The Japanese release of Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker is about two months away so it’s time to start baiting fans with some bundles, that’s right plural: bundles.   The first bundle (pictured above) is the Konamistyle version, aka the more expensive version.  Included in the set is the following:

• MGSPW Themed PSP-3000XZC System
• Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker UMD
• Snake-skin PSP pouch and strap
• MGSPW Stand complete with engraved serial number
• Camouflage screen cleaner (no one will see you wiping)
• MGSPW Dogtag keychain with serial number
• Artbook (no picture available)
• MILITAIRES SANS FRONTIERES patch

The cost for this fine collection of battle-ready accessories is 36,980 yen, which converts to a staggering $400 USD.  Is there anything more “modestly-priced” you ask?  I have just the thing for you:

The second bundle is not Konamistyle, but is certainly for the more money-conscious consumer.  Included in this set is the following:

• MGSPW Themed PSP-3000XZC System
• Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker UMD
• Camouflage screen cleaner (no one will see you wiping)
• MGSPW Cloth Pouch and strap
• MILITAIRES SANS FRONTIERES patch

This set will run you 26,980 yen, or $300 USD — that’s still about $100 more than the average PSP bundled with a game, but I am sure hardcore fans of the series are already blinded by all that facial hair and camouflage to care about a measly $100.

If you plan on importing Peace Walker, it’s likely these sets will be on Play-Asia or etc. in the near future.  If money is no object and you want to purchase the konamistyle version, act fast since there are only 1,974 of them being made (that’s also the year the game takes place, durp!).  I sure do want this, but I am not even going to pretend I have that kind of money.

Roy consoles, japan, konami, psp 7 comments

Despite your views towards Sony, it’s hard to not be impressed by the PS3 Slim.  Sure its size has decreased, but I don’t often wave my PS3 around or try to palm it like a basketball.  The impressive part is the affordable price tag of $299.99.  Now nearly every denomination of gamer can afford a PS3!  Wait… that’s starting to sound an awful lot like socialism isn’t it?

Other than the price and size, the PS3 Slim consumes less electricity, boasts a 120 gig hard drive, and retains its two USB ports.  A key feature many people were squawking about was backwards compatibility with PS2 titles.  This seems to be the topic of some confusion, probably due to the fact that no one wants to admit the PS3 Slim does not have this feature.  According to the Japanese Wikipedia article on the PS3 Slim, there is no backwards compatibility.  I am saddened by this as I believe it to be the truth.  Why would Sony not want to tap into the impressive library of the PS2?  I guess their priority was getting the price as low as possible to increase the number of PS3 owners.

I personally own the PS3 which came bundled with Metal Gear Solid 4:  Guns of the Patriots.  I believe this was one of the last models to feature backwards compatibility, so I will be holding onto it.

Speaking of Metal Gear, at Gamescom Konami unveiled a new trailer for the PSP exclusive Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.  The trailer was mainly showing off the multiplayer aspects of the game.  A lot of very unique abilities were shown, all characteristic of the Metal Gear series:

It appears that a downed Snake can be resuscitation by another Snake on the battlefield.  There is also a scene in which Snake uses a ration on a wounded comrade.

This looks like some kind of collaborative mode where a player can latch onto another player for more synchronized sneaking. I am not positive if that’s what this mode does, but I am just guessing.

Other abilities highlighted in the trailer include box antics, door jammin’, and damage display bubbles — I love a little RPG in my Metal Gear.  I am really excited by the number of ways players can interact with each other.  I also saw some interesting items in the inventories of some of the Snakes: a mini hot air balloon, a functional shield, etc.  If you wanna take a look at the full trailer, it can be found here.

Square Enix was also aiming to please at Gamescom, whipping out an impressive Final Fantasy XIV demo.  I don’t normally discus MMOs on Kotowari, but goddamn this is some beautiful video gaming:

I probably won’t be signing up for FFXVI, but I certainly wouldn’t mind watching someone else play it.

If Gamescom didn’t provide enough exciting video game news for you, rest assured the rumblings of Tokyo Game Show 2009 can be heard in the distance.  Today the official TGS site has announced that a total of 456 titles will be on display at the event, 52 of which are RPGs.  An incomplete list of titles (with some English) can be found here.  Some titles worth mentioning are Valkyria Chronicles 2, Ninokuni, etc.  Truly where Gamescom was an appetizer, Tokyo Game Show will be a bountiful feast.

Related Entries:
Peace Walker Is A “Metal Gear Solid 5-class game”
Level-5 To Announce 3 New Projects At Level 5 VISION 2009
Valkyria Chronicles 2: Galia Royal Military Academy For PSP: Teaser Site Opens and First Scan

Roy consoles, japan, konami, level-5, mmorpg, ps3, psp, sony, square enix, videos 6 comments

Square Enix has finally revealed the exclusive Nintendo DSi that will be bundled with Kingdom Hearts 358/2 in Japan come May 30th.  It appears to be the standard black DSi adorned with some of the various icons that appear in the Kingdom Hearts series.

Honestly, I find this design a little boring and was hoping for more out of Square Enix.  I was expecting a really unique design, or at the very least a unique color.  I guess I am glad that it’s not just the logo for the game pasted on the front – that would be a real cop-out. Who knows, maybe the DSi is more spectacular in person.

I am still really looking forward to another Kingdom Hearts title.  I think it is one of the most unique video game series out there and I really enjoyed Kingdom Hearts II.  Just yesterday NG5 and I were talking about how much we prefer Roxas to Sora, so I would say we are both excited about playing from his point of view.

Related Entries:
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Special Edition Details
Nintendo Unveils The Nintendo DSi
How Many Nintendo DSis Can I Put You Down For?

Roy consoles, nintendo ds, square enix 14 comments

As many of you have heard, Square Enix punched many of us Westerners in the throat by announcing that a North American release of Final Fantasy XIII may be a reality as late as April 2010.  That’s one game I can scratch off the list of must-buys for 2009.  Despite the crushing news, the world of video games moves on.

Square Enix released some information on the upcoming blu-ray release of Advent Children – now dubbed Advent Children Complete.  A street release date of April 16th was announced along with a few different editions consumers can consider purchasing:

Advent Children Complete Includes only the blu-ray disc of the film Price = 4,900 yen ($50) Advent Children Complete + Trial Version Set Includes the blu-ray disc of the film demo version of the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII titles, including playable Final Fantasy XIII demo. Price = 5,900 yen ($60) Advent Children Complete “Black Cloud” HDD Includes the blu-ray disc of the film demo version of the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII titles, including playable Final Fantasy XIII demo 160 GB “Black Cloud” PS3 with Dualshock 3 controller (pictured top) Price = 49,980 yen ($500)

The PS3 is pretty cool I guess, the huge hard-drive is nice and all but I wish it were a little cooler looking.  I think I prefer the one for Yakuza 3…

Judging by the comments I have seen on the site, it looks like people’s patience are wearing thin when it comes to waiting for the game.  Some are considering importing the trial version of Advent Children Complete with the Final Fantasy XIII demo.  If you are interested, you can pre-order the film and demo from Play-Asia for $69.90.  The price isn’t bad considering the importing process.  It may be a good idea to check eBay in the coming months if you are feeling lucky.  I don’t feel like taking any chances so I am ordering mine now.  Here is my secret plan to save money: take out the demo, sell the blu-ray disc on eBay.

Roy consoles, ps3, square enix 3 comments

Square Enix announced that the Nintendo DS installment of the ever popular Kingdom Hearts series, 358/2 Days, will be released in a special limited edition package.  The package is expected to be released on or near the game’s Japanese release in February 2009.  In addition to the game, the package includes a Nintendo DSi uniquely designed for the game.

As of yet the price, and appearance of the DSi have not been revealed.  Square, if you happen to be reading this (which is unlikely) I have an awesome suggestion for the DSi.  Make it the color of sea salt ice cream:

I accept a 1% commission on each unit sold, in Japanese Yen only please, the dollar is a sinking ship.

As far as I can tell this may be the first game-specific DSi that will be hitting the market.  If you had planned on purchasing a DSi, and black and white don’t do anything for you, this should interest you.  I estimate the package to cost around $250 USD.

Related Entries:
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days New Screens
How Many Nintendo DSis Can I Put You Down For?

Roy consoles, nintendo ds, square enix 5 comments