London, England — On December 10, the Pokémon Company International announced that the official Pokédex application, an illustrated encyclopedia of more than 640 Pokémon characters, has arrived for the iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, and iPod touch, providing fans in North America and Europe with a new and extremely helpful way to access comprehensive data about their favourite Pokémon. Fans can now download Pokédex for iOS from the Apple App Store and take an in-depth look into the world of Pokémon straight from their iOS device.

The wide range of data in the Pokédex for iOS application is conveniently accessible for each Pokémon character, giving fans invaluable information such as how to evolve a Pokémon, locations where specific Pokémon are found, and which types of attacks an individual Pokémon is weak against. ThePokédex for iOS is a must-have companion when playing Pokémon video games, including the recently launched Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2.

After downloading the official Pokédex for iOS [£1.49 GBP], fans have immediate access to the Unova Pokédex (National Pokédex No. 494–647) and can quickly browse Pokémon either by name or by Pokédex number, move, Ability, or type. The application’s intuitive interface allows users to sort Pokémon in numerous ways based on their distinctive characteristics. Once a user chooses a particular Pokémon, a detailed and dynamic 360-degree image of the Pokémon appears with a full encyclopedia entry, including its name, height and weight, type, Ability, and moves it can learn. Each Pokémon’s entry includes the locations where the Pokémon can be found in Pokémon Black,Pokémon White, Pokémon Black 2, and Pokémon White 2.

Once fans get Pokédex for iOS, they can search the app’s Store to purchase the full National Pokédex, region by region: Kanto Pokédex (National Pokédex No. 001–151), Johto Pokédex (National Pokédex No. 152–251), Hoenn Pokédex (National Pokédex No. 252–386), and Sinnoh Pokédex (National Pokédex No. 387–493) for £3.99 GBP each. Every regional Pokédex features the same level of detailed information as that provided by the Unova Pokédex.

Pokédex for iOS can be switched from English to French, Italian, Japanese, German, and Spanish. For information about the Pokédex for iOS application, please visit www.pokemon.co.uk/pokedexios.

Search for “Pokédex” on the Apple App Store or here.

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In the regular Pokémon series, there are often two different versions for a gamer to choose from. The differences are evident within each version: there are generally some varying Pokémon in them. Usually a few months after the two versions are released, there is an in-between game that changes or adds to the storyline. Additionally, there are different Pokémon as well as areas and buildings to experience new activities in the game.

These in-between games are Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon Emerald, and Pokémon Platinum. However, this time the Pokémon Company decided to give us something different, and instead provide a sequel to both Pokémon Black and Pokémon White appropriately called Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2. These games are set two years after the events in the first games where, though not everything has changed, quite a bit has changed. Many of the locations have expanded and even some of the Gym Leaders are different (though the majority of them are the same).

Team Plasma also makes an appearance, but this time broken into two factions. Old Team Plasma wears the old Team Plasma uniforms from the last two games and follow the ideals of their old leader N (getting Pokémon trainers to release their Pokémon). The New Team Plasma have new uniforms and follow the leadership of Ghetsis, who served as the main antagonist in Pokémon Black and White. This makes these games the first games to have the player going against two crime syndicates since Pokémon Emerald.

Though there are very few new Pokémon introduced (though there are some new forms for a few of the Pokémon) there are different Pokémon in these games. In the first two games, a majority of the game is spent only acquiring fifth generation Pokémon; however, in the sequel you can acquire Pokémon from any generation throughout the entire game. These games also have the largest amount of Pokémon in one region, having three hundred Pokémon before the National Pokédex is acquired.

Another new feature is Pokémon World Tournament, where there are several different battles you can have such as Rental Battles (where you get rent Pokémon to battle with), Mixed Tournament (where you can switch Pokémon with the Trainer you are battling), and Type Expert (where it focuses one specific type). In the tournament you can also fight against every Gym Leader from every region, that being Kanto, Johto Hoenn, Sinnoh, and of course Unova.

One of the last new features is the PokéStar Studios, which allows you to create your own Pokémon movie, all of which have complete different scenarios for you to choose from. The player initially has to use rental Pokémon in the movies, but once you finish the scenario you can enter your own Pokémon. If the player’s movie does well at the box office, he or she will even get prizes.

While these games have already been released in Japan, it will be awhile until it is finally released in English. Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 will not be released in the United States until October 7, 2012, but that doesn’t keep fans from getting excited over these new games.

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Prior to the torrential downpour that greatly affected many parts of Florida, Tampa held the 10^th Annual MetroCon at the Tampa Bay Convention Center from June 15 to June 17. Various events can be found all over the convention- from anime viewings, to gaming, to tea parties, MetroCon has it all.

One of the key features about MetroCon is the aesthetics. Employees in charge of directing line traffic and guarding exits were all dressed as Umbrella Corp security operatives. This adds a very nice touch when walking around and witnessing a member of the Umbrella Corp security stopping someone from entering an “unauthorized area.”

The theme of this year’s MetroCon was Agents vs. Outlaws, in which the main featured events focused on the various agents and outlaws that can be found in various animes from Cowboy Bebop to Ghost in the Shell. Participants would also express their fandom by participating in their own personal staging out on the Riverwalk with tea parties and fan fiction street performances.

MetroCon also has a slew of special events. One of the big events that is held once a year is the Fantasy Masquerade. The Masquerade is a fantasy theatrical styled event as well as an interactive ballroom experience. The story is based around the Cowboy Bebop series.

Another big event returning to MetroCon is the Metro Star Party. The Metro Star Party is a cluster of anime and gaming characters all coming together for one big event. The participants of this event have trained for weeks prior to put on this show stopping spectacle which continues to be a huge hit with MetroCon. The other events include the Anime Chess Match, Metro Fire Show, GGX: Gear Grappling Extreme, and Rhythm City Chronicles.

MetroCon had gathered a big lineup of celebrity voice actors as well as celebrities in other entertainment and Cosplay communities. The four big voice actors at MetroCon were Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, Naruto), Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Robotech, Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Scott McNeil (Beast Wars, Dragon Ball Z, Full Metal Alchemist), and Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Wolf’s Rain). Each celebrity guest had their own discussion, but the four of them came together for a Voice Actors Unplugged where the four of them were answering questions, bantering, and McNeil was eating cheese whiz.

Other celebrities that appeared were Takayoshi Tanimoto (Vocal Artist), Robert VanWest, also known as DJ Hellroy (CEO/DJ), David Stanworth (Snafu Comics creator), Pikabellechu (Avid Pokemon fanatic), and many other guests.

But it’s not only about the events, the anime, the games, or the celebrities which people come to see, it’s also about the Cosplay. People from all over the state and country came to check out the sites and events and cosplayers. Ranging from anime, to games, and movies, many people dressed up as their favorite characters ranging from popular anime to the more obscure ones.

MetroCon spans over three days, with many events from afternoon events to ones lasting until early hours into the next morning. With so many vendors to purchase unique and rare items, special events, and special screenings, like Woodstock, there is much that can be done during the three days of peace, music, and cosplaying. MetroCon 2012 was a fun and entertaining experience to meet with old friends and to make new friends.

Image Courtesy of   Anna Fischer

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Pokémon Conquest is a new Nintendo DS game that crosses both the Pokémon Franchise and Nobunaga’s Ambition. Nobunaga’s Ambition is a series of Japanese turn-based strategy role-playing games that have been coming out in Japan since 1983. There are a total of currently thirteen different games in the Nobunaga’s Ambition series. This crossover is certain to breathe some new life into the Pokémon series which (besides some of the minor side series games such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon Ranger) has never really changed so much in terms of gameplay.

In this new game, the player travels through the Ransei Region befriending Pokémon and battling against Warlords. The player’s goal in the game is to conquer the entire region and unite the Ransei Region into one whole nation and then take on Nobunaga himself before he destroys everything. There is also a legend that the Warlord, who conquers all seventeen regions, will meet the legendary Pokémon, who created the Ransei Region.

As with any Pokémon game, the player is given a starter Pokémon, Eevee, which you have to the ability to evolve into one of seven different types. Each Warlord Leader and Warrior also has a companion Pokémon like the player and also (in the case of the Warlord Leader) wears an outfit corresponding to that Pokémon. Not only do the Pokémon have the ability to evolve, but the Warlords do too, which increases their Pokémon’s movement, allows more Pokémon to be raised, and slightly changes their appearance.

The Battle Mechanics of Pokémon Conquest are different than most Pokémon games, since the player has to move all their Pokémon to a specific range before they can attack. There are also items you can collect which can be used later to boost the stats or heal your Pokémon. For a game that depends on the strength in numbers, obviously befriending Pokémon and Warlords is key but luckily fairly simple. The main way of doing this is by defeating the opponent in four turns or less, but you can also achieve this by defeating the enemy without one or one of their allies taking any damage during the battle.

There are a lot of ways you can play Pokémon Conquest. Players can either attack their enemies directly, train their army, gather even more Warriors and Warlords, or find the Pokémon partner that fits perfectly with their Warriors and Warlords. Unlike in other Pokémon games, where the only real choice one has is what Pokémon one wants to capture and when to take on the Pokémon Gym, the player now has a lot of choices to make in Pokémon Conquest.

This game will have a ton of replay value, which is helped by the fact that after one beats the main storyline, there is still plenty of other stuff to do, such as special episodes. But the most entertaining and challenging part of the game is the battles against kingdoms, mainly because of the vast amount of strategy behind them. Sometimes the player just has to defeat all of their enemies, while other times all they have to do is claim four banners. The player has no idea of what to expect from the nation until they go into battle.

The type of Pokémon the player uses also may give certain advantages, such as flying Pokémon, being able to get to more areas in one turn and water Pokémon, being able to walk across water. Being able to know how Pokémon’s moves work is essential in battle since, in this game (unlike other Pokémon games), the player’s Pokémon only has one move each. Each Pokémon’s move has a different range of where it can hit their opponents, some being right next to the opponent, others being several spaces back.

Some critiques I have to make of the game are the lack of a good story telling and characters. While the overall story of the game is interesting, you never really feel a part of it. The game tells the story so little of the time, instead just telling the player to go conquer another nation.

The characters are pretty much non-existent. There are so few dialogue scenes and the dialogue that is used in battles is always repeated. This is honestly a shame because the player gets the feeling while playing the game that these are fascinating characters, but never get to see them besides being in battle.

Overall though, this is a fun, highly addicting game that will take quite a while to finish. So don’t expect to finish it in a day! If you enjoy Pokémon or strategy type games then you should check it out, but if you’re looking for your typical kind of Pokémon game don’t expect to find it here.

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This year at Anime Boston the Dealer’s Room was packed with booths covering two large rooms. Almost anything you could think of, you could find there. QB plushies? Yup. Brightly colored Pokemon hats? In abundance. Strange Japanese-imported collectibles? You betcha. Here are some of the best deals we found this year in the Anime Boston Dealer’s Room.

Manga generally had the most dramatic deals. At Comicopia, if you bought two volumes you got 10% off, four volumes 15% off, and eight volumes 20% off (2-10%, 4-15%, 8-20%). However, New England Comics had a competitive ‘Buy two get 30% off’ deal going on, and Cheap Manga probably stole the show for manga deals. With them, a single manga was $5, five volumes were $20, and 30 volumes were $90 (that’s 1-$5, 5-$20, 30-$90).

Not too far off at the Anime Pavilion, eight volumes cost $60, 14 cost $100, and 45 cost $300 (8-$60, 14-$100, 45-$300). Not to mention Anime Pavilion’s selection consisted of less popular titles than Cheap Manga’s.

Other notable deals were to be found at New England Comics’ booth, where brand new Star Wars comic omnibuses were 60-80% off, making $25 volumes only $7. Each yaoi manga volume at NEC was $7, but if you bought five or more they were $5. Elsewhere you could find deals such as ‘Buy 1 get 2 free’, ‘All manga 20% off except new releases’, and ‘10% off yaoi’.

Also of note to those looking for manga, or looking to trade their manga away at the convention, is the swap meet. The swap meet took place in the evening on Friday and Saturday, and I was able to trade away three virtually valueless items I got in a grab bag for three volumes of manga. Overall the manga scene at the con felt a bit like a game of hot potato; pass that stuff on to the next person before you’re stuck with it for too long.

Figurines were also in abundance at the con, though only a few were on sale. World of Warcraft figurines were $40 each, but $70 if two were bought together. A set of four Walking Dead figures went for $75, and Ore no Imoto figurines were two for $65.

T-shirts could be found for $20 each, two for $36, and three for $48.

Funimation was also hocking their wares by the entrance gate, accompanied by a pair of Cat Planet Cuties mascots in eyecatching costumes, or the lack thereof… Most notable amongst the prices at their booth was a Blu-Ray collection of Evangelion for $20. The first season of Black Butler was $60, as was the new retelling of the Fullmetal Alchemist story Brotherhood. Hetalia films were $25 a pop, Excel Saga was there on Blu-Ray for $40, Baccano was available for $30, and Claymore would set you back $40.

Aftermarket retailers such as Anime Madness, Video Games New York, and Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles were nearby as well offering great deals on anime, music, and video games.

Video Games New York was selling a hacked Wii with emulators and homebrew apps for $150, alongside rare oldschool games (Final Fantasy Anthology for $25, Metal Gear Solid 1 complete with case and booklet for $40) and Japanese import and Japan-exclusive games for old and current consoles alike. New York Video Games was also selling unused Dreamcast consoles for $150, and their stock rotated daily as they brought new items up from their store in New York.

Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles from Salem, MA had a back wall all to themselves, with a huge, nerdgasm-worthy collection of old school N64, Genesis, Atari, Sega CD, NES, and SNES games. Starfox 64, Ridge Racer, Ninja Gaiden, Duck Hunt, you name it, they had it, many for single-digit prices. They also carried Japanese-imported music, anime, comics, and figurines.

Overall, the Dealer’s Room was a great place to get cheap manga, games, CCG cards, plushies, figurines, clothing, model kits, anime, hug pillows, collectible items, and some surprises. Many of the items on sale were direct-from-Japan imports. The best part of buying imported goods at the con is not only do you get to see and touch the item yourself before you buy it, but you also save a lot on shipping costs.

If you’re considering importing something online, you might want to hold off until your next local con to see if you can find it there and make sure it’s what you want. You may also want to wait to buy your manga at a convention, judging by the burning-down-the-house prices exhibited at many of the vendors’ stalls.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.animeboston.com

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