Pokemon Black and White; stepping up in 2011

How does catching all them little Pokémon get more addictive? Take a look

With the March 6th of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version quickly approaching not only will gamers get a new entry in the classic franchises RPG formula but they’ll get an easier way to play online with the Pokémon Global Link web site. What’s the deal, what do gamers get on the site set to launch soon after the release of Black and White?

• Gamers will sync their gameplay from the DS to PC allowing for access to customizable web-only content 
• Ability to friend additional Pokémon 
• Communicate with fellow Pokémon Trainers 
• Earn and view Worldwide Battle Ratings 
• And of course the perquisite ‘more’

Epic Mickey Impression

No Sora or Final Fantasy cameos in this solid adventure starring Mickey Mouse

One of the best games on Wii in 2010 stars a very familiar mouse in a setting last seen in the 16-bit era. Disney’s Epic Mickey is a solid visual adventure that takes the classic 2D gameplay from Mickey’s earlier platforming days and merges it with a bit of Kingdom Hearts 3D adventuring for a must have offering. No gimmicks, no mini-game love but rather one solid game that all ages of the family can enjoy. Why should this mouse be in your house; let’s take a look.

Black Butler DVD Set Part 1 Impression

Is ones soul worth the best butler on Earth?

Stylish and classy with a bit of the dark mixed in. Black Butler from FUNimation will satisfy fans looking for a more sophisticated, less gruesome anime that feels parts Hellsing and parts Pandora Hearts. What’s not to love I say; but oh first you need to see to believe. What’s it about, let me tell you.

He may be powerful, the watch dog of the queen of England and he may be young but one thing Ciel Phantomhive is not is a pushover. The young lord rules his estate with an emotionless fist in which he holds the most unlikely of swords … his butler. Sebastian is quite simple one hell of a butler as he often say and not only does he make the best tea and keep the best household but he is also contractually bound to Ciel, a bond only a demon can forge.

Summoner Girl vol. 1 Impression

Can this Ayakashi hunter become the next leader of Exorcists?

A cute story about an innocent girl with immense powers and a potentially impressive destiny. Hibiki is not the average fourth grader and in Summoner Girl volume 1 form Tokyopop readers will learn what it means to wield power at a young age. Hiroshi Kubota creates a tale that shows how powerful a little lady can be no matter the obstacles. What’s it all about, let’s take a look …

Hibiki may be in fourth grade but as the latest in a long line of exorcist she wields power to defeat dangerous Ayakashi. Using the powers of elemental Shikigami, who control her body, Hibiki takes on these troublesome spirits. Her grandmother has grander plans for her as she task Hibiki with finding the six magical jewels, Rikutou, that will make her the next leader of the Exorcist Underground. Hibiki is not the only one out for these jewels as a rival makes an appearance as does the bumbling somewhat spiritually talented Kenta Oda. From a troubled fox spirit to collection of spirits at a temple the troubles for Hibiki are just beginning but with such a cheery personality it’s hard to notice.

Beyblade Metal Fusion DVD vol. 2 Impression

The Beyblade action is still spinning, should otaku care?

Pokémon is the gold standard for gaming and anime collectible/battling franchises. The amount of trading cards released, merchandise and games shows no signs of slowing and is a formula Digimon and Yu-Gi-Oh! have replicated to varying levels of success. Beyblade is another such entry with a stronger anime and product line than gaming but still with a solid presence in all arenas. The latest anime offering which gives greater meaning to the games and products is Beyblade: Metal Fusion. The story in Metal Fusion drives the game action and gives fans greater need to buy those spinning tops. What does this mean to gamers and anime fans alike?

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on PlayStation 3 Impression

The Sengoku Basara anime rocks, does the game?

A great anime does not always translate into great video gaming. Even with Dragon Ball Z’s successes on PlayStation 2 it had a fair share of failures while Naruto also went through growing pains on the PS2 only to finally shine on the current generation of systems. The advantage these two big hitters have over Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on PlayStation 3 is pedigree. Naruto and Goku got to work through their growing pains, the stigma that haunts many an anime game here in the States. Sadly the promise seen in the Sengoku Basara anime does not translate in-game for a number of reasons and without the pedigree of a Naruto it’s a safe bet to assume it SB won’t get the chance to work out the kinks. Fans can dream but what makes this first title struggle? Let’s take a look …

Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage on PS3 Impression

Will Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage be a ramped up, awesome video game or does this anime classic show it’s age?

Having been out for a few months, Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage for PlayStation 3 is a game fans have already embraced and which the average gamer may find a bit lacking. That being said, for a franchise as iconic as Fist of the North Star can developers really complain about this perception? Many an anime fan cut their teeth on this uber violent anime and since it’s been out for well over a decade how much of a newer fan base was this title hoping to obtain? Was this the goal or were gamers just getting a nice dose of the anime gaming love US gamers have been missing for so many years? Let’s take a look …

Video game dreaming in 2011

A look at some of the games I’m dreaming about in 2011

A new year, a new set of release dates for games. Simply put here is a list of games scheduled to hit in 2011 that this gamer cannot wait to play, which all gamers hope live up to the hype. Some release dates are still TBD so here’s to hoping Resistance 3 and Metal Gear Solid: Rising can make 2011 even more wonderful. Without further ado here is the list in no particular order …

Multi-platform – Since these titles hit any combination of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC or DS lets group them together.

Wintery iPhone Apps Impression

A look at frosty themed applications for iPhone

The snow has, is and will fall so while gamers are snuggled up inside or on the go let’s take a look at a few frosty, winter themed apps for iPhone. While just a small sampling of the numerous games available, these three games and one story take very successful formulas and enhance them with the winter mood. What are the games about, are they worth playing let alone purchasing? Let’s take a look.

Square Enix manga online

Manga from Square Enix is a go online with this Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater and more

A quick hit from around the holidays that needs to be noticed. While Viz and Tokyopop have a large share of the most popular and recognizable manga with groups like Bandai and Tor following behind a new player is now in the game. Say hello to Square Enix manga and these are some rock solid titles they’re rolling out. The digital distribution model works with solid pricing and headliner titles such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater which fans are familiar with thanks to FUNimation’s distribution of the anime. It’s always fun when a new publisher gets rolling and Square Enix has a great history in Japan, they are more than just games. Let’s take a look at what this means for manga and gaming fans.

GameStop Unlocks Zoroark

Unlock Elusive Pokémon Zoroark at GameStop

GameStop and Nintendo are getting creative yet again to give Pokémon gamers a leg up, and reward, in the upcoming Pokémon: Black Version and Pokémon: White Version. What’s the deal; let’s take a look and what it means.

“Starting today through February 6, 2011, Pokémon players can add a Legendary Trio of treasured Shiny Pokémon, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune for their English language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version games. Transfer any one of the Legendary Trio into Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version to unlock the opportunity to encounter a brand-new elusive Pokémon!”

Resident Evil: Afterlife on Blu-ray Impression

Milla Jovovich keeps on rolling with Umbrella and the zombies in Afterlife

Movies based on video games. Gamers know the rules; take the beloved game, slice the plot, add in bad voice acting and soil the franchise. Bloodrayne, Doom and Prince of Persia are just a few titles which missed the mark but don’t let these titles deter from the enjoyment that is Resident Evil: Afterlife. The latest, fourth, Resident Evil movie has continued the unique approach of its predecessors began which is taking the basic formula but making it unique from the games. Let’s take a closer look.