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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.!]

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days PSP trailer

by Xav de Matos { Feb 27th 2009 at 10:01PM }

We thought we saw everything there was to see regarding the upcoming PSP version of Disgaea 2, recently subtitled: Dark Hero Days. Little did we know a trailer for the portable upgrade was hiding up someone's sleeve at developer Nippon Ichi's home office. After giving the trailer a good once over, we've come to the conclusion that ... well, it's Disgaea -- plus more stuff. An additional storyline starring the dark hero Axel, new game play features and easier pickup-and-play ability on the go are just a few of the enhancements made to Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days. Check out the trailer after the break.

Continued →

US release of Cross Edge delayed for Trophy support

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 27th 2009 at 8:00PM }

NIS America is bringing quirky (and low budget) JRPG Cross Edge to the States. While it was expected to release this March, Siliconera has found out the game has been quietly delayed. The reason? Nippon Ichi is spending a bit more time on the game, adding a feature missing from the original Japanese release of the game: Trophies. Perhaps Sony's "mandator Trophy support" mantra has finally kicked in?

Currently, NIS is aiming for a May release, although no date has been set in stone.

Phantom Brave haunting Wii in North America this June

by Jason Dobson { Feb 17th 2009 at 7:30PM }

NIS America confirmed that the niche game hub will bring its Wii port of Phantom Brave to North America this June. The decidedly morose turn-based strategy game was first released for the PS2 in 2004, and shares much in common with other NIS titles like Disgaea or La Pucelle Tactics.

Titled Phantom Brave: We Meet Again, the port will feature a few tweaks over the original, including improved graphics (though judging by the above shot we're not so sure), a redesigned interface, and more items, skills and characters. An expanded story is also promised, though unlike other titles in the NIS catalog, this one's narrative is more apt to leave you grabbing for a fistful of Zoloft than cracking a smile.

Prinny gets premium DLC in Japan

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 30th 2009 at 8:38PM }

PSP has been following in the footsteps of its PS3 big brother for quite some time now. The latest trend it's starting to pick up? DLC. Owners of the PS3 have become accustomed to purchasing post-release content through the PlayStation Store, and it appears PSP owners may follow suit.

Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? will feature a brand new downloadable level featuring cameos from another Nippon Ichi game, Phantom Brave. "Phantom Isle & Marona" is downloadable on the Japanese PlayStation Store for 300 yen ($3.30). See the video after the break.

Although Prinny hasn't released in the US yet (it's coming out February 17th), we're certain NIS America will follow suit and charge for these extras. It'll be interesting to see how PSP owners respond -- will they be as eager to pay for DLC as PS3 owners?

Gallery: Prinny: Is It Okay If I Am The Main Character?

Continued →

Square Enix to publish Disgaea 3 in Europe

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 7th 2009 at 10:30AM }

Nippon Ichi's cult SRPG hit, Disgaea 3, still hasn't seen release in Europe. That's all about the change, courtesy of Square Enix. PAL territories will receive this PS3 exclusive on February 20th. It currently holds a Metacritic score of 78. Some call it the best in the Disgaea series, but some are disappointed by the lackluster PS2-esque presentation.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "With Disgaea 3, Nippon Ichi have created a wonderful world full of bizarre characters and deep, addictive gameplay. I hope everyone enjoys playing this unique and rewarding title."

Gallery: Disgaea 3

Yep, Disgaea 2 is coming to the PSP

by Alan Tsang { Dec 28th 2008 at 5:45PM }

Ah, so the rumors were true. Nippon Ichi has announced that Disgaea 2 will be headed for the PSP on March 26th in Japan. This upcoming portable version of the SRPG will feature a 30% longer story as well as new characters. A screenshot also suggests that the Magichange system found in Disgaea 3 will be added to the port, but this has not been officially announced. No word yet on a stateside release, but we see no reason why there wouldn't be one.

[Via Siliconera]

Confirmed: Cross Edge coming in March 09

by Alan Tsang { Dec 20th 2008 at 10:00PM }

Speaking to RPGamer, an NIS America representative confirmed the rumors that the ensemble RPG Cross Edge will be headed for the US. That's great news for traditional JRPG fans everywhere -- the Compile Heart title features characters from the companies Capcom, Namco-Bandai, Gust, Idea Factory and Nippon Ichi. Mark your calendar, kids -- the game will be released in March 2009. To learn more, check out our coverage of the PS3 exclusive here.

[Thanks, Marcus N.!]

Asian Home expansion brings Tekken, Soul Calibur, Ridge Racer rooms

by Jem Alexander { Dec 17th 2008 at 2:00PM }

Home is getting bigger (well, it couldn't get much smaller, could it?) in Asia on Thursday. The service will expand with a new Namco Bandai space, which will include lounges for Tekken, Soul Calibur, Ridge Racer and a classics museum where you can play Galaga, Xevious, Dig Dug and Pac Man on arcade machines. There will also be a bunch of new items to buy, such as holiday themed costumes and furniture as well as Namco Bandai and Nippon-Ichi branded items.

With the original open beta press release stating that the European and US versions would be expanded this week, we're hoping that will also occur on Thursday. The service desperately needs some new, interesting content. Hopefully we'll see as much third-party support as the Asian version is getting. Check out the Famitsu article for more images.