“Malaysia’s mobile gaming industry is still at its infancy stage compared to Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan,” said Maxis Head of Games and Entertainment Kee Saik Meng. “Nevertheless, it is growing by leaps and bounds, in line with the ongoing transition from 2.5G (generation) to 3G and the growing profile of young and trendy subscribers between the ages of 18 and 30, who are more receptive to innovative products and services.”

For more information, visit the Miss MaxGames Web page.

PS2 to Get Beaned

Mr. Bean is ready to hit video gaming alongside the silver screen, with Blast!’s recent announcement.

The decorated film, television and animated star in the U.K. will be featured in his own Playstation 2 game hot off the heels of his Mr. Bean’s Holiday theatrical release. The game will feature three-dimensional levels filled with “tricky traps and problem solving” while on a quest to find his missing Teddy. Mr. Bean’s girlfriend Irma Gobb will also be featured in the title.

Through Film Audience Research studies, a majority of surveyed children watch the show regularly and are fans of Mr. Bean. Thus, the game will be developed with younger gamers in mind.

Japanese Console Releases for Thursday, April 12:

The likelihood of domestic release rating is strictly the opinion of the author.

Jissen Pachi-Slot Hisshouhou! Mister Magic Neo – Sega – Playstation 2

Typical Japanese slots/gambling title featuring a magician theme and a network ranking system.

Likelihood of Domestic Release:

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 116: The Neko-Mura no Ninnin Pagu Daikan no Akugyou Sanmai – D3 Publisher – Playstation 2

A new entry into the obviously long line of casual titles published by D3 in Japan.

The game seems to take place in what the title suggests, a neko-mura, or “cat village.” Oddly enough, the screen captures almost look Pikimin-esque, with a number of other cats that can be grouped together to tackle huge foes that resemble Japanese oni, or “demons.”

Some of the captures even have the kitties carrying different types of items around en mass, akin to the aforementioned Nintendo title. The felines are cute for sure, but there’s something about a group of cats manning a gigantic cannon that tells me they have a serious problem to fix.

The game actually looks like it could be decent and it would serve as a Playstation alternative to the nicely done Pikimin series.

Likelihood of Domestic Release: