Hardcore Gaming 101 - Blog: WAHP

Showing posts with label WAHP. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Warning a Huge Podcast - Japanese games

Ay carrumba! It's been so long since I mentioned WAHP, the podcast dedicated to Japanese gaming, that now I think I need to mention at least 3 episodes. I've been busy: writing articles, interviewing people, entertaining guests, and I've found information on an unreleased gem of a game (it's not Akira, it's bigger than that). So I've had little time to enjoy podcasts. I only finished WAHP 16 a couple of days ago and then jumped straight to 18, which is post E3. I especially liked Shidoshi's healthy scepticism of the El Shaddai demo. I'll also buy it because it bucks current trends and looks gorgeous, but man, the jumping is just not cricket. If you've not listened to all the episodes, the news and Japanese twitter coverage will be slightly out of date in the older ones, but the anecdotes are still great (I hope they do a special episode where they just talk nostalgically about the past). Otherwise it's a great 3+ hour source for Japanese gaming information. You can also follow them on Twitter, which is handy for news tidbits. While you're there, follow us too. In vaguely related gaming news, Japanese game by Suda51 and and Shinji Mikami with music by Akira Yamaoka, Shadows of the Damned, is out in America now!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXw9Dv4N40CwZ2YjMryALrhoAQB0uyy1LypZLEvMQnguepBbm0zoe4DQQhbgq6hqzJ9Chv_5Eh8MNXmdZLoEt37Tmnmt5DhAo2Pq4qBh_fLndHbSh9yWwalVqK8BdQfjEAoN6qkAOL7w/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621035701649791330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXw9Dv4N40CwZ2YjMryALrhoAQB0uyy1LypZLEvMQnguepBbm0zoe4DQQhbgq6hqzJ9Chv_5Eh8MNXmdZLoEt37Tmnmt5DhAo2Pq4qBh_fLndHbSh9yWwalVqK8BdQfjEAoN6qkAOL7w/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> Ay carrumba! It's been so long since I mentioned <a href="http://www.wahp.jp/">WAHP</a>, the podcast dedicated to Japanese gaming, that now I think I need to <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">mention at least 3 episodes</a>. I've been busy: writing articles, interviewing people, entertaining guests, and I've found information on an unreleased gem of a game (it's not Akira, it's bigger than that). So I've had little time to enjoy podcasts. I only finished WAHP 16 a couple of days ago and then jumped straight to 18, which is post E3. I especially liked Shidoshi's healthy scepticism of the El Shaddai demo. I'll also buy it because it bucks current trends and looks gorgeous, but man, the jumping is just not cricket. If you've not listened to all the episodes, the news and Japanese twitter coverage will be slightly out of date in the older ones, but the anecdotes are still great (I hope they do a special episode where they just talk nostalgically about the past). Otherwise it's a great 3+ hour source for Japanese gaming information. You can also <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/WAHPcast">follow them</a> on Twitter, which is handy for news tidbits. While you're there, <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/HG_101">follow us too</a>. In vaguely related gaming news, Japanese game by Suda51 and and Shinji Mikami with music by Akira Yamaoka, Shadows of the Damned, is out in America now!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WAHP 15 - Japanese podcast

The latest "Welcome! A Huge Podcast" has been out for over a week, and I'm late to the party. Read on for awesome info on the latest show all about Japan.

The format is different in that it's been done by 3 guest speakers: Christian Nutt, Heidi Kemps, and Kevin Gifford.

I was only previously aware of Kevin, from Magweasel, but the other two newcomers also know their stuff and the entire show is full of lots of esoteric information - it doesn't feel dumbed down and the really geeky conversations are great to revel in (though Christian does handily take moments to explain stuff that might be a little too obscure). The only factual complaint I have is they described the First Lady of Videogames as being, I think, Rieko Kodama. When really it's probably Roberta Williams (pictured). Then again I have been beard deep in HG101's adventure book, helping to proof read it, so I have Roberta on the brain now (my god that sounds wrong).

It was a really good episode, maybe a little wordy in places, but a few personal highlights are as follows:

* Discussion on the hosts' time working on various games magazines was fascinating - I'd like an entire show dedicated to this, with the original 3 chaps and these guest speakers.

* Discussion of how Japan's economy and games market was dealing with the recent tragedy was very enlightening

* Japan's KUSOGE 2010 awards, which is especially interesting if you've been enjoying HG101's kusoge series.

* Detailed Comiket explanation from Heidi. I now, more than ever, want to visit Comiket. If I end up spending a thousand bucks on a summer holiday in Japan, I am blaming this podcast.

* Kevin Gifford's wacky, slightly deranged, but hilariously awesome random singing. In Japanese. It should be a regular staple of the show. In fact I think either Casey Loe or Shidoshi should attempt kidnapping Gifford (he reveals where he lives in said podcast), in order to guarantee singing in future podcasts.

Anyway, it was a good listen for 3 hours and 40 minutes. Not to everyone's taste, but with plenty of great bits. Hilarious end segment too.

---
WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast!

A podcast covering the world of Japanese gaming, brought to you by long-time stars of the gaming press Christian Nutt (1P), Heidi Kemps (2P), and Kevin Gifford (3P).

//Stage 015
//Main Topic: Our Introductions to Imports + Comiket

//Now Playing: Hard Corps: Uprising, Pokemon Black, Yakuza 4, Ar tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel, The 3rd Birthday, Dragon Quest VI

//Subtopics: Japan goes on a massive game cancellation + delaying spree, concern over Tokyo Game Show 2011, Akihabara killer gonna be killed, Hudson gonna be killed (by Konami), the winners of best kusoge of 2010, Coming Next, and a whole lot of the great talk you always love from us!

//Timecodecs
//00:01:20 – Intro
//00:16:42 – Releace a New!!
//01:03:59 – Hot Infos
//01:59:40 – Let`s Discussion
//03:17:44 – Coming Next
//03:41:38 – Untitled End Segment

//So You Don`t Miss It:

//Coming Next Japan Game Mentions
//Mamoru-kun Was Cursed!! ~Meikai Katsugeki Wide Version~, BlazBlue Continuum Shift II, Oneechanbara Special, Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 Professional, Bullet Soul, Cubic Ninja, Earth Defense Force 2 Portable, Pilotwings Resort, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Super Robot Wars II Z: Hakaihen

//Other Game Mentions
//Dracula X, Xanadu, Faxanadu, Ys I & II, Rolling Stone: Drum King, Ys III, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Contra, BlazBlue, Dragon Quest, Tactics Ogre, Yakuza: OF THE END, PowerPro Baseball, Tokimeki Memorial, Monster Rancher, Princess Maker, Dream Club, Kurohyou, Phantasy Star Portable, Valkyria Chronicles 2, Parasite Eve, Monster Hunter, Fatal Frame, Ikenie no Yoru, Disgaea 4, Dragon Quest VII, Final Fantasy XIII, Dragon Quest IX, Deca Sports, Momotaro Densetsu, Birubaku, Motorstorm 3, Dead or Alive: Dimensions, Inazuma Eleven, Steel Diver, Dynasty Warriors 7, Tales of Destiny, Bomberman 3DS, Omega Five, Tengai Makyou, Miami Law, Arc the Lad, Growlancer, Kabuki Klash, Oriental Blue: Ao no Tengai, Bokosuka Wars, Final Fantasy XIV, Major Wii – Perfect Closer, Kakuto Chojin, Crimson Tears, Pro Golfer Saru, Appleseed Ex Machina, Love Root Zero Kisskiss Labyrinth, Jinsei Game: Happy Family, Sengoku Hime 2, Shura no Mon, Last Rebellion, Virtual-On Marz, Criminal Girls, Dino Crisis 3, Blade Dancer, Dragoneer`s Aria, A Witch`s Tale, Bumpy Trot, Hello Kitty to Issho! Block Crush 123!, Chrono Trigger, Seiken Densetsu 3, Final Fantasy V, Atelier Iris, Secret of Mana, Romancing SaGa, Phantasy Star IV, Illusion of Gaia, Toshinden 2, Jung Rhythm, Robo-Pit, Shin Megami Tensei: Soul Hackers, Lunar: The Silver Star, Samurai Spirits RPG, Radiant Silvergun, Linda3, Suikoden II, Fhey Area, Sol Feace, Heavy Nova, Earnest Evans, El Viento, Anetto Futatabi, Cosmic Fantasy Stories, Sonic Aventure, Sonic Colors, Godzilla Generations, Final Fantasy VIII, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Crash Bandicoot 3, Dokodemo Isshou, Persona, Gokujyou Parodius Da!, El Shaddai, Sengoku Basara, Pokemon, Tower of Duraga, Peggle, Etrian Odyssey, Bayonetta, Gunstar Heroes, DoDonPachi Black Label X, Mind Jack, Nier, Bullet Witch, Drakengard, Drag-On Dragoon, Blue Dragon, My World My Way, Master of the Monster Lair, Namco x Capcom, World of Warcraft

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ujbNjlpEG1-LNYlGQF_3CtnG0CnsH_FWIE0mpeLr0rjwcwxv0JSSILAToQH_EpFqorvKzNIjONgQjbTndhKMhE9XTPYm_3QScm9IgqAEcFAYF5n7kXcJjKYjlIfHkJDkZHIB2hv9v1s/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592511077782841346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ujbNjlpEG1-LNYlGQF_3CtnG0CnsH_FWIE0mpeLr0rjwcwxv0JSSILAToQH_EpFqorvKzNIjONgQjbTndhKMhE9XTPYm_3QScm9IgqAEcFAYF5n7kXcJjKYjlIfHkJDkZHIB2hv9v1s/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> The latest "<a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">Welcome! A Huge Podcast</a>" has been out for over a week, and I'm late to the party. Read on for awesome info on the <a href="http://wahp.jp/">latest show all about Japan</a>. The format is different in that it's been done by 3 guest speakers: Christian Nutt, Heidi Kemps, and Kevin Gifford. I was only previously aware of Kevin, from Magweasel, but the other two newcomers also know their stuff and the entire show is full of lots of esoteric information - it doesn't feel dumbed down and the really geeky conversations are great to revel in (though Christian does handily take moments to explain stuff that might be a little too obscure). The only factual complaint I have is they described the First Lady of Videogames as being, I think, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rieko_Kodama">Rieko Kodama</a>. When really it's probably <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_Williams">Roberta Williams</a> (pictured). Then again I have been beard deep in HG101's adventure book, helping to proof read it, so I have Roberta on the brain now (my god that sounds wrong). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT8PZYqvyAHJ3miLCBA9AmIftTPvociiCnA775aT9NGHgdezpkcztaKFNzPf7L1pOzxhaPt8F4WMlzCpvHHO-_z-vxNkB3wOBE3wFC0_M0JnRSPdnGew_P4hBpSzFnkmy2CGVjv87LaQ/s1600/robertawilliams.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592511080417536146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT8PZYqvyAHJ3miLCBA9AmIftTPvociiCnA775aT9NGHgdezpkcztaKFNzPf7L1pOzxhaPt8F4WMlzCpvHHO-_z-vxNkB3wOBE3wFC0_M0JnRSPdnGew_P4hBpSzFnkmy2CGVjv87LaQ/s400/robertawilliams.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 225px;" /></a> It was a really good episode, maybe a little wordy in places, but a few personal highlights are as follows: * Discussion on the hosts' time working on various games magazines was fascinating - I'd like an entire show dedicated to this, with the original 3 chaps and these guest speakers. * Discussion of how Japan's economy and games market was dealing with the recent tragedy was very enlightening * Japan's KUSOGE 2010 awards, which is especially interesting if you've been enjoying <a href="http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/kusoge/kusoge.htm">HG101's kusoge series</a>. * Detailed Comiket explanation from Heidi. I now, more than ever, want to visit Comiket. If I end up spending a thousand bucks on a summer holiday in Japan, I am blaming this podcast. * Kevin Gifford's wacky, slightly deranged, but hilariously awesome random singing. In Japanese. It should be a regular staple of the show. In fact I think either Casey Loe or Shidoshi should attempt kidnapping Gifford (he reveals where he lives in said podcast), in order to guarantee singing in future podcasts. Anyway, it was a good listen for 3 hours and 40 minutes. Not to everyone's taste, but with plenty of great bits. Hilarious end segment too. --- WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast! A podcast covering the world of Japanese gaming, brought to you by long-time stars of the gaming press Christian Nutt (1P), Heidi Kemps (2P), and Kevin Gifford (3P). //Stage 015 //Main Topic: Our Introductions to Imports + Comiket //Now Playing: Hard Corps: Uprising, Pokemon Black, Yakuza 4, Ar tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel, The 3rd Birthday, Dragon Quest VI //Subtopics: Japan goes on a massive game cancellation + delaying spree, concern over Tokyo Game Show 2011, Akihabara killer gonna be killed, Hudson gonna be killed (by Konami), the winners of best kusoge of 2010, Coming Next, and a whole lot of the great talk you always love from us! //Timecodecs //00:01:20 – Intro //00:16:42 – Releace a New!! //01:03:59 – Hot Infos //01:59:40 – Let`s Discussion //03:17:44 – Coming Next //03:41:38 – Untitled End Segment //So You Don`t Miss It: //Coming Next Japan Game Mentions //Mamoru-kun Was Cursed!! ~Meikai Katsugeki Wide Version~, BlazBlue Continuum Shift II, Oneechanbara Special, Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 Professional, Bullet Soul, Cubic Ninja, Earth Defense Force 2 Portable, Pilotwings Resort, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Super Robot Wars II Z: Hakaihen //Other Game Mentions //Dracula X, Xanadu, Faxanadu, Ys I & II, Rolling Stone: Drum King, Ys III, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Contra, BlazBlue, Dragon Quest, Tactics Ogre, Yakuza: OF THE END, PowerPro Baseball, Tokimeki Memorial, Monster Rancher, Princess Maker, Dream Club, Kurohyou, Phantasy Star Portable, Valkyria Chronicles 2, Parasite Eve, Monster Hunter, Fatal Frame, Ikenie no Yoru, Disgaea 4, Dragon Quest VII, Final Fantasy XIII, Dragon Quest IX, Deca Sports, Momotaro Densetsu, Birubaku, Motorstorm 3, Dead or Alive: Dimensions, Inazuma Eleven, Steel Diver, Dynasty Warriors 7, Tales of Destiny, Bomberman 3DS, Omega Five, Tengai Makyou, Miami Law, Arc the Lad, Growlancer, Kabuki Klash, Oriental Blue: Ao no Tengai, Bokosuka Wars, Final Fantasy XIV, Major Wii – Perfect Closer, Kakuto Chojin, Crimson Tears, Pro Golfer Saru, Appleseed Ex Machina, Love Root Zero Kisskiss Labyrinth, Jinsei Game: Happy Family, Sengoku Hime 2, Shura no Mon, Last Rebellion, Virtual-On Marz, Criminal Girls, Dino Crisis 3, Blade Dancer, Dragoneer`s Aria, A Witch`s Tale, Bumpy Trot, Hello Kitty to Issho! Block Crush 123!, Chrono Trigger, Seiken Densetsu 3, Final Fantasy V, Atelier Iris, Secret of Mana, Romancing SaGa, Phantasy Star IV, Illusion of Gaia, Toshinden 2, Jung Rhythm, Robo-Pit, Shin Megami Tensei: Soul Hackers, Lunar: The Silver Star, Samurai Spirits RPG, Radiant Silvergun, Linda3, Suikoden II, Fhey Area, Sol Feace, Heavy Nova, Earnest Evans, El Viento, Anetto Futatabi, Cosmic Fantasy Stories, Sonic Aventure, Sonic Colors, Godzilla Generations, Final Fantasy VIII, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Crash Bandicoot 3, Dokodemo Isshou, Persona, Gokujyou Parodius Da!, El Shaddai, Sengoku Basara, Pokemon, Tower of Duraga, Peggle, Etrian Odyssey, Bayonetta, Gunstar Heroes, DoDonPachi Black Label X, Mind Jack, Nier, Bullet Witch, Drakengard, Drag-On Dragoon, Blue Dragon, My World My Way, Master of the Monster Lair, Namco x Capcom, World of Warcraft

Thursday, January 13, 2011

WAHP 14 - podcast on Japanese games

Egads! It's been out a week and I missed it. That's what happens when you're working on no fewer than 6 different articles for a number of different places (HG101 included). This is the first show of the new year and I've not actually listened to it yet, but the discussion topics look good and I'm keen to hear the lists for 2010 and compare it to what I've been reading on Western forums...

As always, this is one of the best resources for news on Japan, at a time when people are not only apathetic to Japanese games, but downright hostile to those who dare claim to like them. Screw the haters I say.

Square Enix stock de-levels, social gaming infects Japan, 5pb gets far enough to come up with the name “Robotic Notes“, Square Enix has Type-0 blood, El Shaddai x Edwin jeans are the new hotness, Aksys USA set to re-slowdown Deathsmiles, JAPAN LOVES LISTS 2010!!: best selling x 25 highest fan-reviewed x highest paid men of Japan x top video game “angels“ x PS-era remakes Japan wants x most memorable consoles, Bucchake Talk (Alchemist, Hironobu Sakaguchi), Sales Updata, Coming Next, and our love notes to Ashley may have been a bit misplaced.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnPh9yoDimi3mHQ_AAz9G80Zhsak7ybOabLI7jZTfSqkl0zT9j2AwHtEOIXyF82GDMHQMmzK19glPtXyWU8v8sN-Qf3bGfugk60TaN-GFsMgvNtuZnNhUYNycWMWGmampbQ-LNfjtDWc/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561639082360471378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnPh9yoDimi3mHQ_AAz9G80Zhsak7ybOabLI7jZTfSqkl0zT9j2AwHtEOIXyF82GDMHQMmzK19glPtXyWU8v8sN-Qf3bGfugk60TaN-GFsMgvNtuZnNhUYNycWMWGmampbQ-LNfjtDWc/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> Egads! <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/warning-a-huge-podcast-stage-014/">It's been out a week and I missed it.</a> That's what happens when you're working on no fewer than 6 different articles for a number of different places (HG101 included). This is the first show of the new year and I've not actually listened to it yet, but the discussion topics look good and I'm keen to hear the lists for 2010 and compare it to what I've been reading on Western forums... As always, <a href="http://wahp.jp/">this is one of the best resources for news on Japan</a>, at a time when people are not only apathetic to Japanese games, but downright hostile to those who dare claim to like them. Screw the haters I say. <a href="http://wahp.jp/" style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Square Enix stock de-levels, social gaming infects Japan, 5pb gets far enough to come up with the name “Robotic Notes“, Square Enix has Type-0 blood, El Shaddai x Edwin jeans are the new hotness, Aksys USA set to re-slowdown Deathsmiles, JAPAN LOVES LISTS 2010!!: best selling x 25 highest fan-reviewed x highest paid men of Japan x top video game “angels“ x PS-era remakes Japan wants x most memorable consoles, Bucchake Talk (Alchemist, Hironobu Sakaguchi), Sales Updata, Coming Next, and our love notes to Ashley may have been a bit misplaced. </a>

Thursday, December 23, 2010

WAHP 13 - podcast dedicated to Japanese games

The latest episode of Warning! A Huge Podcast. More details after the jump!
.
.
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As always it continues to gain EXP, improving with each episode - especially with the recent level-up which yielded a new official website. This episode had an excellent 2-sided 3-way debate regarding Tokyo's new laws on anime/manga and how they might affect games, with each speaker making some good points. They also mention HG101, specifically our Japanese PC and Kenji Eno articles.

The only small criticism I have for WAHP is that there were lots of comments saying "we could dedicate a whole show to that subject". Enough procrastinating gentlemen. You have the knowledge and an audience, it should (in theory) be easy.

This is probably my last entry until new year. Enjoy the holidays everyone!

Stage 013
Main Topic: Tokyo Hates Lolis

Now Playing: Tales of Graces f, Danganronpa, Persona 3 Portable Subtopics: We reminisce about the WAHP Live Event, NIS + Imageepoch sittin` in a tree, Inafune trades one Com for another, USA no longer scared of Japan`s post office, fat & pink Cave shooter goodness will grace Westerners, Final Fantasy XIV got 99 problems but a monthly fee ain`t one, Capcom tricks ghosts into coming to Apple`s iDevices, Ninokuni is a level five bomb, Bandai Namco rethinks game development in the West, Yoshiki Okamto now lives in a van by the river, Final Fantasy IV being remade… again…, we talk tall Tales (of Xillia) and in Binary (Domain), PC Engine and NeoGeo live again, we display Evangelion ona-holes on our bookshelves, Coming Next, Comment of You, and oh… this is final episode of WAHP. Well, of 2010, that is.

So You Don`t Miss It:

Coming Next Japan Game Mentions
Umineko no naku koro ni ~ Majo to Suiri no Rondo, Castlevania Lord of Shadow, Gundam Musou 3, Shining Hearts, Inazuma Eleven 3 Sekai he no Chousen!! The Ogre, Final Fantasy XIII Ultimate Hits International, The Third Birthday, Dennousenki Virtual On Force, Momchan Diet Wii Figurobics by Jeon Da-Yeon, Milestone Shooting Collection 2, Saga 3 Jikuu no Hasha Shadow of Light

Other Game Mentions
Star Ocean, 999, Catherine, Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune, Solatorobo, Persona 4, Deathsmiles, Final Fantasy XI, Phoenix Wright, Enslaved, Clash of the Titans, Splatterhouse, Knights Contract, Genji, Folksouls, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, iDOLM@STER, Ryu ga Gotoku

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRP4iq9e9Vhjj22t7WFLlDIs40NcUKpuXGz1tejMuLwDP4MyIwv8CLeUKOZtGhndPMb48SyoIKhPsrfztkKqlieDrifR4JoaBJkKZQQhVnZrxH6IGCCsF4O_6UNeknn3EE0gjaF9Ip2s/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553977854745833906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRP4iq9e9Vhjj22t7WFLlDIs40NcUKpuXGz1tejMuLwDP4MyIwv8CLeUKOZtGhndPMb48SyoIKhPsrfztkKqlieDrifR4JoaBJkKZQQhVnZrxH6IGCCsF4O_6UNeknn3EE0gjaF9Ip2s/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> <a href="http://wahp.jp/">The latest episode of Warning! A Huge Podcast.</a> More details after the jump! . . . As always it continues to gain EXP, improving with each episode - especially with the recent level-up which yielded <a href="http://wahp.jp/">a new official website</a>. This episode had an excellent 2-sided 3-way debate regarding Tokyo's new laws on anime/manga and how they might affect games, with each speaker making some good points. They also mention HG101, specifically our <a href="http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers.htm">Japanese PC</a> and <a href="http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/warp/warp.htm">Kenji Eno</a> articles. The only small criticism I have for WAHP is that there were lots of comments saying "we could dedicate a whole show to that subject". Enough procrastinating gentlemen. You have the knowledge and an audience, it should (in theory) be easy. This is probably my last entry until new year. Enjoy the holidays everyone! Stage 013 Main Topic: Tokyo Hates Lolis Now Playing: Tales of Graces f, Danganronpa, Persona 3 Portable Subtopics: We reminisce about the WAHP Live Event, NIS + Imageepoch sittin` in a tree, Inafune trades one Com for another, USA no longer scared of Japan`s post office, fat & pink Cave shooter goodness will grace Westerners, Final Fantasy XIV got 99 problems but a monthly fee ain`t one, Capcom tricks ghosts into coming to Apple`s iDevices, Ninokuni is a level five bomb, Bandai Namco rethinks game development in the West, Yoshiki Okamto now lives in a van by the river, Final Fantasy IV being remade… again…, we talk tall Tales (of Xillia) and in Binary (Domain), PC Engine and NeoGeo live again, we display Evangelion ona-holes on our bookshelves, Coming Next, Comment of You, and oh… this is final episode of WAHP. Well, of 2010, that is. So You Don`t Miss It: Coming Next Japan Game Mentions Umineko no naku koro ni ~ Majo to Suiri no Rondo, Castlevania Lord of Shadow, Gundam Musou 3, Shining Hearts, Inazuma Eleven 3 Sekai he no Chousen!! The Ogre, Final Fantasy XIII Ultimate Hits International, The Third Birthday, Dennousenki Virtual On Force, Momchan Diet Wii Figurobics by Jeon Da-Yeon, Milestone Shooting Collection 2, Saga 3 Jikuu no Hasha Shadow of Light Other Game Mentions Star Ocean, 999, Catherine, Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune, Solatorobo, Persona 4, Deathsmiles, Final Fantasy XI, Phoenix Wright, Enslaved, Clash of the Titans, Splatterhouse, Knights Contract, Genji, Folksouls, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, iDOLM@STER, Ryu ga Gotoku

Saturday, December 11, 2010

WAHP – live broadcasting today!

As pointed out in the comments, Warning a Huge Podcast, which is dedicated to Japanese gaming, is having a live broadcast today. They also now have a dedicated website now, with merchandise, a poll to gauge interest in future topics, and other cool stuff. Apologies for posting about this earlier, but I’ve been snowed under with work and still need to listen to WAHP 12.

Join Nick Rox and shidoshi for the first ever WARNING! A Huge Podcast Live Event! Be here Saturday, December 11th starting at 1pm Pacific! (Start time as of now 78.43% certain.) Watch all the excitement that goes down, and chat with other WAHP listeners!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaltp16YPkhyW4CRP7tNR0v-hbEedy6vpwsiyuXhIu4RaFCgMkMCe6zrt0GPSwv1dholxK4gRi9vMKu3KO9_9H4d7vexyscyhORo_VM-qr2YEkGfS-nWcKMQnPNUt2CLjPMkfT2FDfHg/s1600/New-2.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549418825487613778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaltp16YPkhyW4CRP7tNR0v-hbEedy6vpwsiyuXhIu4RaFCgMkMCe6zrt0GPSwv1dholxK4gRi9vMKu3KO9_9H4d7vexyscyhORo_VM-qr2YEkGfS-nWcKMQnPNUt2CLjPMkfT2FDfHg/s400/New-2.gif" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 211px;" /></a> As pointed out in the comments, <a href="http://wahp.jp/">Warning a Huge Podcast</a>, which is dedicated to Japanese gaming, is having a live broadcast today. They also now have a <a href="http://wahp.jp/">dedicated website</a> now, with merchandise, a poll to gauge interest in future topics, and other cool stuff. Apologies for posting about this earlier, but I’ve been snowed under with work and still need to listen to WAHP 12. <a href="http://wahp.jp/">Join Nick Rox and shidoshi for the first ever WARNING! A Huge Podcast Live Event! Be here Saturday, December 11th starting at 1pm Pacific! (Start time as of now 78.43% certain.) Watch all the excitement that goes down, and chat with other WAHP listeners!</a>

Friday, December 10, 2010

WAHP 12 - Japanese podcast

Episode 12 came out November 25, and I apologise for not mentioning it like I usually do, I've not found time to listen to it due to working on around half a dozen articles in my spare time. It's at the front of the queue though! But for those who maybe don't visit Morningradio regularly, and anticipate its mention on HG101's blog, Episode 12 of this fine podcast is out NOW.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

WAHP 11 - podcast about Japanese games

Man, the rate of these is picking up!

They've included some cool new stuff this time round, such as samples of game music for those who like OSTs. As they rightly say, modern western games seem obsessed with movie-style orchestral music. Which is a shame because there was a time, at least in Europe during the C64 and Amiga days, when western games featured some astoundingly well done music. The fact that the west now produces crap (generally) while Japan continues to compose actual tunes, yet people say Japan is dying, baffles me. I miss the days of the SID and the like. WAHP's Twitter coverage is as always fascinating. They also mention some games which, rather aptly, are currently being worked on for a future HG101 update. So stay tuned!

Get it HERE.

Stage 011

Now Playing: Solatorobo, Malicious, Game Dev Story

Subtopics: Inafune bails out of Capcom + Capcom`s response, Shinji Mikami gets more money from white folks, Atlus brings some Innocent Sin to PSP, G-Rev shows off Strania, Mamoru-kun, and Black Sting, Nintendo may thrown poor DS owners in North America a few bones, Taro Yoko also bails out (from AQI), hottest Genso Suikoden announcement ever, Pokemon leaker thrown in Poke-jail, female Square Enix employee bleeds from “you know where”, should Dragon Quest X cheat on the Wii, Akira Uchida wants you to take your LovePlus 3DS girlfriend home to mom and dad, Final Fantasy XIV screws up… again (while Wada apologizes), JAPAN IS F**KED!! WATCH, Protopia for us English speakers, Mutter Watch (Ono, Kamiya, Inaba, Kojima, KCET Europe, Inafune, Eno), Sales Updata, Coming Next, our brand new section Cmon! ☆ Lets Beat`s, Comment of You, and a special surprise outro!

Coming Next Japan Game Mentions
Agarest Senki 2, Crazy Hot!! Pachinko Game Soul “CR Evangelion ~First Gospel~”, Criminal Girls, Winning Eleven Playmaker 2011, Sonic Colors, Hit `n` Bounce Super Smash Ball Plus Wii Remote Plus Pack, Super Kaseki Horider, Crossboard 7, DanceEvolution, Sonic Free Riders, New Brain Training You Answer With Your Body, Kinect Sports, Trinity: Zill O`ll Zero, Tears to Tiara Portable, Dangan Ronpa: Hope Academy & Despair High, Arms` Heart, True • Love Princess † Reverie ~Profusion of Maidens ☆ Romance of the Three Kingdoms Summary~ Chapter Shu, Anpanman Nikoniko Party, Mario Sports Mix, Super Robot Wars L, Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Ver. 1.5

Other Game Mentions
Tail Concerto, Shadows of the Damned, Vanquish, Resident Evil (series), Persona, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Söldner-X, Radient Silvergun, Ketsui, Facening, NieR, Drag-On Dragoon, Hokuto no Ken / Fist of the North Star, Evangelion, Dragon Quest X, Lost in Shadows, M.U.S.H.A. / Aleste, Puyo Puyo, Golvellius, The Guardian Legend, Super Street Fighter IV, Street Fighter x Tekken, Dead Rising, Deathsmiles, Silent Hill

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgVhQ6IJ-W4vlqMpR3Tp7NTkGRDlbLh2O8sf_0rqjKk_sptpPLbVx8CpeM1Cvpn9rJF955pyMH6Oa01lzOuUyds31MIBf97lpLirF_AddC9bW6XmoMaIKwuDxSZrU3g6RkjeKNoeGzLM/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541995557393522226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgVhQ6IJ-W4vlqMpR3Tp7NTkGRDlbLh2O8sf_0rqjKk_sptpPLbVx8CpeM1Cvpn9rJF955pyMH6Oa01lzOuUyds31MIBf97lpLirF_AddC9bW6XmoMaIKwuDxSZrU3g6RkjeKNoeGzLM/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=171">Man, the rate of these is picking up!</a> They've included some cool new stuff this time round, such as samples of game music for those who like OSTs. As they rightly say, modern western games seem obsessed with movie-style orchestral music. Which is a shame because there was a time, at least in Europe during the C64 and Amiga days, when western games featured some astoundingly well done music. The fact that the west now produces crap (generally) while Japan continues to compose actual tunes, yet people say Japan is dying, baffles me. I miss the days of the SID and the like. WAHP's Twitter coverage is as always fascinating. They also mention some games which, rather aptly, are currently being worked on for a future HG101 update. So stay tuned! <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=171">Get it HERE.</a> Stage 011 Now Playing: Solatorobo, Malicious, Game Dev Story Subtopics: Inafune bails out of Capcom + Capcom`s response, Shinji Mikami gets more money from white folks, Atlus brings some Innocent Sin to PSP, G-Rev shows off Strania, Mamoru-kun, and Black Sting, Nintendo may thrown poor DS owners in North America a few bones, Taro Yoko also bails out (from AQI), hottest Genso Suikoden announcement ever, Pokemon leaker thrown in Poke-jail, female Square Enix employee bleeds from “you know where”, should Dragon Quest X cheat on the Wii, Akira Uchida wants you to take your LovePlus 3DS girlfriend home to mom and dad, Final Fantasy XIV screws up… again (while Wada apologizes), JAPAN IS F**KED!! WATCH, Protopia for us English speakers, Mutter Watch (Ono, Kamiya, Inaba, Kojima, KCET Europe, Inafune, Eno), Sales Updata, Coming Next, our brand new section Cmon! ☆ Lets Beat`s, Comment of You, and a special surprise outro! Coming Next Japan Game Mentions Agarest Senki 2, Crazy Hot!! Pachinko Game Soul “CR Evangelion ~First Gospel~”, Criminal Girls, Winning Eleven Playmaker 2011, Sonic Colors, Hit `n` Bounce Super Smash Ball Plus Wii Remote Plus Pack, Super Kaseki Horider, Crossboard 7, DanceEvolution, Sonic Free Riders, New Brain Training You Answer With Your Body, Kinect Sports, Trinity: Zill O`ll Zero, Tears to Tiara Portable, Dangan Ronpa: Hope Academy & Despair High, Arms` Heart, True • Love Princess † Reverie ~Profusion of Maidens ☆ Romance of the Three Kingdoms Summary~ Chapter Shu, Anpanman Nikoniko Party, Mario Sports Mix, Super Robot Wars L, Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Ver. 1.5 Other Game Mentions Tail Concerto, Shadows of the Damned, Vanquish, Resident Evil (series), Persona, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Söldner-X, Radient Silvergun, Ketsui, Facening, NieR, Drag-On Dragoon, Hokuto no Ken / Fist of the North Star, Evangelion, Dragon Quest X, Lost in Shadows, M.U.S.H.A. / Aleste, Puyo Puyo, Golvellius, The Guardian Legend, Super Street Fighter IV, Street Fighter x Tekken, Dead Rising, Deathsmiles, Silent Hill

Monday, November 1, 2010

WAHP Stage 010

Warning a Huge Podcast reaches the big ONE ZERO. If you’re interested in current Japanese games, and up to the minute commentary on the industry in Japan, it’s the only podcast worth listening to (probably).
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It clocks in at close to 4 hours, which I like, since the commentary is interesting and it allows me to get on with mindless household chores and driving, over a series of days.

Several points of personal interest:

* Details on massive selling of Square-Enic stock by a single person (1% of all company stock, worth $24 million) - possibly a disgruntled fan?

* Fascinating revelation regarding how Japanese developers view western journalists (they don’t like us)

* The usual brilliant segueing into adjacent topics (some obviously staged, and all the funnier for it)

* Brief touch on doujin games, with an interesting idea for a creation model combining the superior production values of Japanese doujin with the more ambitious and experimental mechanics and level design of western indies.

* Hilarious stealth action story at the end, pertaining to life at the old GameFAN magazine, which is well worth waiting for. Or at least I found it amusing – anything which documents office life on games magazines always piques my interest.

They also call for more Twitter followers:
shidoshi
Nick Rox
Casey Loe

Get it at the usual places.

Stage 010
Now Playing: Final Fantasy XIV, Okamiden

Subtopics: Aksys ponders otome games, ITMedia reveals the secret behind Famicom red, OMG WTF Shenmue III, FFXIV backlash grows, Sega making mad money, Platinum Games working on a “major multiplayer title”, Takahashi Keita rolls away from Bandai Namco, fans are pissed over iM@S 2, TokiMemo goes back to junior high school, more join Grasshopper, Level-5 drops the crazy 3DS announcements, Japan thinks the 3DS costs too much, Tatsuya Egawa butchers I mean draws God of War, Square Enix looking for help with Versus XIII, pick your favorite Rockman DASH 3 heroine (we do), Dengeki Wii & DS is no more, Hiroji Oji gets a little AKB48 action, Twitter Watch (Tetsuya Nomura, Hajime Tabata, Kenichi Nishi, Yuji Naka, Yoichi Wada, Hideo Kojima, Motoi Okamoto, Naoki Maeda, Yoshinori Ono),

Coming Next, Comment of You, and Casey joins Twitter!

Game Mentions
World Soccer Winning Eleven 2011, Dream C Club Portable (silent “C”), Phantom Brave Portable, God Eater Burst Append Edition and Regular Edition, Lucian Bee’s Evil Violet, Lucian Bee`s Justice Yellow, Lucian Bee`s Resurrection Supernova, Lucian Bee`s Trilogy Box, Bow-Meow Animal Hospital, Golden Sun: Black Dawn, Solatorobo: Sorekara CODE he, My Waifu ~A Waifu All Your Own~, Radilgy Noah MASSIVE, Radiant Historia, Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2, Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune, The Game of Life: Happy Family, Wii Sports Resort Wii Remote Plus Pack, Party Game Box 100, Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5

Other Game Mentions
Hakuouki Shinsengumi, Will O` Wisp, Death Connection, Kakera, Wand of Fortune, Princess Debut, Yo-Jin-Bo, Angelique, Corda d`Oro, Shenmue, Shenmue II, Hatsune Miku Project Diva, Madworld, Katamari Damacy, Noby Noby Boy, The iDOLM@STER, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl`s Side, MOON, True Fantasy Live Online, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Rockman DASH, Rockman ZERO, Sakura Taisen, Tengai Makyo, Parasite Eve, Policenauts, 12RIVEN -the ψcliminal of integral-, Pro Evolution Soccer, Tail Concerto, Love Plus, Criminal Girls, Radiata Stories, Ys SEVEN, Riviera, Inazuma Eleven, Ushiro

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizutWfWt2DVHYKcj-VNd4vTkxmUat6kIyYugrVrwZxa6PCCmyXIsmm8XVR-6L79B0FgoJdbSkBbPZgttfLmNkKnJANz0mCiIMce8hgstJ-SHBeHZCwDeZBIKYpj-yfRzPUu_A9Q1Yv74c/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533799429264374450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizutWfWt2DVHYKcj-VNd4vTkxmUat6kIyYugrVrwZxa6PCCmyXIsmm8XVR-6L79B0FgoJdbSkBbPZgttfLmNkKnJANz0mCiIMce8hgstJ-SHBeHZCwDeZBIKYpj-yfRzPUu_A9Q1Yv74c/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" /></a> Warning a Huge Podcast reaches the big <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=165">ONE ZERO</a>. If you’re interested in current Japanese games, and up to the minute commentary on the industry in Japan, it’s the only podcast worth listening to (probably). . . . It clocks in at close to 4 hours, which I like, since the commentary is interesting and it allows me to get on with mindless household chores and driving, over a series of days. Several points of personal interest: * Details on massive selling of Square-Enic stock by a single person (1% of all company stock, worth $24 million) - possibly a disgruntled fan? * Fascinating revelation regarding how Japanese developers view western journalists (they don’t like us) * The usual brilliant segueing into adjacent topics (some obviously staged, and all the funnier for it) * Brief touch on doujin games, with an interesting idea for a creation model combining the superior production values of Japanese doujin with the more ambitious and experimental mechanics and level design of western indies. * Hilarious stealth action story at the end, pertaining to life at the old GameFAN magazine, which is well worth waiting for. Or at least I found it amusing – anything which documents office life on games magazines always piques my interest. They also call for more Twitter followers: <a href="http://twitter.com/pikoeri">shidoshi</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/NickRoxNRX">Nick Rox</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/snowjew">Casey Loe</a> <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=165">Get it at the usual places.</a> Stage 010 Now Playing: Final Fantasy XIV, Okamiden Subtopics: Aksys ponders otome games, ITMedia reveals the secret behind Famicom red, OMG WTF Shenmue III, FFXIV backlash grows, Sega making mad money, Platinum Games working on a “major multiplayer title”, Takahashi Keita rolls away from Bandai Namco, fans are pissed over iM@S 2, TokiMemo goes back to junior high school, more join Grasshopper, Level-5 drops the crazy 3DS announcements, Japan thinks the 3DS costs too much, Tatsuya Egawa butchers I mean draws God of War, Square Enix looking for help with Versus XIII, pick your favorite Rockman DASH 3 heroine (we do), Dengeki Wii & DS is no more, Hiroji Oji gets a little AKB48 action, Twitter Watch (Tetsuya Nomura, Hajime Tabata, Kenichi Nishi, Yuji Naka, Yoichi Wada, Hideo Kojima, Motoi Okamoto, Naoki Maeda, Yoshinori Ono), Coming Next, Comment of You, and Casey joins Twitter! Game Mentions World Soccer Winning Eleven 2011, Dream C Club Portable (silent “C”), Phantom Brave Portable, God Eater Burst Append Edition and Regular Edition, Lucian Bee’s Evil Violet, Lucian Bee`s Justice Yellow, Lucian Bee`s Resurrection Supernova, Lucian Bee`s Trilogy Box, Bow-Meow Animal Hospital, Golden Sun: Black Dawn, Solatorobo: Sorekara CODE he, My Waifu ~A Waifu All Your Own~, Radilgy Noah MASSIVE, Radiant Historia, Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2, Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune, The Game of Life: Happy Family, Wii Sports Resort Wii Remote Plus Pack, Party Game Box 100, Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5 Other Game Mentions Hakuouki Shinsengumi, Will O` Wisp, Death Connection, Kakera, Wand of Fortune, Princess Debut, Yo-Jin-Bo, Angelique, Corda d`Oro, Shenmue, Shenmue II, Hatsune Miku Project Diva, Madworld, Katamari Damacy, Noby Noby Boy, The iDOLM@STER, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl`s Side, MOON, True Fantasy Live Online, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Rockman DASH, Rockman ZERO, Sakura Taisen, Tengai Makyo, Parasite Eve, Policenauts, 12RIVEN -the ψcliminal of integral-, Pro Evolution Soccer, Tail Concerto, Love Plus, Criminal Girls, Radiata Stories, Ys SEVEN, Riviera, Inazuma Eleven, Ushiro

Monday, September 27, 2010

WAHP Stage 009 – plus Grasshopper and other podcasts

Stage 009 of Warning a Huge Podcast came out recently, which I’ve finished and have thoughts on, plus I provide links to all of Grasshopper’s podcasts, plus some coverage of the “8-4 Play Japan Game Panic” podcast, which I was recently made aware of. I've not had too much time to listen to stuff, since I've been modding Mega Drive systems and selling off my entire retro collection, but I always gotta make time for some WAHPing.
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I’ve only just finished Stage 009 and despite covering TGS, which means anyone who has been following the internet probably knows most of what was at the show, this is probably the strongest episode so far. Lots of really good commentary and insight, from people who know the business (the three have worked as varying kinds of writers and localisers within the videogame and anime worlds). They also mention Gal Gun, which I’ve not seen much coverage of elsewhere.

What I like about WAHP is it gets right to heart of Japan’s problem of appealing to the west, and their declining market, and while a lot of websites and print magazines elsewhere kind of agree that something’s wrong, none of them have really explored the situation and given what I would regard as satisfactory conclusions, whereas WAHP will take the various comments from industry people, and go to town on why things are falling apart – if indeed they even are. This episode introduced Bucchake Watch (pronounced like "chuck hey"), where industry insiders say outlandish things, and it’s incredible listening.

If you’re one of the few (and wrong) people who thinks the podcast is too long or slow, this episode won’t change your mind. But those of you who, much like myself, enjoy the drawn out discourse, this should prove supremely satisfying.

Oh, and WAHP mentioned us HG101, mentioning them, which I’m now mentioning for good measure.

My only complaints are 1) they’ll occasionally discuss something visual, such as a company logo, without explaining what they’re seeing, only stating what they think. 2) There’s a lot of love on the show for Monster World IV, which is fair enough I guess, but I wonder if anyone’s completed it. I have a very intense dislike for the game, which I played a fan translation of many years ago, purely due to a severe game killing glitch I discovered.

There’s an ice dungeon broken into three parts, and half way through part 2 I was low on supplies and close to game over, so fought hell-for-leather trying to get back to the entrance to leave and return to town. Which I did, restocked and then saved. Only to find that the second entrance to the ice dungeon was blocked off, since by exiting it I think the game thought I’d completed it. Except I hadn’t, and so the flag to open entrance 3 hadn’t gone up. In the end I couldn’t return to the second part, and wasn’t allowed in the 3rd, and so was stuck forever with a broken save file. Bloody frustrating. If anyone knows a way around this I still have my old save file somewhere. And this was several hours into the game – so I can’t even hear its name now without feelings of frustration returning. (A quick check on RHDN mentions something of a glitch in Dejap’s original translation patch – I’m unsure if this Ice Pyramid glitch was introduced by them, or not).

Regardless, WAHP is essential listening as always, further details below.

//Stage 009
//Main Topic: Tokyo Game Show 2010
//Now Playing: Final Fantasy XIV, GaiaSeed, Chieri`s Heart ★ Pounding Hot Springs Steam Leisurely Trip

//Subtopics: CESA Awards, Inafune and Hino brewing something, Kojima hints FIVE, Japan rages as Jupiter pushes out four iM@S idols, FFXIV warning message is incredible, Twitter Watch (Kojima, Kamiya, Ono, Nomura), we launch our new section Bucchake Talk with Inafune, Mikami, ItoKen, and Itagaki, Sales Updata, Coming Next, Comment of You, we talk about the podcast, and we offer up three ways in which you can help us for free. //So You Don`t Miss It:

//Main Topic Game Mentions
//Shadows of the Damned, Asura`s Wrath, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Ryu ga Gotoku OF THE END, Valkyria Chronicles 3, Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy -012-, Disgaea 4, Phantasy Star Online 2, Galgun, Project Draco, Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor, Rise of the Nightmares, Haunt, Codename D, Radiant Silvergun, FirePro XBLA, Project Dark, Tengai Makyo, Langrisser Schwarz

//Coming Next Japan Game Mentions
//Tinkle ☆ Crusaders GoGo!, Eiyuu Densetsu Zero no Kiseki, Okamiden ~Chiisaki Taiyou~, Ken to Mahou to Gakuen Mono. 3, Gekijoban Macross F ~Itsuwari no Utahime~ Hybrid Pack, Keito no Kirby

//Other Game Mentions
//Monster World IV, Phantasy Star Universe, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, Parappa the Rapper, Umjammer Lammy, Bangai-O: Missile Fury, Tengai Makyo: ZIRIA, Tengai Makyo II: MANJI-MARU, Tengai Makyo III: NAMIDA, Langrisser (III, IV, V), Demon`s Souls, 999, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

Besides WAHP, I’ve also been hearing good things about Grasshopper’s podcast, and those by 8-4 Play.

Every other week, tune into 8-4 Play for talk about video games, Japan, and Japanese video games, straight from the 8-4 offices in beautiful downtown Tokyo. Hosted by 1UP Japan's own Mark MacDonald, John Ricciardi, and Hiroko Minamoto.

There’s only two so far of 8-4, and I’ve not had any time to listen to them, but thought it was worth mentioning these. They sound awesome.

As for the Grasshopper’s Flower, Sun and Rain podcasts, I was disappointed to find there isn’t a dedicated page listing them all. At least I couldn't find one on the website. Thanks to Glider on NTSC-uk though, I now have a list of direct links to them. Again, I’ve downloaded them, but not had a chance to listen at all. Still, I hope this makes it easy to find them. Copy and paste into your browser, except the first URL which is crazy long (and I'm not even sure where it's being hosted...).

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...BjCOEA10U:.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep002.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep003.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100722.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100730.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100805.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100819.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100826.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100909.mp3
http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100922.mp3

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnOJPUFUprqaPQGuMxK9Qvc3_ZoXeMnLqAXwvawFX7nz3ufU5j6dyqYXcne3Eld_yea0oEJrVqHYz6aZ6-WNCOfA4QHw1bxpiUIPa6eRCec9mE9bISZ_XebfTCUAL0b4CHESRc8poWlA/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521579756881422338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnOJPUFUprqaPQGuMxK9Qvc3_ZoXeMnLqAXwvawFX7nz3ufU5j6dyqYXcne3Eld_yea0oEJrVqHYz6aZ6-WNCOfA4QHw1bxpiUIPa6eRCec9mE9bISZ_XebfTCUAL0b4CHESRc8poWlA/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;"></a>Stage 009 of Warning a Huge Podcast came out recently, which I’ve finished and have thoughts on, plus I provide links to all of Grasshopper’s podcasts, plus some coverage of the “8-4 Play Japan Game Panic” podcast, which I was recently made aware of. I've not had too much time to listen to stuff, since I've been modding Mega Drive systems and selling off my entire retro collection, but I always gotta make time for some WAHPing. . . . I’ve only just finished <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=158">Stage 009</a> and despite covering TGS, which means anyone who has been following the internet probably knows most of what was at the show, this is probably the strongest episode so far. Lots of really good commentary and insight, from people who know the business (the three have worked as varying kinds of writers and localisers within the videogame and anime worlds). They also mention <a href="http://kotaku.com/5638165/galgun-is-the-xbox-360s-cutest-or-creepiest-japanese-shooter">Gal Gun</a>, which I’ve not seen much coverage of elsewhere. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFkKHI9VS9hjAR3rfDrq1Oq6LIl3wQUXkvgjFNy_rqZQEFGGwoOqOjqOrKAcOznv_OLZP8Vp6rg_bZAp94aorOJliGs0bu43iabEP9AlhzkhHXaizpRcATMZA2_w0Z72ycBDvLQ8xkyU/s1600/500x_gal_gun.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521579747782975634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFkKHI9VS9hjAR3rfDrq1Oq6LIl3wQUXkvgjFNy_rqZQEFGGwoOqOjqOrKAcOznv_OLZP8Vp6rg_bZAp94aorOJliGs0bu43iabEP9AlhzkhHXaizpRcATMZA2_w0Z72ycBDvLQ8xkyU/s400/500x_gal_gun.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;"></a>What I like about <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=158">WAHP</a> is it gets right to heart of Japan’s problem of appealing to the west, and their declining market, and while a lot of websites and print magazines elsewhere kind of agree that something’s wrong, none of them have really explored the situation and given what I would regard as satisfactory conclusions, whereas WAHP will take the various comments from industry people, and go to town on why things are falling apart – if indeed they even are. This episode introduced Bucchake Watch (pronounced like "chuck hey"), where industry insiders say outlandish things, and it’s incredible listening. If you’re one of the few (and wrong) people who thinks the podcast is too long or slow, this episode won’t change your mind. But those of you who, much like myself, enjoy the drawn out discourse, this should prove supremely satisfying. Oh, and WAHP mentioned us HG101, mentioning them, which I’m now mentioning for good measure. My only complaints are 1) they’ll occasionally discuss something visual, such as a company logo, without explaining what they’re seeing, only stating what they think. 2) There’s a lot of love on the show for Monster World IV, which is fair enough I guess, but I wonder if anyone’s completed it. I have a very intense dislike for the game, which I played a fan translation of many years ago, purely due to a severe game killing glitch I discovered. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKrSB7_nkYia0_WCsLIvJyjuiRvfwJaPsH79Sz_rR2Yb8x-wMRB0CXhO5Xu6D4NHRRigu-sQtjL6b13GZx_0Fg3diPIWOumAYaxf3j3zqHN2IkNj0l9rOTPYEGlTz53dknd6hk1p9rl0/s1600/1276screenshot4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521579753239406466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKrSB7_nkYia0_WCsLIvJyjuiRvfwJaPsH79Sz_rR2Yb8x-wMRB0CXhO5Xu6D4NHRRigu-sQtjL6b13GZx_0Fg3diPIWOumAYaxf3j3zqHN2IkNj0l9rOTPYEGlTz53dknd6hk1p9rl0/s400/1276screenshot4.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;"></a>There’s an ice dungeon broken into three parts, and half way through part 2 I was low on supplies and close to game over, so fought hell-for-leather trying to get back to the entrance to leave and return to town. Which I did, restocked and then saved. Only to find that the second entrance to the ice dungeon was blocked off, since by exiting it I think the game thought I’d completed it. Except I hadn’t, and so the flag to open entrance 3 hadn’t gone up. In the end I couldn’t return to the second part, and wasn’t allowed in the 3rd, and so was stuck forever with a broken save file. Bloody frustrating. If anyone knows a way around this I still have my old save file somewhere. And this was several hours into the game – so I can’t even hear its name now without feelings of frustration returning. (A quick check on RHDN mentions something of a glitch in Dejap’s original translation patch – I’m unsure if this Ice Pyramid glitch was introduced by them, or not). Regardless, WAHP is essential listening as always, further details below. <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=158" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">//Stage 009 //Main Topic: Tokyo Game Show 2010</a> //Now Playing: Final Fantasy XIV, GaiaSeed, Chieri`s Heart ★ Pounding Hot Springs Steam Leisurely Trip //Subtopics: CESA Awards, Inafune and Hino brewing something, Kojima hints FIVE, Japan rages as Jupiter pushes out four iM@S idols, FFXIV warning message is incredible, Twitter Watch (Kojima, Kamiya, Ono, Nomura), we launch our new section Bucchake Talk with Inafune, Mikami, ItoKen, and Itagaki, Sales Updata, Coming Next, Comment of You, we talk about the podcast, and we offer up three ways in which you can help us for free. //So You Don`t Miss It: //Main Topic Game Mentions //Shadows of the Damned, Asura`s Wrath, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Ryu ga Gotoku OF THE END, Valkyria Chronicles 3, Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy -012-, Disgaea 4, Phantasy Star Online 2, Galgun, Project Draco, Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor, Rise of the Nightmares, Haunt, Codename D, Radiant Silvergun, FirePro XBLA, Project Dark, Tengai Makyo, Langrisser Schwarz //Coming Next Japan Game Mentions //Tinkle ☆ Crusaders GoGo!, Eiyuu Densetsu Zero no Kiseki, Okamiden ~Chiisaki Taiyou~, Ken to Mahou to Gakuen Mono. 3, Gekijoban Macross F ~Itsuwari no Utahime~ Hybrid Pack, Keito no Kirby //Other Game Mentions //Monster World IV, Phantasy Star Universe, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, Parappa the Rapper, Umjammer Lammy, Bangai-O: Missile Fury, Tengai Makyo: ZIRIA, Tengai Makyo II: MANJI-MARU, Tengai Makyo III: NAMIDA, Langrisser (III, IV, V), Demon`s Souls, 999, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2bpIxWI_I_ye8dNCA0ibrCP8W87FLCyth9FyH-SzO5RNqtJtwfdU-zqdDN8q80EeDn7eFUxJhmUB3VtJDxBS3dgPmUHz-ulDovhJSgsdMVXAh1VecpGnk2EIe0VC4cJX8RaTqMrKB3g/s1600/438.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521579746156241842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2bpIxWI_I_ye8dNCA0ibrCP8W87FLCyth9FyH-SzO5RNqtJtwfdU-zqdDN8q80EeDn7eFUxJhmUB3VtJDxBS3dgPmUHz-ulDovhJSgsdMVXAh1VecpGnk2EIe0VC4cJX8RaTqMrKB3g/s400/438.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 96px;"></a> Besides WAHP, I’ve also been hearing good things about Grasshopper’s podcast, and those by <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3181465">8-4 Play</a>. Every other week, tune into 8-4 Play for talk about video games, Japan, and Japanese video games, straight from the 8-4 offices in beautiful downtown Tokyo. Hosted by 1UP Japan's own Mark MacDonald, John Ricciardi, and Hiroko Minamoto. <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3181465">There’s only two so far of 8-4</a>, and I’ve not had any time to listen to them, but thought it was worth mentioning these. They sound awesome. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu0fTGjO5_Z69_6Pfuf2cEwsob9I5ikkVwtjVaKWbNB73ZSopd63-K0Zx9zoBJ7nIoDS_wmGs2QmVe2fIjTcyxHFcfqwQ2jOyZtJWqCe9PAL6pt5gi4Yn89Ts72O7zRFi_D_Z2eQSuLA/s1600/grasshopper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521579751865272210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu0fTGjO5_Z69_6Pfuf2cEwsob9I5ikkVwtjVaKWbNB73ZSopd63-K0Zx9zoBJ7nIoDS_wmGs2QmVe2fIjTcyxHFcfqwQ2jOyZtJWqCe9PAL6pt5gi4Yn89Ts72O7zRFi_D_Z2eQSuLA/s400/grasshopper.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;"></a>As for the <a href="http://blog.hardcoregaming101.net/2009/07/suda-51-and-wild-palms.html">Grasshopper</a>’s Flower, Sun and Rain podcasts, I was disappointed to find there isn’t a dedicated page listing them all. At least I couldn't find one on the website. Thanks to Glider on NTSC-uk though, I now have a list of direct links to them. Again, I’ve downloaded them, but not had a chance to listen at all. Still, I hope this makes it easy to find them. Copy and paste into your browser, except the first URL which is crazy long (and I'm not even sure where it's being hosted...). <a href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v33381/1154/64/01AweCZdmRNPIApTQOAABjCOEA10U:.mp3">http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...BjCOEA10U:.mp3</a> http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep002.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep003.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100722.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100730.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100805.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100819.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100826.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100909.mp3 http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/podcast/ep100922.mp3

Sunday, September 12, 2010

WAHP - Stage 008

Stage 008 of Warning a Huge Podcast is here, and as usual it's excellent. There's a lot of talk on localisation, and it was interesting to discover that Casey and Nick worked alongside Jeremy Blaustein on Suikoden 2. One of the most interesting aspects was answering a reader's letter on why Japan is no longer top dog in the industry. Could it be due to a lack of new blood and the old guard keeping too tight a reign on things? Some excellent discussion within.

//Stage 008

//Main Topic: Comment of You Special

//Now Playing: 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

//Subtopics: Kayopolice`s big surprise, Japan is hot for girls who are boys, take your LovePlus+ girlfriend on a hot springs vacation, could Monster Hunter Portable 3rd go head-to-head with Nintendo 3DS, Atlus is dead, Atlus is not dead, Kamurocho may be dead, the hot reveal of… SaGa 3 remake for DS, Japanese developers keep saying Japanese development is dead, Final Fantasy XIV open beta is kinda dead (and the game wants to tell you how long you can play), SquareEnix trying harder for the Black Ops localization in Japan, Xbox 360 gets more shooting love (but Takahashi Meijin doesn`t like where the genre now is), SWERY is busy with Lord of Arcana – one of many Monster Hunter clones coming to Japan this year, Dead Rising 2: Case 0 shows Japan too much panty, Yun & Yang look to be confirmed for SSFIV (while Nick dreams of Elena and shidoshi begs for Poison), Zettai Zetsumei 4 features amazing advancements in graphic fidelity and toilet mechanics, we answer a metric ton of question you`ve asked us, and then we talk (very) briefly about upcoming releases and sales numbers.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAmgBY42Db5AOO9wZzvj-lVwLaVH61bWWKrMrxluR7OUU9Cp-A6JWWE2_wKqDfkI16sKIYgQKzJlkYD5qephjxi9xOEBOawutf7AQ9eB8QaRLBhasD_HpsUfHj46IvIFBAAMlDW9qrHs/s1600/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516040440046992258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAmgBY42Db5AOO9wZzvj-lVwLaVH61bWWKrMrxluR7OUU9Cp-A6JWWE2_wKqDfkI16sKIYgQKzJlkYD5qephjxi9xOEBOawutf7AQ9eB8QaRLBhasD_HpsUfHj46IvIFBAAMlDW9qrHs/s400/wahp-cover2-300x300.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;"></a> <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=151">Stage 008 of Warning a Huge Podcast is here</a>, and as usual it's excellent. There's a lot of talk on localisation, and it was interesting to discover that Casey and Nick worked alongside <a href="http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/jb/jb.htm">Jeremy Blaustein</a> on Suikoden 2. One of the most interesting aspects was answering a reader's letter on why Japan is no longer top dog in the industry. Could it be due to a lack of new blood and the old guard keeping too tight a reign on things? Some excellent discussion <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=151">within</a>. <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=151">//Stage 008</a> //Main Topic: Comment of You Special //Now Playing: 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors //Subtopics: Kayopolice`s big surprise, Japan is hot for girls who are boys, take your LovePlus+ girlfriend on a hot springs vacation, could Monster Hunter Portable 3rd go head-to-head with Nintendo 3DS, Atlus is dead, Atlus is not dead, Kamurocho may be dead, the hot reveal of… SaGa 3 remake for DS, Japanese developers keep saying Japanese development is dead, Final Fantasy XIV open beta is kinda dead (and the game wants to tell you how long you can play), SquareEnix trying harder for the Black Ops localization in Japan, Xbox 360 gets more shooting love (but Takahashi Meijin doesn`t like where the genre now is), SWERY is busy with Lord of Arcana – one of many Monster Hunter clones coming to Japan this year, Dead Rising 2: Case 0 shows Japan too much panty, Yun & Yang look to be confirmed for SSFIV (while Nick dreams of Elena and shidoshi begs for Poison), Zettai Zetsumei 4 features amazing advancements in graphic fidelity and toilet mechanics, we answer a metric ton of question you`ve asked us, and then we talk (very) briefly about upcoming releases and sales numbers.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Warning a Huge Podcast – Stage 007

It’s been a while, and there was some concern on my part that those involved had lost interest, but I’m pleased to see that WAHP is back!

Stage 007 clocks in at just over 2 hours, and apart from Casey Loe saying that the story in Valkyria Chronicles sucked (02:04:00), it’s a great listen. Actually, what’s annoying is not that Casey criticised it, rather he didn’t explain why – and seeing as I’ve seldom had the good fortune to play a videogame with as good or better a story than Valkyria Chronicles (which I thought in the context of gaming was perfect), I’d really like to know his reasons why he didn't like it, and get some recommendations for better storied games.

WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast!

A podcast covering the world of Japanese gaming, brought to you by ex-GameFan and ex-Play stars shidoshi, Casey Loe, and Nick Rox.

//Stage 007

//Now Playing: Last Ranker, Atelier Totori

//Subtopics: Capcom don’t waste no money, NIS and Image Epoch want you to punish girls, US retailers shy away from them “anime games”, Japanese Fallout 3 ad pokes fun at JRPGs, NIS cancels games, death watch: Flight Plan + Gaia + Dimple, Monolith campaigns against negative campaigns, Twitter Watch, Japanese sales, upcoming releases, and no, we aren’t dead. Honest.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2boPNt_PXRq2tPqNHEnVIcFaWzEW41prTg2KVTKMCiNitX-OICgk9qtUAsC5S1SzMlA_SfmW58c1WowVDajY-nDR2s9I2PKcqqN2wQ_fVg4SvV2t5Y7ONvPBATwEqrOUxw3QT0lKApo0/s1600/wahp-cover2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504893929995918562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2boPNt_PXRq2tPqNHEnVIcFaWzEW41prTg2KVTKMCiNitX-OICgk9qtUAsC5S1SzMlA_SfmW58c1WowVDajY-nDR2s9I2PKcqqN2wQ_fVg4SvV2t5Y7ONvPBATwEqrOUxw3QT0lKApo0/s400/wahp-cover2.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> It’s been a while, and there was some concern on my part that those involved had lost interest, <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">but I’m pleased to see that WAHP is back</a>! Stage 007 clocks in at just over 2 hours, and apart from Casey Loe saying that the story in Valkyria Chronicles sucked (02:04:00), it’s a great listen. Actually, what’s annoying is not that Casey criticised it, rather he didn’t explain why – and seeing as I’ve seldom had the good fortune to play a videogame with as good or better a story than Valkyria Chronicles (which I thought in the context of gaming was perfect), I’d really like to know his reasons why he didn't like it, and get some recommendations for better storied games. <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast!</a> A podcast covering the world of Japanese gaming, brought to you by ex-GameFan and ex-Play stars shidoshi, Casey Loe, and Nick Rox. <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">//Stage 007 </a> //Now Playing: Last Ranker, Atelier Totori //Subtopics: Capcom don’t waste no money, NIS and Image Epoch want you to punish girls, US retailers shy away from them “anime games”, Japanese Fallout 3 ad pokes fun at JRPGs, NIS cancels games, death watch: Flight Plan + Gaia + Dimple, Monolith campaigns against negative campaigns, Twitter Watch, Japanese sales, upcoming releases, and no, we aren’t dead. Honest.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Podcast dedicated to Japanese gaming

A short while ago the sixth episode of ‘WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast!’ came out, and I just finished listening to it today. Without question, everyone who enjoys the kind of output Hardcore Gaming 101 does, should listen to this fortnightly podcast. It’s brought to you by Casey Loe, Nick des Barres, and Eric Patterson, all former PLAY magazine staffers, so has a good pedigree.

I’m really excited about this series, because so far it stands as one of only a few pivotal creations which in some way defines my enjoyment of videogames - it’s that incredible. Others included Digitiser, Super Play magazine, Diehard GameFAN magazine, discovering InsertCredit, and discovering Hardcore Gaming 101 itself.

They cover things which no one else, whether printed magazine or website, comes even close to covering. My favourite is “mutter watch”, where they translate the Twitters of Japanese developers, often with hilarious/amazing results which you would otherwise never know about. They also cover a myriad of Japan-exclusive releases which, again, is impossible to get good information on since few other English sources exist. And if you know of any, please post in the comments. The whole podcast is rich with an infectious enthusiasm I find missing from a lot of modern discussion on games - these guys love what they're discussing and aren't ashamed by it. Oh, and their pixel art was done by an artist at SNK.

I wouldn’t be surprised if big magazines like EDGE or EGM actually start listening to these and basing their news on them, because WAHP is that ahead of the curve. God, I hope so, because I subscribed to EGM, despite their first issue seriously lacking in obscure Japanese information (they have Casey Loe on board, I can only hope Nick and Eric end up contributing as well).

With what must be over 15 hours worth of backlog now, anyone who hasn’t jumped on this bandwagon should do so RIGHT NOW. And trust me, every minute of those past 15 hours is totally worth listening to (except maybe the FFXIII themed episode, since it’s dated a bit - Episode 0 is essential though).

So grab it, grab it right now, and if you have a spare moment over the weekend, revel in the vanguard of unashamedly supergeek binary worship.

//Stage 006
//Main Topic: Online Import Shops
//Now Playing: Deathsmiles IIX, Xenoblade, Lost Planet 2
//Subtopics: E3, Nintendo 3DS, Ni no Kuni for PS3, Chiyomaru Shikura disses the PS3 as a gaming device, Final Fantasy VII HD would take 40 years, Marvelous nixes new IP, Masaya Matsuura says War Is Not The Answer, Final Fantasy XIII new for 500 yen, Just Cause 2 heavily censored in Japan, Fire Emblem without permanent death, your Loveplus+ girlfriend wants you to live, Twitter Watch, upcoming releases, we talk about making the podcast shorter, and we beg you to follow us on Twitter.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cKYtafh4G0Ik4D-s8cEYM-3SCBuimpRilucQxVqYhjjNq-p2m6q4Qty4fD7aaDBXEpzgZpzrutqfVPsOlHEZ8yS9XX0mV4T1vqt4f97uLLW2zvOLgQdjRDmINI6SPJLeD65gYjCWnF0/s1600/wahp-cover2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489726895111249170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cKYtafh4G0Ik4D-s8cEYM-3SCBuimpRilucQxVqYhjjNq-p2m6q4Qty4fD7aaDBXEpzgZpzrutqfVPsOlHEZ8yS9XX0mV4T1vqt4f97uLLW2zvOLgQdjRDmINI6SPJLeD65gYjCWnF0/s400/wahp-cover2.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> A short while ago the sixth episode of ‘<a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/">WARNING! A Huge Podcast is Approaching Fast!</a>’ came out, and I just finished listening to it today. Without question, everyone who enjoys the kind of output Hardcore Gaming 101 does, should listen to this fortnightly podcast. It’s brought to you by Casey Loe, Nick des Barres, and Eric Patterson, all former PLAY magazine staffers, so has a good pedigree. I’m really excited about this series, because so far it stands as one of only a few pivotal creations which in some way defines my enjoyment of videogames - it’s that incredible. Others included <a href="http://www.btinternet.com/%7Emoononastick/sp58/Index.html">Digitiser</a>, <a href="http://childofmana.tripod.com/splay.htm">Super Play magazine</a>, Diehard GameFAN magazine, discovering <a href="http://www.insertcredit.com/">InsertCredit</a>, and discovering <a href="http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/">Hardcore Gaming 101</a> itself. They cover things which no one else, whether printed magazine or website, comes even close to covering. My favourite is “mutter watch”, where they translate the Twitters of Japanese developers, often with hilarious/amazing results which you would otherwise never know about. They also cover a myriad of Japan-exclusive releases which, again, is impossible to get good information on since few other English sources exist. And if you know of any, please post in the comments. The whole podcast is rich with an infectious enthusiasm I find missing from a lot of modern discussion on games - these guys love what they're discussing and aren't ashamed by it. Oh, and their pixel art was done by an artist at SNK. I wouldn’t be surprised if big magazines like EDGE or EGM actually start listening to these and basing their news on them, because WAHP is that ahead of the curve. God, I hope so, because I subscribed to EGM, despite their first issue seriously lacking in obscure Japanese information (they have Casey Loe on board, I can only hope Nick and Eric end up contributing as well). With what must be over 15 hours worth of backlog now, anyone who hasn’t jumped on this bandwagon should do so RIGHT NOW. And trust me, every minute of those past 15 hours is totally worth listening to (except maybe the FFXIII themed episode, since it’s dated a bit - Episode 0 is essential though). <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=128">So grab it, grab it right now</a>, and if you have a spare moment over the weekend, revel in the vanguard of unashamedly supergeek binary worship. <a href="http://radio.morningproject.com/?p=128">//Stage 006</a> //Main Topic: Online Import Shops //Now Playing: Deathsmiles IIX, Xenoblade, Lost Planet 2 //Subtopics: E3, Nintendo 3DS, Ni no Kuni for PS3, Chiyomaru Shikura disses the PS3 as a gaming device, Final Fantasy VII HD would take 40 years, Marvelous nixes new IP, Masaya Matsuura says War Is Not The Answer, Final Fantasy XIII new for 500 yen, Just Cause 2 heavily censored in Japan, Fire Emblem without permanent death, your Loveplus+ girlfriend wants you to live, Twitter Watch, upcoming releases, we talk about making the podcast shorter, and we beg you to follow us on Twitter.