No one likes getting ripped off with fake stuff, especially if you think you're paying for the real thing. This is especially true for gamers looking for imports and rarities. Pocket Gamer UK has an informative article up that adds even more tips for telling a fake DS game from a real one.

For one thing, they advise caution when purchasing items on eBay. The collapse of Lik-Sang brought many pirates to peddling their wares on eBay to get in on the action. One thing you have to remember is that if it's too cheap, there's a good chance you're looking at a fake.

Also, the packaging is important. Check the front to see if the sticker matches up. In the above pic, the cutoff on the bottom left corner is more rounded on the fake. Inspect the back of the cartridge for the patent pending AND an individually printed number beneath it. Also, note that authentic carts have indented backs rather than smooth ones.

Lastly, read the manual. The manuals are the last things people check, so pirates don't really take to making good manuals. In any case, you should ask for those sorts of pictures from any prospective seller before placing a bet to lessen the chances of picking up fakes, and you may want to check your current games, just in case someone messed with your cartridges without your knowledge.

There have been several reports that certain e--mails supposedly from Lik-Sang are being circulated. These emails are suspected to be phishing attempts which are taking advantage of Lik-Sang's recent and very public announcement that they are going out of business and that they would issue refunds to everyone with outstanding orders with the company.

For those unfamliar with the term, "phishing" is defined as "a criminal activity using social engineering techniques. Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out using e-mail or an instant message, although phone contact has been used as well."

In the case of this fake Lik-Sang e-mail, the e-mail states that the receiver of the message is due to receive an additional US$9.99 refund on top of whatever else they are supposed to receive. The e-mail will then request the user to confirm his or her PayPal account by clicking on a link.

As with any suspicious-looking e-mail, DO NOT CLICK ON THESE LINKS as it leads to a fake PayPal log-in page which uses the domain "LJK-SANG.COM" (note the "J" in the name) instead of "PAYPAL.COM". This page is likely meant to gather people's PayPal log in information as well as financial details.

Read the Full Article and view the e-mail message in question after the Jump!

The farm simulation and role-playing video game by Natsume is now available at Lik-Sang for the price of US$ 39.00. But hurry, Harvest Moon DS will only be available for a limited period of time.

As with the past Harvest Moon games, this title focuses on maintaining a farm, tending the crops and livestocks, befriending neighbors, and, in some cases, ultimately getting married and raising a family. As a twist, you must collect the Valley Sprotes of Forget-Me-Not Valley in order to get extra help in running the farm and even unlock areas and important information. In addition to that, players must also be able to balance their physical resources and even monitor their character's health as they can get sick too.

If you've grown to love the round cows and chicken of this series, then be sure to order your own copy of Harvest Moon DS now.

We just realized we haven't updated you on Rune Factory: Shin Bokujou Monogatari (New Harvest Moon). Time to correct that mistake. Rune Factory: Shin Bokujou Monogatari is set to be released in just a few days, August 24 to be exact. But that's the Japanese version. However, if you really want to get your hands on this, you can purchase your copy from online stores which ship worldwide.

We came across two Netshops, Play-Asia ($48.90 plus $2.50 shipping) and Lik-Sang ($54.90 free shipping). Both stores will start selling as soon as their stocks arrive. According to Play-Asia, their copies have no region protection.

On the other hand, if your Japanese is a crusty-and-rusty as ours we suggest a little more patience and wait for the North American version. Make that a lot more patience since Nintendo has not announced a solid release date for it. Meanwhile, here's the opening movie that ought to keep you satisfied for the next couple of hours...

Is it just me or does Nintendo want every country to hate Japan? They have announced yet another limited edition DS Lite for the country - this time with little Pikachu face printed on the cover. But don't head over to Lik-Sang or Play-Asia just yet...there will only be 150 of these things. Even if you live in Japan, you wouldn't exactly be eligible unless you were a part of the Pokemon Daisuki Club. The only way of getting the ultra-rare DS Lite is to win it in a draw held by the club. Sounds a lot like that weird Pokemon Club in Vermillion City in Pokemon Red and Blue versions! You know...the guy that trades you the Farfetch'd? How come we don't get any cool clubs like this? If you really want one, you could always try your luck on eBay sometime...

Slated for a June 15 release in Japan, Metal Saga Hagane no Kisetsu (Season of Steel) has found its way in the pre-order list of online retailer Lik-sang. The Nintendo DS version of the game is the latest installment in the series, which started way back in 1991. In the game, you play the role of a boy who lives on a farm with sister Karen and foster father Cliff, a legendary monster hunter. Your adventure begins when a wandering hunter named Jesse visits Cliff with questions about Noah Seed, a machine which has some sort of connection to Noah, the super computer that tried to destroy the world in the PS2 version.

The 2D game features an array of massive battle vehicles you can use to hunt down monsters for money. Each vehicle has its own special commands and can be equipped with different set of weapons.

Developed by Crea-Tech and published by Success, Metal Saga Hagane no Kisetsu is available for $54.90.

Magnetica is a puzzle-game for the Nintendo handheld which is essentially a virtual game of marbles.

Marbles are exclusively controlled by a stylus  Marbles roll down a twisted track toward the player, who must attempt to stop them by launching launch new marbles with the stylus. With "ultrarealistic magnetic physics," launched marbles will curve toward balls of the same color. When three or more marbles of the same color are matched, they disappear. With an abundance of power-ups, multiple tracks, multiplayer mode and three single-player modes (Challenge, Quest and Puzzle), Magnetica should keep puzzle/action fans busy and happy for a long time.

Magnetica can be picked up at Lik-Sang, and has a $45 USD price tag, available starting today.

The wait is over for Puzzle-crazy gamers as Mawashite Tsunageru Touch Panic lands on Liksang's product list. The touch-oriented puzzle game is sure to keep you on your toes as you try to arrange panels to create an uninterrupted path for an intimidating rolling "panic" ball. Tapping the panel will make it slide or rotate until you get the right position to create a clean path for the panic ball. I understand how an intense fast-paced game like this can easily abuse your DS touch screen, so just go easy on the tapping.

You can also unlock 50 special moves, called "tricks", by collecting Touch Balls in the main mode of play. Start the ball rolling for only $49.99.

Fans of the PlayStation 2 game Simple Series vol. 70: The Kanshiki Kan can now get the ported Nintendo DS version called Simple DS Series Vol. 8 The Kanshiki Kan over at Liksang.

In the game, you are tasked to solve a number of mysteries by heading on to the crime scene to collect evidence and fingerprints, which are then handed off to an expert for further analysis. Your mission is to manage the body evidence and put together a correct picture of the crime. You go off on the wrong path and you're off the case. Think of it as Japan's version of CSI.

The game is in Japanese format and is available for $29.99.