I am really excited for Red Dead Redemption, but I am still trying to decide where to purchase it.  Right now I am leaning towards Game Stop since their pre-order bonus is the most appealing to me.  For a complete list of the other bonuses, check out this page on Rockstar’s main site.

Rather than settle on a single option for players, Game Stop is allowing consumers to vote for one of the above three bonus DLC outfits.  They are as follows:

• Savvy Merchant Outfit: Price for guns and ammo reduced by half
• Deadly Assassin Outfit: “Dead Eye” regenerates twice as quickly
• Expert Hunter Outfit: Receive double the reward from skinning an animal

This is a tough decision for me — it seems like the deadly assassin outfit would be helpful regardless of how far the player is in the game, which is great.  However, I think the value also depends on the player’s technique, I am sure some people will use Dead Eye more than others.  The other two outfits seem like they would be most helpful at the beginning of the game, but their value would taper off as time goes on.  Still, I imagine I will always need to buy ammo, even if all guns are unlocked so maybe the Savvy Merchant is the best choice.

I just can’t decide on my own guys!  If the decision is obvious to you, let me know and be sure to vote as well.

Roy pre-order, ps3, rockstar 3 comments

Even if you haven’t played Valkyria Chronicles, odds are you still recognize the game’s iconic platinum-haired valkyrie, Selveria Bless.  She is arguable one of the most popular characters to bless (no pun intended) the current generation of games.  In Japan, a pre-order bonus has been announced for the second game in the series, Valkyria Chronicles 2, due out January 21st.  Among the contents included in the bonus, dubbed Document of Gallia 1936, is secret information on how to get Selveria to join the ranks of your troops.

I am not sure if this is a password, or just a series of steps required to recruit her.  Either way, this is surely a valuable bonus for fans of the series.  Other contents included in the pre-order bonus are:

• Valkyria Chronices 1936:  Memories from the Front: A journal containing Princess Cordilia’s insight into the events of the previous game.  This is mainly included for those who did not play the first game.  You may note that the year of 1936 is right between the events of the first and second games.
• Guest Character Recruiting Document: A detailed explanation of how to acquire Selveria Bless as an ally.  She appears in her standard infantry form rather than valkyria form, since that would just be ridiculous.
• Gallian Journal 1936: A collection of excerpts from the Gallian Journal written by Irene.
• Limited Soundtrack: A soundtrack from the game featuring scores by Hitoshi Sakimoto.

Here is a picture of the Document of Gallia 1936 pre-order bonus revealed a recent press conference by the game’s creators:

It is a little strange seeing Selveria in Gallarian soldier attire isn’t it?  I kind of wish that she just had her black sniper outfit on, but I guess this is better than nothing!

While I am not sure how, I am positive this same content will be available to us in the West, it just may not be dressed up in such a pretty package.

Roy japan, pre-order, psp, sega 3 comments

Demon’s Souls’ Success:  As Massive as This Sword

It looks like I am not the only one who loves Demon’s Souls: many retailers sold out of the game entirely.  Fear not fellow RPG fanatics, Atlus has ordered up a second glorious shipment which should be available in the near future.  Atlus has also stated that production of the deluxe edition has stopped entirely, meaning once they’re gone, they’re gone!

At the moment the best place to find the few remnants of the deluxe edition is Play-Asia.  They have the bundle available for $79.90 if any procrastinators wanna hop on the bandwagon.  I think the only bonus you would miss out on by purchasing from Play-Asia is the soundtrack, which is pretty awesome.  Still, the guide definitely trumps the OST in terms of value and necessity.

**UPDATE** The deluxe edition from Play-Asia does include the bonus OST

Holy Invasion of Privacy Badman on UMD?

NIS America’s Badman was released as a PSN exclusive to surprisingly decent success.  Still, NIS is always sensitive to what their fans want, which is part of why we love them so much, right?  They have announced that if over 1,000 UMD copies are pre-ordered from their Rosenqueen online shop, they will begin production of the UMD version of the game.

If you’re a fan of UMDs and/or Badman, you better shell out the $19.99 to help them reach their 1,000 pre-order goal.

I really think it’s cool that NIS is willing to soften the transition to a world without UMDs.  I know a lot of people are still freaking out over this, buying duct tape, surgical masks, fallout shelters, etc.

Roy atlus, nis, pre-order, ps3, psp 2 comments

The Pokémon Company in Japan released this image of the exclusive pre-order figures for their upcoming Nintendo DS titles Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver.  If you pre-order a copy of Pokémon Heart Gold, you’ll receive a Ho-oh figure, if you pre-order a copy of Pokémon Soul Silver, you’ll receive a Lugia figure.  What about that little guy in the middle you ask?  Only those customers who pre-order both versions of the game will receive the Arceus figure…

Is this terribly ingenious or just plain terrible on Pokémon’s part?  Sadly this minor incentive will probably force many people to pre-order both games.  If you get one for you and one for you friend who gets which figures?  There is just no way to win without shelling out the big bucks.

These figures will be available tomorrow in Japan.  It’s pretty likely that they’ll be popping up on sites like e-bay for especially gouging prices.  The wise consumer may just wait until a Western release is announced.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we are treated to the same luxury.

Related Entries:
Pokéwalker Unveiled – Causes Pokénostalgia
Pokémon Soul Silver and Heart Gold Gets Japanese Release Date and Packaging

Roy japan, nintendo ds, pokémon, pre-order 4 comments

Still some issues with the pre-order for Devil Survivor on Amazon. UPDATE: Issue resolved

I thought it was a bit amusing that according to the site, the game was released over a week ago.  Even more humorous perhaps is that it ships in “2 to 4 weeks.” If you click on the game however, you will only receive an Amazon 404 error asking if you actually meant to type in Erotic Survivor 2.

Does Amazon really know me that well?  The first Erotic Survivor just left me wanting more…  I will try and update if this situation remedies itself.  Man I have too much time on my hands…

Related Entries:
Atlus: DS Domination

Roy atlus, nintendo ds, pre-order 2 comments