Video Game News

Although still relatively a new console and a new technology, Japanese sources have already confirmed the existance of a working Playstation 2 mod-chip and the existance of bootleg Playstation 2 games. The current chip, though, is only compatible with CD-ROM format PS and PS2 software, not DVD titles. Apparently Sony has either been too careless or too apathetic to upgrade their security measures for their new console system, as the PS2 mod-chip is essentially identical to the traditional Playstation mod-chip.

Final Fantasy IX has reached the lofty sum of 500,000 pre-orders in Japan in only the first 4 days of the offering. The previous record-holder for greatest number of pre-orders, Final Fantasy VIII, took 7 days to reach 500,000 orders.

Source: ZDNet GameSpot

Tecmo has confirmed that there will be a Monster Farmer (known as Monster Rancher in the US) game produced for the Playstation 2.

Source: Game Informer

“From Software announced that their upcoming Playstation 2 game Armored Core 2 will have USB Mouse support, in addition to iLink cable. You can use the USB mouse to do customization works for your robot. The game will ship in Japan on July 27, for 6800 yen.”

“The GameBoy version of Sakura Taisen [Sakura Wars] will be released in 5 different packages on July 28:

• Standard – the same as other Gameboy games, for 4800 yen.
• Pocket Sakura Pack – which includes both Pocket Sakura and Sakura Taisen for Gameboy Color, for 8300 yen.
• Character Pack – only available in the Lawson convenient store, there will be 6 different packages, each kind feature one of the main character in the game. Each package includes the game, a pin and phone strap, for 5800 yen.
• GameBoy Color Pack – includes a Sakura Taisen version of Gameboy Color and the game itself, for 12600 yen.
• Premium Pack – includes the game, and a T-shirt, for 6800 yen.”

Source: The Magic Box