It looks like Sony’s extended maintenance on the PlayStation Network has resulted in a very annoying problem. European users located in countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain are receiving error code “80023102″ when trying to access the PlayStation Store. Other users are reporting their download and transaction lists have been erased. 

European gamers won’t be able to launch nukes or throw flaming chainsaws in Twisted Metal on February 14. Eat Sleep Play co-founder David Jaffe confirmed on NeoGAF the localization process is taking longer than expected in Europe. A new release date hasn’t been set, but Jaffe heard Twisted Metal might be available in Europe on more »

Now, I know what you’re thinking – deja news! Don’t worry, I promise this is all new information. We already knew Europe had received the pink and white 3DS units thanks to Nintendogs + Cats and Super Mario 3D Land bundles released back on November 18, 2011. Well, Nintendo says that soon you won’t have more »

When people think of import games, they usually look to Asia. After all, Japan is the birthplace of many successful games and series and Korea is making quite a name for itself when it comes to free-to-play MMOs. However, Europe has a few surprises as well, and one of the import series its known for more »

Japan knows its Vita launch lineup, Europe knows what it’s getting from first-party publishersand North America is still waiting patiently. The PlayStation Vita doesn’t get released around the world outside of Japan until February 22, 2012, so those of us in North America can stand waiting just a little longer. Today, Sony confirmed the first-party games that will launch alongside the Vita. There are a lot of familiar sounding titles on the list as well as some surprises.

Time for another gift guide! This time, we’re looking at the slightly more expensive console games and special consoles that can only be found in Japan and Europe. You know, the delicacies most gamers can never see or experience because they require importing and cost so much money. That second part is especially poignant now that the dollar’s value has dropped against the yen. Still, if you want to pamper a gamer, one of these items could be the way to do it.

Now remember, only the PS3 is region-free. Any PS3 can play any PS3 game. However, Wiis and Xbox 360s are region-locked consoles. So before buying any import games for a Wii or Xbox 360 owner, make sure they have a way to actually play them! Both AmiAmi and Play-Asia are reliable sites to shop and order from, with AmiAmi usually being the cheaper of the two.

Before we launch into the six game recommendations, there are a few awesome, Japanese PS3s that make any gamer’s year if he or she received one as a present…

See that 3DS on the right there? The gorgeous and ever-so-stylish black one with gold accents and a rather subtle Hyrulian crest? It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it. Too bad there’s a chance you’ll never get it. That 3DS is, as of right now, a European exclusive.

Did I just break your heart?

Don’t worry, you’ll get over it…

While I’m sure none of you ever doubted Capcom’s Monster Hunter 3DS game would receive a worldwide release, the first hints at one have just appeared. An early scan of the next issue of Official Nintendo Magazine has appeared, and Monster Hunter 3G features prominently. In fact, it says it will be appearing in Europe during Fall 2012.

The ONM scan was initially referred to as a rumor…

Europeans usually get left out when it comes to video games. They’re passed over when it comes to some game localizations that North America gets and, when they do happen to get a game we already have, it can be up to a year later. Except in the case of a few Wii exclusives like the Another Code, Disaster and Xenoblade releases, Europe usually gets left out. Which is why it’s nice to see Nintendo make the region feel special by offering the European exclusive Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games bundle.

As you can gather, this bundle includes Sega’s next Wii game…

Europe’s getting an Xbox 360 bundle that actually isn’t worth getting excited over. Well, if you don’t own an Xbox 360 and all and want one, it may look appealing, but it certainly isn’t as special as that red Gears of War 3 bundle. No, the Batman Arkham City is pretty much ordinary in every way. The only really awesome part of it is the rather striking box.

As you can gather from the name, the Batman Arkham City Xbox 360 bundle includes a copy of the forthcoming sequel…