11.24.99
New Stuff
The Games section has been updated with various goodies. 1st off, a
review of SNK's destend-to-be-classic Samurai Shodown! 2, by Poptart281. Next we have a slick
Baseball Stars Color FAQ by Mao398, and finally, a Level Chart for Metal Slug: 1st Mission scanned from the pages of Neo Geo Freak Magazine by our own Torture!
The Big 'R' Caves In...
Recently while at a local San Jose Toys 'R' Us store, substance J was pleasantly surprised to see that the Toy giants have finally begun carrying Neo Geo Pocket Color hardware and software, ever so quietly. The display was rather crude, with not even an official sign or logo to be seen. Rather, a few software titles lined up on a small shelf, and an empty space where the presumably sold out hardware units reside. It will be interesting to see if the move is regional or national...whatever the case though, it's very nice to see another source for NGPC goods open up.
Pass The Gravy
Tomorrow (or most likely, today, by the time you read this) is Thanksgiving, and we plan to make the most of it. Along with the ingestion of massive amounts of Turkey, Stuffing, Deserts, and so forth, we plan to work a bit of Neo Geo Pocket Gaming into our Holiday itenerary, among other activities. We wish you all a happy and calorie-filled Thanksgiving as well!
11.21.99
Japanese Software Schedule
The Coming Soon Section has been updated with a few brief translations (whatever was in Kana, and easy to recognize) from SNK of Japan's most recently published lists. Tomorrow (time permitting :P) we'll go over the list again, and see what else we can translate.
Links
Kazuki's "H3Q" has been added to the Links Section.
Sonic-Mania!
Today, SNK USA released new Real Media footage of Sonic Pocket Adventure, along with box art, MSRP ($34.95), and more, in a special Preview. Mark you calendar, 'cause December 3rd is going to rock.
New SNK vs. Capcom Media
Gamefan Online has served up a large dose of SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium screens, along with some great information on the game's Olympic Mode (it's about time!).
Lucky Brits!
Though SNK USA currently plans to release Beast Busters ~ Dark Arms to the North American market this December, SNK UK has already shipped Beast Busters to retailers across England! Thanks to Euro-Gamer Phil Baxter for letting us know.
NGPC - Guiding America Into the 80's
If you have yet to catch SNK USA's television spot in its full 1980's cheesy glory (or live outside of North America), SNK USA has posted it in Real Video format in their News section (you can check it out directly via this Link). 80's jokes aside, we're very pleased with the ad (and the highprofile time slots we've seen it in) and feel that it will indeed get the point across to potential mainstream users.
11.15.99
SNK - Invading Airwaves Nationwide!
We ran out of time for other updates tonight (tomorrow we'll get around to it, hopefully)...but we received one bit of information that's simply too awesome to sit on overnight. Tonight, SNK's national TV ad campaign kicked off on Fox, MTV, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, E!, and various other networks!! Not much is known about the spots (anyone seen them? We haven't, yet), but they will run from now through Christmas. We hope to catch a couple of these during the Daily Show or Dragon Ball Z (Sector: NGP's choice viewing appointments), and post some pics as soon as possible.
11.12.99
Card Clash News
Well, don't we look foolish now? We've received official word that (as you've all probably read elsewhere by now) the English version of SNK vs. Capcom Card Clash is indeed set to be released this December, shortly after the release of the Fighting version. Well, it seems we've finally got closure to the whole story...yeehaw!! It's too bad that so much time and evergy had to be wasted with rumors of huge delays and cancelations, though. Also, for those of you who have imported the Japanese version of Card Clash, Tommy Tassen has started a great
FAQ (in txt format, for the time being), which has been added to the Games section. Check it out!
SNK vs. Capcom
Before we move on to our regular dosage of Card Clash government conspiracy rumors (*wink wink*), check out some breathtaking new images of the fighting version at Gamefan Online. Even blown up to such a large scale, the images still look very impressive...and take note of the 8 empty spaces on the character select screen...presumably for hidden characters. Woo hoo!!
The Saga Continues. Again??
In their update today, online importer NCS claims that US/Asian (English-language) versions of SNK vs. Capcom Card Clash are set to be released on December 4. While it's nice to hear, we're a bit skeptical of the information NCS is going on, because there is still US release date set by SNK USA. Judging from the information made available to us, we believe that an English version will not be released on December 4th. However, it is possible (in theory) that if rumored legal problems are to blame, the game could be released in Asian territories on the 4th without a hitch, assuming laws are different...though, those are a lot of assumptions to make. I guess we'll see, come December 4th.
11.10.99
Famitsu Reviews
Last week, we posted review scores and ad scans from the 10/29 issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine. Sector: NGP reader, Yoshi Sugawara, was kind enough to offer his services in translating the reviews for our reading pleasure. The reviews of SNK vs. Capcom Card Clash, Beast Busters ~ Dark Arms, and Pocket Lover ~if~ can be found in their translated form by clicking Here. A huge thank you goes out to Yoshi for his efforts!!
The Saga Continues...
Sometime last week, Pocket IGN (for the record, one of substance J's least favorite sites out there) reported that the English version of SNK vs. Capcom Card Clash had been seriously delayed, or canceled. Legal problems with Capcom were reported as the cause. For those pondering the fate of the North American version of Card Clash, there are some vague answers to calm your fears. We have learned two simple facts, and they are:
1) The game is currently being translated by SNK.
2) There is no confirmed release date at this time.
Is this just another case of IGN blowing simple stories out of proportion, a legal nightmare, or something completely different? We'll find out...eventually.
Links
The Links section has been updated with a link to Neo Geo Pocket Gamer U.K. (another UK site?! :)
11.8.99
Selling Like The Proverbial Hotcake
On November 5th, Gaming Age posted Japanese sales figures for 10/18 through 10/24. SNK fanatics rejoice, as for the first time ever, Neo Geo Pocket Color crushed Bandai's Wonderswan in sales. SNK vs. Capcom CARD BATTLE also did extremely well, entering the charts at #5 with over 22,000 copies sold. If you haven't already, be sure to take a closer look at the figures via the provided link.
More NGPC Coverage
Gameinformer Online has now started covering NGPC software, and has posted a number of small reviews recently. As usual, scores are good.
Site Updates
The Links has been updated with links to Uep Systems official website, Gameinformer.com, and DVD Express - a great place to buy your NGPC games online. We're currently working on a review or two, and have some waiting to be added. They should be online sometime this week...in the meantime, we encourage you to send in your own reviews as well.
More updates to be made soon...honest!! ^_~
Scans of the reviews will be up later tonight, along with scans of the hilarious SNK vs. Capcom ad.
Other Bits
The October news has been added to the Archives, though you can still access NGP - Year One via the link below. Soon we'll be adding a section for special features such as the one just mentioned, plus things like Japanese magazine scans, and other items.
