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Important Importables: Namco Bandai’s Tales of…

Jenni Lada — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:29:09 +0000

With Tales of Xillia being released on September 8, 2011 in Japan, it seems only appropriate this week to look back at the Tales series. It’s a fantastic group of RPGs from Namco Bandai that, for some reason, never seemed to get the respect and attention it deserved outside of Japan. However, with Tales of Vesperia‘s success and the forthcoming North American release of Tales of Graces and rerelease of Tales of the Abyss, that could change.

Tales of…

While Tales hasn’t really gotten a lot of attention, it’s a well established RPG series. The first game, Tales of Phantasia, was originally created by Namco Bandai back in 1995 and the series is going strong to this day, with new entries and spin-off games being released every few years. There’s even a single studio, the Namco Tales Studio, devoted just to making these games. In a way, you can almost consider them similar to the Final Fantasy series, as they’re JRPGs and each entry is an independent story about a group of characters setting out to help save the world.

The Tales series are unique for a number of reasons, mainly their battle system. These games were using an active battle system before it was even popular. Initially, it was a side-scrolling fight where players control one party member, with computers controlling the other three participants and called the Linear Motion Battle System. Different button-press combos can unleash special attacks. As the games became more advanced though, 3D battles were implemented, starting with Tales of Symphonia.

There are also a few other quirks. For example, outside of battle players can have characters use recipes to cook, using ingredients, to restore hit points and technical points. You can also see little skits from time to time, where the characters talk amongst themselves about things that may or may not be related to the task at hand. All playable characters can also earn titles as the story progresses or by completing certain missions, which either can be used for fun or to boost a character’s stats. Finally, each Tales main entry has a Characteristic Genre Name that sums up the general point and feel of that specific game.

The Tales series is still going strong in Japan, with Tales of Xillia, a PS3 game, coming out later this year. Namco Bandai has been less than supportive of the series, with only about half of the games ever receiving an English release. This seems to be changing though, as Namco Bandai has commited to release Tales of Graces (PS3) and Tales of the Abyss (3DS) outside of Japan. Plus, anime and manga series have been released based on Tales of Phantasia, Tales of Eternia, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Vesperia.

The best Tales

While there are going to soon be 13 main entries in the series and a number of spin-offs, not all of them are legendary epics. Here are a few of the best entries in the series, in chronological order. Not that it matters, since each story is independent of the others.

Tales of Phantasia (SNES, PS1, GBA, PSP, cell phone): The first Tales game involved time traveling. An incredibly strong sorcerer named Dhaos terrorized the world, traveling through time to cause havoc. He was sealed away by eight warriors from different time periods. However, forces seek to set him free and Cress, son of one of the original warriors who defeated Dhaos, must team up with friends to defeat him again. As the first entry in the series, it doesn’t have a Characteristic Genre Name like the other Tales games. The SNES game was a Japan exclusive, as is the PS1 and PSP port. The GBA was the first version to be released worldwide.
Tales of Destiny (PS1, PS2): Strange relics from an ancient civilization called Swordians, sentinent swords, inhabit this entry’s world and a young adventurer named Stahn ends up discovering one. While looking to make a name for himself, he meets other warriors and their Swordians, and eventually gets pulled into a search fro the Eye of Atamoni. It is the “RPG of Destiny”. Only the PS1 game was released in Japan and North America. The PS2 version never made it outside of Japan. A direct sequel to this game was released on both the PS2 and PSP.
Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 3 (GBA): This is a side-story where players follow two twins, Frio and Kyaro, as they attempt to preserve the Tales legends from diabolical people in the future who would attempt to change and twist them. It was only released in Japan, but it is region-free so you can import it.
Tales of Symphonia (GameCube, PS1): Sylvarant is dying because its mana is decreasing and only its Chosen can reverse this by completing a special ritual. Colette is the Chosen and she and her childhood friends Lloyd, Raine, Genis and a mercenary named Kratos to undertake her task. It is the “RPG to Resonate with You.” It was released on the GameCube worldwide, but the enhanced PS2 version was a Japan exclusive.
Tales of the Abyss (PS2, 3DS): This entry takes place in a world where everything is made up of Fonons, with the seventh Fonon (sound) has been recently discovered. The seventh Fonists can read the future with this power and keep the Score. A spoiled brat named Luke is inadvertantly dragged into a war between people who want to preserve the score and those who break destiny by Order of Lorelei member Tear. It is the “RPG to Discover the Meaning of Life.” Both the PS2 and 3DS version are available in Japan and North America.
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology (PSP): This, like the Narikiri Dungeon dungeon line, follows an original character players create as they go through multiple missions, with the help of famous Tales characters, trying to save the World Tree from evil. It was released worldwide, but it’s two followups weren’t.
Tales of Vesperia (Xbox 360, PS3): Follows a former soldier named Yuri who gets involved in searching for Zaphias’ lower quarter’s stolen blastia core. He is arrested for his goodwill, and ends up teaming with a girl named Estelle, who is searching for his friend Flynn, as he escapes. The two then search for the blastia thief and Flynn, inadvertantly getting caught up in an adventure that can result in the salvation or destruction of the world. It is the “RPG to Enforce Justice”.The enhanced PS3 version was only released in Japan, but it’s region-free so you can import it.
Tales of VS. (PSP): This is the first, and only, Tales fighting game. It features a fighting game with 35 of the best known characters from the main series. It also has a mini-game with additional character cameos. It’s only available in Japan, but it’s region-free so you can import it.
Tales of Graces (Wii, PS3): Asbel, his younger brother Hubert, his childhood friend Cheria and the Windol Kingdom prince Richard all meet a mysterious young woman named Sophie when they’re children, and get involved in a strange battle with her that results in her disappearing, Hubert being sent to the kingdom of Strata and Asbel deciding to abandon his position as next lord of Lhant and become a knight. Years later, Asbel is called back to Lhant when his father dies, and oddly enough ends up reuniting with an unchanged Sophie. It is the “RPG to Know the Strength to Protect.”The Wii version was only released in Japan, but the enhanced PS3 version is going to receive a worldwide release.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables reviews Taiko no Tatsujin Portable DX for the PSP.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables talked about Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]

GameStop holding an offline and online summer sale July 1 – 17, 2011

Jenni Lada — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:29:05 +0000

While some stores are gearing up for their few day Fourth of July 2011 sales, GameStop is preparing an over two week sale that will last until July 17, 2011. This summer sale covers all platforms and even some accessories, but you have to look carefully at the sale site. While some deals are in store and online, some are online exclusives or only available as a download.

Before we get into the various sale games, the pre-owned Deal of the Week is worth checking out. You can get a used copy of The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS) for $19.99. If you bought a 3DS just for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, you may want to grab this great game too.

If you want an older system, then you can get a deal. If you buy a pre-owned DS, Game Boy Advance or Game Cube, then you can get a used DS, GBA or Game Cube game to go with it for 10% off the normal price. So you can get yourself started with a new (to you) system for a little less than usual.

First, there are 15 sale items you can get in stores.

Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011 with gun (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) – $39.99
Duke Nukem Forever (PS3, Windows, Xbox 360) – $39.99
Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition (Windows, Xbox 360) – $79.99
Fear 3 (PS3, Windows, Xbox 360) – $39.99 on console, $29.99 on PC
God of War III (PS3) – $14.99
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters (3DS, DS, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) – $19.99 for DS, $29.99 for 3DS and Wii, $49.99 for PS3 and Xbox 360)
Great Battles Medieval (Xbox 360) – $29.99
Junior Brain Trainer 2 (DS) – $14.99
Junior Classic Books and Fairytales (DS) – $9.99
Microsuede Touch Pak (3DS) – $9.99
Murder in Venice (DS) – $14.99
PlayStation Move 3D Shooter (PS3) – $4.99
Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundle (Wii) – $59.99
Tron: Evolution Collector’s Edition (PS3, Xbox 360) – $49.99
Wii Remote with Gripz (Wii) – $19.99

There are also 31 online-only sale items.

All-in-One Specialist Gaming Music Headset (iPhone, iPod, PS3, Xbox 360) – $99.99
Asphalt 3D (3DS) – $29.99
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (PS3, Xbox 360) – $29.99
Child of Eden (Xbox 360) – $29.99
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D (3DS) – $29.99
Creative Sound Blaster Tactics3D Alpha Headset (Windows) – $39.99
Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma Headset (Windows) – $59.99
Cubic Ninja (3DS) – $29.99
Fear 3 and Sucker Punch DVD or Blu-ray (PS3, Xbox 360) – $64.99 on Xbox 360 with DVD, $74.99 on PS3 with Blu-ray
Fighters Uncaged (Xbox 360) – $29.99
G155 Gaming and Entertainment Mobile System (PS3, Xbox 360) – $299.99
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters with Green Lantern: Emerald Knights DVD (PS3, Xbox 360) – $64.99
iMainGo 2 – $29.99
iMainGo X – $59.99
Just Dance (Wii) – $29.99
Just Dance 2 (Wii) – $29.99
Just Dance Kids (Wii) – $19.99
Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 DVD (PS3, Wii) – $39.99
Michael Jackson: The Experience (Wii, Xbox 360) – $39.99 on Wii, $29.99 on Xbox 360
MotionSports (Xbox 360) – $29.99
Neo-I Video Projector and Speaker System (iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch) – $399.99
Rabbids Travel in Time (3DS) – $29.99
Rayman 3D (3DS) – $29.99
Sharkoon X-Tatic True 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Headset (Windows) – $149.99
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Headset (Windows) – $59.99
Sharkoon X-Tatic SX Headset (Xbox 360) – $49.99
SkipDr Repair and Cleaning System (PS3, Xbox 360) – $29.99
Subsonic Racin’ Pro (Windows) – $179.99
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (3DS) – $29.99
WOW Keys Keyboard (iPhone, Windows) – $99.99
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Xbox 360) – $29.99

There are also quite a few downloads to choose from as well, which you can see at GameStop’s sale site.

E3 2011: Legend of Zelda Symphony at Nintendo press conference (video)

Kirk Hiner — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:38:55 +0000

As you’re all aware by now, Nintendo kicked off the first morning of E3 2011 with a symphonic tribute to 25 years of Legend of Zelda. Nintendo is focusing quite a bit on the music of Zelda, in fact, offering the Ocarina of Time 3D soundtrack to the first people who register their copy of the game as well as an accompanying CD to the upcoming concert tours.

I’ll talk about the tour in a moment. First, with apologies for missing the start, here’s how Nintendo kicked off their E3 2011 press conference:

This gives you chills, right? How can you have followed the evolution of this music and not get goosebumps when you hear it played to its full majesty like this?

This is why I’m greatly looking forward to the upcoming Legend of Zelda Symphony Tour that Nintendo announced at the press conference. They were vague on the venues and timeline, stating only that it would happen later this year and would play various cities across the world. But if it comes to your area, it likely will be something you don’t want to miss, whether you’re a fan of the games or of symphonic music (or both, like me).

We’ll have more details on the Legend of Zelda Symphony as they’re announced.

Site [Nintendo] Read [Gamertell]

Art of Video Games voting results are in

Toni Schwartz — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:00:33 +0000

A few months ago we reported that the Smithsonian American Art Museum will have an exhibit called “The Art of Video Games.” It will feature a selected group of games that best represents the history and evolution of video games over the last forty years.

The kicker was that the Smithsonian left the selecting of games up to the public, who were encouraged to vote for the games they felt were worthy enough to be displayed in the museum. Granted, voters had to selected 80 games from a predetermined list of 240 but the fact that there was a vote at all was pretty cool.

On April 17, 2011 voting ended and the Smithsonian tallied up the count. Here are the games that voters have selected to appear in the exhibit. As you can see from the list, most of the choices are pretty much no-brainers. Of course Pac-Man is included, as is The Legend of Zelda, Tomb Raider, and DOOM II. However, other inclusions are a bit puzzling, such as Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II and Brütal Legend. LittleBigPlanet beats Brütal Legend any day of the week. And what about the complete absence of the music rhythm genre? No Rock Band or Guitar Hero?

The exhibit will be on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum from March 16, 2012, to September 30, 2012.

What do you think of this selection? Do you feel that these games accurately represent the history and evolution of video games?

Era 1: Start!

Atari VCS

Pac-Man
Pitfall!
Space Invaders
Combat

ColecoVision

Donkey Kong
Pitfall 2: Lost Caverns
Zaxxon
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator

Mattel Intellivision

TRON: Maze-Atron
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons
Star Strike
Utopia

Era 2: 8-Bit

Commodore 64

Jumpman
The Bard’s Tale III: Thief of Fate
Attack of the Mutant Camels
Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Nintendo Entertainment System

Super Mario Bros. 3
The Legend of Zelda
1943: The Battle of Midway
Desert Commander

SEGA Master System

Marble Madness
Phantasy Star
After Burner
Spy vs Spy

Era 3: Bitwars!

SEGA Genesis

Earthworm Jim
Phantasy Star IV
Gunstar Heroes
Dune II: Battle for Arrakis

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Super Mario World
The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past
Star Fox
SimCity

Era 4: Transition

DOS/Windows

DOOM II
Fallout
Diablo II
StarCraft

Nintendo 64

Super Mario 64
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Goldeneye 007
Worms Armageddon

SEGA Dreamcast

Sonic Adventure
Shenmue
Rez
ChuChu Rocket!

SEGA Saturn

Tomb Raider
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Panzer Dragoon II: Zwei
SimCity 2000

Sony PlayStation

Metal Gear Solid
Final Fantasy VII
Einhander
Final Fantasy Tactics

Era 5: Next Generation

Microsoft XBox

Halo 2
Fable
Panzer Dragoon Orta
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Microsoft XBox 360

BioShock
Mass Effect 2
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II

Modern Windows

Portal
Fallout 3
flOw
Minecraft

Nintendo GameCube

Metroid Prime 2
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Star Fox: Assault
Pikmin 2

Nintendo Wii

Super Mario Galaxy 2
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Boom Blox
Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbados’ Treasure

Sony PlayStation 2

Shadow of the Colossus
Okami
Gradius V
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Sony PlayStation 3

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Heavy Rain
Flower
Brütal Legend

Playable Games (These were not part of the public vote but visitors will be able to play them for a few minutes.)

Era 1: Pac-Man (arcade)
Era 2: Super Mario Brothers
Era 3: The Secret of Monkey Island
Era 4: Myst
Era 5: World of WarCraft

Site [Art of Video Games]

Smithsonian asks gamers for input about videogame exhibit

Brian Allen — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:46:40 +0000

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is preparing a huge exhibit about The Art of Video Games and is asking gamers for their input.

The exhibit will feature some of the most artistic and innovative games and is taking votes at the Art of Video Games web site. The Smithsonian asks that you consider games that have extremely creative design, since it’s an art exhibit and all. To help narrow the process further, the Smithsonian has divided the nominees from 20 gaming systems into five different eras.

Start! is the era representing games from the 1970s and ’80s. Games in this era include Pac-Man, Star Raiders and E.T. (which is universally hailed as one of the worst videogames in any era – hey, that’s influential in a way).

8-Bit is the era of the Nintendo Entertainment System from 1983-84. After the gaming crash of Atari’s heyday, many observers thought the videogame fad was over with. The NES and Sega Master System war took gaming to new heights and ensured that videogame consoles were here to stay. Influential games from this era include Super Mario Bros, Mega Man 2 and Shinobi.

Era 3 is Bit Wars, from 1989-94. Great games from this era include Donkey Kong Country, Earthworm Jim and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. The Nintendo-Sega war continued into this era and gamers were the true winners.

The era from 1995-2002 is called Transition. It’s the era in which the two-way battle between Nintendo and Sega was forever changed by the upstart Sony PlayStation. Games up for inclusion here feature titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario 64 and Shenmue.

Last but certainly not least is Next Generation, 2003 until present. The current era is seeing videogame history made every day as titles get more and more realistic. Important games in this era include Halo, Metroid Prime Trilogy and Little Big Planet.

You’ll need to register an e-mail account with The Smithsonian, then you are free to begin voting. Voting ends April 7, 2011, and the exhibit will appear from March 16 through September 30, 2012.

Site [Art of Video Games] Read [The Gothamist]

Final nominees announced for 9th annual GANG awards

Lucy Newman — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:29 +0000

The Game Audio Network Guild (aka GANG) recently announced the final nominees for its 9th annual GANG awards to be showcased and awarded March 3, 2011, at the 2011 Game Developers Conferencein San Francisco.

Standout nominees include Red Dead Redemption, which received 10 nominations, and Dante’s Inferno with 7 nominations. Other notable multiple nominees include God of War III, Bioshock II, Heavy Rain, Halo: Reach and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

The final nominees were chosen because they represented the best of audio in gaming from 2010 and will now be and judged by the game audio industry and members of GANG.

The final nominees for the 9th annual G.A.N.G. awards are:

Audio of the Year

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Dante’s Inferno
God of War III
Heavy Rain
Red Dead Redemption

Music of the Year

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Bioshock 2
Dante’s Inferno
Heavy Rain
James Bond 007: Blood Stone
Red Dead Redemption

Sound Design of the Year

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Bioshock 2
Dante’s Inferno
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
God of War III
Red Dead Redemption

Best Soundtrack Album

Bioshock 2
Dante’s Inferno
Halo: Reach
Mass Effect 2
Red Dead Redemption
Video Games Live – Level 2

Best Interactive Score

Dante’s Inferno
God of War III
Halo: Reach
Heavy Rain
James Bond 007: Blood Stone
Red Dead Redemption

Best Handheld Audio

God of War: Ghost of Sparta
Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge
Monster Hunter Portable 3
Ni no Kuni: Shikkoku no Madoshi
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Best Cinematic/Cut-scene Audio

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
God of War III
Medal of Honor
Red Dead Redemption
StarCraft II
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm

Best Dialogue

Bioshock 2
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
God of War III
Mafia II
Medal of Honor
Red Dead Redemption

Best Original Instrumental

“Athens Harbour Chase” — James Bond 007: Blood Stone
“Ethan Mars Theme” — Heavy Rain
“Main Theme” — Red Dead Redemption
“Northern Grasslands” — Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer
“The Palace Gates” — Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Wii)

Best Original Vocal — Choral

“Alice’s Theme” — Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland
“Dante’s Theme” — Dante’s Inferno
“Hymn” — Halo: Reach
“Invincible” — World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
“Overture” — God of War III
“Redemption” — Dante’s Inferno

Best Original Vocal — Pop

“Dagomba” — Just Dance 2
“Dead Man’s Gun” — Red Dead Redemption
“Far Away” — Red Dead Redemption
“I’ll Take It All” — James Bond 007: Blood Stone
“No Death In Love” — Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
“The Peri” (Zahara’s Theme) — Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands

Best use of Multi-Channel Surround

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Call of Duty: Black-Ops
Crackdown 2
Fable III
Halo: Reach
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Transformers: War for Cybertron

Best Use of Licensed Music

Bioshock 2
Civilization V
DJ Hero 2
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
Mafia II
Rock Band 3

Best Game Audio Article, Publication or Broadcast
APM Film & Television Music Podcast

“Composing the Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic“
“From the Shadows of Film Sound: Cinematic Production & Creative Process in Video Game Audio”
“Recording Firearms Explosions”
“The Weight of Silence – How Silence Can Indicate a Character’s Importance”

Other presentations to be given at the Awards Ceremony

Rookie of the Year award
Lifetime Achievement Award
G.A.N.G. Recognition Awards
Student/Apprentice competition winners
G.A.N.G. Distinguished Service Awards

Site [Game Audio Network Guild] Site [2011 Game Developers Conference]

Amazon’s 17 Days of Deals ends with music video games

Jenni Lada — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:50:59 +0000

Since November 30, 2010, Amazon has been running a 17 Days of Deals promotion in the video game section, with select games being discounted each day. And look! It’s December 16, 2010! The last day is upon us. Don’t get too excited though, as Amazon decided to defy expections and not make today a day filled with the best games on sale. Instead, six games and two weird stage-light accessories are on sale. Yup, you read that right, a stage light peripheral.

Here’s the full list of sale games. You can just glance over it. You won’t be missing anything super awesome if you don’t read closely.

The Beatles: Rock Band (PS3, Wii) – $13.99
DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party 3 (Wii) – $16.99
Green Day: Rock Band (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) – $$13.99 on Wii, $20.99 on PS3/Xbox 360
HexoLight 6000 from Rock Gear (Windows, Mac, Linux, PS2, PS3, GC, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii) – $39.99
HexoLight 13000 (Windows, Mac, Linux, PS2, PS3, GC, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii) – $69.99
Kidz Bop Dance Party (Wii) – $24.99
Power Gig: Rise of the Six String (PS3, Xbox 360) – $19.99
Power Gig: Rise of the Six String (PS3, Xbox 360) Guitar Bundle – $99.99
Power Gig: Rise of the Six String (PS3, Xbox 360) Band Bundle – $149.99
Rock Band 3 (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) – $34.95 on Wii, $39.95 on PS3/Xbox 360

Yup, I know what I’m getting everyone I haven’t bought anything for yet – a Rock Gear Hexolight. It’ll be awesome. They’ll open it up, ask if it’s some strange version of Simon, act happy and surprised and then stick it in the back of their closets while wondering how they can regift it. Here that everyone! Prepare your fake smiles now!

While you’re at Amazon, you may want to check out its video game Deals of the Day for today. They’re Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles (Wii) and Naruto Shippuden: Naruto vs. Sasuke (DS). In each case, two versions are available – one with just the game and one with the game and an Amazon Naruto figure collection. The Wii game is $20.99 without and $49.99 with the figures, and the DS game is $14.99 without and $39.99 with the figures.

Site [Amazon]

Important Importables: The Maneki Neko and its video game cameos

Jenni Lada — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:30:22 +0000

The Japanese lucky cat has become a familiar figure worldwide. People buy statues for their homes, necklaces with the familiar charm and can even set one as their user icon when first setting up a Windows 7 computer. But many people aren’t really familiar with what this iconic cat means, or how prevalent its presence is in popular culture.

Gamers in particular may run across the familiar cat statue in popular games, without even realizing it. Even more interesting is the idea that the virtual lucky cats function the same way in games as they’re supposed to in real life.

So in this week’s Important Importables we’ll take a closer look at what the Maneki Neko is and some of its more popular video game appearances.

What’s a Maneki Neko

A Maneki Neko is best known outside of Japan as a lucky cat. They’re a form of lucky charm which originated in Japan, and has gone on to become famous worldwide. The standard lucky cat looks like a Japanese Bobtail with one paw raised and the other holding a coin, but the design may vary.

While a Maneki Neko may look like it’s waving, it’s actually making an inviting gesture. In Japan, people hold their hands up and wave their fingers to call someone over. So the statue is doing the same thing to draw in money, happiness and success, and the coin that’s sometimes present in the other paw could possibly magnify the effect.

Viewers can actually tell a lot about a Maneki Neko based on which paw is raised. Sometimes the right paw will be raised, and other times the left will. There are even some figures with both paws raised. The general notion is that the higher the paw is raised, the more luck the statue will draw in. A right raised paw is supposed to bring general good fortune to the owner, while the left is supposed to be good for attracting customers to a store if the statue is placed at the entrance.

Which is why Maneki Neko often grace the entrance of Japanese stores. The owners believe the cat’s beckoning paw will draw customers in, which will make the shop richer. Maneki Neko are also a popular design for coin banks, personal statues, keychains or other personal accessories.

Lucky Cats in video games

Anyone who’s played Animal Crossing should recognize these happy fellows. Multiple Lucky Cat statue variations are available in the game. And they bring good luck in the game too! Almost every Animal Crossing game has Feng Shui incorporated into it, where a well-laid out room can lead to success in the game. All of the Lucky Cat statues are considered lucky items, and give extra points and more success to players who put them in a room in their house.

Maneki Neko have cameos in some other famous games as well. You may find a Maneki Neko accessory in Persona 4 (PS2) that will make your characters more lucky when they equip it. And in the Katamari Damacy games, the Prince may roll up some Maneki Neko while trying to create new stars for the King of the Cosmos.

The Maneki Neko is also said to be the inspiration for some other famous feline figures. Hello Kitty’s design is allegedly inspired by the Maneki Neko, and it isn’t uncommon to find statues or charms of her dressed up and posed like the famous statue. The Pokemon character Meowth was also inspired by the Maneki Neko, except its coin is placed on its forehead.

Finally, there’s the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad game Meow Meow Happy Fight even has a Maneki Neko for a star. In it, a gigantic Happy Cat from the future travels through time to the present to make people happy by beating up and destroying stuff. Even here, the lucky cat figure is responsible for bringing good things to the in-game world, although it’s through a more forceful and violent method.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables lists some spooky Japanese movies and anime series you can watch this Halloween..

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables talked about K-On!.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]

Gamertell Review: Video Games Live Level 2 CD and Blu-ray, DVD

Toni Schwartz — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:30:33 +0000

Title: Video Games Live
Price: $13.99 (CD*); $17.99 (DVD); $26.99 (Blu-ray/DVD combo*)
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Distributor (Developer): Shout Factory (Mystical Stone)
MPAA/RIAA Rating: Not rated
Pros: Great video game music from a wide genre of games; some cool bonus features
Cons: Interviews overpreach the notion of introducing symphony music to children via Video Games Live; a few recycled songs from the first CD
Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways, 87, B+,* * * 1/2

Music plays a major role in video games, defining a person’s gaming experience. And as we get older, our strings of nostalgia are tugged when we hear a familiar tune from a treasured old game. What gamer doesn’t smile upon hearing the Super Mario Bros. theme? If you listen to the Video Games Live: Level 2 CD or watch the video, you may find yourself smiling the whole time, or at least feel like firing up a game afterwards.

Video Games Live was started in 2005 and is the brainchild of long-time video games composer Tommy Tallarico. It’s a concert in which video game music is performed in front of a live audience by a major orchestra. But Video Games Live isn’t a typical night at the symphony. For example, the recorded concert (filmed in New Orleans in April 2010) featured a 34-person choir, soloists that included pianist Martin Leung and flautist Laura Intravia, and some of the original vocalists from the soundtracks. On top of it all, you get a rock band with Tallarico on one of his many cool guitars, and a wild visual and special effects display. This performance was aired on PBS on July 2010.

The Track List of Awesome

Video Games Live: Level 2 CD comes with 16 tracks, many of which are sweeping medleys that span say, several games in a particular series. Some examples are the Halo, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Megaman montages. As you can see, the concert covers music from a wide variety of game genres. You can check out the full track list below, after the review.

The performances themselves are great. Sometimes they’re hauntingly beautiful while other times they’re playful and fun. My favorite is Civilization IV’s “Baba Yetu” duet version. The first time I saw it was in a YouTube clip. It’s so good that it gave me goosebumps. What’s that? You want to see it? Here ya go.

As great as the set list is, I am a tad disappointed that some of the music from the first CD (Video Games Live: Level 1) made its way to this second CD. It would have been nice to have a completely different set list considering that people who’ll purchase Level 2 most likely own Level 1. Still, it’s only a couple of repeated songs so it’s not that big of a deal.

Video Highlights

Listening to the music is one thing, but to really experience the concert you have to watch it. The Video Games Live: Level 2 video features the same tracks from the CD, but in a different order. There are a few added performances not from the CD, such as the “Myst Suite” and “Mass Effect Suite”. Again, see after the review for a complete list of performances. While some performances had a few cheesy elements (e.g. a guy dressed as Master Chief ran up to the stage after the Halo montage) but they’re overall great.

The little interviews in between performances could have been better. We didn’t need to hear three times that Video Games Live is a way to introduce children to the symphony. We get it. It’s funny that Video Games Live overemphasizes its kid-friendliness when some of their music is from mature game series like Halo, Mass Effect, and God of War.

The DVD/Blu-ray also comes with an array of bonus features that include trailers, a behind-the-scenes tour, and interviews. I liked “Tommy’s Guitars” in particular because it features Tallarico showcasing the wild guitars he uses during the show. His steampunk guitar looks epic.

Finale

The Video Games Live concert series is a fun, unique way to experience your favorite tunes from your favorite games. You also learn a few things…like, who knew that parts of the Sonic the Hedgehog theme sound like something from the Love Boat when played by an orchestra?

Try to catch them if they’re playing in your town. But if you can’t, then the CD and video are the next best thing to being there.

NOTE* indicates the version reviewed.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE: LEVEL 2 CD TRACK LISTING
1. The Legend of Zelda™ Suite
2. Civilization IV®: Baba Yetu (Duet Version)
3. God of War™: Revenge and Redemption
4. Chrono Trigger® & Chrono Cross® Medley
5. World of Warcraft®: Lament of the Highborne
6. Mario™ Solo Piano Medley
7. Super Mario Bros.™ Medley
8. Warcraft® Montage
9. Sonic the Hedgehog™: Staff Credits
10. Advent Rising™ Overture
11. Megaman® Montage
12. StarCraft® II: Wings of Liberty Theme
13. Final Fantasy® Solo Piano Medley
14. Halo® Montage
15. Castlevania® Rock Overture
16. Final Fantasy® VII: One Winged Angel (Rock Edition)

Running Time
74:39 minutes (16 tracks total)

VIDEO GAMES LIVE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD BONUS TRACKS
“Myst Suite” and “Mass Effect Suite”

VIDEO GAMES LIVE: LEVEL 2 DVD & BLU-RAY INCLUDES

Classic Arcade Medley
Halo Montage
Civilization IV: Baba Yetu (Duet Version)
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Theme
Sonic the Hedgehog: Staff Credits
Advent Rising Overture
Interactive Guitar Hero: Aerosmith – “Sweet Emotion”
Warcraft Montage
Chrono Cross: Scars of Time
Mass Effect Suite
Megaman Montage
Tribute To Ralph Baer
Myst Suite
The Legend of Zelda Suite
Super Mario Bros. Medley
God of War: Revenge and Redemption
Martin Leung – Mario Solo Piano Medley
Martin Leung – Tetris Solo Piano Medley
World of Warcraft: Lament of the Highborne
Castlevania Rock Overture

Concert Running Time = 100 minutes (1:40)

Site [Video Games Live]

Super Mario Bros. turns 25 today

Jeremy Hill — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:45:06 +0000

Today (September 13, 2010) we celebrate Super Mario’s 25th anniversary. The original Super Mario Bros. was released on this day in Japan in 1985. Even though Super Mario Bros. is a sequel to an arcade game from 1983, Super Mario Bros. is seen as the defining game that started one of the biggest videogame franchises ever created.

Do you remember where you were when Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan? I was still trapped inside my mother’s stomach waiting to born seven months later. But I do remember when I got my NES with the classic Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt double cartridge. I never beat that game, but I think everyone had a cousin who knew all the secret pipes that led to Bowser in record time. 25 years later, Mario games have gotten much easier to complete and get better with nearly every iteration.

Nintendo has done a couple things to celebrate this occasion. It has launched a 25th anniversary website that has lots of swag to be had. It’s all in Japanese though, so it may be hard to navigate if you don’t know the language. The company is also airing a 90 second commercial in the United Kingdom during the soap opera Coronation Street.

For everyone else who isn’t a UK resident, Nintendo has created a video chronicling every major Super Mario game ever created. We’ve posted the video for you below.

Site [Super Mario 25th Anniversary] Read [T3]