For those interested in anime and fighting games, you may have heard of Aquapazza. Many have probably not heard of this niche 2D arcade fighter however. It is the latest game developed by Examu, which created the 2D fighter series, Arcana Heart. Aquapazza takes its playable characters from Aquaplus’ visual novel studio, Leaf. With a cast full of dating sim characters, the moves in this fighting game can be quite interesting to watch.

The PS3 version of Aquapazza will include at least four more characters (two playable, two assist) than the arcade edition. The home console port will contain a story mode, online play, score attack, a gallery, and an improved training mode. While no exact release date has been determined as of yet, Famitsu is expecting a release some time in June of 2012.

Source: andriasang

Atlus creators of the well received persona games, has recently announced that they will be working with Arc System Works  (the creators of Blazblue) in order to create Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena. What makes this announcement so interesting is that instead of taking the traditional turn based RPG stlye, staple of the persona series, this game will be a fighting game.  However it doesn't stop there, Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena will be a crossover fighting game featuring characters from both persona 3 and 4, and complete storylines for both sides. It's always great to see established companies try something new, it's even better when they go to the right people for help. Considering the success of Blazblue i have no doubt this new Persona will be one to remember.

Fortunately that's not all the news we have for you persona fans. Atlus has confirmed that Persona 4 will be ported to the Playstation Vita. Termed Persona 4: The Golden, the port features a new opening and song, Marie (a brand new character), 1.5 times the voice-overs of the original, new: animations, outfits and persona's, as well as the ability to use the wireless features of the Vita system to request help when losing in a dungeon, as well as a fan requested feature that as of right now is still a secret.

Of course what's cake with out icing?  When paired with the other two reveals, this last one is certainly Atlus' icing on the cake. Persona 5 is in the works, while its nowhere near ready to be released, just knowing it exists is a present in itself. Persona 4: The Golden will release Spring 2012, Ultimate Mayonaka Arena will release in the arcades Spring 2012, and will then head to the PS3 and XBox 360 consoles in the Summer of the same year.

So after a day or two of panicking, there have been new developments in the Chinatown Fair story. Valentino Ventura, a manager at the arcade, has said that the staff are just renegotiating the lease with their landlord. It seems like, right now, the general idea is that if they don't get their lease back, or if the rent is raised, they will be moving to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Here's what Ventura had to say about the situation, and about fellow manager Henry Cen:

"apparently Henry has to much time on his hands. its not cool to spread unsubstantial information. folks, its all rumor perpetuated by a hater who wants to see a successful, bustling business fail. The truth is, that cf maybe relocating to Williamsburg, Brooklyn if disputes with the landlord r not settled. CF IS NOT CLOSING. Sam, Benny and myself genuinely love our customers (including the smelly ones) and this business. SPREAD THE WORD, FOLKS."

So right now, it all just seems like a bunch of drama between staff members, and confusion on everyone's part. Let's hope that the drama doesn't effect our ability to enjoy a good arcade in NYC.

UPDATE: Unfortunately Chinatown Fair has finally closed its doors. Where and when it will reopen remains unknown.