Did you buy a used copy of the Limited Edition of Ys SEVEN only to find out it was missing the cloth map, artbook, or soundtrack CD? Rather than searching eBay, now you can order any of these bonus items right from the source for $5 a pop (including shipping).

XSEED just announced the grand opening of their online store. Aside from individual bonus items, you can also purchase copies of various XSEED games including Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, several Ys games (both in limited and standard editions), Little King’s Story, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony, The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces, and more.

Curiously, there’s no sign of either Retro Game Challenge or the recently released Solatorobo: Red the Hunter at this time, but given that the store just went live that could change. While shipping is already included in the prices, there is a $20 minimum per order. Of course, most of the games are $20 anyway, but if you were just looking to get one of those fancy schmancy cloth maps, you’ll have to throw something else onto the order.

Source: XSEED

Sure, Square-Enix might be concentrating its North American focus on Final Fantasy XIII-2, but Japan will soon get a far more interesting looking game in the series. Final Fantasy Type-0 is a fast paced action RPG and is part of the same Fabula Nova Crystallis mythology. While it may not be confirmed to come overseas, a Japanese demo has been released that will work just fine if your firmware is up to date.

Having played through the demo myself, I left quite impressed. The large number of characters you can play as with their varying weapons and abilities have a nice sense of variety. And each of the demo’s levels have a lot going on, some even involving multiple miniboss monsters. I’ve pieced together some highlights from each demo stage below for your viewing pleasure. (more…)

When fans were asked what they’d like to see from Monster Hunter in the future, one of the more common answers seen was, “Bring it to PS3!” Well, it looks like Capcom had already been secretly preparing to make that a reality.

Today, Sony has announced the PSP Remaster Title Series. The first game to get the HD treatment (at least in Japan) is none other than Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, the latest (yet to be released in North America) game in the main series.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Version will allow players to experience the game in all its uprezzed glory. You’ll also be able to make use of the second analogue stick for camera control. That’s right. No more hand cramping claws! (more…)

While still a fairly recent game, Valkyria Chronicles is often considered a classic by the few that played it (myself included). Though I may have mixed feelings about the sequel, I have nothing but excitement for Basiscape’s announcement of a Valkyria Chronicles series piano album.

The CD will feature ten tracks performed by Australian pianist Casey Ormond. We may not even have the third game in the states yet, but on June 30th we’ll be able to hear select songs from the whole series arranged for piano. There aren’t listings just yet, but look for it at your importer of choice soon!

Source: SEMO

"Monster Hunter meets anime in Gods Eater Burst."

With the Monster Hunter franchise currently selling approximately one hojillion copies per entry in Japan, it’s no surprise that other companies are taking notice. Several games borrowing its formula of mission-based, cooperative beast slaying have popped up recently. Among them is Gods Eater Burst, a game that fortunately has enough fresh ideas to become more than just a “Monster Hunter clone”.

Gods Eater Burst takes place in a post apocalyptic future where giant monsters named Aragami attack what is left of civilization. As part of the anti-monster group Fenrir, you (as a male or female character of your own creation) must take these creatures down with your rag tag crew of overly fashion conscious teenagers.

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iFun4all marketed Paper Wars as an attempt to create the worst game ever. This clever marketing gimmick was certainly effective at getting my attention, but does the game live up to the anti-hype?

Is it truly the worst game ever?

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"Bringing back the drama."

It’s a bit strange to think that Valkyria Chronicles 3 already has a playable demo so shortly after the release of the second game. In fact, when it was first announced, I feared this “annualization treatment” the series seems to be receiving would hurt the quality of the franchise. Fortunately, what I’ve played of the third installment has left a very good impression for the most part.

Valkyria Chronicles 3 actually takes place during the same span of time as the first game. You’ll take on role of “The Nameless”, a squad of outlaws that take on especially dangerous missions. Despite it running in parallel with the original, the development staff considers VC3 to be the first true sequel; returning the series to its more serious tone and story driven campaign.

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It’s that time of year. You know, the time when your wallet begs you for mercy? Yes, as the last quarter of 2010 comes, so does the deluge of new releases. But have no fear, WingDamage is here to help you remember which games are coming out for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. Let the insanity begin!

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I’m of the opinion that kids games shouldn’t be garbage.

Just because a game is licensed or made for kids, this should not be used as an excuse to shove shoddy, unfinished games out the door. More often than not, short development cycles thwart any attempt to make a licensed game good, because much of the sales come from hitting the shelves at the same time as the movie a game is based off of.

That’s why I was happy to see that Toy Story 3 felt like a real game.

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Anybody who hasn’t had their fill of JPRGs need not worry. Q3 of 2010 has a trio of big hitters in the genre thanks to Square-Enix and SEGA. But JRPGs aren’t the only genre represented here. Head past the break to see the full list of titles we have our eyes on.

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