via wiifanboy

It sucks to be South African today, as distributor Futronic confirmed that it has ceased distribution for Nintendo in the region. Adding on to the horrible amounts of pain one must endure living in the region and just finding out this news, there are no plans for another distributor to pick up the slack and take over duties, with even Nintendo's South African domain not even offering relief.

Even worse is that the only light at the end of tunnel for South African gamers is the rumor that Nintendo of Europe could pick up the duties, however the possibility of that happening is pretty slim. ...

Action Replay DS is about to undergo a hack attack! With Trainer Toolkit, you can become your own hacker and create codes to use on your DS games with Action Replay!

Trainer Toolkit is designed exclusively for serious DS gamers, amateur programmers and aspiring game hackers. It provides you with all the hardware and software necessary to create your own game-busting Action Replay codes.

Trainer Toolkit is your induction into the underground world of game hacking. With straightforward instructions designed to help you create your first codes and detailed information about code hacking so you can create many more, Trainer Toolkit gives YOU the power to make things happen. Some codes are found easily, but others require perseverance, dedication and skill. But one thing’s for sure; with Trailer Toolkit in the right hands, nothing is impossible.

Just look at all these powerful features!

- Dev-board’ card which inserts into the GBA port on the DS - including a high-speed USB 2.0 port for rapid dumping of memory (a full 4Mb dump takes around 20 seconds, subsequent searches can take only a couple of seconds).
- ‘Game Trainer’ PC software CD.
- Action Replay DS ‘Trainer Card’ which inserts into the DS cartridge.
- Intelligent search with all standard expressions (equal to, not equal to, greater than, less than, inside range, outside range, incremented by etc) against previous values or a defined value.
- Limit search to specified memory range.
- Multiple search types (8, 16, 32, 64bit and floating point).
Search history window with full ‘rollback’ to any search result.
- Text search, find & replace.
- Add and save search areas.
- Whole projects can be saved and reloaded.
- Add codes to the ‘Run-list’ - a built in Action Replay engine so that you can test your codes real-time.
‘Poke’ values ‘one time’ to addresses in RAM.
- All code types (16, 32bit etc.) can be run simultaneously in the Run-list.
- ‘Watch locations’ window.
Disassembly view.
- Hex view (with real time auto-refresh).
- Upload and download binaries.
- Update trainer firmware.
- Wizard based ‘Beginner Mode’ for people new to the scene.

But how hard is it to crack your own codes? Well, as Einstein once said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”. Trainer Toolkit is as straightforward as it can be, but the beginner has lots to learn. Even someone who’s never hacked a code in his life should be able to produce straightforward codes such as Infinite Lives or No Timer within an hour of taking Trainer Toolkit out of the box, but more complicated codes and enhancements may take a little practice. There’s lots to learn, but that’s what makes it exciting… ...

Via guardian

An anonymous UK developer, writing in the comments section of, this Gamesblog post has provided a scathing assesment of the PSP's future. "There are virtually no PSP games being developed in the UK," he claims, citing comparatively high development costs and small userbase as key explanations.

"At a GDC conference in Brighton last year, everyone walked away from the PSP. Developers had to budget for PS2 content on a handheld with a tiny userbase. Its not cost effective, (especially when the alternative DS has a massive userbase and is cheap to develop for).

At the same time, Nintendo had sent Wiimotes that plug into Gamecube devkits to all registered developers. Instead of forking out thousands of quid to Sony for devkits that they still weren't releasing, studios were coming up with innovative Wii ideas. Instead of training coders to program the world's most complicated Cell processor, the Gamecube team just switched to the Wii."

A quick look at the PSP release schedule shows a flurry of activity heading into mid-March (just in time for Easter), but things thin out afterwards. Stalwarts like SOCOM and Metal Gear Solid should prop things up, but in terms of true Triple A titles coming from British developers, there's really only Manhunt 2, plus Sumo Digital's conversions of Virtua Tennis and Driver 76.

It could be argued, of course, that major UK-developed DS titles are just as rare. Diddy Kong Racing DS, perhaps. What else? Britain has never really been a major force in the handheld market, with publishers usually outsourcing portable conversions to smaller third-party studios, which are often given just six months to port console code across to handheld platforms.

Look at Metacritic's review scores for Nintendo DS games. As far as I can tell, only two of the top 20 - Metroid Prime Hunters and Tony Hawk's American Sk8land - were developed outside of Japan. This is in stark contrast to the console development market where the West has a growing share of the Triple A segment. Interestingly, at least 12 of the PSP top 20 are Western releases (although only a couple of them originated in the UK).

In Japan, there are loads of cool little developers like Tose, HAL Laboratories and AlphaDream, bashing out colourful imaginative handheld titles. The UK has the excellent Sumo Digital, of course, but considering the fact that the DS is cheap to code for - why aren't there many, many more? Britain is stuffed with small studios - Scotland might well have more mobile game developers than any other country outside of the Far East. What's preventing them from embracing handheld?

This isn't about opportunity, it's about psychology. There is no Western equivalent of kawaii - studios just don't get cute. I've been in dozens of them and the cultural references are always similar: Blade Runner, Lord of the Rings, Aliens, Frank Miller, William Gibson, Buffy, Star Wars - this is not the stuff of cute, effective handheld gaming.

PSP panders to a peculiar Western vision of portable gaming - a 'proper' console, playing 'proper' console games on a smaller screen. Thing is, I don't know about you, but I don't want to feel cool and edgy on the bus, I like the warmth of cute, iconic graphics. I don't know why.

No PSP development in the UK? Sony's embattled platform has masses of potential - it's a beautiful piece of kit. But it is being failed. There must be a combination out there of Japanese aesthetics and the Western vision of cool. Until then, the handheld development coma continues, only the faintest blips of awareness puncturing the darkness. ...

Modchipstore.com are the worlds first store to sell the Wiikey Nintendo Wii Modchip

Heres the details:



The incrdible, fantastic, Wiikey modchip for the Nintendo Wii has arrived! This is one of the easiest modchips to install on any system. A quicksolder pattern on the PCB board removes the need for wires. All you need to do us solder onto the designated parts and you're finished!!! This awesome chip also boasts upgradeablity via Disc or DVD!
Other Features include: An optional off feature and LED to let you know when your Wiikey is on or off ...

via NG

A recently translated interview with Nintendo figurehead Shigeru Miyamoto outlines the game design icon’s stance on a variety of topics, including his take on the competition, game violence, innovation and positioning Nintendo to take the lead with the Wii.
CNN’s TV show Talk Asia conducted the interview in early December, just before the launch of the Wii last year (the show was just translated today), but much of what Miyamoto said is still relevant to what Nintendo’s strategy is today with the Wii and DS.

“I do think we are too conscious of competition,” he admitted. “There are many companies today that can be compared to Nintendo. But I think that Nintendo should be unique and become a company that cannot be compared with the other corporations… I don't think there is a company equivalent that has the know-how or skills with the technology behind the games, or has the history and experience in the entertainment industry, and or has such abundant and motivated staff… And as long as we maintain that edge, we will always have an advantage over other companies.”

Miyamoto also said that risk-taking is engrained in Nintendo’s culture. He said that “It is always fun to try something new,” adding that risk-taking is key to opening up new markets. “I feel strongly that we can have a chance in taking the lead in that market,” he said.

Nintendo also hasn’t been known for creating violent games, that is, unless you consider a nasty butt-stomp violent. Miyamoto said that “there are a variety of ways to entertain people.” He continued, “Nintendo has many ways of entertaining people without the use of violent expression. So I do not have to worry in making such [violent] games.”

Although the audience for videogames has grown older, Miyamoto’s approach toward the medium is still focused on children, particularly when it comes to the representation of violence.

“My personal thought is, and I think it is the same with Nintendo, that before thinking about how to handle violence in videogames, I think it is important to think about pain people feel. For example, you would not laugh at people with disabilities. There are bullying problems in Japan.

“Looking at the overall picture, it is important to understand and feel the pain that people might have. We make our games based on that philosophy, using means other than violence. But we also have to take a careful approach, even in the circumstances when we are not portraying direct violence. I think it is always important to give children a product with a careful approach,” he said ...

Heres the press release:

The Sony PSP® will find itself endowed with an entirely new and unique take on the fighting game genre in early March 2007. The Con was previously released in the US, but SouthPeak Games have confirmed that the version that reaches UK shores will come with a set of enhancements based on user feedback.

Developed in Japan by Think And Feel Inc, The Con tells the story of a fighter indebted to an influential organiser of illegal street fights. Obviously, the game’s objective is to make money through fighting, but all is not as it seems and not all fights are created equal.

In some clashes, the player will have to take their fair share of tactical losses as well as striving for pugilistic victory. This skewing of priorities is supported by a betting system that allows the player to gamble on either side winning each fight. This opens up new avenues for generating cash via subterfuge and feint as well as guile and technique, where making money may be more important than winning with honour.

The Con’s versatile fighting engine opens up tactical possibilities never seen before in a fighting game. Punches can be faked, guards can be deliberately lowered and dives to the floor can be initiated, making The Con the only game where losing a fight can benefit the player more than winning – provided it’s done convincingly. If the crowd don’t buy your performance, you’ll lose your winnings. Fights aren’t strictly a one-on-one affair, either. Battles can involve up to three fighters on each side.

The Con also provides a remarkable amount of player customisation. The player’s team of three characters can be moulded with an exemplary range of appearance-altering options. Physique, clothing and accessories are all up for modification and the ability to import photographs allows for an infinite number of player faces – familiar, famous or otherwise.

Also part of The Con’s complex package is the multiplayer mode, which takes a traditional route of providing one-on-one matches. Single-UMD game sharing is included, but players with two copies of The Con get the added benefit of being able to place unlocked items as a stake in their victory.

As part of the enhancements introduced for the European release of The Con, players will find loading times have been shortened and tweaks have been made to the overall difficulty level.

This refined version of The Con will be released for the Sony PSP® on March 2nd. ...

Hot on the desk are 4 screenshots of the game Brothers In Arms D-Day

Check them out via Comments ...

New from SuccessHK



* Lets you incorporate your Mii characters into fun minigames
* Wii Play compilation comes bundled with a Wii Remote!
* Game Genre: Action/Adventure; Game Sub-Genre: Action
* 1-4 Player Capability ...

Heres the full listing of Games and Game Related releases from Play Asia:

Xbox360™:
Battlestations: Midway ASIA US$ 49.90
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 US US$ 49.90
Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows ASIA US$ 19.90

Nintendo Wii™:
Designer Remote Power Glove (Golf) US$ 6.99
Designer Remote Power Glove (Motorcycle) US$ 6.99
Designer Remote Power Glove (Tennis) US$ 6.99
Wii Play with Remote US US$ 59.90

PlayStation3™:
Joypad Recharge Cable (3 meters / 10 ft) US$ 4.99
PlayStation2™:
AR Tonelico: Melody of Elemia US US$ 59.90
Appleseed EX JPN US$ 64.90
Appleseed EX [Limited Box] JPN US$ 99.90
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness / Akumajo Dracula: Yami no Juin (Konami the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 3 (Koei the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Hiiro no Kakera: Ano Sora no Shita de JPN US$ 49.90
Hiiro no Kakera: Ano Sora no Shita de [Twin Pack] JPN US$ 99.90
Meine Liebe II (Konami Palace Selection) JPN US$ 20.90
RoydsPad.Net US$ 59.90
Sangokushi VIII with Power-Up Kit (Koei Selection) JPN US$ 24.90
Shining Force EXA KOR US$ 59.90
Soul Cradle: Sekai o Kurau Mono JPN US$ 64.90
Soul Cradle: Sekai o Kurau Mono [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 89.90
Zero no Tsukaima JPN US$ 64.90
Zero no Tsukaima [First Print Limited Edition] JPN N/A

Nintendo DS™:
Bleach DS 2nd: Kokui Hirameku Chinkon Uta JPN US$ 48.90
Death Note: Kira Game JPN US$ 48.90
Layton Kyouju no Fushigi na Machi JPN US$ 48.90
Lunar Knights US US$ 34.90
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 US US$ 39.90

Sony PSP™:
Capcom Puzzle World US US$ 39.90
Gurumin US US$ 39.90
Hard Pouch Portable (blue) US$ 10.90
Hard Pouch Portable (pink) US$ 10.90
Kanon JPN US$ 48.90
Lost Regnum: Makutsu no Koutei (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 42.90
Lumines II JPN US$ 48.90
Rezel Cross (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 42.90
Silicon Cover Portable (blue) US$ 10.90
Silicon Cover Portable (pink) US$ 10.90
Tales of Destiny 2 JPN US$ 48.90
Tales of Destiny 2 ASIA US$ 42.90
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 JPN US$ 48.90
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 US US$ 39.90

Gameboy Advance™:
Final Fantasy VI Advance US US$ 39.90

PC Games:
Biohazard 4 (DVD-ROM) KOR US$ 49.90
UFO: Afterlight ASIA US$ 24.90

Guide Books:
You and Wii: Everything You Need to Know US US$ 21.90

Toys & Misc:
Animal Crossing 10'' Super DX Plush Doll: Hooter (Blathers) US$ 18.90
Animal Crossing 10'' Super DX Plush Doll: Kinuyo (Mabel) US$ 18.90
Animal Crossing 10'' Super DX Plush Doll: Tanukichi (Tom Nook) US$ 18.90
Animal Crossing 10'' Super DX Plush Doll: Totakeke (K.K. Slider) US$ 18.90
Animal Crossing 7'' Plush Doll Collection 2: Hooter (Blathers) US$ 11.90
Animal Crossing 7'' Plush Doll Collection 2: Master (Brewster) US$ 11.90
Animal Crossing 7'' Plush Doll Collection 2: Perio (Pete) US$ 11.90
Animal Crossing 7'' Plush Doll Collection 2: Sally US$ 11.90
Animal Crossing 7'' Plush Doll Collection 2: Totakeke (K.K. Slider) US$ 11.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion Extra Pajamas Baby Pre-painted PVC Figure: Asuka Langley US$ 17.90
Neon Genesis Evangelion Extra Pajamas Baby Pre-painted PVC Figure: Rei Ayanami US$ 17.90
Nintendo DS Lite Mini Figure & DS Card Case Twin Strap US$ 5.99
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mat: Type A Mario N/A
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mat: Type B Question Mark N/A
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mat: Type C Goomba N/A
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mat: Type D Brick N/A
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mat: Type E Super Mushroom US$ 16.90
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mouse 2: Mario US$ 17.90
Super Mario Bros. Dot Design Mouse 2: Star US$ 17.90
Super Mario Bros. Kinoko Figure - 1up Mushroom US$ 7.90
Super Mario Bros. Kinoko Figure - Hatena Block N/A
Super Mario Bros. Kinoko Figure - Poison Mushroom US$ 7.90
Super Mario Bros. Kinoko Figure - Super Mushroom US$ 7.90

Video Game related Soundtracks:

Hidechan! Radio. 2.5 Two-Han Princess Singles + Music & Drama CD

Buy at Play Asia ...