Announcing the Anime Love VALENTINE"S DAY CHALLENGE CONTEST!!
To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Anime-love.com is having its first contest. Ever have a romantic moment and just want to share? Or do you hate Valentines Day and everything associated with it and commemorate it by wearing black for mourning? We want to hear your story!
Anime prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each category and honorable mentions:
€ MOST ROMANTIC
€ NEEDING CUPID'S ARROW
For your entry, write us the most romantic thing you have ever experienced or done for someone else, or your sob story on why you need love the most. Why not win a prize for your efforts? You can submit your real life stories, poems and songs you have written, artwork and multimedia.
EMAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO: tena@anime-love.com
RULES
1. Each person is allowed one entry.
2. No limit on the amount of words you can write.
3. Any one can enter, you do not have to be an Anime Love member to participate.
4. DEADLINE IS FEB. 14, 2001
5. All entries become the property of Anime-love.com and cannot be returned.
More information can be found at: http://www.anime-love.f2s.com/interactive.htm
*********** Would you like to be featured on the contest page? Anime Love is currently looking for sponsors to add to the prize pool. If you would like to contribute an item, your name or company's logo and/or Web site address will be prominently displayed on the contest page. For more information, email tena@anime-love.com
Hi Kevin,
Dates for Princess Mononoke:
Starz Channel 2-22-01 @ 9:30 pm EST, 2-26-01 @ 3:45 p.m. EST
Thanks,
Linda
Customer Relations
Starz Encore Group
The GEAR series is broadcast on TV Tokyo-affiliated stations on Wednesdays 18:00-18:30. The CD will be drama format with image songs by the idol group. C-Drive is also scheduled to perform at events surrounding GEAR in the future. Each CD will retail at 2,200 Yen each.
Ookawa, the chairman of Sega, has invested a total of 85 billion yen of individual property into the company, to help executing the "Earnings Recovery Plans" for Sega. Ookawa is convinced that Sega's new business development plans will be a great success.
Sega of Japan has confirmed that they will cease the production of the Dreamcast console by the end of March, "We'll continue to support the hardware through December 31st, as we anticipate some hardware will still be in retail at that time, but we'll no longer be holding inventory as of March 31st.". In the future, one can still enjoy Dreamcast software in other electronic products, including the Pace Set-Top Box.
Sega of America announced a price drop for Sega Dreamcast, the retail price of the console will be dropping from $149 US to $99.85 US starting on February 4.
Sega will continue to support the Dreamcast platform, with over 30 first party titles to be released by the end of the 2001 fiscal year
Submitted by Daniel:
Capcom will not be at the AOU this year, but it's games-Mobile Suit Gundam and SF Zero 3 UPPER-might be present. The AOU itself will be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba on February 23-24 in Japan. (Information courtesy of http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680393,00.html.)
Sega's Phantasy Star Online has been confirmed as shipped, with a price tag of $49.99. The link is http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680381,00.html
Sega is going to make a big announcement about DC, courtesy of http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680214,00.html.
Speculation is that the price will go down from $149 to $99; also, there's a possibility that Sega might announce the games it will have on competing platforms. And Sega of Europe has announced a Space Channel 5 for PS2, a Sonic game for GBA, and 30 games for competing consoles by March 2002. This is from the url: http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680383,00.html.
According to this Gamer's Republic Article Sega announced that they will be a third-party developer for PS2, GBA, and other systems. Virtua Fighter 4, Sakura Wars, Space Channel 5, and "Let's Make a Sorts Game" will go to PS2. Sonic Advance, ChuChu Rocket, and Puyo Puyo will be on GBA. DC will now be $99 on February 4. While discontinuing hardware, Sega will still continue producing 30 games for it's system. It's main focus will now be in internet gaming. There're more quotes at the link.
GUNDAM WING DVD 6 UPDATE Gundam Wing DVD 6 looks good and will be heading to the replicators.
U.S. fans of Parappa should keep hopes high as the possibility of U.S. TV broadcast is fairly high.
IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE OF NEWTYPE ONLINE (www.newtype-net.com)
NEW! FOR THE BARREL : UPDATE!
This month Gichi Otsuka replies to some of the message from fans!! Check
this out! (see Special Topics)
NEW! YOU'RE UNDER ARREST!
"You're Under Arrest!" by Kousuke Fujishima is going to return to our TV
screens!
This month's feature is an exclusive interview with Mr. Kawamoto, the
director of the new "You're Under Arrest!" TV series. (see Special Topics)
VANDREAD : From the last issue
(BONUS TOPICS !!!) You can have a look at the two topics from the last
issue.
Although "VANDREAD" is coming to an end, the day when we will once again
meet "VANDREAD" may be sooner than you think. So let's check the latest
information of "VANDREAD"!
COWBOY BEBOP : From the last issue
(BONUS TOPICS !!!) You can have a look at the two topics from the last
issue.
This month's feature is an exclusive interview with Keiko Nobumoto, who has
written the script for the film version! Various secret behind-the-scenes
stories are unveiled at last!
HOW TO ART
This month's feature artist is Yua Kotegawa, an energetic female cartoonist
in the field of horror mystery comics. Enjoy her original techniques! (see
How to Art)
ART GALLERY
Thank you for sending your art works continuously !
Let's check the masterworks from all aver the world! (see Art Gallery)
CONFIDENTIAL FILE
We've got the latest information of DIGI GIRL.
Why don't you check the homepage address and visit there! (see Confidential
File)
VOICE YOUR OPINIONS!
We've got new questions to ask of you. So go to 'Talk on NT' (in NT Forum),
and feel free to answer it.
10 a.m.: The Powerpuff Girls: "Twisted Sister" and "Cover Up."
10:30 a.m.: The Powerpuff Girls: "Fallen Arches" and "The Mane Event."
1 p.m.: The Powerpuff Girls: "Imaginary Fiend" and "Cootie Gras."
1:30 p.m.: The Powerpuff Girls: "Uh Oh... Dynamo."
5 p.m.: Dragonball Z: "Save the World."
5:30 p.m.: Tenchi Universe: "We Need Tenchi."
6:30 p.m.: Outlaw Star: "Galactic Leyline."
8 p.m.: The Powerpuff Girls: "Something's a Ms." and "Slumbering with the Enemy."
8:30 p.m. The Powerpuff Girls: "Criss-Cross Crisis."
1. Otakuworld no longer has the closing down sign anywhere and the site is
still there!!!
2. www.sailormoonccg.com is now open. The official website of the
Sailormoon Card Game
4Kids Entertainment Unveils Imaginative, Stellar
2001-02 Program Line Up
Pokemon(TM), Cubix(TM), Tama and Friends(TM), Ultraman Tiga(TM) and Kinnikuman: The Ultimate Muscle(TM) Provide One Stop Shopping for Children's Entertainment LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS EDITORS)--Jan. 17, 2001-- 4Kids Entertainment Inc., a leading global marketer of children's entertainment content, will be unveiling its 2001-02 line-up at NATPE, the National Association of Program Executives (Booth No. 2422).
This year's line-up includes the worldwide phenomenon ``Pokemon,'' as well as the original CGI series, ``Cubix-Robots for Everyone!''; the zany adventures of ``Tama and Friends''; and the superheroes, ``Ultraman Tiga'' and ``Kinnikuman: The Ultimate Muscle.''
``4Kids provides children's entertainment choices for every age group,'' stated Al Kahn, chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. ``We are very excited about Cubix-Robots for Everyone, which we are co-producing with CINIPIX and Daiwan. We are also excited about the acquisition of rights to three Japanese series. We believe the popularity and success of overseas programming is an indicator of the success that can be achieved in the United States. Kids are kids everywhere!''
``Pokemon''
The world of more than 250 animated Pokemon with names like Pikachu and Jigglypuff have captured the hearts of children around the world. The Pokemon franchise has grossed more than $10 billion worldwide since its introduction. ``Pokemon'' continues to be the number-one rated children's show and is seen in more than 60 countries.
Now in its third season as ``Pokemon: The Johto Journeys,'' TV viewers worldwide are introduced to a new generation of Pokemon Gold and Silver characters and returning favorites. Over 200 episodes of animation have been produced to date.
``Cubix''
``Robots for Everyone!'' Schoolyards everywhere are destined to be all-abuzz about ``Cubix'' this spring. It's a story filled with action, adventure and an uncommon friendship.
In the not too distant future, robots are part of everyday life. They direct traffic, teach school, dispense popcorn and even fight crime. The best part is that many of these robots are equipped with an EPU (emotion processing unit), giving each one a personality all its own. Follow the adventures of our hero and his new best robot pal, Cubix, as they, along with their other friends in Bubble Town, embark on comical adventures and ward off the evil deeds of Dr. K.
``Cubix'' will premiere its state of the art CGI animation on the Kids WB! Network in March 2001.
``Tama and Friends''
Who says dogs and cats can't get along? Meet Tama the cat and his dog and cat buddies as their fun-filled, zany adventures prove time and again the importance of friendship and working together. ``Tama and Friends,'' a favorite with pre-schoolers in Japan for almost two decades, is an educator-friendly animated series.
``Ultraman Tiga''
When Super is just not enough! Meet Ultraman Tiga, the Japanese superhero from Tsuburaya Productions who has been saving Japan for many years. Now the silver-clad hero is about to leap across the continents to save America from the same nefarious forces that have plagued the Land of the Rising Sun. The original Ultraman was created by Eiji Tsuburaya, whose credits include director of special effects for the first seven Godzilla films. ``Ultraman Tiga'' is a live-action series.
``Kinnikuman: the Ultimate Muscle!!!''
What happens when you take one of Japan's most successful superheroes, a healthy dose of wrestling, some clever storylines, death-defying action and adventure, and over-the-top heroes and villains? You get ``Kinnikuman: The Ultimate Muscle'' -- the new face of action/adventure cartoons. This animated series is produced by Toei Animation Company Ltd., Japan's largest animation studio, which has turned out hits such as ``Sailor Moon'' and ``Dragon Ball Z.''
About 4Kids
Headquartered in New York City, 4Kids Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:KDE - news) is a vertically-integrated entertainment and worldwide television distribution company whose wholly owned subsidiaries include Leisure Concepts Inc., a leader in domestic and international merchandise licensing and product development; 4Kids Productions, a television, film, music and home video production company; Summit Media, a media buying and planning company; Websites4Kids; and Technology4Kids. For further information, visit the company's Web site at www.4KidsEntertainmentInc.com.
Thanks to Sam as in samuelyohann99.cjb.net for this info.
Some more info regarding Yu Yu Hakusho and Blue Gender. Here's the original e-mail sent to Gen:
1. For Yu Yu Hakusho and Blue Gender, will you be using voice actors from Dragon Ball Z?
2. Will you be getting any of the Movies/Specials of any of the 2 series?
3. Will the original dialog be kept or will it be changed like Dragon Ball Z's?
Here's Gen's response:
1. Only if we feel it is a very good match.
2. A 90 minute Blue Gender movie is currently under production in Japan and we have the rights for it. For YYH, we do not have those rights for the movies/specials since they were granted many years ago to another company.
3. Blue Gender's dialog will be more of a direct translation. YYH will need to be adjusted for mass market broadcast on a network.
Gen
Excerpted from a post to The Official DBZ Website:
The Trunks Saga release date has been rescheduled. The release, now scheduled for March, has been delayed for several reasons including major design and production changes, which translate into a more exciting game! The Trunks Saga release will feature the debut of the Dragon Ball Z CCG new card designs. DBZ CCG insiders can't say enough good things about the look and style of the new cards. "These cards are going to go a long way to making the game easier and even more fun to play," said Jim Ward, DBZ CCG Game Designer. The Trunks Saga release will feature the debut of the Dragon Ball Z CCG new card designs. DBZ CCG insiders can't say enough good things about the look and style of the new cards. "These cards are going to go a long way to making the game easier and even more fun to play," said Jim Ward, DBZ CCG Game Designer. The new card design of the Trunks Saga will introduce Mastery cards, which will benefit you while you play. If you declare a Tokui-Waza, then Mastery cards stay in play at all times (just like a Main Personality) and cannot be affected or removed. In addition to looking cool, these cards boast new features. The unique design for Dragon Balls, Drills, and Mastery cards allow you to differentiate between these cards with just a glance. The Trunks Saga release will also feature new High Tech Level 2 cards, and a new foil design for commons, uncommons, rare and ultra-rare cards. The Trunks Saga release includes both Starter Decks complete with exclusive DBZ CCG Play Mats, and Booster Packs. The Trunks Saga release also features a revamped rulebook designed to make the game more manageable for players at all levels. "We regret that we've disappointed consumers by continuing to delay the release. We're anxious to get it in their hands! However, play testing and extensive market research have shown us that the changes being made to the Trunks Saga will significantly improve the game," said Chaz Elliott of Score.
The press conference held at the Sony Bldg. where Parappa developer Matsuura Masaya talked about the development of these new dimensions to the Parappa universe. The animation series will feature all of the game series characters as well as many new additions. The series will broadcast at 6:30PM on Saturday's weekly. It was mentioned that Parappa novel could be in the works. 1-30-01---- Mayumi Iizuka NewsA sales commemoration event fot Mayumi Iizuka's latest Very Strawberry Tour 2000 tour and video was held in Tokyo's Ikebukuro ward this past weekend. During the event the rare level of snowfall in the city for this time of year was commented and Iizuka mentioned that she was a snow fairy. The launch date of her Berry Best compilation album has been set as February 21st.
3/27/01
Gunsmith Cats: Bulletproof DVD
Neon Genesis Evangelion 5: Inner Sanctums
Sorcerer Hunters DVD 1: Magical Encounters
Evangelion, Neon Genesis DVD 5 (Hyb)
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Hybrid
75 Minutes
Publisher - AD VISION
Rating - 12+
Normal Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $26.96
In a recent interview, the Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima mentioned that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty for PlayStation 2 will be the final chapter of the popular game. The XBox version of Metal Gear Solid X will be a remake based on the PS / PS2 version, not an entirely new game in the series.
Bandai, Banpresto and Capcom announced that their jointly development project Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs Zion is scheduled to hit arcade in March. The 3D action game is developed on the Naomi board, this game supports up to 4 players simultaneously, it is possible to play a 2 VS 2 battle. A Dreamcast port of the game has been announced, and the game will also hit PlayStation 2 at the same time, under the multi-platform strategy. Both versions will be coming out in summer.
Due to the much higher than expected cost in development the CG movie, Final Fantasy The Spirits Within, Square has put a halt to the investment on the movie. Right now Columbia Pictures will continue to invest on the movie, they will be respond for 50% of the cost. Final Fantasy The Spirits Within will be coming to theater by the end of the year.
Yamauchi, president of Nintendo mentioned that they have no intention to discuss and sign contracts with Square. This rules out the possibility for Square to bring Final Fantasy IV, V and VI remakes to Gameboy Advance. However, Yamauchi mentioned that they have made an agreement with Sega on supplying game software for Gameboy Advance. Seems like Yamauchi has not forget the "hatred" he has to Square when Final Fantasy VII was announced for PlayStation instead of Nintendo 64.
Yamauchi mentioned, "To our regret, development is not in time. I wanted to put Pocket Monster on the market in summer". Nintendo is intending to release a new Pokemon title for Gameboy Advance as early as sometimes this summer.
Furthermore, Yamauchi has commented on Bill Gate, he said there is one thing that this successful businessman doesn't know anything about, and that is games. He expects in a year of time Microsoft will be able to see the consequences of this fact.
Thanks to Daniel for these submissions:
Nintendo didn't buy out Sega, but the President of Nintendo-Hiroshi Yamauchi-stated that he has a contract with Sega, in which Sega produces games for the GBA. Yamauchi explained the reason he didn't have a Pokemon game with the launch was because it wasn't done in time. Also, Pokemon stores will apparently open in NY and London later this year. Yamauchi also showed little confidence in the X Box as a worthy competitor in the game market. The url for this info is at http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2679892,00.html
Oshii in an interview with Kojima found out that MGS 2 is the last in the MG series. The link is at http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2679773,00.html
Sega and a UK company-called Pace Micro Technology-have confirmed that DC technology will be incorporated into Pace's set top-boxes. DC games will be playable and downloadable. The url is here.
GOLGO 13: QUEEN BEE
SPECIAL EDITION DVD
From Osamu Dezaki , the director of "Space Adventure Cobra" & "Black Jack"
Some passions are worth dying for…
The Professional is back in action, this time on DVD! Golgo 13, the world’s most notorious assassin, is a real lady-killer… in more ways than one! Golgo’s current assignment is to terminate Queen Bee, the leader of a South American liberation army. The contract gets complicated when Golgo penetrates the hive and discovers that there is more to this assassination plot than meets the eye. Golgo 13 decides that he must step aside as a quest for revenge climaxes to a violently tragic end that will blow you away!
With an intricate plot and nonstop action and intrigue, Queen Bee has something for everyone! The exciting sequel to the groundbreaking The Professional: Golgo 13, Golgo 13: Queen Bee continues the tradition of thrilling story lines and unabashed adult content that has established the “Golgo 13” character across the board in theatrical movies, comic books and video games!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
· Remastered in 5.1 for both English and Japanese Language Tracks!
· Audio Commentary by the Japanese Director and Executive Producer!
· Chapter Selections!
· UV Trailers!
· UV Website!
Warning: Not rated. Contains scenes of violence and nudity. Recommended for a mature audience.
Approx. Running Time: 60 min.
Action/Dramatic Thriller
Based on Graphic Novel “Golgo 13” (“Big Comic”, Shogakukan) By Takao Saito/Saito Production
Directed by: Osamu Dezaki
Screenplay by: Akihiro Tago & Matt Aichir
Character Design & Animation Directors: Akio Sugino & Hiroshi Uchida
Art Director: Mieko Ichihara
Music Director: Seiji Suzuki
Music: Fujimaru Yoshino
Animation Production by: Tezuka Production
Produced by BMG Japan/Filmlink International/Goodhill Vision
©1998 Saito Production/Shogakukan/Goodhill Vision/BMG Japan/Filmlink International
Pre-book: 3/23/01
Street Date: 4/17/01
Catalog #: UV1069
ISBN: 1-890603-69-4
UPC: 638652-10690-2
Amano's World Website Announcement List - http://www.amanosworld.com
Hi! We just wanted to let you know that the deadline is quickly approaching for the latest Amanosworld contest. We're giving away our last three copies of the American release of Final Fantasy IX autographed by Yoshitaka Amano and Hironobu Sakaguchi. Tomorrow, January 30th, is the last day to enter the contest. There's still time to put your idea together and win a prize. Just take a picture with Amanosworld.com written somewhere in the picture in a creative or funny way and you could win the prize. E-mail the picture to letters@amanosworld.com or mail the picture to:
Amano's Office
532 La Guardia Place, PMB 649
New York, NY 10012 USA
Studio Pierrot official English news site to be launched by Digital Manga, Inc.
Los Angeles, Ca- In a joint effort, Studio Pierrot and Digital Manga, Inc. are expanding Studio Pierrot's already existing English language site by launching an English news site (http://www.studiopierrot.com). The new site will have English translations of Studio Pierrot's news items that are on their Japanese language site and will also have information on Pierrot's news in the United States. The site is set to launch January 30, 2001.
Last July at Anime Expo in Anaheim, Studio Pierrot and Digital Manga, Inc. officially announced their partnership. Digital Manga, Inc. will be translating and hosting the news site and working with Studio Pierrot to complete the English language version of Pierrot's website. This is just the beginning of various joint projects that Studio Pierrot and Digital Manga, Inc. will be working on.
Studio Pierrot has been a leading Japanese anime studio for over 20 years. Some of their works include, "Urusei Yatsura," "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils," "Yu Yu Hakusho," "Neoranga," "Fushigi Yuugi," "GTO" and many others.
Digital Manga, Inc. is a Los Angeles based entertainment company with the goal to bring Japanese animation and manga to the mainstream US market. In order to achieve this goal they have partnered up with Studio Pierrot. The English language version website is just the first of many exciting collaborations. Keep an eye out for more Studio Pierrot/Digital Manga, Inc. projects in the future.
Mezzo Forte Information: I've just received information from John Sirabella (President of Media Blasters) about Mezzo Forte. Since this Green Bunny title has scenes of a sexual nature, they will be releasing both an uncut version on their Kitty label and an edited version on their AnimeWorks label. As always, I suggest you get the unedited version. Both will apparently be released on separate DVDs.
Utilizing the latest high-definition digital technology, Pioneer Entertainment has retained International Video Conversions, Inc. (IVC) to restore the classic anime film ``Akira.'' First released in 1988 and produced by the ``Akira'' committee (under license by Kodansha, Tokyo, Japan), ``Akira'' has garnered legions of fans around the world and is still considered the pinnacle of cel animation. To celebrate this landmark film, ``Akira'' will undergo a complete restoration at a cost of one million dollars. The restoration will include a new film interpositive and high-definition mastering using the latest Digital Vision HD technology. In addition, ``Akira'' will be THX certified, the audio components will be re-mixed to Dolby Digital AC3 Surround Sound and a new English dub will be created from a new translation of the original Japanese script. ``Akira'' will be released theatrically in Spring 2001.
``'Akira' jump-started the anime industry with its ground-breaking animation and has achieved a cult status with anime fans around the world,'' said Pioneer Entertainment president Yosuke Kobayashi. ``Restoring this extraordinary film will enable Pioneer Entertainment to re-introduce 'Akira' to a new generation and seal its place as the benchmark anime film.''
``'Akira' is dramatic cel animation at its best, making use of vibrant color, high and low contrast, fine detail and an extreme range of light and dark scenes,'' said Mark Nakamine, IVC's high definition colorist. ``I used the very latest in high definition processing to create the digital master which will convey all the visual nuances intended.''
Neo-Tokyo has risen from the ashes of World War III to become a dark and dangerous megalopolis infested with gangs and terrorists. The government seethes with corruption and only maintains a token control over the powerful military that prevents total chaos and hides the secrets of the past.
Childhood friends Tetsuo and Kaneda plunge into Neo-Tokyo's darkest secret when their motorcycle gang encounters a military operation to retrieve an escaped experimental subject. Tetsuo, captured by the military, is subjected to experiments that make him a powerful psychic, but unfortunately for Neo-Tokyo, Testuo's powers rage out of control and he lashes out at the world that has oppressed him. Nothing can stop the destructive forces that Tetsuo wields except possibly the last boy to destroy Tokyo -- Akira!
Pioneer Entertainment (USA) L.P. (www.pioneer-ent.com) is a full-service producer and distributor of entertainment software including film, music, animation and television shows on VHS and DVD. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Pioneer Entertainment is part of the Pioneer North American Group. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is recognized around the world for its position at the forefront of optical disc technology, car electronics and consumer entertainment. With more than 20,000 employees worldwide and over $4.2 billion in yearly sales worldwide, Pioneer operates facilities in Japan, Europe, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
International Video Conversions, Inc. (IVC) is one of the world's largest High Definition, video mastering, restoration and conversion facilities. IVC's clients include all of Hollywood's major studios, and the company is regarded as the leader in its field.
*Princess Mononoke: The popular anime that took the U.S. by storm with a talented voice cast and stunning animated visuals last year, gets the re-issued PVC Statutette treatment with Princess Mononoke' with Wolf God and Ashitaka with Yakul. The only line from this anime, each meticously designed with the supervision of the amazingly, talented creator Hayo Miyazaki are now available for re-order due to popular demand. $49.95 each and now offered at www.animetrix.com.
Tenchi Muyo: one of the hottest new anime properties for 2001 finally gets the plush treatment. The irrestible furball companion - The Cabbit (like a rabbit, silly kids!) -is now in stock for $19.95.
*Cowboy Bebop: The anime "Cowboy Bebop" is the story of Spike Spiegel and co., bounty hunters in 2071 A.D and their many adventures. Look for a 12" Series this March- price still to be finalized, but looking at the $40 plus range.
*Neon Genesis Evangelion: no plans to continue this 6 figure line- each which features 11 points of articulation and stand 7" tall. All come equipped with appropriate weaponary and have a SRP of $13 and can be found at your local electronics store.
Source: The Magic Box
Sega of Japan has announced "Es", a new Dreamcast adventure title featuring real-life actors and alot of reality based interaction. A launch event featuring many of the cast was held in Tokyo on the 25th. The title is out in Japan on April 5 at 6800 Yen, in a 3 GD-ROM set. The title is psychological thriller action featuring real life photos, 2 hours of voice audio and a 360 degree panorama exploration system. The game's production staff commented at the event that they want to take advantage of the Dreamcast's ability to reproduce real-life photography on this title. They are aiming for the number of sales of Phantasy Star Online. Kadokawa Shoten is planning a book and drama novel release for Es in April. VGA box support will be included.
From DBZ Kingdom:
According to this article: "Heeding the cries of rabid anime fans across the nation, Infogrames has announced that it will be publishing a new Dragonball Z game in North America. Gamers everywhere may finally cease clogging the web with their Dragonball Z-related queries, as the game will be making an appearance on the GBC, PSOne and PS2 consoles." Samuel Bass said "Despite the popularity of Dragonball Z character designer Akira Toriyama, most gamers will likely to find themselves somewhat disappointed by the game's relatively unsophisticated visual appearance." Opposing to what he said others think it should have a very high-quality visual appearance. But only time will tell.
Bandai's groundbreaking release Gonzo's "Blue Submarine No. 6" will mark the re-run to Cartoon Network during Toonami on Friday, March 17th, 2001. The mini-series will run 180 minutes from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (ET/PT).
Till now Cartoon Network has Broadcasted Blue Sub No.6 three times: first broadcast was done as a 4 part mini series on November 6th to 9th, 2000 all 4 episodes were aired on different days. The second broadcast was done not to long ago on January 5th, 2001 but this time it aired like a full length movie all 6 episodes one after the other. Now it is going to be broadcasted again on March 17th, 2001 in the full movie format. This is how it should have been aired the first time! They will broadcast it two more time on Cartoon Network in May 2001 and July 2001, no exact date is set yet
MAKE THE DBZ CCG #1: Here's your chance to show your loyalty to your favorite CCG by voting for DBZ CCG as the Best New CCG. Go to here Although, the DBZ CCG is not listed, all you have to do is type it in at the box labeled "other."
Plans are currently underway for the Spring 2001 DBZ CCG Hummer tour. The tour is tentatively scheduled to kick off in late March from Las Vegas. The DBZ CCG Hummer will visit Malls, Media Play Stores and card and hobby shops in cities such as Seattle, Nashville, Philadelphia and many more. For a complete listing of cities and dates, stay tuned to DBZ CCG.
"INPOWER" FEATURES DBZ CCG CARD: The March issue of "Inpower," features a FREE Frieza Saga promotional card. "Goku's Good Swift Kick," a Physical Combat card, can be found inside the latest issue, on sale now. Pick up "Inpower" and get a free card from your favorite CCG! And Frieza Saga Checklist Available Online at DBZ CCG
The development of Final Fantasy X for PlayStation 2 was begin in October 2000, but the was already in planning stage in summer 2000
The two main characters - Tidus and Yuna will have motion capture animation from real life actors in Japan NHK TV station.
In FFVII and FFVIII, the main characters have a cool and quiet personality, and this time Square is planning to give Tidus a more pleasant and "loud" personality, kind of similar to Zell in Final Fantasy VIII.
Square has clarified that the official screen shots of Final Fantasy X are the actual images of the game, not taken from CG movies. So expect to see a huge leap in graphic quality inside the game.
The new Facial Motion element in Final Fantasy X will allow character to express their feelings and emotions.
The facial motions are first captured from real life actors and then programmed into the characters.
All the important elements in Final Fantasy X are all illustrated in the official seashore image of Final Fantasy X (the image with Tidus standing in the middle of the ocean)
The sword that Tidus carries will be able to transform into different shape, it is a water based sword.
Tidus belongs to an organization, and the symbol is painted on his shorts. Tidus' father also have some relation with the organization.
Yuna is a summoner, she has a friendly and kind personality, and she will play a role similar to a savior.
Yuna will use magic staffs as weapon, and one of the other character will use the Blitzball as a weapon.
The battles will take place directly in the exploration screen, there will be little to no distinction between battle screen, map screen and field screen. However, when you battle boss characters, there may be a screen transition between the field and battle mode.
The Final Fantasy symbols: Chocobo, airship and CID will also return to the game, this time the Chocobos will have a more mature look than before.
The battle system will allow 3 characters to battle simultaneously, however, you will be able call-in the other characters in your team for help.
RG Vega DVD - 6/12
Maze TV Box DVD (4 discs) - Summer 2001
Patlabor TV DVD - Late Summer 2001
Night of the Galatic Railroad DVD - Oct 2001
Date Available - Apr 17 2001
Format - Hybrid
60 Minutes
Publisher - URBAN VISION
Rating - 13+
Year Created - 1998
Normal Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $26.96
Rykodisk (Manga Ent's parent) has confirmed to several fans that their upcoming English Language R2 DVD of SFII: The Animated Movie will not contain a Japanese language track. A fan named Keimar has set up a petition to possibly rectify this at this link. One reader points out this oppertunity could be the last reasonable chance (which may or may not be the case, however there are no current public plans for such a dual language disc) for a dual language SFII:TAM DVD to be released. The U.S. R1 version is currently in English dubbed format only.
ANS recently visited Production I.G.'s state of the art production facilities in Tokyo where we received an extensive tour of the birthplace of such films as Blood: The Last Vampire, Jin-Roh (as well as some upcoming top secret productions) and sat in on an interview with I.G.'s President and CEO, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. Media and a full report will soon be posted to this site and Akadot.com.
New Animes in April (additional one)
Gakuen Senki Muryou [Muryo - the Record of School Wars]
When the news of visitors from outer space excited the world, a transfer student came to Tenmo city.
This Series includes: Iron Giant (SRP $13.99), Forbidden (SRP $17.99), and Odin (without Sleipnir his horse- SRP $13.99) and will be distributed via Diamond Previews. This third Final Fantasy installment has been held up due to a "transition period" between companies.
Sony has decidd to cut it's
number of PS2's in production from 10 million to 9 million units, courtesy of
this ZD Net article.
Spike has announced a FireProWrestling card game, a
game for the Japanese PS2-and some cell phone service-at
this link.
Tecmo has
announced the American release of a new dancing game for PS2 titled Unison: Rebels of Rhythm and Dance. More can be read here.
According to
this piece, Shen
Mue II will take place in Mainland China and HK in 4 areas. Ryo Hazuki will
meet 4 different heroines in each area: Kun Fanmei, Joy, Kou Shuei, and Rei
Shenhua. Characters like Ren Wu Yin-from part 1-will be here. The whole game
will cover chapter 2-6.
Micro Soft has issued a statement that denies that a DC chip
will allow DC games to be played on X Box. The chip will work for PC's and
"set-top boxes", more can be read here.
This article mentions hints around the 5 remaining games that Square plans to release. These
are two sports games, an online strategy simulation game, an online rpg for
PS2, anbd an rpg for a handheld platform.
This ZD Net article states
the upcoming FF7-9 remakes will be sold seperately. They will all be in a dvd-rom
format with audio and video enhancements, as well as special features.
Among the mangaka guests are:
Tsutomu Nihei
Kia Asamiya
Yuu Watase
Masakazu Katsura
Japanese press and publishing company reps from Kodansha, Shogakukan, Kadokawa are also present. Many of Angouleme's hotels have been booked up solid for the event as much as 8 months ago.
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