9 June 2000 (平成 12年 6月9日)

Portable PlayStation Unit announced.

Almost every game website in Japan wrote about this new console yesterday when Ken Kutaragi announced the new PlayStation 1 console, PSone.
PSone is set to release in Japan 7th of next month at 15,000 YEN. The current modle will not have a LCD screen as shown below but it is planned for next spring.


The size of this new console, PSone, is about 1/3 of its original size and weigh 550g.
Come this winter, SONY will also deliver a new internet gaming cable for the PlayStation family. That means, PS, PSone and PS2 will be able to go "online" with the help of mobile phones. The question now is, is it compitable with mobile phones around the world , or strictly Japanese PHS system via i-mode?
SCEI also claims that this release of PSone id for the Japanese market, so, will it come for the rest of asia? We shall see about that.

HardDisk for PS2 announced for Japanese model.

Also announced yesterday, the new PS2 (SCPH-15000), will come with a hardisk and a highspeed network interface card (Ethernet) for connection to boardband network. So, can we, surf into Singapore One or MAGIX ?

With the help of this harddisk, it could means that the game can be delivered at a higher speed and also means that gamers now can download patches of there are any for the system. Or even, a popular game may last for years and years. This is begining to looks and sounds like X-BOX by Microsoft.

Change Of Release Date For FFIX.

Looking for more crystals in Final Fantasy? The quest to search for more is even closer now. SQUARE decided to kick EINX's butt once more.
First attack, 1999 Febuary, SQUARE's FFVIII released before Dragon Quest VII made an entrance.
Second Attack, 2 days ago, SQUARE changes its FFIX release date by 2 weeks, that is 7th of July.
With these 2 attacks, ENIX has gotta wake their bloody idea up. delay after delay for their release of DQVIII.
With an earlier release date means SQUARE has already got all their POP items done up. Considering Coca-Cola Japan doing their promo, I don't think there will be any problems. According to DIGICUBE Japan, the reservations for FFIX will start on the 1st of June in Japan via DIGICUBE website.

Portable PlayStation due to release soon?

Reported on The GIA and MCV, SONY will release a portable PS but no screen, so that means, still not very portable.
At current press time, still cannot confirm if it is a hoax, no info on SONY website.

Metal Gear Solid 2 for PS2 announced During E3.

E3, The Biggest game show in US had Hideo Kojima 小島秀雄 announced "Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty" for PS2 and rumored to have a simultinious release in both Japan and US. It ia also rumored that, the language it set to English by default and can have a choice of Japanese text in the NTSC/J release and English in the NTSC/UC version.
US release of however is still rumored to have more difficulty selection, like what happen to the initial set for MGS.
With new soundtrack and an older Solid Snake, MGS2 will still appeal to gamers who have lived throuth all the series of Metal Gear Series.

Download your FFIX Coca-Cola TVCM here. Exclusive Download!!

Right click here and choose save target as, Warning, 5mb size.

Specifications for US release of PS2 announced During E3.

It is confirmed to launch the PlayStation2 in America on October 26th. The system launch will consist of approximately 1 million units by Christmas this year. The system itself will retail for $299.99 (S$600), and software will retail for $49.99(S$100). According to Ken Kutaragi, about 50 PS2 titles will be available before the end of the year.
US release of PS2 will not have a TypeIII slot anymore but will include a 3.5 inch drive bay into the back, which can be utilized for more hard disk space or network expansion. A PS2 casing was brought out to show attendees during E3 of what the alteration would actually look like when the hard disk drive optional fitting into the bay.
It is still more or less confirmed that the US release will not need any driver on the memory card to play DVD, so that means the driver is pre encoded on the drive. Mmmmmmmm. Thats means if PS2 comes to Singapore, I cannot load the 1.00 driver anymore. Most likely of the change, the model of PS2 may be SCHP-11000 and not SCHP-10000 anymore.

Download your FFIX Coca-Cola TVCM here. Exclusive Download!!

Right click here and choose save target as, Warning, 5mb size.

Dragon Quest VII get a release date

Slated for August 26 this year. 7800 Yen

Number of disk for Final Fantasy IX

4 disk this time, you means less Computer graphics? More details when I get them

Coca-Cola Bans on illegal usage os FFIX Characters

Since SQUARE gave rights to Coca-Cola all the rights to handle their new game, Coca-Cola forbid the usages if any artwork without giving credits to both companies. Strange move.

KONAMI delays Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix for PS

Delayed to 1st June 2K, DDR 3rd Mix will be removing the song "Xanadu". The conformed list of songs can be viewed from here
"Famitsu Weekly" who had place the picture into the magazine claims otherwise. KONAMI being the officials for this release pulled out the song and the claims that the screenshot Famitsu Weekly uses was for the arcade release. "There is no way in the arcade version can you activate SSR mode by pressing down 4 times," added "Famitsu Weekly".
(PS - will try to get the screenshot for you to proof KONAMI pulled a fast one off us.)
This release of this dance action game is also a master disk by itself and if you have the Original Dance Dance Revolution, Dance Dance Revolution 2nd ReMix, Dance Dance Revolution 2nd ReMix Append Club Version Volume 1 and Dance Dance Recoltion 2nd ReMix Append Club Version Volume 2, you could use the Disk Change option to play them. Question is that will it turn the steps for Dance Dance Revolution and Dance Dance Revolution 2nd ReMix to "VIVID"? Will "Stealth" and "Sudden" also be available? We shall see about when it comes.

HELP ME !!!

It is getting more and more difficult to do this website without PS2 coming into Singapore. Every magazines I flip open talks of nothing but PS2, PS2 and PS2. The ratio of reviews, hints, upcoming previews does PS2. More articles are talking on how DVD business grew because of PS2. and so on...
........... and yet SQUARE still decides to release FFIX on PS platform ...........
ps:- PS2 is driving me up the F***ING WALL !!! GIVE ME MY PS2 NOW!!!!! URGGGGGGGGGGG!!

PS2 helped the dying DVD market of Japan

Ever flipped any Japanese Gaming Magazines lately? What do you see other than PS2 game reviewes? Yes, DVD titles and reviews. Why? you may ask. Guess again. It's not that difficult. What did Ken Kutaragi 久多良木健 said before? And his dream comes true?
PS2 my friend. With the aid of a gaming machine, bonus up as a DVD machine and costing only 398000 Yen, consumers will rather get PS2 than a regular DVD player. Moreover, PS2 have all the goodies that a normal DVD player can do, DTS, 5.1 Digital audio, Digital out and can play games. Now, who doesnt want this toy?

Does it means that we will get PS2 only this Christmas in Singapore?

PS2 can now be shipped outside of Japan but it will be going to US first (target to hit the shelves before Thanksgiving), then Asia (most likely to be in before Christmas).
The reason that it will be delayed to Asia market is because of we get to get out PS2 before US, some wisemen will parellel it to other countries, like US, Europe and so on. The debate is that, if US gets PS2 before us, won't there also be parellel imports into here? And if that is the case, the supposed to be Japanese set ment for asia will once again be stuck like what PS did.(VERY PERSONAL COMMENT!!)
The black market prices of PS2 in Singapore are already about S$1400 with a game, either Tekken Tag Tournament or Ridge Racer V. The shipped DVD driver is code 2 only and will not be able to play other region anymore with the current 1.01 driver.
The black market prices will continue to tumble with the export ban lifted. Will keep you update of the current black market prices in the future if you intend to get yourself a set of PS2 before the local release.
DO TAKE NOTE THAT ALL PS2 SOLD NOW ARE OF 110VOLTS (110V), SO THAT MEANS DO NOT PLUG YOUR PS2 INTO THE POWER SOCKETS DIRECTLY, IT WILL FRY YOUR PS2. GO GET A STEP DOWN CONVERTER BEFORE USING IT.(Your parallel importer should supply you with the converter upon purchase. About S$200 for a good one.)

Software outlook for PS this month.

DDR 3rd mix for PS is release with some tracks from 2nd ReMix and 3 new songs.
Super Robot Taisen Alpha will be finally go on sale on 25th May if there were to be no more further delays.
Coca-Cola Japan has released a Final Fantasy IX TVCM in Japan, gamers in Singapore can download the commercial from http:\\fun.s-one.net.sg\downloads\.
This time round, FF is gonna talk about the crystal again. characters from previous FF series like VIVI the mage and Moguri is making their appearance again. The new lead looks like the kid version of Squall but have a tail and the female lead looks like a younger version of Rinoa.
Target release date for this new FFIX is 19 July 2000.

PS2 gets its export license

Finally, PS2 can be shipped outside of Japan but what problems will it face? Retaining DVD code 2 or bring regionalized? Will changing of the region code cause and problem when playing any of the DVD encoded game titles released in Japan?
click here to see more info on it.

KONAMI Webpage Translations Added

From this month forth, introducing a new page, KONAMI Webpage Translations.
click here to see more info on it.

PS2 playing PS games

What problem will it face or what ar the benifits?
click here to see more info on it.

KONAMI's Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix

Following the huge success of the previous similar theme, KONAMI is proud to present the newest dancing craze, DDR 3rd mix on PlayStation.
All the 32 new tracks from the Local asian release arcade mix is included in this release.(Plus 3 tracks removed from local arcade - "If you can say goodbye", "Getup Before the night is over" and "Xanadu".
To make it better, there is a special mode worth mentioning, "Diet Mode". It could be actually a "Spin-off" result of what the fans called it, "Diet Diet Revolution"! (PS:- Some hospital in Korea actually use DDR to help obese patients excercise)
BeatMania Original tracks like "Luv To Me", "Gradius Cyber", "Jam Jam Reggae", "Gentle Stress" are included.
New play mode like "SSR" (Step Step Revolution), Maniac mode of 3rd mix , "SSR Double", "Unison", "Nonstop Revolution" (as introduced in DDR 2ndReMix, Club Mix Vol1 and 2) are added.
A new form of "Hidden" game play, "Sudden"(first appeared in DDR Bass Solo) and "Stealth" mode, are added to the game play
"Flat" mode is added to normal game play for people who find the colored arrows too distracting during game play.
"Vivid" mode is also added for SSR play mode as the original SSR is "FLAT" or no color, good for beginners trying to learn the game.
At game selection, players can choose from the 3 basic options, "Soft" (1/8 and 1/16 stepts are removed), "Medium" (Normal game play) or "Nonstop".
So, what are you waiting for? "Are you a MONK??!!"

PS2 for is NOT ALLOWED for export currently.

Will this affect the release of this product at all? Nobody has the answers at this moment. SCEI is keeping their lips tight. These following 2 pictures could be found on the box of this lovely machine. Japanese and English.
Seems like the online registration to purchase the new PS2 from http://www.jp.playstation.com/ is only for residents on Japan only. Without a vaild address in Japan cannot process the transaction.

KONAMI urgent releases update.

Beatmania 5th Mix has been inserted release lastweek, 2nd of March.
DDR 3rd Mix (working title) is scheduled to be release on 18th of May. it is said that it is not an append disk.
(PS:- What is going on? I thought that konami will work with append disks? Maybe they've change the idea for append disk concept, but will it affect the sales for Beatmania? Wait for Beatmania 3 and we shall have the answers. - yaegashi)

Final Fantasy Madness update.

Final Fantasy IX is announced to be release in July.
Final Fantasy X (Play FF Online) will be release next summer (projected).

Getting more and more Personal?

Atlus Japan have announced Persona 2:Eternal Punishment for June 29 release. This is not entirly a new game but a tweaked release of the previous title Persona 2:Innocent Sin (kinda of like MGSI to replace MGS).
Using the same engine from P2IS, the game retains only 2 of the original cast, Tatsuya Suo and Maya Amano. Maya is not the lead character for this "spin-off" with a whole new cast. basically this release of P2EP is to put to an end for those unfinished plots left hanging and the ending of P2IS.

PS2 for Asia Market Release.

Target to be Summer 2000, about August or September. The street date to hit Japan is "1234" or translated to English calender, 2000 4th March.
You can still however order online from http://www.jp.playstation.com/.

Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix Append for PS announced.

DDR 3rd Mix has been announced together with Dancing Stage featuring Dreams Come True by KONAMI.
It is set to release on April, no date and price has been announced at this monemt of time.
Beatmania 5th Mix ~Time To Get Down~ is delayed to May.

Super Robot Taisen α Special Box Set Update

Last known that this game will be pushed back to March or later. It have lots of goodies packed in and it is specially shipped to Singapore by air from Japan!
It contains a memory card folder, Mobilephone strap (PHS or CDMA), Ball keychain, Metal Characters, PocketStation Holder (Watch design), Software, Booklet. Bare in mind that this is a tentative list and may change without any notice.
It will be retailed at about S$170.

New Games Coming Soon in Febuary

2 Gundam games will be coming. Super Robot Taisen α (Super Robot War Alpha) and Ghireen's wild ambition.

30 January 2000 (平成 12年 1月30日)

Square Millennium Update

FFIX
- Squaresoft has finally present its latest epic, FFIX, at Square Millenium, marks a sure-to-be-controversial return to the 2D environments and cartoony graphics of the earlier Final Fantasies. The classic pointy-hatted black mage has been spotted in the early footage, as have dragons, propeller-powered airships, and even a character with a cheetah tail.
- But despite what some may argue, a 2D environment Don't always necessarily means a primitive game. We're sure to see plenty of FMV and flashy special effects, and battle scenes retain the transparent status display of FFVIII. (Incidentally, the battle scenes also specifically list an MP statistic, giving a minor hint at what kind of magic system awaits.) However, in a nod to earlier FF games, the party size has been increased to accomodate four characters at once.
- In-depth details are of course extremely scarce so soon after FF IX's announcement. But such question marks will be largely irrelevant to most RPG fans -- FFIX is real, FFIX is here.
FFX

- Since the PlayStation 2 was announced by Sony, gamers have been largely disappointed by Squaresoft's offerings for the new console.
- Squaresoft made a recent announcement that was just what people wanted to hear: development has begun for a Final Fantasy title on PlayStation 2. Gameplay will be a one-player, with online hints and strategy available through Square's new PlayOnline broadband network. The graphics will be highly realistic, making full use of the Emotional PlayStation 2.
- No further infomations has been revealed about the game yet. All that's really known is two characters' names, Tida and Yuna. Still, the most important information on the title, to many, is that it exists and it's coming in 2001.
FFXI

- At the recent Square Millennium conference, the most unexpected announcement was certainly that of an online-only FFXI. While Squaresoft had hinted at an online-centered strategy, few gamers expected this kind of complete shift into massively multiplayer gaming, backed by a complete range of non game-related portal services through a partnership with NTT Communications.
- While FFX was announced to have an online mode, XI will be playable online-only, in the vein of PC titles such as Ultima Online and Everquest. It appears that players will be able to choose from a variety of character and monster classes when beginning their game, as well as chat with other adventures in rooms similar to those found on Blizzard's battle.net multiplayer service. With the slogan "Online Another World," FFXI's graphical style combines the realistic character models of FFVIII with the colorful dream worlds of the newly shown FFIX.

What is going on recently

Enix pushes back the next Dragon Quest title again without explanation where Square remains their target date, Mid-Summer, for Final Fantasy IX.
Enix Japan yesterday announced that it has delay it's most wanted RPG title Dragon Quest VII, pushing the game's release back from Winter 2000 until sometime towards the end of May. No reason was given for the delay, although Enix stated after a previous delay that it would use the extra time to improve the game's quality. Or, are they actually wanting to push it to be release on PS2?
On the other hand, Squaresoft announced late last November that it was delaying the PlayStation's Final Fantasy IX to avoid coinciding with the release of DQ VII. When contacted yesterday with news of DQ VII's setback, a spokesperson for Squaresoft said that the company still intends to release the game "before the summer holidays." It's quite possible Squaresoft will now rush to release Final Fantasy IX sometime before May in order to first reach the market with their game, to kill of their rival.
DQ VII was scheduled for release in the spring of 1999, before FF VIII. But from the looks of it now, by the time the game reaches store shelves, DQ VII will already be over a year late. Now that is too bad. So, gamers out there, gotta wait again.

Looks like US will get Arc The Lad Collection.
Over heard from somewhere, SCEA will release the well known RPG game in English and set to be release before christmas and will contain all the 3 game from the Japanese release. It will have 6 CDs and which 4 will be the game disc, 1 soundtrack and 1 "making of" disc.


22 January 2000 (平成 12年 1月22日)

PocketStation IS COMING !!!

All right all PlayStation users in Singapore and the whole of asia, PocketStation is coming at the end of this month!! Target release date is on the 27th of January (Thursday).
It has a street price of S$59 and will have 2 different design, transparent cyrstal white and opaque white. It will also come with Japanese, English and Chinese manual.
As of to date, there are already over 100 games released with PocketStation function on it being sold in Japan alone and only 40 of such title available in asia and 2 didnt make it to Singapore.
The List Is Here.

A Look into AD 2000

Super Robot Taisen α will be released sometimes in Febuary and it will be a special box set. Lot of goodies will be packed into this special edition.
Beatmania 5th mix, Guitar Freaks Append 2nd Mix, Popn' Music 3 Append Disc may not make it to Singapore this time round. Reason? The sales responds of these titles are not too good and Konami decide to give this title a miss. Bad news to all Bemani fans.
After the bad news, the good news and follow by another bad news. Chase The Express, SCEI's answer to Konami's Metal Gear Solid will be approved to be on sale in Singapore. The game is simillar to the movie "Under Seige 2". More detail when I shall recieve them.
Bio Harzard Gun Survior is still banned and most likely not be able to get pass cencorship for violence and blood. Take a look back to the rest of the series, all of them are full of blood! I personally would like this game to be approved as it is fully competable with GunCon controller.

A Look into AD 2000

Final Fantasy IX will be released sometime in April 2000 and the platform will be for PS1.
It has been rumored that PocketStation will make its way into Singapore in January 2000. Price not known yet. Will yeep you inform of the price if possible.
It has also been mentioned that it is a high possibility that Singapore's version of PS2 will be code 3 and not code 2. (Will this means we will not be able to play SLPS titles anymore ?)
'Vagrant Story' has a pending release date of Feb 10 and 'Popolocrois II' Jan 27. 'Gaia Master' has been further delayed to April unconfirmed. (Like what happen to DQ7).

New games slated for 2000

'King Of Fighters 99' will make its way into PS1 then, why wouldn't they make it for PS2? Won't it actually runs better there? No comments for that as I only heard that rumor this morning.
Other titles coming next year maybe, 'Dragon Quest 7' (yes, they have delayed again), Beatmania 5th mix, Guitar Freaks Append 2nd Mix, Popn' Music 3 Append Disc

Games With Blood Contents

We have saw games with blood appearing on PC games without being banned, why does this have to happen to PlayStation games here in Singapore? At current press time, I Just hope that games with graphical violence will come in but. You will have also notice from this month onwards I will make use of this symbol . This is the logo used in the Japanese market to tell the people that it contains blood and violence. Personally, I think this is a good idea, so if people who will feel distrubed by these titles will give them a miss. Well, personal opinion.(^_^;)

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