Joystiq

Persona 4 Golden rushes North America on November 20

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST

Persona 4 Golden will arrive in North America for the PlayStation Vita on November 20. Publisher Atlus also noted in today's announcement that Persona 4 Golden is Japan's best-selling Vita game to date.

The game has received several enhancements from PlayStation 2's Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4, including updated audio and graphics, along with new events and a new character. We now know what we'll be playing at the dinner table while ignoring family at Thanksgiving.

Gallery: Persona 4 Golden (9/18/12)

Persona 4 Golden rushes North America on November 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs

Kat Bailey — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST

This is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.

It's gone largely unnoticed here in the U.S., but Namco Bandai is in the middle of a grand experiment with its Super Robot Taisen strategy RPG series (which has seen life stateside in the past thanks to Atlus USA). And if you like Japanese RPGs - or anything that's expensive to produce in general - you might want to pay attention, because this could be your future.

Namco Bandai's licensed strategy game series -- which teams mechs like Gundam with the likes of Voltron -- has been around for 20 years now, and in that time it's picked up a loyal audience. I know because I'm one of them. We were all excited because we wanted to see how the story would continue in the franchise's latest arc, which kicked off on the PS2.

But Namco Bandai, of course, had a curveball. Like the last two Harry Potter films, the SRT sequel would be split into two parts. It even released a boxed set that came with the first of the two games, a story digest recapping the event of the storyline so far, and a slot for the second game. The total price for just one of the games at launch was 7300 yen (about $90).

The rising prices go hand-in-hand with the decline of anime and domestic gaming in Japan, and the rise of piracy. Put simply, making a Super Robot Taisen game doesn't come cheap. The series has based its reputation on elaborate 2D animated sequences like this this one, which take time and money to create. And the robots touted in the title are all from well-known mecha series, which means ever higher licensing fees.

Continue reading Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs

Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock of Ages gets Steam-exclusive 'Block of Ages' update; PS3 version launching in May with 'secret bonus content'

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST

We enjoyed our time with Rock of Ages, sure, but we really could've used more outright aggravation in our attempts to wield the game's eponymous main character. Atlus' latest Steam-exclusive update to the game solves that very problem, turning the orb of rock into a solid block. As you might imagine, this makes movement just a tad more difficult than normal, meaning that the various obstacles stopping said rock from pulverizing an opponent's castle are all the more difficult to navigate.

Atlus PR man Aram Jabarri demonstrates that frustration in the video we've dropped just above, and you can grab the update for free via Steam right now.

In other Rock of Ages news, the game will finally see launch on the PlayStation 3 in May or June, Jabarri told us. "If the quartz is with us, [Rock of Ages] should be out worldwide for PSN in May/June and it will have bonus content, as well as SECRET bonus content that will launch exclusively on PS3," he said. He also clarified that the Block of Ages content "will not appear on any other platform."

Rock of Ages gets Steam-exclusive 'Block of Ages' update; PS3 version launching in May with 'secret bonus content' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game of Thrones trailer highlights combat and role-playing

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST

The previous trailers for Game of Thrones perhaps didn't cement the fact that, yes, the upcoming game is heavy on role-playing and combat. See for yourself in the new video above.

Game of Thrones trailer highlights combat and role-playing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

The above trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 not only shows off the title's battle system, character interaction mechanics, "master demon fusion" system and demon auctions, but it also reveals the game's North American release date: February 28.

Set in an alternate dimension from the first Devil Survivor, Devil Survivor 2 concerns a group of Japanese high-school students who must use their newly discovered "Devil Messenger" abilities to summon demons and rid Japan of the "Septentrion," a group of creatures who also have the ability to summon demons.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catherine moves 500K copies worldwide

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST

Relationship-infused puzzler Catherine has definitely shipped (and maybe sold) 500,000 copies globally, according to financial results published by Atlus parent company Index. Andriasang also points out strong brand performance by Atlus' Persona series during its latest fiscal year, ended August 31, 2011.

Atlus had a slight communications snafu in early August when its cake (above) reported the game sold 200,000 copies -- given our experience with the truthfulness of cake, this should have been immediately suspect. Turns out, Catherine shipped 200K copies, but still sold a respectable 78K during July in North America.

We've followed up with Atlus to confirm the shipped vs. sold conundrum and will update when we hear back. Either way, not bad for a niche Japanese game -- and it should teach Shadows of the Damned to put a tantalizing picture of a woman undressing on the cover next time.

(Oh, who are we kidding? There won't be a next time.)

Catherine moves 500K copies worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlus: Catherine EU launch requires EU publisher

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST

Catherine is complicated, and so is the business of publishing and distribution. Following up on German site GamersGlobal's report that there was no release in sight for Catherine, we contacted Atlus about the subtleties of the EU situation.

Atlus USA's PR and sales manager Aram Jabbari explained there are "no plans at this time" regarding Catherine's launch in the territory, because the company needs to find a suitable publishing partner. Atlus doesn't have the European infrastructure, so it must first find a distribution partner before it can start promising launch windows. Jabbari cited Atlus titles Persona 4 and 3D Dot Game Heroes, distributed by Square Enix and SouthPeak, respectively, as examples of European partnerships.

This is all to say that it's not that Catherine isn't coming to PAL territories, it's just that Atlus needs to find the right buddy. Gamescom is around the corner -- it would be the perfect time to set up or finalize a deal. Catherine will be ready to start her relationship with North America on July 26.

Atlus: Catherine EU launch requires EU publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catherine demo due out sometime before Japanese release

Mike Schramm — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST

You may not know much about Catherine, the action-adventure game from Atlus that's been teased with some strange trailers, but don't worry -- all will be revealed, says the game's director, with a demo coming early in 2011. Katsura Hashino says that although people have been intrigued by the weird media released so far, many have been confused about what the game actually is, and the demo is apparently designed to reveal exactly that.

No word on when the demo will drop, but the game is due out in Japan on February 17, so presumably it'll be out before then. We look forward to making some sense of all the weirdness so far.

Catherine demo due out sometime before Japanese release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock of Ages will crash through your famous art

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST

If you're not bowled over by the latest trailer for Rock of Ages, then you might have too much appreciation for fine art. Also, the destruction of Michelangelo's "David" by Sisyphus' timeless rock in this latest trailer could be too much for your tender heart to bear, spectacular as it may be.

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Rock of Ages will crash through your famous art originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knights in the Nightmare arriving on Nov. 9, bringing Yggdra Union along

Mike Schramm — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Atlus has good news and bad news for players looking forward to Knights in the Nightmare, the upcoming strategy RPG-slash-bullet hell shooter getting ported to the PSP. We'll give you the bad news first, since that's usually the way to go: The game isn't coming out on October 19 as planned. Instead, you'll have to wait a few more weeks, as the release date has been moved back to November 9. We know, that probably ruins your pre-Halloween plans, but wait for the good news.

The good news is that Atlus is including a digital copy of Yggdra Union with the purchase of "each and every launch copy" of Knights in the Nightmare. You may not know all about the Dept. Heaven series, so keep in mind that these are the two episodes of the series continuing where Riviera: The Promised Land started out, all produced by Sting Entertainment. In essence, you'll get two obscure Japanese genre mashups for the price of just one. Aren't you glad we told you the bad news first?

Continue reading Knights in the Nightmare arriving on Nov. 9, bringing Yggdra Union along

Knights in the Nightmare arriving on Nov. 9, bringing Yggdra Union along originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlus USA president reassures fans

JC Fletcher — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Following Atlus's announcement of a merger into its parent company Index Holdings, you may have been concerned about the state of the developer and publisher. "But what of our RPGs about super-stylish high school students?," you may have asked. "Any news about my beloved sci-fi surgery simulators?" "Will I still have dungeons in which to crawl?"

Atlus USA president Shinichi Suzuki issued a statement today to allay our fears. " We want to assure our fans and affiliates that Atlus remains in operation and will continue, as always, to support our beloved community with the finest quality game experiences possible," Suzuki said. You can read the full statement after the break, then take a sigh of relief and get back to your everyday life of wondering when Atlus USA is going to announce a localization of Catherine.

Continue reading Atlus USA president reassures fans

Atlus USA president reassures fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trine 2 conjures online co-op for XBLA, PSN and PC

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

While failing to materialize on Xbox Live Arcade, whimsical puzzle platformer Trine found critical success on the PlayStation Network (even including a Platinum Trophy) and PC. Online co-op was a notable omission from the game -- and it's one Atlus and Frozenbyte's reforged partnership hopes to correct with Trine 2, coming to XBLA, PSN and PC in spring 2011.

The iconic trio of playable characters returns in Trine 2, each with a new ability to complement the game's more directed approach to puzzle design. Atlus claims that the physics-based challenges will be more difficult to break or avoid outright, but will still accommodate multiple solutions. Hopefully, experimentation -- or "messing around" in gaming parlance -- will still be encouraged, especially now that three friends can tackle puzzles together online.

We get dibs on the wizard, by the way.

Gallery: Trine 2 (E3)

Continue reading Trine 2 conjures online co-op for XBLA, PSN and PC

Trine 2 conjures online co-op for XBLA, PSN and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock of Ages rolling out on XBLA, PSN, PC in spring 2011

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Atlus continues making boulder moves into the digital distribution space with its E3 2010 reveal of Rock of Ages, a new game from Zeno Clash developer ACE Team. It's scheduled to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in spring 2011.

Rock of Ages is essentially a head-to-head, real-time tower defense game in which two players alternate between defending their castles -- separated by a twisting pathway -- and controlling a big-huge boulder rolling towards their opponent's front door. If you're on a roll, your opponent will attempt to slow and divert your boulder by placing towers, fans and units in its path.

As you might expect from ACE Team, the game's art style fluctuates between whimsical and wildly absurd. Levels are derived from four classical art periods and styles, including gothic and renaissance. As Atlus PR manager Aram Jabbari points out, "It's kind of an interesting dichotomy. Blow stuff up with a huge rock and here's a lesson in sophisticated art history."

Continue reading Rock of Ages rolling out on XBLA, PSN, PC in spring 2011

Rock of Ages rolling out on XBLA, PSN, PC in spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled

Jason Dobson — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

The hike up to Darm Tower is taking longer than expected. Atlus has bumped the release of Legacy of Ys: Books I & II for the Nintendo DS back two weeks from its originally announced February 10 ship date. Now set for release on February 24, the publisher notes that the entire first printing of the upcoming RPG will now come packaged with the game's soundtrack CD, originally intended just for those who reserved the game.

The bundling is part of a "fan appreciation" effort called Atlus Spoils, which according to Atlus is intended to "give a little extra something to the company's faithful followers." The announcement follows yesterday's reveal of Devil Summoner 2, which will come stuffed with a free Raiho plushie. Now here, take this hankie and wipe those silver tears from your eyes.

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamasutra examines sexuality, homophobia in Persona 4

Xav de Matos — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2

Gamasutra has examined the meaningful portrayal of sexuality in the recently released Persona 4. The protagonist, Kanji Tatsumi, views his alter ego, Shadow Kanji, as an openly gay and flamboyant manifestation within the in-game world, The Midnight Channel.

Although Kanji's sexuality remains ambiguous, the developer does not reject the possibility that he might be gay. Instead, the decision to leave Kenji's sexuality open was made to give players more context to the views on homosexuality in Japan. According to Yu Namba, Atlus USA's Persona 4 Project Lead, it was the developer's goal to retain the majority of the Japanese content and accurately portray the Eastern culture regarding the subject.

Varying sexual orientations within games from Japan are not unheard of, with Metal Gear Solid 2's Vamp ranking as one of the more famous outed characters. In this case, Kanji's internal turmoil with his orientation is a fascinating take on personal journey, which no other publisher has been brave enough to bring to the North American market.

Gamasutra examines sexuality, homophobia in Persona 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlus: No enhanced version of Persona 4 planned

Jason Dobson — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, RPGs

If you're thinking of holding off on Atlus' upcoming Persona 4 in hopes that the PlayStation 2 RPG will be followed by an even shinier edition, wait NOT! Following April's release of Persona 3 FES, which added enough new content to the RPG to fill a high school student's locker, Atlus now confirmed that "at no point in the future" will it give similar treatment to the upcoming sequel.

So whether or not you plan on pre-ordering the game or strolling up to the register on day one, buy with confidence, niche role-playing faithful, when Persona 4 drops onto shelves on December 9.

Atlus: No enhanced version of Persona 4 planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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R-Type Command to include R-9 collectible

Jason Dobson — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PSP, Strategy

If you're looking forward to the upcoming May 6 release of R-Type Command for the PSP, but are wondering where to pick it up, Atlus USA might have just made the decision a tad easier. The company has announced that for a "very limited" time those who buy the game from GameStop, Amazon.com, GameCrazy, EB Games Canada, and other select retailers will be able to take home a free plastic miniature replica of the game's R-9 spacecraft, which we imagine to be perfect for keeping your desktop safe from the Bydo Empire.

R-Type Command to include R-9 collectible originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectral Force 3 site launches, media explosion

Xav de Matos — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

A few days ago Atlus launched the official website for Spectral Force 3, the second Xbox 360 title from the acclaimed (niche) publisher based out of Japan. Developed by Idea Factory, of PSP Generation of Chaos fame, Spectral Force 3 takes place in the fantasy world of Neverland during the first Neverland War. Although we haven't heard for sure we are holding out for a playable Peter Pan or, at the very least, a Michael Jackson boss battle. The Xbox 360 exclusive strategy-RPG is expected to hit shelves this May.

Gallery: Spectral Force 3

Spectral Force 3 site launches, media explosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlus USA reveals Summon Night: Twin Age for DS

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Action, RPGs

Not to be confused with Summons Night, the vampiric lawyer adventure, Summon Night: Twin Age has finally escaped Japan with the aid of increasingly prolific publisher, Atlus USA. The DS action RPG tasks players with guiding summoner Reiha and summonee (?) Aldo through a "richly woven tale of adventure," one complete with multiple endings, sidequests and improbably named garments.

Much like The Legend of Zelda: Phourglass, the "action" in this action RPG is entirely initiated by the little stick thingy that came with your DS, with attacking, healing, using items and navigating all done through the power of touch. Summon Night: Twin Age touches down on DS May 20th.

Gallery: Summon Night: Twin Age (DS)

Atlus USA reveals Summon Night: Twin Age for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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R-Type Command bosses PSP around on May 6

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:23:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP, Strategy

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

As you can see, we follow Atlus USA's requests to the letter. The quirky company has asked us to tell you lot about R-Type Command, "a bold new turn-based strategy entry in the long-celebrated series of side-scrolling shooters." Hitting the PlayStation Portable on May 6th, the game has players going up against the evil "Bydo Empire" in "exciting tactical gameplay!" The exclamation mark is theirs.

You'll have close to a hundred different upgradeable units at your command, including those hailing from the aforementioned Bydo Empire. Oh, and a little protip for those eager to engage in the wireless Ad-Hoc multiplayer: Make sure your underwater module with powerful anti-air missiles and torpedoes doesn't lose its resupply function! (That one was ours.)

Gallery: R-Type Command

R-Type Command bosses PSP around on May 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlus USA reveals 'Rondo of Swords' for DS

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, RPGs

Though Nintendo let the cat out of the bag yesterday with its extensive first-half 2008 release schedule, not much was known about the scampering feline save for its name, "Rondo of Swords." Admittedly not a great name for a cat, but it seems fitting for an "epic strategy fantasy RPG" from the capturers of quirk, Atlus USA. Judging by the trailer (embedded after the break), the Success-developed DS title is rife with saucer-eyed heroes, stylized attacks and touch-screen tactics -- just the way we like it.

The Atlus folks promise multiple storylines, a "unique" combat system and the ability to send some of those annoying party members far, far away on level-raising errands. They also promise never to capture cats in bags again, because it's mean. If you can forgive them, look for Rondo of Swords on April 15, 2008.

Continue reading Atlus USA reveals 'Rondo of Swords' for DS

Atlus USA reveals 'Rondo of Swords' for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insect mecha to swarm Nintendo DS in 'Drone Tactics'

Jason Dobson — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, RPGs, Strategy

For too long entomology has gone ignored in game design, with us having to turn to the likes of Insector-X and SimAnt for our six-legged fix. Thankfully niche game publisher Atlus USA aims to change all of that with next March's release of Drone Tactics, a newly announced game of 'mechanized insect RPG strategy' for the DS.

Nintendo's touchable handheld is practically tailor made for turn-based SRPGs, and the promise of being able to command our own personal army of customizable "mecha insecta" is just too good to pass up. On top of the game's "dozens of campaign operations," Atlus reveals that Drone Tactics will also include an additional 50 maps and support local wireless multiplayer, inspiring those of us with a thing for arthropods to look forward to the game's March 25 release.

Insect mecha to swarm Nintendo DS in 'Drone Tactics' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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