Remuooru no Alchemist DS is a remake of a PC strategy game about running an alchemy shop to get out of debt. It's a pretty specific situation, and one you're probably not likely to run into -- although debt is certainly prevalent enough.

Alchemist involves securing stock from farmers and wandering adventurers, then filling your shelves with a combination of unaltered materials and alchemically-combined products. You can use your profits to pay off your debts and also to expand your shop.

The cute graphics and rather bizarre subject matter lift Remuooru no Alchemist above more mundane simulators. We're a lot more likely to want to run a fake shop to get out of fake debt if it's a magical fake shop.

[Via 1up]

These photos from a Korean mall's Nintendo DS kiosks are from a month ago, but it's interesting to see how the handheld is being promoted in the East Asian country. The showroom's walls are lined with posters of celebrities playing with DS Lites, stylish-looking chairs and tables are available for idlers, and a glass divider separates the area from the rest of the shopping center while still attracting passer-bys with gaming treats.

It isn't clear if this is a permanent setup or if the kiosks are only there for the interim to accompany the DS' recent launch in Korea. The way Nintendo has put its games on display, encouraging people to try out titles like New Super Mario Bros., Brain Training, and English Training in an attractive space, reminds us a lot of Apple's brick and mortar stores and the old Xbox 360 Lounge in Japan. Do we have anything like this to advocate the Nintendo DS in the states? Check for more photos after the jump.

[Via Insert Credit]

Ever since Infinite Interactive released a PC demo for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, gamers have been scrambling to find a DS or PSP copy of the title. The addictiveness of its Puzzle/RPG blend is matched only by its apparent rarity in stores. NeoGAF forumer Eric P aptly described the game and its limited distribution when he posted, "If Bejeweled is crack, then this is Space Crack that you can only buy from Space Crips in Space Angeles's space ghettos."

Don't expect those Space Crips or your local shop to hang onto unsold copies for too long, though. According to Penny Arcade, Electronics Boutique stores in Canada might already be taking the game off their shelves due to disappointing sales. Considering that this much sought-after title was released only a week ago, ousting it this early in its lifetime seems downright unconscionable. We really hope this isn't a trend that other North American retailers will follow.

Meanwhile, both the DS Fanboy and Penny Arcade offices have been caught by Puzzle Quest's steely grip, rendering us incapable of focusing our thoughts on anything else. Tycho and Gabe have drawn up two comics about the title in just the past week, dedicating several posts to their adventures obtaining and playing the game.

Infinite Interactive's Steve Fawkner published a short comic of his own, explaining Puzzle Quest's shipment shortage. Check it out past the post break.

Releasing this week, Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 features many a Tamagotchi, as well as 12 different shops. As you progress through the game, and subsequently earn "Gotchi" points, you'll upgrade and open new shops, as well as purchase a plethora of decorations and clothes for your Tamagotchi. Favorite venues return, such as the Flower Shop and Concert Hall, as well as some new ones in the Bowling Alley and Sushi Bar.

GameSpot has posted 8 new screens of the game depicting many of the Tamagotchi, as well as some of the shops.

UK Dance guys Pet Shop Boys apparently have a great appreciation for Animal Crossing's musical K-9 K.K. Slider. See, one of our fine readers recently noticed a bit of similarity in a song sung by the Boys and one performed on Saturday night by K.K. Slider. In his online blog, mrdiscopop posts segments comparing the two, which honestly do sound somewhat similar. If the band's name is unfamiliar, you've probably heard their hit West End Girls.

[Thanks Mark!]