Joystiq

Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America

Mike Schramm — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST

Aksys Games has announced a North American release of Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi on the Nintendo 3DS. The game is based on Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom, which made it to the PSP last February.

The female-focused "otome" romance game comes to Nintendo's handheld with new story content and some 3DS-specific features, like 3D graphics and the ability to take your potentially creepster picture with the story's main characters.

No release date has been announced yet, but those interested can stay tuned to the official site for more.

Continue reading Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America

Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory processes slight delay to March 21

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory hits North America slightly later than expected, shifting the numbers of its original March 12 release date into a new one of March 21. That means the screwball PS3 JRPG releases on a Thursday, which seems appropriately odd.

Europeans waiting for their dose of consoles embodied as voluptuous ladies can enjoy getting a game first for once, with the region's March 15 release date unaffected... unless they live in the UK, in which case they'll still get it last of all on March 22 - typical.

Continue reading Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory processes slight delay to March 21

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory processes slight delay to March 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:59:00 EST

Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi, the hack-and-slash PSP action game based on Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom (itself a PSP otome visual novel about getting hunky samurai to fall in love with you), will be available on February 19 in North America, Aksys has announced. Folks that pre-order the game through Amazon will receive a bandanna featuring the game's eight playable samurai.

Not so concerned with the heart's capacity to love as much as with its ability to be stabbed by swords, Warriors of the Shinsengumi follows young maiden Chizuru and her accompanying Shinsengumi on their quest to find her father. Players will be able to play through two versions of the game, one that follows Demon of the Fleeting Blossom's storyline and a second, alternate version.

Gallery: Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi

Continue reading Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19

Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory lands in N. America Mar. 12, 2013, Europe Mar. 15

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory and its consoles personified as busty women are coming to North America on March 12, 2013. The third game in the oddball RPG series is also coming to Europe on March 15, matching the target date NIS America told us earlier this year. That bodes well for Persona 4 Golden hitting its European target date of February 22.

NIS also released the above trailer, which showcases the game's CPU ladies to a backdrop of very chirpy J-pop. It also reveals that the game features a 'transforming robot,' one that looks like a chibi version of something you'd see on Power Rangers.

Gallery: Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory

Continue reading Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory lands in N. America Mar. 12, 2013, Europe Mar. 15

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory lands in N. America Mar. 12, 2013, Europe Mar. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aksys bringing 'otome' genre stateside with Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST

Since this is the internet, most of you are probably aware that Japan produces a lot of games for genres that don't necessarily exist in other parts of the world. These games can get a little ridiculous at times, sure, but Aksys believes that the "otome" sub-genre of JRPGs is worth bringing to the western hemisphere.

Idea Factory's historical RPG Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom will be North America's first widely available "otome." The game follows the story of Chizuru Yukimura, who encounters the Shinsengumi samurai clan while traveling through Edo-period Japan on a quest to find her missing father. As luck would have it, the Shinsengumi are also searching for her father, and together they to travel to the city of Hakuoki, which contains "supernatural secrets." (Read: ghosts or something.)

So, sounds like a JRPG, right? Why does this game land in the otome sub-genre, while others don't? Put simply, the "otome" (or "maiden") game is a romance novel for you PSP. In order to be considered an otome, a game must A) have a female protagonist, and B) also make obtaining the affections of a love interest as important as other main story goals. Unlike male-targeted dating sims, otome games contain little to no sexuality, as they are generally intended for female gamers in the pre-teen/tween/teenage demographic.

Aksys plans on bringing big-haired samurai lovin' to any PSP owner interested in that sort of thing sometime during the first quarter of 2012. Who knows, maybe this will finally pave the way for that When Harry Met Sally game we've always wanted from Telltale.

Aksys bringing 'otome' genre stateside with Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keiji Inafune is shooting lasers out of his face in an RPG

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST

Well, it's official: Keiji Inafune has the best life ever. According to this week's issue of Dengeki PlayStation (as translated by Andriasang), the former Capcom head will appear in Idea Factory's upcoming PS3 RPG Hyperdimension Neptunia mk-II -- a bizarre outcome of an even more bizarre marketing partnership between Inafune and the game's publisher, Compile Heart. The real magic comes from the descriptions of his character's special abilities, such as the "Donnahandanda Nova," in which Inafune opens up his mouth, and vomits out an assumedly potent laser beam.

We can't decide what's more wonderful: The aforementioned power, or "Creator Sword Inafune," in which Inafune wields an actual photograph of himself, much like one would wield a sword. Nope! Wait, forget what we said. That's obviously the most wonderful thing we've ever heard.

Keiji Inafune is shooting lasers out of his face in an RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyperdimension Neptunia 'Premium Edition' includes extra pictures of console girls

JC Fletcher — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST

Are you in love with the idea of game consoles as anime girls, fighting against the evil "Arfoire"? Go on, admit it to yourself, and to GameStop. NIS America announced the Premium Edition of its PS3-exclusive strategy RPG Hyperdimension Neptunia, which will be available from GameStop "and other retailers." It comes with a hardcover art book, packaged along with the game inside a "premium"-sized box.

One of those "other retailers" is NIS itself; pre-orders of Neptunia's "Premium Edition" from NIS America's online store (for $59.99) will include an exclusive deck of Neptunia playing cards, which you're pretty much guaranteed to be too paralyzed by shame to break out during the weekly bridge game.

Hyperdimension Neptunia 'Premium Edition' includes extra pictures of console girls originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NIS picks up console-wars RPG 'Hyperdimension Neptunia' for PS3

JC Fletcher — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:02:00 EST

We thought Idea Factory's bizarre strategy RPG Hyper Dimension Neptune was too, well, bizarre to localize, given that it's about game consoles (in the form of girls) fighting against the scourge of piracy. We should have remembered that NIS America is on call to localize weird strategy games that probably have no business in America.

NIS is localizing the PS3 game as Hyperdimension Neptunia, in which you take the role of the title console/goddess in order to save the land of Gameindustri from the evil Arfoire, using summon spells based on other games. Unlike the dead Sega console for which it's named, Neptunia has a release window: spring 2011.

Gallery: Hyperdimension Neptunia (PS3)

Continue reading NIS picks up console-wars RPG 'Hyperdimension Neptunia' for PS3

NIS picks up console-wars RPG 'Hyperdimension Neptunia' for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jikan de Fantasia lets you play as a more-than-Half-Minute Hero

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:10:00 EST

It appears Jikan de Fantasia, a new RPG hitting PSP this summer in Japan, is taking some heavy inspiration from Half-Minute Hero. Makes sense, considering this new adventure is from Opus Studio, the same team responsible for Marvelous's quirky action RPG. Like its predecessor, Jikan de Fantasia blends hack 'n slash RPG gameplay with a time-bending twist. However, instead of condensing an RPG to thirty seconds, you can set the amount of time you want to spend. Have only five minutes on the subway? Have a thirty minute bus commute? You'll be able to set your own time limit, and the game will create an adventure that fits your schedule.

According to Famitsu, Jikan de Fantasia deconstructs the core mechanics of an RPG, from leaving your hometown, meeting NPCs, and exploring dungeons to fighting a final boss, and reassembles them to create an experience that fits the time you want. For those that found the thirty second gameplay of Opus's last adventure a bit too manic, this experience should be far more compelling.

Jikan de Fantasia lets you play as a more-than-Half-Minute Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We now pronounce this Japanese Xbox game 'My Wife'

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Idea Factory is giving Japanese Xbox 360 owners a slice of the married life with My Wife: A Bride Just For You. Siliconera notes the "game" allows players to make a custom wife -- choosing her "looks, voice and personality." Then players start their lives as newlyweds by answering love quizzes, sharing liquids from the same cup (still only one girl) and picking out swimwear.

My Wife expansion DLC will allegedly include voice packs to change your custom-made wife's voice during the marriage. Of course, before taking the plunge into married life -- virtual or otherwise -- we recommend watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (pictured) and The War of the Roses first.

We now pronounce this Japanese Xbox game 'My Wife' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cho Aniki Zero and Agarest War trailers break the silence

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:40:00 EST

Aksys picked the right day to send out trailers for Cho Aniki Zero and Record of Agarest War. In the case of Cho Aniki, we wouldn't normally post a trailer for a game that was released over a week ago, but a general lack of news today gives us a pretty good excuse to post this new video! In case you missed its arrival on PSN in late March, let this video serve as notice that yes, the Men's Beam-firing shmup is downloadable now from the PlayStation Store.

There's also a trailer after the break for Record of Agarest War, which we were going to praise for its emphasis on gameplay and J-pop over lasciviousness, but then we watched the rest of the video. Oh, well.

Continue reading Cho Aniki Zero and Agarest War trailers break the silence

Cho Aniki Zero and Agarest War trailers break the silence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trinity Universe coming to US and Europe this June

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:12:00 EST

Did Resonance of Fate and Final Fantasy XIII whet your appetite for JRPGs? NIS America plans to release Trinity Universe this June, just in time for gamers looking for a new adventure. Developed cooperatively by Idea Factory, Nippon Ichi and Gust, Trinity Universe is a crossover RPG similar to Cross Edge, combining the worlds of the Disgaea and Atelier franchises. Unlike NIS America's previous efforts, though, this game will be in full 3D.

Trinity Universe is undoubtedly the best looking game to come from NIS America, but it's still likely to struggle in a competitive sales market. Still, hardcore JRPG fans are used to PS2-style sprite graphics from NIS, so the publisher's next offering could be a pleasant surprise.

Gallery: Trinity Universe

Trinity Universe coming to US and Europe this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love coming to Wii, PS2

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:03:00 EST

Nippon Ichi is finally bringing the Sakura Wars series to the US. The cult anime series will be hitting US audiences as a SRPG destined for Wii and PS2. So Long, My Love promises a unique battle system divided into two parts: ground combat and air combat. In the Sakura Wars universe, it appears mechs don't just fight on the ground. No, they transform into jets that fight in the sky as well! Players will have to keep sharp as they battle enemies on these two vastly different fronts.

Developed by Idea Factory, Sakura Wars is scheduled for a US release this Fall.

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love coming to Wii, PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Fanboy review: Neverland Card Battles

Majed Athab — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews

Neverland Card Battles merges the strategy-RPG genre with the core gameplay mechanics of a trading card game. It's a card game first, an SRPG second, and this is clearly evident after having played and finished the title this past week. We know that a good number of our readers have read our preview from last month and have kept interest in the title. With the game releasing today, we know you all want to know: what's the final verdict? Read on after the break to find out.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy review: Neverland Card Battles

PSP Fanboy review: Neverland Card Battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Fanboy hands-on: Neverland Card Battles

Majed Athab — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Previews

It is refreshing to see a game like Neverland Card Battles hitting the PSP. It's a title that blends together two very distinct strategy genres: tradable card games and strategy RPGs. It may sound a tad strange at first, having these two gameplay aspects merging as one, but that's what we're here for. We're here to help explain to you just how exactly that experience plays out and what it was like going through it all. Was it any fun? You'll find out soon enough.

Having played the title just this afternoon, I immediately went through the very first level to get a quick grasp of the story and basic play mechanics. The game plays out on an S-RPG type of battle grid with the enemy card wielder on one side and the hero Galahad on the other. The objective of all Neverland battles is to obviously defeat your opponent, and to do so you'll have a 30-card deck at your disposal. At the beginning of each battle you'll have a full hand of five cards (see where the TCG is starting to kick in?), and to use these cards you'll have to draw mana. Drawing mana is done by increasing one's "territory" on the battle grid. As you move your character (and later on summoned creatures) across the playing field, they'll turn each square they touch into your team's color -- this represents your territory. Each square equals one mana and dictates your overall summoning strength, so it's crucial to take command over the battlefield in order to win.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: Neverland Card Battles

PSP Fanboy hands-on: Neverland Card Battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Characters galore appear in this Cross Edge trailer

Nick Doerr — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: Videos and Screenshots

It's time to get your translating hats on, everyone. A Japanese trailer for Cross Edge has hit the airwaves and we have no idea what it's saying. We see a ton of cast members, from Darkstalkers, Disgaea, the Atelier series (including Mana Khemia) as well as Ar Tonelico, doling out some voice-acting skills and massive damage.

We're not quite sure what the game is about or how all these characters end up fighting alongside the main characters of the game, but the battles seem frenetic and entertaining. We're itching to see more because 2D is far from dead.

[Via Siliconera]

Characters galore appear in this Cross Edge trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectral Force Genesis hits Japan tomorrow, box art unveiled

Phil Larsen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Screens

And this little game that nobody loved -- turned out to be totally awesome. As the Japanese release date draws closer (like, tomorrow) we've stumbled upon some new screens and the final box art for the mucho-grando strategy RPG, Spectral Force Genesis.

The crafty importers among you should be looking out for these shady characters when ordering the next shipment from Japan. You'll be a bit lost if you can't read Japanese, and the ultra-eccentric anime art style isn't going to attract anyone who isn't an established fan. Only the powers of the English language and North America can do that, and at this stage it's somewhat unlikely. Two new screens follow after the break, so order this bad boy if you just know it's a winner.

Continue reading Spectral Force Genesis hits Japan tomorrow, box art unveiled

Spectral Force Genesis hits Japan tomorrow, box art unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectral Force Genesis is a force to be reckoned with

Candace Savino — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video

Since localization can be a cruel, unsatisfying mistress, most of us haven't gotten a taste of the Spectral Force series. That will all change when Spectral Force 3 comes out for the 360, but people without Microsoft's console are still out of luck. That's why we're hoping that Spectral Force Genesis, which is featured in the trailer above, sees the light of day outside of Japan.

After the two minutes of introductory fodder, the video shows us two minutes of (tiny) gameplay. The size of the screens and Japanese writing makes it difficult to tell exactly what's going on, but we like how the stylus seems to be utilized. We also know a bit of what to expect from the gameplay already.

If this does get localized, the mostly likely candidate to do so would be Atlus. Aside from the fact that Atlus is bringing Spectral Force 3 to the 360, the company has a good track record on the DS, so we're going to have faith in Genesis. For those of you who can handle Japanese without a problem, though, the game releases in the Far East on June 19th.

[Via Ruliweb]

Spectral Force Genesis is a force to be reckoned with originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fighting monsters and dating boys in Hiiro no Kakera

Candace Savino — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

Once again, blogger Jenni Lada proves to be our ultimate source for Japanese otome games (i.e., dating games for girls). The latest otome on her DS pallet was Hiiro no Kakera, which debuted in Japan a little less than two weeks ago.

What makes this title stand out from some of the others in its genre is its fantastical plot. The heroine is a girl named Tamaki, who starts seeing monsters in her small, mountain town. With her sacred sword and the help of six studly (and eligible) bachelors, Tamaki must defeat the monsters and save her village from destruction. A little dating on the side couldn't hurt, though, could it? In fact, that sounds like a good gig to us.

Hiiro no Kakara was actually a PS2 title first, but voice-acting and other content were added for the DS version. The game also boasts some nice artwork and imagery, making it a visual novel of sorts. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of kanji in this otome, so unless you can read kanji well, you'll probably be in for a struggle. Should you be determined to give it a try anyway, Siliconera has a handy guide for starting up your game. If you're looking for an easier otome to get through, though, Lada recommends trying Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side 2nd Season.

Fighting monsters and dating boys in Hiiro no Kakera originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Learn English, sort of, with Moetan

JC Fletcher — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens, Imports

Moetan is a series of English lesson books which follow Nao, a high school student, and Ink-chan, an underdeveloped magical girl who is the subject of the moe content. The series combines bizarre, terrible Engrish with inappropriate-looking young girls to create something that is, of course, popular.

While we are, of course, fairly disgusted with the depictions of the girls in here (magical girl transformation scenes in particular are always off-putting), we're more worried about what passes for English teaching. Just as in the books and anime, the English text is far from native-speaker quality. An example sentence found in Moetan DS: "They say lunatic people are making the English word book."

[Image via ITMedia]

Learn English, sort of, with Moetan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Idea Factory's next title, Cross Edge, houses Nippon Ichi faves

Nick Doerr — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

We need to maintain our composure and monitor our excitement on here, or else we'll seem incredibly biased. It's difficult, though, because ever since we heard about Idea Factory's next character crossover title (Chaos Wars was their last one) dubbed Cross Edge, we can't sit still. JRPG's are very slow to hit the PS3, but this title not only brings a PS3 JRPG to the table, but one with characters from cherished franchises to Nippon Ichi loyalists as well as other big titles.

You play as the hero, Yuuto and heroine Mikoto and basically free a bunch of girls from other video games. You'll see Dark Stalkers, Atelier game characters, Ar Tonelico characters, Disgaea characters, and more. The game itself plays like a cross between "dress up" and Valkyrie Profile. Depending on the costume your ladies are in, they will have a different attack assigned to the face buttons when in battle. Well, perhaps it's best you check out the screens SiliconEra has put up. Let's hope licensing isn't a big issue and we see this hit outside of Japan.

Idea Factory's next title, Cross Edge, houses Nippon Ichi faves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clean Keeper is the dirtiest Wii game

Candace Savino — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Video

We've always heard that "cleanliness is next to Godliness," but Housekeeper Squadron Clean Keeper seems to contradict that saying. Yet, the game's "ick factor" comes from more than just cleaning evil dirt with girls in maid outfits. Some details have emerged on the title, and we've come to realize that the gameplay involves cleaning dirt off of these child-looking girls.

When they're attacked by evil starburst dirt, the player must clean the girls using the Wii's motion controls. Depending on what cleaning tool you're using, you'll be imitating a different gesture, such as wiping or jabbing. The trailer for the game also shows a whip tool, which proves to us that the whole "cleaning" story is just an excuse to do naughty things to little girls.

Aside from the risqué content, the game will be your everyday Japanese dating sim adventure. But, we're sure that's not what folks will be buying the game for. It's also interesting to note that this game only has a CERO C (equivalent to an ESRB "T") rating in Japan.

To see some NSFW video footage of the game (the video doesn't show any inappropriate body parts, but do you want to explain it to your coworkers?), which also happen to have "not safe for ears" audio (it's appropriate, just horrible), move on past the break.

Continue reading Clean Keeper is the dirtiest Wii game

Clean Keeper is the dirtiest Wii game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've warmed up quickly to Spectral Force

Candace Savino — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Screens, Imports

Another Japanese SRPG is making its way to the DS, known as Spectral Force: Genesis. If you haven't heard of the Spectral Force series, it's probably because the games usually don't get released outside of Japan.

With the exception of Innocent Rage, an Xbox 360 game that's being brought to North America by Atlus, most Spectral Force titles don't get localized. There is hope for Genesis, though; since it's coming out for the Nintendo DS, aka "the system that a lot of people own with a lot of niche titles," it's not impossible. We're pulling for it, at least. Yes, we say that about almost every game released in Japan, but we really mean it! If you read this far, you're probably wondering right about now why we're so intrigued by this Idea Factory game.

Continue reading We've warmed up quickly to Spectral Force

We've warmed up quickly to Spectral Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be wary of tentacles in Octomania

Candace Savino — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

Atlus is once again publishing a quirky game, this time aimed at puzzle fans.

The game, called Octomania, seems to be full of the kind of craziness that we've come to expect from an Atlus title. A shower of Octopi attacking the kingdom of Lonropia must be stopped, and what better way is there to do that than in puzzle fashion?

Along with arcade, endless, and multiplayer modes, the game will also support Wi-Fi play. That factor, along with the silly concept and cheap $19.99 price tag, might make this game more than worthwhile for puzzle fans.

Of course, the game's release date of March 11th might end up hurting it. There's another multiplayer game coming out that week, a little title you might have heard of ... Super Smash Bros. Brawl. If Octomania is as fun as it sounds, let's hope that it doesn't get drowned out by Nintendo's big-name fighter.

[Via press release]

Be wary of tentacles in Octomania originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clean Keeper has an ironic title

JC Fletcher — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Screens

Housekeeping Squadron Clean Keeper is the first game from a new division of Idea Factory called Lupinus, which focuses on moe stuff (as in "mo-eh," not games about Moe Howard, which we would prefer). It's a game about a bunch of young maids who band together to defeat some kind of evil dirt or something.

Mostly it'll be a game about looking at some young girls in maid outfits, navigating a whole bunch of conversation trees, and participating in exactly as many gesture-based cleaning action sequences (which seem to involve giant dirt particles) as Idea Factory thinks they have to put in. While the theme of the game is cleanliness, we seriously doubt Idea Factory's intentions are in any way "clean."

Clean Keeper has an ironic title originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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