Month: April 2015

Priceless In Pink – These Two New Cardcaptor Sakura Figures Will Cost You A Pretty Penny

Published by Frank Inglese

I love Anime, I love Manga, I love Video Games, I love Comic, there are a lot of things I love about pop culture, but there’s one thing I don’t love, at all, and it’s the prices of some of the merchandise made purchasable in more recent times. One of the very few reasons my bedroom isn’t packed to the rafters with my favorite character merchandise is simply because pieces nowadays are way too expensive for the average man or woman to afford. At least, that’s when it comes to importing. Luke Halliday, a fellow writer on the site, is currently in Japan and loving every moment of it. Not only because it’s been his life-long dream to travel there but because of just how much cheap Anime and manga merchandise there is over there. Out here in the West it’s hard to get a figure that’ll cost you less than sixty dollars and as someone that doesn’t make that much money…sixty dollars is a great deal. Despite all that…I love some good Japanese pop culture merchandise. …

Rhythm Goes Poolside – Persona 4: Dancing All Night Swimsuit DLC Announced

Published by Kane Bugeja

Ah, Persona 4. The instalment in the franchise that the world loves and that Atlus loves making content for. As such, the announcement that the Inaba Investigation Team would be hitting the dance floor was met with equal parts scepticism and acceptance…ok, maybe a touch more of the former than the latter. But whatever your thoughts, it’s happening, I’m not here to debate that. What I am here to do is tell you that a DLC set has been announced as a free bonus for all those Japanese gamers who purchase first-print copies of the game. Now, whilst this may sound a touch too international for your liking, these bonus features tend to make their way across the sea, as does the game proper. Anyway, this particular DLC set features an additional costume for Chie, Rise, Naoto and Yukiko; swimsuits. That’s pretty much it. Though it’s not that surprising given that Dancing All Night will have you watching the P4 cast break it down in the disco (that’s what the kids call it right?). Fashion is …

A Mighty Wait – Mighty No. 9 Release Pushed Back to September

Published by Kane Bugeja

Alas, the title of this article is true. The upcoming Keiji Inafune led project Mighty No. 9 is having its release date pushed back to September 2015. However, all is not bad. Due to this delay, Comcept has announced a few additional elements that will now launch on day one. Bolstering the spread of Beck, Call and the rest of the cast, the game will now feature an extra eight subtitle language options (Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese). The Ray DLC set will also tag along, granting everyone with and extra level, boss and playable character. Which is pretty sweet. All of this comes with the reveal that a physical version of the game will now launch when the game is officially released. For North America, this is September 15th, with Europe and the rest of the planet of Earth following on September 18th. This is most likely due to the announcement that Comcept has teamed up with publisher Deep Silver. Regardless, our wait will lead to more content, which is something …

The Hills Aren’t Alive – Silent Hills Cancellation Confirmed

Published by Kane Bugeja

Sad news for all you horror fans out there. After the reports began circulating these past few days, Konami has officially made it known that their upcoming Silent Hills game is in fact cancelled. Excitement for the title has been quite prevalent since the release of the mysterious P.T. back in August of 2014. As somewhat of a trailblazer in the demo department, labelled as a playable teaser, its generally undefined nature garnered a lot of attention. Those who possessed the fortitude to actually complete it were rewarded with the Silent Hills title card, along with a brief scene featuring Norman Reedus, the star of this would-be game. Reedus himself commented on the cancellation of the project: Super bummed about this was really looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll come back around. Sorry everyone 🍕 http://t.co/drZJ8tBsSN — norman reedus (@wwwbigbaldhead) April 26, 2015 However, if you’re the type to look for silver linings, it has been stated that the possibility for other instalments in the Silent Hill franchise are still possible. So keep an eye out for …

The Invasion Continues – Parasyte: Part I (Live Action) Receives Additional Australian Screenings

Published by Kane Bugeja

Good news for all of the Parasyte fans who live in the country of Australia (much like myself). If you were saddened by the fact that you did not get to watch the live action adaptation of Parasyte: Part I on the big screen, then it is time for you to be saddened no more. By popular demand, said film is to receive a few additional screenings this coming weekend. George Street (Sydney) Saturday 2/5 & Sunday 3/5 – 4:45pm Hoyts Melbourne Central (Melbourne) Sunday 3/5 – 3:50pm Myer Centre (Brisbane) Saturday 2/5 & Sunday 3/5 – 3:30pm As an added bonus, ticket purchasers will receive a free poster (most likely related to Parasyte) for as long as stocks last. So head on over to Reel Anime to complete the ticket purchasing process and subsequently prepare for watching a movie where alien creatures prey on humanity. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing. -30-

Parasyte: Part I (Live Action) Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

As any environmentalist will tell you, humans aren’t exactly the best a protecting the world on which they live. That being said, I don’t think those same people would welcome an extra-terrestial race of parasites, who just so happen to find humans tasty. But, as is so often the case with an invading alien force, choice is a luxury most are not given. So your day has been pretty normal so far. You’ve gone to school, or work, or wherever it is you go, and everything is routine. Suddenly, a weird little snake/leech thing makes a B-line for your brain and…that’s it. Goodbye, lights out, you’re gone. Pretty bad right? Yes, but it gets worse. Now that weird little creature is controlling your body in the universes most morbid marionette performance, sating their appetite for human flesh. It’s creepy as hell and a fate that many nameless characters in the world of Parasyte have succumbed too. But let’s focus on our protagonist for a minute. You know, the guy who we are supposed to care …

Peek Over the Wall – Attack on Titan Live Action Movie Set to Screen in Australia/New Zealand

Published by Kane Bugeja

If you pay even remote attention to Japanese pop-culture, and the anime that composes a fair deal of it, then you’ve heard of Attack on Titan. Said knowledge may also stretch to the fact that the franchise has spawned a live action adaptation. What you may not know however, is that said film is heading to cinemas in both Australia and New Zealand, which is good news for all who live in Australia or New Zealand. Whilst no specific date as been given, or information on how many screenings will play, the timeframe has been narrowed down to 2015. Given the current date, this gives us a window of 247 days to question. Sure it sounds like a long time, but if you read this article everyday, the number will become progressively more inaccurate. Which is a good thing. 100 years ago, titans suddenly appeared on Earth. Soon, human civilization veered on collapse due to the titans. Humans then built a giant wall to defend themselves. Within the giant walls, humans lived in peace, but, …

SnapCast Episode 22 – Scandemonium

Published by Kane Bugeja

In this episode, Kane and Frank discuss manga chapters that aren’t technically released. Also Luke is off on holiday somewhere, possibly Japan, so the ever quiet substitute Andrew steps in for his second appearance. Can you hear him? Want to download the Mp3 for yourself? Right click the link and choose ‘Save Link As…’ – SnapCast Episode 22 – Scandemonium You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes: Click Here -30-

New Character Gigas Added To The Tekken 7 Cast

Published by Frank Inglese

As with any new fighting video game release comes the addition of some brand-new characters. Tekken 7, the latest in the long-running series, has recently been released around Japanese arcades and the new characters that are coming out of it seem to only be causing a great deal of controversy. It’s not that there are any bad things about these characters, it’s just that fans of the series cannot get a grasp on exactly why they belong in the series. I don’t see the issue with these new characters but I believe I’m one of the minority when it comes to this. The latest character to be revealed for the new gaming is a hulking red being called Gigas that, well…I don’t really know what it is. I don’t think anyone knows what it is. I’m not sure we should ever know what the hell this thing is. What I DO know is that it’s damn scary looking and that I wouldn’t want to go up against it in battle. Bandai Namco Games revealed this …

Kakashi’s Face Finally Revealed And It’s Just As Handsome As We Thought!

Published by Frank Inglese

The day has finally come. It has finally come! Surely this means the apocalypse is on the horizon because I never imagined we’d ever see this. Ever! If the title of the article didn’t already give it away, allow me to catch you up to speed: Naruto is a very popular Shonen Anime and Manga that has only recently finished. Wait, no, the Anime is still going…it’s the Manga that’s finished! Wait, no, another Manga series just started, it’s the long line of Naruto movies that have finally finished! Wait, no, there’s actually still one more movie to be released. Has Naruto not ended? Because it just kind of sounds like Naruto still hasn’t ended! Anyway, that’s besides the point right now. Kakashi Hatake is a character who’s been in the series ever since the first few chapters. He was the man that trained the titular character alongside two of his close friends/enemies and basically made him what he is today: The saviour of the known world. Yes, there were a few mentor-types in between that …

Gangsta Volume Five – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

What is it that compels people to kill? To take the life of another? We’re taught from birth that such a thing is simply inhuman. Never should this be done, so why is it that people continue to do it? There’s this force within some of us, humans I mean, that lies in wait entirely invisible to all our senses. It wells up inside and forces people to do the things they never thought they could. Sometimes that thing is murder. Most of us never even ponder the possibility of taking a life, yet people do it countless times every single day. Pop culture as a whole has desensitised us to death, that alongside the evening news. You know, sometimes even the hero kills if they have to. Kohske’s Gangsta is just another Manga series that doesn’t shy away from the death and destruction. You’re guaranteed to see a brutal murder every single volume but do you know what the difference is? The protagonists never insinuate that what they are, are anything BUT just two …

Terra Formars Volume Four – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

I havn’t always been this way but, as of recent years, I’ve come to believe in the true concept of evolution. Why I would disbelieve it is something you’d have to ask a very young Frank Inglese, but the fact that I now believe in that particular process of growth means that I, myself, have gone through a sort of evolution. I now believe that those who do not evolve will become obsolete; something many around me have been preaching for some time but something that I havn’t quite come to terms with until now in my old age…of twenty one. Yu Sasuga and Kenichi Tachibana’s hit Manga Terra Formars deals a great deal with the idea of rapid growth and evolution, with some startling and frankly terrifying results. Many years ago, Humans tried their hand at terraforming Mars because, well…I think maybe Earth is on it’s last legs. A viable option to replace Earth would have to be to change Mars and that’s exactly what the scientific citizens of Earth did. Too bad that those …

J-Stars Victory Vs+ – One Piece and Saint Seiya Trailers Released

Published by Frank Inglese

J-Stars Victroy Vs+ is only two months away from getting released down here in the West! Can you believe that? I only ask because, to be honest…I don’t think even I can! When I first heard about this game I was sure it wasn’t going to hit local shores. I was so, so sure of myself! I said to fellow writers Kane Bugeja and Luke Halliday; “there’s no way we’ll see a Western release of this game” and I’ve never felt so good about being so wrong! Are you a fan of One Piece? How about Saint Seiya? Both, you say? Well that’s absolutely fantastic because today bandai Namco Games have released two new trailers for the upcoming game that show off two of Shonen Jump’s most popular series’. As the days roll by and the game gets closer, Bandai Namco games will continue to release more and more trailers which will hopefully prove to everyone watching that this game will be the absolute one to beat. Enough talk out of me! You just want …

Madman Entertainment Releases English Subtitled Trailer For Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy And The Beast

Published by Frank Inglese

Most people reading this right now probably first experienced the work of Mamoru Hosoda through Digimon: The Movie which was released in Japan as a bunch of separate movies but everywhere else as one big one. Well if you remember the part of the film where Matt and Tai face off against Diaboromon than you have indeed come into contact with the majesty of Japanese director and animator Mamoru Hosoda. Many Anime-watchers will know of a movie titled Summer Wars also created by the legendary man, some will know of Wolf Children, others may know him from the One Piece film Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island. It doesn’t matter what you know Mr. Hosoda from, all that does matter is that you know him now and you’re away of his latest upcoming film The Boy And The Beast. Set in modern times, The Boy And The Beast follows the story of a young boy lost in hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s Shibuya only to be found by, well…a beast! This beast shows him a …

Madman Entertainment Releases First Trailer For Boruto: Naruto The Movie

Published by Frank Inglese

I’m not sure how many times it is that I’ve said this but; Naruto is somehow so much more popular now that the Manga has officially finished than it ever was. That’s not to say that the series had a low popularity level, what I’m saying is that no matter how loved you thought the series was during it’s run…it’s so much more loved now. This much I can guarantee. Madman Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading Anime and Manga publishers, has always been on the bleeding edge of the world of Japanese pop culture and that’s why, for the last few years, it has been them who have been releasing most, if not all, Naruto media items. Manga and Anime, Madman have got it covered, which has always been awesome but the publisher has now got even more awesome by releasing the very first trailer for Boruto: Naruto The Movie and announcing that they will be bringing it to Australian cinemas sometime this year. No, you didn’t read that wrong. So not only have they …

Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign Volume 4 Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

As is so often the case in a post apocalyptic setting, the world can prove to be a less than friendly place. Pack all the weaponry and gear you want, but the creatures that dwell in the darkness of a broken planet will not back down easily. Be they horrendous abominations that stand as tall as skyscrapers, or humanoid foes that hold a mirror up to humanity, even trained soldiers would have their work cut out for them. However, one must also be wary of the demons that lie within the souls of man, lest they be played for a fool and taken by surprise. Well, we all knew this was coming. Since the very first time we saw little Mika all grown up and vampirised, we knew he and Yu would eventually come face to face with one another. As we also knew, it was not to be the happiest of reunions, what with the whole “abandonment of humanity” thing. Well, it is what it is and I have to say that Yu took …

AKB0048: The Complete Series – Review

Published by

Sitting through 26 episodes of a series that’s completely outside one’s comfort zone is a difficult experience, and that’s how I felt when I had to sit through both seasons of the AKB0048 anime in this complete series collection. But when it was all said and done, I couldn’t help but appreciate AKB0048 for what it was and what it intended to do. For all intents and purposes, AKB0048 is a thorough and well put-together viewing experience for its intended audience. While it may share its namesake with a Japanese pop group of the same name, with constant references to its many band members and its catalogue of magical feel-good songs, this anime is no cheap cash grab to leverage off the brand of AKB48, as it uses the music and notion of a pop idol group to create a rather unique and self-contained setting. The futuristic world presented in AKB0048 is fully realized and aware, its characters having identities that are completely unlike the real-world celebrities that make up the group. It may constantly reference …

Bandai Namco Reveals Contents Of Dragon Ball: XenoVerse DLC Pack Three

Published by Frank Inglese

We live in the age of download content. This is what being a gamer in modern times is like; we purchase a video game for full price then, over time, the developers continue working on it to then release DLC pack after DLC pack until you’ve spend just about as much money on digital content as you did on the game itself. Some companies really go above and beyond when it comes to add-on content, were looking at you Capcom, and others like Bandai Namco Games do only what is necessary. When it comes to the third DLC pack of Bandai Namco’s latest Dragon Ball Z title XenoVerse, it is the release of a new movie titled Resurrection F that justifies this new addition to an already very much content populated game. Much like the previous two DLC pack, the third will feature some new playable characters, stages, missions and Masters but unlike the previous two…this one also features blue-haired Saiyans. Super Saiyan God SS Goku, Super Saiyan God SS Vegeta, Golden Frieza and Jaco …

First Batch Of Screenshots Released For Project X Zone 2

Published by Frank Inglese

People love crossover titles. This is something I’ve always believed. The fact that Project X Zone is getting a sequel is just another sign that my belief is one that is more concrete than many others. There’s no one on the face of the Earth that doesn’t enjoy a bit of cross series, cross platform, cross generation battling, and anyone that days they don’t like that is a damn liar! Excuse my little rant, I get very passionate when it comes to games like this. Monolith Soft, the company behind the development of the game, have today released the very first batch of screenshots from the upcoming crossover sequel. Looking similar to the original game but sporting some nice new differences, Project X Zone 2: Brave New World looks like it’s going to feature a bunch of new characters from video games not featured at all in the first game. The most noticeable is Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima from Sega’s Yakuza series. Alongside the new characters there are some old favorites like Megaman X, …

Will The Naruto Exhibition Guestbook Finally Reveal Kakashi’s Face?

Published by Frank Inglese

Naruto fans have always wondered just what was beyond the mask of Team 7 sensei and Leaf Jonin Kakashi. He hardly ever takes the damn thing off and whenever he actually does there’s something between us and what I assume is his lovely lower face. Many fans of over the years have tried their hand at interpreting just what it is that’s under the mask using the contours of his face and a little of their imagination but nothing comes close to the man himself Masashi Kishimoto drawing it with his own two hands. It’s just not the same! This may all change very soon though seeing as the new Naruto Exhibition that’s set to open up in just a few days may actually show Kakashi’s face in a short Manga drawn by series creator Masashi Kishimoto that is given to all exhibition-goers. The internet has already gotten a little peak at what this guestbook has to offer and what people have taken from it is that Kakashi’s face will indeed be shown. Now whether or …

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F Hits Australian Cinemas This Winter

Published by Frank Inglese

Frieza is gold now and Goku has shiny blue hair! Is this even Dragon Ball Z anymore? Yeah, you’re damn right it is, and it rocks ultimate! Anime and Manga fans, whther or not they’ve seen the series, one hundred percent know what Dragon Ball Z is. This I can guarantee. Why? Because it’s simply one of the most popular series’ of all time alongside ones like Sailor Moon and Pokemon. Now what do those three things have in common? Well, even people who aren’t into Japanese pop culture know what they are. We call that universal value, at least…I do. Now this long-running series has had its fair share of episodes and it’s fair share of movies but the powers at be and Akira Toriyama (the creator of the series) himself feel as though there’s always room for more. That is why the new movie Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F has been made and already released across Japan. Madman Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading Anime and Manga publishers, thinks that Japanese audiences aren’t the only …

News From Supanova Gold Coast 2015 – Madman Announces Nine New Title Acquisitions

Published by Frank Inglese

Madman Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading Anime and Manga publishers and distributors, are always on the bleeding edge when it comes to released Anime, Manga and everything in between. Now with their online service AnimeLab, they deliver a wealth of Anime both new and old entirely for free to such a huge Australian audience. As much as they love doing that, the company also has to make some money because, without that, they can’t keep bringing you the quality products they have been up until this point. This is where the sales of home video releases come into play. You all know what this is, you all have their products on your shelf! Maybe you bought and binge watched the first two seasons of Digimon Adventure, maybe you were going through a bit of an existential crisis and decided Rebuild Of Evangelion was the best thing to buy at the time, maybe you even bought yourself a copy of one of the Berserk movies not realising how gruesome they are. Whatever you’ve got of Madman’s products, I’m …

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster For The PlayStation 4 – “Return To Spira” Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

A little while back Square Enix did something pretty exciting; they released the pair of Final Fantasy X games remastered and tweaked to suit bot the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. As you can probably already tell; fans of the games and fans of the Final Fantasy series in general went crazy for it. That craze was entirely justified because, well…Square Enix brought back one of the more enjoyable Final Fantasy titles, in my opinion. Well the powers at be have, oncer again, decided to re-release these two games but this time there’s something a little different about them…they’ll be for the PlayStation 4. Square Enix are covering all bases with this one and it’s the PS4 that they needed to be able to do so. Here’s what you can expect from the PlayStation 4 version: Better graphics that make it a justified next generation console release, full control over which of the two different soundtracks you’ll be experiencing throughout the story, and the ability to take your save game data from the PlayStation Vita …

XV From XV – Highlight Trailer Released For Final Fantasy XV Demo -Episode Duscae-

Published by Frank Inglese

Please don’t tell me you missed out on playing the demo for Final Fantasy XV! You know what I’m talking about right? Episode Duscae? Surely when you picked up your copy of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD you made sure to play the free demo that came with it. You didn’t get Final Fantasy Type-0 HD?! That’s insane! No, wait, it’s fine, it’s fine. Square Enix have done us all a solid today, especially those who havn’t played the Episode Duscae demo, and released a pretty great three minute trailer which basically highlights fifteen of the best moments from the Final Fantasy XV demo. Fifteen for fifteen, you get it? Yeah, you get it. Because of limited supplies, it’s not too crazy to imagine that some people didn’t actually get a chance to play the demo. I overreacted before and I apologise. Watching this video will instil in you exactly what playing the demo did; that this is going to be one hell of a great Final Fantasy title. It’s one that fans have been waiting …

Kill la Kill Volume 4 Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

Boom! Crash! Bang! Some other explosive onomatopoeia! The last time we saw our bombastic lass, she was hauling ass on a no-brakes slalom through enemy territory, all in the hopes of retrieving her dear friend/school uniform Senketsu. But before we could see the thrilling climax…Volum 3 ended. Unfortunate to be sure, but now we’re back, riding high atop a release entitled Volume 4. That’s right people, more Kill la Kill. With that knowledge keeping you warm and sending your anticipation meters through the roof, it’s time to find out whether or not our intrepid duo will at long last be reunited. So, do you wan’t to know? Do you? Do you? Do you? Of course Ryuko and Senketsu reunite. Why wouldn’t they? Nary an episode into this collection, the student with flair and a shock of red hair unleashes fury most dangerous upon Satsuki Kiruin, who held the final piece of Senketsu. Immediately thereafter, the Kamui clad students clashed in a fight that transcended dimensions (by which I mean animation shifted between 2D and 3D …

Assassination Classroom Volume Two – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Yeah, I’ll admit it; I sometimes miss my high school days. I do, I do. I hate saying so though, especially because my Mother would always lecture me on the importance of enjoying my experience there while I could. It’s funny, she never spoke to me about anything regarding academic excellence. She always pushed me further into the things that I loved but never forced me to do anything I didn’t have even a shred of enjoyment doing. Maybe that’s why I decided early on that I was going to be a comedian, or that I was going to be a writer, or that I was going to be a graphic novelist. I was never given the spiel about being a doctor or a lawyer because, to her, what is important isn’t money or status but happiness. Amazingly, there were only a few teachers in my time that ever preached the same way of thinking; that doing something you love is ultimately more rewarding than being at the top of your class or on the very last …

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

Tragedy is not something that is easily forgotten. Whatever form it may take, it leaves an undeniable mark on one’s past, shaping their future in turn. Of course, tragedy doesn’t often present itself as a life or death choice involving a mysterious crow demon, but the world is an unpredictable place. However, were such a presposterous choice to be placed before you, would the tragedy be the situation that placed you in such a dire predicament, or the answer you gave in turn? Five years before out story begins, a terrible plague befell the village of Otsuka, killing all but three of the townspeople. These survivors, Shin Inuzuka, Sosuke Inukawa and Hamaji, take refuge in a nearby town, where they are viewed with suspicion and fear due to their status as plague survivors. So their situation improved, but still isn’t what you would label ideal. Anyway, jumping five years to the present, the survivors are continuing to survive and all is well and good…except for all of the suspicious spirit magic that allows said surviving …

Log Horizon: Part Two – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

“Counteraction rising. Yeah, we’re ready for the punchline. There’s no use with all your gimmicks, so check this out!” – Log Horizon truly knows how to start an episode. It’s with these lyrics that the series unlocks the part of your brain that prepares you for awesomeness to come and while the series itself isn’t as hardcore as this minute and a half, it does indeed capture the overall essence of the story being told. Why start off by referencing the opening? Maybe because it’s so damn catch and I can’t stop listening to it or maybe because, like an episode of Log Horizon, I feel as though everything should begin with what sounds like a Japanese version of a Rage Against The Machine song. How did I miss out on Log Horizon when it first began streaming? I have no idea! Madman Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading Anime and Manga publishers, gave me the chance to review the first half of the series when it got released not too long ago and I absolutely …

Bandai Namco’s “Godzilla” – The Battle Heats Up Trailer Released

Published by Frank Inglese

I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, the 2014 Godzilla film left you with one monster of a bad taste in your mouth. What we thought was going to be two hours of Heisenberg riding a giant lizard turned out to be crushed expectations and a lacklustre leading man. Thankfully all that is over now and the world is slowly but surely moving on from one of history’s biggest tragedies…I’m talking about the movie. Bandai Namco Games announced a while back that Godzilla will be returning to the world of video games with it’s new title for the PlayStation 3 and 4, appropriately named “Godzilla”. Up until now we only really knew that the game was getting a release but we didn’t know when we could expect it. Bandai Namco Games, alongside releasing a brand-new trailer for the game, revealed that it will be hitting shelves across Europe, Australia and New Zealand on the 17th of July this year. Yes, you read that correctly! In a little under a month we’ll be given the opportunity …

New Trailers Released For Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, Pirate Warriors 3 and J-Stars Victory Vs+

Published by Frank Inglese

Bandai Namco Games have done something a little crazy today; they’ve gone ahead and released a whole bunch of information and assets regarding a few of their top upcoming titles all at once which, for people like me who’s job it is to report on this news, has me in a bit of a frantic state. Somewhat because I have to write up this news and somewhat because I’m very much excited about the new trailers that have just been released. While I could’ve done three seperate articles for these new videos, I decided against it because, well, they all actually have something in common that isn’t just that they’re Bandai Namco titles. Fans of Shonen Jump Anime and Manga wills urely be fans of the video game titles that Bandai Namco Games release because, in case you have no idea, a lot of their games are indeed based on Anime or Manga, especially that of Shonen Jump. Series’ like Naruto, Bleach, Saint Seiya, they all have their games published by Namco Bandai. About a …

World Trigger Volume Four – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

World Trigger, incase you’ve all been living under a huge rock for the past year or so, is a young Shonen Jump Manga that is currently being released around the world to the delight of…most. No, World Trigger isn’t the much-loved Shonen manga you’re all probably imagining it is. While it does have a pretty dedicated audience, unfortunately it’s one that’s pretty small in comparison to a lot of the other contemporary Shonen titles like My Hero Academia and Assassination Classroom but, in my humble opinion, I think it can stand up against the best of them. If I didn’t think that way I wouldn’t keep requesting review copies of new volumes from Madman Entertainment who distribute it down here in the wonderful land of Australia. Incase you’ve not been keeping up with the series; make sure you go back and read my reviews of Volume One, Two and Three. While they don’t tell you everything you need to know about the series, they’ll tell you enough to understand what I’m writing here. Now allow …

‘Sankarea: Undying Love’ Review

Published by Luke Halliday

I’ve heard of ’til death do us part but this is probably the first time I’ve heard of ’til death bring us together. Sankarea: Undying Love is about as oddball a romantic comedy anime as it gets and with its zombie theme it is sure to intrigue more than a few curious eyes. We have seen vampires and werewolves romanticized dozens of times in Western media but zombies have been given a bit of a raw deal when it comes to some loving. That’s where Sankarea comes in, taking zombies and turning them into the fulcrum of a love story. I guess some loves never really die? Following the hapless Chihiro, a zombie fetishist and his entanglement in a zombie love affair with a girl who is far from the stereotypical depiction of the living dead, Rea Sanka. The two initially bond over the macabre and an attempt to resurrect Chihiro’s dead cat. One thing leads to another and Rea Sanka quickly becomes a zombie, setting into motion a love story between life and death. …

The Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

A world of magic. A classic creation of fiction that inspires all of us here in the mundane world to dream a little bigger. Sure, we can’t fling fireballs or whip windstorms out of an ornamental stick, but we can have some fun here and there. Still, it’d be pretty sweet to have that kind of awesome ability. It’s not like that could ever cause chaos in the world, especially when imbued upon high school students…you know what, I changed my mind. Combining hocus pocus and hormones may just be the worst idea ever. Louise the Zero is back. Having survived her trying ordeals with the help of her unfortunate, yet amazingly skilled familiar Saito (the highschooler magically plucked from Earth), she has learnt…I’m not sure what. Ok, so in episode numero uno, Saito has managed to upgrade himself from sleeping on the floor, to sleeping in Louise’s bed (no, not in that way). Luckier still, Louise has also promised to stop calling Saito a dog and put away the riding crop she uses to …

Humanity Has Declined – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

  Humanity Has Declined is an usual show, even by anime standards that’s really saying a lot. We’re used to the random craziness of anime but Humanity Has Declined doesn’t so much go off the wall, it’s in fact a very intelligent show… too intelligent from what you’re probably used to. I’m not even talking about vaguely plausible scientific and philosophical theories that many sci-fi anime have demonstrated over the decades, as Humanity Has Declined presents its stories and ideas with utmost simplicity, but underneath its surface is layers of subtle symbolism that demand astute observation to notice. Humanity Has Declined is socio-political satire with a heavy dose of black comedy, wrapped and presented as a colourful and vibrant anime. It’s so cute and magical on the surface and yet so shockingly cynical and dark underneath, and when you see the themes explored and the way the characters are presented, you can’t help but be caught a little off-guard. On your first viewing it’s entirely possible and understandable for you to decided not to continue watching, as the …

Tsuritama – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

I’ve never really been a fan of fishing. When I was younger, my grandfather would take my cousin and I fishing every once in a while and I always remember it being more of a hassle to me than a fun day out with my family. Even now, as a ripe twenty year old, I’ve done a little bit of fishing but still I find it a little too uneventful to occupy my entire day. After all these years I don’t think I’ve ever caught a fish BUT that doesn’t mean I can’t see the appeal in it at all. In fact, I kind of admire those who can go out and actively catch fish because I simply cannot do so. Hanabee Entertainment have, once again, released this series across Australia and New Zealand but this time they’ve delivered in the perfect way: A Blu-Ray/DVD combo. Thanks to them I’ve been given the chance to finally experience a series that my fellow writer Luke Halliday has been bugging me to watch ever since I first met him …

The Awakened Fate Ultimatum Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

Everybody dreams of power. The ability to accomplish your goals without compromise and succeed. That being said, dreams are difficult to realise. They take time, consistent effort and the desire to continue on after suffering a setback. After all, it’s not like someone is just going to descend from the skies and bestow you with near limitless power… I think we all know where I’m going with this. Shin Kamikaze is your all around anti-social, middling type who has no intention of making friends or really doing anything of note. Bing bang boom, suddenly winged messengers fly down from above and, you guessed it, stab him through the heart. Sorry, that’s not what you thought would happen? Oh. Well, if it makes you feel any better, he got over it. With a shiny new crystal heart, our technically undead protagonist finds himself with some winged allies and a nice title to go along with them; God. Yep, congrats dude, your God now. Unfortunately it isn’t all clouds and light, as you are now commander of …

First Thoughts: “Blood Blockade Battlefront” – Get That Monkey!

Published by Frank Inglese

Where the hell do I start with this Anime? You know, reader, I’ve been thinking about this article for a while now but I can’t seem to figure out just what it is that I should write about when it comes to the new Anime adaptation of Yasuhiro Nightow’s Blood Blockade Battlefront which, incase you have no information on this series at all, is also known as B3. Now as soon as you read Yasuhiro Nightow you probably think Trigun. For you to do so wouldn’t be unjustified but for your own sake and for the sake of this new series…I’d toss that thought out the bloody window. This is not Trigun. This is…look, I don’t even know what this is. It’s just…it’s just…it’s…just…magnificent…Blood Blockade Battlefront is, without a doubt in my mind, simply magnificent. Let’s talk about the story for just a little bit: Johnny Landis…I mean, Leonardo Watch is a young man who’s just moved to the city formerly known as New York. A few years back, this huge portal to another world opened up …

‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ Manga (3-in-1) Volume 1 Review

Published by Luke Halliday

Known world wide for its trading card game, not many know that there was a time when Yu-Gi-Oh! was not entirely about card games. With the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga we get a look into the bizarre origins of what would ultimately go on to become a trading card games colossus. Never released in English there was a little known first season of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series dubbed by fans as ‘Season 0’ it follows Yugi and friends during high school as Yugi finds himself entangled in a number of ‘shadow games’. Essentially Yugi and his darker ‘Yami’ side would engage in all manner of competitive games in order to solve whatever problems faced them. What many might not know is that what resulted was far from the kid-friendly card games anime many know and love, in fact the original Yu-Gi-Oh! was downright sinister and with this first omnibus volume of the manga we get a deep look into the dark world that existed before ‘Duel Monsters’. This first volume proves to be a compelling read for …

‘Ben-To’ Review

Published by Luke Halliday

In the animal kingdom when it comes to feeding time it is a matter of survival of the fittest. In Ben-To the oddball cult classic 2011 anime series the same is true in the grocery store. Half price bento are the prize and the wars waged over these discounted delights takes center stage in what is arguably one of the most strangest premises for an anime series ever. In spite of its bizarre concept Ben-To winds up being one of the best slice-of-life series in recent memory. Right from the get go, Ben-To grabs viewers by the throat and gives them an immediate taste of the wild action that follows. The general concept is that there are people who will do anything to get discounted bento boxes even if it means brutally beating down upon one another. What results is some electric action sequences that simply must be seen to be believed. At its core Ben-To is a slice of life comedy series, however the wars over discount bento adds in a mix of the …

“ETRIAN ODYSSEY 2 UNTOLD: THE FAFNIR KNIGHT” COMING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN 2016!

Published by Frank Inglese

This truly is the age of RPGs and, as a huge fan of the genre, I cannot be more excited! We all know the Etrian Odyssey series of adventure games right? Yeah! You know the ones! Well there’s another release on the horizon and today NIS America in conjunction with ATLUS have announced that it will be making its way to Australia and New Zealand in 2016! Now I know what you’re thinking; “that’s so far away!”, fair enough, it is a little far away at this point in time but aren’t you just glad to hear that it’s actually getting a release this side of the world? Surely you have to be! Bandai Namco Games will be handling the distribution across the pair of countries which should give you hope that you’ll be knowing exactly when this game is set for a release as soon as you possibly can. Bamco don’t usually keep their audience waiting and I don’t think anything will change this time with Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight. As mentioned; the game …

NIS America Announces Four New Titles for Europe – Portable Gamers Rejoice

Published by Kane Bugeja

If you happen to be a portable gamer, who just so happens to live in Europe, then have I got some news for you. You see, NIS America has just announced four new titles that will be hitting the PS Vita and 3DS in the near future. That’s way sooner than the far future and a much more realistic announcement for a company to make than a release in the near past. So, without further adieu, let us take a look at which particular four games are set for release in the not-too-far-away times. Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal The kingdom of Romulea is in peril. Monsters are leaking out of every nook and cranny in the land, and to make matters worse, they have started an uprising against humanity. Players take on the role of Fried, an adventurer from the Royal Library sent to stop the uprising. But early in his journey, he discovers a broken shrine along the way. This sets in motion the story of Dungeon Travelers 2, …

Saint Seiya: Soldier’s Soul Will Burn Cosmos In 2015

Published by Luke Halliday

Set your soldier’s soul free and burn your cosmos bright because it’s time to scream ‘SAINT SEIYA’ at the top of your lungs Saint Seiya fans. That’s right Seiya and the Saints are back in action with yet another video game title Saint Seiya: Soldier’s Soul. The game will hit the PS3, Steam and for the first time ever Saint Seiya will hit the PS4. Soldier’s Soul will focus on the resurrection of the Gold Saints and a new mission they must now take on with gusto. It appears that defeating Hades was not the end of the endless fights that these Saints find themselves involved in. But that is great because we get another awesome game. No exact date has been locked in as of yet for Saint Seiya: Soldier’s Soul but we do have a delicious trailer to sink our teeth into which you can see below. Stay tuned for more details as they come to light. -30-

Project X Zone 2 Announced, Crossing Over Into English

Published by Luke Halliday

Bandai Namco Games have just made quite a delightful announcement today. The announcement being that they will be bringing the recently revealed Project X Zone 2 into English with a release confirmed for Europe and Australia sometime in Autumn 2015. Project X Zone is of course the tactical RPG cross over featuring characters from video game companies such as SEGA, Bandai Namco and even CAPCOM. The original game received critical acclaim and wound up being a surprise hit with gamers in the West. The sequel will hit the 3DS later this year and touts more characters, more fan-service and a ton of fun. Stay tuned for more details on Project X Zone 2 as it is unleashed upon the world. -30-

Majestic Prince Part Two Review

Published by Luke Halliday

When it comes to utterly pedestrian mecha anime, Majestic is prince. With so many other anime taking the tried and true mecha formula into fresh new directions and deconstructing the entire premise of mecha at its core, Majestic Prince simply comes off as old hat. It’s a throwback for sure, but with the exciting direction the genre has taken in recent times with series like Valvrave the Liberator and Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Majestic Prince just can’t keep up. Continuing on from part one of the series, Hanabee’s second part release wraps the series up and somewhere along the way loses just about all charm that it once had in its early goings. Part of what made the first half of Majestic Prince at least a bit of fun was its sense of humour, which while goofy for the most part gave the series something distinguishable about it. Unfortunately things become a rather serious affair in this second cour and it is at the expense of the series’ fun side, which was pretty much …

Koimonogatari – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

What is it that truly makes love…love? It is this visceral feeling that wells up from inside someone but unlike anger it comes from a place of utter joy. It comes about through the spiritual connection of two people and is so pure that it is almost dangerously unstable. If we, as simply humans, could somehow harness the power of love we’d have enough to last us until the end of time…but what is it? How do you know the difference between it and lust? How do you know if it is lasting? How do you know if it is real? If it’s Nadeko Sengoku you’re asking; chances are before she commands a river of white snakes to dismantle your body she’ll tell you that the greatest love is one that’s unrequited. If it’s Hitagi Senjougahara you’re asking; she’ll probably explain that true love is only attained when one is willing to sacrifice themselves wholly for their partner. If you ask Kaiki Deishu…such things simply do not exist. This is a love story told with …

SnapCast Episode 21 – PK Fund-It

Published by Kane Bugeja

In this episode, Kane, Frank and Luke discuss theme songs that were. The new anime season is also brought up in a respectful and professional manner and Frank spends some time explaining why the Mother series is awesome. Want to download the Mp3 for yourself? Right click the link and choose ‘Save Link As…’ – SnapCast Episode 21 – PK Fund-It You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes: Click Here -30-

Masses Applaud As Single Male Student Gets Transferred Into All-Girls High School

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s no secret that Japanese Pop Culture plays host to many odd, interesting and sometimes frightening tropes that usually, but not exclusively, target certain genders at certain ages. One typical Anime/Manga storyline is that of the high school harem which, in case you honestly don’t get it, is indeed directed at sexually charged young men. Out of every handful of Anime or Manga released, there’s always one that will revolve around a young boy who’s very much lucky with the ladies. Now incase you think this is seriously sexist or something along those lines, please do remember that the female fans also have their very own genre which is much like this. In fact I know this to be true because, being a writer that focuses on Japanese pop culture and being lucky enough to have distributors send through review copies of newly released series’, I’ve personally reviewed some of the genre’s materials. Personally, the Hakuoki series is my favorite. We all have our favorite series’ and we all have our favorite types of stories. …

A Cute Look At A Harsh World – “Monster Hunter Stories” Announced For The Nintendo 3DS

Published by Frank Inglese

Hey, wussies! Is Monster Hunter a little too hard for you huh? Oh you need something that’s a little easier for you? That doesn’t hurt your hands when you play it? That doesn’t make you cry like a little baby when you botch a Hunt? Well Capcom have just announced a new Monster Hunter spin-off that’ll have you counting EXP instead of how many deaths you have until mission failure. Monster Hunter Festa’ 2015 was held in Tokyo over this past weekend and it was at the tournament finals that this new game was announced. Titled Monster Hunter Stories, this new RPG title will take the world of Monster Hunter to a place I don’t believe it’s ever been before. Capcom stated that this is going to be an RPG title unlike any other and I think it’s simply because of the Monster Hunter setting. Unfortunately not much else was said about the game apart from that it will revolve around a different type of Monster Hunter class, the Monster Rider. These Riders are skilled but have chosen not …

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection Of F – Goku’s New Super Saiyan God Form Revealed

Published by Frank Inglese

The latest “Dragon Ball Z” film “Battle Of Gods” probably made you all think that the highest level a Saiyan could acheive is that of a Super Saiyan God. I know it made me think that, so why wouldn’t it be the same for everyone else who watched it? Here we are, thinking that there’s no possible way Goku could get any stronger than he already is. As it turns out…we are very much mistaken. The latest issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump over in Japan has revealed that Frieza wont be the only “Dragon Ball Z” character to get a colour change in the upcoming feature film “Resurrection Of F”. Oh no no! Now that Frieza is a Golden God, it means that Goku has to get stronger to be able to match him. Allow me to introduce you to the most redundant power up name to ever come from the “Dragon Ball” series, Goku’s new form; the “Super Saiyan God SS”. The “SS” obviously standing for Super Saiyan…meaning that the full name of …

First Thoughts: “Triage X” – They Don’t Make Cup Sizes This Big

Published by Frank Inglese

I urge you to go and have a conversation about Anime with someone who has never experienced any Japanese pop culture media. I, in fact, dare you to do so. The talk you’ll have with that person will not only be enlightening for both sides but it’ll be funnier than any other conversation you’ll have all week. Chances are they’ll talk about how Anime is gory, violent and overtly sexual. You’ll probably disagree for the most part because, come on, not ALL Anime is like that…but some are! If you’ve just watched the first episode of Xebec’s new Anime adaptation of Shoji Sato’s Manga series “Triage X” you’ll probably be a little more lenient on the opinions of the person you’ve just spoken to because, if you think about it properly; “Triage X” is the Anime people who don’t watch Anime think of when you ask them about it. It’s violent, it’s sexual and, well…it’s kind of utter mayhem. Fact is; sex sells and so does violence, which means “Triage X” is looking to a smash …

Coming To America – “Yo-Kai Watch 3” And Second Anime Season Announced

Published by Frank Inglese

A fair bit of pop culture news floating around the web right now has a great deal to do with the young but gargantuan Japanese franchise “Yo-Kai Watch” and as a fan of what this series has to offer I can’t help but be over-excited by what’s to come in the near future. The franchise is heading to the West thanks to companies like Hasbro, VIZ Media and Nintendo but over in Japan it simply continues to grow. Announced only recently was the third instalment of the “Yo-Kai Watch” series of video games for the Nintendo 3DS which will now be set in the US of A! You’re darn tootin’, baby! Keita’s father up and got a job transfer to the land of the free and home of the brave, and he’s taking his family with him! Wherever Keita goes his companions Jibanyan and Whisper go which can only mean they’ll be causing some supernatural hijinks wherever they travel. Showcased alongside the announcement of the new game was the second season of the “Yo-Kai Watch” …

First Thoughts: Plastic Memories – Androids Do Dream

Published by Kane Bugeja

For as long as the concept of Artificial Intelligence has existed, people have both questioned and marvelled at it. Will it be of detriment to humanity? Will it help us? Who knows? However, I do know that both interpretations make for some mighty fine fiction. Thus we delve into yet another in this vein of hypothesis, into a world where AI is of the beneficial kind and its existence has changed the lives of many. Imagine, if you would, a society where android technology has advanced to the point where they are indistinguishable from humans. Now imagine that said androids are known as Giftia and are available for purchase and personal use. Such is the world of Plastic Memories. For those who choose, these androids can serve any number of roles (such as that of child) as a substitute for humans. Unfortunately for all those involved, the Giftia have a lifespans of 81,920 hours, which roughly translated to 9 years and 4 months. After this deadline, the Giftia’s memory begins to degrade and they become a …

First Thoughts: Seraph of the End – Vampires Aren’t People Too

Published by Kane Bugeja

Throughout the span of pop culture, vampires have enjoyed/tolerated their fair share of image changes. From terrifying creatures born to drink the blood of humans, to smooth talking recluses (who still drink blood), to outspoken victims of a human dominated society (who still drink blood, but don’t necessarily want to). Following this trend, one might think that a new series featuring said night dwellers may focus on their presence as a demonised race, forced by biology to kill humans. Well you’d be wrong. Seraph of the End decides to hark back to the earlier days of fiction and present us with a race of pretentious upstarts who despise the humans they now dominate…also a virus killed every human over the age of 13, I feel like that’s pretty important as well. So, with the sudden appearance of vampires and a plague that instantly kills everyone above the tender, origin story age of 13, society was drastically altered within a moment. A moment that can almost unanimously be labelled as the worst day in history forever. Left alone …

Yo-Kai Watch: Three Kingdoms Announced, More Warriors For Your Dynasty

Published by Luke Halliday

Just in case there wasn’t enough Dynasty Warriors style games on the market, Koei Tecmo have just announced that in conjunction with Level-5 they will be producing a new title based upon the smash-hit franchise Yo-Kai Watch. The game will be titled Yo-Kai Watch: Three Kingdoms and is likely to be a Warriors style game featuring the world of Yo-Kai Watch. While no footage has been revealed yet of the game a promotional art piece can be seen above showcasing Jibanyan and friends in warrior armour likely preparing for some manner of battle. No other details for Yo-Kai Watch: Three Kingdoms has yet been revealed but Level 5 and Koei Tecmo promise to reveal more information in the future. -30-

Bandai Namco Games Announces “One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 – Doflamingo Edition”

Published by Frank Inglese

Both Bandai Namco’s “One Piece: Pirate Warriors 1” and “One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2” were huge successes the world over. There are many people, some who aren’t even fans of Anime as a whole, that absolutely adore the adventures of Luffy and crew as they sail around the world of “One Piece” finding new enemies to defeat and new citizens to save. This is why the “One Piece” range of video games does so well! Bandai Namco knows this and because of just how well-received their games are, they always like to give their fans just a little bit more to enjoy with the release of a new title. You know that “One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3” is on the verge of being released but what you may not know is that Bandai Namco Games Australia have just announced both a special edition of the upcoming game as well as some pre-order bonuses one can nab just for getting in early. This special video game package is titled the “Doflamingo Edition” and, while obviously coming …

“Earthbound” Breaks Reality – Club Nintendo Labels Digital Copies “Sold Out”

Published by Frank Inglese

This is something I’m not sure has ever happened before. We all know what “Earthbound” is right? It’s that ground-breaking adventure/RPG starring four children with psychic abilities who’re on a journey to defeat a reality-defying alien creature hell bent on swallowing up the world…Ness? Do you know Ness? He’s the hat-wearing, blue and yellow shirt-having, baseball bat swinging kid from that series of Nintendo fighting games “Super Smash Bros.”. Surely you know him. I’m going to assume that you know him. Well the game that he’s from, “Earthbound”, hasn’t been physically around for a very long time with remaining copies of the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) cartridges selling for way more than you can afford online. It did get a release on the GameBoy Advanced over in Japan but never here in the West and that made many fans of the cult classic very, very upset. Skip to 2013, the game finally gets a secondary Western release, this time for the Wii U through the Nintendo eShop. The world, once again, rejoices! Skip, again, to …

VIZ Media Is Bringing The “Yo-Kai Watch” Manga To The West This September

Published by Frank Inglese

There’s a new franchise that’s slowly but surely been taking over Japan and it too, like “Pokemon” and “Digimon”, has everything to do with capturing monsters, raising them and defending the world from some impending doom. This new series of video games, action figures and collectible trading cards also happens to have an Anime adaptation that is being  well-received around the world, despite the fact that it has only been released legally across Japan. Level-5’s “Yo-Kai Watch” truly is the “next big thing” and it seems as though both the young and old, according to its Japanese fanbase, can enjoy what this young franchise has to offer. Avid readers of this site and fans of the series will already know that, after a long time of waiting, “Yo-Kai Watch” will be making its way to the West sometime this year. Yes, that means the video games, Anime, toys and everything else will be hitting local shelves sooner than you could say “Gashadokuro”. Something you may not know is that the series has also spawned a …

First Thoughts: “Gunslinger Stratos – The Animation” – Run And Gun…And Then Run Again

Published by Frank Inglese

Here’s the deal, reader; I had no idea this Anime had been based on a video game of the same name and, for those of you who’ve watched the first episode, it honestly doesn’t seem like it right? I quickly glanced at this Anime on Crunchyroll and, on a whim, I decided that maybe I should give it a try. Fact is; I knew absolutely nothing about it. Judging by the previously released promotional image, this Anime seems like a neo-fantasy war series about a bunch of technicolored characters going head-to-head for some sort of undisclosed reason. I don’t know. I didn’t do any research on this Anime before watching, I just decided to watch. As it turns out…it’s pretty damn good! From what I’ve read about the video game, it’s an arcade shooter that has, as of right now, only been released across Japan. I was in an arcade just the other day and there was nothing but “Time Crisis 1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and something called “Raging Storm”. Nothing there that looked as interesting …

Azure Striker Gunvolt – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Let me tell you a little story, reader: As a young lad I would always do my best to be good. Sometimes though, my behaviour would result in some time to play with our old computer. My father had three games available to play on his desktop: Some side-scrolling “Duke Nukem” title, a golf simulator loaded onto a floppy disk, and a demo of “Megaman X”. Each time I’d jump onto that hunk of junk I’d cycle through the three games always ending with “Megaman X”. It was, by far, my favorite. Fastforward to this very day, the day of writing this review, and I’m still a huge fan of “Megaman”, anything created by Keiji Inafune, Inti Creates, and anything else related to the Blue Bomber. “Azure Striker Gunvolt” interested me at a powerfully visceral level. At the beginning of the month (April, 2015) Nintendo hosted another one of their presentations. Alongside some other announcements that had me shaking in my seat, it was that of “Azure Striker Gunvolt” which had on my 3DS and …

Spring 2015 Anime Season Watch Guide

Published by Luke Halliday

With the Spring 2015 anime season just kicking off, we will be taking a look through the best and worst series set to premiere this season. We will be detailing which series you should watch, which series you should consider and which series you should avoid by all means necessary. So without further adieu, here is SnapThirty’s handy Spring 2015 anime season watch guide. Watch These are the series that look to be the cream of the crop, these are the series that you must watch: Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma (J.C. Staff, April 3rd) We’ve had anime about cooking before, but nothing quite like Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma. Based upon the Shonen Jump series of the same name, Food Wars takes cooking to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure levels of over-the-top insanity. In traditional Shonen Jump style, Soma Yukihira dreams of being the greatest cook ever and in order to do that he must surpass his father who is pretty much the raddest cook in the world. With the perfect mix of exciting cooking scenes and delightfully playful fan-service, Food …

First Thoughts: “Food Wars! (Shokugeki No Soma)” – First We Cook, Then We Do Everything Else!

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s no secret that I, Frank Anthony Inglese, am a huge fan of the culinary world. While I don’t know nearly enough about food or about the art of cooking, I’m always looking to throw myself into whatever I can in the hopes that I come out with some sort of new-found knowledge. When my fellow writer and friend Luke Halliday introduced me to the “Food Wars! (Shingeki No Soma)” Manga series, I have to say, I was instantly hooked. Why? Well, it has everything to do with food, and also…it’s incredibly over the top and full of fan service which is so damn funny to me. It’s for the same reason that I liked “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” that I enjoyed the “Food Wars!” Manga. The Spring season of Anime has only just started and one of the first new series’ to kick it off is, funnily enough, “Food Wars!”. As you’d imagine…it was the first thing I did when I woke up of the morning of it’s release. “Food Wars!” follows a pretty simple …

Simmer Down! – Cooking A Dish From “Food Wars!” (Shokugeki No Soma)

Published by Frank Inglese

The debut episode of SnapThirty’s cooking show; “Simmer Down”! In our very first episode the spirit of Gordon Ramsay guides Luke (@LAHalliday) and Frank (@FrankInglese) as they cook a dish from the anime/manga Food Wars (Shokugeki no Soma). This new Anime series pits chef against chef as they each try to beat each other and become the top Japanese culinary masters. The very first dish shown in both the Anime and the Manga is a meat dish with an odd, starchy twist. When Soma is tasked with making a pork roast without having any actual meat to use, he makes a bet with the woman who’s trying to shut down his restaurant. Throwing together a set of mysterious ingredients, Soma shocks both the malevolent woman and the audience by creating something amazing. Us at SnapThirty have tried to recreate this dish in the hopes that it comes out just as well as it did in the first episode/chapter…or, at least, we hope it tastes as good. You can watch “Food Wars!” (Shokugeki No Soma) over …

Rodea: The Sky Soldier – European Release Date Announced

Published by Frank Inglese

There’s something so exciting about the open sky. Humans, without the aid of high-powered machinery, have never been able to soar through the vast openness of the sky. We have always dreamed of being able to lift off the ground and, with our own spirit and will, be able to glide through the clouds like birds. At least, I know this of myself. I mean, surely we all think about this time and time again? People like me turn to things like movies and video games to try and, for just one moment, experience the feeling of free flight and it is games like “Rodea: The Sky Soldier” that really get the feeling right. NIS America have today announced the official European release date for the upcoming Wii U and 3DS action/adventure game, and it’s coming sooner than we think! September the 25th is the day that this mighty video game will hit shelves and on that day the masses will celebrate. Look, I know September isn’t as close as I made it seem BUT, …

Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea Review

Published by Luke Halliday

Known for its tongue twister titles and alchemy themes, the Atelier series of JRPGs has garnered quite the cult following over the span of the franchise’s 16 titles. Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea marks the third installment in the ‘Dusk’ story, one of many in the Atelier series. Being my first entry into this epic series, I was somewhat concerned about jumping into the series 16 titles in. However I find myself pleasantly surprised by Atelier Shallie’s ability to draw me in without any preexisting knowledge of the series’ past. What really astonished me however was the immediate sense of understanding as to why this series has such a cult following. Put simply it is a fascinating game that feels simultaneously like a throwback to RPGs of old all the while firmly carving out new territory for itself. It is difficult not to be swept up in the grand story at hand here in Atelier Shallie and with the colourful cast of characters being so richly depicted it is easy to become attached …

Since Everyone Loves Attack on Titan, There Is Now A Live-Action TV Series In The Works

Published by Luke Halliday

While the live-action Attack on Titan movies have yet to hit the silver screen, a spin-off live-action TV series has been announced to tie-in with the films upcoming release. The TV series is slated to premiere this August and will focus on the secrets and lives of the soldiers fighting in the war on Titans. The series will follow the character of Hanji who will be played by Satomi Ishihara in both the TV series and the films. The TV series hasn’t gotten a name yet but I’m sure it will be something along the lines of Attack on Titan: Flying On The Wings Of The Fleeting Light Of Hope For Humanity In This Everlasting Struggle With Death. I think the real lesson of the story here is that people love Attack on Titan and that many more things to do with Attack on Titan will be made until people do not like Attack on Titan anymore because there is too many things about Attack on Titan being made. Regardless of that, stay tuned for …

‘Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer’ Announced for 3DS, Better Than Watching ‘The Block’

Published by Luke Halliday

Sick of watching Channel 9’s insipid home reno reality program The Block? Never heard of it or don’t watch bad TV? That’s fine because Animal Crossing is here to fill the home designer hole in your heart with a new installment in the popular anthropomorphic animal life simulator series just being announced for the 3DS. The new Animal Crossing title was revealed during Nintendo’s special Nintendo Direct conference earlier today. The game is to be titled Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and will focus on the home design aspect of the series with players being challenged to design the homes of their fellow townsfolk. If you have ever played an Animal Crossing game before you’d know quite well that these animals have no idea about proper home design and need a good slap up side the head for some of there design disasters. The game also has the distinction of introducing a new type of Amiibo play with the introduction of the new ‘Amiibo Cards’ which are basically trading cards that can be read as …

Dragon Quest Heroes II Announced, Yes That Was Pretty Quick

Published by Luke Halliday

Dragon Quest fanatics will be pleased to know that despite Dragon Quest Heroes only just being released in Japan yesterday, a sequel has already been confirmed by Square Enix to be in development. Isn’t that pretty neat? I think so. The sequel is set to be simply titled Dragon Quest Heroes II and is being developed for PS4, PS3 and PS VITA. No release date has been confirmed at the moment for the game but its probably safe to assume a 2016 release is a real possibility. My real take away from this news is really just how quick this all came to be. The game was only released yesterday and there is already a sequel announced. But considering that Dragon Quest Heroes has already sold over 800,000 units it shouldn’t come as much surprise. I guess it goes to show that Japan really loves Dragon Quest. -30-

Vagabond (VIZBIG Edition): Volume Five and Volume Six – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

The month of March saw the release of two volumes of the critically acclaimed “Vagabond” Manga by legendary graphic novelist Takehiko Inoue. For someone like me that absolutely adores the series it was comparable to that of Christmas day when my review copies of the volumes finally arrived. With three volumes per Vizbig Edition I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer number of chapters I had ahead of me, but my excitement to see just what comes next in the story of Miyamoto Musashi possessed me to spend every possible waking moment engulfed by the series that has not only inspired me but millions around the world. After completing the first volume I then made the decision to combine what would usually be two individual reviews into one. It was only at those final pages of volume five did I realise that the series had entered a new arc that would likely span not only the next volume but long after that. Volume five took us back in time to a point in history long …

Dawn of the Arcana Volume One – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Dawn of the Arcana is a fairly successful Shojo series in its native territory, and it is actually the first series by author and illustrator, Rei Toma, to be picked up for an English localization. Running from 2009 to 2013, this series has garnered praise for being a fairly solid Shojo that’s situated within a pretty heavy political fantasy premise, along with all the relationship triangles and romantic shenanigans that you’ve come to expect from the genre. At a glance, Dawn of Arcana is like Game of Thrones with a strong feminine touch, which can be a good or bad thing depending on who you are. All 13 volumes of the series have been localized courtesy of Viz Media, and Madman has picked the series up for distribution in Australia and New Zealand. The first volume came out just recently, so let’s see if it leaves a lasting impression. Dawn of the Arcana tells a typical tale of two warring nations stuck within the confines of an island, with decades of bloodshed and animosity that …

Smash with Style – New Mii Fighter Suits Announced for Super Smash Bros.

Published by Kane Bugeja

With news of new fighters, ballots to find new fighters and…some other third thing, partakers of the Super Smash Bros. may find themselves wondering; what about Mii? Well, first of all, congratulations on such a well contructed question that relates to both me (a term for self identification) and Mii (the personalised Nintendo character). Secondly, I would point out that Nintendo Direct brought along with it the promise of some new costumes to adorn said Miis. Set for an April 15th release, the new costumes may be purchased individually or in a nifty little bundle. So prepare to don your Mii in such classics as Majora’s Mask, Link’s Outfit, Proto Man’s Helmet or a simple SSB T-Shirt. After all, just because your beating you opponents senseless, it doesn’t mean you can’t look good doing it. -30-

A New Challenger Approaches? – Cast Your Vote on the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot

Published by Kane Bugeja

Since its inception, Super Smash Bros. has stood out as your premium location to pit icons against each other in a no holds barred beatdown. From the original roster of 12, each iteration has added more and more friendly faces to this less-than-friendly environment, adding a nice variety to the mayhem. However, with their being so many to choose from, there are most certainly a few characters who have been overlooked in the selection process. But there’s nothing we can do about that…right? Wrong. During the latest Nintendo Direct, it was announced that a new website known as Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot (that can be conveniently found here) has been created. As one may imply from the title, said site allows people to suggest fighters that they believe should be included in the franchise. With a closing date of October 3rd, there’s more than enough time to dig through your memories and recall that one particular face you want to see added to the roster. So what are you waiting for? Tap those keys and cast your …

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem Gets Its First Ever Full Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

It was revealed a while back that Nintendo and Atlus have been working on a crossover title for the Wii U simply titled “Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem” but soon after it’s announcement it was forced back into the shadows wherein which it has laid in wait…until today. As part of April’s Nintendo Direct Presentation, the video game industry juggernaut debuted the very first trailer for the upcoming game that shows audiences not only the setting of it but the style in which it’ll be developed. With pop art-style graphics and what looks to be a very “Shin Megami Tensai” set of gameplay mechanics, this trailer shocked many who thought this game would be dark-ish in a similar fashion to the series of games that takes precedence over the new one’s title. It looks to be set in Shibuya, an area of Tokyo, and the protagonists seem to be of a schooling age. Despite what it is that we’ve been shown, this game is still mostly a mystery. Apparently the characters all lead normal …

New “Fire Emblem” Game To Get Western Release In 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

Today saw the airing of the latest Nintendo Direct Presentation which, as you already know, almost always brings about some sort of good news. Today we were given a new look at some of the upcoming Amiibo, it was announced that Lucas will be coming to the new “Super Smash Bros.” as a DLC character, and we were given a bunch more information on the upcoming IP “Splatoon”. Just making the entire presentation better was, without a doubt, the appearance of some new “Fire Emblem” footage which is set to star in the upcoming Nintendo 3DS title that has yet to be named. Alongside what you can only call another teaser trailer is a little bit of information regarding the new game, the most important of all being that it is set to be released in the West sometime next year. Yes, Nintendo are going to make us wait an entire year before we’ll be able to get our hands on this incredible title but it’s always better to look on the bright side so …

Nintendo Reveals “Splatoon” Amiibo, Ranked Battle and New 1-On-1 Game Mode

Published by Frank Inglese

“Splatoon” is just one of those Nintendo originals that grabs audiences by their hearts and minds and just forces them to fall in love with it. It happened to me, and I’m a cynical old man that cares for nothing! I originally played the game at one of Australia’s EB Games Expos and it immediately stole my heart. Since then I’ve been more than in love with the game and April’s Nintendo Direct Presentation which has just ended has made me want to do nothing but go out and purchase a Wii U just for this game. Let’s think about what we’ve been told about the game so far: You play as an Inkling who is half human half squid, your natural-born enemies are the “Octopus Army”, you fighting using paint-dispensing weapons and friend can quickly become enemies when they’re put on a team that isn’t yours. Basically, “Splatoon” is looking to be a third-person shooter that will out do every video game in the genre that has come before it. With an incredible-looking multiplayer …

“Attack On Titan: Humanity In Chains” Announced For A Western Release

Published by Frank Inglese

An announcement that took me very much by surprise during April’s Nintendo Direct Presentation is that of a Western release of the Anime/Manga-based Nintendo 3DS game “Attack On Titan: Humanity In Chains”. For a while now Japanese Pop Culture fans and lovers of the series “Attack On Titan”, or “Shingeki no Kyojin” for you purists, have been hearing news and seeing trailers of this action/adventure 3DS game that puts players into the very high boots of their favorite Titan-killers. Up until today we had all only thought this game was going to get a Japanese release but, thanks to Nintendo, “Humanity In Chains” will indeed be making its way to the West come May. Only set for an eShop release, this 3DS title follows the story of the recent Anime series and allows you to join together with three friends and slaughter Titans as a team. I never thought I’d get the chance to say this but; I actually cannot wait to get my hands on this title. Digital-only or otherwise, I think this is …

Azure Striker Gunvolt Announced For Western Release, Made Available To Purchase Soon After Presentation

Published by Frank Inglese

Any fan of “Megaman” or any of Keiji Inafune’s other similar works will be very excited to know that his latest video game masterpiece “Azure Striker Gunvolt” has not only just been announced for a Western release but almost immediately made available to purchase on the Nintendo eShop. Allow me to explain: April’s Nintendo Direct Presentation has just finished and with it, much like every other presentation, comes a whole bunch of awesome information about Nintendo games. One that took me by surprise but excited me a great deal is the release of Inafune’s “Azure Striker Gunvolt” which is set to be released on the 2nd of April which, if you’re living in Australia where I am, is today! Now while I havn’t been able to get onto the eShop to check if it is already out thanks to the huge rush of people wanting to check out the presentation and the games it was promoting, so I’m not quite sure if it has been released as of yet. The fact is that, by tomorrow, …

New Amiibos Announced: Greninja, Zero Suit Samus, Ganondorf, Etc.

Published by Frank Inglese

As of right now in the world of Pop Culture I think it’s safe to say that Nintendo’s line of interactive figurines, the Amiibo, are one of the hottest and most sought-after items of the entire video game industry. Not only are they fantastically high-quality items suitable for display purposes only but they make playing games like the new “Super Smash Bros.” so much more enjoyable. Being able to fight against or alongside your little Amiibo buddy is such an incredible experience similar to that of the “Skylanders” series but perfected by the brilliant brains at Nintendo. Look, I know you all understand just how great the Amiibo’s are but I need some sort of “ramp up” to the incredible news that’s ahead. Announced today, through April’s Nintendo Direct Presentation, is the new wave of Amiibo figures which will be coming across the months of May, June and July. Set for a release on the 29th of May are the Greninja and Jigglypuff Amiibo, in June you’ll be seeing the release of the Zero Suit …

Super Smash Bros. For Wii U and 3DS – Mewtwo To Be Released This April

Published by Frank Inglese

I can guarantee every single time “Super Smash Bros.” is brought up, either around your friends or around strangers that share your love, the eventual release of Mewtwo as a playable character will always be brought up. After months and months of hearing about Mewtwo’s eventual return to the battlefield, it’s through the latest Nintendo Direct Presentation that we finally get some information about it’s release. Kicking off the presentation in a huge way was a video of Mewtwo in all of its “Super Smash Bros.” glory followed up by the official announcement of it’s release date. You wont be waiting very long to play as Mewtwo because, come the 29th of April, it’ll be released for everyone to enjoy with those of you who purchased both the Wii U and 3DS version of the game getting your download codes on the 15th. This piece of information was very vague because it could be taken in a couple of ways: Either you’re given the code on the 15th to be used on the 29th or …

Super Smash Bros. For Wii U and 3DS – Lucas Announced As DLC Character

Published by Frank Inglese

Can you believe it?! It’s actually happening! As a fan of Ness, “Earthbound” and everything the “Mother” series has to offer, the addition of Lucas to the “Super Smash Bros. For Wii U and 3DS” character roster has made me immeasurably excited! In fact, I can barely type this article because of how much I’m shaking right now. It’s the beginning of April and it doesn’t just mark the month of my birthday but a month that happens to feature another exciting Nintendo Direct Presentation which, at the time of writing this article, is currently underway. Kicking off the presentation was that of a section dedicated to “Super Smash Bros. For Wii U and 3DS”. As excited as people were to see that Mewtwo is definitely coming to the game sometimes soon, I was even more excited to hear that “Mother 3’s” protagonist Lucas will, once again, return to the battlefield. Set to be made available in two months time, sometime in June of this year, Lucas will come to us all as paid DLC …

Is “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate” Really Coming To The Wii U Or Is This Just Another April Fool’s Hoax?

Published by Frank Inglese

Today IS April Fool’s Day which ultimately means that anything you hear about, read about or are simply told about could possibly be just one huge lie. This is fantastic for those of us who report on Pop Culture news because it means that, chances are, on this day we’re more than likely totally wrong about everything we spend time writing about. April First is a day of pranks and laughs but it’s also a day of broken hopes and dreams. Why say all this? Well, to cover my own arse if I’m being entirely honest. There’s nothing more unforgivable than unreliable information delivered as God’s honest truth so in an attempt to close the gap between me, the article writer, and you, the reader, I have said what I have said. Now onto the actual news: A little image has surfaced today that could possibly mean the arrival of “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate” to the Wii U. This image, which you can see to your left, is a crude photograph of what looks to be …

Hideaki Anno Announced As Chief Director/Writer For Upcoming “Godzilla” Film

Published by Frank Inglese

You guys and girls like “Neon Genesis Evangelion” right? Oh, you do?! That’s great, but it doesn’t really matter right now because series creator Hideaki Anno is setting his sights on another towering mass of destruction and it doesn’t go by the name “Unit-01”. I’m sorry I brought it up. Now instead of Mr. Hideaki Anno laying out a work schedule for the fourth “Rebuild of Evangelion” movie that we’ve all been waiting for, he has decided to tackle one of his lifelong dreams; to be the driving force behind a modern “Godzilla” film. Something you may not know and something that may help you swallow this piece of news is that Mr. Anno has actually been a long-time fan of not only “Godzilla” but the entire Tokusatsu genre as a whole. In fact, he’s been known to collect props from some of the more mainstream series’ that have been made and aired in the past couple of decades. Fact is, his sights are now on a project he’s never done before but one that …