Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Returning to simpler days with Disgaea D2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/returning-to-simpler-days-with-disgaea-d2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/returning-to-simpler-days-with-disgaea-d2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/returning-to-simpler-days-with-disgaea-d2/#commentsDisgaea D2 offers more of the same, which might not be a bad thing Nearly ten years ago, a quirky little game called Disgaea: Hour of Darkness put developer Nippon Ichi on the map for lovers of Japanese RPGs - the ones from America, anyway. This quirky strategy RPG combined Final Fantasy Tactics with a Tim Burton-inspired aesthetic, and just as the genre seemed to be fading from relevance. Nippon Ichi capitalized on the success of Disgaea by opening up an American branch months later, and continued to iterate on their particular brand of complex and bizarre mechanics.

For some (like myself), Nippon Ichi's prolific nature soon became a case of diminishing returns, and their audience gradually checked out from the company's regular forays into strategy RPG territory. Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness for PlayStation 3 stands as the developers' attempt to recapture that magic of 2003 with a spirtual remake of the game that made them, and by all accounts looks to be treading some very safe waters.

This might not be a bad thing, though; just as the New Super Mario Bros. series added a fresh coat of paint to old-school action, Disgaea D2 has the same intent. The latest installment to the series acts as a direct sequel to the first game, complete with the same mechanics and characters, but with an entirely new story.

Gallery: Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness

Continue reading Returning to simpler days with Disgaea D2

JoystiqReturning to simpler days with Disgaea D2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-d2-a-brighter-darknessNippon-Ichi-SoftwareNIS-Americaplaystationps3Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers possesses Europe September 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-possesses-europe-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-possesses-europe-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-possesses-europe-september-13/#comments
NIS America is bringing the updated 3DS version of Atlus' classic 1997 Sega Saturn RPG Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers to Europe this fall on Friday, September 13. The game's labyrinthine dungeons and too-cute-for-their-own-good demonfolk were already released stateside last month and in Japan last August.

We had our souls hacked once, it was this whole big mess - had to cancel all our karma cards, get new Spiritual Security Numbers from the Spiritual Security Administration; it was awful. Nowadays, we keep our souls locked in a safe at the bottom of a well filled with concrete and ghosts.

JoystiqDevil Summoner: Soul Hackers possesses Europe September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAtlusdevil-summoner-soul-hackerseuropeeuropean-release-datenintendoNIS-Americarelease-dateSat, 25 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Time and Eternity trailer features two souls in one-on-one battles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/time-and-eternity-trailer-features-two-souls-in-one-on-one-battl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/time-and-eternity-trailer-features-two-souls-in-one-on-one-battl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/time-and-eternity-trailer-features-two-souls-in-one-on-one-battl/#comments
Here's a better feel for how battles work in the upcoming Time and Eternity, thankfully without that voiceover. In the Imageepoch PS3 RPG you control two souls trapped in one magical princess body, trying to escape the cycle of a recurring wedding day. Like most weddings, then.

JoystiqTime and Eternity trailer features two souls in one-on-one battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imageepochnis-americaplaystationps3time-and-eternityWed, 15 May 2013 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Time and Eternity screens are getting married]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/new-time-and-eternity-screens-are-getting-married/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/new-time-and-eternity-screens-are-getting-married/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/new-time-and-eternity-screens-are-getting-married/#commentsNew Time and Eternity screens are getting married NIS America's PS3 role-playing game Time and Eternity got some flashy new screens, which show main characters Toki and an unnamed knight from the kingdom of Kamza getting married. What the screens don't show is the interruption of the wedding by a band of assassins, setting the stage for the rest of the adventure. Don't you just hate when that happens?

The game features turn-based battles that offer players the chance to control their characters to dodge attacks. Also, players can switch Toki's personality to her more aggressive counterpart, Towa, throughout the game. This knight probably should have known about that before tying the knot. Time and Eternity is coming to PS3 this summer.

Gallery: Time and Eternity (5/5/13)

JoystiqNew Time and Eternity screens are getting married originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ImageEpochNIS-Americaplaystationps3screenstime-and-eternitySun, 05 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers cracks Europe this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-cracks-europe-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-cracks-europe-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-cracks-europe-this-fall/#comments NIS America is bringing Shin Megami Tensei Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers to Europe this fall, hot on the heels of the 3DS game finally being localized in North America. The Atlus dungeon crawler, originally released for the Sega Saturn in 1997, will in turn reach Europe for the first time in around a few months time.

NIS America also confirmed to us a concrete European release date for Imageepoch PS3 RPG Time and Eternity: June 28. That matches up with what Amazon's been listing for the region, not for the first time for a NIS America game. With that in mind, don't be surprised if Time and Eternity's "summer" window for North America gets upgraded to July 16.

Continue reading Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers cracks Europe this fall

JoystiqDevil Summoner: Soul Hackers cracks Europe this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusdevil-summoner-soul-hackerseuropeimageepochnintendonis-americaplaystationps3release-datetime-and-eternityFri, 26 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Etrian Odyssey 4 delays European trek to the summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/etrian-odyssey-4-delays-european-trek-to-the-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/etrian-odyssey-4-delays-european-trek-to-the-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/etrian-odyssey-4-delays-european-trek-to-the-summer/#comments Etrian Odyssey 4 delays European trek to the summerIt'll take Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan a bit longer than expected to reach Europe, after NIS America pushed back its release window to this summer. It was expected this spring, but with the season dwindling fast, the Atlus-developed RPG won't hit European retailers or the 3DS eShop until summertime. NIS America says a demo which includes two dungeons is coming to the eShop beforehand, which to us sounds like the same demo North America received.

Etrian Odyssey's return to Europe - the first game released on the continent but the second and third ones did not - marks, according to JRPG guru Kat Bailey, the series finally becoming recommendable to mainstream players; Etrian Odyssey 4 hauled a sweet four stars in our review.

Continue reading Etrian Odyssey 4 delays European trek to the summer

JoystiqEtrian Odyssey 4 delays European trek to the summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusetrian-odyssey-4europenintendonis-americarelease-dateThu, 04 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory processes slight delay to March 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-processes-slight-delay-to-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-processes-slight-delay-to-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-processes-slight-delay-to-march/#comments 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

JoystiqHyperdimension 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compile-heartdelayeuropehyperdimension-neptunia-victoryidea-factorynis-americanorth-americaplaystationps3release-dateukFri, 01 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America bringing Disgaea D2, The Guided Fate Paradox, and Time and Eternity west]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-d2-the-guided-fate-paradox-and-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-d2-the-guided-fate-paradox-and-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/nis-america-bringing-disgaea-d2-the-guided-fate-paradox-and-ti/#comments
NIS America's lineup of RPGs for this year includes the required Disgaea game, and a couple of surprises.

This year's Disgaea is Disgaea Dimension 2: A Brighter Darkness for PS3 sees the return of Laharl, Etna, and Flonne from the first Disgaea, and adds a "master/pupil" system to the insane tactical strategy gameplay to help you transfer skills and boost stats. It's due this fall in North America and Europe.

The Guided Fate Paradox is a PS3 roguelike developed by NIS's Disgaea team. NIS bills it as "the spiritual successor to ZHP Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman" for PSP, which suggests Disgaea-esque humor and a lot of customization. It's out this fall.

Time and Eternity for PS3 was published in Japan as Toki to Towa by Namco Bandai. It's a role-playing game by Imageepoch with a weird 2D/3D hybrid style, in which hand drawn anime-style characters move around in 3D backgrounds (see what that looks like after the break). It stars a time-traveling princess who can switch personalities to her alter ego Towa. NIS will release it both retail and digitally this summer.

Gallery: Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness

Continue reading NIS America bringing Disgaea D2, The Guided Fate Paradox, and Time and Eternity west

JoystiqNIS America bringing Disgaea D2, The Guided Fate Paradox, and Time and Eternity west originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-dimension-2guided-fate-paradoxnis-americaplaystationps3time-and-eternityFri, 22 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Golden hits Europe's PSN Feb. 20, two days ahead of retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/persona-4-golden-hits-europes-psn-feb-20-two-days-ahead-of-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/persona-4-golden-hits-europes-psn-feb-20-two-days-ahead-of-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/persona-4-golden-hits-europes-psn-feb-20-two-days-ahead-of-re/#comments Those patient European Persona 4 fans don't have to wait quite as long as they thought for Golden to reach their Vitas. NIS America revealed today the re-release of the Atlus' RPG is available from PlayStation Network on February 20, two days earlier than it arrives at retail.

As for the retail release, confirmed for February 22 earlier this week, there are no announcements of any Special or Collector's Edition, so it doesn't look you'll be missing out on anything by buying it on PSN. Apart from the box with some sexy cover art, that is.

Continue reading Persona 4 Golden hits Europe's PSN Feb. 20, two days ahead of retail

JoystiqPersona 4 Golden hits Europe's PSN Feb. 20, two days ahead of retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusnis-americapersona-4-goldenplaystationplaystation-vitapsnvitaFri, 25 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Golden launching in Europe Feb. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/persona-4-golden-launching-in-europe-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/persona-4-golden-launching-in-europe-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/persona-4-golden-launching-in-europe-feb-22/#comments Persona 4 Golden's European release date has now been confirmed, with Atlus' epic JRPG of angst and nightmare television worlds hitting European Vitas on Friday, February 22.

NIS America, which is responsible for publishing Persona 4 Golden in the EU, told Joystiq last October that it was aiming for a February 22 release, though the game's official launch window has remained "Spring 2013" until now. We were also informed that the game would likely be released sans Special/Collector's Edition, which appears to be the case considering no such announcements accompanied the confirmation of its release.

Well, there is one way to get a Special Edition in Europe. If you stare into the screen of an unplugged television during a heavy rain, at midnight, you'll find what you're after. You have to be completely alone though, otherwise it won't work. It also helps if you've got some kind of repressed issues or have been having trouble accepting part of who you are.

Continue reading Persona 4 Golden launching in Europe Feb. 22

JoystiqPersona 4 Golden launching in Europe Feb. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atluseuropean-release-dateNIS-Americapersona-4-goldenplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datevitaTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 2 coming to PS2 Classics January 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/disgaea-2-coming-to-ps2-classics-january-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/disgaea-2-coming-to-ps2-classics-january-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/disgaea-2-coming-to-ps2-classics-january-22/#comments Disgaea 2 coming to PS2 Classics on PSN January 22NIS America is bringing Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories to the PlayStation Network's PS2 Classics section on January 22. The game will be priced at $9.99.

The 2006 SRPG game previously made an appearance on the PSP in 2009 as Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days. The PSP version included additional content such as levels, skills and characters. While NIS America's announcement implies that the PSN version will be a direct port from the PS2 game, we reached out to see if any of the added content from the PSP version will be included in the PSN port, and will update as we learn more.

JoystiqDisgaea 2 coming to PS2 Classics January 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disgaea-2Nippon-Ichi-SoftwareNIS-Americaplaystationportps2-classicsps3PSNSat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory lands in N. America Mar. 12, 2013, Europe Mar. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-lands-in-n-america-mar-12-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-lands-in-n-america-mar-12-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-lands-in-n-america-mar-12-201/#comments
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

JoystiqHyperdimension 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compile-hearthyperdimension-neptunia-victoryidea-factorynis-americaplaystationps3release-dateWed, 12 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Clan of Champions thumps PSN November 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/clan-of-champions-thumps-psn-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/clan-of-champions-thumps-psn-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/clan-of-champions-thumps-psn-november-20/#comments Clan of Champions thumps PSN November 20Clan of Champions rampages onto PlayStation Network on November 20. The multiplayer brawler which seeks one ultimate warrior was developed by Acquire, makers of Way of the Samurai and Tenchu games. It bustled onto Steam last month. and now NIS America is bringing it to North America's PSN in two weeks time. A European release is scheduled for a later date.

With no sight of the Xbox 360 version initially mentioned by NIS America, it seems the Clan may settle down on PS3 and PC for now. And by settle down, we mean beat the bejeezus out of each other until one warrior is left standing. It's a clan with a plan.

Continue reading Clan of Champions thumps PSN November 20

JoystiqClan of Champions thumps PSN November 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireclan-of-championsnis-americaplaystationps3PSNrelease-dateFri, 09 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Golden, Neptunia Victory 'aiming' to hit Europe Feb 22, Mar 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/persona-4-golden-neptunia-victory-aiming-to-hit-europe-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/persona-4-golden-neptunia-victory-aiming-to-hit-europe-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/persona-4-golden-neptunia-victory-aiming-to-hit-europe-feb-22/#comments Persona 4 Golden, Neptunia Victory 'aiming' to hit Europe Feb 22, Mar 15NIS America is aiming to bring Persona 4 Golden and Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory to Europe on February 22 and March 15 respectively. Though the official release windows for both remain Spring 2013, a PR representative for NIS America confirmed to Joystiq these are the dates being aimed for, and each game will be released "around that time." Official dates will be announced nearer the time, we're told.

Golden, the Persona 4 re-release on Vita, is unlikely to come to Europe in more than a standard release, according to the PR rep. In contrast, North America is getting the Solid Gold limited edition set when the game releases on November 20.

Regarding Victory, the third Hyperdimension Neptunia entry, North America has the same Spring 2013 official release window as Europe. We wouldn't be surprised if the North American date NIS has in mind for the PS3 game is in the same week.

Finally, we learned The Witch and the Hundred Knights "should" also be coming to Europe. The PS3-exclusive action RPG is confirmed as heading to North America, but following its delay in Japan there isn't an official release window for its arrival here. We were told we'd know whether or not it's coming to Europe when the NA release date is announced.

The game features the art style of Takehito Harada, of Disgaea and Phantom Brave fame, which can probably be deduced from the cover art alone. As for what's going on in that cover art, your guess is as good as ours.

JoystiqPersona 4 Golden, Neptunia Victory 'aiming' to hit Europe Feb 22, Mar 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehyperdimension-neptuniahyperdimension-neptunia-victoryjapannis-americapersona-4-goldenplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-datethe-witch-and-the-100-knightsvitaSun, 28 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Clan of Champions muscles onto Steam on October 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/clan-of-champions-muscles-onto-steam-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/clan-of-champions-muscles-onto-steam-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/clan-of-champions-muscles-onto-steam-on-october-30/#comments Clan of Champions muscles onto Steam on October 30Clan of Champions, a multiplayer action game from NIS America and Tenchu developer Acquire Corp., will hit Steam on October 30. It's set to launch on PSN at a later date.

The first we heard of Clan of Champions, NIS was planning a release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Looks like plans have changed. Clan of Champions enables single-player or online multiplayer, with warriors fighting to become the one true champion using short-range magic spells or close-range combat. Remember: There can only be one. Unless you're on a multiplayer run.

Gallery: Clan of Champions

JoystiqClan of Champions muscles onto Steam on October 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireclan-of-championsNIS-Americapcplaystationps3STEAMFri, 12 Oct 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mugen Souls sees a short delay and an 'overwhelming' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/mugen-souls-sees-a-short-delay-and-an-overwhelming-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/mugen-souls-sees-a-short-delay-and-an-overwhelming-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/mugen-souls-sees-a-short-delay-and-an-overwhelming-trailer/#comments Mugen Souls delayed in North America, but here's a trailer Alexander Look Here
Mugen Souls, NIS America's latest turn-based RPG, will arrive in North America slightly later than planned. Originally set for September 18, the Compile Heart-developed game is now due on October 16. The European version will be released on September 28.

The latest trailer highlights Mugen Souls' battle system, which combines turn-based combat with free movement. It looks complicated and, as the trailer itself admits, overwhelming. You need that kind of power if you intend to conquer seven universes.

Gallery: Mugen Souls

Continue reading Mugen Souls sees a short delay and an 'overwhelming' trailer

JoystiqMugen Souls sees a short delay and an 'overwhelming' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelaysmugen-soulsnis-americaplaystationps3q4-2012Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS will teach you how to read Japanese with iOS 'Character Chowdown' app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/nis-will-teach-you-how-to-read-japanese-with-ios-character-chow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/nis-will-teach-you-how-to-read-japanese-with-ios-character-chow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/nis-will-teach-you-how-to-read-japanese-with-ios-character-chow/#comments NIS will teach you how to read Japanese with iOS 'Character Chowdown' appNIS America and developer Yummy Yummy Tummy have partnered for an educational game that seems particularly well-suited for NISA fans: Character Chowdown, designed to teach the Japanese kana and kanji writing systems.

Naturally, as you and the "Nommon" monsters learn Japanese characters (with the game automatically learning and focusing on ones you're having trouble with), you'll see cameos from the Disgaea series, including some heroes available as eventual DLC.

Character Chowdown's developer Yummy Yummy Tummy is run by Spencer, editor of Siliconera. Siliconera has experimented with Japanese learning games before, with the Flash games Dinosaurs and Hiragana and Dinosaurs and Katakana.

JoystiqNIS will teach you how to read Japanese with iOS 'Character Chowdown' app originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-chowdowneducationiosiphonejapaneselanguagemobilenis-americayummy-yummy-tummyThu, 12 Jul 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NISA's Niikawa confirms eventual Disgaea 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/nisas-niikawa-confirms-eventual-disgaea-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/nisas-niikawa-confirms-eventual-disgaea-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/nisas-niikawa-confirms-eventual-disgaea-5/#comments Sohei Niikawa may be the new president of NIS America, but he's the longtime leader of Nippon Ichi Software. In other words, don't expect too many changes in direction for the parent company. During this weekend's Anime Expo, Niikawa revealed that, yes, the company plans to make a Disgaea 5.

There were no specifics about the game, other than that there would be one at some point in the future. Niikawa told attendees at the NISA panel to wait for additional details. We feel confident in revealing at this point that Prinnies will be present, as will an endless assault of numbers.

[Image: Disgaea 4]

JoystiqNISA's Niikawa confirms eventual Disgaea 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anime-expo-2012disgaeadisgaea-5nis-americasohei-niikawaMon, 02 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sohei Niikawa takes over as NIS America president]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/sohei-niikawa-takes-over-as-nis-america-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/sohei-niikawa-takes-over-as-nis-america-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/sohei-niikawa-takes-over-as-nis-america-president/#comments New president for NIS AmericaSomeone new is overseeing the American distribution of exploding penguin demons, three-dimensional Quotes, anthropomorphized console girls, and knells of Ar Ciel. Sohei Niikawa, already president of Nippon Ichi Software in Japan, is replacing Haru Akenaga as president of NIS America.

Under Niikawa, NIS America is pursuing a philosophy of "Entertainment for All," which will embrace more media like "comic books, anime, music, movies, novels, and mobile games." Something tells us NISA's idea of "all" is still a charmingly limited niche.

JoystiqSohei Niikawa takes over as NIS America president originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nippon-ichi-softwarenis-americaplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sohei-niikawavitaSat, 23 Jun 2012 05:15:00 EST<![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