I’ll be honest, DC Universe Online wasn’t even on my rader until I saw this video yesterday which is epic in more ways that I can possibly describe. Just watch it and join me in wishing that this was a soone to be released movie rather then a totally lame slightly-less epic MMO due out this coming November. I’ve posted a gameplay demo / Q&A session that some folks had with the developers at E3 2010 which is decidedly less impressive then the above trailer. Add in the $14.99 a month subscription fee for both the PC and PS3 version and the game suddenly loses quite a bit of its initial luster. =T_T=

Hit the jump, watch demo for yourself, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear how my DC fans in the audience feel about the new game being an MMO and anything else that’s on your minds about the new game.

The game is currently available at most retailers and comes in three different flavors: Standard, Collector, and Sweaty Nerd Hero. Amazon is currently offering a bunch of goodies to anyone who preorders…

Received a press release today informing me that the newest installment in the BlazBlue series has just been released for the PS3 and the Xbox 360. Dubbed BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, this spiritual successor to the lauded Guilty Gear series of fighting games is sure to set controllers afire around the country as gamers rush to beat the crap out of as many people as possible around the world. In addition to the usual upgrades such as new stages and characters, Continuum Shift will also include a variety of game play modes as well. Personally, I’m probably going to be spending a lot of time with the all new “Beginner mode,” since I’ve always sucked at Guilty Gear and I’m way behind the curve on BlazBlue =T_T=

On a much more sour note, I should also mention that Aksys Games will be offering an additional new character, named Makoto, as part of a DLC package being released next month. It would have been nice if this content could have been included in the game when it hit store shelves today, but apparently the new content pack isn’t due to be released in Japan until August 5th. Ultimately, the fact that U.S. gamers will be forced to pony up an additional $10 (rough estimate) for the privelage to play as her in the U.S. leaves a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth.

Hit the jump to read the full press release from Aksys Games. Please note that the press release doesn’t include any details about the new character DLC, but you can find out more about her by going here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

…Rebel 1… FIGHT!

The ground-breaking High Definition 2D fighter BlazBlue makes its triumphant return

to home consoles! Do you have a ticket to Kagutsuchi, cuz the hype train is coming!

Torrance, CA (July 27th, 2010) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment products, proudly announces BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, shipping out to stores today! The first BlazBlue Playstation3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 versions were recently top 4 finalists for the VGA Awards, and Aksys Games is proud to announce we will be bringing the arcade sequel to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 system!

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift inherits all the key features of its predecessor while adding a few twists of its own. Tsubaki, μ-12 and Hazama will join the ranks of the veterans, who will be reborn with additional moves to their arsenal. With new modes like Beginner Mode and Tutorial Mode, even fighting game beginners can pull off combos like the pros and dive right into the action.

“If you’re not on the hype train this time, you’re missing out on the latest greatest 2D game from Arc”, exclaims Gail Salamanca, Marketing Director of Aksys Games. “GET HYPE, CHOO CHOO”!

BlazBlue Continuum Key Features:

• New Modes featuring Beginner Mode, Tutorial Mode and Challenge Mode!

Beginner Mode encourages a wider audience with an easier control scheme, anyone can jump right into and play! Tutorial allows the novice and pros to practice everything from the basic mechanics unique to BlazBlue. Challenge Mode offers advanced players character-specific combos and missions.

• Take over Kagutsuchi by creating your own army in Legion Mode!

Defeat the enemy armies positioned at various locations on the map. The ultimate goal is to color the entire map with your color by defeating all the enemy hubs. Recruit enemy soldiers by defeating them!

• Brand new characters, stages, soundtracks and moves!

Welcome Hazama the mysterious performer, Tsubaki the valiant female knight and μ-12.

3D dimensionality and 2D visuals integrated seamlessly with every stage. Four completely new stages with composer, Daisuke Ishiwatari’s seven banging new songs for Continuum Shift!

• Online battling domestically and overseas!

Players can battle others from around the world via the PlayStationNetwork and Xbox LIVE network. Players can not only search for matches, play games, and observe matches online; they can also chat with friends while playing.

About Aksys Games Inc.

Located in Torrance, California and founded in 2006, Aksys Games is well known for being a visionary within the fighting game sector while expanding into other genres such as RPGs, fishing and family style games. Some of their more popular games include the BlazBlue, Battle Fantasia, Hooked: Real Motion Fishing, and the Bit.Trip series.

“My name is Souhei Niikawa, and I am the producer of Nippon Ichi Software. Thank you very much for coming to NIS America’s press event tonight. From this year on, Nippon Ichi Software will limit the number of titles we release in a year. We are doing this to improve the game quality, and also to increase the customer satisfaction. The games that have been showcased here tonight were strictly selected and developed with this new policy.

(hit the jump for titles and video samples)

The first title is Z.H.P.

This is our latest dungeon RPG that has been created by the same staff members of Disgaea 3. The project began soon after the release of Disgaea 3 and for 2 years it has been under intense development to formulate the game system. We’re proud to say that Z.H.P. was made to surpass the Disgaea series and, also it is a title with all of our know how’s and ideas we build upon combined in to. To describe how confident we are about this title…let’s just say we’re as excited as the time when we first developed Disgaea.  This is a title that we would like to nurture into the level of Disgaea, so please help us.

The 2nd title is Cladun. This is a hack & slash type action RPG.

This title also has some of the same staff members as Disgaea and it is highly addictive.  As our wish, it would be great if you can help these 2 titles grow.

Oh and one last thing. This year the latest Disagea will be released in Japan and it will be for the PS3. Plans to make Disagea evolve to a new level and also plans to surprise everybody is in progress. By the time Tokyo Game Show comes around we will be able to release more information, so please look forward to it. Thank you very much.”

—

End of message.

Although it wasn’t mentioned in the speech, NISAmerica also announced the third chapter in the Ar Tonelico series.  This new game will be an all new adventure with new characters and a new setting, so folks who missed out on the first to games on the PS2 should be able hop right in on this one.

Ar Tonelico Qoga

More Info:

• Official Cladun website
• Official Z.H.P website
• NIS America Videogames (Amazon)

I got a note last night from my contact at NIS America in response to an email a sent them about my recent Persona -Trinity Soul- review.  In short, it appears that I am not the only reviewer who has noted that the video quality on their first two “Premium Edition” DVD releases was not all that it could have been.  In response to these customer complaints, NIS America has decided to remaster their first two DVD releases and make free replacements discs available to everyone who purchased volume one of either the Toradora or Persona -Trinity Soul- Premium Edition box sets.

Believe me when I say that this announcement from NIS America news warmed my shriveled cynically apathetic otaku heart in a way that I have not experienced in many years.  It is extremely rare for a company to announce a replacement program for any DVD set and it is even more unheard of for the replacement program to be for a series of DVDs that don’t actually have any glaringly obvious glitches or technical faults.  While I admit in my reviews that the Toradora and Persona DVDs are technically flawed, these problems do not affect playback to the extent that it truly hinders the actual viewing experience.  Both discs have transfer issues that most folks will not even notice (I know, because my wife kept asking me what I was complaining about when she watched volume one of Toradora.)For Nippon Ichi Software of America (NIS America) to announce plans to remaster and replace these DVDs for free less than two weeks after the two box sets have hit store shelves is simply one of the greatest examples of fan service (no jokes, I’m trying to be serious here!) that I’ve seen in all my years as an anime fan.  This move represents a significant cost to NIS America and I commend them for their commitment to the happiness of their fans.

Ahem. 

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s the link to the replacement program.

Gamestop announced in today’s email newsletter that they will be running a three day sale on all used games. All used games and accessories will be “Buy two, get one free” with with an additional 10% off the final total for those with a Gamestop “Edge” card. Customers can take advantage of the sale at any Gamestop store or by using the code “B2G1Free” during check out on the Gamestop website. The sale begins immediately and will run through this Saturday, so if you’re looking to stock up on some games to keep you busy during the hot summer, now is a good time =^_^=

More Info:

• Gamestop website

Akysys games was kind enough to send some press releases my way late last week about a couple of upcoming releases that have really piqued my interest.  The first is a visual horror novel for the DS titled 9 hours, 9 persons, 9 doors.  Up in ’till now, my only experiance with the whole visual novel craze in Japan has been a few of the…er…more mature titles that can be found on the internet.  Ahem.  Anyway, this upcoming DS game looks to have a pretty interesting plot and I’m definitely interested in giving it a try after watching the trailer.

The second title, which I’ve posted a video of after the break, is Blazing Souls Accelerate for the PSP.  The trailer for the game reminds me strongly of Super Robot Taisen OG: Endless Frontier except it’s a strategy RPG.  Fans of games like Disgaea and Final Fantasy Tactics should feel right at home based on the early screenshots.

More Info:

• 9 hours, 9 persons, 9 doors press release
• Blazing Souls Accelerate press release

I came across this lovely rendition of “Amazing Grace” while researching anime shows for yesterday’s article.  Since it just didn’t feel right to cram in next to something like High School of the disgusting boobs Dead, I decided to make it my pick for this week’s Monday Music.  Even if your not religious, I hope this wonderfully poignant rendition adds a touch of hope and wonder to the start of your day…

More Info:

• Amazing Grace wiki
• Michiru Oshima wiki
• Michiru Oshima Discography (Amazon)
• Sora No Woto wiki

Yeah, I know.  I’m a bit late on this particular article since all of these announcements were made during last week’s Anime Expo, but cut me some slack.  It takes a while to compile this much info, complete with video!  It’s like, y’know, work and stuff :P  

If I were to choose which shows most caught my interest, I’d have to go with Nozomi Entertainment’s Sora No Woto and FUNimation’s Moyashimon.  After seeing the preview for High School of the Dead, I must say I’m most disappointed by how disgustingly fan service-oriented it appears to be.  I was hoping to finally see an awesome anime about the zombie apocalypse and instead all it looks like I’m getting is Eiken Vs. the Undead =^_^;;=

Anyway, hit the jump to see the full rundown and let me know what titles catch your interest!

Coming Soon  from Nozomi Entertainment:

Sora No Woto

More Info:

• Soro No Woto wiki

Nozomi Entertainment also announced that they had acquired the rights to the Revolutionary Girl Utena TV series and movie which have been in limbo since the demise of Central Park Media. 

Coming Soon from Sentai Filmworks:

High School of the Dead

The world is over taken with a very deadly disease that turns humans into zombies. In Japan, several students of Fujimi High School, and the school nurse, band together to survive the present apocalypse. The story follows Takashi Komuro, one of the students who survived in the initial outbreak.

More Info:

• High School of the Dead wiki

Coming Soon from FUNimation:

Trigun: Badlands Rumble film

In a town surrounded by quicksand, rumors spread that a legendary robber named Gasback is after the town. To protect it, the town mayor hires Vash and company to put a stop to Gasback’s plans.

More Info:

• Trigun: Badlands Rumble wiki

Moyashimon (Live Action)

Moyashimon follows the life of Tadayasu Sawaki, a first-year college student at an agricultural university, who has the unique ability to see and communicate with micro-organisms and bacteria.

This live action series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

More Info:

• Moyashimon wiki

Toaru Majutsu no Index

In a world where science clarifies supernatural powers. In a huge college that has power development in its curriculum. To a resident high school student, Kamijou Touma, a pure white sister appears. She calls herself “Index” and says that sorcerers are chasing her. Thus, Kamijou Touma enters the world of the occult.

More Info:

• Toaru Majutsu no Index wiki
• Toaru Majutsu no Index (Anime News Network)

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun

Academy City is a highly developed place in terms of technology. It is said to be 20 to 30 years ahead of the rest of the world. 80% of it’s 2.3 million residents are students. The focus of studies here is directed towards esper powers. Misaka Mikoto, one of the top level espers in town, shares a room with Kuroko Shirai, another high level esper who is a member of Judgement, a law enforcing agency composed of students. Both attend to Tokiwadai, a private school reserved for the high-leveled and the rich. Kuroko’s partner at Judgement, Kazari Uiharu, is a low level esper who studies at Sakugawa middle school. Her best friend and classmate there is Ruiko Saten, a level zero (no esper powers). Together, the four encounter several adventures in the exciting scientific town.

More Info:

• Toaru Kagaku no Railgun (Anime News Network)

Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail

After the assassination of someone dear to her, former terrorist  turned maid, Roberta, embarks on a bloodthirsty quest for revenge at any cost. The search for the culprits leads her to Roanapur, causing a massive commotion in Thailand. Garcia, someone who regards Roberta as a precious family member, also travels to Roanapur to seek the aid of the Lagoon Company.

More Info:

• Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail (Anime News Network)
• Black Lagoon: Complete Season One Box Set (On Sale at Amazon)

Sengoku Basara Two (opening from first season ’cause I couldn’t find one for the second =^_^;;=)

Couldn’t find any details on the plot for the new season at this time.  Sorry.

This series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

More Info:

• Sengoku Basara Two (Anime News Network)
• Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings – The Complete Series [Blu-ray] (Also available on DVD on Amazon)

Darker Than Black Season 2: Ryūsei no Gemini

Two years after the events of the first season, Hei and Yin are making their way towards Russia.  Along the way, Hei encounters a young girl named Suou Pavlichenko, whose family is gradually pulled into the war between contractors and various intelligence factions. Meanwhile, Misaki Kirihara has quit her position in Foreign Affairs to begin her own investigations into Hei, the Contractors and the Syndicate

More Info:

• Darker Than Black: Ryūsei no Gemini
• Darker Than Black: Complete First Season (On Sale at Amazon!)

Black Butler 2

Couldn’t find any details on the plot for the new season at this time.  Sorry.

This series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~

The battle to find the supreme Sekirei continues. Still some of the fighters and their masters refuse to participate in the battle since losing it means to lose the Sekirei forever, and many of them actually care about their partners, while others just use them as tools. A storm is rising on the horizon, a bigger threat approches the city and its about to bring pain and suffering to those who love and care for their Sekireis.

This series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

More Info:

• Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~ (Anime News Network)

Shiki

The story takes place in a small and what appears to be a peaceful village called, Sotoba. However, this is no ordinary village. Death seems to be tormenting the village and it is a common thing in Sotoba. Natsuno Yuuki, a new resident in Sotoba, hates the village and wants to move back to the city. However, he is determined to solve the mystery behind the strange deaths.

This series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

More Info:

• Shiki (Anime News Network)

The Legend of the Legendary Heroes

Raina Lute is a lazy student of Roland Empire Royal Magician’s school. One day, Roland Empire goes to war against a neighboring country Estaboole, and he lost his classmates in the battle. After the war, Lute sets out for a journey to search the relics of a “Legendary Hero” at Emperor Zion Astar’s command. And he finds out a deadly curse spreading the continent.

This series is being simulcast in both the U.S. as well as Japan.  New episodes can be found every week on Youtube, Hulu, and the Funimation website.

More Info:

• Legend of the Legendary Heroes (Anime News Network)

Shakugan no Shana (season 2, movie, OVA)

Shana and Alastor, Lord of the Crimson Realm continue to do battle with the Denizens, who are trying to steal the Power of Existence from mortals. Yuji’s status as a powerful “torch” continues to make him a target for powerful Denizens seeking to use him to upset the balance of power.   Unable to stand by as Shana fights to protect him, Yuji vows to join Shana in her fight.

More Info:

• Shakugan no Shana wiki
• Shakugan no Shana season 2 (Anime News Network)
• Shakugan no Shana Season 1 Box Set (On Sale at Amazon!)

Hellsing Ultimate volumes 5-7

Hellsing is named after and centered around the Holy Order of Protestant Knights, originally led by Abraham Van Helsing. The mission of Hellsing is to protect Queen and Country from the undead and other supernatural forces of evil. This organization is currently led by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, who inherited the leadership of Hellsing as a child after the death of her father. She is protected by the faithful Hellsing family butler and former Hellsing “trashman,” Walter C. Dornez, and Alucard, the original and most powerful vampire that swore loyalty to the Hellsing family after being defeated by Van Helsing one hundred years before the story takes place. These formidable guardians are joined early on in the storyline by former police officer Seras Victoria, whom Alucard turned into a vampire

More Info:

• Hellsing Ultimate wiki
• Hellsing Ultimate – vol. 1 – 4 

FUNimation also announced that it has acquired a number of titles formerly distributed by the now defunct anime company, Geneon, in the U.S.

Texhnolyze
Ai Yori Aoshi
Armitage III
Haibane Renmei
Hellsing (television series)
Serial Experiments Lain
Tenchi in Tokyo
Tenchi Universe
Tenchi Muyo! OVAs
Tenchi Muyo! movies.

Personally, I highly recommend picking up Haibane Renmei, Serial Experiments Lain and Texhnolyze.  All three series bear the artistic mark of manga artist Yoshitoshi ABe.

BioWare officially let the cat of out the bag this morning with it’s announcement that last year’s amazing RPG, Dragon Age, is receiving a sequal.  Details are still sparse at this time, but the news blurb on the Dragon Age II website claims that the new game will star a new main character and take place over the course a decade in that character’s life. Although I’m not crazy about some of the new design choices as long as it’s as good as the last game, I’ll be extremely happy.  

Anyway, here’s the short list of what BioWare is claiming about the upcoming game:

No word yet on whether ANY of the previous game’s characters and/or decisions will be intergrated into the new story, but hopefully some of these questions will be answered when’s the August edition of Game Informer begins arriving in mail boxes around the country later this month.   The new issue of Game Informer promises ten full pages of exclusive coverage in their August issue and will more than likely become the masturbatory material of choice for the more fanatical fans out there.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pitch a tent by my mailbox as I wait for my copy of Game Informer to show up.

More Info:

• Dragon Age II official webpage
• Joystiq article
• Joystiq article (2)

According to a recent press release, the second and concluding volumes of Toradora and Persona -Trinity Soul- will be released in late August of this year.  Both releases will contain the last thirteen episodes of each series and will come packaged as part of premium boxset complete with hardcover art books. Preorders for both volumes are already available at select retailers on the internet.

More Info:

• Toradora wiki
• Persona -Trinity Soul- wiki
• Toradora volume 2 premium boxset (Right Stuf, NISA)
• Persona -Trinity Soul- volume 2 premium boxset (Right Stuf, NISA)