It looks like Wii users wanting to expand their Guitar Hero arsenal (or replace an axe after they got a little too into things) won't have to wait much longer, as Red Octane is now set to let loose a separate wireless Les Paul controller for the system. It doesn't exactly come cheap, however, with the company listing the controller at $70 on its own website, although Toys R Us is now taking pre-orders for $60 (Best Buy and others don't seem to be offering it just yet). What's more, while Red Octane only goes so far as say "ETA: March 2008," Toys R Us is giving a ship date of March 4th, so it looks like this one should be landing in your capable hands in no time.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/r...ii-controller/ ...

Just when the members of the Blu-ray Disc Association were settling down to enjoy the fruits of victory, another challenger has entered the ring -- oh wait, it's just NME, makers of VMD, so it's really more like "remained in the ring and basically ignored." The company just issued a press release saying "All indications are that VMD can fill the void left by HD DVD," and that "The way is now clear for VMD to be embraced by the industry." We suppose that's true -- the Asian bootlegging industry really hasn't weighed in with a format choice yet, has it? In any event, VMD players have apparently been shipping to the US for a month now, so all you HD DVD fans out there looking to back yet another losing horse can probably find one -- start at the shadiest retailer you can think of, and then move downwards.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/n...de-out-with-a/ ...

Newly released today:




features
New puzzles and mini-games specifically designed for use with the Wiimote.
Breathtaking third-person graphics that truly immerse the player into this thrilling mystery.
A challenging murder mystery that will stretch the furthest limits of your imagination.
20+ hours of engrossing gameplay and fascinating enigmas to resolve.
New twists-and-turns to the original story, plus a new character has been added – YOU!

description
Ten people, strangers to each other are invited to a lavish estate on a remote island. Through a recording their mysterious host accuses each of his “guests” of murder and proceeds to exact “justice”. The tension mounts as, one-by-one, the number of people are reduced through the ingenious plotting of the unseen killer. Prepare to play the 11th character in the video game based on the best-selling murder mystery of all time!

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

Good news to fans who are not able to get their hands on the Super Mario Galaxy Original Soundtrack - Platinum Version. The Super Mario Galaxy Original Soundtrack is in stock and available at Play-Asia.com for US$ 29.90 only.

The CD is beautifully labeled with the mascot and the booklet carries Mario's silhouette with his conducting baton. If you think the artwork alone is superb, the music contents are even more so! It contain a 28 tracks richly performed by an orchestra and is bound to become another classical companion to the classic game.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2l42.html ...

News from Play Asia:



17th December 2007, a beloved classic title Rockman (a.k.a Megaman) celebrated its 20th anniversary. To celebrate this happy event and to express gratitude for the fans' support, Capcom released a series of original goods for this occasion. And these are available at Play-Asia.com! The goods include chic character printed jerseys, windbreakers and T-shirts that are suitable for both relax wear and fashion wear. Aside from clothes, an all time favorite, the cool mint green Rockman patterned towel scarf also came out for you to wipe your tears and sweat on after an intense game.

20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black Jersey (Size L) JPN US$ 42.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black Jersey (Size M) JPN US$ 42.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black Jersey (Size XL) JPN US$ 42.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black T-Shirt (Size L) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black T-Shirt (Size M) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black T-Shirt (Size S) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black T-Shirt (Size XL) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Black Windbreaker JPN US$ 49.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Red Jersey (Size L) JPN US$ 42.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Red Jersey (Size M) JPN US$ 42.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Red T-Shirt (Size L) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Red T-Shirt (Size M) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official Red T-Shirt (Size XL) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official White T-Shirt (Size L) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official White T-Shirt (Size M) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official White T-Shirt (Size S) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman - Official White T-Shirt (Size XL) JPN US$ 29.90
20th Anniversary Rockman Towel Scarf JPN US$ 18.90

Collectible stationery are also available. The set of four clear folders are printed with illustrations carefully selected throughout the history of Rockman. The Rockman art file contain 48 pages of colored art work taken from the packages of the series. Along with the stationary, a Gashapon is released as a key chain with a Rockman soft toy attached.

20th Anniversary Rockman Art File JPN US$ 16.90
20th Anniversary Rockman Clear Folder Set JPN US$ 14.90
20th Anniversary Rockman Keychain Gashapon JPN US$ 6.99

R20 Rockman & Rockman X Official Complete Works is also available for pre-order at Play-Asia for US$ 39.90 only.

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

Newly released today:



The book is a serious investigation on the concepts that Biohazard the Umbrella Chronicles is built upon. It contains visual materials related to the game and interviews with the staff. Biohazard Umbrella chronicles developed for Nintendo Wii has been very well received since it came out in November last year. This art book is produced under two themes, beauty (art) and skills (arts) and offers official explanations on how the world in the game is constructed. The book consists of artwork and important design sketches of the characters and creatures. Interviews with the creators in charge of character designs, sounds, movies, CG, stage settings, scenarios etc are included as well.

Biohazard the Umbrella Chronicles: Art of Arts is in stock today, available for US$ 19.90 only.

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

News from Play Asia

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

Interesting games released this week for Xbox360™ include the adventure simulation game The Idolm@ster: Live for You! and its Limited Edition, so be ready to cast your magic on a group of charming girls who aspire to become idols. Another exciting game is LOST: Via Domus where you explore a deserted island after a traumatic experience and engage in a journey of self-rediscovery.

Koei released the US version of Dynasty Warriors 6 for PlayStation3™ and Koei/Bandai/Namco released Gundam Musou Special on PlayStation2™. These two games are the answers to every Dynasty Warrior (Shin Sangoku Musou), Gundam, massive crossover and Musou styled action fans' dreams.

As for toys, the Ultra Detail Figure - Metal Gear Solid 20th Anniversary series is out and include: Raiden and Snake [MGS3, MGS4 Mask] versions. Aside from figures, One Piece character piggy bank figures are released as well, with Luffy and Chopper [Type B, Type C].

As usually, here's a summary of all new releases from this week

Xbox360™:
Call of Juarez JPN US$ 64.90
Cars / Fuzion Frenzy 2 / Open Season Bundle US US$ 34.90
Dynasty Warriors 6 US US$ 64.90
FIFA Street 3 US US$ 59.90
Jumper: Griffin's Story ASIA US$ 44.90
LOST: Via Domus ASIA US$ 49.90
Rock Band Drum Set US US$ 129.90
The Club US US$ 64.90
The Idolm@ster: Live for You! JPN US$ 49.90
The Idolm@ster: Live for You! [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 89.90
Xbox Live Points - (3,500 points) [Idolm@ster Limited Version A] JPN US$ 59.90
Xbox Live Points - (3,500 points) [Idolm@ster Limited Version B] JPN US$ 59.90

PlayStation3™:
Dynasty Warriors 6 US US$ 64.90
FIFA Street 3 US US$ 59.90
LOST: Via Domus ASIA US$ 59.90
The Club US US$ 64.90

Nintendo Wii™:
Balloon Pop US US$ 24.90
Choro Q Wii JPN US$ 64.90
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen & the Tower of Mirrors US US$ 59.90
MX vs ATV: Untamed US US$ 49.90
Pimp My Ride US US$ 44.90
Simple Wii Series Vol. 5: The Block Kuzushi JPN US$ 29.90
Simple Wii Series Vol. 6: The Wai Wai Combat JPN US$ 29.90
Uchi Tsuri! Sega Bass Fishing JPN US$ 49.90
Wii Fit Mat JPN US$ 34.90
Zenkoku Dekotora Matsuri JPN US$ 64.90

PlayStation2™:
Black (EA:SY! 1980) JPN US$ 24.90
Burnout 3: Takedown (EA:SY! 1980) JPN US$ 24.90
Final Approach 2: 1st Priority JPN US$ 64.90
Final Approach 2: 1st Priority [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Gundam Musou Special JPN US$ 64.90
Hokuto No Ken / Fist of the North Star (Sega the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Houkago wa Hakugin no Shirabe JPN US$ 64.90
Houkago wa Hakugin no Shirabe [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon Special Edition US US$ 39.90
Kyuuketsu Kitan Moonties JPN US$ 64.90
Kyuuketsu Kitan Moonties [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 89.90
Medal of Honor: Frontline (EA:SY! 1980) JPN US$ 24.90
Need for Speed Underground 2 (EA:SY 1980!) JPN US$ 24.90
Night Wizard The Video Game: Denial of the World JPN US$ 64.90
Night Wizard The Video Game: Denial of the World [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 95.00
Petit Four JPN US$ 64.90
Petit Four [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Tori no Hoshi: Aerial Planet JPN US$ 64.90

Nintendo DS™:
Akagawa Jirou Mystery: Yasoukyoku JPN US$ 39.90
DS Dengeki Bunkou ADV: Baccano! JPN US$ 48.90
DS Motte Tabi ni Deyo: Kyoto JPN US$ 39.90
FIFA Street 3 US US$ 34.90
Gekihou-Han Keroro Gunsou 3: Action! Tenkuu Daibouken de Arimasu! JPN US$ 48.90
Juushinden: Ultimate Beast Battlers Booster Pack Vol.2 JPN US$ 1.99
Okamura Akira Kanshuu: Indo Shiki Keisan Drill DS JPN US$ 39.90
SomaBringer JPN US$ 48.90

Sony PSP™:
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning US US$ 34.90
MyStylist (w/ Camera) JPN US$ 69.90
New Style PSP Pouch (Mint Green) JPN US$ 19.90
PSP PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite - Mint Green (PSP-2000MG) JPN US$ 219.90
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (English Version) ASIA US$ 39.90

PC & MAC™:
AGON: The Lost Sword of Toledo ASIA US$ 34.90
Crash Time ASIA US$ 34.90
Imperium Romanum ASIA US$ 37.90
Penumbra: Black Plague ASIA US$ 34.90
Sangokushi Online Starter Pack JPN US$ 59.90
Shattered Union ASIA US$ 32.90
Silverfall: Earth Awakening ASIA US$ 34.90

Toys and More:
Black Cat 1/7 Scale Pre-painted PVC Figure - Saya Minatsuki JPN US$ 59.90
Dragon Ball Z DB Character Phone Strap 5 Gashapon JPN US$ 2.90
Dragon Ball Z Non Scale Pre-Painted Gashapon: Neo Gekito Z Senshi Soshuhen JPN US$ 5.49
Dragon Destiny Ikkitousen Pre-Painted Action Figure Doll: Kanu Uncho JPN US$ 139.90
Ikkitousen 1/6 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Ryomo Shimei (Maid Version) JPN US$ 139.90
Ikkitousen 1/7 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Kanu Unchou (Limited DX Version) JPN US$ 64.90
One Piece Piggy Bank Figure: Chopper Type B JPN US$ 16.90
One Piece Piggy Bank Figure: Chopper Type C JPN US$ 16.90
One Piece ...

It's no secret that around these parts, we love demos. In fact, we love them so much that when a game doesn't have a demo, we start to get a little nervous. "What are they hiding?" we wonder aloud, much to the chagrin of our friends and family. So you can imagine our disappointment when we read today that we shouldn't be expecting a demo for Rockstar's upcoming crime epic, Grand Theft Auto IV.

OK, so that doesn't necessarily have us worried about the quality (it is GTA after all), and their excuses for going sans demo do make sense. But will that stop us from being moderately grumpy for the next hour as a result? No. No it won't.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/no...theft-auto-iv/ ...

While tilt-sensitive cell phone gaming is apparently nothing new in Japan, domestic developers/hackers have been slow to create games that take advantage of the iPhone's built-in accelerometer. Enter Trism, a simple, match-three puzzle game from semi-pro developer Demifroce that twists things around by changing the way blocks fall as you twist things around.

A GameSetWatch interview with the developer reveals more of the story behind the game's ten-day development, and includes an excellent video (embedded below) of the game in action. Unfortunately, the forthcoming demo version will only work on jailbroken phones, but the developer says he'd love to sell the game on iTunes once the official iPhone SDK is unveiled. Apple, are you listening?

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/tr...ing-to-iphone/ ...