15, and Toho Co., Ltd will distribute the flick to Japanese theatres Summer 2013. Made in part to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tatsunoko Productions and the 100th year anniversary of Nikkatsu’s, Gatchaman the movie is said to feature more CG cutscenes than Yatterman (1,300 cutscenes) and Gantz (over 1,000 combined in parts one and two).

Action-scene stunts will be directed by Tatsuro Koike, who’s worked on Hollywood movies such as The Last Samurai and Daredevil. Appleseed and Appleseed Ex Machina‘s Shinji will handle character designs. VFX work will be done by Shirogumi studio, which film director Takeshi Yamazaki is a member of. Director Satou says that he hopes to deliver a movie that will surpass Hollywood superhero flicks in terms of impact. “We’re approaching the production of this film with the utmost care and respect for the world of the original anime series. We’ve got a cast of young, talented actors. And the entire production team would truly like to make a film that 5

October 16th, 2012

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even viewers who have never heard of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman will enjoy,” he said in Japanese. “We’d like to put together the type of superhero movie that only Japan can make, and we’re pinning our hopes on succeeding because the times are ripe for us to achieve this dream.” Source: Eiga.com

“Street Fighter X Tekken 2013″, a free update for the game, will be released midDecember 2012 [Update X2] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/street-fighter-x-tekken-2013-a-freeupdate-for-the-game-will-be-released-mid-december-2012/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

Free online update for Street Fighter X Tekken will improve Tekken characters’ anti-air moves, change throw start-up from 7 frames to 5 frames, and more, Capcom announced at New York Comic-Con today (Thursday afternoon NY time). [8.25AM] Post update: Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono said we can expect to see more changelog details in one or two weeks’ time. Ver.2013 is still under development, so outside of the changes they’ve announced today, no other change has been confirmed.

• Tekken characters’ anti-air moves have been improved. Specifically, upon hitting your opponent in the air with certain moves, you will now be able to do juggle combos similar to in, well, the Tekken games (“ミミミミミミミ”ミミミ in Japanese, in case we somehow misinterpreted this).

• Life recovery speeds have been adjusted, so that there are less time-outs.

The update, called “Street Fighter X Tekken 2013” or “Ver.2013″ (following Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Ver.2012′s naming convention), will come to all versions of the game (PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PC, and Xbox 360) in the middle of December, 2012. Although Capcom has not unveiled the full changelog for the patch yet, here are a few details that 4Gamer has uncovered so far: • Throw start-up has been changed from 7 frames to 5 frames (note: in Street Fighter IV throws are 3-frames on start-up)

• The camera or special animation activated during a Boost Combo (light, medium, heavy, heavy combos) has been adjusted so that the battle moves along more swiftly.

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• Recoverable health’s colour in the health bar has been changed, so that it’s easier to see. Comparison shots before and after:

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• At the start of the round, the “FIGHT” graphic will dissipate more quickly. Outside of system changes, the game’s characters will also receive balance tweaks: • Ken – Shippuu Jinrai Kyaku will have more horizontal range (move forward further). Damage will also be increased. • Kazuya – EX Wind God Fist is fully invincible from start-up to first last hit frame. • M.Bison – Kneepress Nightmare is invincible to projectiles. • Bob and Paul – movement speed has been increased. • Etc Will members of the fighting games community take to the game now that it’s being, in a way, rebalanced? Will you go back to SFxTK, Tokido’s main competitive fighting game? Let us know in the comments. Street Fighter X Tekken is out now for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. A PlayStation Vita version is slated for release October 23. Here’s the latest trailer for the PS Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken: Source: 4Gamer

• The glowing effect that accompanies a gem’s activation has been changed (less glowing now). Before and after shots:

Launch of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika: The movie Part 1: The Story of Beginning Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/launch-of-mahou-shoujo-madokamagika-the-movie-part-1-the-story-of-beginning/ By Cubie on October 16th, 2012

October 16th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika: The Movie Part 1: The Story of Beginning was launched on 6th Oct 2012 in an undisclosed location in Tokyo. To add on to the excitement, a special appearance of the voice actresses was arranged for the launch event.

The voice actresses were also there to stage greeting with all the fans of the series. The voice cast consisting Yuki Aoi, Saitou Chiwa, Kitamura Eri, Mizuhashi Kaori, Nonaka Ai, Kato Emiri attended the launch event as enthusiastic audiences waved and show huge support to the guests on stage, creating a huge hype for the event.

Lift doors doubling as huge posters! Original Series of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika was produced by Director Shinbo Akiyuki of Bakemonogatari, Urobuchi Gen of Phantom (Game) and Aoki Ume of Hidamari Sketch (Manga). The movie is adapted from its anime series, which was aired in 2011. The story revolves around a magical girl who faces a harsh fate, ironically for a typical “shoujo” genre. Set in a grand setting with a heartwarming touch, the dark fantasy series has gained popularity for its grim and dramatic story development. All 12 episode were reconstructed and split into 2 parts: Part 1: The Story of Beginning and Part 2: The Story of Eternity Part 2 will be launched nationwide on the 13th Oct 2012. On top of that, they will also announce their new title hereafter, so avid fans of this series keep an eye out for more updates! Source: Mantan Web

Fancy a magical ride?

XCOM: Enemy Unknown – the modernisation of a well-loved classic [Game Review] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/xcom-enemy-unknown-covermechanic-done-right-game-review/ By KarbyP on October 16th, 2012

In our review of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Firaxis Games’ latest turn-based strategy title, we compare it to first and third-person shooters like Gears of War. Why in the world would we do that? Find out after the jump.

Added to the fans delight was a booth selling limited movie merchandises, specially set up at the venue. Six hours before the sale starts and there were already an estimated number of 120 people queuing up for it, some even admitted to queuing from 12 midnight the day before. Notably, the popular goods were sold out within 2 hours!

October 16th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

The modernisation of a well-loved classic XCOM: Enemy Unknown has big shoes to fill. This turnbased strategy title from developer Firaxis Games (makers of Civilization V) is a remake of 1994′s X-COM: UFO Defense, a beloved sci-fi classic that’s hailed as one of the best PC games ever made, much less the definitive title in the TBS genre. So, how does Firaxis Games attempt to modernise this venerable classic? Outside of putting together an exceedingly competent strategy game that can arguably stand up to the original? Two words: “cover mechanic”. Yes, the boon (some say bane) of modern first and thirdperson shooters, whose popularity can be attributed mostly to Gears of War’s success, is here in this game. And when interpreted in the context of a turn-based strategy game, it’s quite refreshing. At every turn, you always have the option to maximise your mobility (and decrease the number of turns taken to finish your mission objective) by running out into the open, or go from cover to cover in your approach which will take more turns to cover the same ground. The number of turns you take might make the difference between being able to save a whole bunch of innocent civilians from the alien threat, or having to kill them all after a four-legged, death-spewing creature called the Chrysalid converts them into mindless zombies. Read our full review of XCOM: Enemy Unknown through this link!

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

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

Hatsune Miku “hijacks” Minna to Issho: Friend Network (free game on PS Vita) [video] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hatsune-miku-hijacks-minna-toissho-friend-network-free-game-on-ps-vita-video/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

What’s Minna to Issho: Friend Network, you ask? Why, it’s a little-known free-to-play PS Vita social game app that’s only available for download via the Japan-region PlayStation Store. So unless your Vita’s hooked up to a Japanese PSN/ SEN account, chances are you’ve never heard of it. The point of Minna to Issho: Friend Network is to basically allow fresh new PSN users (this app was launched alongside the PlayStation Vita in Japan back in December last year) to make friends online who may share their interests (every player in Friend Network creates a publicly viewable name card with some details about their interests), for the purpose of doing multiplayer games, comparing trophies, and taking advantage of the other features on PSN.

Sega claims that this is a “collaboration” between Hatsune Miku Project Diva f and Sony first-party app Minna to Issho: Friend Network, but – as you’ll see in this video – this looks more like a hijack than any sort of consensual collab to me.

I haven’t checked out Minna to Issho: Friend Network for a while, but it looks like the current version supports RPGesque dungeon exploring as a mini-game. Or at least, that’s the main draw in part five of a “Hatsune Miku Project Diva f X Minna to Issho: Friend Network” collaboration that started on September 28 and will last all the way till November 2. Parts one to four of the collaboration were tinier updates that mostly involved Hatsune Miku-themed name cards, items, and avatar accessories. Part four (KAITO and MEIKO name cards and costume items) goes live today. Here are some images of the collaborative content that’s available right now: 1

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

and Hachune Miku. Kuro, Hatsune Miku and her Vocaloid friends serve as bosses in the dungeon. There’s apparently a story to this nonsense dungeon too (Hatsune Miku the bad guy? C’mon Sony and Sega, are you kidding me?). It all started one day when Kuro went about his usual business of praising Hatsune Miku for being the lovely angel that she is. Toro, sick of hearing Kuro raving about the virtual singer, yells at him: “If Miku is so great, then why don’t you just get outta here and go live under Miku-san’s roof… I mean, meow!” (「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「 in Japanese). And so that’s what Kuro did. Seeking to stop Kuro’s rampage, Toro enlists the help of you and your Minna to Issho friends, as well as Hachune Miku who serves as your guide to the dungeon.

I don’t think the story’s supposed to make sense, but if you’re interested in finding out, the Hatsune Miku Special Dungeon (1,200 coins) will be accessible in the game from next Friday.

Courtesy of Zettai Karen Children – The Unlimited – Hyoubu Kyousuke spin-off anime to be broadcast 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/courtesy-of-zettai-karen-childrenthe-unlimited-hyoubu-kyousuke-spin-off-anime-to-be-broadcast-2013/

Part five’s content will go live next Friday, October 26. The big deal this time around is a Hatsune Miku Special Dungeon that you can buy (yes, unfortunately it’s paid DLC) where you’ll lead a team of your Friend Network friends on an excavation adventure alongside Toro (the white cat) 2

October 19th, 2012 By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

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Shining Ark’s 1st screenshots show us what life on a secluded island with a onewinged angel’s like Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/shining-arks-1st-screenshots-showus-what-life-on-a-secluded-island-with-a-one-winged-angels-like/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

A spin-off of otaku comedy anime series Zettai Karen Children is headed to TV Tokyo’s programming belt sometime in 2013, Shounen Sunday magazine reported. Called Courtesy of Zettai Karen Children – The Unlimited – Hyoubu Kyousuke, this spin-off anime revolves around Kyousuke Hyoubu who’s an ultrapowerful ESPer and one of the main heroines’ toughest adversaries in the original anime series. This was likely the Zettai Karen Children anime project that the creators were talking about back in July. Unlimited is said to be a “hard-boiled action” anime series starring the military-major-turned villain ESPer Kyousuke Hyoubu, and will feature an original storyline different from that in the ongoing Zettai Karen Children manga series, which will see its 32nd tankoubon (paperback comic book) volume released in Japan on December 18.

That’s literally what the concept behindShining Ark is, according to the press release. Experience life on the secluded island of Arcadia, surrounded by nature. An RPG that whose story revolves around islandfolks, whose hearts are connected as one. A story that begins with the meeting with a young girl (Panis) who’s praised as an angel.

Here’s a picture of the anime’s exclusive unveiling in the latest issue of Shounen Sunday (bigger version here):

Source: Manga News

October 19th, 2012

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But there’s more to Panis and the game’s plot than meets the eye, for when the moon in the sky shines a bright red at night, a gigantic enigma will reveal itself. And the young girl with the single black wing on her back will be entranced by it. Like firefly to a flame. What is this mysterious enigma? I don’t know, but I’m guessing it has something to do with the “Ark” in “Shining Ark”. Between that tease of a plot, and Tony Taka’s (T2 Art Works) excellent character design work, consider us intrigued for now. Shining Ark will be released in Japan Winter 2012/2013. UMD and downloadable versions of the game are priced at 6,279 and 5,600 yen respectively.

Luna Sea’s latest single – The End of the Dream / Rouge – comes out on December 12 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/luna-seas-latest-single-the-end-ofthe-dream-rouge-comes-out-on-december-12/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

In addition, four different editions of the double-A-side single will be available in Japan: first-print editions A, B, C, and a regular edition. First-print edition A contains the CDs as well as a Blu-ray disc that has both the music videos for The End of the Dream and Rouge. First-print editions B and C will come with a DVD containing either the MV for The End of the Dream (B) or Rouge (C) on top of the CDs, and the regular edition is CD-only. Source: Excite News

J-rock band Luna Sea‘s first new single after the recent transfer to Universal Music will come out on December 12, it was announced today. The End of the Dream / Rouge is a double-A-side single release that will come as a 2CD set, each containing one song.

Megpoid the Music#’s official website opens; list of producers and multiplayer support revealed Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/megpoid-the-musics-official-websiteopens-list-of-producers-and-multiplayer-support-revealed/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

Usually, a CD single release comes with an A-side song (a main, titular track that’s played on radio stations) along with a B-side song (a bonus track that doesn’t go under the limelight). Album releases feature mostly A-side songs. A double-A-side release means that the artiste in question – Luna Sea, in this case – felt that both tracks included in the release are good enough to stand on its own, and would under normal conditions, be released as separate singles. Thus both The End of the Dream and Rouge will come in separate CDs for this release.

The official website for Megpoid the Music# has finally opened today. Still no details on the PSP rhythm-action title’s gameplay, but at least we’ve got a partial list of participating creators (Vocaloid song producers, illustrators, and dancers), and confirmation on multiplayer. Over on the game introduction page, it’s said that Megpoid the Music# can be enjoyed in two different play styles: single-player (「「), and wireless co-operative play (「「「「「「「).

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

There will also be some sort of “communication” functionality where you’ll be able to interact with Vocaloid Gumi, most likely in the “Gumi Room” mode that was previously confirmed in Famitsu’s reveal last week. Here’s the list of creators unveiled on the website: Vocaloid producers 「「「「「「「「「 a.k.a 「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「P「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「P × Silent Symphonia「「「P「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「P「「「「「「「「「「「「「「buzzG「cosMo「「「 P「DECO*27「Dios/「「「「Potetsu「kemu「maya「Maiden Knight「OSTER project「PIROPARU「samfree「YM「10「 P「164「40mP Illustrators 「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「eb「hatsuko Dancers 「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「「

Oh, there’s a fresh batch of screenshots too… well, partialscreenshots, that is. The image dimensions do not match that of the PSP.

Megpoid the Music# for the PSP is slated to be released in Japan Spring 2013. The game will be sold in both regular (6,090 yen including tax) and limited editions (9,429 yen). Source: Megpoid the Music「 Official Site

Singapore: Pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed III PS3 and PS Vita bundles start today Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/singapore-pre-orders-for-assassinscreed-iii-ps3-and-ps-vita-bundles-start-today/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

The new PlayStation 3 500GB super slim model (Charcoal Black*), standalone, will retail in Singapore on October 23. But if you’re looking to pick up a copy of Assassin’s Creed III with your spanking new console, 5

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Sony and Ubisoft have teamed up to offer a handy all-in-one bundle. Retailing at a recommendeded retail price of S$439, the Assassin’s Creed® III (Eng ver.) PlayStation®3 Bundle Pack is only $30 more than the PS3 500GB super slim model standalone, but comes with a bunch of special AC3 premiums on top of the console and a copy of the game: you’re also getting a limited-edition Assassin’s Creed III jacket, a PS3-exclusive DLC pack, and an “Uplay” leaflet that details what actions you need to perform in the game to earn points and rewards under the Ubisoft cross-platform trophies/achievements programme. The bundle will go on sale November 2, and pre-orders can be made at selected stores from now to October 30. A regular copy of Assassin’s Creed III (PS3) will also retail for S$78.90 on the same date.

*Only the Charcoal Black version of the new PS3 500GB super slim model will be available on October 23. A Classic White model is expected to hit stores in Singapore November 22. Apart from 500GB models (S$399), there will also be a version of the new PS3s super slim with 250GB of storage (S$369), available in both colours at their respective launch dates.

Assassin’s Creed® III Liberation PlayStation®Vita Special Bundle Pack

November 2 also marks the release of Assassin’s Creed III Liberation for the PS Vita, and a bundle for that will be available as well, to be sold for the suggested retail price of S $399. In the bundle you’ll get a PS Vita Wi-Fi model (Crystal Black), a copy of Liberation, a “Mysteries of the Bayou” DLC pack, and an AC3 Liberation protection film.

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Like the PS3 bundle, pre-orders for the PS Vita pack start today. Until October 30. Assassin’s Creed fans who own both AC3 (PS3) and AC3 Liberation (Vita) will also be able to access the following exclusive cross-play content: • Exclusive New York mission to play as Connor; • Connor’s Tomhawk • French Agile Multiplayer Character • Ammunition Pouches Upgrade

Loads of gunpla updates at 52nd All Japan Model Hobby Show 2012 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/loads-of-gunpla-updates-at-52nd-alljapan-model-hobby-show-2012/ By sentinel011 on October 19th, 2012

Winter 2012/2013 will be a great period for all gunpla kit builders and appreciators, as Bandai updates their upcoming line-up at the 52nd All Japan Model Hobby Show 2012. We focus on the top 3 upcoming kit releases for its Winter 2012/2013 release. HG Gundam Delta Kai (December 2012 release) | 2600 yen ; 2790 yen after tax

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

The new Mobile Suit as seen in Gundam Unicorn Episode 4 as piloted by Angelo Sauper. The kit bears great details and proportions as shown in the anime, but we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help at wondering about its hefty price tag. At 2940 yen, it is about the cost of a small MG kit. We hope that the size and details are comparable to the HG Kshatriya. MG Tallgeese EW ver. (January 2012 release) 3990 yen after tax

This MSV kit based off the mass produced Delta Plus is sure an eye-catcher for any Gundam kit builder. The kit will complete the set of the existing release of Delta and Delta Plus HG kits on sale. HG Rozen Zulu (December 2012 release) 2940 yen after tax

October 19th, 2012

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The Endless Waltz Master Grade series ends with a Tallgeese release, slated for a January 2013 launch. The decent price tag of almost 4000 yen is affordable, and we hope that it is customizable to the Tallgeese 1 and 2 variants, considering that the photo featured the base model with a Tallgeese 1 beam rifle. More releases from the Unicorn series, as well as RG Zeta Gundam and Gundam AGE series, are featured in the gallery below:

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

Source: Moeyo | hobbysearch

Madoka Magica the movie’s key visual for Singapore has the Merlion in the background Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/madoka-magica-the-movies-keyvisual-for-singapore-has-the-merlion-in-the-background/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

When it was first announced that the pair of Puella Magi Madoka Magica movies would be screened in eight countries (18 cities total) outside of Japan, the films’ official website said that a different key visual artwork would be provided for each city. To make every piece stand out, these key visual artwork pieces were said to each contain something instantly recognisable from the country it’s talior-made for. For Singapore, that naturally meant the Merlion at Marina Bay. Here’s what that movie’s key visual artwork for Singapore looks like:

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

USA

The Merlion isn’t the only point of interest in the image above. See that AFA2012 logo in the upper-right-hand corner? You know what that can only means, right? The pair of Madoka Magica movies were said to be screened in each of the eight countries sometime between October and December. Anime Festival Asia 2012 in Singapore takes place in November. Concrete details for the movie screenings in Singapore – such as the exact day and time – have yet to be revealed, but should come very soon. In the meantime, here’s a look at the movies’ key visual image for USA, as well as the original one that was used for Japan:

October 19th, 2012

Original

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Whatever it is, it probably has something to do with: 1. Virtua Fighter – Akira Yuki yells “You’re ten years too early [to challenge me]“, 2. A mysterious second game that has Japanese voiced dialogue (Shenmue?), 3. Sonic the Hedgehog (sound of rings dropping), 4. Virtua Striker (that’s the only Sega soccer game I can think of), and 5. Virtua-On (I could be wrong, but that “Get Ready” sounds like it came from Sega’s mecha fighter… or it could be from Fighting Vipers). Another classics compilation perhaps? I’m thinking “2×5” refers to five games that are all the second titles in their respective series. Or the number “2″ could refer to “AM2“, who has worked on all five video game franchises above, if the Sonic sound clip is referring to Sonic the Fighters, which according to Eurogamer may be coming to XBLA.

Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus: 5 new characters unmasked in this week’s Famitsu [Updated] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/senran-kagura-shinovi-versus-5new-characters-unmasked-in-this-weeks-famitsu/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

Which of the three do you like best?

What could Sega possibly be teasing at in this mysterious “#2×5###” video? Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/what-could-sega-be-possibly-teasingat-in-this-mysterious-%E3%80%8C2x5%E3%80%8D%EF%BC%9F%EF %BC%9F-video/ By KarbyP on October 19th, 2012

Update [9.33AM]: now with magazine scans. Bigger versions here: 1, 2, 3

Sega has released a mysterious teaser video, entitled “「2×5「「「” , on YouTube today. The video, which plays back sound effects from five past Sega games somewhere in the middle, ends with the cryptic message: “See you tomorrow!” What do you think it is?

October 19th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

CV: Hiromi Hirata 21 years old and a former member of the Hanzo Academy before Homura (lead character, voiced by Eri Kitamura). Although Miyabi once lost her memories and abilities after an accident in a past mission, she’s recovered them due to an incident. Now, she fights to restore the Viper clan’s former glory. Imu (「「) Source: 1, 2, 3 Original post: When NFSW ninja game-turned-anime series Senran Kagura comes to the PlayStation Vita in February next year, it’ll introduce ten new characters. Details on five of them were unveiled in this week’s issue of Famitsu. Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus -Shoujotachi no Shoumei(「「「「「 SHINOVI VERSUS -「「「「「「-) is a hack-andslash action title for the Vita that features twenty playable characters (ten of which are new), the series’ trademark… “bounce” physics, and local Wi-Fi multiplayer (ad-hoc) for up to four. The game is scheduled for a February 28, 2013 release. Images on these five characters have not been posted on the Net at this point, so we’ll have to go with the next best thing for now: silhouettes from the developer’s official blog. All five are members of the Viper Academy (「「「「「「「), the antagonists in the series who oppose the heroines from Hanzo Academy (「「「「「「). Miyabi (「「)

CV: Chiwa Saitou 21 years old. Was caught in the same accident as Miyabi, and spent a year recovering in the hospital with her. Imu now aids Miyabi in her plan for the Viper clan’s restoration. Murasaki (「)

October 19th, 2012

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16 years old, Ryouna’s twin sister. In the Famitsu feature, there’s apparently a screenshot of her… clothes being torn apart. Fortunately, some kind of adhesive tape is holding her assets together (unfortunately?). We’ll update this post again later when we find more concrete information or images. For now, here are some previous magazine scans from Kotaku’s gallery that should give you a good idea of the art style in Shinovi Versus.

CV: Sayuri Yahagi 16 years old. A shinobi student who often plays truant. Ryoubi (「「)

CV: Youko Hikasa 16 years old, and Ryouna’s twin sister. Prior to being transferred to the Viper Academy, Ryoubi wasn’t quite so well-endowed. Ryouna (「「)

CV: MAKO

October 24th, 2012

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

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES “THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU: LIVE REMIX” Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/square-enix-announces-the-worldends-with-you-live-remix/ By walz on October 24th, 2012

Square Enix also unveiled info on another release Final Fantasy X GREE, a card based RPG game that will feature characters from the Final Fantasy Franchise. And lastly Circle of Mana and Chocobo’s Chocotto Farm were also announced, but no further info was given.

Square Enix in collaboration with social game maker GREE announced a new addition to The World Ends With You. The World Ends With You: Live Remix is set for a winter release on smartphones. Sadly though no gameplay details have yet to be announced aside from the game making use of touch screen features of smartphones and will feature some songs from the original game.

For Honorable Reasons… SGCafe’s Dishonored Review Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/for-honorable-reasons-sgcafesdishonored-review/

October 24th, 2012 By Neubronner Eugene on October 24th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

hearts (and thus their personalities) – as long as you’re within the confines of a blue spherical space he conjures. At the Osaka leg of Eiichiro, you can experience for yourself what that’s like. A life-sized figure of Trafalgar Law will be exhibited in a special “Punk Hazard Arc” experience corner, not featured at the One Piece Exhibition’s original run in Tokyo, and through the use of cutting-edge imaging technologies projected onto the figure, the corner will attempt to simulate what it might be like to witness Law’s Ope Ope no Mi (Opop Fruit) ability in action.

What do you do with a pissed off personal bodyguard to a murdered Empress? A) Kill everyone he knows B) Throw him in a jail cell for public execution to pin the blame on C) Tell the man everything a day before he dies so he can break out and wreck vengeance D) Give him supernatural powers

Outside of the Osaka-exclusive Punk Hazard Arc corner, all of the exhibits from the One Piece Exhibition’s Tokyo leg, held from March to June of this year, will be displayed as well. Most of these exhibit installations were themed after the Fishman Island Arc that was covered in the manga series’ volumes 61 to 66. Here are images of four of the installations from the Tokyo run. From left to right: ”Comics Gallery”, “Bouken (Adventure) Panorama Theatre”, “Nightmare of Impel Down”, and “The Place Where ‘One Piece’ was Born”.

If your answer was all of the above, congratulations! You’re wrong. Well, mostly wrong. Dishonored, the newest title from Bethesda, is really all about… rats. Giant, plaguebearing, rats. That will gnaw your face off, strip your body of its flesh in moments, and then hunger for more. So much more. So much so that our review is here, for you to scream along with us at just how good that feeling of rats biting into your flesh feels.

Osaka leg of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece Exhibition to introduce Punk Hazard Arc / Trafalgar Law experience corner Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/osaka-leg-of-eiichiro-odas-onepiece-exhibition-to-introduce-punk-hazard-arc-trafalgar-law-experiencecorner/ By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

The Punk Hazard Arc, on the other hand, takes place from volumes 66 to the currently on-going chapter in Japan. Outside of the Trafalgar Law installation, concept art or original sketches for the Punk Hazard Arc will also be displayed at the Osaka exhibition.

Trafalgar Law is the user of the Ope Ope no Mi, which allows him to dismember people from a distance without harming them, lift or displace objects of any size and switch peoples’

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece Exhibition in Osaka will be held at the Osaka Tempou Special Installation Gallery [大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大] (mapfan, Google Maps) from 24 November 2012 to 17 February 2013. The exhibition is seven days a week, from 10AM to 8PM daily.

October 24th, 2012

From now till October 31, fans can visit and the exhibition’s official website to vote for one of 35 shortlisted pieces of illustration taken from the One Piece manga series. Prints of the winning illustration will be sold at the Osaka exhibition.

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enemy is going to win with a self-pick “Tsumo”? Block it completely with your special skills! You can check out the beta here, and be assured we’ll be covering a review soon enough. Oh, and that’s my winning piece. RON!

Source: Yahoo! Japan News

RON! I just won me… TsundeRIE and friends? Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/ron-i-just-won-me-tsunderie-andfriends/ By Neubronner Eugene on October 24th, 2012

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie screening details; earlybird package goes on sale October 24 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/puella-magi-madoka-magica-moviescreening-details-earlybird-package-goes-on-sale-october-24/ By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

Asiasoft sent us word that there’s been a quiet launch for their newest Free2Play game, Mahjong Hime. They failed to mention exactly who was voicing the anime-styled, moemoe blobs who’ll be your opponents. Imagine our shock when we spotted that Queen of Tsundere, Rie Kugimiya was voicing! Alongside her are only slightly less well-known stars Shiho Kawaragi (Maki from Black Lagoon, Mana Kuzunoha in Tenjou Tenge) and Chiaki Takahashi (The most impressive lineup of cameo’s we’ve ever seen, such as Haineko from Bleach) What’s more, while the game was originally from Japan, Asiasoft managed to coddle/coerce/bribe/blackmail the devs into creating an additional new mode – Singapore style! Fans of Taiwan-style or even Japan-rule mahjongs fret not, those are also available. Playing well nets you medals to unlock further characters, voiceovers and pictures of your favorite anime ladies. These character cards can be used while playing, adding a new dimension to your favorite mahjong style. Think an

Parts 1 and 2 of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie will be screened at 9.30AM on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, during the Anime Festival Asia 2012 weekend in Singapore (November 9 to 11). There appears to be only one screening for each part of the movie, so don’t wait to get your tickets if you’re planning to catch the Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie! Advance ticket sales will begin this Wednesday, October 24 at 12PM from the AFA Shop in *SCAPE or online via EventCliQue. A ticket to each day’s screening costs $28, and that price includes premiums like a Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie Promo Autographed Shiki (Replica) and an information booklet for the part you’re watching. If you plan on catching both parts, a $45 “earlybird special” 2-Day Screening Package is also available that will – on top of entry to both screenings – come with the Autographed Shiki (Replica), information booklets for both parts, as well

October 24th, 2012

as an A2-sized poster (of the Singapore main visual). But this deal is only available from October 24 to November 1, 11AM. From November 1 onwards, the earlybird deal will be replaced with a $52 2-day Screening Package that won’t come with an A2-sized poster. All ticket packages do not include entry to AFA2012. For more info, check out the info chart below (bigger here):

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faced, after 2010′s to be continued 10少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少? (10 years later, what will these maidens think of themselves?) and 2012′s Show must go on 少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少少 (Despite their pain, the maidens see a dream). In particular, No flower without rain is said to focus mainly on two headline-grabbing AKB48 topics: former ace Atsuko Maeda’s graduation, and the members’ thoughts on finally having made it to Tokyo Dome (AKB48 held their first concert there on August 2012, for the first time in its 5-year history). Other topics covered will also include the members’ fierce battle for the group’s center position now that Maeda has left, AKB48′s rule against romantic relationships (although it’s not specified, this probably refers to Rino Sashihara’s former boyfriend scandal and subsequent transfer to HKT48 as a punishment), as well as a look at the differing qualities of various members. Advance ticket sales for the movie-slash-documentary begins late November at various theatres and the AKB48 Shop in Japan.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie is a condensed retelling of the 2011 hit TV anime series, split into two parts: “Beginning” and “Eternal”. The pair of movies will be followed by a third one sometime next year, “Rebellion“, which will feature an original script. A teaser for Rebellion that includes a brief scene of Ultimate Madoka fighting alongside Homura will be shown at the end of Part 2: Eternal, after the credits.

Source: Natalie

Tales of Xillia 2 x PUTUMAYO collaboration Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tales-of-xillia-2-x-putumayocollaboration/ By IceTea on October 24th, 2012

AFA : Anime Festival Asia 2012

3rd AKB48 documentary – “No flower without rain” – to hit theatres in Japan February 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/3rd-akb48-documentary-no-flowerwithout-rain-to-hit-theatres-in-japan-february-2013/ By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

Similar to the launch of Tales of Xillia in 2011 in Japan, Putumayo is collaborating with Tales of Xillia 2 once again, featuring outfits inspired from all the main characters in the game. Their recently revealed line-up includes all the game’s playable characters, including Elle, for a a total of 10 fashion styles created based on them. There will also be a pair of socks inspired by Tipo.

A new documentary that examines the recent ups and downs of popular Japanese idol group AKB48 has been announced to be in the works, scheduled to hit theatres in Japan 1 February 2013. Documentary of AKB48 No flower without rain 少少少少少少少少少少少少少少 (After the tears, what do these maidens see?), is the third such feature-length documentary to offer a back-stage glimpse at the obstacles and achievements the idol group has 4

October 24th, 2012

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The clothes will be available for sale as sets at Shinjuku Marui One Department Store from November 1~14, although Elle’s beret (~SGD130), Leia’s cap (~SGD130), Elise’s headdress and Tipo’s socks can be purchased separately. Reservations over the counter will also be opened starting on October 22. Online sales through the Putumayo 5

October 24th, 2012

website will start on November 16 and all other Putumayo outlets will carry stock only in December.

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

Source: [Putumayo x Tales of Xillia 2]

“A Certain Scientific Railgun” TV anime is getting a 2nd season Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/a-certain-scientific-railgun-tv-animeis-getting-a-2nd-season/ By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

A new trailer for the film A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion was shown at the Dengeki 20th Anniversary Festival today, and somebody managed to get it all down on digicam. It may be shaky-cam footage you’re looking at, but it’s still pretty watchable and the audio quality is great; I could hear every single line of dialogue clearly.

‘The announcements just keep coming out of Dengeki’s 20th Anniversary Festival over at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba this weekend. The latest? A Certain Scientific Railgun has gotten the green light for a second TV anime season. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for October 27, when the latest issue of Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh (大大大大大大大大大大) goes on sale for the actual juicy details on Railgun’s second season. For now, all that’s revealed so far is that the title of Railgun’s second season will be Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S or A Certain Scientific Railgun S (大大大大大大大大大大 S). In this spin-off series to A Certain Magical Index, Railgun tells the story of Mikoto Misaka, an Electromaster of the highest level (Level 5) nicknamed Railgun for her ability to flick a coin and fire it like a shot from the electromagnetic weapon, as she goes about her daily life with her group of best friends – Level 4 Teleporter Kuroko Shirai, Level 1 “Thermal Hand” Kazari Uiharu, and Level 0 Windmaster Ruiko Saten.

Most of the lines you hear in the trailer has to do with the movie’s main conflict: for some unexplained reason, a Level 0 girl named Arisa Nago (who Index and Kamijou meets at the outset of the movie) appears to be targeted by Stiyl Magnus and his team of magicians. When all she ever wanted was to sing and perform for everyone like an idol. If you missed the previous trailer for the movie (shown at Summer’s Comic Market back in August), check it out over here in our previous story along with the movie’s synopsis. A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion (大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大) hits theatres in Japan 23 February 2013.

Puchimas! -Petit Idolm@sterspin-off anime is puchi-sized, begins 1 January 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/puchimas-petit-idolmster-spin-offanime-is-puchi-sized-begins-1-january-2013/ By KarbyP on October 24th, 2012

The first season of Railgun went on air in Japan between October 2009 and March 2010, and was followed by an OVA release in October 2010. Source: Dengeki Online, mantan-web

This new Toaru Majutsu no Index: Endymion no Kiseki trailer conjures vibes of Macross F [Shaky-Cam Footage] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/this-new-toaru-majutsu-no-indexendymion-no-kiseki-trailer-conjures-vibes-of-macross-f-shaky-camfootage/

More details on the anime adaptation of Akane’sPuchimas! -Petit Idolm@ster- 4-panel manga strips were revealed earlier today at the Dengeki 20th Anniversary Festival. For starters, the series was described as a “puchi anime” with each episode being roughly two minutes in length. The upside of the super-short length, however, is that new episodes will be served daily from Mondays to Fridays (repeats on Saturdays and Sundays), and that all of it will be 6

October 24th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

streamed on Animate TV and Nico Nico Douga. The series premieres 1 January 2013.

Haruka Amami & Harukasan 大大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大大

No word yet on whether the puchi anime series will be aired on TV in Japan or not, but chances are the series will be netonly (until they come out on DVD/Blu-ray, of course).

●大大大大2013大2大6大 Ami/Mami Futami & Koami/Komami 大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 Ritsuko Akitzuki & Chicchan 大大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 ●大大大大2013大2大27大 Azusa Miura & Miurasan 大大大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大大大 Makoto Kikuchi & Makochi 大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 ●大大大大2013大3大6大 Iori Minase & Io 大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 Hibiki Ganaha & Chibiki 大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 ●大大大大2013大3大27大 Miki Hoshii & Afuu 大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大大 Yukiho Hagiwara & Yukipo 大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 Read more Idolm@ster stories here on SGCafe!

Details on the series’ production staff were also unveiled for the first time at the event. Gathering Co. (KakkoKawaii Sengen!, Tono to Issho, 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku) will handle the animation work, with Tono to Issho (watch it on Crunchyroll here) and Kakko-Kawaii Sengen!’s Mankyuu serving as director and 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku‘s Tamado Sao taking up character design duties.

Source: Dengeki Online

Outside of the Net anime series, fans can also look forward to a throng of single CD releases (12 in total) featuring the different Idolm@ster and Puchimas characters. Each CD will feature a pair of characters – Takane & Takanya, for instance – and these will gradually roll out beginning from 9 January 2013. Each CD, priced at 1,260 yen including tax, contains the solo versions of the Net anime series’ opening and ending themes (the ending theme will change every month; at least three EDs have been produced), as well as an original track(s) tailored for the character in question. Herre’s the full CD release schedule: ●大大大大2013大1大9大 Takane Shijou & Takanya 大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大 Chihaya Kisaragi & Chihya 大大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大 ●大大大大2013大1大30大 Yayoi Takatsuki & Yayo 大大大大大大大大大CV大大大大大大大 7

October 26th, 2012

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

Singapore – Win T-shirts and $20 shopping vouchers at the XCOM: Enemy Unknown LAN party tomorrow Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/singapore-win-t-shirts-and-20shopping-vouchers-at-the-xcom-enemy-unknown-lan-party-tomorrow/ By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

At the land party there will be two activities. One is called the “Free Play”, and it is designed for humans to try out the game by completing a simple tutorial and two in-game missions. Successfully complete the missions and you’ll win a free XCOM-themed T-shirt. The other is a mini-competition where you will take on a fellow human participant in a one-to-one XCOM versus match. The human who emerges victorious will win a $20 shopping voucher to buy earthly objects with. If you have played XCOM then you are fantastic human who stays tuned to good news and have great taste in your tastetasting organ. You should come down and show us your XCOM tactics so we can learn and adapt to them. If you don’t know what XCOM is, relax earth human, for it is only a video game. It will not harm you, so come down and try it because I have heard through my shapely human ears that it is a good video game (our full review of it here). Need tips on what to do in the game? We have kindly shared all the human tactics we know over here in this feature. Here is a piece of image which my humanly ears have been told is called a flyer. But that makes no sense whatsoever because it cannot fly like my flying saucer… that I throw into the sky to play catch with the earthly creature known as a dog.

2K Games is holding an XCOM: Enemy Unknown LAN party this weekend, and guess what, fellow earth humans? You’re all invited. So come on down and do whatever it is fellow earth humans do at a land partywhich I know involves lots of ground, sand, and maybe some gravel.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

The land or LAN party will be held tomorrow. October 27 (Saturday) from 3 to 7PM at the Alienware Arena Cybercafe (formerly known as JCube Cybercafe), located within Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. I have highlighted the all the key information in darker black tone by pressing on the weird giant “B” button so your human eyes and its sub-eye-part-thing-called-the-iris can better take in the information (don’t you humans… I mean… don’t we wish that our eyes were just entirely black so your eyesight is not so restricted?).

October 26th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

No? Still don’t agree? You really want to see what I mean by “over-the-top”? Sure, help yourself then [very NFSW]. That link will take you to the trailer for the upcoming PlayStation Vita entry in the series, Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus, which actually looks like a pretty fun game. If this is the first time you’re hearing about Senran Kagura, the series is about two factions of modernday ninjas – our heroines are students in the staterecognised Hanzo Academy for young shinobis (国国国国国国), and their adversaries are from the Viper Academy private institution (国国国国国国国) – carrying out missions for clients that inadvertently clash at some point. There’s more to the plot than just that, of course. The story in the Senran Kagura TV anime series will follow that in the 3DS games, and lead into Shinovi Versus, a sequel that features ten new characters never before seen in the 3DS games (and anime series). Five of them have been revealed so far (pictured below).

Senran Kagura TV anime’s 2nd promotional video shows you the meaning of “saucy” (after it’s been through the censors) Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/senran-kagura-tv-animes-2ndpromotional-video-shows-you-the-meaning-of-saucy-after-its-beenthrough-the-censors/ By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

Senran Kagura the TV anime is slated for a January 2013 broadcast date. Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus comes to the PlayStation Vita February 28, 2013. Source: 4Gamer

Nintendo 3DS LL Lizardon / Charizard limited edition to arrive just in time for Christmas (in Japan) NFSW ninja hack-and-slash action game Senran Kagura has lots of over-the-top saucy scenes. When the franchise finally makes its transition from TV game to TV anime next year, the saucy scenes will stay, but “over-the-top” goes out the window, as censors need to ensure that the programme is at least decent enough to go on TV (even though it’ll be airing in the middle of the night).

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/nintendo-3ds-ll-lizardon-charizardlimited-edition-to-arrive-just-in-time-for-christmas-in-japan/

That, in my opinion, may actually be a good thing. Just watch the trailer below, and see if you don’t agree. 2

October 26th, 2012

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By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

Only in Japan (for now): Nintendo today announced a new limited-edition 3DS LL model that’s designed after a Charizard motif (or “Lizardon”, as they call him over there). The Charizard/Lizardon limited-edition 3DS LL is enveloped in a coat of black paint, like with the regular edition “black” model that Nintendo recently announced, as well as streaks of gold that trace out the outline of the majestic Pokemon creature in style. As with a regular 3DS LL unit in Japan, the Charizard/ Lizardon limited-edition will be sold for 18,900 yen including tax (but excluding a power adaptor; you can use your existing 3DS or DSi chargers, or just get it separately). All Pokemon Center retail stores in Japan will begin to take pre-orders for the Lizardon/Charizard limited-edition 3DS LL from November 3 to 26. Unlike the previous pre-order campaign that Nintendo did for the Pikachu Yellow edition Nintendo 3DS LL, however, the Charizard edition will not be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Nintendo sure has learned their lesson – although the preorder campaign for the Pikachu unit was three-weeks-long, all of the available allotment sold out within hours on the first day.

Source: Pocket Monsters Official Site

Vocaloid MAYU to be released on December 5 along with 2 compilation CDs Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/vocaloid-mayu-to-be-released-ondecember-5-along-with-2-compilation-cds/ By walz on October 26th, 2012

Instead, all Pokemon fans who apply to the pre-order campaign will have a real shot at landing one of these units, through a raffle lottery system. To apply, you’ll have to fill up a form that Nintendo says will be uploaded to the official website on November 2, and mail in your entry to them. Alternatively, you can also head down to any branch of the Pokemon Center retail chain in Japan and fill in the form there. Winners of the pre-order raffle will be notified on December 7, and the actual units themselves will be delivered to those lucky, lucky folks sometime between 15 Decmber 2012 and 14 January 2013. Although currently the Charizard limited-edition in Japan only. But given that the Pikachu Yellow edition 3DS XL is making its way to Europe this year, chances are we can expect to see the Charizard edition “HM02 Fly” outside of Japan at some point in the future.

EXIT TUNES’ first original Vocaloid MAYU will be making her debut release on December 5. Introduced back in May 2012 at the live event “EXIT TUNES ACADEMY”, the yandere and gothic-lolita-styled Vocaloid package will bundle a copy of Vocaloid3 software installed with Mayu’s voice library with 2 compilation CDs featuring 30 different artistes according to Mayu’s website.

October 26th, 2012

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K-ON x Glico: 3000 people to receive original K-ON! goods Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/k-on-x-glico-3000-people-to-receiveoriginal-k-on-goods/ By Kirandra on October 26th, 2012

While a K-ON! and Glico collaboration might sound a little silly, the results are anything but. Called Houkago Icetime Campaign, it will reward buyers of Glico’s Ice no Mi products – basically small flavoured ice candies – with the chance to win exclusive K-ON! products designed by the members of Houkago Teatime (HTT), the band the anime characters belong to. VOCALOID3 MAYU will also come in with limited edition cell phone straps and mouse pad featuring 6 different designs. Amazon is now accepting Pre-orders and the whole package is priced at 11,500 yen

Over 3000 lucky people will receive the goods in this campaign, which takes place in 2 rounds – a Christmas Presents one in December, and another Valentine Presents one next February. In the first round, 10 people will receive a BIG Pick Set containing picks featuring the HTT members and signed by their seiyuus, and in the second, 10 more will receive a GOLD Disc Set with the HTT members drawn in its center and also signed by their seiyuus. In each round, another 1500 people will win an 3000 yen Amazon gift card with an original drawing of the HTT members on it. You can see the two sets below.

Unfortunately, taking part requires a Japanese address, so K-ON! fans in Singapore will find it hard to participate. Source: mantan-web, Glico EXIT TUNES also released a promotional video to introduce their new vocaloid as well as some tracks that will be included in the 2 CD’s. Source: Mayusan.jp, Amazon.jp, japantoday, RocketNews24

Nyaruko x OreShura special collaboration videos uploaded onto Nico Nico Douga Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/nyaruko-x-oreshura-specialcollaboration-videos-uploaded-onto-nico-nico-douga/

October 26th, 2012

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By Kirandra on October 26th, 2012

Popular anime Haiyore! Nyaruko-san, scheduled to get a second season, and not-quite-as-popular anime Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru (OreShura for short) which is scheduled to air in January 2013, have joined forces to upload two special collaboration videos featuring seiyuus from both animes on Nico Nico Douga. Released via the official Nyaruko Twitter as a message from Nyaruko herself to the offical OreShura Twitter, one video features Nyaruko (CV: Asumi Kana) introducing the OreShura cast during the “Uu国-! Nya-!!” section of Taiyou Iwaku Moeyo Chaos, the opening theme of the Nyaruko anime. This is a response to a video uploaded the previous day, in which one of the heroines of OreShura, Natsukawa Masuzu (CV: Tamura Yukari), sings the song Konton yo, mou ichido! - which roughly translates to Chaos, Once Again! – to celebrate Nyaruko’s 2nd season. The videos were originally uploaded here and here on Nico Nico Douga, however it seems that non-Japan users are unable to watch them. Source: Yahoo!

Tales of Hearts R – a remake of the original DS JRPG title – comes to the PlayStation Vita Spring 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tales-of-hearts-r-a-remake-of-theoriginal-ds-jrpg-title-comes-to-the-playstation-vita-spring-2013/ By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

Tales of Hearts isn’t the first Nintendo DS Tales of title to receive the PS Vita remake treatment. Earlier this year in February, Namco Bandai Games released Tales of Innocence R, a remake of the DS’s TOI with overhauled graphics, a new opening theme, and numerous other improvements. Source: Twitpic

Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed speeds to stores in Singapore November 16 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/sonic-all-stars-racing-transformedspeeds-to-stores-in-singapore-november-16/ By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

A remake of the Namco Bandai Games’ Nintendo DS JRPG Tales of Hearts is making its way to the PlayStation Vita, next week’s issue of V-Jump has revealed. Entitled “Tales of Hearts R“, the game adds Calcedny Arcome to the list of playable characters, and features reworked visuals and an improved battle system, among other things. The game is also said to be “fully-voiced” for the main storyline, although side-events that focus on conversations between your party members, a trademark in Tales games, will not be voiced as per usual.

Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed (PS3, PS Vita, X360) will reach game stores in Singapore Novembe 16, which is the same day as the title’s European release date, and two days before the North American release. Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed is the sequel to 2010′s Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, a game that in my opinion truly gave Nintendo’s Mario Kart series a run for its money (few mascot-based arcade-style racers ever do).

October 26th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

The tracks were varied and spread across many of Sega’s franchises – Sonic’s the main star here, but Super Monkey Ball, Jet Set Radio, and even Samba de Amigo all shared the limelight – and the game just had a speedy feel to it, with a fantastic power-drift mechanic that rewarded skilful play. And now for the sequel, Transformed is stepping up the AllStars Racing game with gates that you can drive through to turn your race car into an aircraft or sea-based vehicle (leading to shortcuts), and the addition of several other classic Sega franchises: Nights and Reala from Nights into Dreams, Vyse from Skies of Arcadia, Gillus Thunderhead from Golden Axe, Shinobi’s Joe Musashi. Ralph from upcoming Disney movie Wreck-It Ralph (which Sonic and Dr Eggman appears in) is also here.

Hatsune Miku-style “Ita Yakisoba” green-lit for general sales at Akihabarabased izakaya (but only in November) Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hatsune-miku-style-ita-yakisobagreen-lit-for-general-sales-at-akihabara-based-izakaya-but-only-innovember/ By KarbyP on October 26th, 2012

Sure, vehicle transformations aren’t something we haven’t seen before. Many other kart racers have had that. In fact, in Mario Kart 7 (3DS), taking the race to the skies and into oceans was something Nintendo really focused on. Mario and Sonic have been fierce rivals since as far back as any gamer (even those who don’t game regularly) can remember. While it remains to be seen if Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed can finally overthrow Mario’s ironfisted dominance over the arcade-style kart racer genre, this game does have one advantage over Mario Kart 7: since Sega is a third-party games publisher now, Sonic All-Stars Racing Transform is a multi-platform title. Which is a big deal if you and your pals are looking for a new kart racer to take on each other at. Regardless if your preferred platform is Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, or PC (note that the PC version will launch at a later date), Sega’s got all your bases covered. So pick a platform, round-up some friends, drop by your favourite games retailer to make a pre-order, and get ready to put that pedal to the metal come November 16. We’ll beat you to the checkered flag online.

Akihabara-based izakaya Little BSD has confirmed today that it will sell a Hatsune Miku-style “Ita Yakisoba” – which first made headlines on the Web two weeks ago when it was sold at a “Moe 1 Grand Prix” event – at its store for the month of November. The Ita Yakisoba – “Ita” being the word in Japanese for “pain” (国) and a slang word that’s short for “painfully embarassing” - would not be the first food item created based on the image of popular Vocaloid virtual singer Hatsune Miku. Back in August, convenience store chain Family Mart made a whole bunch of them. But unlike those fine creations from Family Mart (the production of some of which were supervised by Good Smile Cafe), LittleBSD’s Hatsune Miku-style Ita Yakisoba stirred a commotion unlike any other: the noodles were dyed to a vivid-green hue, which many netizens found to be unappetising and shockingly bad. Nevertheless, the “Negi Shio Ita Yakisoba” (国国国国国国国国, Painful Yakisoba with Leeks and Salt), priced at 700 yen at 6

October 26th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

the event, was pretty well-received and completely sold out in two hours.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZORS EDGE SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE WITH WII U Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edgesimultaneous-release-with-wii-u/ By walz on October 26th, 2012

Kuu-tan (国国国国), the manager of Koakuma no Utage Little BSD (that’s the izakaya’s full name), speaking to J-Cast News explained that the dish was conceived because they wanted to create something that could only exist given the sensibilities of Akihabara. “In other words, we wanted to create a dish that would stimulate one’s appetite in a way completely opposite to the usual manner: by using a vivid colour and basing it on the image of a certain ‘musical android’,” Kuu-tan said. “Many of our male patrons told us that they found the dish to be a little too unappetising for their tastes. However, there were also many female patrons who were just happy to snap it up.”

Earlier this month SGcafe had an opportunity to demo the gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 3: Razors Edge, to follow up on some updates on the news for the game, Players can expect a lot from this game not only from our good old Ryu Hanabusa but also with the added benefit of having to play Ayane with her own set of moves as well as added screentime and story.

Although the Ita Yakisoba was originally planned to be a one-off item conceived only for the special event, due to the overwhelming response to the dish, Little BSD was said to be considering selling the dish at their store. But that was two weeks ago. Today, the izakaya has confirmed that they will indeed carry the item at their izakaya, available only for the month of November. If you happen to be in Akihabara in November and would like to go down to try the dish, here’s a simple map that Koakuma no Utage Little BSD has provided (Google Maps here):

With Nintendo’s upcoming new hardware console successor to the Wii, this updated version of the Game will feature intuitive touchscreen controls to control weapon change, Ninpo usage and more. Also, AI battles will be more intense since enemies with their improve AI will not wait any longer for you to take them out and veteran players/fans of the series can expect more challenge.

October 26th, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

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North American release dates for both the Wii U and the Game will be this coming November 18, whilst Japan will be having the simultaneous release on December 8 (talk about a great present for the Holiday season) •

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October 29th, 2012

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

“Kick-Heart” Kickstarter goal reached, prompts addition of new goals Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/kick-heart-kickstarter-goal-reachedprompts-addition-of-new-goals/ By Rika on October 29th, 2012

Earlier this month, we shared a report on director Masaaki Yuasa’s endeavour to utilize crowd-source funding site Kickstarter as a means to collect donations for work on a new feature entitled “Kick-Heart”.

Fans looking to learn more about the project and perhaps make a donation can do so at the official Kickstarter page here!

Demon Gaze, a next-gen Dungeon RPG for the the PlayStation Vita [1st trailer and screens] Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/demon-gaze-a-next-gen-dungeonrpg-for-the-the-playstation-vita-1st-trailer-and-screens/ By KarbyP on October 29th, 2012

Kadokawa Games today announced that it will publish Demon Gaze, a new dungeon RPG for the PlayStation Vita from Students of Rounddeveloper Experience, slated for release sometime in January 2013. Here’s a first trailer: Set in the cursed land of Mislid, Demon Gaze tells the story of Oz, an amnesiac young man who possesses a spirit eye that allows him to capture “Demons” – mysterious half-machine life forms that humans do battle with – the way Ash Ketchum does with Pokemon.

The fund has thus far surpassed its initial $150,000 goal amount, and with just a couple more days to go ’til the donation pool closes, new goals have been added!

Oz now earns his keep as a Demon bounty hunter, and stays at the Tatsuki-tei or Dragon Princess Pavilion, run by its young owner Fran Pendor.

• 175k = Spanish Subtitles, +2 minutes (Total: 12 minutes) • 200k = English Dub, with help from Richard Epcar, the voice of Batou in the English dub of the Ghost in the Shell Films/Series. LA Premiere Screening and Party sponsored by Titmouse Animation Studios (date to be announced). • 225k = 3-5 minute animated Oorutaichi music video directed by Masaaki Yuasa • 400k = +30 minutes of extended animation (total length 40 minutes) • 1 Million = Kick-heart Feature Film

October 29th, 2012

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As you make repeat trips to the labyrinth in Mislid to hunt and return with treasures from, the Dragon Princess Pavilion will serve as your base of operations in the game. It’s where you store your loot, recruit party members, and strengthen the members’ weapons and abilities. Although Fran won’t be joining you as a party member, the game’s first screenshots appear to be hinting at certain event cutscenes where you might be able to interact with her from within the Dragon Princess Pavilion (NFSW). Outside of Fran and Oz, you’ll be able to customise the race and occupation for all your party members. You’ll need to strategise ahead if you plan on surviving the labyrinth – Demon Gaze is said to be an orthodox “next-gen” dungeon RPG, after all.

And that sense of character design extends to even the boss Demons you fight with, two of which have been revealed so far: Mars and Comet. Mars is a war fanatic who loves nothing more than to test her strength and beat up bounty hunters all day and night. Comet, on the other hand, is a witch-type who rides on a mechanical broomstick and conjures magical spells out of a book that she carries with her.

Although you won’t be able to select a race or occupation for Oz, you will however be able to pick a voice for him, to better fit your image of the kind of protagonist you want to play. Judging from these screenshots, it’s clear that character designs – even though your party members are customgenerated – are a very vital part of Demon Gaze’s appeal. 2

October 29th, 2012

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There is a catch to using Demons as your allies, however: from time to time they will go into berserk mode and attack both foes and allies indiscriminately. Fortunately, players will be able to decrease the likelihood of Demons going berserk by raising their loyalty gauge. But if you ask me, it’s a lot more fun to see your summoned Demons kick into berserk mode. For instance, this is how Mars and Comet look like when they’ve gone berserk:

When you defeat these Demons and bring their souls back to the Dragon Princess Pavilion, you will be able to summon them into battle as allies for future trips to the labyrinth. Each summoned Demon possesses its own loyalty gauge, which grows the more you use them in combat.

Source: 4Gamer

Talk to four “Tales of” characters over the phone in new campaign launched by Tales Channel Plus portal Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/talk-to-four-tales-of-characters-overthe-phone-in-new-campaign-launched-by-tales-channel-plus-portal/ By KarbyP on October 29th, 2012

The best part? If you talk to your favourite “Tales of” character enough times, he or she will actually call you back.

October 29th, 2012

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Different conversation topics are available each time you call – in fact, the site warns that there may be content that you will only be able to hear once, so if you missed it due to a bad cellphone connection, you’re out of luck. New to this version of Voice World is a “Combi Do” (ココココ) or “Friendliness Factor” which tracks how close you are to a specific character as you call him or her over time. Once the Friendliness Factor reaches a certain level, and other conditions are met, these Tales of characters will actually call you back to chat. Tales Channel Plus, Namco Bandai Games’s portal site for their “Tales of” series of JRPGs, today launched a promotional campaign that would let fans converse over the phone with four characters from the games. Which four characters? They are: Yuri Lowell from Tales of Vesperia, Leon Magnus from Tales of Destiny, Asbel Lhant from Tales of Graces, and Elle Mel Mata the heroine from Tales of Xillia 2(which launches in Japan this Thursday, November 1). Do note that the service availability for each character is different.

The service has already gone live in Japan, launching today with Tales of Vesperia’s Yuri Lowell. If you’re eligible to use the service, go over to this Tales Channel Plus page to either login or sign up for a new account. Alternatively, if you’re somehow not convinced that this is something that you might want to spend five minutes of your life to register for, Tales Channel Plus has also set-up a trial service line that you can call to see how Voice World is like, without having to register (but remember, Friendliness Factor only kicks in after you’ve signed up and registered your phone number.) Here’s Yuri Lowell’s calling card.

The service is powered by Voice World, which is the same technology that enabled Idolm@ster fans to talk to their favourite Im@s starlet if they bought some deliciouslypackaged waffer biscuits. This time, however, no purchases will be required. To use the free service (you only pay your mobile service provider for the amount of talktime used, typically charged at 30 yen per minute), all you have to do is sign up at the Tales Channel Plus portal site, register a valid Japanese mobile phone number, and call the service number listed on the site. When you call the number listed, a pre-recorded message in a specific character’s voice is played back to you. The service then waits for you to reply to the pre-recorded message, interprets what you just said through voice recognition, and plays back a corresponding pre-recorded response, thus simulating conversation.

Source: 4Gamer, Tales Channel Plus

ATELIER TOTORI PLUS FOR THE PLAYSTATION VITA GETS MORE COSTUMES AND TOUCH FUNCTIONS Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/atelier-totori-plus-for-theplaystation-vita-gets-more-costumes-and-touch-functions/

October 29th, 2012 By walz on October 29th, 2012

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Atelier Totori Plus by GUTS will soon be released on November 29, 2012. The 2nd story from the Atelier series PS Vita release will see new costumes, added touch functionality from the vita and familiar elements reminiscent to the PS3 release (see the full review of SG Cafe here). Downloadable content for the vita will also include Othrogalaxen from Atelier Rorona as a post-game dungeon.

Totori’s Costume that can be used on events, battles and on the field

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With the use of the right analog stick the players can now zoom in and out on the field map as well as fast forward through the text from the events in-game.

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The Vita edition will still have similar elements such as increasing your adventurer rank through questing and earning points to discover new locations. The battles are still turn based and the game will still be time-limited

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Organize your schedule with this Kyubey notebook, and become a magical girl Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/organize-your-schedule-with-thiskyuubey-notebook-and-become-a-magical-girl/

October 29th, 2012

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By Kirandra on October 29th, 2012

Ever wanted to become a magical girl too? Soon you can, with this notebook that will be released on November 11. Officially called the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Kyubey Notebook 2013, it can do more than just organize your schedule.

The organizer features a quote from the characters themselves each day, as well as a quote from Kyubey for each week. Drawings of the characters in the organizer are, of course, present. But what separates this from any other notebook is the New Magical Girl Personal Data Memo page, a page where you can fill in your particulars and details – or rather, the details of your magical girl self. Full colour pages with character profiles and episode summaries are included too. The notebook also comes with stickers of the characters and Kyuubey’s signature line: “Make a contract with me, and become a magical girl!” Should you wish to contract with this notebook, it will set you back 1,260 yen.

Source: mantan-web

Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment limited edition to feature Asuna dating experience Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/sword-art-online-infinity-momentlimited-edition-to-feature-asuna-dating-experience/ By walz on October 29th, 2012

NAMCO BANDAI Games’s Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment will see a release date in japan this spring. Details regarding the Limited Edition set of the game have been announced: • An exclusive limited edition box • Infinity Moment Special Content DVD1 • Infinity Moment Special Content DVD2 • A soundtrack CD • Special booklet with Illustrations by Abec 7

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• Custome PSP theme

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The special content in the bundle will feature a “game special movie” that will connect with the Aincrad story arc as supplementary material. The edition will also feature a “Together with Asuna Aincrad Date Edition” chapter where you will be able to be Kirito and ask Asuna out. In this special the 3D models will be different from the models used in the actual game itself.

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1st SAO gameplay trailer 2nd SAO gameplay trailer The game will be released on March 14, 2013 with the regular version priced at 6,280 yen and the limited edition at 9,980 yen. Check out the site for the game here. No announcements have been made for release outside Japan. • Source: 4gamer.net Image © Reki Kawahara/ ASCII Media Works/SAO Project © 2012 NBGI

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1st trailer for Nagi no Asu Kara – studio P.A. Works and Dengeki Daioh magazine’s collaborative project – streamed Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/1st-trailer-for-nagi-no-asu-karastudio-p-a-works-and-dengeki-daioh-magazines-collaborative-projectstreamed/ By KarbyP on October 29th, 2012

October 29th, 2012

At Dengeki’s 20th Anniversary Festival last weekend, a promotional video was shown for Nagi no Asu Kara, the highly-anticipated TV anime series that studio P.A. Works has been working on in conjunction with Dengeki Daioh magazine.

Published by: VR-Zone By KarbyP on October 29th, 2012

Unfortunately, the stage event for Nagi no Asu Kara was not streamed live on the Net that day, so the only way you could have caught the promo video was if you were at the event show. Until today, that is: Nagi no Asu Kara stars Kana Hanazawa (Steins;Gate‘s Mayuri Shiina) as the voice of Manaka Mukaido, the middleschool girl you see running around and swimming in the ocean in the trailer above. The anime series also co-stars Natsuki Hanae (Tari Tari‘s Atsuhiro “Wien” Maeda) as male lead and Manaka’s childhood friend Hikari Sakishima.

Every Tales of RPG has had a lead hero and heroine, and Tales of Xillia 2 is no exception. There is, however, something different about TOX2′s main heroine, eight-year-old Elle Mel Mata: unlike all female leads who’ve come before her, Elle doesn’t fight. She’s not a playable character. (Correction: most of the female leads that have come before Elle; SGCafe reader Linz pointed out that Tales of Rebirth’s Claire could not fight either.) So why did the game’s developer make her – an NPC – the heroine? It’s quite simple really, as the following launch trailer for the game will show: Elle is easily the most charming and relatable character amongst the entire cast.

Not much is known about the plot in Nagi no Asu Kara at the moment, but the text narration in the promo video is hinting at slice-of-life youth romance, and – near the end of the video – some fantasy elements as the narration ends off by calling Nagi no Asu Kara an “otogibanashi” (fairytale) in kanji writing, with its meaning changed to “fantasy” via furigana spelling above it.

Elle has to be endearing. By design. After all, Tales of Xillia 2‘s tagline reads ”Are you prepared to destroy the world for the sake of a girl?” The entire game’s concept rides on whether or not the Tales team can make Elle a character that you’ll grow to care enough about to have to contemplate such a hard choice. And if this trailer below is any indication, I’d say the TOX2 stands a really good chance of pulling it off. Apart from showing us Elle’s whimsical side, this launch trailer also gives us an idea of what main hero Ludger is like as a silent protagonist – did you notice that throughout the entire trailer, our hero did not appear to be reciting any lines of dialogue whatsoever?

Nagi no Asu Kara is expected to go on air on Japanese TV sometime in 2013. Source: Jamguru

Tales of Xillia 2′s launch trailer reminds us again why 8-year-old Elle is the game’s heroine Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tales-of-xillia-2s-launch-trailerreminds-us-again-why-8-year-old-elle-is-the-games-heroine/

On your first playthrough, Ludger will not have any spoken lines of dialogue, as the development team felt that it would shatter the illusion that you are him, something that’s never been done before in the series. The Tales team has taken the silent-protagonist approach specially for Tales of Xillia 2 to heighten the sense that this is your adventure, the outcome of which determined by your choices: throughout the game there will be many decision points where you will have to pick between two different courses of actions that may affect the story drastically moving forth. 9

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On a second playthrough of the game, however, Ludger will have voiced lines and speak his mind on all matters big and small.

Published by: VR-Zone By Neubronner Eugene on October 29th, 2012

Tales of Xillia 2 for the PlayStation 3 comes out in Japan November 1. Source: Famitsu

Tanabe Miku of AKB48 promotes Mazinger Z in cosplay Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tanabe-miku-of-akb48-promotesmazinger-z-in-cosplay/ By Kirandra on October 29th, 2012

Fans of Harajuku gals, Shibuya-kei 109 chicks or the sweet sweet styles of da ladies from Akiba are in for a treat it seems. Anime Festival Asia has secured the rights to Marble, the Tokyo Street Fashion collection fashion show that mixes theatrical performances with street fashion for a show to wow consumers. It won’t just be fashion on show though, as pop fashion idols such as Hikari Shiina, Aki Poyo and more (you may have seen them in mags like Egg) will be strutting their stuff on November 11 during the afternoon show. Rounding it off are performances from the lovely Love La Doll (who will release their new album Honey Bee just in time for the event) Kikkie and dance troupe Ginyu Force.

Anime Mazinger Z turns 40 this year, and on the 26th, an event was held to celebrate its Blu-Ray release. Called Ankoku Daishogun Night, the event had AKB48 member Miku Tanabe cosplaying as the series’ heroine Sayaka Yumi. A self-proclaimed otaku who enjoys cosplaying, Tanabe said that she was extremely excited, as she had order-made her costume and done up her hair specially for this event. Upon seeing the giant statue of Mazinger Z on display, Tanabe was extremely moved. “Yumi Sayaka really is a symbolic heroine,” said Tanabe, who has been a fan ever watching the series with her father, also a fan. “She’s strong, a little vain, and has plenty of hopes and dreams,” Tanabe answered excitely when asked what kind of person Sayaka was.

Now, this isn’t your run of the mill fashion walk mind you. While it’s only been around since last year, these guys have been headlined by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu herself, and the lineups coming down to Singapore are showing some serious street cred in the fashion business as well. If you’re looking to catch up on the latest fashions in the flesh, be warned: The base ticket is $28, although it nets you a limited edition PRISILA partial wig. The VIP seats are a whopping $88, and in addition to the wig you’ll also nab some presumably brilliant fake eyelashes that’ll make you look just like a Shibuya lass as well as a quick photo op session with the idols. If that sounds like heaven to you, don’t wait, as tickets are limited and the goodie bags are on a firstcome-first-served basis. Source: AFA

Source: mantan-web

Losing our Marbles: Japan street fashion showing up at AFA ’12 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/losing-our-marbles-japan-streetfashion-showing-up-at-afa-12/

October 31st, 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 for the PlayStation 3 set to be released Spring 2013, adds 6 new songs

Tales of Xillia 2: Fight Tales of Destiny’s Stahn Aileron and Phantasia’s Cress Albane in arena mode Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/tales-of-xillia-2-fight-tales-ofdestinys-stahn-aileron-and-phantasias-cress-albane-in-arena-mode/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-for-theplaystation-3-set-to-be-released-spring-2013-adds-6-new-songs/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

As opposed to a lowercase “f” used for the title of the PlayStation Vita rhythm-action title, the PS3 version of the game is referred to with a capital “F” – Hatsune Miku Project Diva F. Six new songs, as well as an unspecified number of additional modules and customisation items, will be added to the PlayStation 3 version of Project Diva F. There will also be a new mode introduced, although details on that are still top-secret for now.

Like with the first Tales of Xillia, Xillia 2 will feature an arena mode where you can take on various high-level challenges under certain limitations. What’s interesting this time around is that you can actually battle past “Tales of” characters. Two of these characters have been revealed in the leaked magazine scan (of this week’s Jump magazine) below. On the left is Tales of Phantasia’s Cress Albane, and on the right, Tales of Destiny’s Destiny’s Stahn Aileron.

The PS3 version of Project Diva F will be compatible with the Vita version’s system data and edit song data. Certain features in the Vita version like the scratch mechanic and AR functionality will not make it into the PS3′s Project Diva F for obvious reasons. But Sega is at least keeping the star-shaped notes in Project Diva f for Project Diva F. A different form of control mechanic will be used to play those star-shaped notes. We’ll update this story later with images of this week’s Project Diva F details if we find any. Hatsune Miku Project Diva F for the PlayStation 3 is now slated for a Spring 2013 release, moved up from its previous “sometime in 2013″ date. We don’t know if there will be more at this point, although Destiny’s Rutee Katrea has been confirmed as an NPC in the game. In other related Tales of Xillia 2 news, this week’s issue of Weekly Famitsu is introducing two more “resonance” super 1

October 31st, 2012

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moves: Bassaizan Ayami (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓)and Matter Destruction (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓). More details on these moves later. Tales of Xillia 2 for the PlayStation 3 is slated for a November 1 release in Japan. Source: Twitpic

“Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified” PlayStation Vita bundles land in Singapore November 14 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/call-of-duty-black-ops-declassifiedplaystation-vita-bundles-land-in-singapore-november-14/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

First announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in June this year, Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified is a brand new instalment of Activision’s award-winning CoD: Black Ops franchise that is set, story-wise, sometime between Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 (to be released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 November 13). On top of a classic CoD single-player campaign, Black Ops Declassified also has 4-on-4 multiplayer modes – complete with Care Packages, Create-a-Class, Killstreaks, Perks, and even Prestiging – that can be played online through Wi-Fi, as well as intuitive controls thanks to the Vita’s dual analog sticks and touchscreen controls: a melee is performed by swiping at the touchscreen. Lob a grenade in the precise location you want it to land at by pressing on the touchscreen. Players will also be able to hold their breath while aiming with a sniper rifle by using the Vita’s rear touchpad. Stores here in Singapore will take pre-orders for these bad boys between November 2 and 12.

Like the bundles, Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified is available in stores November 14.

Two versions of the PlayStation®Vita Call of Duty®: Black Ops Declassified Special Edition bundle pack will be available, depending on if you’d like to pick up a 3G/Wi-Fi model, or a Wi-Fi only unit. Both bundles will include a special edition of the PS Vita portable console that has the Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified logo printed neatly on its rear touchpad, as well as a copy of the game. For gamers looking to pick up a 3G/Wi-Fi model, Sony is sweetening the deal by throwing in a bonus 4GB memory card in the package for free. The 3G/Wi-Fi bundle (pictured above) will retail in Singapore for S$519. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi only bundle will not include a memory card (sold separately), and will be sold for S$439. Here’s what the Wi-Fi only package looks like:

October 31st, 2012

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Dragon Quest IX for the Nintendo DS – they let you visit special dungeons filled with exclusive booty that you will find nowhere else in the game.

Dragon Quest VII remake sails to the 3DS February 2013 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/dragon-quest-vii-remake-sails-tothe-3ds-february-2013/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

Source: Twitpic

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f DLC pack adds Akita Neru, Yowane Haku, and Kasane Teto modules on November 6 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hatsune-miku-project-diva-f-dlcpack-adds-akita-neru-yowane-haku-and-kasane-teto-modules-onnovember-6/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

Square Enix is working on a remake of Dragon Quest VII, originally released on the PlayStation in Japan in 2000, for the Nintendo 3DS, a leaked magazine scan has revealed. The Dragon Quest VII remake (Dragon Warrior VII in the US) will be released sometime in February 2013, and is said to capitalise on the 3DS’s strengths. One feature mentioned in particular was Street Pass functionality. At some point in Dragon Quest VII you will receive a key item called a “special lithograph” (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓) that you can then send a copy of to other players – and receive theirs – via Street Pass. What can you do with these lithographs once you’ve amassed them? I’m not sure, to be honest (the text in the magazine scan was a little too small for me to make out all the concrete details) so I’m guessing this is a feature that’s similar to

Hatsune Miku Project Diva f players looking to spend some quality time with the Vocaloid modules Akita Neru, Yowane Haku, and Kasane Teto will finally be able to do so next Tuesday, November 6, when Sega makes available on the PlayStation Store a DLC pack for the game. The DLC pack, which costs 600 yen on the Japanese PlayStation Store, will grant access to all three characters, useable in the Rhythm Game, Diva Room, and Edit modes. 3

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You select these characters from the EXTRA Vocaloid module slot.

Although the three Vocaloid characters can be used in Diva Room mode, Sega wants fans to understand and note that they will not have individual rooms (all three will share an EXTRA Room), that these charactersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; animations might not feel as varied as the mainstay Project Diva f Vocaloids, and that the intimacy meter for these three will not increase or decrease regardless of how much you interact with them in the mode. Additionally, in Rhythm Game mode, Akita Neru and Yowane Haku will only speak in their own voices in the results screen section after a song.

Yowane Haku

Kasane Teto, on the other hand, will not speak in Project Diva f at all, because Teto has her own voice bank, and (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guessing) Sega and Future Crypton Media were unable to license it in time. This is as opposed to Neru and Haku who do not have official voice banks.

Akita Neru

October 31st, 2012

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Teto (“piled-up sound Teto”) started off as fan-made derivatives of Hatsune Miku or Vocaloids in general. However, they were eventually recognised by Crypton Future Media (who holds the copyright for Hatsune Miku) due to their popularity, and subsequently featured in Sega’s Project Diva games. Source: Sega

Kasane Teto

Try your hands at at DJ-ing your own anime song mix at AFA12 Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/try-your-hands-at-at-dj-ing-yourown-anime-song-mix-at-afa12/ By sentinel011 on October 31st, 2012

This year’s AFA in Singapore proves to not only have interesting content from the organizers, there are also interesting booths that await visitors in just 10 days time! Try your hands in DJ-ing your favourite tunes (eventually) once you learnt the basics over at Show Ning DJ Lab.

DJ-ing is often thought to be a vice hobby that involves drinking tons of alcohol and the like. However, Show Ning DJ Lab will show you how to learn the art of DJ and music mixing like you never thought possible. The DJ instructor is no slouch, winning several awards in DJ challenges in New York and Japan over the past 10 years, so rest assured that you will be taught by professionals. The people involved have produced an exclusive anime pop mix in preparation for AFA12! You can listen to the mix here. Let us know if you can tell which anime songs are being featured in the mix! You can read more about them in their official press release below: Interested participants and vendors may now have a new lease of exposure to acquiring the skills for meddling with the various genres of music: Show Ning DJ Lab who would be showcasing their DJ-ing talents live for the first time at the Anime Festival Asia (AFA) 2012! Akita Neru (which literally means “I’m bored, going to sleep”), Yowane Haku (“say negative thoughts”), and Kasane

Show Ning DJ Lab invites both local and international interests into widening their talents into the field of DJ-ing, helping to master the skills and understanding of the different cultures of 5

October 31st, 2012

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music. Be entertained and mesmerized by themes ranging from various japanese animated series to the familiar radio hits, something which has yet to be seen this year at the Anime Festival Asia. Led by professional and talented well-known instructors such as DJ toMU, the DMC NEW YORK 2005 (1st Runner Up)/RedBull SOUNDCLASH 2008 JAPAN Champion, the crew of Show Ning DJ Lab promises to leave their students enriched with the skills on not only DJ-ing, but also to understand music on a wider perspective. More about DJ toMU performance on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/jF6q9h2u0e8 For those who are interested to know more about the art of DJ-ing, you are encouraged and welcomed to checkout our Show Ning DJ Lab booth located at the Singapore Expo Hall on both dates 10 & 11th of November in conjunction with Anime Festival Asia 2012.

yakisoba noodles are themed after the ZANEEDS-produced song Pair & Young Davah: The new Hatsune Miku Baby Star snack (Baby Star being a line-up of delicious munchies under The Oyatsu Company in Japan) is said to be similar to the Peyoung Dabaa cup yakisoba in taste, as the Peyoung sauce used for this product comes from the same maker – Maruka Foods. “It’s good as a standalone snack, and also good to go alongside beer,” Family Mart added. We’ll have to take their word on that for now, but at the very least it’s pretty much guaranteed that the snack will look and taste much more palatable than that other Hatsune Miku yakisoba. Given that this new product is also themed after a ZANEEDS song, naturally Family Mart has asked ZANEEDS’s illustrator CHAN×CO to do the honours for the snack’s packaging illustration.

Detailed information on our DJ classes would be provided at our booth so as to clear any doubts and queries anyone might have. Further information on our updates, affordable classes and course packages can be found in our link below. http://showningdjlab.com/ Like Us on Facebook today: www.facebook.com/showningdj

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Family Mart to sell “Baby Star Peyoung Yakisoba feat. Hatsune Miku” snack Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/family-mart-to-sell-baby-starpeyoung-yakisoba-feat-hatsune-miku-snack/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

Details on when and for how much the new snack will be sold in Japan have not yet been revealed. Hatsune Miku foodies will just have to wait a little longer to find out more. To make the wait a little more enticing, Family Mart is teasing that there’s also some sort of secret to the Baby Star Peyoung Yakisoba feat. Hatsune Miku snack – something to do with its “祓祓祓” which can mean the snack’s packaging, or the plastic-bag carrier that you will take home the snack in – that it will detail in the near future. So stay tuned for that. Source: Family Mart X Hatsune Miku

The Family Mart chain of convenience stores in Japan today revealed that it is collaborating with snack maker The Oyatsu Company and convenience foods maker Maruka Foods on a new Hatsune Miku-themed product.

Hyperdimension Neptunia anime will indeed be aired on TV in Japan Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/hyperdimension-neptunia-animewill-indeed-be-aired-on-tv-in-japan/

Called the “Baby Star Peyoung Yakisoba feat. Hatsune Miku”, this item is a crispy-noodle snack version of the “Peyoung Dabaa” cup yakisoba noodles that the chain previously sold. Both the new snack and the previous instant

October 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

By walz on October 31st, 2012

We knew that Compile Heart’s Hyperdimension Neptunia JRPG series would be getting an anime adaptation. But would it be a TV anime series, original video animation, or net anime (like Puchim@s)?

Square Enix has released a trailer and screenshots for the new character creation for its revamp of Final Fantasy XIV.

Turns out, the series will indeed be a TV anime. Late last night in the wee hours of the morning, Rie Tanaka – the voice of Neptune in the games – confirmed that for fans on Tokyo MX’s broadcast of ani-world news and variety programme AnimeTV. The voice actress was invited on as a guest in the last of five special Hyperdimension Neptunia introduction corner segments that AnimeTV ran over the course of several weeks to promote the recently releasedKami Jigen Game Neptune V.

The new shots also feature the new addition to the fray of classes for the game, the miqo’te. As this was just the alpha test version, other features would also be later added. Players who are playing the current version will still be able to keep their characters and carry them over to the new version as there will be an “All Worlds Character Data Final Save Maintenance” on October 31. •

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Still no concrete details on who’s making the TV anime series or any sort of preview whatsoever, but at the very least we’re looking at a full TV season’s worth of episodes, so that’s something Neptune can be cheerful about. Source: AnimeTV

A look at character creation in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (Alpha Test)

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Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/a-look-at-character-creation-in-finalfantasy-xiv-a-real-reborn-alpha-test/

October 31st, 2012

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Published by: VR-Zone

As much as I’d love to bemoan the lack of genuinely new content, at this point it’s just nice to see NBGI still releasing DLC for those who would care to pay for it, really. Apart from Mahou no Kakete!, DLC Catalogue 13 also adds a few extra costumes you can buy. From left to right: Halloween Tricker (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓), Happiness Lupiness (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓), Snaky Showgirl (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓), and Visitor From Space (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓祓).

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As for the alpha test, notification messages to those who registered for the alpha test have been sent out and currently the game will be limited to those who are residing in japan. Tests for those outside japan though are expected to follow shortly.

Idolm@ster 2 DLC Catalogue 13 wants to cast a spell on you Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/10/idolmster-2-dlc-catalogue-13-wantsto-cast-a-spell-on-you/ By KarbyP on October 31st, 2012

Just because the latest Idolm@ster title – Idolm@ster Shiny Festa (PSP) – is out already doesn’t mean that Namco Bandai Games has to drop support for Idolm@ster 2 on the PS3. On the contrary, they’re releasing Halloween-themed costumes and song: Mahou no Kakete! For those of you who don’t already know, Mahou no Kakete! was one of the ten songs originally conceived in the very first incarnation of The Idolm@ster, even back when it was still an arcade game played with a standard-definition 4:3 touchscreen panel (complete with interlaced scan lines).

Oh, and if you buy all the costumes, accessories, and song from this catalogue, Namco Bandai’s throwing in a complete bonus for free: Blue Bird Wings (祓祓祓祓祓祓祓), themed after Chihaya’s single, Aoi Tori.

If you’re part of that devoted, faithful following who’d still pay for Idolm@ster 2 DLC, you’ll be glad to know that all of the content as seen in the trailer above will be released on the PlayStation Store this Thursday, November 1. Which happens to be the day this other Namco Bandai game is coming out. That also has costumes – both real, and digital ones.

October 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone

October 31st, 2012

Published by: VR-Zone