Otome Game Taisho Alice is Coming to PC in English! [UPDATE]

5 / 27 / 166 / 1 / 16

It seems like May is turning out to be an interesting month for surprise game localization announcments! First, we got Kuma Tomo coming out as Teddy Together in Europe, and now we have a very stealth announcement for an upcoming otome game release, Taisho Alice!

The news was unceremoniously unveiled back on May 7th by way of a Facebook post from publisher E2 Gaming, who announced they had secured the rights to a new theme song by Mardelas for the game. The post included an image with a brief description of Taisho Alice, and E2 confirmed in the comments that they were indeed localizing the game. They later elaborated in another Facebook comment that they are currently looking at a PC release, though the game is also slated to release on Vita next month in Japan.

3DS Teddy Bear Simulator Kuma Tomo to Release in English This July

5 / 24 / 165 / 24 / 16

Remember that vaguely creepy teddy bear simulator for the Nintendo 3DS? No? Well, three years after its Japanese release, Kuma Tomo is finally coming out in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as Teddy Together. Wait, what?!

I don’t know about you, but getting a random PR email announcing the localization of a game I nearly forgot about is not something I expect at 6 pm on an average Tuesday. But hey, why not?! Kuma Tomo scared more than a few folks with its talking bear who remembers the your responses to questions it asks you (just check out this Japanese commercial), but Nintendo of Australia is marketing Teddy Together as a game for parents and children to play together to help develop their reading and interpersonal skills. Let me tell you, I can’t wait to hear what the teddy bear sounds like in English.

So, will this game come out in North America, or is it doomed to be another Europe-only Nintendo release? If so, I hope that at least means Teddy has a British accent. You can pick up Teddy Together for 3DS on July 1st in Europe and July 2nd in Australia/NZ. It will also be compatible with amiibo figures, which I believe is new to the English version!

Sunday Spotlight: Girrion Comic Kickstarter

5 / 22 / 16

I don’t often cover Kickstarters that are already funded, but sci-fi comic Girrion is more than worth highlighting. For just $10, you can help support the continued production of this indie comic project and get PDFs of issues 1-5 in the process!

Girrion is a sci-fi fantasy epic told from the point of view of factory worker Jarra, whose mundane life is turned upside-down when his city is attacked by a dark force. Author Tom Lintern was kind enough to give me a peek at issues 1-3, and I was immediately struck by the gorgeous art! It is clear Tom’s influences include manga as well as western comics, and I was surprised to get a real Nausicaä vibe from the world presented in the pages of Girrion. Somehow, despite being full of machinery and grime, everything comes across as extremely organic. Head over to Girrion website for a 12 page preview of issue one to see what I mean!

Girrion issue 1 preview — One of my favorite pages from issue 1 of Girrion, featuring Princess Uralla

The current Kickstarter is to fund the production of issues 4 and 5 of Girrion, but its easy to catch up by purchasing the first three volumes in the Kickstarter or through the online storefront. But if you want access to some exciting bonuses such as pencil versions, signed issues, and more, be sure to back the Kickstarter before it ends on May 26th!

AnimeKoumi Subscription Box Review

5 / 20 / 16

Over the past couple years, I’ve reviewed my fair share of monthly subscription services. AnimeKoumi, however, offers something I’ve never seen attempted in a subscription box before: merchandise featuring unique, anime-inspired illustrations every month! Designed to bring a little anime spice to your everyday life (“koumi” does mean “spice” in Japanese, after all), this box from artist AnimeSpice is perfect for anime fans looking for something a little different.

Cute’n Nerdy Pins and Patches at Shop Susie Pie (+ Giveaway!)

5 / 17 / 165 / 17 / 16

I’ve been a follower of Susan aka Susie Pie’s illustrations on Instagram for many moons, and when I learned she was delving into the realm of enamel pins, I was thrilled! But she hasn’t stopped there – her new online store, appropriately named Shop Susie Pie, features all kinds of cute and nerdy pins and patches, as well as paper goods featuring her gorgeous illustrations. Read on for my full impressions, and don’t miss out on the exclusive giveaway and coupon code for Chic Pixel readers at the end of the post!

Oyatsubox April 2016 Review

5 / 10 / 165 / 11 / 16

This April OyatsuBox celebrated its 2 year anniversary, and they made sure to do so in style! As always, I received a Premium box priced at $30 including shipping, which comes with 10-14 snacks. When I first reviewed OyatsuBox back in March 2014, which may have even been their first shipment, and I can wholeheartedly say that two years later they are still one of the best Japanese snack subscription boxes around. Watch my unboxing video to see exactly what was in the anniversary shipment, and read on for more detailed photos and thoughts!

May 2016 Community Game-Along: Metroidvania

5 / 4 / 165 / 4 / 16

Wait, it’s May already?! Where has the time gone? We need to get crackin’ on these Metroidvania games!

That’s right, the May Community Game-Along theme is Metroidvania games! I’m really excited for #MetroidvaniaMay to make a comeback, as it was one of the first themes once I started these events back in 2014. Since this post is coming a bit late this month, I’ll cut right to the chase: if you’d like to participate, all you have to do is play any game that qualifies as a “Metroidvania” title (and believe me, there is a lot of debate on what is and what isn’t). Be sure to share your experiences in thoughts using #MetroidvaniaMay so all the other participants can join in the fun!

If you need a few ideas, check out my original Metroidvania May post, or try one of these titles:

Bob’s Magical Chainsaw: A Lumberjack’s Tale (Browser) – Chic Pixel Plus’ very own Sarah O’Donnell helped make this free browser-based game last month for low rez jam, and since it has light Metroidvania mechanics, it’s perfect for this month’s Game-Along! If you’d like to hear a little about the process of making the game, she talks all about it on episode 43 of Chic Pixel Plus.

Salt and Sanctuary (PlayStation 4) – If you want to play a timely new release, Salt and Sanctuary just came out for PS4 this past March and has received praise for basically being a 2D Dark Souls game with Castlevania elements. It certainly has the dark vibe down!

Rabi-Rabi (PC) – Perhaps you prefer your Metroidvania with a dash of moe and bullet hell shooter? Then look no further than Rabi-Rabi! It also packs a good bang for your buck with loads of content and a hefty difficulty for true Metroidvania savants.

Valdis Story: Abyssal City (PC, Mac) – It’s always great to see a Kickstarter success story, and Valdis Story: Abyssal City is exactly that! Unfortunately I can’t say much else about this action platformer with RPG and Metroidvania elements, but from what I’ve heard, it’s considered one of the best recent releases in the genre!

What will you be playing for Metroidvania May? Share your picks and suggestions in the comments!