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[Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland comes to our land May 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-comes-to-our-land-may-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-comes-to-our-land-may-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-comes-to-our-land-may-2/#comments Image
Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is the latest NIS release with a title totally incomprehensible to the uninitiated. It's about a girl named Meruru, princess of one of the kingdoms in Arland, who sets out to become a great alchemist.

As a result, you'll be doing a lot of alchemy in the game, creating various items and weapons. Unlike previous Atelier games, you'll be able to use your royal status to "develop" new areas of the kingdom, changing their appearance and giving you access to new landscapes.

If the combination of alchemy, world-building and adorableness appeal to you, you'll be able to pick up Atelier Meruru for PS3 on May 22. You can read more about it today on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqAtelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland comes to our land May 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atelier-Meruru-The-Apprentice-of-Arlandnis-americaplaystationps3release-dateFri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 fights for Gamindustri Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/hyperdimension-neptunia-mk2-fights-for-gamindustri-feb-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/hyperdimension-neptunia-mk2-fights-for-gamindustri-feb-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/hyperdimension-neptunia-mk2-fights-for-gamindustri-feb-28/#comments Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2, developer Idea Factory's second trek into the world of Gamindustri, will arrive in North America on February 28, courtesy of NIS America. Europe will actually get to experience the (virtual) console wars a bit earlier, on February 24.

This time, players control the younger sisters of the girls-as-consoles from the previous game. Which, in Hyperdimension Neptunia logic, means they're based on portable consoles -- the protagonist is "Nepgear."

And Keiji Inafune is there for some reason!

Gallery: Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 (PS3)

JoystiqHyperdimension Neptunia mk2 fights for Gamindustri Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyperdimension-neptunia-mk2nis-americaplaystationps3q1-2012release-dateFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland transmutes NA and EU in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-transmutes-na-and-eu-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-transmutes-na-and-eu-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-transmutes-na-and-eu-in/#comments
Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland, part three of Gust's Atelier trilogy, is currently being localized for western audiences and prepped for launch by NIS in North America and Europe this May. NIS also published the first and second entries in the series, Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland and Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland.

As the artful trailer above explains, Atelier Meruru concerns the adventures of Princess Meruru and her quest to become an alchemist while simultaneously growing her kingdom of Arls to its full potential. "Development" is a primary aspect of the gameplay, with story progression changing based on how the player decides to expand and improve the kingdom. Personally, we had no idea that becoming a master alchemist involved so much sweeping.

Gallery: Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland (01/14/12)

JoystiqAtelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland transmutes NA and EU in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtelierAtelier-meruruAtelier-Meruru-The-Apprentice-of-ArlandAtelier-RoronaAtelier-TotoriGustNISNIS-Americaplaystationps3Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Cave Story 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/deja-review-cave-story-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/deja-review-cave-story-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/deja-review-cave-story-3d/#comments Not even a semi-controversial visual makeover can keep me from loving Cave Story. I admit to being a bit worried upon seeing the first screens of the new 3DS remake, Cave Story 3D, developed by Nicalis in conjunction with original creator Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya. And I admit now that the new polygonal graphics lack the extreme charm of the original pixels.

But Cave Story is a wonderful game on any platform, in any configuration. Those new graphics are there to sell the game to non-"core" gamers who see 2D art as archaic, and who have no pre-existing knowledge of the indie game scene or of Cave Story. The game still works with its new look. Besides, I was really, honestly impressed with the redone art in several areas. I enjoyed seeing the game reinterpreted, after seeing the original so, so many times.

Continue reading Deja Review: Cave Story 3D

JoystiqDeja Review: Cave Story 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-storycave-story-3ddeja-reviewdsnicalisnintendonis-americapixelMon, 07 Nov 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D screens come in all dimensional varieties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/cave-story-3d-screens-come-in-all-dimensional-varieties/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/cave-story-3d-screens-come-in-all-dimensional-varieties/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/cave-story-3d-screens-come-in-all-dimensional-varieties/#comments What're you looking for, folks? Screens of Cave Story 3D's titular three-dimensional display, complete with left-right screen splitting? We have those. Want some slightly less complicated images of the game's spritely 2D mode? You know we got your back. (And we always will.)

Continue reading Cave Story 3D screens come in all dimensional varieties

JoystiqCave Story 3D screens come in all dimensional varieties originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-storycave-story-3dnicalisnintendonis-americastudio-pixelWed, 28 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America bringing Disgaea to Android, Vita; Neptunia and Clan of Champions headed to NA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-to-android-vita-neptunia-and-clan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-to-android-vita-neptunia-and-clan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-to-android-vita-neptunia-and-clan/#comments In NIS America's continued efforts to put Disgaea games on more and more platforms, the company today announced that Disgaea: Netherworld Unbound is headed to Android devices later this year. Netherworld Unbound is an Android-optimized version of the original Disgaea game, though NIS says it'll expand on that by selling "characters, items, features, and more."

The Disgaea heading to PlayStation Vita will also be launching in the US sometime in spring 2012. Beyond renaming the subtitle "Absence of Detention" (rather than the original's "Absence of Justice"), the Vita port adds "all-new characters, stories, and game systems."

Beyond the Disgaea series, NIS is bringing "everyone's favorite JRPG with Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune as a weapon," Neptunia MK-II, to the US. Like in Japan, the game will remain exclusive to Sony's PlayStation 3, and it's expected to launch in spring 2012 as well. The company also announced intentions to bring the tentatively titled "Clan of Champions" from Tenchu dev Acquire Corp. to the US, and to both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

[Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice for PlayStation 3 pictured above.]

JoystiqNIS America bringing Disgaea to Android, Vita; Neptunia and Clan of Champions headed to NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disgaea-3Disgaea-3-Absence-of-Justicemicrosoftmobilenis-americanisaplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3sonytgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011vitaxboxFri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/#comments The Disgaea series is a tough nut to crack. With its dated gameplay and recycled graphics and music, each new entry in the franchise has flown in the face of convention. Nevertheless, whether owing its longevity to quirky storytelling or staggeringly deep and complex mechanics, the franchise has found favor among strategy role-playing game enthusiasts.

That storied tradition looks to continue with earnest in Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten, a testament that, all things considered, developer Nippon Ichi definitely still knows its audience.

Gallery: Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten (8/22/11)

Continue reading Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged

JoystiqDisgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-4Nippon-Ichi-Softwarenis-americaplaystationps3strategyWed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Rock Shooter is actually an RPG, and NIS America is publishing it on PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/black-rock-shooter-is-actually-an-rpg-and-nis-america-is-publis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/black-rock-shooter-is-actually-an-rpg-and-nis-america-is-publis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/black-rock-shooter-is-actually-an-rpg-and-nis-america-is-publis/#comments Black Rock Shooter: The Game is a PSP RPG, one of Imageepoch's "JRPG" line of games. It's based on a growing media empire (anime, music manga) featuring a young woman who carries a cannon that fires rocks. So it's not just a clever name!

As you might expect of a game with a cannon-wielding protagonist, Black Rock Shooter has elements of third-person shooting (like ... shooting), but it's alongside RPG-style leveling.

NIS America plans to release Black Rock Shooter in America and Europe as part of its deal with Imageepoch. The company has yet to date these releases, "but we are working hard to get it out as soon as possible," said NIS's Jack Niida in the announcement. "Please look forward to this amazing game."

JoystiqBlack Rock Shooter is actually an RPG, and NIS America is publishing it on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-shooterimageepochjrpgnis-americaplaystationpspsonyThu, 25 Aug 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4, ClaDun X2, Atelier Totori dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/disgaea-4-cladun-x2-atelier-totori-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/disgaea-4-cladun-x2-atelier-totori-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/disgaea-4-cladun-x2-atelier-totori-dated/#comments Disgaea 4 will explode like a spectral penguin onto PS3 on September 6. Publisher NIS America announced that and a few other release windows today on the PlayStation Blog. It'll be available in three different configurations, depending on how much extra stuff you want to pay for.

Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, a new alchemy-themed RPG for PS3 (and sequel to last year's Atelier Rorona), will be out on September 27. In this game, young Totori searches for her missing mother while defeating monsters, helping townspeople with quests, and learning the art of alchemy in order to synthesize items.

And on PSP, ClaDun X2 will offer more pixelated action-RPG fun "at the end of August." This one promises more customization options than its predecessor, the amusingly named "ClaDun: This is an RPG." What isn't customizable is how you can buy it: it'll be released only on PSN.

JoystiqDisgaea 4, ClaDun X2, Atelier Totori dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelier-totoricladun-x2disgaea-4nis-americaplaystationps3pspq3-2011release-datesonyThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A pair of Bleach: Soul Resureccion trailers before launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/a-pair-of-bleach-soul-resureccion-trailers-before-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/a-pair-of-bleach-soul-resureccion-trailers-before-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/a-pair-of-bleach-soul-resureccion-trailers-before-launch/#comments We suspect this clip of Bleach: Soul Resurrección will be a lot more meaningful to hardcore Bleach fans than to the rest of us, but there's still value here to the non-fan. Specifically, look at how huge that guy is! He's like the biggest guy.

After the break, find another clip of an exciting aerial battle with a much more manageably sized opponent. Soul Resurrección will be out on PS3 August 2.

Gallery: Bleach: Soul Resurreccion (7/28/11)

Continue reading A pair of Bleach: Soul Resureccion trailers before launch

JoystiqA pair of Bleach: Soul Resureccion trailers before launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleach-soul-resurreccionnis-americaplaystationps3Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleach: Soul Resurreccion comes with free episodes of Bleach anime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/bleach-soul-resurreccion-comes-with-free-episodes-of-bleach-ani/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/bleach-soul-resurreccion-comes-with-free-episodes-of-bleach-ani/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/bleach-soul-resurreccion-comes-with-free-episodes-of-bleach-ani/#comments We can't explain why NIS America's new Bleach game is called Soul Resurrección without getting into some impenetrable lore, but we can tell you about the stuff you'll get when you buy it. The first printing of the PS3 game (out August 2) will include vouchers for downloads of episodes 190-192 of the Bleach anime. The offer is available in both the US and Canada.

In addition, for discerning Bleach fans, NIS America has announced that the North American release of the game will include both Japanese and English audio tracks. Both, judging by the title, will include a little Spanish.

Continue reading Bleach: Soul Resurreccion comes with free episodes of Bleach anime

JoystiqBleach: Soul Resurreccion comes with free episodes of Bleach anime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebleachbleach-soul-resurreccionnis-americaplaystationps3psnvoice-actingThu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4 pre-orders available in three flavors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/disgaea-4-pre-orders-available-in-three-flavors/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/disgaea-4-pre-orders-available-in-three-flavors/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/disgaea-4-pre-orders-available-in-three-flavors/#comments The Disgaea 4 Premium Editions we outlined last April are now available for pre-order, so get ready to have the penguin and/or bomb-shaped voids filled in your strategically battling little hearts.

Pre-order packages come in your choice of Original Recipe, Extra Crispy (the "Premium Edition"), and Buffalo-style, (the "Premium Figure Set"), with art books and adorable figurines awaiting those who are willing to drop a little extra coin. All three options come with the game's soundtrack, however, so you won't be entirely left out of the freebie fun if a 4-inch-tall anime penguin girl isn't worth 20 extra smackers.

[Image credit: Penny Arcade]

JoystiqDisgaea 4 pre-orders available in three flavors originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaeadisgaea-4NIS-americaplaystationPre-orderprinnyps3Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D delayed until November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/cave-story-3d-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/cave-story-3d-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/cave-story-3d-delayed-until-november/#comments What's the opposite of "Huzzah"? Cave Story 3D, Nicalis's radical reinterpretation of the indie classic, won't make its appointed August 9 release date. Publisher NIS America confirmed to Joystiq today that the 3DS remake has been pushed back to November, putting its official release date in line with the date on GameStop's website.

An NIS rep told us that the company would offer more detail about the delay in a press release, expected today. In the meantime, we suggest ameliorating the wait for Cave Story with ... the other version of Cave Story, on DSiWare or WiiWare. You know, to get you ready for Cave Story (3D).

Gallery: Cave Story 3D (6/28)



Update: the press release is after the break, specifying a November 8 release. Producer Jack Niida says that the changes being made to Cave Story 3D are " in the small details, but in order to satisfy both the fans and the new players we need to make sure the game is done right."

Continue reading Cave Story 3D delayed until November

JoystiqCave Story 3D delayed until November originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-story-3ddelaysdsnicalisnintendonis-americaMon, 27 Jun 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D preview: Pixel goes polygonal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/cave-story-3d-preview-pixel-goes-polygonal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/cave-story-3d-preview-pixel-goes-polygonal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/cave-story-3d-preview-pixel-goes-polygonal/#comments I'll admit it: my excitement about a new version of Cave Story to play on the 3DS was tempered a bit by fears that it wouldn't turn out right. To put it more directly, my excitement was tempered by the first screenshots of Cave Story 3D.

But upon playing the remake, it was immediately evident that developer Nicalis had been paying attention to the reaction to those first images, and is working to make something that reinterprets the environments of the retro-style original in a more palatable -- and more parsable -- way. It is not ruined by the 3D graphics.

Gallery: Cave Story 3D (E3 2011)

Continue reading Cave Story 3D preview: Pixel goes polygonal

JoystiqCave Story 3D preview: Pixel goes polygonal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-story-3ddse3e3-2011nicalisnintendonis-americaWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D to feature dimension-defying 2D sprite mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/cave-story-3d-to-feature-dimension-defying-2d-sprite-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/cave-story-3d-to-feature-dimension-defying-2d-sprite-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/21/cave-story-3d-to-feature-dimension-defying-2d-sprite-mode/#comments Torn between your love of the original Cave Story's beautifully pixel-drawn sprites and your excitement for Cave Story 3D's complete reinvention of the game's hovering island-world? You can now have your cave and eat it too: NIS America recently announced the game's 2D sprite mode, which takes the original, flat characters and enemies and places them in remodeled 3D environments, Paper Mario-style.

Destructoid managed to get its hands on a pair of images of this double-dimensioned mode, one of which is posted above. Personally, we think it looks pretty gosh darn neat, though now we're going to have to worry about poor little Quote slipping through crevices in the cave floor. Guess it still beats getting squished by the wizard-king of Hell, but ... um, not by much.

JoystiqCave Story 3D to feature dimension-defying 2D sprite mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 May 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-storycave-story-3ddsnicalisnintendonis-americastudio-pixelSat, 21 May 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D dated once again, coming August 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/cave-story-3d-dated-once-again-coming-august-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/cave-story-3d-dated-once-again-coming-august-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/cave-story-3d-dated-once-again-coming-august-9/#comments We saw one Cave Story 3D release date before, on Nintendo's quarterly release schedule, but that turns out to have been inaccurate -- or the game has been delayed since then. In any case, scratch out the "Cave Story day!!!" note you put on your calendar's June 19 box and rewrite it under August 9. NIS will release the game in Europe sometime in September.

Along with announcing the date, NIS America released the box art image above, featuring protagonists Quote and Curly Brace checking out the 3DS logo on the side. The publisher also released a set of screenshots, each with a note that the game is "under development."

Gallery: Cave Story 3D (screens)

JoystiqCave Story 3D dated once again, coming August 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-storycave-story-3ddsnicalisnintendonis-americaq3-2011release-dateFri, 29 Apr 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4 Premium Edition is loaded with toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/disgaea-4-premium-edition-is-loaded-with-toys/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/disgaea-4-premium-edition-is-loaded-with-toys/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/disgaea-4-premium-edition-is-loaded-with-toys/#comments NIS America is going to save you Disgaea superfans a little time, by allowing you to buy Disgaea 4 and a tie-in toy at the same time. The publisher announced a Premium Edition, which will be available at "GameStop and other retailers" at the September launch, and contains an artbook and an exclusive Nendoroid figurine of Fuka (above, snapped for the Japanese Disgaea blog).

If you really want a big box of Disgaea stuff, though, you'll want to pre-order from NIS's own store. It'll begin taking pre-orders in July for two different bundles: the same Premium Edition sold elsewhere (with the addition of a bonus soundtrack), and a Super Premium Edition that comes with nine more exclusive toys.

Oh, also, all of these packages include the actual game.

JoystiqDisgaea 4 Premium Edition is loaded with toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-4gamestopnendoroidnis-americaplaystationpremium-editionps3Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/#comments This fall, you can look forward to massive level numbers and dead souls turned into explosive penguins. That's right, Disgaea's coming back. NIS America announced that it's strategically launching Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten on PS3 this September. It's coming to Europe, too, with a less clearly-defined "fall" release window.

In addition to localizing the netherworld strategy game itself, NIS is also importing the naming contest used to market the Japanese release of the game. The "Come up with Dis-name-a" contest seeks new names for a sword, a skill and "a scantily-clad NPC." To see the objects in need of names, and hopefully to find inspiration, check them out here.

Continue reading Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood

JoystiqDisgaea 4 coming in September, dood originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdisgaea-4marketingnis-americaplaystationps3q3-2011release-dateFri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[So, uh, what's an 'Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel' anyway?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/ar-tonelico-qoga-name-explanation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/ar-tonelico-qoga-name-explanation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/ar-tonelico-qoga-name-explanation/#comments As you know, our primary goal here at Joystiq is to provide you with a thorough, clear, and contextualized picture of video game news. It's with that in mind that we asked NIS America to explain the ... somewhat bizarre name of its forthcoming RPG, Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel.

We've been ribbing the game's title internally for some time now. And hey, can you blame us? It's nigh indecipherable! A NIS representative described the title as a "jumble of seemingly random letters," so we're not exactly alone in this. Anyway, NIS America reps kindly provided us with the breakdown of name that you see below, presented unedited:
"Break down for Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel:

'Qoga' means "finale" or 'termination.'
'Knell' is like a chime that signals the passing of someone or something.
'Ar Ciel' is a name of a world.
'Ar Tonelico' is an artificial world tree (Yggdrasill).

We wanted to use 'Knell' to indicate that this is the finale of the series because 'chime the signals the passing of something' is [the] perfect way of expressing the finale of [the] Ar Tonelico series."
Still confused? We were too. Thankfully, NIS reps escalated their efforts several steps further, offering a detailed explanation -- as well as a bit of sympathy to confused readers -- directly from script writer Steven Carlton. "Many people may look at the title Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel and wonder what that jumble of seemingly random letters means," Carlton told us. "There are a few key terms from the game in the title, mainly Ar Tonelico and Ar Ciel."

Gallery: Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel (PS3)

Continue reading So, uh, what's an 'Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel' anyway?

JoystiqSo, uh, what's an 'Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel' anyway? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ar-Tonelico-Qogabandaigustnamconamco-bandainis-americaplaystationps3steven-carltonTue, 15 Feb 2011 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story's Balrog shot in the butt -- in 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/cave-storys-balrog-shot-in-the-butt-in-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/cave-storys-balrog-shot-in-the-butt-in-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/cave-storys-balrog-shot-in-the-butt-in-3d/#commentsOkay, so it's not really stereoscopic 3D yet, but this teaser video is a really detailed look at the polygonal character models from Nicalis and NIS America's new Cave Story 3D -- some of whom are shot in the butt during the course of the video.

Continue reading Cave Story's Balrog shot in the butt -- in 3D

JoystiqCave Story's Balrog shot in the butt -- in 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-story-3ddsnicalisnintendonis-americaTue, 15 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ar Tonelico Qoga trailer is full of angsty teenagers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/ar-tonelico-qoga-trailer-is-full-of-angsty-teenagers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/ar-tonelico-qoga-trailer-is-full-of-angsty-teenagers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/ar-tonelico-qoga-trailer-is-full-of-angsty-teenagers/#comments If Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel's suggestive moaning and nudity stuff hasn't weirded you out enough, know that it offers the power of song, love and lots of teenagers being all sad and stuff, too.

Continue reading Ar Tonelico Qoga trailer is full of angsty teenagers

JoystiqAr Tonelico Qoga trailer is full of angsty teenagers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ar-Tonelico-Qogagustnis-americaplaystationps3Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story 3D is a 'fully reconstructed' port for 3DS [update: coming this summer]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/cave-story-3d-is-a-fully-reconstructed-port-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/cave-story-3d-is-a-fully-reconstructed-port-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/cave-story-3d-is-a-fully-reconstructed-port-for-3ds/#comments NIS America has announced it'll publish Cave Story 3D, a "fully reconstructed in 3D" version of Studio Pixel's shooter, on the Nintendo 3DS -- Nicalis will be handling development duties. This means that there will be polygons and, utilizing the tech of the 3DS, certain environments will have a kind of curvature introduced. "This curvature can be accomplished by defining a 3D spline that directly and uniquely maps to the 2D grid that the game is actually aware of," says a preliminary fact sheet for the game. So, in layman's terms, it's still 2D, but projectiles and characters will move around these curvature points as if it were a 3D space.

Everything else about the game is still pretty much the same: you explore; you shoot guys; you get experience and upgrade stuff. We weren't given a launch date for this latest port (Cave Story is currently available on the PC, WiiWare and DSiWare), but we've got a gallery of concept art you're free to peruse.

Update: NIS America announced a summer 2011 release date for this 3DS remake.

Gallery: Cave Story 3D (concept art)

JoystiqCave Story 3D is a 'fully reconstructed' port for 3DS [update: coming this summer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cave-story-3ddsnicalisnintendonis-americaFri, 11 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperdimension Neptunia 'Premium Edition' includes extra pictures of console girls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/hyperdimension-neptunia-premium-edition-includes-extra-picture/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/hyperdimension-neptunia-premium-edition-includes-extra-picture/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/hyperdimension-neptunia-premium-edition-includes-extra-picture/#commentsAre 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.

JoystiqHyperdimension 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyperdimension-neptuniaidea-factorynis-americaplaystationpremium-packps3Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB reveals Ar Tonelico Qoga's 'suggestive moans and comments']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/esrb-reveals-ar-tonelico-qogas-suggestive-moans-and-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/esrb-reveals-ar-tonelico-qogas-suggestive-moans-and-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/esrb-reveals-ar-tonelico-qogas-suggestive-moans-and-comments/#commentsThe third (and supposedly final) Ar Tonelico game, Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel, will arrive on PS3 in March. The ESRB's content description for Gust's RPG gives us a bit of a preview of what to expect: shame, mostly.

"Some power moves cause female characters' clothes to vanish in layers," the ratings board says. "The characters are often depicted holding (covering) their breasts, wearing only underwear, or standing behind strips of light that obscure their genitals." Other described scenes feature "male characters [encouraging] a woman to strip" and a scene in which a male character removes a magical crystal from a female, accompanied by what the ESRB calls "suggestive moans and comments." How suggestive? "Aoto's putting his hand inside Soma," for example, and "Fumble around every inch inside of her . . . you will find what you're looking for . . . !"

Though you might have already guessed, Ar Tonelico Qoga is rated M for eMbarrassing Mature.

Gallery: Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel (PS3)

JoystiqESRB reveals Ar Tonelico Qoga's 'suggestive moans and comments' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ar-Tonelico-Qogaesrbgustnis-americaplaystationps3Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperdimension Neptunia trailer features surprise Sega character cameos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/hyperdimension-neptunia-trailer-features-surprise-sega-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/hyperdimension-neptunia-trailer-features-surprise-sega-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/hyperdimension-neptunia-trailer-features-surprise-sega-character/#comments Just in case NIS America's Hyperdimension Neptunia wasn't weird enough, this newly released trailer highlights some of the classic Sega characters that inexplicably make an appearance. Also, don't ogle too much over the scantily-clad anime girls; you do know that they're video game consoles, right?

Continue reading Hyperdimension Neptunia trailer features surprise Sega character cameos

JoystiqHyperdimension Neptunia trailer features surprise Sega character cameos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-kiddhyperdimension-neptunianis-americaplaystationps3segashinobispace-harrierThu, 23 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America publishing Imageepoch games in North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/nis-america-publishing-imageepoch-games-in-north-america-and-eur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/nis-america-publishing-imageepoch-games-in-north-america-and-eur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/nis-america-publishing-imageepoch-games-in-north-america-and-eur/#commentsFans of niche JRPGs nobody else has heard of will have something to look forward to when NIS America brings Imageepoch's games to North America and Europe. NIS America made a name for itself with the Disgaea franchise, and Imageepoch CEO Ryoei Mikage explained during a press conference (via Dengeki) announcing three new games that it's the reason he chose to go with them -- specifically, the company's ability to move 150,000 to 200,000 units per installment in the beloved tactical series.

Mikage's plan is to first appeal to diehard JPRG fans overseas (that's you!) then go from there. Sadly, Mikage didn't reveal which would be the first game localized for The West, but considering the event revealed three new games, it's a good chance any of these could be considered: Black Rock Shooter: The Game, Tales of the Last Promise and Chevalier Saga Tactics. Yatta!

JoystiqNIS America publishing Imageepoch games in North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imageepochjapannis-americaplaystationpspsonyTue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Brave takes PSP to The Hermuda Triangle in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/phantom-brave-takes-psp-to-the-hermuda-triangle-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/phantom-brave-takes-psp-to-the-hermuda-triangle-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/phantom-brave-takes-psp-to-the-hermuda-triangle-in-march/#commentsIn case you missed out on the PS2 release of Phantom Brave, or the updated Wii port, NIS America has announced a more upgraded-er port, for PSP! Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle, out this March on UMD and PSN in North America, and on PSN in Europe.

This version of the isometric tactical RPG features all the new content, including characters and the "Another Marona" campaign, added to the Wii release, Phantom Brave: We Meet Again. NIS has also added additional new characters from other NIS games, including Hero Prinny and the Unlosing Ranger (according to Siliconera).

It's because those five characters make this a slightly different game that the box art can claim it as "Only on PlayStation." Apparently.

Continue reading Phantom Brave takes PSP to The Hermuda Triangle in March

JoystiqPhantom Brave takes PSP to The Hermuda Triangle in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nisnis-americaphantom-bravephantom-brave-the-hermuda-triangleplaystationpspq1-2011release-datesonyWed, 17 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prinny 2: Dawn of panties design contest, dood!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/prinny-2-dawn-of-panties-design-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/prinny-2-dawn-of-panties-design-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/prinny-2-dawn-of-panties-design-contest/#commentsNIS America is not shying away from Prinny 2's panties-based story, at all. In this latest trailer, the Prinny narrator tells us that the 1,000 Prinnies in the PSP action title are searching for Etna's stolen panties. Concurrent with the release of the trailer, NIS announced a panty design contest.

You have until November 12 to download the template and come up with a single-color design that you think would be nice printed on a Demon Lord's unmentionables. The winning design, of course, will be printed on actual underwear, given to the top three designers and fifty random entries. It's pretty likely winning this contest will be easier than completing the game -- except in Baby Mode.

Continue reading Prinny 2: Dawn of panties design contest, dood!

JoystiqPrinny 2: Dawn of panties design contest, dood! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestnis-americapantiesplaystationprinny-2prinny-2-dawn-of-operation-panties-doodpspsonyFri, 22 Oct 2010 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Prinny 2 mercifully offers 'Baby' difficulty setting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/prinny-2-mercifully-offers-baby-difficulty-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/prinny-2-mercifully-offers-baby-difficulty-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/prinny-2-mercifully-offers-baby-difficulty-setting/#commentsIn a press release, NIS America revealed the box art for the UMD release of Prinny 2 -- confirming that, yes, the publisher is bravely going ahead with the name "Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!" Had it been us, we'd have changed all the panties to sandwiches. See the box art after the break.

More importantly, NIS also revealed that Prinny 2 will feature a new, easier difficulty called "Baby," for people who thought the first Prinny game was too hard. In other words, people. How many other games give you 1,000 lives right from the start, knowing that won't help?

Continue reading Prinny 2 mercifully offers 'Baby' difficulty setting

JoystiqPrinny 2 mercifully offers 'Baby' difficulty setting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nis-americaplaystationprinnyprinny-2prinny-2-dawn-of-operation-panties-doodpspsonyTue, 19 Oct 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Cladun: This is a release date!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/cladun-this-is-a-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/cladun-this-is-a-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/cladun-this-is-a-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're in the mood for a game that's about classic-style dungeons and is an RPG, you'll be delighted to hear that NIS America dated the PSP game Cladun: This is an RPG! The game will be available on PSN on September 21.

Cladun allows players to build their own tiny character sprites and take on randomly generated dungeons. It features ad-hoc play, so up to four players can wander around dungeons together (while wandering around together in real life). To see more of Cladun, you can browse around the game's website, which is designed to look and sound like the game. You can also play Cladun-themed picross. After all, if you like dungeon RPGs, you enjoy difficult games.

JoystiqCladun: This is a release date! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cladun-this-is-an-rpgNIS-AmericaplaystationpsnpspRelease-DateRPGsonyFri, 03 Sep 2010 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy localization, Badman! It's No Heroes Allowed for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/no-heroes-allowed-coming-to-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/no-heroes-allowed-coming-to-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/no-heroes-allowed-coming-to-na/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though a European trailer for No Heroes Allowed, the third game in the What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? series, was released during Gamescom, news of a North American release remained up in the air (instead of buried in a hastily-dug dungeon, where it belonged). SCEA has revealed plans to release the game, but did not offer up a date for the God of Destruction's resurrection.

No Heroes Allowed offers 100 daily dungeon design challenges, along with a new cooperative play mode that stars Badman and his daughter, Badmella. In the new addition, two players collaborate to dig a deadly, devious and dangerous dungeon.

Gallery: No Heroes Allowed (PSP)

JoystiqHoly localization, Badman! It's No Heroes Allowed for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquirenis-americaNo-Heroes-Allowedplaystationpspsonystrategywhat-did-i-do-to-deserve-this-my-lordyuusha-3dFri, 03 Sep 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman VS some new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/z-h-p-unlosing-ranger-vs-darkdeath-evilman-vs-some-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/z-h-p-unlosing-ranger-vs-darkdeath-evilman-vs-some-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/z-h-p-unlosing-ranger-vs-darkdeath-evilman-vs-some-new-screens/#commentsWe doubt you could forget about a game called Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman, but in case it's slipped your mind even for the briefest of moments, publisher NIS America has released a heroic number of screenshots of the PSP strategy RPG.

In Z.H.P., players not only control the superhero Unlosing Ranger, but build a sort of "superhero town" to support, train, and build items to help fight against his rival "Dangerama" and other villains. Unlike most strategy RPGs, the hero is totally alone during battles, which means it's probably a good idea to boost his abilities in town -- or risk becoming the Losing Ranger.

Z.H.P. will fight evil on PSP this October.

Gallery: Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman (PSP)

JoystiqZ.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman VS some new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absolute-hero-modding-projectNIS-AmericaplaystationpspsonyStrategy-RPGzettai-hero-kaizou-keikakuzhp-unlosing-ranger-vs-darkdeath-evilmanThu, 26 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Rorona screenshots from NIS's alchemy shop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/atelier-rorona-screenshots-from-niss-alchemy-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/atelier-rorona-screenshots-from-niss-alchemy-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/atelier-rorona-screenshots-from-niss-alchemy-shop/#commentsThe many new Atelier Rorona screenshots in our gallery seem to encapsulate the whole of the experience: battling in the field, creating new items and materials in your alchemy shop, and being somewhat embarrassed repeatedly in conversations.

Gallery: Atelier Rorona (7/27/10)

JoystiqAtelier Rorona screenshots from NIS's alchemy shop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelieratelier-roronaatelier-rorona-alchemist-of-arlandGustNIS-Americaplaystationps3RPGWed, 28 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is an announcement of three new NIS America games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/this-is-an-announcement-of-three-new-nis-america-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/this-is-an-announcement-of-three-new-nis-america-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/this-is-an-announcement-of-three-new-nis-america-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NIS America held a press event last night during which it announced three new wacky, niche, NIS-style games for North America. Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel, the latest in Gust's RPG incomprehensibly-named series, will be released on PS3 in spring 2011. It features a completely new storyline and setting, so if you're up for a JRPG, you won't have to do your Ar Tonelico homework first. Warning: "edgy and kinky special moves."

The other two games are both for PSP. Cladun: This Is an RPG, officially the game with the most wonderful subtitle ever, is a PSN-exclusive localization of Classic Dungeon, a dungeon crawler with a similar intentionally retro-style presentation (and an extraordinarily similar logo) to 3D Dot Game Heroes. ZHP: Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman, which just immediately snatched away the "wonderful subtitle" prize we awarded to Cladun, is a localized release of Absolute Hero Modding Project, a superhero-themed, over-the-top strategy RPG. It'll be out this fall on both PSN and UMD. See trailers for Cladun and ZHP after the break.

Continue reading This is an announcement of three new NIS America games

JoystiqThis is an announcement of three new NIS America games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absolute-hero-modding-projectAr-Tonelico-QogaCladunCladun-This-Is-An-RPGNIS-Americaplaystationps3pspRPGZHP-Unlosing-Ranger-VS-Darkdeath-EvilmanFri, 16 Jul 2010 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Rorona gets alchemical on PS3 this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/atelier-rorona-gets-alchemical-on-ps3-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/atelier-rorona-gets-alchemical-on-ps3-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/atelier-rorona-gets-alchemical-on-ps3-this-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After next week's crossover RPG Trinity Universe, you'll have to wait until September for your next serving of anime-style, cute role-playing from NIS America.

Continue reading Atelier Rorona gets alchemical on PS3 this September

JoystiqAtelier Rorona gets alchemical on PS3 this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtelierAtelier-Roronaatelier-rorona-alchemist-of-arlandGustNIS-Americaplaystationps3Release-DateRPGWed, 23 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America has a 3DS dev kit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/nis-america-has-a-3ds-dev-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/nis-america-has-a-3ds-dev-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/nis-america-has-a-3ds-dev-kit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sometime in the near future, we could be treated to three-dimensional Prinnies exploding in our faces. Haru Akenaga, president of Disgaea publisher NIS America, told Siliconera that the company has received a 3DS development kit.

Akenaga did not confirm any specific titles in development, or even that NISA had begun development on anything at all. But this can only lead to good things for people who want quirky, patently Japanese games with the appearance of depth. We've followed up with NISA to ascertain more details.

JoystiqNIS America has a 3DS dev kit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsHaru-AkenaganintendoNippon-Ichi-SoftwareNIS-AmericaMon, 21 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea Infinite trailer makes as much sense as the other Disgaea games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/#comments
That Disgaea Infinite trailer that snuck out in Japanese a little while back has now been officially released and translated into almost-English and, while it's a little harsh to call the series "the ultimate grind-fest" (unless fans want to wear that title as a badge of honor), this weird little adaptation that turns the strategy RPG into a "visual novel" adventure game still looks interesting.

Last we heard, this one was due out for the PSP in May, but this trailer actually says June of 2010. We checked in with NIS America, and they informed us that the game is due out on June 8th of this year. Look for it as a downloadable title on PSN then.

JoystiqDisgaea Infinite trailer makes as much sense as the other Disgaea games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010adventuredelaydisgaeadisgaea-infiniteenglishjapanesejuneNippon-IchiNippon-Ichi-Softwarenis-americareleasestrategy-rpgtrailertranslatedvisual-novelTue, 06 Apr 2010 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Trinity Universe coming to US and Europe this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/trinity-universe-coming-to-us-and-europe-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/trinity-universe-coming-to-us-and-europe-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/trinity-universe-coming-to-us-and-europe-this-june/#comments 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

JoystiqTrinity 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelierdisgaeagustidea-factoryjrpgnippon-ichinis-americarelease-datetrinity-universeWed, 24 Mar 2010 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nippon Ichi to focus on PS3, plans new Disgaea game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/nippon-ichi-to-focus-on-ps3-plans-new-disgaea-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/nippon-ichi-to-focus-on-ps3-plans-new-disgaea-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/nippon-ichi-to-focus-on-ps3-plans-new-disgaea-game/#comments Niche Japanese publisher Nippon Ichi hasn't had a very good year. With an expected loss of 299 million yen ($3.33 million) for the fiscal year, it's clear NIS must make drastic changes to turn things around. According to a report by Andriasang, the company blames its poor performance for relying too much on externally-developed games, something that will be rectified in the coming fiscal year. 2010 will feature a more focused title catalog, with only eight game releases.

With 1.6 million Disgaea games sold so far, the franchise is unquestionably Nippon Ichi's most valued asset. Going forward, the company plans on releasing yet another Disgaea title for the PS3. The new release is part of a new initiative at the company to focus on potential growth areas: PS3 software, and the North American market.

However, the off-the-radar release of their last PS3 game, Last Rebellion, proves Nippon Ichi may not be properly equipped to exploit the current generation. Disgaea may be well known in the hardcore gaming community, but will another game be enough to turn Nippon Ichi's fortunes around?

JoystiqNippon Ichi to focus on PS3, plans new Disgaea game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaeadisgaea-4nippon-ichinis-americaSat, 13 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America to enter US anime market with Persona: Trinity Soul]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/nis-america-to-enter-us-anime-market-with-persona-trinity-soul/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/nis-america-to-enter-us-anime-market-with-persona-trinity-soul/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/nis-america-to-enter-us-anime-market-with-persona-trinity-soul/#comments NIS America isn't all about making niche video games. No, they're going to be making niche anime DVDs as well. Beginning mid-2010, NIS America will roll out their new anime line, beginning with these four titles: Toradora!, Persona: Trinity Soul, PandoraHearts, and Our Home's Fox Deity.

Jack Niida confirmed that these titles will be available exclusively on DVD at first, although didn't rule out the possibility of Blu-ray, PlayStation Network and Zune Marketplace releases in the future. These series will receive a limited print, and will be available through online specialty retailers -- brick and mortar stores, like Best Buy and Walmart, will not carry these titles. Series will be sold as box sets, with approximately half a season included in each package. The press release also states that "like its video game offerings, anime titles will be available with collector's items."

When questioned why NIS America would enter yet another niche market, Niida told us that "a lot of anime companies have shut down," leaving only Funimation, Bandai and VIZ Media to represent the entirety of the US anime market. NIS America wanted to pursue some of the smaller titles that would otherwise never find an English language distributor. Certainly, this is good news for Persona fans, but we wish NIS America the best of luck tackling an industry plagued with an even larger piracy problem than games.

JoystiqNIS America to enter US anime market with Persona: Trinity Soul originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animedvdnis-americaour-homes-fox-deitypandoraheartspersonapersona-trinity-soultoradoraFri, 12 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST