Gong Xi Fa Cai...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Masakazu Kubo, Executive Producer of Pocket Monsters, praises fansubbers
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Masakazu Kubo is well known to Pocket Monsters fans as the Executive producer of the series and movies. He is also the director of Shogakukan's Character Business Center.
Anime is currently a large market worldwide, but according to recent statistics, Anime sales are in decline. Recently Masakazu Kubo posted his proposal to help the currently floundering animation industry. In his proposal, he praises fansubbers and suggests that ways should devised to officially make use of their abilities.
Pokemon doesn't seem to be one of the 'affected' shows though. Pocket Monsters Movie 10 was the 'Top Grossing Anime Movie of 2007' in the Japanese box office, while the Pocket Monsters Movie 9 DVD places 18th in total sales in Japan. The English dubbed version of Movie 10 was announced earlier this week and will air on Cartoon Network on February 24th. The movie is expected to do quite well in North America.
Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl's Japanese ratings have been fairly consistent, while Pokemon Diamond and Pearl in the United States is one of the highest rated shows in the 'boys 6-11 and boys 2-11' demographic.
Shogakukan has been very vigilant in removing episodes of their animated series off video websites like YouTube. Many users posting copyrighted episodes have had their accounts suspended and their uploaded content deleted at the request of Shogakukan. Many fans are disappointed that Pokemon related AMV's are also removed.
There are many reasons why Pokemon fans in particular are drawn to fansubbed episodes of the series. Many of the episodes have a lot of edits, especially earlier in the series when 4Kids was responsible for the English Dubbing. The recent voice actor change in the English dub has also disappointed long time fans of the show who had grown accustom to the original voice actors. With the availability of the Japanese episodes online, it gives fans an alternative to the dub that they didn't have in the past.
Pokemon producer's advisory group suggests dealing with pro-level fansubbers
The Japanese government's Task Force on Media Content Business and Japanese Brands published the fourth series of proposals from its content-planning working group on February 1. The proposals discussed "a comprehensive policy for promoting content in the digital age" particularly, how to eventually legalize the content on Nico Nico Douga, YouTube, and other video-sharing sites. The working group suggested that it may be necessary to approach the illegal uploaders directly, so that Japan can formally approve these sites.One of the committee members, Tokyo Anime Center executive producer Masakazu Kubo, submitted a document that dealt with three specific issues, including fansubbers. Kubo is the executive producer of the Pokemon anime and the director of Shogakukan's Character Business Center. He is also involved with the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Tokyo International Anime Fair, and China's Beijing Film Academy. The business news website Bloomberg.com recently quoted Kubo in an article about the manga industry. The second of three sections in Kubo's document is translated below:
2) Dealing with Fansubs (Fun-Subtitle) and Other "P to P" Pirated Copies (*1)
Because "Fansubs" are works, such as television animation, on which fans have added subtitles, they are usually made without authorization. Currently, 6 million copies of illegal, English-subtitled Japanese animated videos are said to be downloaded from BitTorrent each week (http://animeanime.jp/biz/archives/2007/12/bittorrent600.html). This has affected the DVD sales of Japanese animation in North America, which have dropped dramatically. As a result, the overseas prices for animation programs have fallen considerably. After the April 2008 television program schedules [in Japan] are laid out (*2), the drop in the number of animated programs will be clearly seen. In short, the Japanese animation business has fallen into a great crisis.About 10 fans (whose translation abilities are high compared to professionals!) (*3) are said to put animated videos with foreign-language subtitles on YouTube, BitTorrent, and other file-sharing sites. If our country is to formally deal with YouTube and other services, it will be necessary to have some sort of approach to dealing with these individuals. Personally, I hope to resolve this by officially making use of their abilities.
*1 The "Fun-Subtitle" spelling is in the original document. "P to P" refers to peer-to-peer file-sharing.
*2 April is the beginning of the financial and academic year in Japan, so usually, more television series premiere in this month than in any other month.
*3 The exclamation point is in the original document.
Shogakukan seems to understand that there is a growing fansubbing community on the Internet and unlike the American motion picture companies, they are looking at alternatives to suing their fanbase. It will be interesting to see what they do in the future and how they decide to adapt to online distribution of their shows.
Sources: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/ & Mainichi Communications' MyCom Journal & pocketmonsters.net Read More...
The Rise of Darkrai will NOT Be Shown in Theaters
With all the controversy created from the 'announcement' that Movie 10 would be coming to theaters in the United States, Pokemon.com's mailbag section has set the record straight.
Q: Will Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai be shown in theaters?
A: This may be a disappointment, but despite what you may have heard, Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai will not have a theatrical release - it will premiere on Cartoon Network and then be released on DVD
It seems that Cartoon Network accidentally said theater instead of DVD. For the past few years, the movies have aired on TV first and then released on DVD a few weeks later. Once again Movie 10 seems to fit this release pattern.
Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/ & http://www.pocketmonsters.net/ Read More...
The Rise of Darkrai TV Premiere - February 24, 2008 at 7 p.m
Monday, February 4, 2008
It was also reported that Cartoon Network will air the movie BEFORE the theatrical premiere. "And be sure to catch the U.S. premiere of 'The Rise of Darkrai', months before it plays in theaters!". It seems obvious now that Darkrai will most likely be distributed at theatres similar to how it was released in Japan. It's extremely odd to have a television premiere before a theatrical release. The only logical conclusion is that Pokemon USA is hoping people will go to the theatre to get Darkrai.
Many have been discussing this issue and it seems very clear that most people would not go to the theatre to see a movie that can be seen on television before the theatrical release.
Source : pocketmonsters.net
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red / Blue [Info]
You are a person who randomly got turned into a Pokémon. Your task, to complete the dungeons and find a way to return back to human form. You immediately get to choose a partner who will constantly travel with you until you beat the game. What you have to do is help out Pokémon who have asked for your help. They get lost in dungeons or lose items in dungeons...and you need to rescue them with your rescue force
All 386 Pokémon are obtainable in this game to join your rescue force and are seen by battling them in one of the almost 50 dungeons, some of them with massive Legendary Bosses at the end of them such as Rayquaza, Deoxys or Mewtwo.
The battling is a mixture of real-time battling & the turn based battles classic to Pokémon. When in dungeons you may see Wild Pokémon, you can just attack them and the battle starts without changing the scene. While in dungeons your Pokémon can also get hungry which lowers it's HP adding a whole new game mechanic
These Pokémon versions of the classic Mystery Dungeon games are both connectable with eachother and Blue is connectable with Pokémon Torouze. You cannot however transfer any Pokémon from this game to the main GBA games
Source : Serebii.net
Pokémon Emerald [Info]
First thing you'll probably notice are the Pokémon's Animations, similar to how they were animated in Crystal, which are making a welcome return to the Pokémon games. Also, the graphics in this game are sharper than in Ruby/Sapphire with more detail to the overworld
Both Team Aqua & Team Magma are heavily involved in this game's storyline as they both try to awaken their respective Pokémons...and when they do, thats where the game radically changes from the other games with a whole bit where they battle and you have to stop them.
There is also inclusion of many new areas including Magma Hideout, Mirage Tower, Desert Underpass, Marine Cave, Terra Cave, Studio Cave & finally and most importantly, the Battle Frontier.
The Battle Frontier contains 7 buildings which all incorporate a different style of battling where you have to battle through multiple trainers to get to their leader's, The Frontier Brains. These battle styles include Rental Pokémon, Random Rooms, Relying on your Pokémon's Nature to battle, Tournements and many more...definitely a way to challenge any trainer
The Gym Leaders & Elite Four have also been updated with different Pokémon and a whole new gym leader! To make things even better you can rebattle the Gym Leaders up to 4 times via the Match Call feature
There are many more things to Emerald including Johto Starters, Contests, Breeding & Ability Additions, Rare Legendary Pokémon, Pokémon from other Regions and many many more
Source : Serebii.net
Pocket Monsters / Pokemon Air Schedule #1
Next In Japan
Episode #534
Lucario & The Aura Sphere of Rage!
Airdate: 07/02/2008
Recently In USA
Episode #519
Glory Blaze
Episode #520
Smells Like Team Spirit
Coming To USA
Episode #521
Chimchar's Tears! (Jp. Title)
Airdate: 2008
Movie #10
The Rise Of Darkrai!
Airdate: 24/02/2008
Pokémon Ranger Batonnage [Info]
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Pokémon Ranger Batonnage is an action RPG sequel to the original Ranger game for the Nintendo DS. Like in the past game, you set out as a rookie Ranger just starting out in the region of Arumia. Unlike in the past games, you can choose your partner out of 17 possible Pokémon with many more able to be captured to use their abilities
In addition to the Pokémon Assists and other Styler boosters in the game, you can also obtain Guards from optional missions. These Guards upgrade the styler so that it can do more damage or pevent damage from attacks and other unforseen circumstances.
As this game is yet to be released, a good chunk of information is still to be revealed so watch this space
Source : Serebii.net
Read More...Pokémon Battle Revolution [Info]
Pokémon Battle Revolution is the first Wii Game for Pokémon. Essentially a continuation of the Colosseum & Stadium series, Battle Revolution is a 3D Battle simulator, featuring all 493 Pokémon,using the gorgeous graphics on the Nintendo Wii in glorious 16:9 Aspect Ratio and 480p Resolution
Battle Revolution is the first Wii game to link up to the DS. Using your Diamond & Pearl game cartridges, you are able to copy your Pokémon over for use in the many modes of the game. There are also many rental passes for use for those who do not have the DS games
In the single player mode, there are 10 Colosseums that the player can access as they progress through the game. Each with varying opponents and quirks that truely test your skill as a trainer. There are 8 Ranks of difficulty for the Colosseums so it truely tests your power. To top it off, once you've compelted the game, 3 Colosseums have extra modes spring up that further test your Masterful battling abilities and your breeding abilities
Like Diamond & Pearl, Battle Revolution has a multiplayer mode, allowing for your friends with a DS to connect and battle in the areas in Battle Revolution. However, in Japan & the Americas, it is the first online game for the Wii. Utilising its own Friend Code, you are capable of storing and battling with your friends through the Nintendo WiFi Connection. You also have the ability to have Random online battles with anyone in the world who is also wanting a Random battle. This is a true way to test your skill.
To top it off, you also have the ability to create your own custom character. Based upon 6 different models, you can create a character that perfectly fits you, or can be so outlandishly different from you. These can then be saved onto Battle Passes and utilised whenever you battle online.
You can also purchase many items and obtain 3 special Pokémon through the completion of the game which can be transferred to your DS game to work as an added incentive to beat the Colosseums.
Although it does lack some of the features of its predecessors such as the Earls Academy & Mini Games of Stadiums 1 & 2 and the RPG modes of Colosseum & XD, Battle Revolution has a deceptively in-depth single player mode that will challenge you as a trainer with its many difficulties and hidden extras.
Source : Serebii.net
Read More...Pokémon Diamond & Pearl [Info]
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl are the fourth Generation of Pokémon games. Having come out for the new Nintendo system, the Nintendo DS, Diamond & Pearl makes use of the DS's many functions including TouchScreen and WiFi. Diamond & Pearl also brings back many features from Gold & Silver that have since been removed.
Bringing 107 New Pokémon into the mix, bringing us to a total of 493 Pokémon, including many evolutions of old Pokémon, Diamond & Pearl completely overhauls the battling system. No longer are move's stats based on its type , but rather each move is individually allocated being Physical or Special.
Diamond & Pearl are set in the far off land of Sinnoh and have you playing as a Rookie trainer wanting to go through Sinnoh, beat the Gyms and become the best trainer. However, throughout your travels, you will encounter two rivals as well as the evil Team of the land; Team Galactic, whom are bent on obtaining the special legendary of your version.
Diamond & Pearl has over 400 Pokémon obtainable within it, making it the biggest Pokémon game to date. There are many methods to find the Pokémon in the game; Inserting your GBA Game in for Wild Pokémon, Swarms, The PokéRadar and the Pokémon Mansion. However, this is not all as you are capable of transferring your teams from your GBA Versions through Pal Park, this is however one-way.
Diamond & Pearl also brings a whole new thing into the Pokémon World; online battling & trading. Using the critically acclaimed Nintendo WiFi Connection, you are capable of sharing Friend Codes with your friends and battling with them. You can also trade with them across the WiFi Connection. Diamond & Pearl also have a Trading Station that allows you to put up a Pokémon that you have, state what you want and have someone trade it with you. A very efficient system indeed.
Diamond & Pearl keeps all of the functions the games have had in the last Generation as well as introducing some new ones and reintroducing the Time Based events. It has a cool feature called the Pokétch that allows you to keep up to date with all your goings on including Captures, Breeding, and the location of the fleeing legends.
Source : Serebii.net
Read More...Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2 [Info]
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2 has two versions like the previous games; Time Expedition & Darkness Expedition. It follows the same style of game as the previous games, however instead of rescuing, your main objective is exploring.
Like in the first game, your character is a human that has turned into a Pokémon and has to find out why and how to return to being a Pokémon. However, on this quest, you get sidetracked, there are numerous legends in the land and your partner insists that you make an expedition team and search the new land, exploring wherever you can. There are 16 Pokémon that you can be
This game utilises the Nintendo WiFi Connection in order for you to be able to help friends whom are stuck in dungeons. An easier way than using passwords.
Not much else is known about this game as of yet, it is to feature all the Pokémon, but is due in Fall 2007 in Japan so expect more when that hits.
Source : Serebii.net
News about Pokemon Ranger Batonnage
Well, in the newest CoroCoro magazine, a new Pokémon game has been confirmed. This game is the sequel to Pokémon Ranger and is called; Pokémon Ranger - Batonnage and wil leb released in Japan on March 20th 2008 Below is the information from the game:
- It is set in a region called Arumia with a male protagonist called Hajime, but you can play as either gender like before and they have both just graduated from Ranger School.
- This game features a number of 4th gen Pokémon and seems to have Darkrai as an ominous Pokémon and Lucario, Heatran & Cresselia in support roles
- You seem to be able to select your partner in this game out of 17 possible combinations. The 17 Pokémon displayed in the magazine which are likely to be the partners are; Munchlax, Kricketot, Mime Jr., Cranidos, Croagunk, Machop, Shieldon, Chimchar, Piplup, Turtwig, Pachirisu, Starly, Snover, Misdreavus, Hippopotas, Sneasel & Gible
- As well as the missions you get to do in the game, there are optional missions for helping people around in the towns. These are known as Quests
- There are also cards that boost up your Capture Styler, for example an Electric one which lowers Electric Damage to your styler by 3
- You seem to be able to Surf on Pokémon in more controlled environments
- It seems to utilise the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. To what end, we are yet to know...
- Game mechanics match the previous game
Well, the official site has updated regarding Ranger Battonage and clarified a plethora of details. Below are the clarifications and new data:
- Missions are obtained at the Ranger Bases or Ranger Union. These are vital for progressing in the game
- The Sub-Missions, or Quests if you will, are obtained from members of the public in various areas. These do not progress the game but do encourage the Ranger Union to give you upgrades for your Capture Styler as well as many other possible items
- Not only can you Surf on your Pokémon, but Riding them is more common in this game rather than just in the Challenges in the first game. For example:
- Running on a Doduo
- Riding through Lava on a Torkoal
- Surfing on an Empoleon
- Flying with a Drifloon
- Diving Underwater with Mantine
- The Pokémon above have these as their Pokémon Assists so these are in addition to the Pokémon with Assists that effect Physical objects in-game
Pokémon Smash Bros Stage : Spear Pillar
A new stage was shown in pictures/video that featured the Spear Pillar of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl. This level is a bi-level stage housing destructable parts. It features Dialga in the background, although Palkia is said to show up. The breakable bits will return with a time-warp and the stage is said shake diagonally on occassion:
Source : Serebii.net
Pokémon Smash Bros Character & Slight Subspace Emissary Spoilers
Early last week we showed you information regarding Lucario's being in Brawl, well today a Japanese Player has been playing through the Subspace Emissary and has revealed various things including almost the entire roster. Included in this was Lucario and below are a few pictures from this:
Source : Serebii.net
Secret Legend Darkrai Revealed in Great Encounters
In Great Encounters, many incredible Pokémon come together to battle in an epic confrontation that will be a triumph for Trainers everywhere. Who will stand victorious? Dialga? Palkia? Or is it Darkrai, a new Legendary Pokémon who rises up from the darkness? With more brand-new Pokémon cards, more Pokémon LV. X, and a titanic clash of some of the most powerful Pokémon ever, Great Encounters is every player’s chance to encounter greatness.The Pokémon TCG: Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters expansion will be available in three 60-card theme decks—Eternal Time, Endless Night, and Infinite Space—as well as in booster packs. Theme decks, priced at $11.99, include a unique coin, an updated rulebook, card list, one-player playmat, and damage counters. Each booster pack, priced at $3.79, features 10 randomly inserted game cards.
Coming February 13th. Click here for a closer look at a new Darkrai card!
'Pokemon Movie 10 - The Rise of Darkrai' announced on Cartoon Network
Fried Dynamite announced on Friday evening that the tenth Pokemon Movie will be airing on Cartoon Network in March. The tenth Pokemon Movie English dub is entitled "The Rise of Darkrai". Many fans had speculated that the English dub version of the movie would keep the same title as the Japanese version which is "Dialga VS. Palkia VS. Darkrai". An exact air date has yet to be announced. A DVD release can also be expected soon after the airing of the movie.
Read More...Darkrai.com Launched!
Screenshots, a teaser trailer and the logo 'The Rise of Darkrai' are all available to view on the site. Move information and a few Diamond and Pearl in-game screenshots of Darkrai were also posted. The TCG card for Darkrai was posted earlier in the week on Go-Pokemon.com but information on it is also available on Darkrai.com now.
You can visit the offical Darkrai.com site by clicking here.
Manaphy on Smash Bros!
Well, The Dojo today revealed another PokéBall Character, Manaphy. Manaphy is unique in the way that it has a lasting effect on the characters. It uses its Heart Swap attack and has two players switch bodies, although their health and stock stay the same. This lasts for a while and then is changed back. Handy indeed to mess with your opponent's head
Source : Serebii.net
