Well, that was quick.

After being constructed earlier this month, the large 15-meter mecha constructed at China's Floraland Park came under fire for looking a little too much like the life-sized RX-78 Gundam first erected in Japan in 2009. The Chinese theme park denied those claims, saying the statue was based on an original design.

The Floraland figure has logos that read EFSF and WB on its shoulders, which are, as AFP points out, abbreviations for Gundam's "Earth Federation Space Force" and the anime's mothership "White Base".

The statue was apparently constructed for the Christmas holidays.

On Monday, the theme park denied the orange Gundam statue's existence, while a witness told AFP that it had been taken down — something confirmed by Japanese television reports.

In its place are precarious bamboo poles. Nothing says Christmas like precarious bamboo poles!

Japan's Gundam robot crushes Chinese lookalike [AFP] [Pic]

Artist Matthew Davis did this while studying at Middle Tennessee State University, as part of a range of pieces "[focusing] on desensitization from different forms of media we are subjected to on a regular basis".

It's a catchy slogan, one that could work as well for an official endorsement of the game (or the product) as it does a satirical jab.

I have to ask, though: has anyone ever really been "jacked up" on Mountain Dew? I used to drink a ton of it in high school and never got close. I got the burps sometimes, yeah, but it's not like I was anywhere near jacked up.

gourde: visual genocide [Matthew Davis, via Herochan]

One of gaming's most iconic in-game items are Super Mario Bros' coins. But why coins?

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto admits that fruits were also a good choice, but tells Nintendo president Satoru Iwata that other items might confuse players, causing them to run away.

"Thus, when we were thinking about something that anybody would look at and go 'I definitely want that!', we thought, 'Yep, it's gotta be money.'"

And, as they say, the rest is gaming history.

Super Mario Bros. went on to become one of the most successful franchises ever, earning Miyamoto and Nintendo their share of real-world gold coins.

社長が訊く「スーパーマリオ２５周年」 [Nintendo]

It's holiday season, but if you're like us, you may still be at work. What you need in that case is something to pass the time on an office computer. Something like, oh, a Game & Watch version of Sonic.

Egg & Watch, by Newgrounds user Elratauru, takes the very first boss battle from the original Sonic and turns it into a simple little flash game in the style of Nintendo's classic portable handhelds.

It's simple, yeah, but its increasing difficulty should keep you busy for an hour or so while you're wondering why everybody else at the office got to go home except for you.

[Egg & Watch]

Tokyo Says "Sayonara" To Freedom Of Speech?
Comment by: GunFlame: Digivolve into Wargunflamemon
Nominated by: Helba: Hubris is Humorous.

It's just another one of those reflex actions that seem to be the norm in politics.

They want to get support of the majority, the majority wants protections, and usually if they want protection it's because they have something to protect. Basically, it's aimed at pleasing the family side of the country as most of this stuff is. The individual already has fewer rights anyway in most countries (higher tax in some places).

This, like may other policies like this are a way to make some people happy and make it seem as though something is being done by politicians who are generally doing a poor job in reforming in the way that they promised.

So what do they do? Take the easy root and target the much criticized new comer: video games and still the niche orientated Manga and Anime market (although more widely accepted in Japan, it's still far from being as popular as regular printed media and TV).

It's an easy win and one that can easily get support. Why? Because the general consensus is that both of these mediums are targeted a children. Although this is far from the truth, the way that both are delivered and have been for a long time create the idea. So, here with have two generally disliked or misunderstood formats being focused on. The ones that have the greater voice decide to voice against it for both obvious reasons and misguided ones. It's a casualty of the uneducated.

It will always be the case. Animation and Video Games are not clear. It is too easy for those who don't know to consider them as child focused. When they see something orientated towards adults, they believe that it is just obscene material, not that it is for another audience.

TV and Movies are easily defined. Even pornography. You know exactly how they are bracketed and shelved. You know what to avoid. But with video games, God of War can be placed next to EyePet and Monster can be placed next to Doraeman. It's easy for those who do not know to believe that there isn't a certain focus. On a first pass, the definition isn't even clear.

Maybe this can be the case with TV and Movies, but we have gotten used to it. Maybe its not that we have gotten used to it but more because those who would usually oppose this kind of move actually watch TV and movies. Maybe because TV and Movies or at least the advertising involved produces a lot of revenue for the governments.

Either way, whatever the reason, until the new confusing and misunderstood thing comes a long, games, anime, manga and comics will be the scapegoat.

Sure, they make a lot of money and are widely liked, but not enough for some. Just look at the hype a Batman movie can build in comparison to a Batman comic. It's not even close.

Anyway, back to Japan, they have plenty of odd and unclear policies. In some media (usually depicted in games or art in some way) they would rather not see hugging exposed to the youth. How the hell can peace ever be promoted...

The Newest $350 Zelda Statue
Comment by: Zero_Beat
Nominated by: maxnichols

I see this statue, and I am blown away by its awesomeness.

Normally such awesomeness can only be attained by high-fiving Jesus while passing each other on your dragons at mach 3. But this statue manages to equal, if not exceed, that awesomeness for what is, compared to the price of maintaing a pet dragon and the risk of severe injury should the high-five fail, a mere pittance.

This is a statue that declares loudly, proudly, and strongly, "I am a nerd and damn proud of it!"

Yes, you could do a lot of other things with $350. You could buy a second console, or six Wii games after taxes, but at the end of that, you wouldn't have an awesome statue of a wolf and an imp-like creature with a light-up bit of hair. Also, research has shown that having wolf-related items automatically makes you cool.

So if you are a fan of Twilight Princess and can spare $350, buy this. You will grow chest hairs, women will want you, men will want to be you, and children will look to you as a hero.

Now all you need is the epic three-wolf moon shirt, this epic statue, and your own epic pet wolf, and have a picture of you wearing said shirt, your pet wolf, and this statue all howling at the moon. At that moment, the three of you will combine into a being of pure awesomeness for a fraction of a second. You will be shown things that no other person has seen, learn things that no other person has learned, and when you come back, there will be a pizza waiting for you.

And it will be an epicly awesome pizza.

EA's Gay And Lesbian Employees Say "It Gets Better"
Comment by: JabbaB

I have been told that I am one of the most down to earth people anybody has ever met, and with that I have always tried to clearly state only facts in an argument, and this is mine.

I have not told a soul about my sexual orientation, and up until now I have been almost entirely platonic in my relationships.

This is what I have come to realize.

I have discovered I have found interest in both the male and female body. Both are extremely complex and have their benefits and downsides. Both the mentality of a woman and that of a man are almost entirely different as well.

What I see is that the male body has a much more complex and sharp look to it, one that I find very attractive. But then I look at the simplicity of the female body, with its smooth look and soft curves, and I also find it attractive.

Beyond that, I haven't had any interest in an emotional bond with either, and I want children, so I will probably choose to be with a woman emotionally.

But, since the human body is nothing but a vessel, just as each animal is nothing but a vessel to the animals energy, why is homosexuality wrong in any way?

The way I see it, no, the way I know, homosexuality has become a bad thing through the media.

The reason people are homosexual isn't a choice and I can tell you there is ZERO DOUBT about that.

In fact, why would one choose to be something when they know it would cause them to be looked down upon?

People don't choose their orientation, it is decided for them by their genetic code.

I am a bisexual guy, and I don't care at all what people think about it.

I'm not going to hell because I find another guy attractive because one religion says I am. What about the hundreds of other religions that say nothing of the sort?

I have done everything within my power to make sure I am the best person I can be.

I am completely open to every belief because I feel every person has a right to express who they are, and they shouldn't be punished for that.

To close my point, I have one last statement, and I want it to be entirely serious.

There is a counterweight system to all of humanity. People will always do something to try to make life for themselves easier. Whether it is helping one person when they know there is another person who needs help, or joining in on the hate for gays, people always choose a side that they themselves want to be a part of.

It is all of humanity that has to decide what is right in order for it to be so, not any singular person.

One day, maybe all people will understand the open mind.

We live on one planet, and we can't have everything we want when and how we want it, but we sure as hell can try to avoid interference with the ultimate goal of happiness in others.

Just let people be and ignore what you don't find right unless it is a direct barrier to your safety.

After all, one of the more famous quotes in the same book that tells gays/bis/lesbians they will burn in hell for a trait they did not choose (ironically, everything they are is set by this deity in this religion) is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Has NASA Discovered Life On Saturn's Moon?
Comment by: Ratfuzz
Nominated by: LordThayer

This Thursday, they're going to start selling Beatles.

Call of Duty Giant Suing Rival Over Modern Warfare Meltdown, Paints Uglier Picture
Comment by: bigfreaky

As much as I love COD, especially from COD4 on, I can't bring myself to read all of the news about the slimy legal disputes, backstabbing and greed of these people driven insane by their vast wealth.

I'll happily contribute to their wealth (and by proxy, their madness) as long as they continue to make games that I have fun playing.

I've never understood fanboy love or hate for anything, especially game publishers. Unless they've personally wronged me, or done something terrible to the video game industry, I can't imagine having strong feelings either way.

Activision have been publishing games I like from Pitfall and Keystone Kapers to Blur and Black Ops, so they are still pretty cool in my book. Not a big fan of them charging $15 for DLC, but no one's forcing me to buy it. And I have to say that I like it better than EA's "Project $10" plan to sodomize the used and rental games industry.

Want to nominate comments? Send to tips any insightful or funny comments you read from other commenters. (Read: NOT YOURSELF). Be sure to include the post's URL, the commenter's page, the actual comment and your commenter page.

Here's a handy guide to commenting.

[Pic]

The first Humble Indie Bundle, a collection of games discounted in the name of charity, made $1.2 million in sales earlier in the year. The second bundle has already surpassed that tally.

At time of posting, the Humble Indie Bundle 2 has made $1.3 million, with proceeds split between the developers, promoters, Electronic Frontier Foundation and Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity drive.

To celebrate the milestone, some of the games available as part of the deal, which includes classics like Braid and Machinarium, can now be unlocked on Steam, so you can keep the titles in the same place you keep everything else.

If you're wondering where the amazing image up top — featuring characters from all the games featured in the bundle — came from, it's the work of Arne Niklas Jansson, artist on Cortex Command. You should check out his sites, especially if you like X-Com.

UPDATE - Good news, everyone! If you've bought the second bundle before today, you now have instant access to all the games from the first Humble Indie Bundle. That means World of Goo, Aquaria, Gish, Lugaru HD, Penumbra Overture and Samorost 2 are yours. If you haven't yet bought it, those buying the second bundle and paying the average asking price (found on the official site) will be able to get them.

[Humble Indie Bundle 2]

Hipster darling and Kotaku reader Armand Mirpour's latest music video features a blink-and-you'll-miss-it one of PC's most popular games, Minecraft.

Mirpour's a big gamer, saying, "I really enjoy video games! Super Smash Bros.in particular." And he loves Dragonball, adding, "I've seen all the episodes, read the manga twice and watched all of the stand alone movies — even the horrible ones, like Bio Broly!" He owns many of the games and that with the exception of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, they aren't so amazing.

"The whole intro segment in the office is based on a real life experience I had working as a telecom person for a week," says the singer, who also wrote the video's script. "It was horribly dull, and I spent my time playing Minecraft instead of doing actual work. Work in Minecraft felt amazingly more constructive anyways." Mirpour was a bit ahead of the Minecraft boom, saying the fact that the developer was a fellow Swede along with the fact that you could make LEGO out of anything got him hooked.

The singer is currently at work on his debut album and playing video games. Check out his debut single here.

Armand Mirpour [Tumblr]

Here's a song about Aeris, that (SPOILERS!) dead chick from Final Fantasy VII. It's awesome.

Rapper Random, aka Mega Ran, used to be considered a Capcom man. No longer, it seems, as he's about to release an entire album dedicated to Square Enix's classic 1997 RPG.

Sure, the premise isn't that original — we've seen FFVII rap albums before — but this one is wonderful, as Ran is writing and recording all his own rhymes, not just laying down other people's over the game's soundtrack.

Here's hoping it's all as good as this first track, because this first track is great.

In the West, Shigesato Itoi is best known for the Earthbound series of role-playing games. He might challenge game conventions, but his wife Kanako Higuchi challenged Japanese censorship more, changing it forever.

Itoi is no stranger to the limelight. During the 1980s, Itoi hosted an educational program called "You", but he really made his name decades before as a copywriter, defining the art of Japanese copywriting — something Tim Rogers previously discussed in a column this April. Besides doing the copywriting for over fourteen Ghibli films and publishing several books, he dabbled in voice acting with My Neighbor Totoro and in game design for Nintendo, he occasionally appears on variety problems and he even makes t-shirts.

Two years before this Renaissance Man married actress Kanako Higuchi, she released a controversial photobook that showed her pubic hair — an act that stood up to a century old censorship laws (This wasn't out of character for Higuchi, who previously starred in Manji, a film that followed the steamy relationship between two women). In 1907, Japanese censorship law stated anyone who sold, displayed or distributed "obscene material" would be subjected to a fine and prison time. The law did not specify define what "obscene" was, but especially in the years after World War II, it came to be interpreted as pubic hair. (More info here.)

In the past, Japanese woodblock prints were never known to bat an eyelash in their depiction of sexuality and violence. The century-old censorship laws appear to be in reaction to them as well as to the increasingly vivid novels and essays of the day. But as censorship fell into place, the nether-regions became covered by cleverly placed clothing, or even mosaics. Hence, during the years following the war, any copies of Playboy that entered in Japan had to have the model's pubic hair marked through with a big, fat magic marker. There were rumors that two little old ladies in Tokyo Bay were responsible for this.

"Water Fruit" was published in 1991 and depicted full nudes of Kanako Higuchi. Censorship enforcement relaxed during the heady years of Japan's Bubble Economy, making a book like this possible. The book paved the way for Santa Fe, which featured a much younger celebrity Rie Miyazawa completely in the buff and helped pave the way for the "hair nude boom" of the 1990s. The government now views the genitalia region as up for censorship.

Higuchi's photos were shot by photographer Kishin Shinoyama, who has made a career out of creating art out of the "obscene". Shinoyama is one of Japan's most famous photographers, best known for the iconic Double Fantasy album cover and a lifetime of nude stills. His work is often controversial, evident in a police raid last year. It was Shinoyama who photographed an underage Chiaki Kuriyama in 1997, creating controversy and a best seller. "At that time," Kuriyama told me during an interview for Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential, "Shinoyama was the most famous person I had ever met."

Higuchi has not left the spot light — neither has Itoi, making an appearance in the newly release film Norwegian Wood, based on the book by his friend Haruki Murakami. In recent years, Higuchi's graceful and classy looks have enabled the 50-something actress to appear in a whole slew of commercials that range from camera and cell phone ads to skin cream and make-up. Yet, in the early 1990s it was Higuchi who helped Japan redefine what exactly is obscene and what isn't.

Culture Smash is a daily dose of things topical, interesting and sometimes even awesome — game related and beyond.

[Pic, Pic, NSFW Pic]

I've been a long-time advocate of somebody making a war game that plays like an actual war: one where you fight in real battles, not battles from a video game based on an action movie. This is what I mean.

This clip, posted on military site TheBrigade.com, depicts a US infantry squad in combat in Afghanistan. Thanks to the camera's vantage point instant parallels can be drawn with first-person shooter games.

Had this firefight taken place in a game, it would have been a tutorial level. Or a brief stopover between objectives. A few bad guys, a few shots fired, then you move on to the next triggered sequence. In comparison to the bombastic set pieces of modern war games, it's pedestrian.

Here, though, it's tense. Gripping. Partly because we know these are real people, sure, but also because of the (albeit unintentional) cinematic effects. The shaky-cam, the nervous chatter, the immediacy of the whole thing brought to you by loud sound effects and copious amounts of dust.

It's surely time we got to play a game like this. Where even the smallest skirmish is as exciting as it is dangerous. Where tension is built via the panicked calls of comrades, not a rousing soundtrack. Not for some sick thrill of living the life of a soldier, but as a means of education as entertainment. Put someone in the shoes of a real soldier facing real battles, where even minor firefights are important, health packs can't save you and allies don't respawn just in time to save the day.

Note: there's some NSFW language in this.

[image: Getty]