Famitsu: Level-5 and Studio Ghibli teaming up on DS game

by Christopher Grant { Sep 24th 2008 at 4:09PM }

Recent scans from Japanese gaming weekly Famitsu detail a new Nintendo DS project titled Ninokuni: The Another World from the fine folks at Level-5 (which is currently putting the finish touches on the PS3's White Knight Story). "What's so special about this project?" you ask, clutching your Totoro plushie. Get this: the animation will be handled by the legendary Studio Ghibli. Not altogether too surprising; anyone familiar with the excellent animation in Level-5's Professor Layton series knows that there wasn't much room for improvement.

Famitsu says there will be a console version though a platform has not yet been decided; Level-5 wants the experience to be distinct from the DS release and that desire will affect the platform decision. Both versions will come with the same "Magic Master" book – shared by the main character of the game – which will need to be referred to while playing the game (let's hope it's portable!). With TGS just around the corner, we're hoping to hear more – and maybe see more – soon.

[Via Opposable Thumbs]

Tags: Famitsu, Level-5, Ninokuni, Studio-Ghibli

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Fernando Rocker @ Sep 24th 2008 4:17PM

It's confirmed already... also, the secret Sega RPG is now confirmed a DS game too.

Superstar90 @ Sep 24th 2008 4:25PM

Hopefully the console game is for 360 :D, I can't get enough of JRPGs. Or if it's for Wii, it better have connectivity to the DS game.

But if this mixes the incredible art and animation of Prof. Layton and deep RPG gameplay, then it's already sold for me.

Superstar90 @ Sep 24th 2008 5:11PM

Oh silly me! I forgot about the whole Level 5 not liking MS thing.

The Magic Master thing makes it seem like it's a Wii/DS game. Like while playing the Wii game, the sideways DS acts as your "book". That would be pretty sweet.

erico316 @ Sep 24th 2008 4:27PM

so im guessing the console version will be on the ps3 since the wii is like the ds and they dislike working for Microsoft.

Xoviet chiK @ Sep 24th 2008 4:38PM

They dislike working with Microsoft, but who says Microsoft would be publishing?

Really it could be any of the three. The philosophy behind Wii and NDS are similar, that doesn't mean Level 5 has to design both games the same. That whole "Magic Master" book, though, is definitely making me lean towards PlayStation 3, and maybe 360. It has PlayStation Eye and / or Xbox LIVE Vision written all over it.

Immortal Technique PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Sep 24th 2008 4:31PM

I love me some Studio Ghibli.

Saw "Ponyo on a cliff" yesterday and even though I couldn't understand the language the story spoke volumes. I can see how this film was certainly an olive branch to Hayao-san's child he is at odds with.

Any game that has Ghibli involved has my support. Even if it is on the DS which I don't like all that much.

Professor Lario @ Sep 24th 2008 10:20PM

theone124@hotmail.com - my junk account. Send me your addy and I'll send you my real addy.

Professor Lario @ Sep 24th 2008 4:36PM

I absolutely adore the work done by Studio Ghibli. For anyone that hasn't seen Spirited Away do yourself a treat and check it out. Amazing film.

Immortal Technique PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Sep 24th 2008 4:43PM

Pom Pokko (maybe the correct spelling) is my absolute favorite. I have every single Ghibli movie and even the old television show Conan: Boy In Future. If you know the right sources you should get a copy of the new film Ponyo On A Cliff.

I have a copy that I can post on my mobile me networked Air drive. Post an e-mail and I will send you directions.

BananaBoat @ Sep 24th 2008 7:18PM

I'm a Castle of Cagliostro man myself. When I found out that Miyazaki had not only done a Lupin III movie, but that he had done the first season of the show, I went on a frenzy looking for it. Couldn't be more pleased with either the show (the first season) or the movie.

I'm probably the only person that liked Howl's Moving Castle though. Can't take two steps in Ghibli territory without someone taking a large dump all over it. I suppose it's because the main character wasn't a little girl like in most of the other Ghibli movies (Spirited Away, Nausicaa, Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, etc) but I still found it to be excellent.

I hope they hand draw the animation for the game. Nothing would please me more than actually getting to play in a Studio Ghibli created world.

JeepersCreepers @ Sep 24th 2008 9:06PM

Me and my fiance love Howl's Moving Castle. Not entirely sure why you think that the main protagonist isn't a female (the 'hero' of the story, if you will, is Sophie. Despite age and lack of magic, she has to bring an end to the evil).

Either way, Howl's isn't my favorite, but I love it still. I'd have to throw my hat in the Nausicaa or Mononoke camp if I were to pick a favorite. Laputa is pretty cool too, but on a different level.

Look forward to a DS game. I know it'll be awesome if made by Level 5

rokobungi @ Sep 24th 2008 9:45PM

I think isao takahata's works are a bit deeper than miyazaki's but just don't have the universal appeal
my favorite has to be Naussica but a close second and third are Totoro and Pon Poko

jquadman @ Sep 25th 2008 9:45AM

Porco Rosso and Princess Mononoke are my favorites. Studio Ghibli's involvement is very exciting indeed.

hey_big_dck psn:fuliano626 @ Sep 24th 2008 4:54PM

hmm the console version could be on the ps3 cause they are just finishing up a game on it (white knight story) or the wii cause it is coming out on the ds as for 360 uh idk they like to explore who knows i hope its for ps3 though, but the back of my head thinks wii.