Professor Layton and The Curious Village

Developer(s) Level-5;
Publisher(s) Level-5 (JAP), Nintendo (US);
Series Professor Layton;
Platform(s) Nintendo DS;
Release date
JP February 15, 2007;
NA February 10, 2008;
Genre(s) Adventure/Puzzle game;
Mode(s) Single Player;
Rating(s)
CERO: A;
ESRB: E;
Media 64 MB + 64 KB EEPROM;
Input method(s) Stylus;
Description
In the curious village of St. Mystere, townsfolk greet each other with riddles, lock their doors with sliding puzzles, and hide their secrets within brainteasers. When a wealthy baron passes away, his will reveals an elusive treasure hidden someplace inside the village. Now it's up to Professor Layton to untangle St. Mystere's riddles and puzzles, find the hidden treasure, and crack the case.

Features

• As Professor Layton, you'll tackle mind-bending puzzles as you unravel the mysteries of the village. Puzzles range from mazes and riddles to logic and sliding puzzles.


• Touch Screen controls make working through puzzles a snap for players of all skill levels, and new puzzles will be available for download via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.


• Professor Layton is the first to offer a story, cast of characters, and style that are just as strong as the gameplay. Fully voiced animated scenes bring the story to life, while the funny and eccentric villagers and the classic, hand-drawn art provide a stylish charm that will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike.

Video
Trailer



My Thoughts
A suspense detective case solving game, loaded with tons of mind-blowing puzzle games. Nice graphics, nice animations, and brilliant VO.


Facts
Today is Professor Akira Tago's birthday. The man behind most the puzzles behind this game. Ometedo Otanjobi, Tago Sensei!

^0^





External Links
• Official Game Site;
• Wikipedia;

This item is available at:
• Play-Asia.com;
• Amazon.com;

WarioWare: Touched!

Developer(s) Nintendo
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Released
JP December 2, 2004
NA February 24, 2005
EU March 11, 2005
JPN December 8, 2005
Genre Variety, Action
Mode(s) Single player
Ratings
ESRB: E
CERO: All ages
PEGI: 3+
OFLC: G
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Media Nintendo DS Game Card
Input methods Touch screen, microphone
Description


Video
Wario Ware Touched commercial



My Thoughts
Another crazy WarioWare game. It utilises the DS's touch screen capabilities. It's another pure fun and laughter. It's all about Touched!


External Links
• Official Wario Site;
• Wikipedia;

This item is available at:
• Amazon.com;
• Play-Asia.com;

WarioWare: Twisted!

Developer(s) Nintendo
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Released
JP October 14, 2004
AUS May 19, 2005
NA May 23, 2005
EU TBD
Genre Variety
Mode(s) Single player
Ratings
PEGI: 3+
ESRB: E (Everyone)
CERO: All ages
Platform(s) Game Boy Advance
Media Gyro sensor cartridge
Description
Wario is back with 200 all-new microgames and all-new ways to play them!

Dr. Crygor fixes Wario's busted GBA by tossing in a high-tech piece of laboratory equipment that looks suspiciously like a washing machine. When the GBA emerges, Wario discovers that he can play games by spinning it. Always on the lookout for new money-making schemes, Wario enlists his team of developers from WarioWare, Inc. to create tons of madcap, spin-controlled microgames. Wario can practically hear the "Ka-ching!" as the masses line up for his latest creation.

In WarioWare: Twisted!, you control the action by rotating the entire Game Boy Advance left or right and, sometimes, pressing the A Button. This must be the first game to include a screen warning you to spin your game system around -- but not yourself!






Video
WarioWare Twisted! USA TV Commercial




Game Play




Mini Game





My Thoughts
This game is really crazy, fun and innovative. It's pure fun and laughter. The gameplay uses the gyro system built in the game catridge. It's all about Twisted!


External Links
• Official Wario Site;
• mobygames.com;
• Wikipedia;
• 1Up.com;

This item is available at:
• Amazon.com;
• Play-Asia.com;

Pinky Street Kira Kira * Music Night

This actually belongs to seth.frost.heart (thanks buddy, ^0^), but he's kind enough and lend it to me to take some pictures to make some of my CSP Buddies drool...

/kakakakaka

Anyway, this is a special and limited edition, that comes with a figurine and a DS game.

Video





Screenshots








Availalbe in 3 editions
Pinky Street Kira Kira * Music Night [Pinky Figure Limited Edition]


Pinky Street Kira Kira * Music Night [Kira Kira Rainbow Pack]


Pinky Street Kira Kira * Music Night




External Link
• Official Site;
• Wikipedia;
• Pinky-Street.com;
• VANCE PROJECT;


- - - - - - -

This item is available at:
• Play-Asia.com;

HOBBYCON 2007 - GREAT SUCCESS

IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!!!

^0^

check out the some of the coverages:

Official Blog
• HOBBYCON BLOG;

acom's Serious Scribbles & Silly Sayings: HOBBYCON
• HOBBYCON : LIVE FROM KAC;

Chucky's Demented Thoughts
• Hobbycon 2007;

doridori's The Autumn Party
• Live from Hobbycon 2007: Day 1 Report 1;
• Live from Hobbycon 2007: Day 1 Report 2;
• Live from Hobbycon 2007: Day 1 Report 3;
• Not so Live from Hobbycon 2007: Day 2 - The End and Closing;

FlaneganB
• Last day of Hobbycon.;
• Sabah Hobbycon 2007.;

Hangmen's SUPERIOR INTERNET CONTENT!
• HOBBYCON 2007;

Im Julian
• Hobbycon day 1;
• Hobbycon day 2;
• Hobbycon - Im STILL Here!!! XD;
• Hobbycon: Happy Day...;
• Hobbycon - Im here!!! XD;

Ki-Chan's cinamoroll lala world
• Reporting HobbyCon Day 1!!!!!!!;
• Reporting HobbyCon Day 2 Report!!!;

Maslight's the life of a psychotic weirdo:
• HobbyCon 2007;
• HobbyCon 2007 - 2nd Day;

saifulrizan's .Welcome.
• HobbyCon 2007, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah;
• HobbyCon 2007, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - Day 2;

Sir-George's JoJ Punya
• Live From HobbyCon 2007;
• HobbyCon 2007 ended..;

HOBBYCON 2007

There'll be a HobbyCon this coming Saturday, 08 December 2007 at Asia City Complex, Kota Kinabalu.

Photo Courtesy of Im Julian


date: 08 - 09 December 2007;
time: 9am - 9pm;
venue: Asia City Complex;


I'm really excited about it, as this is probably the first HobbyCon ever held in Sabah. This is organised by a bunch of young+hot+passionate+hobbyists from ClickStartPlay.com (CSP) (my gang of new frens! ^0^)

The event will cover a series of activities, such as:

• Pump It Up;


• Board Games and Card Games;
  
  
  
  • Magic: The Gathering;
  
  
  • Warhammer 40k;
  
  
  • Board Games;
  
  
  
  


• Computer Gaming;


• Cosplaying;


• Dance Performances;


• Live Blogging;


• Manga;


• PSP and NDS Zone;


• Toys, Figurines and Model Display;

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend it... 'cos I won't be going back KK anytime earlier. T_T

However, they have all my full support I can provide.



CSPartans~ GANBATTE NE!!!
Usachan Peace v(^_^)V



For more info, kindly visit the following links:
• Official Blog; LIVE COVERAGE!!!
• Official Site;
• Forum;
• ClickStartPlay.com (CSP);
• HobbyCon News;
• Hobbycon preview 1: Magic The Gathering Card Game;
• Hobbycon preview 2: KK's 1st Doujin FOR SALE!!!;

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)

Developer(s) Capcom;
Publisher(s) Capcom;
Designer(s) Masachika Kawata (Producer);
Release date(s)
US, November 13, 2007;
Japan, November 15, 2007;
EU, November 30, 2007;
AUS, December 13, 2007;
Genre(s) Rail shooter, Survival horror;
Mode(s) Single player, 2 player Co-op;
Rating(s) ESRB: M (Mature);
Platform(s) Wii;
Input Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Wii Zapper;


Video



Gallery





images source from Wii.IGN.com.


My Thoughts
For a real RE:UC Wii experience, Wii Zapper is a necessary.



The game actually comes with 2 editions.
01) Game ONLY edition; or
02) Game bundle with ZAPPER;

Obviously price differs too.

To get the Wii Zapper alone, you can try this
Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training

Currently available at Play-Asia.com at US$ 34.90 (~117.74 MYR), which comes with a game - Link's Crossbow Training.


Another game that comes with Zapper is
Ghost Squad (w/ Wii Zapper, Jap)

which cost US$ 59.90 (~202.09 MYR) at Play-Asia.com.


External Link
- Official Site (US);
- Official Site (Jap);
- Wikipedia;
- Wii.IGN.com;


- - - - - - -
This item is available at:
• Play-Asia.com;

Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide

I just got this on Wednesday, from a friend.

It's a good buy, nice printing, certainly a collector's item.

Check it out!

This item is available at:
• Play-Asia.com;
• Amazon.com.

- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass;
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Figure Collection Gashapon;

Street Fighter IV

For those who were born in between mid 70s and early 80s... growing up in the mid 80s to late 90s, Street Fighter the name isn't something unfamiliar to you.

Capcom has confirmed the development of Street Fighter 4.

However, no platform has been announced... -_-"

External Link
• Game Radar
• Joystiq
• 1UP.com
• Wired
• racketboy.com







PREPARE YOURSELF

Oktober Fest!!!

I've pre-ordered one of the most anticipated DS game of the year - The Legend of Zelda: Phatom Hourglass, from Play-Asia in June.

After waited for 4 months, it finally delivered to me this morning, together with Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow.



With all the stocked up games that I have now, they'll probably keep me busy til Chinese New Year.

^0^


- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Christmas in September;
• mr-penman's stories: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass;

Picross DS - part 2

YEAH!!! Finally arrived yesterday (read this).

This game ROX!!! It looked simple, yet very challenging...and EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE!!!

Try out the online version HERE.

External Links
• Wikipedia.
• Nintendo site
• picross.com


This item is available at:
• Play-Asia.com;


- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Picross DS;

Gyakuten Saiban 2 (Best Price) / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All

This is the second part of the Gyakuten Saiban / Phoenix Wright series. 5 New stories/cases, with colorful cast of characters include both new and familiar faces.

New Features

• "Psyche-Lock" feature – some witnesses may be keeping the truth under tight lock and key (aka the "Psyche-Lock" state), so in order to break them down, successfully open up their Psyche-Locks with a series of correct questions or catch them on their inconsistent testimony;


• Life Bar - represents Phoenix's status in court – by presenting incorrect evidence or following misguided attempts to break Psyche-Locks, Phoenix's life bar will go down; the only way to regain this stat is to successfully open a witness's Psyche-Lock;


• Presenting "Profiles" - now "Profiles" is part of the evidence that you can present/to support your investigations/examinations;

My Thoughts
The story doesn't really link back to the first title, in terms of story development, perhaps a few old main characters that from the previous title. Generally I would say, it's still ok, for you to start/play with GS / PW 2.

Good stories, same old good illustrations.

Difinitely, another "MOST STUCKED" DS Game for you.


Links

• To find out more about the history, click HERE .


• The Official site (JAP)


• The Official site (US)

Where to get
You can order it from Play-Asia.com.


Release Date: 24 October 2006;
Genre: adventure, court drama, puzzle;
Version: Japan;
Language: Japanese/English;
Mode: Single player only;
RANK: 4.5/5;


- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Gyakuten Saiban: Mask Vision Murder Case / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney;
• Gyakuten Saiban 3 (Best Price) / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations;

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 押忍！闘え！応援団

Someone's life in town has just turned disaster. When they cry out "OUENNNNDANNNNN!", a trio of uniformed "motivational soldiers" or "cheer squad", a.k.a. "Ouendan" will show up (out of nowhere) in response to the problems and bring peace to the world.


Gameplay
It's a rhythmic game, where you play along with the music (i.e. featured song), try to complete the game without any mistakes and getting PERFECT score in every level/story by:

• tapping the "Hit Markers";


• sometimes slide to the "Phrase Markers";


• do the final spin on the "Roll Markers";

Each level is featured with one J-Pop hits, and different problem/crisis. All the problems are presented in a funny & hillarious way, manga style comic strip.

You can also link up to 4 players in multiplayer game, in either Versus or Co-Op mode.


Features
The music featured in Ouendan are mainly popular J-Pop Hits from 1990s to 2000s. Pretty nice & cool songs.

For track listing, read HERE.


My thoughts
Unbelievable fun, hillarious, challenging & addictive. Not to mention, a list of nice J-Pop songs to listen to.


Exernal Links

• Official Site


• Wikipedia


• Play-Asia.com


• YesAsia.com

Product Title 產品名稱: Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 押忍！闘え！応援団;
Manufacturer Name(s) 製造商名稱: Nintendo;
Release Date 出版日期: 28/07/2005;
Genre: Music;
Language 語言: Japanese 日本語;
Version: Japanese Version 日本版;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer;
RANK: 4.0/5;





This item is available at - YesAsia.com.

New Super Mario Bros.

This is a remake based on the original Super Mario Bros., released 20 years ago. Of course, this version comes with nicer graphics, more complex musics, new items, more challenging maps, and new features, e.g. "SAVE"... it's really more than just an enhanced version.

If you are familiar with Mario Titles, you'll find classic elements from previous titles, such as Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES), Super Mario World (SNES), and so...


Gameplay
The concept is still pretty much like any other side-scrolling platform - Mario Titles. You need to collect coins & items, in order to assist you to complete the game. And of course, to save the Princess Peach, only this time from Bowser Jr.. All together, there are 8 worlds, with about 10 levels in each world (including hidden levels).


Features

• Star coin - collect 5 of them, you can unlock secret path to Toad Houses, that gives you free items, i.e. 1-up mushroom, Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Starman, Blue Koopa Shell, Mega Mushrrom, & Mini Mushroom.


• SAVE - You can "SAVE" your progress of the game, after you have defeated a Tower/Castle for the first time, or spend 5 Star coins at any Toad Houses.


• Mini Games - Beside playing the main story, there are 18 mini games, solely playable only with Stylus. You can kill time with these mini games, while waiting for bus/train, in Single Player mode, or compete in Multiplayer mode, when you are with a group of DS friends

My thoughts
It's a classic Mario side-scrolling platform game for any old school fan.

There are a couple of "Power Ups" are not available in this title, as I strongly believed Nintendo is holding them back for new releases in the future!

I personally find, this is one of the best Mario titles, this is definitely a good buy!


Where to get
You can order it from Play-Asia.com.


Release Date: 15 May 2006;
Genre: platform;
Version: US;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer;
RANK: 4.5/5;

Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales

You play as the adorable Chocobo entering magical picture books, to rescue all your friends, who are trapped inside these books. These magical books are based on the popular existing fairy tales and folk stories, features in the Final Fantasy Universe.

Gameplay
Everytime you solved a mini game or micro game, either you unlock a secret path (which leads you to another quest), or you are rewarded with 1 card, or release one of your friends.

The cards you collected will be use it to battle bosses, or play against your friends, in multiplayer or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode.

You can also compete with your friends on all the mini games or micro games you've unlocked.

My thoughts
If you like mini games, puzzles and Final Fantasy series, then you won't want to miss this title.

Facts
Chocobo is actually a spin-off title from the Final Fantasy series.

Where to get
You can order it from Play-Asia.com.

Release Date: 16 April 2007;
Genre: adventure, puzzle;
Version: US;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer, Online multiplayer;
RANK: 4/5;

Picross DS

YEAH! another puzzle game. In Picross DS, you must reveal a hidden image that lies beneath the puzzle, by filling in a grid with squares and crosses to complete patterns, within a given time frame.

My Thoughts
BEWARE OF Picross!!! 'cos it can be very addictive... hahahaha! I'm serious! The puzzles are in simple bitmap graphics, but to reveal them, you need some mind juice!

If you like puzzle game, this is one good choice!


Features

• you can design your own picross puzzles


• trade puzzles with your friends via local wireless or Nintendo WFC


• download daily picross puzzle from Nintendo


• multiplayer


• rumble pack compatible

External Links
• Wikipedia.
• Nintendo site
• picross.com


Where to get
You can order it from Play-Asia.com.


Release Date: Aug 2007;
Genre: puzzle;
Version: US;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer;
RANK: 4.5/5;




- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Picross DS - part 2;

Gyakuten Saiban: Mask Vision Murder Case / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Experience this manga style, adventure court room drama game, as a defence laywer - Phoenix Wright, investigating crime scenes, questioning witnesses and presenting shocking evidence, in DS style.

My Thoughts
This is one title that I'll recommend for a Classic NDS game. With good+adventurous+dramatic story line, challenging detective-like game play, remarkable illustrations/graphics and manga style humour characters.

This will be one of your "MOST STUCKED" DS Game.


Facts
You'll probably wondering why the name is sooooooo~ long.

Here's a little intro, this game was originally on GBA, and only available in Japan version. When it's finally ported to DS, it was introduced as "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney" in US version.

This version that I owned, it's Gyakuten Saiban: Mask Vision Murder Case / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, which is a ported Japan version, that has a language selections feature, i.e. Japanese or English.

Links

• To find out more about the history, click HERE .


• The Official site (JAP)


• The Official site (US)

Where to get
You can order it from Play-Asia.com.


Release Date: 12 June 2006;
Genre: adventure, court drama, puzzle;
Version: Japan;
Language" Japanese/English;
Mode: Single player only;
RANK: 4.5/5;


- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Gyakuten Saiban 2 (Best Price) / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All;
• Gyakuten Saiban 3 (Best Price) / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations;

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

I've been a fan since the first Zelda game - The Legend of Zelda (NES) in Gold catridge.

With this fourteenth installations in the series, I'm very excited!!! The Japan version is currently available at Play-Asia.com, US version has yet to announce the launching date .

I managed to try out the Japan version. Totally PWNing cute graphics and the innovative DS style touch screen navigation. I'm very sure this will be another blockbuster title for Nintendo.

Can't wait for the US version to be released. However, I've already pre-ordered it from Play-Asia.com.

Where to get
You can secure your copy now - here.



Release Date: 01 Oct 2007;
Genre: adventure, action, puzzle;
Version: US;
Language" English;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer, Online multiplayer;
RANK: 4.9/5;


- - - - - - -
Read also:
• Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide;
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Figure Collection Gashapon;

Transformers DS

  vs  

The long awaited Transformers: The Movie will come to the big screen in two weeks time - 4th July 2007, and the premiums are arlready out for grab, i.e. action figures, games, etc...

For the DS, there are 2 versions, or rather 2 factions (of the games) to choose from:
1) The Autobots; or
2) The Decepticons;

My Thoughts
The overall feel or mood of the games are like playing GTA, in terms of control and navigation, of course the difference is - you are a TRANSFORMER!

I find the Autobots version is more challenging to play, comparing to the Decepticons. 'Cos being an Autobot, you have lots of considerations bounded, like during combat, you have to watch out for public properties and so. In another word, TO PROTECT

However, if you are on the opposite faction, i.e. The Decepticons, you can do almost anything you like, i.e. destroying private or public properties. In another word, TO DESTROY.

Either side you are on, by destroying civilians' properties, means violating laws, and you'll draw attentions from the local authorities - HUMAN POLICE!.

As for the Graphics, it is truely a great disappointment. Well, some many argue DS has a limited graphic engine, however, I believed it can be better, at least doesn't look like an old 3D FPS flat BMP BG.

FACTS
By playing either versions of the games, will gives you certain spoilers to the movie. Please take note!

Where to get
You can either:
"Autobots! Transform and PROTECT the humans now!"

or

"Deceptions! Transform and DESTROY the AUTOBOTS"

by getting your copy/copies from your local stores or from Play-Asia.com.
1) The Autobots; or
2) The Decepticons;

Release Date: 20 June 2007;
Genre: action;
Version: US;
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer, Online multiplayer;
RANK: 3/5;