Boys Over Flowers Season 2 Manga to Launch on Valentine’s Day

In a surprise announcement from Viz Media, acclaimed manga artist Yoko Kamio is returning to her seminal Boys Over Flowers manga with a sequel titled Boys Over Flowers Season 2 that will debut in North America this Valentine’s Day!

The original Boys Over Flowers, or Hana Yori Dango, was published over 10 years and finished with a whopping 37 volumes, making this sequel announcement even more of a shocker. Twelve years after the final volume was published, the series is back with a new set of faces at Eitoku Academy, two years after the F4 have graduated.

What’s particularly exciting about this announcement is the fact that the series will be released bi-weekly simultaneously in Japan and North America, and on top of that, Viz Media is offering current chapters for free on VIZManga and the Viz iOS and Android apps. The first three chapters will also be featured in Weekly Shonen Jump as part of the Jump Start Initiative, so if you’re already subscribed, you’ll be able to read them on February 16th (or you can subscribe online for only $19.99 for 12 months!).

I’m one of the many who is more familiar with the Boys Over Flowers drama than the actual manga, but since Boys Over Flowers Season 2 debuts with a whole new cast, I don’t believe you need to have much knowledge of the original series to enjoy it. I know I’m excited to see how Yoko Kamio will update the 90’s classic for a modern audience!

Otome Game Spirit Parade Preorders Open, 2 Additional Routes Added

There is certainly no shortage of small, independent English otome games and smartphone dating sims for those of us who like to romance handsome anime men, but it’s great to see more otome-style titles coming out from western developers. Spirit Parade is one such game, and it is now available to preorder for only $10! 

I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, but after trying the recently-released demo, I’m looking forward to its release later this spring even more. The main protagonist Nara (can be renamed by the player) is spunky and self-confident, and when she finds herself in the spirit world (an amalgamation of Asian mythology, drawing from Japanese, Chinese, and Korean folklore) she’s determined to find out how she got there. There are a number of different endings to the relatively beefy demo, which introduces the two main male suitors and an eccentric cast of supporting characters.

The fun, engaging writing is perfectly complimented by the game’s gorgeous visuals and setting, which, admittedly, is often what turns me off about many western otome games. I love that clearly a lot of time has been put into the backgrounds as well as the characters themselves, and I can’t wait to see the other locations that will make it into the final game!

When developers Lettuce Waltz teased further announcements related to the game, I decided to hold off posting about the demo so that I could include any additional news, and I’m so glad I did! While I figured the two suitors in the demo weren’t going to be the only romance options in the full game, they clarified that Shuye’s partner Haiyue will be available once Shuye’s route is cleared. In addition, due to fan demand, they’ll be adding Mikio and Diaochan routes, bringing the total number of romance options to five. This is not only exciting due to the increased options for players, but the fact that including Diaochan means there will now be a female character to date!

If Spirit Parade seems up your alley, be sure to try out the demo for PC/Mac/Linux and preorder now to get the game for the reduced price of $10 when it releases before summer hits in North America!

American Envy: Doraemon x House Foods Tofu

I know what you’re thinking: “American Envy? I thought this column was about promotions and merchandise exclusive to Japan!” Well, in a very strange turn of events, North America is receiving a special House Foods tofu campaign in honor of everyone’s favorite Japanese blue robot cat, Doraemon! 2015 marks Doraemon’s 45th anniversary, and House Foods is not only celebrating by plastering Doraemon all over their advertising, but with a sweepstakes, as well. 

I’m honestly amazed that Doraemon is finally hitting North America after enjoying so much popularity internationally. It’s currently airing on Disney XD, and as part of the House Foods campaign, his adorable face will be plastered all over everything from buses to billboards. If you live in North America, send in your Doraemon sightings! I would love to see them. 
Of course, this is the Doraemon House Foods packaging itself. All of the designs are super cute, and as a fan of tofu, I would definitely buy at least one! I think I like how the red background of the medium tofu contrasts with Doraemon’s blue the best.
If you’re a Doraemon fan living in the U.S, be sure to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a Doraemon t-shirt or Amazon Kindle! And, if you’re in New York City for Japan Week from Feb 18th – 20th, be sure to stop by House Foods’ Doraemon booth at Grand Central Terminal for some tofu samples and chances to win some fun Doraemon-themed prizes. 

February 2015 is From Software Month!

Happy February! Due to some release date announcements I’ve decided to shuffle around the Community Game-Along schedule slightly, making this the month to celebrate all games developed by From Software. I dub thee… Frombruary! 

From Software is best well known for their recent success with the Souls series, comprising of Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Dark Souls II. With their upcoming game, Bloodborne, releasing worldwide late March, now is a great time to replay some old favorites or check out a new game or two from this iconic Japanese developer! 
This month, we’ll be using #Frombruary to chronicle our various journeys on social media, but, as always, you are more than welcome (and heartily encouraged!) to write long form blog posts, post gameplay videos, or even just show of your From Software game collection using the hashtag. The only rule of the Community Game-Along is to pick a game that fits the theme, play it, and share your experiences, so feel free to do so in whatever way you wish! 
As always, here are a few game suggestions to get you started: 
Armored Core series (various systems) – If you’re a fan of From Software, there are probably three names you’re very familiar with: Demon’s Souls, King’s Field, and Armored Core. While I’d highly suggest tracking down a King’s Field game if you’re a fan of Souls and want to continue the “hardcore RPG” theme, they’re rather difficult to get hold of, so instead I’ll suggest their other major series, Armored Core. For fans of mecha, Armored Core is a must try, though it has a very heavy tactical bent and is notoriously tough to get into (much like FromSoft’s other titles…). The most recent title in the series is Armored Core: Verdict Day and is available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but it’s worth noting that the more recent games have a very strong multiplayer focus. 
Enchanted Arms (PS3, Xbox 360) – From Software has also released a few non-King’s Field RPGs such as Evergrace, Eternal Ring, and Enchanted Arms. Aside from all starting with the letter “e,” these games came out early in their console’s life cycle and can generally be found relatively easily and cheaply. Enchanted Arms may be the easiest to play nowadays, considering it was released on last-gen systems, which is why I’m including it on the list. 
The sci-fi/fantasy RPG received lukewarm reviews but certainly has its fans, and while the art style may turn some off, it has a character with a pizza for a head in it, so it can’t be all that bad. 
The Adventures of Cookie & Cream (PS2, DS) – Cookie & Cream might be the oddest game in From Software’s library, simply because it’s so different from their other titles. The multiplayer action/adventure titles features two adorable rabbits that can be controlled separately by two players using the same controller if so desired. Not only that, but the Japanese box art is brilliant! Don’t you agree? 
If you don’t have a PS2 on hand, there is a port available on the DS, as well as a downloadable version on PSN for PS3. Even if you don’t have a friend to rope into playing with you, you can still play both Cookie and Cream in the single player story mode, so there’s no reason not to try this one out! 
Echo Night (PSone, PS2) – If you’re looking for a bit of a spook, the Echo Night series might be more up your alley. While unfortunately none of the games in the series are available digitally, their unique take on first person survival horror where the player has absolutely no weapons makes it an absolute must for fans of the genre. I wish I had more to say about this series, but unfortunately I don’t know all that much about it, so suffice it to say you should pick one up and let everyone know how it is! 
Normally I have a game in mind for each month well before they’ve started, but I must admit that I’m not much of a FromSoft connoisseur. Imagine my surprise when I found out they also developed Monster Hunter Nikki: Poka Poka Airou Mura! I’ve been meaning to give my copy a go, and what better excuse than to play it for this month’s theme? 
Let us know what you’ll be playing for Frombruary in the comments!  

Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comics & Art Vol. 2 Review

One of my favorite aspects of the Vocaloid phenomenon is how it’s powered by the fan community, with people all over the globe coming together to celebrate the digital idols through music, art, and more. Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comics & Art Volume 2 showcases a wide variety of Vocaloid illustrations from both professional and up-and-coming artists, making it the perfect way to see first-hand just how much talent Hatsune Miku and her friends attract.

The last Vocaloid art book from Udon Entertainment I reviewed focused on official Vocaloid artist Kei’s soft watercolor-like illustrations such as the one on the cover above, but the Hatsune Miku Graphics series is great for those who like Vocaloids but would prefer to see art from a variety of artists. While the quality of illustrations varies from artist to artist, with 128 pages total, there is bound to be an art style that appeals to nearly everyone.

The majority of the book focuses on a number of Vocaloid artists, with a sampling of illustrations from each. I love the inclusion of the artist’s website when available – in the case of Ryouno, I was so enamoured with his work that I immediately went to browse his site. His masking tape collages are so unique, and not at all what I expected from Vocaloid art!
Wasabi’s work is sugary-sweet, and was definitely one of the standout artists for me. I love the mint illustration of Miku with macaron hair ties! For every illustration, there are artist comments detailing where the image first appeared, which can help you track down your favorite piece.

The book also includes three short manga, one drawn by Wasabi featuring Luka. I really enjoyed seeing other Vocaloids represented besides the ever-popular Hatsune Miku.

In addition to the creator galleries, there are also a number of Vocaloid tribute illustrations by famous Japanese artists. Unlike the creator galleries, these illustrations each get a single page, and while I personally found more art I liked in the galleries, fans of artists such as Nanzaki Iku (Queen’s Blade) and Homare (Phantasy Star Portable 2) will undoubtedly be pleased.

Finally, there is a section dedicated to Vocaloid collaborations and other products that, while very interesting for a Vocaloid fan, felt a little out of place in an art book. There are a number of pages on the clothing modules in the Project DIVA series of rhythm games, a small section on a Lucky Star collaboration, as well as a blurb on the Racing Miku collaboration with Good Smile Company.

As a fan of the, well, fan community that has made Vocaloids the huge phenomenon that they are, both in Japan and abroad, Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comics & Art Volume 2 was a complete pleasure to flip through. Though it may not feature everyone’s favorite artist, it’s a great way to find a great new illustrator or introduce a friend to the colorful and varied world of Vocaloids. Even with a couple small sections that might have been better used to spotlight even more artists, Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comics & Art Volume 2 would make a great addition to any Vocaloid fan’s library.

Note: A digital copy of the book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review. 

Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comic & Art Volume 2

Hatsune Miku fans, REJOICE! UDON’s sixth translated artbook featuring Superstar Japanese idol Hatsune Miku is now available! UDON Entertainment is proud to present Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comic & Art Volume 2, a new collection of illustrations, behind the scenes material, and comics(!) featuring Miku, Rin & Len, Luka, and friends!

In this latest collection, explore the world and phenomenon of Miku and the Vocaloids through illustration, short articles, and comics. Containing official Miku artwork from Kei, tribute artwork from well-known artists and illustrators, as well as album covers, short comic strips, and three exciting manga short stores featuring Miku and friends!

Release date: September 24th, 2014
Price (U.S.): $39.99
ISBN: 1-926778-83-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-926778-83-9
Format: Softcover
Page Count: 128, Partial Color (96 pages)
Size: 8.25″ x 11.75″

Buy it at a Comic Book Store Near You | Buy at Barnes & Noble | Buy at Amazon.com

Game Art: Creative Inspiration, from Indie Games to Blockbusters Now Available for Preorder

Last year, Matt Sainsbury of Digitally Downloaded launched a Kickstarter for a book on game art that, while ultimately unsuccessful, proved that there are a variety of methods to getting a book published. No Starch Press took notice of the project and, as a result, are now publishing the book under the title Game Art: Creative Inspiration, from Indie Games to Blockbusters.

Available to preorder now from No Starch’s site, Game Art is a collection of interviews and concept art from a wide variety of video game developers, from big names in the western gaming scene such as BioWare and Ubisoft to indie studios and Japanese developers. The book even contains an interview with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn producer Naoki Yoshida, which will undoubtedly be a highlight, but interviews with notable individuals from the Dynasty Warriors franchise and Hyperdimension Neptunia series are also included in the comprehensive book for fans of Japanese games. The book features artwork from over 40 console, mobile, and PC games, so there will definitely be something for everyone!

Game Art is priced at $39.99 for a physical book and free digital copy, while just the digital version is $31.95. If you preorder, however, you’ll be able to get the book for 30% off the cover price, which sounds like a great deal for over 300 pages of full color art!

Game Art: Creative Inspiration, from Indie Games to Blockbusters will launch in July 2015. In the meantime, you can read Matt’s work over at Digitally Downloaded.

10 Japanese 3DS Games Worth Importing

Now that the RegionThree exploit makes region-free 3DS gaming a reality*, you may be wondering how you should utilize this newfound power. Well, what better way than to import some cool Japan-exclusive 3DS games? Keeping import friendliness in mind for those who know little to no Japanese, I’ve compiled a list of 10 great Japanese 3DS games worth checking out!

*Before reading on, head over to the full news post to learn how to use the RegionThree exploit on your 3DS and whether your system is compatible. While this isn’t a complete region-free gaming solution, it’s a great way to try out a few Japanese games before you decide to commit to importing a whole system! Note: RegionThree no longer works, but there are other exploits available for playing region free games on 3DS.

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