I remember I was so thrilled to find a Japanese Imports section on the Playtation Store. Why? Because of games like these: Yakiniku Bugyou and Rapid Angel.

Monkey Paw games will be bringing two new (old) Japanese PS classics games to the Playstation Store.

The first one is called Rapid Angel, and it’s basically a side-scrolling beat-em up from back in the day, complete with 32bit graphics and a “wonderfully voiced narrative similar to Japanese anime.” I’m sure there’s a story in there somehow, but really, unless you speak/read/write Japanese, your purchase is going to be solely based on looks and gameplay.

The second game is called Yakiniku Bugyou. For those not familiar, “yakiniku” is a style of cooking where you go to a restaurant, and are served raw meat, which you then cook on the grill set in the middle of your table. Think of it as a Japanese-style Korean BBQ. It’s basically a restaurant sim, but instead of focusing on food and customer flow, the emphasis is on customer management and culinary finesses, requring you to “get to know” the customer.

As you can see from the screenshots, everything is in Japanese, so where Rapid Angel might be manageable, Yakiniku Bugyou is definitely gonna be a slightly challenging endeavor. But it’s awesome nonetheless that we have the option to embark on this journey should we choose to.

PSN has been down for awhile… a long while.

After a couple of “promises” that Sony couldn’t keep, 77 million PSN users, and even non-gamers have something to say about the PSN outage. You just type “psn” on Google News; you will witness an endless list of articles and comments from gamers to finance analysts.

The one I’m fascinated about are the comments made by console fanboys to each other. And since Sony isn’t throwing any updates worth reading, console fanboys are directing comments to each other, blaming or defending Sony for their fiasco failure.

I get it. Damn those hackers and they should be punished accordingly. But Sony didn’t response quickly enough either, and their security system didn’t live up to their reputation, or at least that’s what we’re finding out. But what I don’t and can’t agree with is the few fanboys defending Sony by saying “But PSN is free, so why are people complaining and why would Sony owe users anything?”

That’s really one of the dumbest statements I’ve ever heard about the current PSN situation.

Of course we should be concerned. It’s our personal info. Information breached by hackers weren’t even encrypted; data were stored using a cryptographic hash function, which does not put my mind in the comfort zone. Why shouldn’t we voice our concerns to the company who keeps our personal information?

Let’s use an example. Heck, let’s not even change the situation, but replace Sony with a couple of other well-known companies who might have our personal information stored for our convenience. Let’s say Google lost our personal information including emails. But most Google services are free, so does it mean that we shouldn’t complain about our stolen information? What if it was PayPal? It’s free to register and use them with little or no fees. What if they all said the same thing Sony has been telling us, like “Data was not encrypted, but hashed, so don’t worry.” or giving us false hope on resuming their services? Wouldn’t you be at least frustrated, even a bit, after hearing same apologies without promises?

If I had to choose a gaming console in current market, I would choose PS3. I love my PS3. But that doesn’t mean I have to cover every flaw it has and give my full support on every wrong-doing. Have you seen spoiled kids that just make you wanna punch them? That’s what happens to a kid when his or her parents give them unconditional love without saying NO to their misbehaviors.

This time, Sony really did screw things up. Not everything is Sony’s fault, and receiving 30-day trials for premium services with two free downloadable games might patch things up with many gamers out there. But if you really love PSN and want it to grow, I think we can do that by asking Sony to step up and listen to the voice of the community. I’m sick and tired of firmware updates that do close to nothing. I’m  unimpressed by the XMB’s unintuitive UI and UX. And I’m very, very concerned about this security breach towards my personal data, and I’m sick of reading apologies from Sony without any promises for weeks.

So if you ask me “Should we complain about the PSN outage?”, I would say not only go and complain, but we should really voice our opinions as their valuable customers and users. After all, we’re the ones who made Sony’s great online service possible, free of charge.

Just a quick blurb here. Marvel Pinball, a collaborative work between Marvel and Zen Studios, now has a demo available on the PSN. For those not convinced by our review of Marvel Pinball, definitely give this demo a try!

• A unique multiplayer experience on PlayStation®Network: play locally or with your Friends, or team up online with players across the globe!
• The game difficulty will adapt to the number of players. Do your training and climb the ranks in the online global leaderboards.
• A real quest to complete solo or with others, spanning over 30 levels with an immense world of dungeons, villages and forests to explore, including areas that are randomly generated. Gothicus will never cease to amaze you!
• A level of production rarely achieved on PSN: graphics and special effects rivaling retail games, smooth animation even during multiplayer sessions, and a dark gothic ambiance that immerses you in the heart of the action.
• All the ingredients for a great role-playing game: choose your class, optimize your hero’s development by assigning experience points to the attributes of your choice, and equip your hero with the best armor thanks to the items you collect throughout your adventure.
• Fun “hack & slash” gameplay adapted to your preferences: choose between classic controls (with a wireless controller) or innovative controls thanks to compatibility with the PlayStation®Move motion controller to recreate a “point & click” experience similar to PC games.

Lookin’ for some fun, action platformer? Give Recoil game’s Rochard a look.

As the player, you take charge of John Rochard, an astro-miner, whose team accidentally discovers an ancient structure hidden deep in an asteroid. Soon after, his team disappears, and he is left stranded on the asteroid. He must now rescues his team, fend off evil space pirates, and solve the mystery of the ancient structure.

The catcher for this space action platformer is the manipulation of gravity. By using the upgradable “G-Lifter”, your character will be able to move objects, and eventually swing, jump, and propel himself throughout the level.

John comes not only equipped with astro-mining gear and a gravity manipulator, but also a healthy does of sarcasm. Sounds like he’s set!

Rochard is slated for a Spring release on the Playstation Network.

Some of you may be wondering what the hell Arcana Heart 3 is, and perhaps, where the hell 1 and 2 went. Well, the story goes like this:

… Right. So basically, this is a 2-D fighting game, a bit like (naturally) BlazBlue. Each character makes use of an Arcana, celestial beings based on characters from the Tarot. As you may notice from the screenshots, Arcana Heart 3 features an all female cast! The graphics look great, and the game looks like a treat for any 2D fighting game fun. Arcana Heart 3 will be available on the PSN this Spring.

Features List:

• 3 Newcomers To Arcana Heart 3, For A Total Of 23 Fighters!
• Enter Weiss, the main character in Arcana Heart 3; Eko, a young girl who can bring her drawings to life; and Scharlachrot, a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows with the power to summon chains from out of nowhere.
• 23 Unique Arcana Types; Create A Fighting Style To Match Your Individual Style Of Play!
• Pair your favorite character with one of the 23 available spirits for an incredible range of different fighting styles.
• Deep Single Player Experience!
• With an extensive arcade-style story mode, score attack mode, and training mode available, Arcana Heart 3 offers players a myriad of ways to sharpen and polish their fighting skills when not facing off against friends and rivals.
• Introducing “Simple Mode”!
• Simple mode is a new control scheme designed with beginning and casual fighting fans in mind. Unleash powerful attacks and extended combos without having to practice complicated input commands!
• Full-Featured Online Multiplayer!
• Arcana Heart 3 online system was developed by Arc System Works, creators of the critically acclaimed  BlazBlue  games, a series known for its superior network code. In addition to online lobbies and ranked matches,  Arcana Heart 3 also includes a comprehensive ranking system and online replays.

The PSN update today will include, among other things, a demo for HOARD, Big Sandwich Games’ action startegy game involving dragons and their treasure.

I know, it sounds a little strange, but you just have to play it to see how fun it is, and what better way to get a taste than a free demo?

The demo will feature several maps to allow the player to get a taste of the gameplay style, as well as include a 2-player local co-op level. The full game includes 4 game modes, 35 maps, leaderboards, trophies, and multiplayer both local and online.

Well, enough words here, just try it out! The full version is already available on PSN for $14.99.

Sony Online Entertainment anounced today a line-up of new/old titles for the PSN. I say new/old, because most of these games were released on either Xbox LIVE, or a mobile device. But these should provide gamers with a few distractions between main games. Take a look:

Whether you agree with me or not, I’d say that there are two kinds of popular racing game styles out there. One is the arcade style and the other being a true-to-life simulator. Your favorite maybe somewhere in between, but if memory serves me right, it didn’t win the crowd’s vote.

There’s no doubt Superstars V8 Racing is closer to a racing simulator. The game is based on the Superstars Series, which originated in Italy. The game mimics real tracks from Europe with real racers from around the world. Only V8 engine cars are allowed to enter the race, so now you know where the name came from.

Now, I’m not a hardcore racing simulator fan. I did enjoy the Forza series, but not as much as I enjoyed Burnout, Dirt and Sega Rally series. So, where does Superstars V8 Racing stand? I say right in between, and for the good reasons.

There are game modes that will satisfy almost every racing game fan. Besides the typical “Championship”,  ”Training” and “Quick Race” modes, there’s a “Race Weekend” mode with which lots of licensed hobby racers can relate to. It has all the features of the Championship mode, like two practice sessions with one qualifying session before the race, but instead of touring Europe for the trophy, you just race for a weekend. And if you’re sick of racing with other cars, there’s a mode called “Superstars License.” Basically it’s a series of challenges that players can attempt within the certain parameters given. It’s nice to have variety, yes?

Between game modes, you will see tons of tweaking options to make Superstars V8 Racing feel like a true simulator. Well, at least that’s my answer as a typical arcade racing game fan. If you ask racing simulator fans, they will say that the game doesn’t even come close to being a true racing simulator. This is one of the reasons why I cannot give you a straight answer about this game’s realism as a simulator. It feels like a racing sim made for arcade racing fans. It has enough features for casual racing game fans to enjoy the title as a simulator, but it probably won’t satisfy hardcore racing sim fans.

So is it a good thing? Sure. The game might not have all the true-to-life ingredients, but to its limit the game represents racing experience very well. The default game option disables the Tire Wear and Car Damage, and it does a fine job for arcade racing game fans. You can turn those options on, and realism kicks in and shifts the game experience enough to please many players out there. In simple words, it has enough options to overwhelm typical gamers, should they choose to utilize them.

One other thing we’ve noticed is the graphics. It looks great on most parts, considering the price being $20. Our favorite was the wet road condition. While the gameplay is affected by the weather as it should be, the reflection of the beautiful clouds in the sky on the wet road was great. If you’re very picky about graphics, you might notice low-quality reflections from cars, but we’re guessing that it’s the gaming console’s limitation, not the developers.

More positive things we want to talk about is the replay, sound and controller vibration. SoundFX and BGM is definitely above average in my opinion. Also, devs did fantastic job on vibration on PS3 controller. The feedback emulates just right that it is very believable. During or after the race, you can replay your performance with almost every possible camera angle you can think of. Very rich in features indeed, but oddly it lacks of saving the replay which is a bummer if you wanted to show them off online or to your friends.

The one thing that irritated us the most was the stutter. Actually, it’s more like a whole-second pause in the middle of driving, and though it only happened on a couple of tracks, it does affect gameplay a lot. Maybe it’s our PS3 SKU, or maybe it’s a bug, but we found at least one other player who experienced the same stutter/pause on certain tracks. Imagine you’re in ahead of everyone else and suddenly you’re off the track because of this one-second pause on your screen. It’s a huge minus.

Another thing is the menu navigation. It’s well built but every time the player exits from the current race or menu, the game loads content twice, then saves the game, then loads the content again. These annoying steps will usually take 15 seconds at least. Each Championship game has two practice sessions, with one qualifying session and a race, so even if you’re in a hurry and skip the practice sessions, you would have to watch the loading screen for a good minute or so. There are texts to read on the loading screen, but they are so small and pass by so quickly giving you time to only finish a couple of sentences.

Another mixed bag is the way the game system works. Instead of choosing cars, players choose racers around the world, and the car comes with the racer; you cannot change that, ever. If you picked a racer with a BMW M5, you will have to use that car for the whole championship. And there aren’t that many cars and drivers to choose from. Well, you can always tweak the car settings and all, but it’s a weird setup for sure.

But our complains aside, when Superstars V8 Racing does its job by providing a good racing experience. There are enough modes to keep players busy for awhile. Online Multiplayer mode is also fun, runs smoothly with voice-chat support. And though I said that hardcore racing simulator fans won’t find this game much fun, I know for a fact that they will play Superstars V8 Racing anyways because of the value-price and for their love of cars. We just wished that there were more choices with less annoyance.

Our Score: 6.5 /10

A racing simulator that probably won’t satisfy racing simulator fans, but will satisfy the rest.

You already might have heard of Flight Control HD for your iPhone and iPad, but if you don’t have Apple mobile devices, it’s okay; they’re making one for your PS3.

We love the design so far.

Yes, some of us are all for the hardcore RPGs, MMOs and bloody FPS, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play cleverly designed games like Flight Control HD. And if you believe in PlayStation’s Move controller, you’re in luck because Flight Control HD will support the controller as well.

The game will be available on September 15, 2010 for major regions around the world (except the U.S. market). Japan, however, will get the treat on October 21, 2010. Our guess would be the localization. Once we get more information, we’ll update this page so stay close!

“Highway to the Danger Zone. Ride into the Danger Zone”

Back when Tom Cruise was not nuts, he was Maverick. I imagine every kid who grew up in the 80s knows Top Gun. Hell I grew up in Japan, and I knew Top Gun. Well here it is folks, Top Gun the video game.

As you may have guessed, this game is a free-flying air combat shooter. With your trusty Radar Intercept Officer Goose by your side, this game will take you from when you first enroll in flight school, to defending and attacking bases.

Top Gun will not only feature single player, but 5 different multiplayer modes, allowing up to 16 players to duke it out in dogfight battles. Fans and gamers will be able to relive their favorite Top Gun fights, or just have a good ol’ dogfight this summer, on PSN, Windows PC, and Mac. In the mean time, we have below a very extensive features list.

KEY FEATURES:

• Talk to Me Goose: With all-new dialogue and storyline written by the film’s screenwriter, Jack Epps, Jr., players talk trash with Iceman, Merlin, Slider, and the rest of the flyers from the film.
• You’re a Hell of a Pilot. Maybe Too Good: Feel the need for speed! With arcade controls, players defy the laws of gravity as they dodge enemy planes using inverts, dives and spins.
• Too Close for Missiles, I’m Switching to Guns: Players go up against the best as they outmaneuver and shoot down bogeys using short and long range missiles and Vulcan cannons.
• This is the Real Thing. This is What You’ve Been Trained for: Top Gun features three single player and five multiplayer modes.
• Flight School: Players enroll as Maverick at Top Gun Academy and train to handle the breakneck speeds of hitting the “after burner” and the “tunnel vision” that poses a threat during high G-force maneuvers.
• Campaign Mode: After training to be the best of the best, players join the fight above the Indian Ocean for 11 total missions at various times of day.
• Horde Mode: Bogeys like fireflies all over the sky! Solo players get to test their flight combat abilities as they take down endless waves of enemies of increasing difficulty. Top scores will appear on leader boards. Remember, no points for second place.
• Online Multiplayer: Players can enlist in the US Navy or join the Soviet air forces and go head-to-head with opponents in five different modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Top Gun (choose your wingman and compete against enemy pairs), Bombing Run (defend and attack mobile bases) and Capture the Flag. Players can choose to battle at three times of day across multiple environments.
• Tower, This is Ghost Rider Requesting a Flyby: Players take their RIO along and buzz the tower!
• It Takes a Lot More Than Just Fancy Flying: Players can unlock six sonic jets with varying speed, maneuverability and weapon load.

o For the US Navy:

• F14 Tomcat: The classic Top Gun plane, this heavy piece of machinery isn’t the most maneuverable of the birds but still boasts an undercarriage capable of carrying an abundance of missiles to blast down enemies.
• F16 Falcon: Perfect for high-speed dogfights, this is the fastest and most nimble jet, but payloads are smaller, so players must make every missile count!
• F/A-18 Hornet: An aircraft balanced in all aspects of speed, agility and firepower.

o For the Soviets:

• MiG-31 Foxhound: Forgoing maneuverability and weapon load for speed, this is the fastest jet.
• MiG-29 Fulcrum: This agile plane can handle a small payload of weapons, making accuracy even more important.
• Su-27 Flanker: An evenly balanced aircraft across speed, agility and weapon load.
• The Plaque for the Alternates is Down in the Ladies Room: Unlock up to 12 Trophies.
• Fly Into the Danger Zone: Top Gun features the classic compositions “Danger Zone” and the “Top Gun” anthem.

ZEN Studios brings you yet another exciting new table to ZEN Pinball: MARS.

Looks like ZEN studios will be taking their next pinball adventure out into space. We have the features list below:

ZEN Pinball MARS Table Features:

• Dock the space ship and activate the magnetic crane to collect space samples
• Land with the space spider to analyze the ancient Martian symbols
• Call in the satellite to scan distant galaxies, calibrate its solar collector and activate its electromagnetic fields to lock three balls
• Restore the Mysterious Pyramid, then deactivate its defense system
• Spell out MARS to activate the secret portal of lights
• Repair the artificial gravity reactor to stabilize gravity on MARS

We would love to get our hands on a copy for a review. Stay tuned!