Not all Japanese gamers may know Crackdown (retitled "Riot Act" here) is hitting today, but I am willing to bet dollars for donuts that most are aware Monster Hunter Portable 2nd drops. Just look at those game boxes! And at those special champagne Monster Hunter bundled PSPs!! And you know what, those boxes are probably empty.

I took this pic earlier today in Tokyo at the Yurakucho Bic Camera software branch. Even though it does look like there are enough copies to go around, I'd be shocked if this game isn't a smash hit. Famitsu is reporting long lines since morning at the Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku, Bic Camera in Ikebukuro and at the Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara. But, like I said, the Bic Camera in Yurakucho had a bunch this evening. (Because I went to the UNPOPULAR store.) Software sales, sure, but think this game will move hardware? Brian Ashcraft