Help me remain strong as I wait for the Vita version of VA-11 Hall-A to be released

I've been curious about Sukeban Games' VA-11 Hall-A, which the developer describes as a "cyberpunk bartender action" title, since I first became aware of it some time ago.

Considering publisher Ysbryd Games' finally made it available to the world yesterday, you might assume I'm currently feeling ecstatic. Unfortunately, you'd be wrong.

That's not because I've reconsidered my stance on this lovely looking visual novel, mind you. Rather, it's because only the Linux, Mac and PC versions of VA-11 Hall-A are able to be purchased at the moment.



The Vita iteration, the one I've been dreaming of playing since this deliciously retro title was unveiled, is nowhere to be seen.

Apparently it'll see the light of day later this year, if the word on the street is to believed, so in the meantime I've either got to sit tight until VA-11 Hall-A Vita hits both virtual and physical store shelves, or I've got to bite the bullet and buy the Mac release for a not-inconsiderable $14.99.

While I decide which path to take, check out the game's final trailer (above). Or, if you've already played some form of VA-11 Hall-A, share your thoughts on it in the comments section below.

As much as I love this new World's Longest 5 Minutes (Vita) trailer, I love the contents of the game's limited edition even more

Full disclosure: I've already pre-ordered a copy of this Japanese Vita game via the usual source.

The problem is, the version I pre-ordered a few weeks back was the regular edition. Here's hoping the folks at amiami allow me to switch it to the stunning limited edition.

Why? For a few extra bucks, it tosses in a two-disc soundtrack, a "daily flip tabletop calendar" and what I believe is some sort of art or guide book. (Please correct me if I'm wrong about that last item.)



Are you a World's Longest 5 Minutes virgin? No worries. It's an adventure game (aka a "visual novel") set within the confines of a pixel-filled, retro-tinged RPG. Or at least that's what I think it is based on all I've seen of and read about it so far.

Thankfully, this just-released trailer suggests my assumption's pretty spot-on. (I kind of wish that weren't the case, by the way, as I'd much prefer World's Longest 5 Minutes to be a straight-up, old-school RPG.)

Regardless, this Vita title is being made by smartphone app developer Syupro-DX, while Nippon Ichi Software is publishing it. Its street date is July 28, and the price tag of the regular edition is 3,980 yen. (I'm not sure what the limited edition will cost at retail, but amiami's selling it for 5,280 yen--or about $50.)

(Via gematsu.com)

How many of you also are considering picking up one of these PocketCHIP handhelds?

Like a lot of folks, I didn't know a thing about the PocketCHIP handheld system until today.

Now that I'm aware of it, though, I can't help but want one--and rather desperately, at that.

If you're still out of the loop as to what the PocketCHIP is, well, there isn't much I can say to bring you up to speed. That's not because I'm a big jerk, mind you; rather it's because I don't quite understand it myself.

This trailer should at least give you an idea as to what you'll get if you ever buy one of these suckers.



Speaking of which, this adorable, minuscule handheld--which plays games made for the PICO-8 "fantasy console," that much I know--will set you back just $49.

Or at least that's all it'll set you back if you pre-order one soon.

I'm seriously considering doing that, of course--in part because the PocketCHIP just seems like a cool gadget, and in part because I like the look of some of the PICO-8 games that can be found on lexaloffle.com.

How about all of you wonderful people? Are any of you contemplating picking up one of these portables on or around its June launch?

The Gay Gamer Giveaway™: Wizorb Edition

So, I received a rather surprising e-mail from Tribute Games' Justin Cyr last night. In said e-mail, Cyr let me know that PC and Mac versions of his company's maiden release, Wizorb, could now be bought, downloaded and played via Steam.

Cyr also sent me a promo code for this three-parts-Breakout-to-one-part-Zelda game, but since I already own both the PC and Mac versions of Wizorb (yes, I enjoyed it that much) I thought I'd give the code to someone who has yet to experience its excellence.



What do you have to do to be the someone who receives said promo code (which will allow you to download Wizorb from Steam for free)? Not much, really. Just leave a comment below between now and 9 pm PST on Sunday, March 18. On Monday morning, I'll toss all of the accumulated names into a hat and pull out the winner.

See also: Previous Wizorb posts