Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Level-5 reveals slate of mobile RPGs in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/level-5-reveals-slate-of-mobile-rpgs-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/level-5-reveals-slate-of-mobile-rpgs-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/level-5-reveals-slate-of-mobile-rpgs-in-japan/#commentsLevel5 reveals slate of upcoming mobile RPGs for Japan Professor Layton series developer Level-5 is working on a trio of role-playing games for mobile platforms in Japan, according to a report in this week's edition of the Japanese magazine Famitsu.

Heading up the series is Wonder Flick, a loot-based RPG featuring a soundtrack by Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu. Other announced games include the railway simulation RPG Majin Station and Chikyu Kaimetsu teki B-kyu Kanojo, a post-apocalyptic adventure starring a cast of female mercenaries.

Level-5 registered a series of trademarks earlier this month pointing to these upcoming releases. Judging from the gameplay descriptions Famitsu provided, the trademarked name Rare Drop Boukensha Note was apparently an alternate title for Wonder Flick.

All announced games are set to premiere in Japan by the end of the year.

JoystiqLevel-5 reveals slate of mobile RPGs in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chikyu-kaimetsu-teki-b-kyu-kanojojapanlevel-5majin-stationmobilerpgwonder-flickWed, 29 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/#comments
The Starship Damrey, the first Guild02 game from Level-5, is available for download in the 3DS eShop today for $7.99. A sci-fi horror adventure game from Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko, The Starship Damrey awakens players in a mysterious place and tasks them with finding out where they are, and who they are.

Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko are influential writers whose prose can be seen in a multitude of visual novel games and text adventures in Japan. The two are known for leading the charge of the "Sound Novel" genre.

The Guild02 collection was a series of games, bundled together in Japan, featuring several notable contributors. Rather than being bundled, each game will be sold piecemeal in the US. It is worth noting, however, that all of the games from the Guild01 series eventually went on sale at the same time, forming a kind of cheap bundle. If you're patient, you might get lucky.

Gallery: The Starship Damrey

Continue reading Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today

JoystiqLevel 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-eshopeshopguild02level-5nintendothe-starship-damreyThu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 registers three new, mysterious trademarks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/level-5-registers-three-new-mysterious-trademarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/level-5-registers-three-new-mysterious-trademarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/level-5-registers-three-new-mysterious-trademarks/#comments Level 5 has registered trademarks for three heretofore unannounced projects, Siliconera reports. Rare Drop Adventurer Note, Earth Devastating B-rank Girlfriend and Wonderflick were all trademarked by the developer around the same time, which may indicate that these titles collectively represent a third entry in Level 5's Guild series.

Beyond the fact that these trademarks were filed, however, nothing else is known about what these games might be, if they end up being games at all. Who knows, maybe Earth Devastating B-rank Girlfriend is a new magical girl anime from Level 5 and Studio Ghibli? Well, okay, probably not, but one can dream.

JoystiqLevel-5 registers three new, mysterious trademarks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth-Devastating-B-rank-Girlfriendlevel-5Rare-Drop-Adventurer-NotetrademarktrademarksWonderflickSat, 04 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Guild02 game coming to 3DS eShop on May 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/first-guild02-game-coming-to-3ds-eshop-on-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/first-guild02-game-coming-to-3ds-eshop-on-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/first-guild02-game-coming-to-3ds-eshop-on-may-16/#commentsFirst Guild02 game coming to 3DS eShop on May 16 The Starship Damrey will launch on the North American eShop on May 16. The game is the first in Level-5's Guild02 series to cross over to the US in its own 3DS download.

The Starship Damrey is an action-adventure game that has players waking up without knowing who or where they are. That's in the game, at least. That would be horrifying in real life.

Gallery: The Starship Damrey

JoystiqFirst Guild02 game coming to 3DS eShop on May 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsguild02Level-5nintendorelease-datethe-starship-damreySat, 04 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy visits EU this year, NA 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacy-visits-europe-this-year-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacy-visits-europe-this-year-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacy-visits-europe-this-year-n/#comments Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is coming to Europe this year, but North America won't see it arrive until 2014. The news comes via this morning's Nintendo Direct which revealed the schedule for the sixth Layton entry's 3DS world tour, the Level-5 puzzler having already come to Japan on February 28. Nintendo of America says the new Layton crams a whopping 500-plus puzzles underneath its top hat.

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Azran Legacy visits EU this year, NA 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5nintendonintendo-direct-aprilprofessor-layton-and-the-azran-legacyrelease-dateWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Level 5 'planning' a PS4 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/level-5-planning-a-ps4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/level-5-planning-a-ps4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/level-5-planning-a-ps4-game/#comments Level-5 was listed as one of the third-party developers signed on for PlayStation 4 development. CEO Akihiro Hino told Nikkei (translated by Siliconera) that the company has a specific game in mind for the platform, which is in the "planning" stage now. He indicated that the developer and publisher "may" be able to announce this game in the near future.

Hino said that it's important to figure out the PS4's network components when planning a game for it, as well as the usual specs and graphical tech.

It's going to be really satisfying when Level-5 is making a PS5 game. Just for the sake of symmetry.

JoystiqLevel 5 'planning' a PS4 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akihiro-Hinolevel-5playstationps3Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nab Ni No Kuni for $40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/nab-ni-no-kuni-for-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/nab-ni-no-kuni-for-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/nab-ni-no-kuni-for-40/#comments A couple of retailers are offering Ni No Kuni at a hefty discount. Amazon has the wonderful RPG down to a mere $40. If you like your shopping a bit more up close and personal, Target has it available for the same price in-store. That's like ... 80 cents an hour.

JoystiqNab Ni No Kuni for $40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3studio-ghibliMon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[White Knight Chronicles 1 & 2 servers shutting down in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/white-knight-chronicles-1-and-2-servers-shutting-down-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/white-knight-chronicles-1-and-2-servers-shutting-down-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/white-knight-chronicles-1-and-2-servers-shutting-down-in-june/#comments Servers for both White Knight Chronicles and White Knight Chronicles 2 are being taken down on June 18. The WKC2 server shutdown was announced by D3 Publisher, while the WKC1 news came from Sony Computer Entertainment America.

The servers were shared by North American and European players, so while both announcements only specify North America, they likely affect Europe as well. Neither announcement specified reasons for the servers being terminated.

The servers in both of the Level-5 JRPGs allow players to go online and take part in co-operative missions and town-building. North Americans will have had access to WKC2's online play for just over 21 months when the servers close this summer.

JoystiqWhite Knight Chronicles 1 & 2 servers shutting down in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5playstationps3sony-computer-entertainment-americaThu, 21 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Liberation Maiden live on App Store in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/liberation-maiden-live-on-app-store-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/liberation-maiden-live-on-app-store-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/liberation-maiden-live-on-app-store-in-north-america/#comments
We didn't have to wait long to find out about Level-5's plans for an American iOS release of Suda 51's shooter Liberation Maiden: it's available on iTunes right now for $4.99.

The port of the 3DS game doesn't just remove buttons from the controls and $3 from the price. It also adds Retina Display graphics, Game Center challenges and leaderboards. Those should help add some longevity to a game we found exciting but abrupt.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden (iOS)

Continue reading Liberation Maiden live on App Store in North America

JoystiqLiberation Maiden live on App Store in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufactureiosipadiphonelevel-5liberation-maidenmobilerelease-dateThu, 07 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grasshopper and Level-5's Liberation Maiden moves to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/grasshopper-and-level-5s-liberation-maiden-moves-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/grasshopper-and-level-5s-liberation-maiden-moves-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/grasshopper-and-level-5s-liberation-maiden-moves-to-ios/#comments Grasshopper and Level5's Liberation Maiden moves to iOS soonA surprise release of Liberation Maiden showed up on the iTunes App Store in New Zealand today, which, for other apps, usually leads to a worldwide release throughout the day as their respective clocks strike midnight.

Liberation Maiden was originally released on 3DS in Japan as part of the Guild01 cartridge, and in North America as a standalone 3DS eShop game. It's a collaboration between Suda 51/Grasshopper Manufacture and Level-5, in which you control the teenage president of Japan in her flying mech.

We've checked in with Level-5 about the prospects for the other Guild01 games on iOS.

JoystiqGrasshopper and Level-5's Liberation Maiden moves to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufactureiosipadiphonelevel-5liberation-maidenmobileWed, 06 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Azran Legacies' Japanese launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-japanese-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-japanese-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-japanese-launch-trailer/#comments
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacies for 3DS will be available later this week on February 28 in Japan. For those with the ability to comprehend Japanese, here's the latest trailer for the game. Still no word on international release window.

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Azran Legacies' Japanese launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5nintendoprofessor-layton-and-the-azran-legaciesTue, 26 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco brings more Ni no Kuni stock to the UK following sellouts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/namco-brings-more-ni-no-kuni-stock-to-the-uk-following-sellouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/namco-brings-more-ni-no-kuni-stock-to-the-uk-following-sellouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/namco-brings-more-ni-no-kuni-stock-to-the-uk-following-sellouts/#comments Namco Bandai assured us it's making available more, limited stock of Ni no Kuni to the UK's leading retailers this week following widespread reports of it selling out across the country.

The Level-5 and Studio Ghibli PS3 game was the surprise leader of this week's UK charts, becoming the first JRPG outside of Final Fantasy or Pokémon entries to grab top spot in the last ten years.

JoystiqNamco brings more Ni no Kuni stock to the UK following sellouts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3studio-ghibliukWed, 06 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Ni No Kuni familiar Draggle makes eyes at North America Feb. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/free-ni-no-kuni-familiar-draggle-makes-eyes-at-north-america-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/free-ni-no-kuni-familiar-draggle-makes-eyes-at-north-america-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/free-ni-no-kuni-familiar-draggle-makes-eyes-at-north-america-feb/#comments Free Ni No Kuni familiar Draggle makes eyes at North America Feb 12In Europe, a free Ni No Kuni familiar - they're essentially monsters you defeat, recruit and then train to fight for you - has been available for download. On February 12, Namco Bandai will extend the gesture to North America and offer the same critter, named Draggle, as a free download.

Draggle is a plump little domesticated dragon said to have "downright adorable eyes" that families looking for a pet seem to favor - at least, so says the little guy's PSN page. In Europe, Draggle was offered gratis alongside Golden Hurly, though it would appear Namco Bandai has no intention of giving us the latter.

Continue reading Free Ni No Kuni familiar Draggle makes eyes at North America Feb. 12

JoystiqFree Ni No Kuni familiar Draggle makes eyes at North America Feb. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdragglelevel-5ni-no-kuniplaystationps3Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ni no Kuni PSN EU download not working, being republished]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/ni-no-kuni-psn-eu-download-not-working-being-republished/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/ni-no-kuni-psn-eu-download-not-working-being-republished/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/ni-no-kuni-psn-eu-download-not-working-being-republished/#comments Ni No Kuni PSN EU downloads not working, preorders unfulfilled European PS3 owners who pre-ordered Ni no Kuni on PSN are still waiting for the game following download issues. Although the game, out today in Europe and Australasia, can be downloaded, when you try to play it a message appears saying it isn't installed properly. PlayStation Europe says it's republishing the game onto PSN now, and hopes to complete the process by afternoon time over there.

The PSN issues in Europe follow the debacle on the US side with pre-orders of the Wizard's Edition, which left many customers with cancellations. The issues threaten to overshadow what's generally been a very well received game, one which we doled out four and a half stars to in our review. We felt the Studio Ghilbi and Level-5 collaboration is what made the game tick, saying that "one without the other might have been good, but together they've created a superb role-playing game for this generation to savor."

JoystiqNi no Kuni PSN EU download not working, being republished originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadeuropeissueslevel-5namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3PSNstudio-ghibliFri, 01 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai denies collusion with eBay reseller amid Ni no Kuni Wizard's Edition shortage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/namco-bandai-denies-collusion-with-ebay-reseller-amid-ni-no-kuni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/namco-bandai-denies-collusion-with-ebay-reseller-amid-ni-no-kuni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/namco-bandai-denies-collusion-with-ebay-reseller-amid-ni-no-kuni/#comments After some orders for the Wizard's Edition of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch started being mysteriously cancelled, Namco Bandai stepped forward to clarify that the special edition had been oversold, that the issue was caused by an error in its e-commerce provider's software and that said provider would be in touch to work things out.

Shortly thereafter, Wizard's Editions were found on PlayCanada's eBay store, marked up to an astronomical $400 each. The Internet, being the Internet, quickly jumped to the conclusion that Namco Bandai and/or Digital River had entered into a clandestine agreement with PlayCanada, removing inventory from its official site in order to maximize profits through an eBay scalper.

"NAMCO BANDAI Games America is not, nor has it ever, worked with or in conjunction with the EBay seller known as 'PlayCanada' to sell units of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Wizard's Edition at a price premium on EBay," Namco Bandai has told us.

"According to our records, this individual or group of individuals purchased Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Wizard's Edition during the NinoStarter promotion period (August 2012); at which time, no limits were placed on how many units an individual could order. PlayCanada's claims that they officially worked with NAMCO BANDAI Games America to obtain their stock is entirely false."

Namco Bandai is still attempting to make it up to fans who pre-ordered the Wizard's Edition and aren't going to receive one; every affected person will receive a 400-page hardbound strategy guide that includes a code for an in-game "Gold Hurly Familiar," as well as a $20 clubNamco voucher.

JoystiqNamco Bandai denies collusion with eBay reseller amid Ni no Kuni Wizard's Edition shortage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionDigital-riverDLCebayLevel-5Namco-Bandaini-no-kunininostarterout-of-stockoversoldplaycanadaplaystationps3strategy-guidewizards-editionSat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ni no Kuni Wizard's Edition oversold, some orders being canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ni-no-kuni-wizards-edition-oversold-some-orders-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ni-no-kuni-wizards-edition-oversold-some-orders-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ni-no-kuni-wizards-edition-oversold-some-orders-being-canceled/#comments The special "Wizard's Edition" of Level 5's Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, available exclusively through Namco Bandai's online shop, has been oversold, resulting in a multitude of issues for those that placed orders while the package was supposedly still in stock.

Digital River, the e-commerce middleware provider that powers Namco Bandai's shop, experienced an error in its ordering system that resulted in the Wizard's Edition's erroneous post-sellout availability. As a result, some orders have simply seen shipping delays, while others have seemingly failed to process at all or have been cancelled entirely. The number of non-existent packages sold is unknown.

"If your order(s) has been cancelled, we will be reaching out to you by email with additional information as soon as possible," an official update reads. Affected customers that feel proactive about resolving their issue can also contact Digital River directly by emailing namcobandai.en.cs@digitalriver.com, or by calling 952-392-2057.

It's also worth mentioning that while Digital River says it will be addressing the issues of everyone affected, the update does not go into detail about what that resolution may look like. To be on the safe side, we recommend tempering your expectations towards a refund and an apology.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqNi no Kuni Wizard's Edition oversold, some orders being canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancellationcancelled-ordersdelayDigital-rivererrorLevel-5Namco-Bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3Studio-Ghibliwizards-editionThu, 24 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Ni no Kuni]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/metareview-ni-no-kuni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/metareview-ni-no-kuni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/metareview-ni-no-kuni/#comments
Level-5's Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch delivers that Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle) animation charm like it's tapped into a fascination factory. Reviewers were pulled into the game by its engrossing world, but the gameplay they found there is where things begin to vary.
  • IGN (94/100): "I wanted it to keep going. That's because Ni No Kuni is just that special, and every RPG fan owes it to him or herself to pick it up and see why."
  • Gamespot (90/100): "Ni no Kuni proudly joins that elite group of games providing such an enticing world that you can't imagine never having visited it. The only problem, of course, is that you may never want to leave."
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "Ni no Kuni is rich yet breezy, classic yet modern, exquisitely made and completely sure of itself. Best of all, Level-5 and Ghibli's artists have worked together to create a gorgeous adventure that feels like it belongs to both of them."
  • Game Informer (70/100): "Despite the adrenaline-pumping intensity, the battle system has its frustrations. Sometimes the window to defend passes far too quickly. Not only must you select defend for your character, you must also order the sub-par AI companions to protect themselves as well."
  • Polygon (65/100): "I was charmed, but always by stuff surrounding the gameplay - never by the gameplay itself. Level-5 hasn't created a bad game but an inconsistent one that doesn't seem to understand its own strengths and weaknesses. The flashy look and cheerful tone will pull some people through, but at its core, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is missing a chunk of its heart that's hard to ignore. "

JoystiqMetareview: Ni no Kuni originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Level-5Metareviewmetareviewsni-no-kuniplaystationps3Studio-GhibliThu, 24 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Azran Legacies unravels in Japan on February 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-unravels-in-japan-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-unravels-in-japan-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/professor-layton-and-the-azran-legacies-unravels-in-japan-on-feb/#comments
Luke, a true gentleman should always be aware that Professor Layton and the Azran Legacies releases in Japan on February 28. The 3DS game is the final entry in the Layton prequel trilogy, and the last to star the hatted pointer as a protagonist.

Release dates for other regions aren't yet known, but given the last entry also came to Japan during February, there's a good chance Azran Legacies arrives in North America and Europe around October time. As for whether or not Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney is making its way to Western shores, that remains an unsolved mystery.

On the sweeter side of things, Layton fans in Japan can look forward to a new range of chocolate with the prof's face plastered across it. As Siliconera reports, the chocolatiers behind Pocky are releasing two flavors of 'Professor Layton's Puzzle Solution Break Chocolate,' namely chocolate gateau and the wonderful-sounding oolong tea chiffon cake.

We'd be (pleasantly) surprised if the chocolate finds its way over here.

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Azran Legacies unravels in Japan on February 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5nintendoprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-azran-legaciesThu, 10 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Ghost Watch screens live among us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/new-ghost-watch-screens-live-among-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/new-ghost-watch-screens-live-among-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/new-ghost-watch-screens-live-among-us/#comments New Ghost Watch screens live among usWe don't know much about Ghost Watch (known as Youkai Watch in Japan), but these new screens show the game's Sakura New Town as being a pretty normal place to live, according to a Siliconera translation. That's if you don't count having monster neighbors as being out of the ordinary, and not the type that leave bags of garbage on their front porch in 90-degree weather, but actual monsters.

The game has Keeta, the boy in the red shirt, wearing a ridiculously large watch that allows him to see the apparitions and befriend them. Ghost Watch is the latest 3DS game from Level-5, though no release date has been announced yet.

Gallery: Ghost Watch (12/30/12)

JoystiqNew Ghost Watch screens live among us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsghost-watchLevel-5nintendoscreensscreenshotsyoukai-watchSun, 30 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Ni No Kuni's art style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-art-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-art-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-art-style/#comments
This latest development diary for Ni No Kuni focuses on the game's art style, pioneered by world renowned Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. As you might expect, literally every single thing about Ghibli's creative process is completely adorable, even the old dudes. Especially the old dudes.

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Ni No Kuni's art style originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesdev-diaryLevel-5Namco-Bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3Studio-GhibliSat, 29 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crimson Shroud review: A successful roll]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/crimson-shroud-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/crimson-shroud-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/crimson-shroud-review/#comments Crimson Shroud review A successful rollYou may not see them, but dice rolls are pretty much everywhere in RPGs. Even role-playing shooters like Alpha Protocol feature dice rolls to an extent. But Crimson Shroud is one of the few I can think of to literally feature dice. It's one of its most endearing features.

In essence, Crimson Shroud is a one-shot tabletop adventure for the Nintendo 3DS. As with the classic Dungeons & Dragons games, multiple dice are used in everything from rolling for initiative to determining whether the party can launch a surprise attack. Characters are represented by the tiny figurines used to map distance, and the story is told across long tracts of text, as if the Dungeon Master were actually narrating. For longtime tabletop gamers, it's a treat.

Gallery: Crimson Shroud (3DS eShop)

Continue reading Crimson Shroud review: A successful roll

JoystiqCrimson Shroud review: A successful roll originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscrimson-shroudeshoplevel-5nintendoThu, 13 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Heartbreaking beauty of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/heartbreaking-beauty-of-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/heartbreaking-beauty-of-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/heartbreaking-beauty-of-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/#comments Ni No Kuni preview More than just a Ghibli faceThe visual quality of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is so impressive, the upcoming PlayStation 3 role-playing game often resembles an interactive Studio Ghibli movie. No matter your angle, Ni No Kuni is bright, beguiling, and beautiful - even in the face of disparities between its animated cutscenes and in-game action.

Given the storytelling pedigree of co-developers Studio Ghibli and Level-5 - and the latter's prowess in the role-playing game genre - my hope was Ni No Kuni can be as enchanting as Spirited Away, yet underlined by the kind of design that makes Dark Cloud 2 so deep.

Based on my brief experience with the final build, there's legitimate cause for optimism; however, concerns remain. There are, at the very least, the seeds of curiosity in Ni No Kuni.

Continue reading Heartbreaking beauty of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

JoystiqHeartbreaking beauty of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationpreviewps3studio-ghibliWed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega sues Level-5, charges patent infringement in Inazuma Eleven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/#comments Sega is suing Level 5 over touchscreen mechanic patentLevel-5, perhaps best known in the western world as the publisher of the Professor Layton games, has a popular soccer series in Japan called Inazuma Eleven, and Sega doesn't like it. Sega is suing Level-5, alleging patent infringement on a mechanic in Nintendo DS versions of Inazuma Eleven that allows players to move characters with their fingers or a stylus, Kotaku reports.

Sega's endgame is to halt the sale of all eight Inazuma Eleven games and to get ¥900 million ($11 million) in damages from Level-5. The case heard opening statements on December 7, and Level-5 plans to fight the charges.

"We are preparing our rebuttal and do not have any comments to make at this time," Level-5 says.

JoystiqSega sues Level-5, charges patent infringement in Inazuma Eleven originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsinazuma-elevenlawsuitlegalLevel-5nintendopatent-infringementSegasuesuingTue, 11 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Ni no Kuni's development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/behind-the-scenes-of-ni-no-kunis-development/#comments
In this video, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino guides you through the company's Fukuoka headquarters, to show where and how Ni no Kuni acquired its beautiful look. At least part of that look comes from the motion capture studio, with the help of a fake book and wand.

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Ni no Kuni's development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5ni-no-kuniplaystationps3Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Porterbliss: Aero Porter (3DS eShop)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/porterbliss-aero-porter-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/porterbliss-aero-porter-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/porterbliss-aero-porter-3ds-eshop/#comments This is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

I didn't think it was possible, but I feel sympathy for the people in airports who deal with my luggage. But only if I imagine all of the sorting is done by one person, in a system exactly like the one shown in Aero Porter. I ... would have to imagine that's not how it really is.

Gallery: Aero Porter (11/16/12)

Continue reading Porterbliss: Aero Porter (3DS eShop)

JoystiqPorterbliss: Aero Porter (3DS eShop) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaero-portereshoplevel-5nintendovivariumMon, 03 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney trailer heralds Japanese launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-launch-trailer-is-japanese-onl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-launch-trailer-is-japanese-onl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-launch-trailer-is-japanese-onl/#comments
3DS crossover Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney is out today in Japan, but a Western release is yet to be announced. While every Layton game has made its way here, the same can't be said for the Ace Attorney series.

JoystiqProfessor Layton vs. Ace Attorney trailer heralds Japanese launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomlevel-5nintendoprofessor-layton-vs-phoenix-wrightThu, 29 Nov 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney gameplay trailer is puzzling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-gameplay-trailer-is-puzzling/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-gameplay-trailer-is-puzzling/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-gameplay-trailer-is-puzzling/#comments
This trailer for Level-5's crossover game Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney shows off some of the courtroom drama and puzzle-solving players can look forward to. Well, that's the action most players can only hope for, since the game has yet to be announced for North America.

Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney is set to release November 29 in Japan for 3DS.

JoystiqProfessor Layton vs. Ace Attorney gameplay trailer is puzzling originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAce-AttorneyCapcomgameplayLevel-5nintendoPhoenix-WrightProfessor-Laytonprofessor-layton-vs-phoenix-wrighttrailerSun, 25 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vagrant Story creator Matsuno leaves Level-5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/vagrant-story-creator-matsuno-leaves-level-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/vagrant-story-creator-matsuno-leaves-level-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/vagrant-story-creator-matsuno-leaves-level-5/#comments Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy 12 creator no longer at Level 5Yasumi Matsuno, creator of Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story, as well as Final Fantasy XII, has left his most recent job at Level-5 after just over a year. While at the company, Matsuno directed Crimson Shroud, one of the games in the 3DS Guild01 collection, which will be released separately as an eShop game this year in North America and Europe.

"I'd like to formally announce my departure from Level-5, effective last month," Matsuno announced via Twitter. "With my work done on the domestic and overseas version of my latest 3DSWare game, it was good timing for me to step down and take a short break in order to recharge for my next project. My deepest thanks to everyone at Level-5 and everyone playing our games for your continued support." When asked what he's doing next, Matsuno replied "Sorry, it's a secret ..."

JoystiqVagrant Story creator Matsuno leaves Level-5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscrimson-shroudlevel-5nintendoyasumi-matsunoThu, 08 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask review: Mask of makeovers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-review/#comments Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask review Mask of makeoversProfessor Layton has become one of my favorite series over the course of five games, but I never think of it as such until another one drops in my lap. The same low-key quality that makes each game such a relaxing, rejuvenating bit of comfort food also makes it easy to forget when one isn't in my DS at that very moment.

It's a shame that I should take something like a Layton game for granted. They're universally lovely experiences, and I revel in the genuine unwinding that I get to do while playing one.

They're also formulaic. That's not a negative judgment - the formula works well. It just makes it difficult for me to evaluate them against each other. But Level-5 took some chances with Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask in the transition from DS to 3DS, ranging from minor interface and presentation tweaks to surprisingly dramatic breaks from the familiar formula. The real achievement is in making a game that still feels fundamentally like Professor Layton while also experimenting.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (3DS)

Continue reading Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask review: Mask of makeovers

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Miracle Mask review: Mask of makeovers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5nintendoprofessor-layton-and-the-mask-of-miracleprofessor-layton-and-the-miracle-maskMon, 29 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Liberation Maiden (3DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/portabliss-liberation-maiden-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/portabliss-liberation-maiden-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/portabliss-liberation-maiden-3ds/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.
Snapshot or Portabliss Liberation Maiden 3DS
The adage "leave them wanting more" immediately came to mind upon completing Liberation Maiden, a feat which took a little under two hours to accomplish. Level 5 and Grasshopper Manufacture's 3DS eShop shooter is engaging enough to whet the palate, but the ideas presented by its design don't feel like they have enough time to mature.

It's almost like the development team started out with the design document for an entire, full-length shooter, and then decided to only made the first five levels. Thankfully, those five levels are exciting, twitchy arcade fun with Level 5's trademark of polish and Suda 51's sense of style.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden

Continue reading Portabliss: Liberation Maiden (3DS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Liberation Maiden (3DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopgrasshopper-manufactureLevel-5liberation-maidennintendoportablisssuda-51Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Level-5's other new 3DS jam is Ghost Watch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/report-level-5s-other-new-3ds-jam-is-ghost-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/report-level-5s-other-new-3ds-jam-is-ghost-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/report-level-5s-other-new-3ds-jam-is-ghost-watch/#comments

Youkai Watch, also known as Ghost Watch in North America, is coming to 3DS, according to the latest CoroCoro magazine, translated by Siliconera. The game was first announced by developer Level-5 one year ago at its Vision event.

Of course, until Level-5 confirms that the game even exists anymore, we're putting it in our box of rumors. We do know that Level-5's Liberation Maiden will be heading to the North American 3DS eShop October 25, however. We've embedded the original announcement trailer for Ghost Watch for your amusement above.

JoystiqReport: Level-5's other new 3DS jam is Ghost Watch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCorocorocorocoro-comicsghost-watchLevel-5nintendoyokai-watchyoukai-watchSun, 14 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Liberation Maiden liberates North American 3DSes Oct. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/liberation-maiden-liberates-north-american-3dses-oct-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/liberation-maiden-liberates-north-american-3dses-oct-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/liberation-maiden-liberates-north-american-3dses-oct-25/#comments Liberation Maiden liberates North American 3DSes Oct 25Suda 51 and Level 5's 3DS anime shooter Liberation Maiden will make its stateside debut on the North American 3DS eShop on Thursday, October 25, according to the eShop's news ticker. Previously, Liberation Maiden was featured in a Japan-exclusive 3DS multi-cart called Guild01. The other two titles in the set are set to release on the eShop later this year.

Liberation Maiden puts players in the shoes of Shoko Ōzora, a young high-school student who also happens to be the President of Japan, on account of the unfortunate assassination of her father. An invading force is attempting to steal all of Japan's energy resources, so obviously the best solution is to have Shoko pilot the "Kaihoki" mech herself into battle.

Animated cutscenes in the shooter come courtesy of Studio Bones, whose previous work includes the anime Wolf's Rain, Full Metal Alchemist and Soul Eater.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden

JoystiqLiberation Maiden liberates North American 3DSes Oct. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopgrasshopper-manufacturelevel-5liberation-maidennintendorelease-datesuda-51Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out Level-5's 3DS-bound 'Liberation Maiden,' 'Aero Porter,' and 'Crimson Shroud']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/check-out-level-5s-3ds-bound-liberation-maiden-aero-porter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/check-out-level-5s-3ds-bound-liberation-maiden-aero-porter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/check-out-level-5s-3ds-bound-liberation-maiden-aero-porter/#comments
Level-5 sent out some more media of its eShop trio: Suda51's Liberation Maiden; Aero Porter, an airport baggage-themed puzzler by Seaman creator Yoot Saito; and Crimson Shroud, a tabletop-style RPG by Final Fantasy Tactics' Yasumi Matsuno. See all three games in the above trailer; and check out more images of Liberation Maiden in our gallery.

Liberation Maiden is perfect for election season, as it stars a mech pilot who is also the president. Now that's a campaign platform we can agree with: one from which giant robots are launched.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden

Continue reading Check out Level-5's 3DS-bound 'Liberation Maiden,' 'Aero Porter,' and 'Crimson Shroud'

JoystiqCheck out Level-5's 3DS-bound 'Liberation Maiden,' 'Aero Porter,' and 'Crimson Shroud' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaero-portercrimson-shroudeshoplevel-5liberation-maidennintendoThu, 04 Oct 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's Guild01 games coming to 3DS eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/level-5s-guild01-games-coming-to-3ds-eshop-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/level-5s-guild01-games-coming-to-3ds-eshop-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/level-5s-guild01-games-coming-to-3ds-eshop-in-europe/#comments Level-5 is releasing three of the four minigames from the Guild01 collection on the 3DS eShop in Europe this year, as separate apps. Suda51's "Liberation Maiden," Yoot Saito's "Aero Porter," and Yasumi Matsuno's "Crimson Shroud" will be released in October, November, and December, respectively.

Liberation Maiden will be available immediately following the Nintendo Direct presentation in Europe. Like, today.

Update: Nintendo of America is also bringing these three games out, by the end of 2012. Liberation Maiden, Suda51's anime-inspired shooting game, is first, coming "before this holiday season."

JoystiqLevel-5's Guild01 games coming to 3DS eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aero-portercrimson-shroudeuropeguild-01guild01level-5liberation-maidennintendo-directThu, 04 Oct 2012 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's Hino wants to adapt Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5s-hino-wants-to-adapt-studio-ghiblis-castle-in-the-sky/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5s-hino-wants-to-adapt-studio-ghiblis-castle-in-the-sky/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5s-hino-wants-to-adapt-studio-ghiblis-castle-in-the-sky/#comments Level 5's Hino wants to work with Studio Ghibli again, would like to adapt Castle in the SkyNi No Kuni is the first collaboration between Level-5 and Japan's famous Studio Ghibli, and Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino hopes it won't be the last. Speaking during a group interview session at a pre-TGS event at Namco's headquarters in Tokyo, Hino noted that he'd like to work with Studio Ghibli again. "If there is a potential opportunity to work with them again," he said, through an interpreter, "yes, we'd like to work on some joint projects with them in the future - if there is, of course, a possibility."

Concerning exactly what sort of project he'd like to pursue, we asked if Level 5 has had any discussions about adapting existing Studio Ghibli properties into video games. Hino said that he would love to but, naturally, Ghibli would have to approve any such projects. Corporate approvals aren't a very entertaining topic of conversation though, so we just went ahead and asked which Studio Ghibli film he would like to adapt. Given the opportunity, he said, he would adapt Castle in the Sky.

That strange rustling you just heard was the sound of millions of fingers being crossed.

JoystiqLevel-5's Hino wants to adapt Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinolevel-5ni-no-kuniplaystationps3studio-ghiblitgs-2012Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, and more Layton trailers than you can handle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-and-more-layton-trailers-than/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-and-more-layton-trailers-than/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney-and-more-layton-trailers-than/#comments
Level-5 showed off its wide variety of Professor Layton material at TGS, releasing trailers for Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney (above) along with Professor Layton and the Legacy of Super Civilization A, Layton Brothers Mystery Room, and Professor Layton and the Century of the Seven Phantom Thieves.

Continue reading Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, and more Layton trailers than you can handle

JoystiqProfessor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, and more Layton trailers than you can handle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslayton-brothers-mystery-roomlevel-5mobilenintendoprofessor-layton-vs-phoenix-wrighttgs-2012Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 International America would like to develop games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5-international-america-would-like-to-develop-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5-international-america-would-like-to-develop-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/level-5-international-america-would-like-to-develop-games/#comments Level5Level-5's mysterious "International America" branch is working on the localization for Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, CEO Akihiro Hino tells Siliconera. That kind of thing is the office's responsibility for the time being. "Our US office mainly works to efficiently release the Japanese titles that Level-5 has created overseas and they are involved in production and distribution in the overseas territories," Hino said.

However, there's more in mind than localization for Level-5 IA. "In the future, we would potentially like to develop title overseas where Level-5 International America is taking the lead on developing for the overseas market," he says. Of course, with games like the Layton series, Level-5 already seems to have a decent handle on the overseas market.

JoystiqLevel-5 International America would like to develop games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akihiro-Hinolevel-5Level-5-International-Americani-no-kuniplaystationps3Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's TGS lineup includes playable Layton vs. Ace Attorney and two unannounced games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/level-5s-tgs-lineup-includes-playable-layton-vs-ace-attorney-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/level-5s-tgs-lineup-includes-playable-layton-vs-ace-attorney-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/level-5s-tgs-lineup-includes-playable-layton-vs-ace-attorney-a/#comments Level5's TGS lineup includes playable Layton vs Ace Attorney and two unannounced gamesLevel-5 has two mystery games in its Tokyo Game Show lineup this year. Two "coming soon" blanks show up in the list of ten games on display at this September's event, alongside news that Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney will be playable! It exists!

Also playable: Layton Brothers Mystery Room, Inazuma Eleven Go 2, Fantasy Life, Danbooru Senki W, and Professor Layton and the Legacy of Advanced Civilization A. The updated 3DS versions of the first three Inazuma Eleven games, and the mobile Inazuma Eleven Atsumeyoze! will be video only.

JoystiqLevel-5's TGS lineup includes playable Layton vs. Ace Attorney and two unannounced games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5mobilenintendoprofessor-layton-vs-phoenix-wrighttgs-2012Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Layton for 3DS revealed, will be Layton's last adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/new-layton-for-3ds-revealed-will-be-his-last-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/new-layton-for-3ds-revealed-will-be-his-last-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/new-layton-for-3ds-revealed-will-be-his-last-adventure/#comments New Layton for 3DS revealed, will be his last adventureLevel-5 announced a new Nintendo 3DS Professor Layton game this morning for Japan on Nintendo's Direct video feed. CEO Akihiro Hino introduced the game and teased a bit of in-game footage - spoilers: it looks like Professor Layton! - he also noted that this will be Layton's "last adventure." That doesn't necessarily mean the end of Layton, of course, just that the game's main character is on his way out.

The 3DS Layton - which Andriasang called, "Professor Layton Choubunmei to A no Isan" - arrives in 2013, and per usual Layton announcements, no word was given on a US or EU launch just yet.

JoystiqNew Layton for 3DS revealed, will be Layton's last adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslevel-5nintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-fall-2012professor-laytonWed, 29 Aug 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 trademarks names from 3DS 'Guild01' collection in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/level-5-trademarks-names-from-3ds-guild01-collection-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/level-5-trademarks-names-from-3ds-guild01-collection-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/level-5-trademarks-names-from-3ds-guild01-collection-in-us/#comments Level5 trademarks names from 3DS 'Guild01' collection in US
Guild01 is a collection of four games on one 3DS cartridge, featuring talent like Suda 51 and Seaman/SimTower creator Yoot Saito. So far, it was only released in Japan, but two new trademarks registered by publisher Level-5 indicate potential for a US release.

"Liberation Maiden" and "Crimson Shroud" refer to two games within the 3DS collection, one a shooter made by Suda51, and the other a dungeon RPG designed by Final Fantasy XII/Vagrant Story director Yasumi Matsuno. These are, so far, the only two Guild01-related trademarks registered in the US by Level-5. Curiously absent are the other two games from the cartridge, Saito's airport luggage puzzle game Aero Porter and comedian Yoshiyuki Hirai's weapon shop management game Omasse's Rental Weapon Shop.

The title "Guild01" itself is also missing, which leads us to wonder if Level-5 plans on releasing the games individually instead of in a bundle.

JoystiqLevel-5 trademarks names from 3DS 'Guild01' collection in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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