Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Features, Columns, Japanese Imports, Ads & Media, Movies

Title: Ponyo
Release Date: August 14, 2009 (US), July 19, 2008 (Japan)
Rating: “G” for General Audiences.
Length: 1 hour, 41 minutes. (101 minutes)
Pros: Gorgeous visuals. For the most part, the voice acting is fantastic. Great pacing for the story. A nice mix of active and passive scenes. The music and soundtrack is absolutely wonderful.
Cons: Noah Cyrus’ voice (Ponyo) can occasionally be grating and/or annoying.
Overall Score: 9/10

Handdrawn, 2D animation is an endangered art form. Most films are now made with computers and companies have a habit of releasing everything in 3D. Thankfully, Studio Ghibli is still doing things the old fashioned way. The company’s latest film, Ponyo, is among its most beautiful, and is a new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.

A new take on The Little Mermaid.

Brunhilde is a little goldfish who lives under the sea with her father and sisters. All her life, she’s been stuck in and Fujimoto’s submarine, but she wants more out of life. She one day sets out to see what there is outside of the ocean she knows. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go too well and she ends up trapped in a bottle.

She’s then rescued by a young boy named Sosuke. He breaks the bottle trapping her and sets her free. She then licks clean a cut he got saving her, healing it with her magic. He renames her Ponyo and decides to keep her with him and protect her. Ponyo loves her new name and him. However, her father Fujimoto comes to claim her, dragging her home, and the Ponyo and Sosuke are separated.

Ponyo is then determined to not only find a way back to Sosuke, but also find a way to become a human. However, doing so could disrupt the world’s balance.

Ponyo is a reminder of how beautiful 2D animation can be.

Ponyo is the kind of movie you’d have to see twice. The first time, you’d see and appreciate the actual story presented on the screen. The second time, you’re able to focus on the detailed artwork on the screen. In fact, Ponyo sets a new record for Studio Ghibli films – there are 170,000 individual, handdrawn images in the movie.

It also features a wonderful sense of storytelling and pacing. The beginning of the movie is very relaxed, almost leisurely. The audience is able to take this time to get to know and identify with the characters, specifically Ponyo and Sosuke. It then gradually builds in intensity and action, and features a satisfying ending. It never feels rushed, and while there are some fairly intense and dark moments, even those don’t feel threatening. It’s just a trial that must be faced and overcome.

Disney did do a wonderful job when casting the English version, with one exception. Personally, I found Noah Cyrus (Ponyo) to be a tad annoying at times, as opposed to endearing, and I preferred Yuria Nara’s take on Ponyo. Frankie Jonas, on the other hand, does a decent job as Sosuke. Of course, Tina Fey (Lisa), Liam Neeson (Fujimoto) and Cate Blanchett (Gran Mamare) all provide wonderful performances, and so do Matt Damon, Betty White, Lily Tomlin and Cloris Leachman in their cameo appearances. Overall, it’s very well-acted.

A tale all ages and cultures can appreciate.

If you enjoyed previous Studio Ghibli movies, like Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, you’ll fall in love with Ponyo. It’s an endearing adventure. The English language version is well cast, and it’s a joy to watch. I have a feeling that it will also become the most popular of the Studio Ghibli movies released in America, due to the familiar story and breathtaking visuals.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables looks at Japan’s Pokemon Centers.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables reviewed Nanashi no Game for the DS.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox-360, PCs, Windows, Handhelds, DS, PSP, iPhone & iPod Touch, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, 3D, Action, Adventure, Casual, Children’s, FPS, Shooter, MMO, Party, Puzzle, Racing, Role-Playing, Sports, Sim, Strategy, Conventions, GamesCom

EA is also among the major companies ready to step up and support GamesCom 2009. And the company’s going to be putting on quite a show. It is bringing 42 games across all platforms to display, including the iPhone.

There are a number of highlights to check out, from the extraordinary amount of games being displayed, to a special press conference (which you can watch online via live stream), an exclusive closed door area with special games being shown, a booth set up just for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and the demo debut of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Let’s look at the list of games EA is bringing along, in some shape or form, in alphabetical order:

1. All Points Bulletin (PC)
2. Army of Two: The 40th Day (PS3, PSP)
3. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
4. Brütal Legend (PS3, Xbox 360)
5. Bubble Bobble Evolution (cell phone)
6. Command & Conquer 4 (PC)
7. Command & Conquer: Red Alert (cell phone)
8. Dante’s Inferno (PC, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360)
9. Dead Space Extraction (Wii)
10. Dragon Age: Origins (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
11. EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer (Wii)
12. FIFA 10 (cell phone, DS, PS2, PSP, Wii)
13. FIFA Manager 10 (PC)
14. Fight Night Round 4 (PS3, Xbox 360)
15. Game of Life (iPhone)
16. GI Joe (cell phone)
17. GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra (DS, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360)
18. Hasbro Family Game Night 2 (Wii)
19. Littlest Pet Shop: Beach Friends (DS)
20. Littlest Pet Shop: City Friends (DS)
21. Littlest Pet Shop: Country Friends (DS)
22. Mass Effect 2 (PC, Xbox 360)
23. Monopoly Classic (iPhone)
24. My Sims Agents (DS, Wii)
25. NBA Live 10 (TBA)
26. Need for Speed: Nitro (DS, Wii)
27. Need for Speed Shift (cell phone, PC, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360)
28. NHL 10 (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)
29. Rage (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
30. RockBand: The Beatles (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)
31. The Saboteur (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
32. SimAnimals: Africa (Wii)
33. The Sims 3 (iPhone, PC, Mac)
34. The Sims 3 World Adventures (PC, Mac)
35. Spore Hero (Wii)
36. Spore Hero Arena (DS)
37. Star Wars: The Old Republic ()
38. Tetris (iPhone)
39. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360)
40. Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online (PC)
41. Trivial Pursuit (iPhone)
42. Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (PC)

Now, bear in mind, not all of these games will be on display to the public. EA is going to have a press only business lounge set up in Hall 5.1, where special sessions will show off games not scheduled to appear at EA’s booth in Hall 6.1, like All Points Bulletin, Army of Two: The 40th Day, Command & Conquer 4, EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer, Rage, Rockband: The Beatles, The Sims 3 World Adventures, The Sabateur and Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online. The exclusive demonstrations will also show off information on some games that are appearing at the main booth, like Brütal Legend, Dante’s Inferno, Dead Space Extraction, Mass Effect 2 and The Sims 3.

If you’re attending and want to see, here are key EA locations to visit:

• General EA Booth: Hall 6.1, A-71, C-70 from August 19-23, 2009.
• EA Press Conference: Palladium, Schanzenstraße 36, Gebäude 197, 51063 Cologne at 4:30pm on August 18, 2009.
• Star Wars: The Old Republic demo debut: Hall 6.1 theater, B-066, A-061.
• Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning booth: Hall 9.1, Aisle A#041 and Aisle B#040.

Read [GamesIndustry.biz] Site [EA @ GamesCom]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Conventions, PAX

The independent gamers gathering, Penny Arcade Expo (aka PAX), has made it to a sixth year (which cannot be said for some corporate sponsored expos). The event will take place September 4 through 6, 2009, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in downtown Seattle, Washington.

The family-friendly gaming event admits anyone who can afford a ticket and promises, according to the press release sent today (August 12, 2009), “43 hours of content over three days, featuring a plethora of tournaments, freeplay areas,? geek movies, nerdcore concerts and panels by industry leaders on gamer lifestyle, challenges, education and careers.” Aside from the relatively low amount of adult content at the event (with the exception of the nerdcore performances), the event also embraces all types of gaming.

Tickets are $30 per day if you purchase passes prior to September 5, 2009, or $35 at the door (assuming any will be left). If you actually killed a tree to mail in a registration form, for shame. Oh, and it’s due this Saturday (August 15, 2009). Also, if you pre-register after August 15, you’ll need to pick up your fancy schmancy pass at the door.

The full PAX 2009 schedule is available as a PDF but here are a few haphazardly chronological panel or event highlights:

• PAX 2009 Keynote Ron Gilbert
• Breaking into the Game Industry the Educated Way
• Various Penny Arcade Q&As
• How can we make online gaming communities suck less?
• Post-N’Gai, Post-EGM Video Game Journalism, or Where Do We Go Now
• Working with Fans to Create Better Video Games
• Original Gangstas: Why Table-Top Gaming Still Packs Heat
• LIVE ON-STAGE DEMO – Assassins Creed II and Splinter Cell Conviction
• Psychiatry, Video Games, and Kids – The Science, The Opinions, and the Lies
• Girls and Games: The Growing Role of Women in the Game Industry
• Twitter and Beyond – New Game Communities Online
• Star Wars: The Old Republic live demonstration
• Pitch Your Game Idea (always popular)
• Sex in Videogames: A comparative Study
• “I’ve Just Been F#$%ing Fired”: How To Get Back Into the Industry On Your Own Terms Through Mobile Game Development
• Touching a New Generation: How the iPhone has Changed Portable Gaming
• Game Culture: How Gamers Impact Society & How Policy Affects Gamer Culture
• Wil Wheaton presents: THE AWESOME HOUR!!

PAX is a product of Penny Arcade webcomic strippers Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and Mike “Gabe” Krahulik.

If you go bring all of your portable gaming devices and make certain they are charged (and you have extra battery packs) since some of the events may require you wait in line for a while.

Site [PAX] Read [Gamertell] Download [PAX 2009 schedule (PDF)]

Full Story ? | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Exclusives, Features, Collecting, Giveaways, Lists, Previews, Consoles, PS3, Gear, Accessories, Audio, Books, Displays, Furniture, Ads & Media, Movies, Other Media, Genres, 3D, Casual, Online, Party, Sim, Game-Genres-Other

Home Theater

Special items and Giveaways

This week members of the Sony Home community are treated to exclusive clips from Criss Angel’s upcoming show and an exclusive limited time free item at the theater now through Aug. 12, 2009. The free item is a coffin-style sofa for their personal spaces, also, while watching the clip players will be entered into a give away for one of two real-life coffins used in Criss Angel: Mindfreak and one of three Criss Angel: Burn DVDs and books. Only five winners will be selected and to participate register and log on to Sony Home and visit Auditorium 1 to watch the video. Players can find the Theater in Central Plaza or by selecting the space from the World Map.

Home Shopping Mall

There really isn’t anything new going on space wise on home but there are a few new items available at the shopping mall located in Central Plaza, check it out:

Threads 1

Males Only:

• Western shirt for 99 cents
• Scenester Street top for 99 cents
• Victorian Vest and Shirt for 99 cents
• Padded Jacket for 99 cents
• Flower Power Button-down Shirt for 99 cents
• Bomber Jacket for 99 cents
• Argyle Ensemble for 99 cents
• Down Vest for 99 cents
• Board Shorts for 99 cents

Females Only

• Buckled Boots for 49 cents
• Ski Parka for 99 cents
• Cheongsam Top for 99 cents
• Jean Shorts for 99 cents

Threads 2

Both Male and Female:

• Animated Smiley Face T-shirt for $1.99
• Animated Revolving Earth T-shirt for $1.99

Males Only:

• Band Jacket for 99 cents
• Animated Growing Vines T-shirt for $1.99

Costume Shop

Males Only:

• Deep Sea Diver Bundle cost $1.99

Individual items:

• Deep Sea Diving Gloves cost 49 cents
• Deep Sea Diving Boots cost 49 cents
• Deep Sea Diving Helmet cost 99 cents
• Deep Sea Diving Suit Top cost 99 cents
• Deep Sea Diving Suit Pants cost 99 cents

Females Only:

• Cave Woman Bundle cost $1.99

Individual items:

• Prehistoric Bracelet cost 49 cents
• Prehistoric Fur Boots cost 49 cents
• Prehistoric Bodice cost 99 cents
• Prehistoric Mini-skirt cost 99 cents

Read [Playstation Blog] Site [PlayStation] Site [Criss Angel’s Official Website]

Full Story ? | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Previews, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP, Gear, Accessories, Audio, Ads & Media, Movies, Advertisements, Other Media, Updates, Playstation-Store

This week’s PlayStation Store update features the game TV Show King for $9.99 for the PlayStation 3, in the style of the more popular television game shows like wheel of fortune, weakest link and others this game will challenge you, your friends and family with questions ranging from history to geography, literature to science and sports to entertainment. Check it out:

Also available for download is Crystal Defenders for $9.99. A defensive strategy game in which players deploy popular job classes used in Final Fantasy Tactics A2 like soldiers, monks, black mages and archers to strategically place them on the map to defend your crystals from a stream of enemy creatures that fly or crawl past your army.

Here’s a list of everything else that’s new:

Qore

• Qore Annual Subscription: August 2009 (PS3/$24.99)
• Qore Episode 15: August 2009 (PS3/$2.99)

Downloadable Games:

• Dynasty Warriors (PSP/$14.99)

Game Demos:

• Rag Doll Kung Fu Demo Demo (PS3/Free)
• Batman: Arkham Asylum Demo (PS3/Free)
• Crystal Defenders Demo (PS3/Free)
• Worms Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Cross Edge Trial Edition Pack (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 4 (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Enigma Synth Pack (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Additional Music Set 3 (PS3/Free)
• Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Musicians Wardrobe Add-On (PS3/Free)
• Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Moment Maker Special Effects Add-On (PS3/Free)
• Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Stage Prop Add-On (PS3/Free)
• Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Fashions Add-On (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Latest Technology Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Pretty Little Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• LittleBigPlanet: inFamous Costumes Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• GTI Club Plus (PS3/$1.99)
• Savage Moon Waldgeist Add-On (PS3/$4.99)
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 Cog Hill Golf & CC (PS3/$4.99)
• Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 (PS3/$9.99)
• Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood Old West Map Pack (PS3/$9.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Individual Songs:

• “Camel’s Night Out” by Eric Johnson (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

• Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN (PS3/$17.99)

Individual Songs:

• “America” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Big Bottom” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Cups and Cakes” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “(Funky) Sex Farm” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Gimme Some Money” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Heavy Duty” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Hell Hole” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Stonehenge” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)
• “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” by Spinal Tap (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Had a Dad” by Jane’s Addiction (PSP/$1.99)
• “Renegade” by Styx (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• TV Show King Trailer (English, French and Spanish versions) (PS3/Free)
• Unbound Saga Between the Panels Issue 2 (PS3/PSP/Free
• Watchmen The End Is Nigh Part 2 Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Watchmen The End Is Nigh Part 2 The Complete Experience Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• G Force The Video Game Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Futo Gameplay Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Futo Vignette (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Shun Vignette (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

• Obsessed. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Miss March. Rated R (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Miss March. Rated R (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Miss March. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Dragonball: Evolution. Rated PG (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Dragonball: Evolution. Rated PG (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Dragonball: Evolution. Rated PG (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• The T.O. Show Season 1. Rated TV Y-7 (Own/SD Format/$1.99)
• Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs. Rated G (Own/SD Format/$1.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• College Football Theme: Arkansas (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Clemson (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Colorado (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Illinois (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Missouri (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story ? | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Mashups

Haven’t caught all of the Gamertell news this week?? Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

• Monster Hunter Tri on the way to the Wii in 2010
  ” Capcom’s formally announced what many of us already knew thanks to the company’s May investor briefing – Monster Hunter Tri, aka Monster Hunter 3, is going to be released outside of Japan. The game just…” MORE ?
• Special Effects: A few fanciful game industry predictions
  “There’s no doubt that the current economic recession is having an impact on the video game industry. Companies are downsizing, consolidating or closing (which means games are getting delayed or canceled), games stores are cutting back and game-related publications are also feeling the pressure. Of course, a recession cannot last…” MORE ?
• Apple App Store gaming update for the week of July 27 to August 2, 2009
  “The Apple App Store gaming update is Gamertell’s weekly look at the previous week’s Apple App Store game releases. We cover them all – good and not so good – in their respective categories with a breakdown…” MORE ?
• PlayStation Store Update: Let them eat cake! (August 2 to 8, 2009)
  ” This week’s PlayStation Store is featuring the game Fat Princess for $14.99 for the PlayStation 3, this game is about capturing and keeping your enemies princess while rescuing your own, except there’s…” MORE ?
• Sony Home Update: Zombies spotted, Fat Princess wants cake
  ” This week on PlayStation Home there are several new events taking place that will continue to entertain the PS Home community and one very promising upgrade to one of PS Home’s hangouts.? New and…” MORE ?
• Gamertell Review: Help Wanted for Wii
  ” Title: Help Wanted Price: $29.99 System(s): Wii Release Date: May 12, 2009 Publisher (Developer): Hudson (Hudson Soft) ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes Pros: 50…” MORE ?
• Get Madden NFL 10 free with a Sports Illustrated subscription
  ” Boom! If you don’t have to be the first kid on the block to play Madden NFL 2010, Sports Illustrated has a deal for you. You can get 28 weeks of Sports Illustrated and a copy of the wildly…” MORE ?
• Pokemon Platinum owners can connect to Wi-Fi for Darkrai
  “Owners of Pokemon Platinum for the DS will be able to do what Action Replay DS owners have all probably done by now, get the Member Card to trigger the Darkrai catching event! The MORE ?
• Sims go around the world with the first Sims 3 expansion pack
  ” That was quick. EA has already announced the first Sims 3 expansion pack. Of course, we all knew this announcement was coming. Honestly, I think it’s a bit tardy. After all, the game came…” MORE ?
• A look at the allure of Harvest Moon
  ” The Harvest Moon games are something special. They’ve developed a devoted cult following, which people who have never experienced the games may not understand. Especially since, on the surface, each game seems to be pretty much the same.…” MORE ?

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Section: Gaming News, Features, Giveaways, Ads & Media, Print, Game-Companies, Publishers, Genres, Sports

Boom! If you don’t have to be the first kid on the block to play Madden NFL 2010, Sports Illustrated has a deal for you.

You can get 28 weeks of Sports Illustrated and a copy of the wildly popular game for $49. There’s also an NFL films DVD about John Madden’s road to the Hall of Fame.

If you cancel the subscription you can keep the game and DVD for $26 (you get the rest refunded, they don’t hit you for an additional $26).

Needless to say, they’re not going to ship it to you before the game’s official release. EA’s a multi-billion corporation for a reason, folks. But if you can just wait 4-6 weeks, you can get the game for less than half of its regular retail price. If you can’t wait, well, I bet you’ve already got your pre-order turned and been obsessively playing the demo for weeks now. Yeah, me too.

Initial indications are that whichever route you take to purchase, this could be one of the years that Madden is more revolutionary than evolutionary. The big improvement EA is touting this year is the Pro-Tak animation technology. This reportedly allows players to break out of any tackle animation, so the play isn’t over until it’s over. This, in theory, makes it easier for running backs to keep throwing out the special moves and for quarterbacks to evade sacks.

As a defender, you can keep adding to the pile up to nine-man gang tackles. Fights for the fumble are getting more interactive with a button-pressing mini-game.

Yes sports fans, quick time has come to Madden Football.

Read [Time Inc.] Also Read [Examiner]

Full Story ? | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

FROM APPLETELL – It’s a rare moment these days when I get to talk to about Mac games, but a few companies have recently made some major announcements. Do the names Warhammer, Sid Meier, and Star Wars mean anything to you?
MORE ?

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