Month: June 2016

Import Duty: Princess Crown (SEGA Saturn)

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Vanillaware may have left their mark on the industry with Odin Sphere back in 2007, and once more with Odin Sphere Leifthrasir in 2016, but their first dance happened way back in 1997 when they were an internal studio within Atlus. Princess Crown was technically the debut game of the Atlus team that would eventually become Vanillaware and achieve great success. Princess Crown, however, was more than just their first creation as it even laid the groundwork to the Odin Sphere we all know and love. Princess Crown was released for the SEGA Saturn in Japan back in 1997 and was unfortunately not localised or released anywhere else. It would later receive a port on the PlayStation Portable in 2011 but unfortunately even that never left Japan. Still, if you were looking for a way to try the game then the region-free PSP version is probably the most accessible. Although, as a SEGA Saturn game Princess Crown was a special gem. Right from the opening moments, Princess Crown will feel very familiar to anyone who has …

The Magnificent Seven – New Pokemon Revealed In Japanese Sun And Moon Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

I feel as though I say this every single time I write an article regarding new Pokemon but; there’s nothing more exciting than such a reveal. The period leading up to the release of a new Pokemon game is perhaps the most thrilling time for fans of the long-running franchise, and such a delightful lead-up to the release has not been changed with the upcoming Sun and Moon. While, up until this point in time, we’ve seen a few fairly interesting new Pokemon, this batch of seven revealed through a Japanese trailer for the game have me, once again, excited for this new generation…that’s not to say I wasn’t excited previously. Drampa, Togedemaru, Charjabug, Vikavolt, Cutiefly, Bruxish, and Tapukoko are the names of the newly-revealed seven that have just been introduced to the world through this new trailer. A set of Pokemon the likes of which we’ve never seen before, this group features not only a larva that resembles a small bus, a Dragon-type that looks as though it belongs in the film The …

Sister2Sister – Splatoon’s Last Splatfest is Callie vs Marie

Published by Kane Bugeja

That’s right inklings, the final Splatfest is upon us. No more shall warriors gather to test their mettle and prove, through brute force alone, which side of an argument is correct. Burgers vs Pizza. Past vs Future. Autobots vs Decepticons. Although I’m pretty sure that last one might’ve raised some red flags for a couple of people, what with their friends allying with one of the most icnic cartoon forces of evil…but I digress. For this last bout, this final hoorah as it were, we are all faced with what is perhaps the greatest question of our era, the most confounding conundrum to ever phase through the minds of those with ink coursing through their veins: Callie vs Marie. Yeparooni, the Squid Sisters are taking centre stage once more as they call forth their fans to defend their individual honour. So, dust off that Charger, oil up that Roller and get ready to charge once more into the fray as the world settles once and for all (from 7pm AEST, Friday July 22 until 7pm AEST, Sunday …

Digimon Adventure Tri. Hits North American Cinemas This September

Published by Frank Inglese

Now, reader; what is better than a Digimon Adventure Tri. official English dub release? The answer; a theatrical release of said English dub! Film Distribution company Eleven Arts have come together with Toei Animation for not only an English dub of the series of movies but to detail plans on their theatrical release throughout North America, of course, starting with the very first of the films; Reunion. It is clear to both companies that there are still fans of the franchise floating around in the West, and it seems as though they’re more than willing to, for lack of a better phrase; give a dog a bone. Working with Fathom Events, a cinema-centric company that organises events for specialty films, Eleven Arts have revealed that they will be hosting one-time screenings of the movie across 300 North American theatres on the 15th of September, but if you cannot make it to the one-night showing, do not stress; Eleven Arts also have plans to give the film a proper theatrical release soon after that of the …

Gather Your Gil – You Can Now Purchase A Final Fantasy VII Monopoly Variant

Published by Frank Inglese

While many of your out there are waiting on bated breath for the eventual re-make of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII, there are those of us out there who are looking for something to do with the legendary game that makes us feel as though we’re financially fulfilled. While simply purchasing a standard edition of Monopoly seems fitting enough, it is a board game that, in comparison to the newly announced, simply seems like child’s play. Why would I want to build a hotel on Mayfair when I could construct a Mako Reactor; a monolithic structure that literally syphons Earth’s hidden power and converts it into sustainable energy for the world’s populous to take advantage of? The answer is simply; I wouldn’t. I want total dominion over what this planet has to offer, and it starts with the taking over of Midgar. Merchoid, an online distributor for all things Geek-related, has updated their website to now feature a page wherein which you can pre-order your very own copy of the recently-announced board game variant; Final …

Another Golden Guest Heading to SMASH! 2016: Cosplayer Takahiro ‘Goldy’ Sakai

Published by Luke Halliday

News has just broke on yet another guest set to attend SMASH! 2016. The latest guest announced is popular cosplayer Takahiro Sakai, more commonly known as Goldy. Goldy is famed for his mecha cosplays which have wowed audiences across the globe for their wonderful craftsmanship, bringing to life the mecha of Gundam and Evangelion among many more. SMASH! 2016 is slated to take place on the 20th to 21st of August. Stay tuned for more details as it comes to light. -30-

No-Rin – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

In the world of anime there is seldom anything more important, more dangerous, than schoolyard dating. Seriously, it’s perilous. With all the tsunderes, yanderes, childhood friends, transfer students, ice queens, genki girls, tomboys, well to do princesses and startlingly inappropriate teachers, it’s a wonder anyone makes it out alive. I mean sure, a selection of lovely ladies all pining after one remarkably average guy, it sounds great (if you’re the guy). However, chances are remarkably high that such a situation will turn from sweet to sour with the speed of a cheetah with rockets that also happens to be made of light…which is to say very, very fast. But this is fantasy right? Emotions take second chair as long as you throw out a ton of boob jokes…right? Short answer; kind of. Welcome to the wonderful world of No-Rin, a lovely country dynamic centered on the wholesome Tamo Agriculture School. Within these walls, we find Kosaku Hata, our leading man and a die hard fan of a pop singer known as Yuka. Long story short, Kosaku’s …

SnapThirty Was a Mistake – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 69.5

Published by Kane Bugeja

Why 69.5 you ask? Why not just list this as episode 70? Well, funny story about that…probably. Haven’t actually come up with it yet, but there totally has to be one. At the very least it caught your attention (maybe) and isn’t that enough? If not, the ever fresh topic of shonen reappears once more and the great mysteries of Bleach are finally…discussed. Or ridiculed, the words are basically interchangeable in this instance. Also Shaman King is pretty neat, you should check it out sometime. If you want… -30-

To the Bittersweet End – Ushio and Tora Episode 39 (Finale) – Season’s Writings

Published by Kane Bugeja

So here we are, the end. It’s been a wild ride hasn’t it? We’ve seen an inexperienced child come to terms with his duty, an obnoxious yokai slowly transform into an upstanding hero and the world around them forgo grudges born thousands of years ago. We’ve seen a monster of the week story shift into a single cohesive plot, characters return well after we forgot who they were and an impossible amount of stubbornness vanquish evil time and time again. But whether you’ve been concious of thisi or not, the simple fact remains, through every challenge, through every moment of strife and elation, we have seen Ushio and Tora. Judgement Day. Hakumen no Mono is on its final legs and is now more dangerous than ever. Having openly admitted that Ushio and Tora’s verbal beatdown is accurate and it is in fact jealous of the world, Hakumen lets loose and becomes a ballistic bundle of unbridled fury. Apart from showing how tenacious this villain is, I was rather interested in Hakumen’s willingness to accept its faults. …

Level-5’s Snack World Returns To The Public Eye With Long-Awaited New Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

Level-5, the genius developer behind such franchises as Inazuma Eleven and Yo-Kai Watch, revealed a new video game quite some time ago simply titled “Snack World“. Looking like a mix between Adventure Time and a Play-Doh Rainbow Starter Pack, this game instantly confused yet delighted audiences. After the game’s reveal and short video trailer release, Snack World faded into obscurity, only to now appear once again thanks to the release of another trailer! Level-5 held a live-streaming event over the past day wherein which they debuted this new trailer for Snack World. Showing only cinematics, the general public is still very much confused in regards to what kind of game this is going to be. Clearly it will involve a great deal of adventuring, which could be adapted into an RPG-style setting as well as a light action title. Regardless, the game looks like insanity wrapped in fun, and has me highly anticipating what’s to come next from the would-be multimedia franchise. Snack World’s combat will rely on the player collection keychains that can then be transformed …

Level-5 Japan Releases A Multitude Of New Yo-Kai Watch 3 Promotional Videos

Published by Frank Inglese

Would it be going to far to say that Level-5 is one of the most generous video game developers of this generation? I mean, they’re constantly updating us on their recent projects, never allowing us to wait too long without seeing what’s new. In my eyes, Level-5 cares for it’s audience, especially those of us out there that love Yo-Kai Watch! Speaking of which; Level-5 Japan has, over night, updated their official Youtube channel to now feature a set of new promotional videos, trailers, and television advertisements for their upcoming franchise addition; Yo-Kai Watch 3: Sushi and Tempura. Alongside a video showcasing the updated battle system of the new game, Level-5 have also released videos that show, in great detail, the “My Nyan” Yo-Kai creation feature of the game as well as two brand-new full-length trailers spotlighting the two title variations, and a set of three video advertisements that will now be appearing during television ad breaks across Japan. Now, you don’t want to have to sit here all day reading what I have to …

One Piece: Burning Blood – PlayStation 4 Review

Published by Frank Inglese

It’s amusing to imagine that, in modern times, One Piece has become synonymous with the video game developer Omega Force thanks to their small but impactful series of Warriors-style games of which introduced the West to One Piece video game adaptations. Three strikingly similar games later, and a few offshoots similar enough to the original, it is now an odd sight to behold when a video game based on the Shonen Jump legend One Piece is more than just a one-vs-thousands Dynasty Warriors clone. The release of One Piece: Romance Dawn in 2013 was like a breath of fresh for Western fans of the series simply due to the fact that it was NOT part of the One Piece: Pirate Warriors series. Despite the fact that it was reviewed heavily as a sub-par Role-Playing Game, it still differentiated itself from the norm, and thus made somewhat of an impact. It’s now 2016, and the long-awaited One Piece: Burning Blood has been released worldwide, exciting and delighting One Piece fans thanks to it’s lack of similarities to …

With All Your Might – Anime and Manga’s Greatest Fights

Published by Luke Halliday

Snap Discussion is the weekly round table discussion on a topic relating to Japanese pop culture as selected by the almighty Snapodile. Each week the SnapThirty team will weigh in with their thoughts on that week’s topic all with the hopes of providing some interesting and perhaps even conflicting view points on the matter at hand. This week’s topic is With All Your Might – Anime and Manga’s Greatest Fights. For this topic we each looked at some of the greatest fights. A good fight can thrill, but a great fight is an emotional rollercoaster that etches itself permanently into your mind long after its over. Here are some of our own personal favourites. Luke Halliday: For me, an unabashed Togashi fanatic, it should be no surprise what fight I have chosen for this week’s roundtable. It is of course the epic clash between Gon and Hisoka at Heaven’s Arena in Hunter x Hunter. While there are many other incredible fights in this series, none really hit the same level of pure emotion and gravitas …

Blade Dance of the Elementalers – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

You know the story. Boy meets girl, girl meets boy, girl just so happens to be bathing in a lake, boy averts gaze stating that he had no intention of peeping, girl flies into murderous rage and destroys a large tree, boy saves girl from being crushed by said tree, girl flies into second murderous rage and ensnares boy in magical fire whip, boy eventually escapes said fire whip, girl begins tireless search for boy, boy enrolls as only male student in the history of all girls college, girl finds boy and declares him her eternal slave. It’s a classic…probably. So yeah, that’s basically the first episode. This series doesn’t even pretend to open with a plot, it just jumps straight to the ill timed mid-bath meet cute. You don’t even know the character’s names when it happens, hell, there’s a few more tsundere outbursts before that information is revealed. Eventually however, we discover that our protagonist is a boy named Kamito Kazehaya and the brash little spitfire known as Claire Rouge will be joining …

Pop Culture Shock – Experiencing Sydney’s Supanova Pop Culture Expo 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

The travelling Pop Culture Convention Supanova has been congregating likeminded audiences from across Australia since 2002, and since then this meeting of the fandoms has only gotten more and more extensive, changing to occupy the ever-growing crowds which, in this day and age, have never been more dense in number. We’re now living in an age wherein which being a “nerd” is no longer a title only designated to those with a penchant for science-fiction and higher level learning, as the stereotype incorrectly suggests, but to anyone willing to purchase a full-price ticket to the latest Avengers film. Many see this as a negative, but few look to this cultural change as a step forward in humankind’s ability to accept and understand, and Supanova 2016’s numbers alone make this quite obvious. Regardless of one’s reasons for attending – be they to purchase the latest Funko Pop! Vinyl figurines or to meet, albeit briefly, a pop culture icon that you find particularly awe-inspiring – hordes of dedicated fans will battle the seasonal Sydney wet weather year …

Night and Day – Ushio and Tora Episode 38 – Season’s Writings

Published by Kane Bugeja

We’re really speeding towards the end aren’t we? I mean, this is the second last episode of Ushio and Tora, one more and we’re done. That’s it, finished. But let’s worry about that next week shall we? This week we have bigger fish to fry, well, it’s the same fish, but you get the idea. Having been driven into four magically empowered corners, Hakumen no Mono is on the defensive this time around…not that it’d let you know that. Rather, we must witness a spiteful and pompous villain until the bitter end, in all its fox-bird-horse glory, as it proclaims to bring eternal darkness unto the light of the world. Which is really mean. With the collective forces of the yokai and humans bearing down on it, Hakumen no Mono decides to enlist an annoyingly logical course of action and separates said forces from their leaders. Their leaders, of course, are Ushio and Tora, whom Hakumen just figured out are the cause of Japan’s receding fear levels. A surprising blind spot for a being so hellbent on …

The Original Sasuke – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 69

Published by Kane Bugeja

There’s always one. One character who is not quite good, not quite evil and tends to rake in an exorbitant amount of the fanbase. The rogue, the renegade, the Sasuke. Think about it for a moment, delve into the recesses of your mind and recall each series you have seen in the past. You may have seen a Sasuke without even knowing it. There may even be a Sasuke in your life right now. Frightening, isn’t it? -30-

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force – PlayStation 4 Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Ask certain people and they’ll tell you that life is a birthright that should be experienced with ease, that you should not fight your way to the grave but instead float their blissfully having enjoyed your time between birth and the inevitable darkness of death. Unfortunately not all of us are programmed to go about things that way, and yet many of us try to achieve such an unachievable zen thinking that it will be a change for the better. Regardless of the way you live it, life is a mysterious entity that will always ask something of you, be it insignificant or on a grand scale, nobody gets through life having done nothing at all. Sooner or later destiny comes knocking at your proverbial door and asks something of you that cannot be demanded from anyone else. We call this “life purpose”, and it is a disease that effects everyone. In Compile Heart’s Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force you follow the story of a lazy young man named Fang who, one fateful day, awakens …

Dai Shogun Complete Series – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

Dai Shogun is a harem/ecchi/mecha anime taking place during the Edo period of Japan except there’s mechs powered by mythical energy. Protagonist Keiichiro is an all round tough dude who loves to fight, and works at a bathhouse owned by his grandma. Yes, just the bathhouse alone guarantees nudity in nearly all of the 12 episodes in some shape or form. Hell, the main mecha in the anime, Susanoo, has to launch from an area that is conveniently located next to the women’s bath area. I’m getting ahead of myself here, the point I’m trying to make here is that Dai Shogun is a case of a neat idea that does every possible thing wrong in its execution. I’m the last person to find ecchi offensive, in fact I celebrate it when it’s done with finesse like in Woman Named Mine Fujiko but then that’s an unfair standard to compare any anime with. Dai Shogun is ecchi overdrive, ecchi overkill… ecchi to the point of suffocation. With ecchi, honestly less is more, and Dai Shogun does …

Hanayamata Complete Series – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

It’s good for what it is. That’s the safest thing a reviewer can say when they’re reviewing something that they have absolutely no interest in, and probably didn’t even enjoy, but have to say it because they need to be able to respect the genre and the fanbase. I did this when I reviewed that very interesting AKB48 anime a while back. Hanayamata falls in the same category as one of those school club anime like K-On!, and when I read the premise that’s exactly what it reminded me of. I did not like K-On!, not even in the slightest…. I mean an anime about a bunch of kids that start a band and succeed with ease, it’s hard to find that kind of optimism endearing, but I suppose that style of anime has its place when you just want to watch something light that portrays the absolute bare minimum of first world problems. I was expecting Hanayamata to be exactly that, where bunch of rich school kids start a little music/dance club and nothing but …

Twin Star Exorcists Volume Four – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Something you come to learn quickly as an adult is that your childhood is one that should have been cherished. Out parents used to tell us that, when we become adults, we will come to miss being children, but unfortunately as adolescents we often take things for granted, only fully understanding once that time has passed us by. For some, days of old were ones spent in anguish, building them to be the men and women they are today. Many will say that hardship build character, but seemingly at the cost of a lot more. Rokuro Enmado had a childhood unlike any other. Training to be an Exorcist, he had no choice but to take up arms against fellow trainees who had succumb to the devilish influence of the Kegare, forced upon them by once-friend Yuto Ijika. This once seemingly innocent boy was the catalyst behind the Hinatsuki Tragedy, and he’s back to finish what he started. Given a choice, Rokuro must now decide whether or not to join Yuto in his plan to become the …

Check Out Kotobukiya’s New Trainer Red ARTFX J Pokemon Figure

Published by Frank Inglese

Everybody seems to know who Ash Ketchum is, but all the true fans of Pokemon know who the true master is, and he doesn’t get handouts from his Mum back in Pallet Town that’s for sure! He’s a rough customer that, after his Pokemon journey came to an end, decided to traverse the harsh elements of Mount Silver, only to call the peak of said mountain his home. Many courageous trainers would follow in his footsteps, literally, just for the chance to challenge him, often loosing and perhaps perishing on the way back down the mountain. Red is the truest champion of the Pokemon world, and now thanks to Kotobukiya’s upcoming figure release, you will be able to harness his ultimate power and show it off to your friends. Japanese retailers have now opened up pre-orders for this new item which is set for a November release. The Trainer Red ARTFX J figurine, which is accompanied by an equally bad-arse Pikachu, will set you back 9,180 Yen (about US$88), but it will be worth every penny …

Yo Ho Ho? There’s Now Going To Be A One Piece Live-Action Film?!

Published by Frank Inglese

I have to say, reader; I’ve begun feeling like a broken record as of late. It seems as though I’ve written quite a few news pieces regarding live-action film adaptations as of late, and they only seem to keep coming. Just yesterday it was revealed that Tokyo Ghoul will be getting it’s very own live-action film, and today, thanks to an announcement by Shanghai Minghuan Investment, it seems as though the Shonen Jump classic series One Piece will be the next to receive the same adaptation treatment. At least…that’s the plan. Announced through Business Wire about twelve hours ago, Shanghai Minghuan has purchased the copyright for One Piece from Eiichiro Oda and Shonen Jump for 1.6 Billion Yen (US$15 Million), and plans to use said copyright to produce a live-action film based, roughly, on the long-running series. From what we’re lead to believe, plans to develop a One Piece film of this kind have been in place for quite some time, with the only thing holding the company back being that of the copyright restraints, but …

E3 2016 – Nintendo Reveals New Action/Adventure IP “Ever Oasis”

Published by Frank Inglese

For me, the most exciting news to come out of E3 is not additional information on titles the general public have already been aware of for quite some time, but reveals of brand-new video games that begin their illustrious development and release journey with the festivities of the expo as their starting point. It’s even more exhilarating when a big company like Nintendo partner up, once again, with a developer like Grezzo (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D, The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D) to conceive and create a brand-new IP that will, hopefully, have the world enthralled. The new title, that I’m heavily referring to, is that of “Ever Oasis“; a action/adventure game that puts players in the small but strong being known as a Seedling, who is tasked with developing a beautiful Oasis out in the harsh desert landscape. With your partner Isuna at your side, you as the Seedling will have to traverse the blazing planes of the desert while recruiting new friends and aiding in the prosper of …

Nintendo Releases Yo-Kai Watch 2: Boney Spirits and Fleshy Souls Premiere Trailer For E3 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

Us here at SnapThirty have followed the young life of Yo-Kai Watch ever since it was first announced for a Japanese audience. We waited patiently as game after game was released, none making it to the West until last year when Level-5 and Nintendo granted our wish and released the first of now three Yo-Kai Watch games outside of Japan. It’s now 2016 and we are once again waiting for when the second Yo-Kai Watch title will be within our reach, and thanks to the festivities of E3 2016 we now know when we can expect the game to hit Western shores, and exactly what to expect from it’s localisation. The premiere trailer for Yo-Kai Watch 2: Boney Spirits and Fleshy Souls (in the West) was hosted last night within the Nintendo Treehouse live stream, showcasing to audiences the return of a much-loved game alongside it’s new mechanics and slightly altered setting that will, as a part of the story, take players on a trip back through time to uncover the truth of a mystery …

Straight From E3 2016 – Nintendo Reveals The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Published by Frank Inglese

What do we know about Nintendo’s upcoming video game The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild? Well, we know that it’s been in development since 2013, and that we didn’t see anything of what it has to offer until 2014. We know that it was delayed three times, originally intended to be released in 2015 but now slated for release in 2017. We know that it will feature a new Link, who was a given to appear in this title, albeit in a form that we have never seen before. What’s funny is, until today, we had no idea what this game is called…that is, until Nintendo decided to release several videos of the new project, revealing it to be the game we now know as The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. This new addition to the long line of The Legend Of Zelda titles looks as though it’s set to take players on a wild journey through a new and exciting land featuring game mechanics reminiscent of older titles in the …

Could Tokyo Ghoul Really Be The Next To Get A Live-Action Film Adaptation?

Published by Frank Inglese

We all knew this was coming, right? To be honest, I’m quite surprised this hasn’t happened already. Sui Ishida’s Dark Fantasy Manga Tokyo Ghoul is one of the most popular contemporary Manga outdoing that of Attack On Titan in recent times. Thanks to it’s dark themes and unapologetic gore, Tokyo Ghoul quickly became a series to capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world, so you can imagine why I’m shocked that news of a live-action adaptation wasn’t confirmed a while ago. Serving as a follow up to the original Manga, Tokyo Ghoul:re takes place two years after the shocking events of the first series, and across Japan the seventh volume of said series is about to be released. Fortunately for those of you out there with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, an image of this particular volume was leaked before it has gotten the chance to be released, revealing an exciting piece of news that will divide audiences almost instantly. Unlike many Manga released in the West, Japanese volumes often feature cover bands that …

Black Clover Volume One – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

It was in the early months of 2015 when Black Clover was first introduced to Western audiences thanks to Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump “Jump Start” initiative that showcases three full chapters from a brand-new Manga as a way to gauge audience reaction and determine whether or not to continue featuring it within the pages of the weekly issue release. Yuki Tabata, who was more well known for his short-lived series Hungry Joker at the time, began developing Black Clover after his previous Manga was cancelled abruptly. At the time of Black Clover’s pilot chapter release, I was nowhere near as open-minded as I am today, writing it off as a distinct duplicate of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto in disguise as Hiro Mashima’s Fairy Tail. From what I am lead to believe; many people felt the same way as me at the time. The strange thing about this series is that it is still going strong today despite the heavy judgment from Shonen Jump readers early on in the piece. It isa case wherein which the loud …

Pokemon Sun and Moon E3 Trailer Reveals Pikipek, Yungoos, and Grubbin

Published by Frank Inglese

Nintendo has hit the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in a big way this year, as they have in previous years, with the reveal of not only a couple of brand-new video games but also by introducing the audience to three of the new Pokemon set to appear in their highly anticipated duo of games; Pokemon Sun and Moon. Revealed a week ago by the Japanese video game magazine CoroCoro were Nekkoala and Iwanko, the Koala and Poi Dog Pokemon, and thanks to the E3 trailer for Sun and Moon the world has been introduced to three more; Pikipek, Yungoos, and Grubbin. Pikipek: Category: Woodpecker Pokémon Type: Normal/Flying Height: 1’00″ Weight: 2.6 lbs. Ability: Keen Eye / Skill Link Pikipek can strike 16 times a second with its beak. These strikes are powerful enough to not only drill through hard wood but even shatter stone. The noises made by their blows can signal others. Some of these signals have been identified as warning signals and greetings among allies. Pikipek Trainers have grown to recognize them as well. These Pokémon drill holes in …

Cosplaying the Right Tune – Cosplayer Yuegene Fay to Attend SMASH! 2016

Published by Kane Bugeja

You’ve been to conventions before, right? Heck, you may have even been to SMASH! 2015-earlier. Regardless, cosplay is most certainly something you’ve seen, you may have even participated yourself. Still, it never hurts to do a little research and what better way to do research than by watching a professional. What I’m getting at here is that Yuegene Fay is coming to SMASH! and she’s like, really good at cosplaying. Here, just look at these pictures: SMASH! President Andrew Qiu believes that Yuegene’s attendance at SMASH! expresses, “enthusiasm for authentic cosplay talent,” noting that, “regardless of gender and skills, cosplay has the power to unite like-minded fans. It offers them the opportunity to dress up and express their passion for pop-culture in the unique form of cosplay.” There’s not too much more to say about this one people. Swing by SMASH! if you’re into cosplay (and a whole lot more) or want to hear the reasoning of those who are, what got them into the practice, what keeps them in it, how they choose who they’re going to …

Kojima Productions Reveals New Game “Death Stranding”, World Confused By Trailer

Published by Frank Inglese

A naked man wakes up on a beach connected by the navel to an infant who, like himself, is also entirely exposed. What connects them is an artificial umbilical cord, but when the man decides to shelter the child from the harsh elements, both it and the cord disappear, leaving only pitch-black oil in it’s place. The man stands and looks out into the horizon, on the sand around him lies the corpses of a thousand sea creatures, but above him are what look to be five levitating humanoids who seemingly phase out of existence as the man notices them. You’re utterly confused by this aren’t you, reader? Yeah, so is everyone else. What I’ve just re-told is Kojima Production’s premier trailer for their upcoming video game project; “Death Stranding“, which was revealed as a part of this year’s Electronics Entertainment Expo, known to many simply as “E3“. This new game lead by the genius mind of Hideo Kojima and his crack team of developers will star Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead fame who was set to …

World Trigger Volume Ten – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

In life, every action has a reaction. There will never be a time in your life wherein which a choice you make will lead to naught, there will always be a consequence to everything you do, good or bad. Often this is something that is ignored in Shonen Manga of all kinds. With Shonen Jump’s demographic being young adults, one would imagine that realistic lessons would be the first to teach, but more often than not this isn’t the case. Shonen Jump’s modo is “Friendship, Effort, and Victory“, but never cause and effect, so to see something as realistic as a government-run press conference to address the severity of a war just passed as demanded by the general public situated within said war zone both startled and interested me greatly. With only seven seconds left until the crossroads, time is running out. Black Triggers face off as Miwa activates Fujin to bring the invasion to an end. But can everyone really escape the worst possible future? – VIZ Media Daisuke Ashihara’s mature style of writing is shown …

New Artwork Revealed for 2017 ‘Legend of Zelda’ Title

Published by Luke Halliday

It is that time of year again, E3 is upon us once more and with it as always is plenty of details on the future of video gaming. One such revelation came from Nintendo in the form of promotional artwork for their upcoming Legend of Zelda title scheduled for release in 2017. The artwork which can be seen above (click to enlarge) showcases the game’s iteration of legendary hero Link as he climbs a cliff face fearlessly with the Kingdom of Hyrule seen in the background. The game is slated for release next year on both the Wii U and Nintendo’s rumoured next generation device the tentatively titled ‘Nintendo NX’. More detail on the upcoming Legend of Zelda title and the NX platform are said to be revealed when Nintendo holds their ‘treehouse’ live event towards the end of the E3 event. Stay tuned for more information as it comes to light. -30-

Hercules Heracles – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 68

Published by Kane Bugeja

There are some names that just exude strength, that ooze power, emanate hardiness…synonyms. But then you have to think to yourself; who came up with that name? I mean, somewhere back down the line a person, or persons, took the alphabet and rearranged it until they liked the sound it made. Some might call this practice an art, some, on the other hand, might just wing it and completely undermine the process. Not that you’d find people like that here… -30-

Getting the Band Back Together – Ushio and Tora Episode 37 – Season’s Writings

Published by Kane Bugeja

Don’t you just hate a smug villain? You know the ones, they’re always talking about how they’re the best and will never be defeated by the likes of you. They suck. Yet, there is one glaring benefit to witnessing a character/creature who fills this role; watching them fail. Is it vindictive? A little, yes, but they’re evil so it’s okay…I think. Regardless, we’ve all been watching Hakumen be an arrogant, selfish monster for all this time, so I think it’s about darn time that we get to see this fox-bird-horse get some just desserts. Or at least, the prequel to dessert, since the show’s not done yet. Would that be dinner then? The prequel to just desserts…I hope Hakumen gets its just dinners. When we last left half of our protagonisitic duo, Tora was floating somewhere in the ocean with three giant holes in his body. Which I assume would hurt. Of course, this is not the end for our tiger striped companion and we spend some time this episode delving into the complex mind …

Pokemon Sun And Moon – CoroCoro Scans Reveal Nekkoala And Iwanko

Published by Frank Inglese

Usually, waiting for a video game’s release is a hellish time for die-hard fans looking to get their hands on the latest and greatest titles. For Pokemon fans it is a time to reflect, theorise, and speculate, taking into account the snippets of information they’re delivered systematically from the moment the game is announced to the moment it is released. The latest title that has audiences in grand anticipation is that of Pokemon Sun and Moon; a pair of games that, much like previous titles, will take players on a journey unlike the last, always pushing for us to experience bigger and better things. A few weeks ago the world was introduced to Rowlett, Litten, and Poplio; the starters of the new generation, but they’re not the only Pokemon to be featured in the game, no way! As the months and weeks pass, Game Freak and Nintendo will be introducing us to more and more of the new generation’s long list of new Pocket Monsters with the latest being a narcoleptic koala called Nekkoala, and a …

Everything You Need To Know About Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters – Tokyo Toy Show 2016

Published by Frank Inglese

Today is the day that Digimon fans the world over stand up in support of what’s to come next with Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters. This new multimedia project was teased some time ago with the random appearance of a website that gave us little to no information, but built an incredible swell of hype almost instantaneously. It was soon revealed that this site was a teaser for the next step in the Digimon: Digital Monsters franchise titled “Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters“. The reveal boasted a cross-media project the scale of which we’ve never seen before. Just a few days ago an official Twitter page was started for the ambitious project that highlighted the protagonist of the Anime series, alongside some of the flagship Digimon that will appear throughout it, but today we have gotten way more than we expected thanks to Bandai’s presence at this year’s Tokyo Toy Show. Follow me as I take you through everything that was revealed over the course of Bandai’s Digimon Universe presentation, delivering you all the “need to know” information from …

Fullmetal Alchemist On-Set Photos: Ryosuke Yamada Is Looking Good As The Live-Action Edward Elric

Published by Frank Inglese

Of course, when it is revealed that a beloved Anime or Manga series is getting a live-action adaptation, people begin to worry. When it was announced that Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist was getting the live-action adaptation treatment we all took a deep breath and tried to remain calm…unfortunately that didn’t work for many people who decided to take to the internet to share their opinions on the new project. Then the heat dies down for a while after the production team decide that it isn’t worth sharing more news if they’re just going to get annihilated by their target demographic because of it, but that doesn’t stop the local newspapers from doing so! La Nazione, an Italian newspaper, took to the world wide web after paparazzi snapped a set of three pictures from the set of the Fullmetal Alchemist film which is being filmed on location in Volterra, Italy. Of these three shots, really only one of them is worthwhile, and it’s that of lead actor Ryosuke Yamada in full Edward Elric costume. Sporting a …

First Look At Digimon Universe’s New Digital Monsters And Protagonist

Published by Frank Inglese

Tomorrow marks the official kickoff of the Tokyo Toy Show 2016, so as you can imagine; sites like us based all around the world are preparing for some interesting product reveals alongside some tasty news that will surely excite the world as a whole. Us here at SnapThirty are moreso looking forward to the new information said to be released regarding the upcoming addition to the long Digimon lineage which is now under the new name; Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters. Last month, Bandai teased us with the creation of the official Digimon Universe website that, apart from some mostly-opaque images, showed us nothing about the new multimedia project. Today though, Bandai have created a Twitter account for the new project that features a couple of pictures that, until this point, were never before seen. Two images; one serving as the account’s banner image, and the other serving as the accounts display picture have revealed to the world the protagonist of this project alongside the flagship Digimon and a few others. Unfortunately, no information has been disclosed …

Friendship, Effort and Victory: The Spirit of Shonen Jump

Published by Luke Halliday

Snap Discussion is the weekly round table discussion on a topic relating to Japanese pop culture as selected by the almighty Snapodile. Each week the SnapThirty team will weigh in with their thoughts on that week’s topic all with the hopes of providing some interesting and perhaps even conflicting view points on the matter at hand. This week’s topic is Friendship, Effort and Victory: The Spirit of Shonen Jump. For this topic we each looked at the legendary manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump and the iconic series that made themselves home in the pages of the magazine. Viz Media has called Shonen Jump manga ‘The World’s Most Popular Manga’ and it is hard to debate them on that. Here are some of our own personal experiences. Luke Halliday: For those who have followed our site, you’d likely have come to discover that it is no secret that I am a superfan of Yoshihiro Togashi and his manga. So I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to once again talk about how good Togashi …

Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

We all have that friend, you know the one I mean. The one that’s just a little bit different from all your other friends. That isn’t to say that’s a bad thing, in fact, it’s probably why they’re your friend in the first place. Still, fiction once again takes the proverbial cake when, due to circumstances rendered completely plausible due to the nature of the world, said friends noticeable difference is that they’re a book. Like, an honest to goodness, talking, flying book…who is magic. Atelier fans rejoice (?) because yet another instalment in the oh so populous franchise has hit your screens. This time around, we find ourselves experiencing the tale of Sophie, an aspiring alchemist with a quaint atelier in the humble town of Kirchen Bell. For those of you who don’t know, an atelier is a shop, at least it is in this game, specialising in the alchemic arts, which is pretty cool. Jumping back just a touch, that bracketed question mark way up yonder is in no means a jab at …

Yo-Kai Watch 3’s New Information Update Introduces Us To Agents Marder and Kakurii

Published by Frank Inglese

There’s something undeniably charming about Level-5 video game productions that goes much deeper than cute visuals and heart-warming storylines. Whether it be Inazuma Eleven, Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, or any of their other beloved games, it seems as though Level-5 has the strange ability to develop games with an certain sense of heart. Yo-Kai Watch, to me, seems as though it is the franchise that portrays this in the clearest of ways and, once again, not just for superficial reasons. This is why new Yo-Kai Watch information is always exciting, and despite the fact that the West is now two games behind Japan, I feel as though audiences outside of the great country can’t help but embrace the news regardless of it’s region-based exclusivity. Overnight, Level-5 released a major update of information regarding the upcoming Yo-Kai Watch 3: Sushi and Tempura titles that shows a few of the new features alongside some of the new characters that will accompany you throughout the story which, at this point in time, is actually still a mystery. Yo-Kai …

Madoka Magica’s Ai Nonoka announced as a guest for SMASH! 2016

Published by Luke Halliday

Get excited anime fans, one of the industry’s most popular voice actresses will be heading down under as a guest at SMASH! Con 2016. That’s right, Ai Nonoka, of Madoka Magica fame will be attending the Sydney Manga and Anime Show at Rose Hill Gardens on 20th and 21st of August, 2016. Ai Nonoka famously voiced Kyoko Sakura in Madoka Magica, a critically acclaimed modern classic anime series. Not only was she a part of that series but she is also well known Konoka Konoe in the iconic Negima franchise. Miss Nonoka will be joining previously announced guest Hideo Ishikawa for the SMASH! Convention come August 20th and 21st. It is unknown exactly what type of appearances she shall make or if their will be a panel for her so stay tuned for updates on Ai Nonoka’s appearance at SMASH! Con 2016. -30-

Two Elbows! – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 67

Published by Kane Bugeja

There is a fine line between genius and insanity, a very, very fine line. Some would say that creating a man with multiple joints in a single arm is an outrage, some may even cower in fear at the sheer concept. However, some men dare to go further, to push past each and every boundary laid before them…though they probably should’ve stopped before a cartoon man turned his arms into flutes and fought a bunch of marines. That may have been just a touch too far. -30-

These New JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Snacks Will Make You Feel Great!

Published by Frank Inglese

Most good arcades will often offer up something along the lines of snack food to fuel players as they work hard attempting to land a high scores on their favorite games. Maybe you’re a fan of Tekken and need more wins on your record, so you head into your local arcade, slap down your Banapassport card, and there appears your modified Devil Jin with 299 wins and only a single loss. You now want to try add to that number by ghosting as many of the other players looking for a rumble as you can, but how can you be expected to nail combos with an empty stomach? You can’t! That’s ludicrous! You go searching for something quick, close, and easy to settle the hunger pains. If you’re a young man or woman living in Japan that can relate to what I’ve just said, then you’ll be delighted to know that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure have collaborated with Umaibo snacks and are releasing their own limited line of Beef Tongue flavoured puffed corn treats across the great …

New Image Of Kojima Productions Mascot Ludens Confirms He Is Not A Skeleton Man

Published by Frank Inglese

Last month, Kojima Productions revealed to the world the character behind the image for their new logo; a suited adventurer named Ludens who many of us, mostly me, thought was to be some sort of scary skeleton man. As it turns out, Ludens is simply a human wearing something akin to a skeleton face mask. How do I know this? Well Kojima Productions has sent through a key art asset to North America’s GameStop retailer, we assume, to use in a slew of promotional campaigns that may range from in-store advertising to website-based publicity. Regardless, GameStop leaked this image, confirming to the world that Ludens is indeed a flesh and bone man, and not some sort of mythical bone gentlemen with a penchant for future technologies. The image features the words “I’ll Keep Coming“, which still does not shed light on what Kojima Productions are currently working on, though many people are speculating, thanks to previous information, that it will revolve heavily around space travel. Do I agree with this? No, but that’s because I …

Tomodachi x Monster Volume Two – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

From birth, we’re taught to be ourselves under all circumstances, never to succumb to the pressure of our peers, only to become something that ultimately we are not. Children, as inexperienced as they are, often do not go about their young lives following this frame of mind, instead they will do whatever it is they can to fit in so as to not be seen as “odd“, “weird“, “strange“, or anything else that would lead to their social outcasting. As you grow older, despite the fact that some social circles never change, you begin to learn that it matters not what others think, and that going through life while staying true to yourself is a road very much worth travelling. Narimiya Wataru’s situation, similar but unlike that of any other human child, is one that can only be described as…twisted. Now that Peke and himself have become great “friends“, others with similar companions belonging to a renegade group of murderous youths named “Carnival” are coming for him, but why exactly? Well, it could have something …

Where the Heart Is – Ushio and Tora Episode 36 – Season’s Writings

Published by Kane Bugeja

Well we’re certainly turning onto the home stretch now aren’t we folks. With Hakumen no Mono locked in a battle against every character who has ever bore it ill will, our ending draws ever closer. Now, how that ending plays out is yet to be determined but, in the mean time, it sure is nice to see the bird-fox-horse we all hate go on the defensive for once. Of course this is due to the fact that its destruction will mean the safety of every sentient creature on the planet, but you have to admit, it’s also mostly because Hakumen is a jerk and you want to see it get punched in the face, like, really, really hard. I know I do. Following last weeks heroic charge into dramatic still frame animation, Ushio and the yokai crew are interrupted on their journey to Hakumen by the appearance of Hakumen. Needless to say, everyone is startled and panic ensues. Hakumen, being the loveable scamp it is, couldn’t care less about them for the moment, as it …

Who’re Those Pokemon? – Pokemon Sun and Moon Legendaries Detailed

Published by Kane Bugeja

Put your gloves up and get that footwork flowin’ party people because it’s time for round two in the Generation VII Pokemon information deluge. Having already discovered just how much the world can love an owl that is also some kind of plant, we find ourselves venturing further from the Pokemon that help start our adventure, to the ones who herald its final moments. Not, like, in a death way or anything, more in a, “I caught the Legendary so I guess I finished the story,” kind of way. But regardless of where we start our Pokemon journey, or where we end it, it is time to add some new names to your ever expanding mental Pokedex; Solgaleo and Lunala. Solgaleo CATEGORY Sunne Pokémon HEIGHT 11’02” WEIGHT 507.1 lbs. TYPE Psychic/Steel ABILITY Full Metal Body Since ancient times, Solgaleo has been honored as an emissary of the sun. It is referred to with reverence as “the beast that devours the sun.” Solgaleo’s body holds a vast amount of energy, and it shines with light when …