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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PS3 Rock of Ages users experiencing multiplayer connection issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/#comments The situation is rocky for owners of the newly released PS3 version of Rock of Ages who are trying to play online. Or perhaps not rocky enough. In any case, users are reporting inability to join games created by friends, and freezes within multiplayer lobbies.

Ace Team is aware of the issue, and is currently trying to determine how widespread it is and how to address it. We're also checking in with publisher Atlus. In the meantime, Rock of Ages owners ... the single-player is fun!

[Thanks, DeviousRakun.]

JoystiqPS3 Rock of Ages users experiencing multiplayer connection issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-teamatlusplaystationps3psnrock-of-agesMon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/#comments ImageNew screens from the upcoming strategy RPG game Gungnir show in-game battles and dialogue. The Sting-developed title will launch on June 12 for PSP.

Continue reading New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue

JoystiqNew Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdept-heavengungnirplaystationpspsonyStingSun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Demon's Souls servers staying online into the 'foreseeable future']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/demons-souls-servers-staying-online-into-the-foreseeable-futur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/demons-souls-servers-staying-online-into-the-foreseeable-futur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/demons-souls-servers-staying-online-into-the-foreseeable-futur/#comments So the world might be mended. So the world might be mended.Demon's Souls will not be denied as publisher Atlus announced today that it will support the game's online features for the "foreseeable future." Unlike players in the unforgiving RPG, the servers just refuse to die!

"While it originally seemed as though it would be unfeasible for us to continue to sustain the servers, a number of developments have made it possible for us to continue to invest in and support our fans as they have continued to invest in and support us and Demon's Souls," said Tim Pivnicny, VP of Atlus marketing and sales, we imagine holding a cat o' nine tails. "For all the gamers who have yet to discover the game's amazing online experience, we're happy to say you can still log on and find out why Demon's Souls is still regarded by many as one of the finest games of all time."

The entry fee for electronic sadism is a mere $20 now, as the game is part of the PlayStation 3's "Greatest Hits" collection. The game's online features were intended to end at midnight on May 31, but darkness always finds a way to stay alive.

Continue reading Demon's Souls servers staying online into the 'foreseeable future'

JoystiqDemon's Souls servers staying online into the 'foreseeable future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusDemons-SoulsFrom-Softwareplaystationps3Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/#comments ImageTranslating the tome that is author George R.R. Martin's masterwork A Song of Ice and Fire is a task that must be both daunting and erratic. In its second season on HBO, the television adaptation of the series has been lovingly crafted into a marvelous weekly hour of television. In the video game world, developer Cyanide Studio has stumbled in its task thus far, releasing an abysmal strategy game that seemed to be created less in devotion to the source material and more in reaction to the franchise's new mainstream spotlight. With the studio's second effort at the series, the French developer has brought the Seven Kingdoms to life in a new, role-playing adventure.

Unlike the strategy title A Game of Thrones: Genesis, the RPG Game of Thrones feels like it was cobbled together by people who have genuine affection for the series. But Cyanide's ideas themselves seem more grand than the company is capable of delivering, showing stitches of the small studio's limitations throughout. It's the intention of the HBO series - with the budget of a SyFy original movie.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (4/25/12)

Continue reading Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken

JoystiqGame of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgAtluscyanide-studiocyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing Persona 4 Arena, Episode 1: Buttons and systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/#comments Image
Despite the exceedingly rudimentary tone of this video's first half, Atlus' new series of Persona 4 Arena tutorial videos will undoubtedly come in handy for those less mired in the intricacies of fighting games, yet still interested enough to give P4A a shot.

This first episode covers basic movement and button functionality, as well as P4A's cornucopia of special techniques and gameplay systems. RPG fans following the series into this brave new world will undoubtedly be able to handle concepts like "blocking" and "jumping," but the game's "Auto Combo," "Furious Action," "Burst," "All-out Attack," "SP Skill" and "Awakening" mechanics are probably worth familiarizing yourself with ahead of time.

And by "probably," we mean "We're never going to remember any of this."

JoystiqPlaying Persona 4 Arena, Episode 1: Buttons and systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksAtlusmicrosoftP4Apersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3tutorialxboxSat, 05 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Golden for Vita arrives in North America this autumn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/persona-4-golden-for-vita-arrives-in-north-america-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/persona-4-golden-for-vita-arrives-in-north-america-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/persona-4-golden-for-vita-arrives-in-north-america-this-autumn/#comments ImageAtlus announced this morning that it'll publish Persona 4 Golden for the PlayStation Vita this fall in North America. The remake was announced for Japan late last summer, and now those across the Pacific will be able to enjoy it without a significant foreign language education.

The Vita edition contains several upgrades from Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4, the original, critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 title that came late in the console's life. Persona 4 Golden will receive visual and audio upgrades, including more voice dialogue, and an "online dungeon rescue feature" for players about to die in the alternate world. Finally, the developers have added new events, new personas and another character in "Mary."

Update: Folks noticed at the way bottom of the official Persona 4 Golden website that there was trademark information for Kinect, Xbox 360 and PS3. Imaginations flared. Atlus tells Joystiq, "Just a simple copy/paste issue. P4G is releasing exclusively for PS Vita."

Continue reading Persona 4 Golden for Vita arrives in North America this autumn

JoystiqPersona 4 Golden for Vita arrives in North America this autumn originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusPersona-4Persona-4-Goldenplaystationplaystation-vitaShin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-4vitaWed, 02 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/#comments
Atlus stands right alongside MonkeyPaw in its overt devotion to obscure PSP role-playing games. Case in point: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to both UMD and PSN in North America this summer. And to remind us of that impending release, Atlus sent out the opening video.

Be warned, it's the most "80s anime" thing ever. Memories of watching random movies on Sci-Fi Channel on Saturday mornings, and of playing every game ever released by Working Designs (including, but not limited to, previous Growlansers) will come flooding back.

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyFri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus picks up Dragon's Crown publishing, also assisting with development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/atlus-picks-up-dragons-crown-publishing-also-assisting-with-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/atlus-picks-up-dragons-crown-publishing-also-assisting-with-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/atlus-picks-up-dragons-crown-publishing-also-assisting-with-de/#comments Dragon's Crown, the 2D, Tower of Doom-inspired PS3/Vita action game by Vanillaware, no longer rests upon Ignition Entertainment - but, true to Vanillaware's word, it still exists. In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Atlus PR manager Aram Jabbari revealed that his company has taken over publishing duties, and now plans to release it in 2013 (Ignition made its own announcement, after the break). This is a reversal of the fate of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, another Vanillaware game, which Ignition acquired from another company (XSEED) in 2009.

Atlus is not only publishing it in North America and Japan, internal Atlus staff members are now assisting with the production. The downside to this announcement is that, in Atlus's estimation, "the game simply cannot retail for $29.99." The upside is that, being an Atlus game, it's much more likely to ship with a soundtrack disc now.

Continue reading Atlus picks up Dragon's Crown publishing, also assisting with development

JoystiqAtlus picks up Dragon's Crown publishing, also assisting with development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013atlusdragons-crownplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-datevitaThu, 19 Apr 2012 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Demon's Souls to be taken offline on May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/demons-souls-to-be-taken-offline-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/demons-souls-to-be-taken-offline-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/demons-souls-to-be-taken-offline-on-may-31/#comments ImageAtlus is shutting down the North American servers for Demon's Souls on May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST. This will not affect the single-player mode, but will prevent players from leaving notes for other players, who appear as ghosts in remote games, and all other online activities.

Atlus is holding two World Tendency events, which can alter the difficulty and perks awarded to players in-game, throughout May. Atlus invites all players to sign in for one final hoorah on May 31, Game Informer writes.

Below is a heartfelt statement sent to Game Informer from Atlus VP of sales and marketing Tim Pivnicny:

Continue reading Demon's Souls to be taken offline on May 31

JoystiqDemon's Souls to be taken offline on May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusDemons-Soulsdoneofflineplaystationps3shut-downWed, 11 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Understand Gungnir better with English screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/#comments ImageAtlus is boldly sticking to its Gungs, advancing with its plan to release the PSP strategy RPG, Gungnir, in North America on June 12.

The publisher sent out the North American box art along with a fusillade of English screenshots, allowing you to read the array of stats, gauges, and tough decisions that populate every screen. If you've played any of Sting's other strategy games, then you know to expect words and numbers from all directions. We guess that's true of any strategy game in history, now that we think about it. Numbers just all over the place.

Gallery: Gungnir (4/11/12)

JoystiqUnderstand Gungnir better with English screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgungnirplaystationpspsonystingWed, 11 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 3: FES socially linked with PSN tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/persona-3-fes-socially-linked-with-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/persona-3-fes-socially-linked-with-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/persona-3-fes-socially-linked-with-psn-tomorrow/#comments ImageXBLA sees the release of Fez this week, but PSN is getting FES. That's just one letter off! Well, one letter, the words "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona" and the number 3. Other than that, totally the same deal.

Persona 3: FES, the updated 2008 edition of the demons-in-modern-Japan RPG, comes to the PlayStation 3 this week as part of the underused PS2 Classics service. It'll be a good opportunity to get familiar with the cast of characters before beating the hell out of them in Persona 4 Arena (which features some of the P3 cast). Or, if you prefer to think about it this way, you'll get to play a fantastic RPG with a unique storyline and stuff.

JoystiqPersona 3: FES socially linked with PSN tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusPersona-3-FESplaystationps2-classicsps3psnrelease-dateShin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-3-FESMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock of Ages gets Steam-exclusive 'Block of Ages' update; PS3 version launching in May with 'secret bonus content']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/rock-of-ages-gets-steam-exclusive-block-of-ages-update/#comments Image
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."

JoystiqRock 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-teamaram-jabbariatlusatlus-usablock-of-agespcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrock-of-agessteamupdateMon, 02 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones RPG trailer takes the black]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/game-of-thrones-rpg-trailer-takes-the-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/game-of-thrones-rpg-trailer-takes-the-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/game-of-thrones-rpg-trailer-takes-the-black/#comments
To take the oath of the Night's Watch and travel to The Wall is to forget all you've known and become dead to the civilized world. Oh, and to freeze your butt off all the time.

JoystiqGame of Thrones RPG trailer takes the black originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatluscyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivegame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus PSP titles heavily discounted on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/#comments If you've been looking to pick up some quality RPG goodness for your dingy old PSP or your shiny new PlayStation Vita, Atlus has a deal for you. Several deals, actually, as the niche publisher has dropped the PSN prices on nine of its role-playing games (and Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble, for some reason). Of particular note is the Persona series, with both the original Persona and Persona 3 Portable knocked down to $20 -- half the normal price -- while Persona 2 has been reduced to $30.

Head over to PlayStation Blog to check out the list of discounted titles.

JoystiqAtlus PSP titles heavily discounted on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusPersona-3-Portableplaystationplaystation-vitapsnpspsonyvitaWed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones trailer highlights combat and role-playing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/game-of-thrones-trailer-highlights-combat-and-role-playing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/game-of-thrones-trailer-highlights-combat-and-role-playing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/game-of-thrones-trailer-highlights-combat-and-role-playing/#comments
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.

JoystiqGame 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatlusatlus-gamesatlus-usacyanidecyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivegame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Arena's release window narrowed to August 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/persona-4-arenas-release-window-narrowed-to-august-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/persona-4-arenas-release-window-narrowed-to-august-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/persona-4-arenas-release-window-narrowed-to-august-2012/#comments Persona 4 Arena, Atlus and Arc System Works' confrontational extension of the Persona universe, was announced two weeks ago with a rather vague "summer" release window for its North American launch on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Apparently that meant "the tail end of summer," as Atlus has specified a slightly more specific August, 2012 window on the PlayStation Blog.

When it does launch, the game will include the prerequisite Online mode, as well as a console-only Story mode, which Atlus is attempting to populate with the English voice actors used in Persona 3 and Persona 4. In situations where English actors aren't available, we always recommend using Scottish or Welsh actors as a substitute. Their geological proximity to England often gives them a familiarity with local dialects that can be useful when replicating an accent.

... Oh, English.

JoystiqPersona 4 Arena's release window narrowed to August 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksatlusmicrosoftpersonapersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3release-daterelease-windowxboxSat, 03 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Survivor 2 review: Neon Genesis strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/devil-survivor-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/devil-survivor-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/devil-survivor-2-review/#comments If you need any proof that Japan is still madly in love with Neon Genesis Evangelion, you need look no further than Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2. Both show, if anything, that gifted teens, massive supernatural monsters, and religious symbolism remain enduring tropes in Japanese pop culture.

If you want to know the truth, I don't mind that it borrows so liberally from Hideaki Anno's seminal anime. It's just a reminder that Shin Megami Tensei is designed with a certain demographic in mind -- the kind of people who went through the trouble to see Rebuild of Evangelion in the theaters. People like me, if you want to know.

Gallery: Devil Survivor 2 (2/29/12)

Continue reading Devil Survivor 2 review: Neon Genesis strategy

JoystiqDevil Survivor 2 review: Neon Genesis strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdevil-survivor-2dsnintendoWed, 29 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Etrian Odyssey IV coming to the 3DS in Japan, classes detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/etrian-odyssey-iv-coming-to-the-3ds-in-japan-classes-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/etrian-odyssey-iv-coming-to-the-3ds-in-japan-classes-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/etrian-odyssey-iv-coming-to-the-3ds-in-japan-classes-detailed/#comments Atlus has officially confirmed that Etrian Odyssey IV is on its way to the Nintendo 3DS in Japan later this year. The fourth in the series of popular RPGs (Etrian Odyssey 3 arrived in North America last year) will have an easier casual difficulty setting, and will boast seven different classes, including Rune Masters, Medics, Snipers, Swordsmen, Fortress units, and Dancers.

Art for the game is being provided by Nizo Yamamoto (one of the artists on Princess Mononoke). Etrian Odyssey veterans Yuji Himukai, Shin Nagasawa, and Yuzu Koshiro are also on board. Daisuke Kaneda, taking reins as game director, served as battle advisor on the original game and directed Trauma Team.

Atlus says the game will be out in Japan on July 5. Since older Etrian Odysseys have eventually found their way over to North America, there's a chance we'll see this one here too.

JoystiqEtrian Odyssey IV coming to the 3DS in Japan, classes detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsartatlusdsetrian-odysseyetrian-odyssey-3-the-drowned-citygamejapanjapanese-releasejrpgnintendorpgTue, 28 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones pre-order includes hardbound art book, hard winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/game-of-thrones-pre-order-includes-hardbound-art-book-hard-wint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/game-of-thrones-pre-order-includes-hardbound-art-book-hard-wint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/game-of-thrones-pre-order-includes-hardbound-art-book-hard-wint/#comments As any citizen of Winterfell will tell you, there's nothing better to pass the time on a cold winter's night than to curl up with a good book. It should come as no surprise, then, that those who pre-order the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG will also receive a hardbound art book. Entitled Game of Thrones: Visuals from the RPG, the book doles out "sixty-four full color pages of sketches, renders, photos, and screenshots from the game accompanied by compelling text and commentary from the game's developers."

The book will be available with orders from GameStop, EB Games, the HBO Shop or Amazon (US or Canada). Of course, if winter gets really bad, books have a dual purpose for emergencies: kindling.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (Art Book)

Continue reading Game of Thrones pre-order includes hardbound art book, hard winter

JoystiqGame of Thrones pre-order includes hardbound art book, hard winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatluscyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3xboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlocalized Shin Megami Tensei ends up on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/unlocalized-shin-megami-tensei-ends-up-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/unlocalized-shin-megami-tensei-ends-up-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/unlocalized-shin-megami-tensei-ends-up-on-ios/#comments The original Shin Megami Tensei game was never officially released in North America -- until now. Atlus parent company Index has posted what looks like an emulated version of the Game Boy port of the first-person RPG on the iOS App Store, for $13.99. From Japan-only release to digitally distributed on your phone -- that's quite a jump in convenience!

Of course, you have to deal with the tiny little issue of the game still being in Japanese. Maybe that part's not so convenient. Combining demons is a pretty delicate art even in your native language!

[Thanks, Jared.]

JoystiqUnlocalized Shin Megami Tensei ends up on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusindex-holdingsiosiphonemobileShin-Megami-TenseiFri, 24 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 fighter officially coming stateside this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/persona-4-fighter-officially-coming-stateside-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/persona-4-fighter-officially-coming-stateside-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/persona-4-fighter-officially-coming-stateside-this-summer/#comments The mystery of that spooky teaser email has been definitively solved. Atlus announced plans to localize Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena for PS3 and Xbox 360, under the title Persona 4 Arena, which we won't have to look up every time we write about it.

Developed by Arc System Works, the fighter features battles between Persona 3 and 4 characters in high-resolution 2D, and will be delivered to North America this summer. So if you were planning to summon a demon to bring this to you -- or import a copy -- you can cancel plans for those extreme measures.

Gallery: Persona 4 Arena

Continue reading Persona 4 fighter officially coming stateside this summer

JoystiqPersona 4 fighter officially coming stateside this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksatlusmicrosoftpersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3xboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Get the Disgaea 4 premium edition for $40 on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/get-the-disgaea-4-premium-edition-for-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/get-the-disgaea-4-premium-edition-for-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/get-the-disgaea-4-premium-edition-for-40-on-amazon-today/#comments If you've been feeling tied down, unable to spread your wings and fly -- like a penguin, we'll say -- or as if your life is attached to a trip wire in the middle of an earthquake -- like it's about to explode -- Amazon is here to tell you that everything is fine, and these things are completely normal. The premium edition of Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is Amazon's Deal of the Day, at 33 percent off ($40) its original price of $60.

The premium edition includes the original soundtrack, a Fuka figurine and the Disgaea 4 artbook, along with the actual game, and at $40 it's below the price of a standard PS3 game, just for today.

JoystiqGet the Disgaea 4 premium edition for $40 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Promise-UnforgottenamazonAtlusdeal-of-the-daydisgaea-4playstationps3Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SMT: Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 coming to Euro PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/smt-digital-devil-saga-1-and-2-coming-to-euro-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/smt-digital-devil-saga-1-and-2-coming-to-euro-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/smt-digital-devil-saga-1-and-2-coming-to-euro-psn/#comments Atlus' revered PlayStation 2 classics Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga and Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 are set to be rereleased on the European PSN, according to a blog post by publisher Ghostlight. No pricing or release date information is available as of yet, nor is there any indication of a North American release, although Atlus has never historically been one to avoid releasing esoteric titles stateside.

Digital Devil Saga and its sequel diverged from the typical Shin Megami Tensei formula by having the characters themselves transform into demons, rather than summon demons, as had previously been the case. Cute girls that turn into demons? Reminds me of my ex-wife! Thank you very much, I'll be here all week. Tip your waitress.

JoystiqSMT: Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 coming to Euro PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdigital-devil-sagadigital-devil-saga-2europeghostlightplaystationps3PSNshin-megami-tensei-digital-devil-sagashin-megami-tensei-digital-devil-saga-2Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus teaser email suggests Persona 4 fighter localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/atlus-teaser-email-suggests-persona-4-fighter-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/atlus-teaser-email-suggests-persona-4-fighter-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/atlus-teaser-email-suggests-persona-4-fighter-localization/#comments Last night, Atlus sent its "Faithful" mailing list the most mysterious email ever. The subject line was "_____" and the body consisted only of a giant black rectangle. Or so we thought.

Destructoid fiddled with the black levels in the image and found the above. Yes, Atlus hid a teaser, which seems excessive. Readers then pointed out that the pattern behind the text can be found in the logo for the fighting game Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena, suggesting that the crossover fighter could be the next localization announcement from the publisher.

We're asking Atlus in the hope that it will respond with more than just underscores.

JoystiqAtlus teaser email suggests Persona 4 fighter localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusmicrosoftpersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3xboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega signs distro deal with Atlus parent company Index Holdings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/#comments Index Holdings, parent company of developer and publisher Atlus, is looking to take advantage of Sega's significantly larger distribution network in Japan, announcing intentions to partner with the Japanese publisher for future distribution. The deal kicks off in April 2012 and will see games across Atlus' various properties distributed under the Sega moniker in Japan.

The deal doesn't apply to digitally distributed titles, and it's unclear if this will affect Atlus' distribution in other parts of the world. It seems that the distribution deal arises from Index Holdings' consistently declining revenues and an inability to support Atlus' growth in its most important market. We've reached out to Atlus for further comment.

JoystiqSega signs distro deal with Atlus parent company Index Holdings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdistributionindexindex-holdingsjapansegasega-sammysega-sammy-holdingsFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New shipment of Radiant Historia en route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/#comments It's funny how good news for JRPG fans is also often bad news for eBay moguls. Radiant Historia, a DS-exclusive time-travel JPRG from Atlus (which routinely auctions for $60 plus) is being reprinted and redistributed in North America, although this reprint will not include the soundtrack bundled with the original run.

Pre-orders are starting to pop up at various retailers, and Atlus is urging interested parties to take advantage of the opportunity before the new batch hits store shelves in late March. Considering that Atlus has not released specifics regarding how limited of a reprint this is, if limited at all, we recommend erring on the side of caution (and a $35.00 price tag) rather than taking your chances on an uncertain, seller-feedback-oriented future.

JoystiqNew shipment of Radiant Historia en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdsnintendoradiant-historiareprintshipmentSat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/#comments Nobody expected Demon's Souls to be the hit it was, least of all Sony, the game's publisher in Japan. When Atlus decided to publish the game in North America, it took a risk -- one that paid off. The duty of publishing the sequel, Dark Souls, would then go to Namco Bandai.

Does Sony regret passing on publishing Demon's Souls in North America? Senior VP Shuhei Yoshida thinks so. He told Game Informer the company passed on the game after seeing an earlier build of the game. "What happened with Demon's Souls was until very late in the game's development, we were not able to play the game through. There were framerate issues and the network was not up and running. We underestimated the quality of the game and to be honest, the media in Japan did the same."

But still, even after a few hours with the final product, Yoshida remarked that he just wasn't able to see the value in the game. "For my personal experience with Demon's Souls, when it was close to final I spent close to two hours playing it and after two hours I was still standing at the beginning at the game. I said, 'This is crap. This is an unbelievably bad game.' So I put it aside." In the end, Yoshida admitted Sony "dropped the ball from a publishing standpoint" and was not able to "see the value of the product."

JoystiqWhy Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusDemons-Soulsplaystationps3sceashuhei-yoshidasonyFri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/#comments
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.

JoystiqShin 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusatlus-usadevil-survivor-2dsnintendorelease-dateshin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Join the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/#comments
Are you ready to brood like you've never brooded before this coming spring? Cyanide Studio and Atlus are banking on that possibility, announcing a May 15 launch date for the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Beyond the launch date, a handful of new media was handed over to sate fans in the three months between now and mid-May. If you're looking for an early taste at some serious brooding, look no further!

Gallery: Game of Thrones (2/2/12)

Continue reading Join the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15

JoystiqJoin the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatlusatlus-gamescyanidecyanide-studiocyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivegame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q2-2012release-datexboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 fighter hits Japanese arcades in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/persona-4-fighter-hits-japanese-arcades-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/persona-4-fighter-hits-japanese-arcades-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/persona-4-fighter-hits-japanese-arcades-in-march/#comments The Japanese console release of Arc System Works' Persona 4-based fighting game is due this summer, but you'll be able to play the game sooner ... if you happen to be near a Japanese arcade or an American arcade that really keeps up.

Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena will hit Japanese arcades in "early March," developer Arc System Works announced today. We're just going to think about this as a very long testing period, so Atlus can get an idea of balance tweaks before announcing the American release of this lovely 2D fighter. Right?

JoystiqPersona 4 fighter hits Japanese arcades in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksarcadeatlusjapanmicrosoftpersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3release-datexboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/#comments Last time Atlus teased a new game whose name started with "G," some fans assumed it would be a game in the Growlanser series. It was Gungnir that particular time, but now Atlus has revealed a second G game, and it's totally Growlanser.

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to PSP this summer, is a localized version of Growlanser IV: Over Reloaded, the tactical RPG sequel released on PS2 in 2003 and then remade on PSP last year. The PSP update has improved loading times, a message-skip option, and lots of new in-game content.

Because of a combination of licensing restrictions and the scope of the game's script, only the "many anime cutscenes" will be voiced. We're sure the people sitting next to you on the subway won't mind.

Gallery: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time (PSP)

Continue reading Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G'

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlansergrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/#comments Catherine
I have a soft spot for the bizarre and the esoteric. If something is complicated, either through the machinations of its mechanical workings or through the intricacies of its conceptual nature, its hard for me to focus on anything else until I feel like I really understand what I'm looking at. Catherine gave me something to think about, and also made me think about myself, which isn't something I can usually say about puzzle/dating games.

The experience is complicated in both the literal and metaphorical sense; its ever-changing puzzle gameplay and surprisingly deep, multifaceted story are the result of brilliant design decisions, exceptional writing and an amazing localization job by Atlus. Catherine managed to satiate my craving for the intellectually surreal while immersing me in the delightfully idiosyncratic world of Japanese storytelling.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusbest-of-the-rest-2011Capcomcatherinedriver-san-franciscoking-of-fighters-xiiimicrosoftplaystationps3snk-playmoreUbisoftUbisoft-Reflectionsultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3UMVC3xboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones trailer warns of a coming chill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/game-of-thrones-first-trailer-warns-of-a-coming-chill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/game-of-thrones-first-trailer-warns-of-a-coming-chill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/game-of-thrones-first-trailer-warns-of-a-coming-chill/#comments Cyanide Games' first trailer for its RPG adaptation of Game of Thrones warns us of what you might call an impending winter. We're gonna go grab a nice warm parka -- you stay here and check out the trailer above. And watch out for "the Others!"

JoystiqGame of Thrones trailer warns of a coming chill originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatlusatlus-gamescyanidecyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 22 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus announces Gungnir, teases another 'G' game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/atlus-announces-gungnir-teases-another-g-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/atlus-announces-gungnir-teases-another-g-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/atlus-announces-gungnir-teases-another-g-game/#comments
Did you guess Atlus's mystery SRPG to be Gungnir for PSP? Congratulations! For your excellent guessing skills, you win ... the chance to purchase Gungnir on June 12! Atlus has officially unveiled the next game in Sting's "Dept. Heaven" series, an SRPG about a small resistance group who, in addition to fighting its rebellion, must protect a magical spear and a young woman who fell from the sky.

The gameplay assigns predetermined numerical time intervals to all actions, allowing players to plot their movements precisely in terms of how long each will take. It's possible to accelerate combat actions using "tactical points."

Atlus isn't done teasing yet. Immediately after announcing Gungnir, it sent another email teasing the upcoming announcement of another game whose title starts with G.

Gallery: Gungnir (PSP)

Continue reading Atlus announces Gungnir, teases another 'G' game

JoystiqAtlus announces Gungnir, teases another 'G' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgungnirplaystationpspq2-2012release-datesonystingThu, 22 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[KOF XIII 'NESTS Kyo' DLC delayed on PS3, netcode patch on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kof-xiii-nests-kyo-dlc-delayed-on-ps3-netcode-patch-coming-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kof-xiii-nests-kyo-dlc-delayed-on-ps3-netcode-patch-coming-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kof-xiii-nests-kyo-dlc-delayed-on-ps3-netcode-patch-coming-so/#comments Originally slated for a simultaneous 360 and PS3 release on December 20, King of Fighters XIII's upcoming "NESTS Kyo" character DLC pack has been delayed for PS3 fighters until January 10. A fantastically vague "technical error" is to blame for the issue, according to the Atlus press release after the break. In order to make it up to you, SNK Playmore will be lowering the character's cost to $2.99 for a limited time once it lands.

In somewhat sunnier KoFXIII news, Atlus is also planning a substantial netcode patch for both versions of the game which is said to "make the game's network infrastructure more consistent for users, ensuring that the evaluation given connections is more accurate to the actual play experience." The patch will also introduce minimum signal strength requirement settings on the host side of matchmaking, so players will be able to prevent users with poor connections from joining their open match. SNK Playmore plans on releasing the patch "as soon as possible."

Oh, and if you're wondering what the hell "NESTS" means, read this.

Continue reading KOF XIII 'NESTS Kyo' DLC delayed on PS3, netcode patch on the way

JoystiqKOF XIII 'NESTS Kyo' DLC delayed on PS3, netcode patch on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusdelayDLCking-of-fighters-13King-Of-Fighters-XIIIKyomicrosoftNESTSNESTS-Kyonetcodepatchplaystationps3PSNSNKsnk-playmorexboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus teases new SRPG on Twitter, could be 'Gungnir']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/atlus-teases-new-srpg-on-twitter-likely-us-release-of-gungnir/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/atlus-teases-new-srpg-on-twitter-likely-us-release-of-gungnir/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/atlus-teases-new-srpg-on-twitter-likely-us-release-of-gungnir/#comments There's teasing and then there's just plain teasing. Atlus is engaging in what must certainly be the much more annoying second kind by outright daring its Twitter followers to guess the company's next release, and giving them only three tidbits of information to go on. It's a strategy RPG title (good), it starts with "G," and ends with "R."

Intrepid Atlus followers have two main guesses: First, a new Growlanser game, part of the tactical RPG series which Atlus has published in Japan in the past. Or (and this seems somewhat more likely) a game called Gungnir (subtitled Inferno of the Demon Lance and the War of Heroes), which Atlus published earlier this year in Japan. Most of the titles in the Dept. Heaven series have already been published in the US in some form, so it makes sense that Atlus would be publishing this one as well.

Did we guess right, Atlus? Enough with the teasing!

JoystiqAtlus teases new SRPG on Twitter, could be 'Gungnir' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlansergungnirjapanpublishrpgseriesstrategy-rpgtactical-rpgususaWed, 14 Dec 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Catherine has a date in Europe: Feb. 10, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/catherine-has-a-date-in-europe-feb-10-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/catherine-has-a-date-in-europe-feb-10-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/catherine-has-a-date-in-europe-feb-10-2012/#comments Catherine's publisher in Europe, Deep Silver, is hoping for a lucrative intersection between Valentine's Day, nightmarish puzzle scenarios, and indecisive bachelors. The creepy, curious blend of block shoving and relationship anxiety will arrive in PAL territories on February 10th, the Friday closest to that saccharine holiday for sentimental sweethearts.

(NO, we're not bitter. If you called every now and then you'd realize that.)

Catherine will be available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in a standard edition for £44.99, and less cheaply (£54.99) in the "Stray Sheep Edition." That's the pizza box that comes with a "seductive" poster, a pair of coasters and the "RAVE" shirt that you should never, ever wear.

Continue reading Catherine has a date in Europe: Feb. 10, 2012

JoystiqCatherine has a date in Europe: Feb. 10, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscatherinedeep-silvereuropemicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2012release-datexboxWed, 07 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones heading to Europe via Focus Home Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/game-of-thrones-heading-to-europe-via-focus-home-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/game-of-thrones-heading-to-europe-via-focus-home-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/game-of-thrones-heading-to-europe-via-focus-home-interactive/#comments Though it'll take place in the periphery of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, Cyanide Studio's role-playing Game of Thrones looks to convey the grim "ambience" that goes with the author's merciless body count. Atlus is publishing it on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC next year in North America, while Focus Home Interactive takes custody in Europe.

Cyanide's "most ambitious project" offers an assortment of classes, fighting styles, loot and equipment augmentations, but more interestingly promises access to lethal political skills. The press release warns never to "underestimate the power of a silver tongue to solve a critical situation."

Well, that's assuming "lethal" political skills and a "silver tongue" aren't simply euphemisms for decapitating your opponents mid-conversation -- just how we used to do it in the varsity debate team.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (PC/360/PS3)

Continue reading Game of Thrones heading to Europe via Focus Home Interactive

JoystiqGame of Thrones heading to Europe via Focus Home Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012a-game-of-thronesa-game-of-thrones-rpgatluscyanide-studiocyanide-studioseuropefocus-home-interactivegame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgxboxMon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catherine to get 'Stray Sheep' edition in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/catherine-to-get-stray-sheep-edition-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/catherine-to-get-stray-sheep-edition-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/catherine-to-get-stray-sheep-edition-in-europe/#comments Catherine, Katherine? After waiting months to get their hands on Atlus's bizarre Catherine, it looks like Europeans will get a little something extra for their trouble. Publisher Deep Silver will release a special "Stray Sheep Edition" of the game for its European launch next year. Like North America's "Love Is Over" edition, the Stray Sheep edition comes packaged in a pizza box, though the rest of the contents differ significantly (no boxers, for one).

Inside the box, the set includes coasters from the in-game bar, Stray Sheep, an exclusive and "seductive" Catherine poster and a T-shirt designed after that of protagonist Vincent. The Stray Sheep edition will be available for £54.99 when Catherine launches in Europe this coming February.

Continue reading Catherine to get 'Stray Sheep' edition in Europe

JoystiqCatherine to get 'Stray Sheep' edition in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscatherinedeep-silvereuropemicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catherine tempting Europe in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/catherine-tempting-europe-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/catherine-tempting-europe-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/catherine-tempting-europe-in-february/#comments Catherine, the game that can be described feebly as a romantic nightmare puzzle sim type thing, is heading to Europe in February 2012. Deep Silver is taking care of Atlus' curious cargo over there, and announced the release window today alongside a double-sided cover for first-edition copies.

The flip cover shows Catherine, a mysterious and illicit temptation for the protagonist. Reverse it and you'll find Katherine, his long-term girlfriend that's making a move toward marriage. "This way consumers will get the opportunity to select their personal preference," Deep Silver says, "as to which of the women in his life the game's main character, Vincent, should choose." If your game cases are proudly displayed in the living room, we suggest you go with the K-lady.

Continue reading Catherine tempting Europe in February

JoystiqCatherine tempting Europe in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscatherinedeep-silvereuropemicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2012release-datexboxThu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST