Naruto vol. 45
The ongoing quest to find out more about the mysterious organization known as Akatsuki continues, and Jiraiya manages to uncover something about their leader. As the orange-clad ninja works to break the coded message Jiraiya left behind, will Naruto be able to stand up to Akatsuki?
E3 is a gamers heaven: for three days each year, the video game industry comes together to show off what they’ve been working on. This year, Microsoft unveiled “Project Natal” — a camera that detects motion, facial expression, voices and more, for the Xbox 360. Instead of the traditional hand-held controller, Project Natal is meant fully immerse the player into the game using a camera, depth sensor and microphone.
On stage, Microsoft’s Senior Vice President, Don Mattrick, joined acclaimed film director, Steven Spielberg, in showcasing the new device along with three games to demonstrate how the interaction works.
Ever since Nintendo changed direction with Wii, Sony and Microsoft have been looking at ways to improve the console gaming experience and lure in potential gamers. When Wii was launched, everyone in the family joined in from little Johnny to grandma since it was easy to pick up and offered a variety of easy to play games. Microsoft is looking to break down the walls that keep players sitting on the floor holding an Xbox 360 controller in their hand and get them up and moving, dodging bullets and reacting to a punch in the gut.
Interested developers will be receiving Project Natal development kits shortly, but no information on a release date or any major titles taking advantage of the technology were made available.
Vancouver Convention Centre
With just under a week left, Anime Evolution is getting ready for its seventh year and its first time being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Instead of being held under the famous white sails of Canada Place, anime fans get to strut their stuff in the new $883.2 million expansion just west of the existing facility.
The convention is being held June 12th – 14th and is expected to draw in close to 5,000 fans. Con-goers who have pre-registered can stop by Thursday from 4 PM to 9 PM to pick up their badges. For those who missed pre-registration, or care to pay up front, will be able to visit registration between the 8 AM to 9 PM on Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, and 8 AM to 2 PM on Sunday. Prices are available on the Anime Evolution web site.
Come on down and party all weekend while taking in the sights and sounds as throngs of anime fans take over Vancouver’s waterfront. See you there!
Zelda Promo
Nintendo’s revered game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, unveiled a concept drawing of the next Legend of Zelda game in the works for Wii. The image is that of Link standing with his back against an unknown character. No name has been mentioned for this game and neither has a release date.
Never been to an anime convention before? Unsure of what you’ll need? Or are you a returning otaku and need a final check list before going out? We got you covered.
A recap of Anime Evolution 2009 from June 12th to 14th at the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Pictures are now available on Gallery.
Gordon Ramsay and his vulgar culinary style are back for another season of Hell’s Kitchen on FOX (or Global if you’re in Canada). The hit reality TV series features a group of chefs, under the watchful eye of the foul-mouthed Ramsay, vying for a top kitchen position in an upscale restaurant is now in its sixth season. The new season starts on Tuesday, July 21st and has been moved to a new time slot of 8:00 PM PT/7:00 PM CT on Tuesday instead of Thursday.
The City of Vancouver has a new number you can call if you have a question about city services or for non-emergencies. You can now dial 3-1-1 to get in touch with a city representative who can help you out on most topics and handle instances that do not require immediate police or fire intervention.
3-1-1 is already in use in other cities, like Chicago, where citizens can call about residential services, municipal policies and even report less than pleasant cab drivers. This new number should make it easier for residents in Vancouver to get their questions answered.
The largest sale of a hockey team saw the Montreal Canadiens ready to change hands from the Gillett family and into Molson family. Although the NHL hasn’t approved the half billion dollar sale yet, the team is expected to make a statement over this weekend. The Canadiens are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year since their inception in December of 1909.
