KOEI unleashes a brand new gameplay and character trailer for its uber-hardcore turn-based strategy sequel

If you're the kind of person who sleeps with your calculator and starts frothing in the pants when somebody slings a bunch of numbers your way on a whim, you've probably already relished the joys of Nippon Ichi's uber-hardcore turn-based strategy fantasy RPGs.

Although we'll readily admit we're not quite smart enough to keep track of all the stats the developers' titles regularly throw our way, we're looking forward to Disgaea 2 immensely - largely because we've had great fun being utterly bewildered by Nippon Ichi's previous title Makai Kingdom recently.

In celebration of the game's European release on PS2 later this year, KOEI has unleashed a brand new trailer, serving the dual purpose of introducing some of Disgaea 2's characters, as well as showing off some of its gameplay shenanigans. Check it out on this page, eh?

Trailer Here ...

With the DS enjoying huge success at the moment, thanks to its mighty catalogue of quality titles, many are finally taking advantage of the system's region-free capabilities by importing games and avoiding the lengthy delays we frequently endure in Europe.

Now, Nintendo of America's vice president of marketing and corporate communications, Perrin Kaplan, has tackled the issue of possible region-free capabilities on the forthcoming Wii. Unfortunately, given Kaplan's somewhat acrobatic approach in response to the question, it's still unclear whether region-free Wii is a possibility - although it seems Nintendo is at least considering the issue.

Speaking to IGN on the subject of region-free, Kaplan explained, "Clearly, the success of Nintendo DS has offered a lot of lessons about what works in the marketplace -- and we certainly intend to keep our fans satisfied. For the Wii system, we are finalizing all the relevant details and will be making announcements in the coming months."

Kaplan continued, "We know that isn't what you all want to hear (or read) but at least we are being honest! We will share a lot of ways people can play globally, regionally, without boundaries. You're right that the region-free approach has proved to be a successful and attractive feature for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS -- we have even blown the doors off our own anticipated numbers! Cost, ease-of-use and player privacy are the three things that were a focus for us with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those priorities also will apply to the Wii system."

Of course, you could argue that Kaplan deliberately misunderstood the question, seemingly interpreting the notion of region-free as 'being able to play against people anywhere in the world'. Still, as vague as the whole thing is, it's still nice to think that we might finally be able to enjoy games from all markets without the arduous wait often imposed by Nintendo's European arm.

Of course, for a definite answer to the region-free question, we'll just have to wait until Nintendo is ready to spill its mighty satchel of Wii beans this September. Bah. ...

Sony has released a brand new SingStar PS3 trailer this morning showing off the game's brand new next-gen features, including an iPod-style download service.

Along with the download service, the video shows off the PS3's revamped microphone, which comes in a new sleek, silver design with increased sensitivity compared to the current model. With this new extra-sensitive mic and the huge choice offered by the PS3 download service, our post-pub rock ballads are going to sound better than ever. Particularly given Sony's plans for a new wireless mic to accompany Singstar, we'll be able to shake our booty in complete freedom.

There's no official date for SingStar PS3 yet, but we reckon it'll be inked in for release alongside the console launch in November.

Trailer Here ...

Rockstar's Table Tennis was a splendidly left field but wonderful entry into the 360 sports market from the makers of GTA and - if you haven't managed to catch a blast - check out our full review for the definitive goods, or shift eyes right for full coverage with loads of movies and screens.

However, if you haven't encountered the wonderfully playable title before, you'll have a chance to sample the action yourself today with the advent of a new Table Tennis demo hitting up the Live Marketplace from one o'clock today.

You'll be able to play as bat wielders Mark or Liu Ping in a three-game match from China's National Table Tennis Auditorium to experience the game's excellent graphics and advanced physics, which many discerning Rockstar watchers believe are a test bed for the next gen GTA. ...

It appears that apple have cleverly planned to redesign the next-gen IPOD, currently the best selling music player in the us. A new patent passed says the following:

A method for initiating floating controls on an electronic device, the method comprising: detecting the presence of an object above and spaced away from a surface of the electronic device; and displaying a particular graphical user interface element on a display of the electronic device when the object is detected above the surface of the electronic device.

An mock-up of the new interface is attached in the comments. ...

Lik Sang have done a great hands on feature of the new Opera Browser for the Nintendo DS:



Yesterday evening, we received the first batch of the highly anticipated Opera Browser for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite. While preorders are getting shipped out, we took the software for a test drive in our Wi-Fi enabled Gaming Room. New orders are welcome in the meantime, for US$ 49.90 only.

The Opera Browser comes in two separate parts, one cart for the Nintendo DS slot, another one for the GBA "accessory" port. The latter is actually the reason why there are two different versions depending if you got an original NDS or a Lite. The size is reduced with the Lite adapter so that it doesn't stick out of the handheld. The menu interface is available only in Japanese language and cannot be changed to English or any other tongue. It remains very easy to use for any import gamer though. As a matter of fact, the icons at the bottom of the screen are pretty self-explanatory. From left to right, it goes: Forward, Back, Refresh, History, URL Entry, Bookmarks, Find, Settings, Help, Screen Mode, Picture On/Off, Zoom, and Screen Switch. URL input can be performed in roman characters, simply typing on the virtual keyboard with the stylus. Everything is a touch away. No such thing as a language barrier on this title. Also, the cartridge is of course region free and will therefore work with any Nintendo DS system bought anywhere in the world, same as any Nintendo DS game.

Full article Here --> http://www.yesasia.com/?/news.php?artc=3872&lsaid=219793 ...

NJ has once again updated his CPS1 emulator, this time adding some control fixes and features.

Translated news from his web page:
Translated "What's changed" contents of readme_cps1.txt:

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

We now have some hi res shots of the Supercard Lite and also one of it in the DS Lite and yes it does fit flush with a small black slot for the micro sd. Check out the pictures in the comments.

Damn that thang looks sexay! ...

Decal Girl are the leaders in Skins and Customisation of Consoles, heres the list of consoles they cover:

Apple Mac Mini Skins
Gameboy Advance Skins
GameCube Skins + Wraps
iPod 3G Skins + Wraps
iPod 4G Skins + Wraps
iPod Mini Skins + Wraps
iPod Nano Skins
iPod Shuffle Skins
iPod Video (5G) Skins
Nintendo DS Lite Skins
Nintendo DS Skins
PS2 Skins + Wraps
Sony PSP Skins
Xbox 360 Controller Skins
Xbox 360 Faceplate Skins
Xbox 360 Skins
Xbox Skins + Wraps

also

Sony PSP Faceplates
Xbox 360 Colored Cases
Xbox 360 Faceplates

Heres some interesting skins:



Check them all out at Decal Girl.com ...