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Nippon Ichi teases new Prinny platformer

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 23rd 2009 at 1:15PM }

Are you ready to lose another set of 1000 lives? If so, then Nippon Ichi has a new Prinny game for you. Unfortunately, Nippon Ichi has decided against releasing any information on the game, even obscuring its lengthy title. After playing the first game, can we suggest Prinny 2: This is Going to be a Really Hard Game?

[Via Andriasang]

Nippon Ichi reveals Disgaea Infinite visual novel

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 18th 2009 at 4:45PM }

Nippon Ichi continues to crank out announcements for its new upcoming games -- though calling this one a "game" might be a bit of a stretch. Though Disgaea Infinite shares a name, setting and characters with the core Disgaea series, it's far from a strategy-RPG title. In fact, this installment is a PSP visual novel, starring a Prinny who's tasked with solving a murder by possessing other characters and reading their minds.

As you might be able to tell from the above description (and the trailer posted after the break), it's shaping up to be bizarre -- even by Disgaea's typically weird standards. Regardless, Japanese Prinny enthusiasts can grab the game Nov. 1 on the PSN for 2,500 yen ($27).

Continued →

Nippon Ichi working on 'Absolute Hero Modding Project'

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 17th 2009 at 4:25PM }

The identity of the PSP role-playing game which Disgaea developer Nippon Ichi teased in July has been revealed. Appropriately titled Zettai Hero Kaizou Keikaku (which translates to Absolute Hero Modding Project), the game pits players up against randomly generated dungeons, where they can search for equipment with which to fully customize their character, or battle enemies in order to level up their characters forever.

The game has a 2010 launch window for Japan, but Ichi hasn't mentioned anything about a North American release. That's a shame -- based on these screenshots over at Dengeki, it looks right up our isometric alley.

NIS localizing Atelier Rorona for English audiences

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 17th 2009 at 7:30AM }

It's not surprising, but it certainly is welcome news. NIS America is planning on bringing Atelier Rorona to English-speaking audiences. NIS' Allison Walter confirmed to the EU PlayStation.Blog that the company is "working on Atelier Rorona right now" and that "it should be coming out in English and French next year."

For those unfamiliar with the game, Atelier Rorona is a very standard JRPG that's exclusive to the PS3. With this and Final Fantasy XIII, Star Ocean and possibly Tales of Vesperia all coming to Sony's black box next year, JRPG fans will finally be able to say the drought is over.

[Thanks, Marcus N.!]

Looking at Trinity Universe's 3D RPG battles

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 26th 2009 at 11:45AM }

We're still having a hard time wrapping our heads around this: a 3D RPG from Nippon Ichi? Trinity Universe doesn't have the graphic quality we've come to expect from PS3 exclusives, but it's certainly a far cry from Cross Edge. Those hungry for an old-school, turn-based JRPG will find themselves salivating at this new battle footage from Trinity Universe. In usual Nippon Ichi fashion, this crossover RPG is heavy on number-crunching and big combos. Just look above to see the game's team attacks in action.

Siliconera has a few more videos of this PS3 JRPG in action, showcasing the "skill link" and "soul break" systems. For fans of Nippon Ichi games, these mechanics will seem entirely familiar but the new 3D makeover certainly makes it feel fresh.

Trinity Universe debut trailer is very long, very Japanese

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 4th 2009 at 6:00PM }

Nippon Ichi is working on yet another crossover RPG for the PS3 -- but this time around, it actually looks like a current-generation game. Yay! Welcome to the third dimension, NIS. Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes in an action RPG that's supposedly heavily inspired by Xenogears.

The debut trailer for the game (after the break) reminds us that Trinity Universe is a very Japanese game. The video, which runs for over six minutes, highlights the game's various character designs and voice actors. More importantly, though, the trailer also shows some gameplay footage (skip to 3:44). The trailer reassures us that the game's visual quality is far beyond Cross Edge.

Trinity Universe has a planned September release in Japan. While it hasn't been announced for US release yet, we're certain NIS America (or another niche publisher) will pick it up somewhere down the line.

[Via Siliconera]

Continued →

Nippon Ichi may be working on new 2D platformer for PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 27th 2009 at 12:15PM }

A brand new "Hero Transformation Project" is coming to PSP. What does that mean? We're not exactly sure either, but a snapshot of this PSP game teaser (via PSP Hyper) shows our spiky-haired friend turning into all sorts of things, ranging from tanks to Prinnies. It looks like Nippon Ichi, creator of the recently released Prinny, may be working hard on yet another PSP game. Good thing, too, as the Prinny platformer -- as devilishly difficult as it is -- is one of the best-looking, sprite-based 2D games we've seen on a handheld.

Princess Antiphona's Hymn: Angel's Score Op.A: a musical RPG for PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 8th 2009 at 6:00PM }

The Japanese certainly love lengthy game titles. Princess Antiphona's Hymn: Angel's Score Op.A is what looks to be a spiritual successor to Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS). Developed by Nippon Ichi, this PSP RPG focuses heavily on music. A first glance shows what looks to be a very standard RPG, presented with 2D sprites and anime portraits. The game will also feature anime-style FMV sequences and full voice acting.

Antiphona's Hymn will be ready for Japanese release in October. We're pretty certain NIS America will announce localization plans not too long after that.

Toro and Kuro join Disgaea 2 as DLC

by Andrew Yoon { May 26th 2009 at 1:00PM }

American audiences will be able to enjoy the PSP enhanced version of Disgaea 2 later this year. However, gamers in Japan are already getting ready for some free (and paid) DLC content for the game. As usual, Nippon Ichi is preparing post-release DLC. The most surprising addition to Disgaea 2 comes through a collaboration with Sony: Mainichi Issho's Toro and Kuro can both be added to the game. The two Sony mascots are relatively unknown here in the States, but the felines are quite beloved by players on the other side of the pond. The two cats will be ready to hand special items to players, so keep an eye out for them!

It would be nice if NIS America decided to include this DLC content as part of the retail release in the States. However, considering the DLC for Disgaea 3, that's unlikely. To see the other DLC characters, visit PSPHyper.

Phantom Brave: We Meet (the trailer) Again

by Andrew Yoon { May 8th 2009 at 1:28AM }

The upcoming Wii port of Phantom Brave is coming this June. For those of you unfamiliar with Nippon Ichi's SRPG, this new trailer gives an overview of what to expect. The Wii version gets an additional scenario and new characters unseen in the PS2 original. With a zany style expected of the Disgaea studio, Phantom Brave fills the all-important "super crazy Japanese SRPG" genre currently missing on the Wii.

Gallery: Phantom Brave: We Meet Again

Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? coming in July

by Andrew Yoon { May 8th 2009 at 12:29AM }

Quite possibly the best title for a video game ever conceived, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? will be arriving in the US this July. The retro-styled action game has you going against those pesky "heroes" in a Overlord-esque adventure to reign as the best anti-hero in the world. This trailer should give you a pretty good idea on how it plays.

Although the game has a very simple look and feel, it's getting a full UMD release this summer. Perhaps NIS America would like to consider a PlayStation Network release as well? Badman looks like it would be a perfect fit for digital distribution.

Gallery: Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days coming to PSP this year

by Andrew Yoon { May 8th 2009 at 12:16AM }

The PSP enhanced port of Disgaea 2 will be getting a US release this year. Dark Hero Days will feature all the content of the original SRPG, but will add new story chapters, a new main character and additional skills, items and side characters. New battle features introduced in Disgaea 3 will also be transplanted into this portable game.

While the game's trailer specifically states a Summer release, the press release says the game will release in the Fall. Either way, you'll be able to play the game this year. Keen observers will see a PlayStation Network icon at the end of the trailer -- could this title be digitally distributed?

Gallery: Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love coming to Wii, PS2

by Andrew Yoon { May 8th 2009 at 12:03AM }

Nippon Ichi is finally bringing the Sakura Wars series to the US. The cult anime series will be hitting US audiences as a SRPG destined for Wii and PS2. So Long, My Love promises a unique battle system divided into two parts: ground combat and air combat. In the Sakura Wars universe, it appears mechs don't just fight on the ground. No, they transform into jets that fight in the sky as well! Players will have to keep sharp as they battle enemies on these two vastly different fronts.

Developed by Idea Factory, Sakura Wars is scheduled for a US release this Fall.

Nippon Ichi announces Last Rebellion for PS3

by Andrew Yoon { May 7th 2009 at 11:48PM }

Nippon Ichi has announced their latest PS3-exclusive RPG, and surprisingly it's not Trinity Universe. Last Rebellion certainly doesn't take advantage of the graphical capabilities of the PS3, but promises a dark story of revenge atypical of most JRPGs. A joint collaboration between Nippon Ichi and HitMaker, Last Rebellion introduces a VATS-like turn-based combat system where players can target specific body parts to strategically disable enemies.

Last Rebellion will feature two main characters: Nine, a warrior, and Aisha, a magician. Players will be able to switch between the two during battle. Last Rebellion is currently scheduled for a Fall release in America.

Gallery: Last Rebellion

Trinity Universe coming to PS3, combines Atelier and Disgaea in 3D RPG

by Andrew Yoon { May 7th 2009 at 12:30PM }

Cross Edge hasn't seen a US release yet, but that's not stopping Nippon Ichi from making yet another crossover RPG exclusively for the PS3. Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes, but in a refreshing twist for NIS, is presented in full 3D. In fact, this will be the first time you'll see Etna and Prinny as non-sprite characters.

Siliconera notes that the combat is similar to Xenogears, with skills assigned to three different action buttons. Players will also have to keep a close eye on time and destroy "gravitation fields" in dungeons before it's too late. Idea Factory is publishing the game in Japan this August. It's expected NIS America will announce the game for US release at their press event tomorrow.

[Thanks, Jeffrey C.!]