Welcome to this week's Movie/Music news roundup, containing new Japanese and Hong Kong Video and Music releases from this week listed at Play-Asia.com. Around 260 new items are covered in this week, including new J-Pop, Anime as well as Japanese, Hong Kong and Western movie releases and much more.

With the oncoming of the Beijing Olympics, China is gradually attracting attention from the international sphere. When China is mentioned, one of the first things that comes to a person's mind is martial arts, or Chinese kung fu. Starring Jacky Chan and Jet Li, Forbidden Kingdom is a hundred minutes of thrilling action and adventure in a mythical world.

Although China portrays itself as a glamorous fast developing nation, its bloody history from less than a century ago is unlikely to be forgotten. Assembly features the Chinese civil war, the brutality of it, the brotherhood between soldiers and the steadfast loyalty of the sole survivor.

Relax after watching these sensational films by listening to some music. Kinki Kids' newest concert We are Phi 39!! And U? and Ayumi Hamasaki's Countdown Live 2007-2008 Anniversary are available on DVD and another Johnny Entertainment's boy band Tegomass has released a new single Aiai Gasa [limited and standard editions] to go with the rainy season.

Here's a summary of all new releases that were published between Saturday, June 14th and Friday, June 20th. If some specific item that you are looking for is missing, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service with your request.


J-Pop Music releases (105)
ENKA Music releases (14)
Anime Soundtracks & Drama CDs (6)
Video Game Soundtracks (2)
Hong Kong Version Music releases (22)
Blu-ray Disc Movies (7)
Anime & Animation (23)
Hong Kong Version Movie releases (16)
Japanese Movies (11)
Non-Japanese Movies / Japanese Version (9)
J-Pop DVD releases (14)
ENKA DVD releases (1)
Misc Japanese Movie releases (2)
Idol DVD (26)

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html ...

Welcome to this week's Games Update, our weekly summary featuring all new product arrivals from the last seven days.

Games are coming out in torrents after the release of the grand finale of the Metal Gear Solid series, and these releases include games of all sorts of genres.

Summer holidays are about partying and family fun for a lot of people. Nintendo therefore published their newest sports game Super Mario Stadium: Family Baseball, a game suitable for all ages and all occasions. Besides sports games, the puzzle Puyo Puyo! is another game suitable for families gatherings and all sorts of parties.

As a new special priced version, Puyo Puyo! is not only a a perfect addition to your collection of games, but also a nice way to save some cash.

Likewise, Atlus re-released their thrilling mythical RPG Odin Sphere as a best priced version, so for those who did not manange to to grab the last edition, be sure to get your hands on them this time round.

The revival and upgrade of old games are good buys, just in case you have trouble making out your mind. Since the gaming industry is fast paced and competitive, only the best games get revivals. Super Robot Taisen A [Asian, JPN], is a good example, first released in 2001, it is re-released 7 years later on Sony PSP, powered up, with lots of new features.

A lot of people go travelling in the summer, to make your hours of plane, train or even bus journeys more exciting, a number of new games are released on portable consoles such as Spectral Force Genesis [limited and standard editions]. Think about unifying the world as you travel abroad.

The far east is a good place to travel in your summer holidays, but travelling back time to ancient Japan is an even rarer experience. The Harukanaru Jikuu no Ka de (Harukanaru toki no naka de) series has always taken their players back time to either the Heian or Kamakura period. But this time, in the fourth installment, you travel even further back to the era of the gods and myths.

Aside from games, Square-Enix has published their third book in the Final Fantasy Ultimania series. This time, the book will focus on battle systems and monsters as well as magic.

As usually, here's a summary of all new releases from this week, followed by a quick preview of what is expected to be hot next week.

Xbox360™:
Don King Presents Prize Fighter US US$ 64.90
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit US US$ 64.90
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage JPN US$ 64.90
Kung Fu Panda ASIA US$ 49.90
NASCAR 09 US US$ 64.90

PlayStation3™:
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit US US$ 64.90
NASCAR 09 US US$ 64.90

Nintendo Wii™:
Backyard Baseball 2009 US US$ 44.90
Blast Works: Build, Fuse & Destroy US US$ 44.90
Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 4 JPN US$ 64.90
Puyo Puyo! (Special Price) JPN US$ 29.90
Super Mario Stadium: Family Baseball JPN US$ 59.90
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian JPN US$ 59.90

PlayStation2™:
Backyard Baseball 2009 US US$ 24.90
Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 4 JPN US$ 64.90
Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 4 [Premium Box] JPN N/A
Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 4 [Treasure Box] JPN US$ 129.90
LoveDrops (Best Selection) JPN US$ 34.90
NASCAR 09 US US$ 44.90
Odin Sphere (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 39.90
Puyo Puyo! (Special Price) JPN US$ 29.90
Sorayume JPN US$ 64.90

Nintendo DS™:
Dokusho Shitendo DS: Genji Monogatari + Chottodake Bungaku JPN US$ 39.90
Dokusho Shitendo DS: Hanshichi & Yuumon & Ango + Ago & Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko JPN US$ 39.90
Gakken Mainichi no Drill DS: Mesaze! Miracle Shougaku 1 Nensei JPN US$ 39.90
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles US US$ 24.90
Looney Tunes: Cartoon Conductor US US$ 24.90
My Fashion Studio US US$ 34.90
Nippon Shuzan Renmei Kanshuu: Itsudemo Soroban DS JPN US$ 39.90
Ohimesama Debut JPN US$ 48.90
Puyo Puyo! (Special Price) JPN US$ 29.90
Soul Bubbles ASIA N/A
Spectral Force Genesis JPN US$ 48.90
Spectral Force Genesis [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 69.90
Watashi no Pony JPN US$ 39.90

Nintendo DS Accessories™:
Game Card Case 6 (Black) US US$ 5.99
Game Card Case 6 (Clear) US US$ 5.99
Game Card Case 6 (Pink) US US$ 5.99

Sony PSP™:
Puyo Puyo! (Special Price) JPN US$ 29.90
Secret Agent Clank ASIA US$ 39.90
Super Robot Taisen A Portable ASIA US$ 59.90
The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 31.90
World Championship Cards US US$ 24.90

Sony PSP™ Accessories:
Full Protection Filter JPN US$ 9.90
PSP Headset with Remote JPN US$ 39.90
Super Robot Taisen A Portable Accessories Set JPN US$ 29.90

PC Games
Mass Effect (DVD-ROM) ASIA US$ 39.90

Video Game related Books
Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania File 3: Battle JPN US$ 29.90

Video Game related Soundtracks
Made Hajimemashita Goshujinsama No Osewa Itashimasu Drama CD JPN US$ 29.90
Radio DJCD Naruto Radio Shippujinrai 3 JPN US$ 24.90
The Idolm@ster Master Live 04 JPN US$ 19.90

A separate Video/Music update containing Japanese releases from this week, including ...

Welcome to this week's toys update. Check out the wonderful collectibles we just got in stock and all the new products made available for preorder.

As toys, especially collectible ones, are produced in limited numbers and are often sold out prior to the actual release date, we strongly recommend to preorder the figures of your desire as early as possible.

As she is the first female fighter in single player combat games, everyone is familiar with Chun Li the Interpol officer who strives to avenge her father and bring down evil in the process.

The muscles crafted to her body suggest the strenuous martial arts training she recieves and that she is not a person to cross.

Chun Li is sold at a bargain price of US$ 12.90. The maximum purchase is limited to 2 pieces per customer. As usually, this weekly special is valid for exactly 1 week (if not sold out earlier).

Kiryu Kazuma, the ex-boss of Tojo-kai, the true dragon of Japan as well as the legendary Yakuza hero is made into a figure. With his eyes sharp and muscles taut, he is ready to show all the roughmen within the vicinity who's the boss.

A yakuza's identity is proven not only by his leadership skills or his prowess as a fighter but also by the tattoo he wears on his back. The vivid and colorful rising dragon on Kiryu's back gives him both his nickname and symbolizes his heroism.

To emphasize his status, this figure of him comes with his weapons, a Japanese sword and a baseball bat as well as a special stand that lights up with a press of a switch that lends much drama to this hero.

The main playable character and super weapon Master Chief from Halo is brought from the television screen to the 3D world by Kotobukiya.

He is depicted as crouching within the semi-opaque bubble shield in a battle pose. Fans looking forward to seeing his weapons and thrilling action will be pleased, for this package comes with his assault rifle and two machine guns held at the ready for firing.

Space ships from vintage arcade shooting games such as R-Type and Gradius are released as trading toys, now you can land them beside your collection of planes or the figures of your favorite pilots on your desk or shelf.

Although these are miniature versions of the planes in the games, they are loyally modelled, sculpted and colored with attention paid to the last detail.

This series will include two repainted versions of the vessels as well as a secret version, so be sure to watch out for those as you complete your collection.

Girls who models military wear and weapons are hot, just like the nameless model featuring in the pin-up poster in the military magazine MC Akushizu. Drawn by the famous game character designer and illustrator Yamashita Shunya, this girl has a body shape that shames even super models.

The rifle she is holding is modelled after the M2 12.7mm automatic machine gun with barrels and screws in all the right places and is just as flawlessly proportioned as the girl.

The lists below show what has been released this week and what is available for preordering.

Toys & Figures (19)

Bible Black 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Imari Kurumi (Re-run) JPN US$ 59.90
Bible Black 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Takashiro Hiroko JPN US$ 59.90
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 Venus on the Beach 1/6 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Statue: Hitomi JPN N/A
Devil May Cry 4 Non Scale Pre-Painted Artfx Statue: Dante JPN US$ 94.90
Excellent Model One Piece Portraits of Pirates P.O.P. 5 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Robin (Kid Version) JPN N/A
Excellent Model One Piece Portraits of Pirates P.O.P. 5 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Luffy (Kid Version) JPN N/A
Excellent Model One Piece Portraits of Pirates P.O.P. 5 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted Figure: Sanji (Kid Version) JPN US$ 24.90
Final Fantasy Stuffed Plush Doll: Moguri (Re-run) JPN US$ 24.90
Final Fantasy Stuffed Plush Doll: Sabotenda (Re-run) JPN US$ 24.90
Final Fantasy Stuffed Plush Doll: Tonberi (Re-run) JPN US$ 24.90
GT-R THE ENGINE Highway Police Unit JPN US$ 6.49
Halo 3 Master Chief Field of Battle Non Scale Artfx Statue: Master Chief JPN US$ 99.90
Little Busters 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Natsume Rin JPN US$ 54.90
M x 0 1/8 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Hiiragi Aika JPN US$ 64.90
Nadesico Non Scale Pre-Painted Model Kit: Black Selena JPN US$ 69.90
Revoltech Series No. 052 - Gurren Lagann Non Scale Pre-Painted PVC Action Figure: Lazengann JPN N/A
Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! Lighting Figure JPN US$ 69.90
Super Figure Art Collection Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Non Scale Pre-Painted Statue: Kuujyou Jyoutarou JPN N/A
Treasure Figure Collection Labyrinth of Yggdrasill Non Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Paladin Girl JPN N/A

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html ...

Newly released:



description
Choose your own motherland, invade and unify the world of Neverland by becoming the overlord of the rest of the thirty nine countries. This game has already made a name for itself with the last installments by having a cast of intriguing characters and a complex web of political as well as personal relationships between them.

This newest installment makes use of the touch pen facility in battle wars to make controls more intuitive. Direct your armies with your touch pen and indicate the speed they should march at with your movements. Some armies are better with speedy battles and some are better with prolonged sieges, understand your forces before you deploy them.

Each character has a different set of attacks when they enter the battlefield. Use your touch pen to initiate special attacks against your enemies. You need to deal with random events like taxation, diplomatic missions, battles etc at random intervals, so be sure that you are equipped for all of these tasks at all times.

View event scenes once you have accomplished a specific task. There is a library section that allows you to review all the scenes and graphics awarded to you. Since the game consist of elements from all the previous installments, there is a glossary section for you to look up the terms. This feature is especially helpful for the beginners who start their Spectral Force experience with this game.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2nfl.html ...

Newly released:



features
Simple, Active Controls: Rookies and veterans alike will be hittin' it home in no time. Simply swing the Wii Remote controller like a bat, or use a pitching motion to test your strike power from the mound!
Live the Dream: Show your face at the plate; play as your Mii!
Play Ball! ...With Friends: Up to four players can challenge one another on a single Wii console. Go nine innings or try one of the minigames - including a home run contest!
Stadium Mania: Select from nine unique stadiums - everything from an ice-filled castle to an urban cityscape! Many stadiums can be acccessed day or night, allowing double-headers under the lights!

description
Step up to the plate with Mario and friends. Make the intuitive Wii Remote controller your bat as you dominate the diamond with Mario, Luigi, Peach and the rest of the gang!

Dust off your cleats! It's time to play ball!

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2oms.html ...

Newly released:



features
The war features a large number of robots, from the mobile suits in the Gundam series to the original Banpresto creations.
New features in this revival of the classic game include replacing the attack and guard support system with a new one. Split your characters into the attack team and protect team and use them for different occasions.
The robots are equipped with a shield that deflects half of the damages you suffer. The higher level your characters are, the more frequent this shield appears.
Assign skills for your characters to learn. In this revival, you have the right to customize the skills of both robots and pilots.
All weapons can be upgraded in the game, so be sure to make use of this feature and prepare yourself for the difficult boss battles.

description
Super Robot Taisen A was first released on Gameboy Advance in 2001. Now, 7 years later, it is re-released on Sony PSP with lots of upgrades and new features. The story takes place in a futuristic post war period where the Earth is slowly recovering from two devastating wars.

However, just as people start believing that the peaceful times would last, because of a failed diplomatic mission, another war begins. To make matters worse, the failure of this mission made the Moon Empire lose confidence in the Earth Federation and thus declared independence from Earth as well as war.

In this crucial hour, all departments within the Earth Federation are in standby mode, all except their 13th squadron. But like it or not, they are the only match for the mysterious enemies' forces.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2nk8.html ...

According to Game|Life and Dengeki Online, Namco Bandai is bringing Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii's latest film, "The Sky Crawlers," to the Wii in the form of a flight combat sim. The genre (not to mention Namco's Ace Combat team) makes for a perfect fit given the movie's focus on a group of fighter pilots, albeit in an alternate setting.

Though it won't be measured in Japan until fall, the success of Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces will likely hinge on how well the controls are implemented -- the Wiimote functions as the throttle and the nunchuck acts as the control stick -- and how popular the film ends up being. At least the game will let us skip all the existential chatter, right?

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/na...awlers-to-wii/ ...

On Wednesday, PlayStation Lifestyle posted up a rumor that Microsoft was supposedly gunning for a timed Xbox 360 exclusive, to be paid for in cash money and announced at E3. Following an understandable uproar on the part of PlayStation fans, Capcom has set the record straight via their official message forums.

In fact, said record-straightening was done by Christian Svensson, Capcom's VP of strategic planning and business development, who wrote: "The assertion is false. RE5 is a multiplatform release that fits with our oft-stated crossplatform strategy." In the same thread, Svensson confirms "for the avoidance of doubt" that the game will be a simultaneous release on both platforms. Thanks for being so quick with the extinguisher on this one, Sven.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ru...ly-on-ps3-360/ ...

On Wednesday, PlayStation Lifestyle posted up a rumor that Microsoft was supposedly gunning for a timed Xbox 360 exclusive, to be paid for in cash money and announced at E3. Following an understandable uproar on the part of PlayStation fans, Capcom has set the record straight via their official message forums.

In fact, said record-straightening was done by Christian Svensson, Capcom's VP of strategic planning and business development, who wrote: "The assertion is false. RE5 is a multiplatform release that fits with our oft-stated crossplatform strategy." In the same thread, Svensson confirms "for the avoidance of doubt" that the game will be a simultaneous release on both platforms. Thanks for being so quick with the extinguisher on this one, Sven.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ru...ly-on-ps3-360/ ...