Sequel to Adaptation of Visual Novel Game Coming to Crunchyroll

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 7, 2009) – Crunchyroll and
Marvelous Entertainment announces today the addition of SHIN KOIHIME MUSO to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from BaseSon’s Japanese visual novel game with a nearly all-female interpretation of the Chinese literary classic ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS, SHIN KOIHIME MUSO is animated by Dogakobo and features returning cast members Emi Motoi, Erika Narumi, Hiroka Nishizawa, Maki Kobayashi, and Nami Kurokawa in lead voice-acting roles. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/shinkoihimemuso.

“SHIN KOIHIME MUSO exemplifies everything which hardcore anime fans are looking for in anime today,” said Vince Shortino, President of Crunchyroll’s Japan office. “Its ornate visuals, character relationships and fan service all create the ideal core show for the Fall.”

SHIN KOIHIME MUSO will be available worldwide outside of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and French-speaking Europe in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll’s website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll’s Anime Members will receive early access to the program.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

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Adaptation of Visual Novel Game Coming to Crunchyroll

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 6, 2009) – Crunchyroll and Marvelous Entertainment announces today the addition of 11 EYES to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from Lass’s Japanese visual novel game of the same name, 11 EYES is animated by Dogakobo and features Daisuke Ono, of video game and anime voice-acting fame, in the lead role of Kakeru Satsuki. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/11eyes.

“11 EYES will be a fast-paced adventure into alternative world of romance, action, and fantasy,” said Vince Shortino, President of Crunchyroll’s Japan office. “This will be a real treat for fans of ‘late-night’ anime.”

11 EYES will be available worldwide outside of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and French-speaking Europe in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll’s website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll’s Anime Members will receive early access to the program.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

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Anime Adaptation of Smash Hit Kodansha Manga Coming to Crunchyroll Same Day as Japan Starting October 12th as Premium Simulcast

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 5, 2009) – Crunchyroll and TV TOKYO announced today the addition of FAIRY TAIL to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from the hit manga published in Weekly Shonen Magazine by RAVE MASTER creator Hiro Mashima and animated by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, FAIRY TAIL features pop idol turned actress Aya Hirano in the lead role of Lucy Heartfilia. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/fairytail.

“FAIRY TAIL has everything ­ action, adventure, comedy, and even wizardry,” said Rob Pereyda, Crunchyroll’s Vice President of Licensing. “This is exactly the kind of title that excites both casual and hardcore anime fans alike, and there is no doubt that it will be a huge success.”

Otherwise not available due to licensing restrictions, FAIRY TAIL is specially presented on Crunchyroll for Anime Members, with each episode available one hour after Japanese broadcast and accessible 30 days thereafter. Title will be available in 720P high definition worldwide outside of Japan.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

FAIRY TAIL joins over 20 other titles to form Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Find out what else will be simulcasting at http://www.crunchyroll.com/lineup today.

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Adaptation of Media Factory’s High School Comedy Yuri Manga Coming to Crunchyroll Starting October 7th

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 5, 2009) – Crunchyroll and Media Factory announced today the addition of SASAMEKI KOTO to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from the comedy manga series published in Monthly Comic Alive by Takashi Ikeda and animated by AIC, SASAMEKI KOTO (original title is Sasamekikoto), meaning “whispered words” in Japanese, features singer-voice actress Ayahi Takagi in the lead role of Sumika Murasame. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/sasamekikoto.

“We are excited that SASAMEKI KOTO will be our first title with Media Factory,” said Kun Gao, CEO of Crunchyroll. “There is a huge audience for yuri entertainment and we are pleased to continue a Crunchyroll tradition of having something for everybody.”

“We are excited to work with Crunchyroll to provide fans with a legitimate way to watch Anime,” said Yujiro Yamamoto, Group Manager of Media Factory. “SASAMEKI KOTO is one of the most anticipated titles of this season and we are very proud to bring it to the international audience.”

SASAMEKI KOTO will be available in the Americas and Oceania, in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll’s website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll’s Anime Members will receive early access to the program in 480P within one hour after its Japanese airing, starting October 7th at 12:00pm noon PST.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

SASAMEKI KOTO joins over 20 other titles to form Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Find out what else will be simulcasting at http://www.crunchyroll.com/lineup today.

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Santa must have some dirt on the iPhone this year.  Come end of year/early next year all smartphones, with the exception of the iPhone, will be running a mobile version of the Flash 10 player.  To quote the source:

Well, I guess that says it all. Maybe there can be an unholy Silverlight/iPhone hybrid in the future… /shudders

[via Lifehacker via Gizmodo's posting of Adobe's press release]

Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem

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Teppei Kobayashi has a simple, predictable life. His family lives in a modest home near a railway line, he practices with his sword, and is happily unaware of the events spiraling toward him. The news on TV shows stories of affluent families who are dying in mysterious auto “accidents” that are anything but accidental. At dinner his father asks him what he would do if he found himself in that situation. Teppei brushes this off, as it doesn’t apply to a simple person like him, but says he would do what he had to do.

Teppei leaves for school, and notes in the voice-over that it was the last time he saw his parents alive. Saying his last goodbyes, he sets off to live with his grandfather. On the way to his grandfather’s offices he saves Charlotte Hazelrink, a princess, from attackers like those most likely responsible for his parents death. They share a small uncomfortable moment (well, maybe a little too comfortable of a moment) after they are safe, then go their separate ways. Later at his new school, the Shuuhou Gakuen academy, they will meet again in much the same way.

In the interlude, he learns that his mother, Kanae, was heir to the Arima family. His parents “accident” fits the others he had watched on TV; Teppei is filled with a desire for vengeance. His grandfather, Isshin Arima, adopts him as his new heir… warning him to temper his anger and wait for his enemies to make themselves known.

After Teppei (who has now taken the Arima family name) has been announced as the heir and escaped the social scene there-after, he runs into Maria van Hossen, a skilled fencer. He decides that the best thing to do while uncomfortable is to let his mind rest with a little sparring. They briefly match swords until his grandfather and Maria’s father let them know that they are engaged in an arranged marriage.

Teppei’s reactions to the sudden social status upgrade, the new school, personalities and quirks of his status are quite humorous. The underlying seriousness of the situation hides under the tide of perverse humor and general social uneasiness. While not a huge fan of the general harem genre, this one has its own merits.

Overall Hook Rating: B

Watch part of episode one after the jump…
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Lets admit it, we made games for fun in school, in our free time when bored, or as a collaboration with friends. But now, its time to get serious… now is the time to learn how to make money doing what you have been doing for free until now.

Finding sponsorship, hosting and exposure for your game are the top three struggles you will face when trying to bring your work to the masses (and getting a little cash in your pocket). There are more flash hosts than you can shake a stick at… Kongregate, Newgrounds, Armor Games… all my usual stomping grounds.

Freelance Flash Games News has compiled a list of articles and resources that may be a worthwhile read for the up-and-coming developer. Where to sign up, what to provide, and how to discuss money with sponsors are all covered.

Take a brief read over these articles, or visit the parent article, if you happen to be interested in flash game development:

• Learn how to email a sponsor
• Sitelock your games so they can’t be stolen
• Get feedback on your game and use those tips to improve it
• Discover why you need to complete your game 100% before submitting it to sponsors
• Improve your graphics by hiring an artist
• Find out how to negotiate with a sponsor for higher bids

[via Freelance Flash Games News]

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Magical

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Six hours is more than enough time for your life to get turned completely around. For high school student Yumiko Christina Ichinose, a confrontation with bullies is only the start of her new life. Yumiko was born with purple eyes and silver hair, making her a natural target of ridicule. These traits also denote her magical heritage.

Able to take no more, she runs away from home carrying the one artifact left behind for her by her great-grandfather; his magic staff. She hopes that a school could train her to use the magic she is supposed to have, but is unable to comprehend from her great-grandfather’s journals. However, she is not the only person interested in the staff. A mysterious man in a white suit, who glows with a radiant light, confronts her and requests the staff. When refused, he makes it his goal to kill Yumiko.

While fleeing this man, she makes her way to the magic school on an old flyer she has found. Here she runs into Koyomi Morishita, another magician in training… one who apparently knows her already, but “not yet,” hinting at some potential time or perception warping. They are also joined by Soshiro Anehara, brother to the yet to be seen Misa Anehara who runs the school (as far as we are told thus far).

Koyomi uses her powers to turn the man in white’s attack “code” (the term used for the magical energies of the modern digital age) into a metal wash basin to drop on his head. He notes that this is actually an unskilled, yet powerful move… while he examines the situation, the girls run off. Yumiko finds herself lost and alone and is soon attacked by the man’s pet (a two headed dog beast with a whip-tail). Mimicking the man’s earlier attacks, Yumiko managers to repeat the “code” he used and saves herself. Angered by her success, he returns… but he is eventually repelled by Misa, making her first appearance to Yumiko.

The second episode flashes back to Koyomi’s joining the school and her basic training. We learn that Misa is a VERY accomplished magician; probably the best in the world. The attempt at using “code” and technology as a digital incarnation of analog magic was a step in the right direction. This method of doing something different than the majority of magical girl series did not add much to the series as of yet.

Overall Hook Rating: C

Watch episode one after the jump…
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I have previously written about an article by the EFF regarding anonymity online. Jacqui Cheng over at Ars Technica put together a good read on how the mask can be pulled away (via legal channels) when you think you are safely trolling away. The first two points she makes very clear are that the BEST way to get unmasked is to a) piss someone off, and b) fail to object to them getting your information via the court. I couldn’t agree more to that, and she DOES mention that just because you are an ass, that’s not really illegal…

…but, you can still get your ass hauled through the wringer if you don’t challenge their suit. Yes, anyone can sue anyone for whatever reason makes it past the initial screen (which is apparently only literacy and the ability to fill out the paperwork). If you never challenge someone digging for your info, they may just get it.

Yes, the system can be a bit fucked up, but its especially so if YOU ARE LAZY. Her final point is to make your opponent work; make them prove their need. Only when you challenge their request do you get them to actually analyze the merit behind to request. You may still lose the appeal, but it’s a guaranteed loss if you don’t try.

Stay informed of your rights; laws regarding digital technologies are a living, mutating thing.

[via Ars Technica]

Genres: Comedy, Romance

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Kana Nakamachi has just lost her grandmother. In the years before, her mother and father have also died. Now alone in the world, afraid the movers will sell her to foreigners, she runs away. She passes the Fuhshin Gazette, advertising a job with an included on-site room. However, the people out front scare her off with their strange personalities. She continues onward, checking with businesses all over town, but has no luck finding an alternative. As she walks down one street she is struck by a delivery bike.

She wakes in the main room of the Fuhshin Gazette, a small newspaper that is apparently run by Saki Amano, a grade school girl. As Deputy Chief she takes care of the day to day workings of the newspaper (it is not explained yet as to why she holds this post); she is mature beyond her years. Seeing Kana’s circumstances, she allows her to work there and provides her room and board.

The other girls working there include: Yume Kitaoka, a pastry chef in training; Yuuki Minami, who is in love with Yume and extremely jealous of her attention to others; Haruka Nishida, who is some sort of biology student, and frequently drunk on her concoctions; and Hinata Azuma, a gambler who has twice-failed at her college entrance exams.

Kana must learn her new trade fast, being that she does not know how to read directions, ride a bike, nor much other than cook (which the other girls REALLY appreciate). Her first assignment nearly ends in disaster when she is caught in a sudden rainstorm. There she meets a competing delivery girl, Mika Kujiin, who has an abrasive attitude, but warms to Kana as she helps her find her way.

This series is rather cute with over the top comedy, yuri overtones, and a general light hearted nature. The addition of a competing business may lead to additional story material, but the main cast have layers left to be revealed as well. Kana’s sadness at being left along gradually lifts, and it is not certain if that sad portion of the storyline will take prevalence again.

Overall Hook Rating: B

Episode one preview after the jump:

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