Despite the dwindling arcade industry, Konami still has its sights set on Metal Gear Arcade, running a couple of location tests this weekend. They’re being held in ROUND1 in Yokohama and Shibuya Adores in Tokyo. The game was first announced back in February at the Arcade Operator’s Union show, showing great promise and using Metal Gear Solid 4’s online mode as the basis. For those who couldn’t travel to Japan for the location testing, we have the details for you after the jump.

Right after his performance at the Saitama Super Arena, SID announced a new single, “cosmetic” to be released on September 29 and his first performance at the Tokyo Dome on December 11. This will be his first new single since “Rain,” which was the third and final opening for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The announcement was made during the encore performance at Saitama Super Arena, where 32,000 fans erupted into cheers. First set of tickets will be sold on October 30, while the second will be sold on November 20, both for ¥6300 each.

[Source: Natalie]

SoniComi, a new visual novel game by Nitroplus, is set for a fall 2010 release in Japan and we have the gameplay details for you here! SoniComi is based on Sonico, an overly busty amateur idol and mascot of Nitroplus, and features players as her cameraman. Naturally as a cameraman, you will both film and court her. The game flow will consist of two phases: the ADV and ACT phase. Details of the two, screenshots, and video of SoniComi after the jump.

Rina Aiuchi, who has performed themes for anime such as Detective Conan and for games like Megaman X7, just announced her retirement after a fan club-only concert. Before her final farewell, she will release one more album, “LAST SCENE” and hold two more concerts – one in Saitama and Hyogo on September 18 and 26. This news is quite sudden, considering that she is only 30. More after the jump.

[Source: Sankei Sports via Tokyograph]

Just a friendly reminder that the contest is ending soon on August 6! For contest rules and entry, go to the original post here. Remember that each bag contains:

(1) Prinny Asagi Plushie (not currently available at their online store!)

(1) Trinity Universe Drifter's Guidebook (hardcover)

(1) Z.H.P. Sticker (not available anywhere!)

Good luck!

More mech action heads to the Xbox 360 this winter with arcade port Virtual On Force, the latest iteration of the series featuring four player multiplayer. According to Sega, the game will be released December 22 and have both a regular version for ¥6090 and collector’s edition for ¥10290. The series is known for its unique controller that mimics those in mecha anime, which is one reason for its big following. No news yet of an American release. It’s somewhat of a shame that this will be ported to the Xbox 360 instead of the PlayStation 3, meaning that import junkies will have to shell out for a console as well as the game, if they don’t already own an Xbox 360. Screenshots after the jump.

[Source: Siliconera]

If you have a pure heart and a PSP, D3 Publisher has the game for you! Dream Club Portable for the PSP is set for an October 28 release. It will contain all the basic features of the Xbox 360 version, meaning all the same hostesses are still available. In addition, it will feature a new “Dream Clock” mode where players can use the game as a clock, having the receptionist from the game tell players both the time and tidbits about various hostesses. A bigger challenge than courting the hostesses may be to actually play this game in public without getting embarrassed. Screenshots and promotional video after the jump.

[Source: andriasang.com]

It’s a shame this wasn’t announced before Anime Expo 2010, but AKB48 members Mayu Watanabe, Yuki Kashiwagi, Rie Kitahara, and Rino Sashihara will take turns drawing manga for Weekly Young Jump. Each one will reflect the often wonky personality traits of the members; the titles roughly translate to Mayuyu: Mangaka Debut Project, Yukirin’s THE Idol Quest, Kitarie’s Path of a Fantasy Literature Girl, and Sasshi Beautiful Girl Transformation Project. Kitahara and Sashihara were present at Anime Expo 2010, which would have made this a great topic of discussion. The first issue will go on sale August 19. Pictures of said members included for reference in case readers need it, considering there are more than 48 of these girls.

[Source: Natalie via Tokyograph]