Feature: Animal Crossing finished!

October 31, 2002 12:00 PM PST

Tim Rogers / BS

The Animal Crossing Feature is finally uploaded in full! Check it out from the beginning. Tim's humerous oddysee through this so-called interactive life sim is well worth a read!

News: Final day for ADIC 2002

October 31, 2002 12:00 PM PST

ADIC 2002 / BS

This is the final day to register for the GP32 amature dev competition ADIC 2002! Submit those games/emus/programs now! I'll begin to partake in the judging process within the next couple of weeks.

News: Nintendo tries to make good

October 31, 2002 12:00 PM PST

Planet Gamecube / BS

A post on the good ole S: NGP forum notified me of an article on Planet Gamecube. It seems that Nintendo has spent 3 million dollars to install 500 new Fun Centers in hospitals nationwide. Call me skeptical, but it sounds like the old 'sick kids bait-and-switch' to take the heat off of this previously mentioned article. The wheels of PR keep on turning...

News: Contra: SS replay

October 31, 2002 12:00 PM PST

Dodge the Bullet / CM / BS

Charles Mugg's personal site Dodge the Bullet has returned to the land of the living (a few weeks back), and recently he updated with a replay of the first level of Contra: Shattered Soldier Stage 1, as well as his newest Ikaruga Replays.

News: Metal Slug 3 confirmed for PS2

October 31, 2002 12:00 PM PST

Playmore / BS

Thanks to a post from Sha-v on the mmcafe board, I recieved this link to Playmore's release list. It seems that Metal Slug 3 is confirmed for PS2!! No release date yet, but all news is good news, I say.

News: F13 new art

October 30, 2002 10:50 PM PST

Pion's Home / BS

Something I've been meaning to mention for a while. Pion has released some concept art from F13, from the new Griffon Studio member Fivecrow. Click the pic at the left for a larger view. And check here for an interesting image. I can't say for certain what it is (I should get word from Pion on that soon), but were I to hazard a guess, I would say it's either: the next pic from Aha Studio's ARPG Wings of Soul, or the preliminary shot from Griffon Studio's new as-yet unnamed title. Those are both conjecture, the truth should be out soon enough.

News: SF3-3rd strike videos

October 30, 2002 11:48 AM PST

Replay Data Download / BS

Thanks to another tip from an MMcafe forum member I found the excellent site Replay Data Download. There are quite a few interesting fighter replays there (mostly 3rd strike and CvS 2), but this SF3 vid in particular is impressive. It depicts a 5 on 5 team battle which is really quite exciting. Makoto's combos are a sight to behold. Honestly I wanted the other team to win...I think they would have had the Remy player been a bit better. A 15 min 28 meg download that's well worth your effort!

News: Nintendo busted

October 30, 2002 11:42 AM PST

Yahoo News / BS

Onslaught posted this thread at the mmcafe forums which pointed me to an article from Yahoo News. The article states that Nintendo has been fined some $165 million in Europe for breaking anti-trust laws in the '90s. It seems that Nintendo would not allow exports of games from Britain to other nations like Germany and the Netherlands, where the software was up to 65% more expensive. My big query is whether or not this will have any bearing on future region encoding or import laws in the future? Sure it's a stretch, but one can always hope. Read the original poorly worded article here.

News: Oh My Goddess GP

October 30, 2002 11:38 AM PST

Team K2yaa / BS

It's old news, but Team K2yaa released the full version of their Oh My Goddess (or Ah My Goddess, depending) Tetris game for GP32, which is a necessary download for all who own the system. Truly, if it were possible to pay for the game, I would. However! It should be noted that the game has a few bugs; it occasionally freezes, or pics can get a bit off center, but for a free game, this is tops. I've plans to do a full review after Rafael, Tomak...Be aware that you need at least a 48 meg cart for this game, as the .fpk is a shade over 30 megs. But it's worth it!!

News: GP32 news of the last week!!

October 29, 2002 3:33 PM PST

Various / BS

Lots to cover here...first off GPUN has released a new screenshot for Snow White which J has uploaded onto his site here.

Get Moviepark here!

Get the tomak patch (finally) from here from GP32 news. Good thing they uploaded it, because otherwise you need a Mega GP id. I'll review the re-release shortly...it supposedly has a mini version of the original dating/rearing sim!

GP32 Notebook has mentioned that Comprazard has postponed sales of its GP32 titles. They're not discontinued yet, but this is still a bit disconserting.

GP32 Notebook also discovered that Vengeance of Ogre, the next game in the Wizard Slayer series will not be a shooter, but an action game. Still no game shots...

More later...we should be up for good now!

News: Oldergames blitz

October 22, 2002 1:13 PM PST

Oldergames / BS

Oldergames, in addition to announcing a Neo Geo CD title are now equipped with a (supposedly) very complete dreamcast development kit. They've got plans to port Hellhotel to the DC in due time. They're also working on a few in-house titles which will be announced in due course. Lastly it seems as though Oldergames is looking for corporate sponsorship/incorporation, which would increase their production, distribution and scope immesurably. Look for more from them in the near future...

News: further GP32 information

October 21, 2002 5:00 PM PST

Various / BS

New pics of Wizard of Steel Sun on GPzigi and GP32 News. This RPG was announced about a month ago by Game Park...I've got some character shots around here somewhere, I'll dig them up if I can.

Am I wrong or did GPzigi just say that the RF module is coming out on the 27th?

Just recieved Rafael, review forthcoming. Also if you go to the Game Park main site, there's a popup describing a competition for Rafael...it looks like if you send them your highscore .sav file, you could win various prizes!! I'll have more on this soon, but those of you who already have the game, better get working!

News: the latest GP32 info

October 21, 2002 5:00 PM PST

Various / BS

First of all, AHA studio (Wings of Soul), Pion (from Griffon Studio) and X-Cross Net (the fighting game Ssgazy) have all renewed their websites. X-Cross Net seems to have dropped Ssgazy from their 2002 line-up, but I will wait for confirmation on this.

GP32 News via Don Miguel mentioned that there will soon be a public demo of Topy Topy GoGo; the GP32 skateboard racer.

Team K2yaa has also updated their page with info on their Ah My Goddess Tetris game. As far as I can tell, it seems as though they're considering releasing the game on a 32meg SMC. There's also a poll of some kind, which I believe relates to the aforementioned release. They mention the potential copyright trouble, and the unreasonable percentage with the license would likely take from the gross yield.

Joymax, in an article here mentioned (I believe) that Tangoo and Ullashong is still planned, but price and date are undetermined.

My lack of Korean knowledge is killing me today...if you can help with any of this news, please email me.

News: Dinosaur 3D music download

October 21, 2002 1:55 AM PST

Falcom / BS

Check the new Dinosaur 3D page for new screens of the latest rendition of Falcom's classic dungeon game (though honestly I'm not a fan of the genre). You'll note that here there is a song from the soundtrack available for download. This is by no means JDK soundteam quality...it sounds like a Street Fighter Alpha 2 ending theme. Only download if you're a fan. But then...that's why we're all here, right?

Interview: Back 2 Basic

October 20, 2002 11:30 PM PST

Back 2 Basic / BS

I tracked down B2B's lead programmer Chang W. Doh to ask him a few questions about the SF2 port. It seems he's got plans to finish the port, and make additional original software for GP32. Check the full interview here.

News: Vendetta of Ogre

October 20, 2002 11:30 PM PST

Game Factory / BS

By now everyone knows about Vendetta of Ogre coming to GP32. Here are a few more details from GP32 Notebook: The game is a continuation of the Wizard Slayer storyline (though it was a simple thing to infer), and that a playable demo may well come out within a week's time.

News: Street Fighter 2 for GP32!

October 15, 2002 1:14 AM PST

Back 2 Basic / BS

Street Fighter 2 has long been rumored for GP32...now the name has a face! Back 2 Basic has released a playable demo (version 0.45) of their Street Fighter 2 port. It's basically just a motion and sound test, but it's something! you can maneuver Chun-li around her background, punch, (weak=select, mid=B, strong=A), but any special motion will freeze the game. The stage music is mixed very well, and the background scrolls when you move. It's very much a work in process, but hey...you can't resist it.

In other news, Oedalpha doesn't actually need an artist anymore...he's going to be furnished one by his company. But if it falls through, get your sprite-drawing mice at the ready!

Addendum!! I missed this fact until I was emailed by Mr. Chang w. Doh of B2B. If you hold R, you may also kick. Somehow I missed this the first time around. A very good control scheme!!

addendum the second: I was emailed by fx-man of GP32news...this demo is at least six months old! well regardless the site's renewed.

Feature: Tim spends a week with Animal Crossing

October 14, 2002 10:10 PM PST

Tim Rogers / BS

Tim! Animal Crossing! Day 5! Day 6! The inevitability of life's destruction! (no link?)

News: Another graphic artist needed for GP32

October 14, 2002 12:31 PM PST

Oedalpha / BS

Take a look at Oedalpha's website. It seems he needs a graphic artist himself to make an RPG based on Rogue. Check the preliminary screens here. Those of you who are less adept at drawing planes than you are humans, it looks like this is your chance, since he's planning on making this an official release. His email is oedalpha(a)netian.com, just replace the (a) with @ (to avoid spam).

News: GP32 case, Cartouche info

October 14, 2002 12:18 PM PST

GPzigi / BS

Now this is a carrying case!!

I never reported this...Rino translated the text for the Cartouche SRPG I announced earlier. The info is as follows:
This SRPG is about a sister and a brother, who strive to free thir occupied homeland and neighboring nations from a tyrant and regain freedom and peace.
-The most popular SRPG in korea(..such a BS..) (another poster thought that it might just mean that the SRPG genre is very popular in korea)
-Use of RF Module for multiplayer games supported
-Various strategy and terrain types
-Each character has "Power" and "Hit Point" parameters which are used for special moves and movements within games, enhancing the strategical gameplay.
-enemy AI differs for different difficulty levels, making this game much more interesting
-flashy special moves and spells

News: New, excellent Ikaruga videos

October 14, 2002 3:33 AM PST

Black/White / BS

Recently a Japanese reader by the name of Black&White (appropriate for Ikaruga) graciously let me have these amazing ikaruga vids. He downloaded them from a japanese ftp, but sadly does not know the originator of the files. These are both definitely worth a download. The 21 second boss fight has to be seen to be believed.
Chapter4 Rank S++.mpg (taken down due to leachers :/)
Chapter4Bosstime79.mpg

News: GP32 update

October 13, 2002 5:47 PM PST

various / BS

Latest happenings in the GP32 world...of course GP32news showed new pics of the upcoming racing game Topy Topy go go. According to GP32 Notebook the game will support up to four players using the RF module (the game is to be released in november, but the RF still isn't widely available). There will also be items you can use to slow down other competitors. The official page for the GP32 version is here. Check out the flash demo.

Griffon Studio has recruited a new artist...I look forward to seeing the work of this newcomer!

Feature: Tim spends a week with Animal Crossing

October 12, 2002 1:09 PM PST

Tim Rogers / BS

We're at the mid-way point of Tim's weeklong stretch...if you're just now joining us, here's day one. For you veterans, the newest, day 4 is here.

I'll be damned if I know what happened to the frontpage post about day 3...that's allright, we don't need it!

News: Breath of Fire new page.

October 12, 2002 1:07 PM PST

Capcom / SM / BS

Scott just came across the new Breath of Fire V; Dragon Quarter site, which is very nice and english user-friendly (as much as any japanese page can be). Check out the movies, if nothing else.

News: Sin and Punishment replay.

October 12, 2002 12:59 AM PST

CM / BS

As promised, here's the second in a series of Sin and Punishment replays by Charles Mugg. Sorry about the delay, I decided to release them even further apart.

News: Stylish, KOF artist

October 12, 2002 12:57 AM PST

Fygee / BS

Fygee from the MMCafe forum found this; the homepage of KOF artist 'Stylish'. The art is extremely nice, please take a look!

News: two new colors for Wonder Swan Crystal

October 11, 2002 8:42 PM PST

Dengeki Online / SM / BS

On November 16th Bandai will begin selling two new Wonder Swan Crystal systems, clear blue and clear black. These systems were voted on by Japanese gamers (out of 8 colors total) on Bandai's WSC website from the 20th to the 30th. In addition, Bandai will be releasing two new titles: the new Inu Yasha game, and One Piece Treasure Wars 2: Buggy Land. Original news from Dengeki Online.

News: Gekido for GBA

October 11, 2002 12:03 AM PST

N.A.P.S. Team / BS

Atarianallstar from the Sector: NGP board let me know about N.E.S.T. Team's new GBA beat'em up: Gekido Advance. Check the site for screens and a trailer for what looks to be an excellent game. The hero looks a bit like a Capcom hybrid.

News: Comprazard GP32 game announced

October 10, 2002 11:53 AM PST

Comprazard / BS

Comprazard, publisher of the PC strategy game Chetics (soon to be ported to GP32 by Run2game) has announced a game of its own. See pics for the new title; Cartouche at the bottom of this page. Veering on the safe side of my horrid babelfish translation, I can glean this information. The game is an SRPG, but one with towns and a worldmap. It will utilize the RF module, and features varied terrain, beautiful magic, et cetera. The art is a bit european for my taste, but I've seen no actual sprites yet. Looks like one to anticipate, regardless!!!

News: Wizard Slayer release!

October 10, 2002 11:38 AM PST

FZ Media / BS

Likely by now everyone has heard the surprise news that Wizard Slayer will be released tomorrow. This is great news for shooter fans! Here's the GPzigi report, as translated by Rino of Sunday GP:
Gamepark suddenly anounced today, that "Wizard Slayer" will be released tomorrow, which is 11th of October. Developed by Friends Media limited, "Wizard Slayer" is a shooter with a fantasy background. WS is the story of Wizard Slayers who strive to rescue their village from the "Forces of Evil" who invade the village after the imprisonment is broken.

WS sucessfully fused interesting elements from RPGs such as experience points, level up system, acquring spells, and various items with a shooter. Also you can learn various spells using skill points given when you advance in levels. It also has easy, normal, and hard difficulty levels. Many monsters including normal monsters, mid-bosses, and boss characters appear in the game, making the game more interesting.

WS will be avilable through online shopping malls and offline retailers including those in Yong-san and department stores. The retail price is 30,000 Korean Won(approximately 25 USDs)

WS Official homepage is here.

Feature: Tim spends a week with Animal Crossing

October 10, 2002 2:45 AM PST

Tim Rogers / BS

Long before people had purchased the game, Tim rented Animal crossing, chronicling his quite humorous journey through Naptown. Yes, I did wait a month to upload it. Yes, I apologize. The opus will be released daily, and though my IQ may not be at the same level as his, at least I know that a week consists of 7 days, not 8 as he has it. Regardless, read the Illiad-esque tome from the beginning here. Days one and two are uploaded, corresponding to the days of the real-world week. Wow.
Check the frontpage for each installment, or simply bookmark the article itself for the 'week'.

News: Asobitcity

October 9, 2002 11:59 PM PST

Tim Rogers / BS

Tim emailed me regarding the aforementioned Asobitcity:

I remember passing the Asobitcity construction site a hundred times earlier this year, wondering what they were building. According to Watch Impress, the store is both owned by LAOX, who owns, like, 99.999998% of all the game stores in Akihabara, AND it has an indoor shooting range. AND an entire floor of computers on which you're actually permitted to play online games. And of course a WALL of capsule toy machines.
Plenty of photos at the link.

Looks like it might be the kickassest store in Akihabara -- better even than the old LAOX Sofmap, which is just a forty-five-second walk away? Still too close to call. If its stupider name (Asobi = "play") is any indication, it might win by a nose.

The Japanese policy: business is war.

The LAOX policy: your only opponent is yourself.

Man, I had some craaazy nights at the LAOX Sofmap . . . it is, seriously, the stuff dreams are made of. Plus wall-to-wall used Super Famicom games for thirty cents each on floor three. They had Parodius, and I got mine. God bless LAOX. God bless business is war.

News: The latest from Japan, KOF EX2

October 9, 2002 11:45 AM PST

Various / SM / BS

Here's some info from Dengeki Online, courtesy of Scott. First off, it seems that Enix has postponed the release date of Star Ocean 3 from November 28th until an undetermined date in March. Read the original article for the usual rhetoric and excuses. No matter when that game comes out it's going to be one to watch!

Second, Sega will be holding an event to commemorate the opening of a new game store in Akihabara (called Asobitcity). Beginning tomorrow, fans who were unable to attend TGS will get to play Shinobi, Sakura Taisen Online, Virtual On Mars and Panzer Dragoon Orta. The event will last for two weeks, so any of our Japanese readers with digital video cameras, send me an email so we can get some footage!

Rid Hershel pointed us to this article from Watch Impress. New higher resolution shots await! Sadly, it seems that they're still intent on calling Mai "May". New info was also released. The game will retail for 5,800 yen, still slated for New Years Day. The "Judge System" has also been explained. Based on your time and life remaining and your battle skill etc, your character gains points. These points correspond to the level of your character, and if you reach the 8th level (I assume that the character level is saved), you become a "Master Character", and can perform a "Master Mode" super if you have all 3 guages filled. No word as to whether these will be new super moves, or how exactly one will execute them.

News: Sin and Punishment replay.

October 8, 2002 11:59 PM PST

CM / BS

Can't get enough replays? Here's an odd one for you. Charles Mugg has done an excellent playthrough of Sin and Punishment for N64. I'll upload these movies one per day, in an effort to avoid the inevitable outages. Without further ado, here's the first!

News: New RTS from Kogado

October 8, 2002 12:37 AM PST

Kogado / BS

Kogado's new RTS Rasetsu Xan is looking rather nice. Though the character art is perhaps the best thing about it. Check Gamespot Japan for the opening movie and a gameplay demo.

News: Tears Another new pic

October 7, 2002 4:45 PM PST

Team DTR / BS

Take a look at Team DTR's gateway page for a new (and very dark) image by the Tears Another character designer. Very nice. They've also just updated their site with a new download location for their Tears Another demo .fpk.

News: Tomak for PS2

October 7, 2002 1:26 PM PST

Gamespot Japan / BS

That's the original Tomak: Save the Earth, mind you. Seed 9's unusual dating sim is coming to PS2 on the 19th of December with a limited edition including clear folders which depict Evian (main character) on the front. What's more, the game will include a post card which is redeemable for a Tomak alarm clock which sounds with Evian's voice. The cards must be sent by the end of december, so let's hope the title isn't delayed ;) Check here for shots of the goods.

News: GP32 on display in Korea

October 7, 2002 2:00 AM PST

Gpzigi / BS

Check this thread from GPzigi to see several shots of the GP32 on display in a small kiosk out-of-doors. The Samsung flatscreen seems to be hooked up to a GP32 using the Moviepark. The poster called the fellow in the picture an 'unidentified youth'. Someone in response called him a 'sweet-potato seller'. I'll leave it up to you to decide.

News: GP32 catch-up

October 6, 2002 11:15 PM PST

Various / BS

Griffon Studio has made the official announcement that it requires a decent graphic artist...we posted this in our interview with them a few days past, but now it's fully confirmed.

It's old news, but wasn't talked about much...Game Park released Rafael for GP32 on the 13th of last month. Check here for screenshots and average scores. Insert Credit should have a review of the game at some point in the near future.

News: Pippin@mark breathes final breath

October 6, 2002 11:15 PM PST

Gamespot Japan / BS

At least in Bandai's eyes. On December 31st of this year, Bandai will stop all support for the macOS compatible computer. In spite of having numerous Gundam games, the thing never caught on. It seems that roughly 10,000 were shipped worldwide (I thought it was a bit more?). MacOS programs couldn't quite run on the thing due to memory constraints. Even so, it remains a collector's item to this day. Check Gamespot Japan for the full story.

News: Hey kids!

October 5, 2002 1:59 PM PST

Gpzigi / BS

GPzigi says: "Don't smoke!!" (a new way to quit?)

News: KOF EX 2, Namco Super Wars

October 5, 2002 1:44 PM PST

Gamespot Japan / BS

Thanks to tips from Fygee and Rid Hershel I've found a fair bit of news from Gamespot Japan (looks like I'd better start checking that site!). For one, Marvelous Entertainment has announced a release date for their update of their mediocre KOF game for GBA. KOF EX 2: Howling Blood will be released on New Years Day 2003 for GBA, promising better animation and at least one new character (based on the screens). As for info from the article the game will have an original story (a mysterious person invites all to participate in the tournament. Hmmm....original indeed.) It purports to 'mimic the action of Neo Geo' which is dubious, based on their last effort. The game uses the unexplained 'judge system', and seems to have strikers. There will be 3 person teams again, 6 teams in all, plus the usual few extra characters. Multiple endings can be found by original combinations of characters from different teams. Check Gamespot Japan for the screens.

There are also some screens and a bit of info on Namco Super Wars for Wonderswan. The game will be released on Halloween (what's with all of the odd holiday releases?) for WSC, utilizing the Swan Crystal upgrade as well. This is essentially a congregation of classic Namco characters from the NamcoT days (no Pac Man...perhaps a hidden character?), with isometric battles, a world map, and presumably some sort of story. Looks promising, but then again Bandai is the manufacturer so who knows!

News: Venus and Braves trailer

October 4, 2002 2:55 PM PST

Rid Hershel / BS

The ever watchful Rid Hershel from the MMCafe forum has pointed me to this new Venus and Braves trailer at Watch Impress. For those who don't know, this is Namco's new online RPG for PS2. The trailer is essentially the same as the one from TGS, but even if you've seen it, the higher quality (and sound) makes the movie well worth the download. It seems that Namco is the new torch-bearer for the old-school RPG. They're doing their job well, by my estimation.

News: The death of Lik-Sang?

October 4, 2002 2:49 AM PST

MSNBC / SM / BS

Scott mailed me this earlier today. It seems that our beloved import retailer Lik-Sang has been shut down by Microsoft, due to their sales of X-box mod-chips. There's no mention as to how far this 'legal action' will go, but when MS is concerned, it's rare for a company to come out alive. I find it incredibly odd that the news was confirmed by the Australian branch of MS, Australia being the place where system modification is legal. The full implications of this have only recently become clear to me. Lik-Sang is the major distributer of the GP32 to the west for one thing. They're one of the sponsors for the ADIC 2002, and will likely not be able to supply their promised prizes. They're arguably the most reliable source of mod chips...It's sad to see them go. I can only wonder who's next on the chopping block? There will be a Lik-Sang interview very soon if all goes well.

Perhaps I shouldn't rush to conclusions...maybe they'll be allright. I hope for the best, but fear the worst.

Interview: Byulbram, part the first.

October 3, 2002 3:07 AM PST

Byulbram / BS

This interview from Byulbram is actually roughly two months old. It's not been released until this time, as there were several more questions for which I was awaiting answers. Those never came, and so I decided to release the interview in it's current form, as the information is still completely pertinent and as-yet unreleased. Subjects discussed include: Her Knights level editor, use of 3D engine, Game Park SDK problems, and the debut of an animated gif from Bloody Cross!

News: Falcom art, VM Online English version.

October 2, 2002 4:47 PM PST

Rid Hershel / BS

Art fiend Rid Hershel from the MMcafe BBS recently informed me about a Falcom illustration site which has some incredible work on it. It's worth your time to perouse the entire site. Later in the thread, Iggy let me know about the English language version of Vantage Master Online (prequel to VM Japan). The full version is available for free download, so don't hesitate to check that out!

Incidentally, Rid's site is full of excellent game art itself...check it out, bookmark it, but try not to kill his bandwidth!!

News: Des Blood 4 release.

October 2, 2002 12:34 PM PST

Illusion Soft / BS

The ever controversial Illusion Soft, makers of the graphics intensive 3D fighting game Battle Raper, have just released a new title. The realistic action game Des Blood - Lost Alone was released on the 13th of September on CD and DVD for Windows. Look here for a flash demonstration of the motion of the main character, and here for the demo movie (definitely not work safe!!!). Illusion Soft is a very unusual company, in that they don't merely release H-games for the obvious reasons, they actually imbed solid gameplay and meaningful story. It's almost as though the H-elements are the afterthought, rather than the game portion. Refreshing, eh?

Feature: TGS Report

October 1, 2002 6:03 PM PST

Naruto / BS

Naruto of the MMcafe forums recently posted his impressions from his trip to the Tokyo Game Show. He has allowed us to re-run his story, adding images which he also took. It makes for an entertaining read, and can be found here.

News: The eternal struggle

October 1, 2002 6:00 PM PST

GPzigi / BS

Behold human conquest over technology! This fellow squashed his SMC, but won the epic battle to recovery. View the gripping story here.

News: Apex Designs ports Payback to GBA

October 1, 2002 12:21 PM PST

Apex Designs / BS

The classic Amiga title Payback (see Amig@lien's dedicated Payback site for screens and demo of the original) is being ported to GBA! Apex Designs has taken on this task, and will render the game GTA 2-esque in full 3D. Look here for the new shots and developer's notes (which are quite interesting). The game is reportedly running at 10-18 fps, though autos and physics have yet to be constructed. We'll see just how far the framerate can drop once the game's actually doing something. But this looks to be a promising port, so fans of the original can rejoice! Thanks to the S:NGP board for the tip.

News: Morning Musume and Konami

October 1, 2002 2:15 AM PST

Dengeki Online / SM / BS

Scott Mollett has found another interesting news item at Dengeki Online...It seems that recently in Tokyo the legendary J-pop band Morning Musume held an event with Konami in order to promote their new PSOne title: MiniMoni: Step Byon! Byon! Byon! (Byon is the sound one makes when bouncing, I believe). 5,000 people were in attendance, mostly children. Apparently the game will be compatible with Dance Dance controlpads, but will not be limited to DDR mode (not quite sure what the other modes entail). The game is scheduled for a December 12th release for PSOne in Japan.

Has anyone else noticed that Morning Musume's name, if read phonetically (mohningu musume), would sound like 'Moaning Musume'? Just something to think about.