Boy is my face red!

Turns out that "Leiji Matsumoto" isn't the name of that female with the tall hat. PGC Reader Shawn Peil is here to set the record straight!

Shawn Peil: Leiji Matsumoto is the creator not a character. He was born with the name of

Akira Matsumoto. The character I believe you are refering to, the character

in the title screen, is Maetel. Animerica volume 9 issue #3 is a good

resource for information on Leiji Matsumoto and the evolution of his works

featuring Captain Harlock (includes Galaxy Express 999).

Whoopsie! Thanks a bunch for writing in Shawn!

Last updated: 05/04/2001 by Max Lake

"Knux Five" wrote in again to let me know he has seen the series in manga form.

Knux Five: "I'm pretty sure the manga series is called Galaxy Express 999. It is in

Animerica, althought I do not read it.

Thought that chick looked familiar."

Yeaaaaaaaah! That's the title alright. I've definitely seen a promo for it on some Viz tapes but it looks like the manga is being run in the U.S. too.

Does this mean we'll see this GBA Leiji game released in the U.S.? I honestly don't know. (Not holdin' my breath though...)

Last updated: 05/03/2001 by Max Lake

Shortly after we posted the preview to this game, a couple of readers wrote in to let me know that there were other games in the Hexcite series, making Leiji Matsumoto's Space Hexcite Metal Legend EX anything but the first game.

Reader Odin Aesir: “I don’t know if there it is supposed to be a sequel to the series or not, it sounds way different. But there was a Hexcite released for the Game Boy when

GBC first came out. It was kind of a strange game that involved putting

various shapes together on a board to get points. You got points depending

on how many sides of the shape touched another shape that was already on the

board.

Like I said I don't know if it is related to this new Hexcite, but just

thought I'd tell you that there was a Hexcite puzzle game released before.”

(Thanks to readers “Odin Aesir” & “Knux Five” for writing in!)

Not only have there been other games in the Hexcite series, I have learned that there have probably been a few other games featuring the character Leiji Matsumoto, as she is also the star of a classic sci-fi anime series of the same name. The story is about a youth traveling with a mysterious lady on a galaxy express train. I’ve actually heard of it and believe it was released in the U.S. in some form by Viz Video.

If I dig up more, I’ll letcha know or if any one knows more about Leiji Matsumoto, feel free to get in touch.

Last updated: 04/27/2001

We first heard about Leji Space Hexcite around the time of SpaceWorld last year and were granted a single screenshot. Since then, there has been little in the way of info

At first glance, the game seemed like it would be one of those Japanese puzzle games with anime characters that are fun, cute and addictive. Such games probably could and should make the transition to audiences outside of Japan but usually do not. Now that information has been released, it seems like such first impressions might be deceiving. Leijii Mastumoto isn’t your average anime puzzle game protagonist and this game definitely seems different than your ordinary puzzle game.

The full title as we know it now is “Leiji Matsumoto's Space Hexcite Metal Legend EX.” The latest screens show highly improved graphics. Although we were only able to get a rough translation, we’ve been able to learn enough about the game to do a preview. Though we’re unclear on this, Nintendo’s page for the game on its Japanese website implies that this game may not be the first of the series (it boasts “500% improvement”).

Described as an “Idea Type Puzzle,” the game chronicles the voyage of Leiji Matsumora and her encounter with the “Hex Ito.” What is the Hex Ito? Apparently, it is a mysterious life form that can be “manipulated by those who try to mechanize it.” Apparently, the Hex Ito has gotten out of control, evolving into some kind of metal structure that now is flying at the Earth. It is up to Leijii Mastumoto to encounter the Hex Ito and use her skills to protect the world. Um, or something to that extent...

The game looks to incorporate several questions of problem solving to “collect research” in sets of 100 questions apiece. Game screens indicate that dialogue & character interaction is a major part of the game. There are also logic elements similar to aspects of Japanese chess, while the AI is supposedly very difficult & will require some mental skill. There will be 10 “tournament style” levels, each with three stages. The game only features 1-2 player and will “probably” support the link cable play with just one cartridge.

Do we understand exactly how this game will work? Not really. Again, our translation isn’t the best but we’re getting the general idea that this Hexcite isn’t your typical puzzle game –or will necessarily be of any interest to GBA importers. While interesting, it seems too quirky and complicated for anyone outside of Japan.

We don’t know enough & don’t want to judge hastily. Leiji Matsumoto's Space Hexcite Metal Legend EX is set for release on April 27, 2001, the day this preview goes up on PGC. Hopefully we’ll soon be able to glean additional details about this game soon!