● Sumikko Gurashi 2 was announced earlier today by Nippon Columbia and due on 19 November. In this sequel to the smash hit you get to run your own shop with the game promising all the characters and cuteness of the original.

● In Comgnet Rankings: Dragon Quest VIII has 1,094 points, Yokai Watch Busters has 114 points combined, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer has 53 points combined and Famicom Remix: Best Choice opened with just 32.

● And in Comgnet Reservations: Monster Hunter X is at 667 points, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is at 86 points and Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village DX is at 59. No other 3DS games are listed.

● In other tidbits: Cube Creator 3D has sold more than Denpa Ningen no RPG 3 (over 100,000), Luigi Mansion Arcade is now in arcades (thanks @lite_agent) and Gunman Story 2: HD Collection is confirmed for (Wii U) Japan (thanks @bertilhrberg).

● Since there’s so little news I thought I’d give a few thoughts regarding the new Poisoft JRPG Monokage Quest (Mono Shadow Quest). The graphics are suitably retro but unspectacular, The soundtrack begins spectacular (Poisoft’s composer is amazing) although the main tune is sadly grating. Firstly you choose between several different types before beginning inside a dungeon with battles being real-time same-screen but menu based with commands (if that makes sense?!). Levelling up is a necessity with each level presenting the player with points to use in return for more HP, MP strength etc. Some villains inexplicably kill the player taking out 9,999 of HP. After several floors of the first dungeon you are cast into the main town with overground map linking to several other dungeons. I’m really not sure how good the game is after an hour’s play as it could go either way but I’ll invest a few more hours before deciding whether to continue or tap out.