Sword Machine

RPGs of the Week: Nothing to See Here Edition

2010-08-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Beyond one PC action-RPG hitting Europe this week, there is nothing coming out at all.

Check out this week's lonely lineup below (August 9 - 14, 2010):

North America
(none)

Japan
(none)

Europe
Hazen: The Dark Whispers – Dagger, Funbox – PC

I don't even know what to say. I am so disappointed in you, video game industry.

Lots of Last Story Details

2010-08-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

As per request, here is my translation of the recently updated The Last Story official Japanese website.

Characters

Elza
After having lost all living relatives when he was young, Elza became a wandering mercenary, continually fighting wherever he goes. However, he grows tired of constant fighting just to survive, and dreams of one day becoming a knight. During his first assignment after arriving at Ruli Island, he encounters a strange phenomenon.

Kanan
The heroine of this story. (that is literally all it says)

Quark
The leader of the band of mercenaries Elza belongs to, not only has Quark’s skill on the battlefield helped earn his companions’ devoted trust, but also his skillful single-handed negotiations with various employers.
Quark met Elza at a young age, and has been with him ever since as an older brother figure.

Seiren
A female warrior who fights with a double sword style, Seiren is the ‘mood-maker’ of the mercenary band Elza belongs to. Though a hearty heavy-drinker with a foul mouth, she also shows a side of deep caring for her companions.
Seiren is a commander who enjoys battle, and stands firm to take the brunt of it without looking back at the dangers.
NOTE: According to official battle screens, her name is Romanized as ‘Seiren’ rather than the previously interpreted ‘Saylen.’ Too bad, I think ‘Saylen’ is a more feminine Romanization. :(

Yuris
A mage with a perfect command of fire, Yuris may be the youngest member of the mercenary band, but he is highly competent.
A man of few words, and rather unsociable, Yuris put himself into the mercenary business as simply a way to survive.
Yuris is a young man without a single relative; his father disappeared when he was very young, and his mother passed away shortly thereafter.

NOTE: According to official screens, the other two playable characters are named Manamia (the girl with the short dark hair) and Jackal (the larger blonde man).

World of The Last Story

The Setting: Ruli Island
The Last Story takes place on a peninsula known as Ruli Island. Located in the middle of the continent’s only inlet, Ruli Island prospers due to its abundant resources and strong economy, despite the empire proper being undermined by constant turmoil and devastation.

The Bustling Ruli City
Ruli City, located in the heart of Ruli Island, becomes a base of operations for Elza and his friends. In addition to main streets and plazas, the city is characterized by a huge complicated maze of small backstreets.

The Mercenaries who have come to Ruli Island
The mercenaries, among which is Elza, the story’s protagonist, arrive at the thriving Ruli Island, leaving the desolate empire behind them, in search of new work.

The Mercenaries who dream of Knighthood
The mercenary band Elza belongs to accepts various job requests from employers, such as monster suppression. Since mercenaries mainly receive jobs of a violent nature, people tend to keep their distance from them. On the other hand, the knights who serve the Empire have a high rank in society, lead stable lives, and are respected by the people. Elza and his friends, while working as mercenaries, dream of succeeding to knighthood someday.

The Mysterious Power that Dwells within Elza
During the mercenary group’s excursion to some caverns on their first assignment after arriving at Ruli Island, an incident occurs that leaves Elza with a mysterious power.
What could this power truly be? And what fate awaits Elza and his companions?

Control the State of Battle with ‘Gathering’
As a result of the incident in the caverns, Elza gains the ability to use a special power called ‘Gathering.’ Gathering allows Elza to forcefully change his enemies’ focus, creating advantageous situations for his companions.
Upon using Gathering, Elza’s right hand emits a blue light.

Pointer
During battles in The Last Story, special ‘lines’ can be seen between allies and enemies. These lines show who the enemies are targeting, and are known as ‘Pointers.’ Being able to tell who is being targeted from where can allow you to progress battles in advantageous ways.

The Last Story will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

[The Last Story Official Website]

Blueside Announces Shining Legend

2010-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Blueside, the Korean developers best known for their Kingdom Under Fire series, have just announced a new DS action-RPG called Shining Legend (apparently no relation to the Shining Force games).

They have launched the game's official site in Korean, Japanese, and English, and though there are no gameplay screens released yet, the site does cover details on the game's story and characters.

According to the site, the game follows the exiled Prince Luchs of the small Kingdom of Alterrain as he returns to his homeland. Unfortunately, upon the Prince's return, he discovers the kingdom owes a great debt and his father, the King, has mysteriously fled.

In these circumstances, Luchs meets a talking cat named Morgan who helps him out, after which the two depart for neighboring country of Junon, whose seven princesses have run away in hopes of finding them for the reward.

The seven princesses are (in order from oldest to youngest):

Erika (19), who is the rightful heir to the Kingdom of Junon, and has trained rigorously for the position. She is also a childhood friends of Luchs. (She is the one in with the blue winged dress.)

Pofosh (18), who outwardly only cares about extravagant parties and traveling in her golden wagon, but inwardly feels very empty. (She is the one in the revealing pink party dress.)

Nana (16), who is obsessed with searching for ruins and relics, then keeping them in her room. Her collection is so large, she apparently lends some of her relics to museums. (She is the one in the short red dress holding the rabbit.)
NOTE: The English site has her description the same as Arphen's, presumably in error. The above description is from the Japanese site.

Elara (16), who dislikes magic, and thinks the world would be a better place through the spreading of alchemy. She sometimes forces people to participate in her strange experiments. (She is the one in the green dress with glasses.)

Thimu (16), who was adopted from the fallen Kingdom of Sosan, and dreams of becoming a great pirate after reading about the legendary "Bloody Rose." (She is the one with the long pirate jacket.)

Arphen (16), who is a half-elf, and obsessed with the lost elven civilization, hoping to rebuild their kingdom some day. (She is the tanned half-elf with light blue hair.)

Lorna (12), is the youngest of the princesses, and very shy. She enjoys sketching, and has the ability to predict the future through her drawings. (She is the blonde one with the sketchbook.)

According to Famitsu's article about the game, your character will be able to face off against hordes of enemies at once in real time. The game also purports to have a high level of freedom, with hundreds of quests to take on at your leisure (presumably to help you pay off your kingdom's debt), as well as the opportunity to build romantic relationships with the various princesses.

It's all a bit confusing at this point, to be sure. But I have to say, I love the concept art they have up on the site. I hope the game's graphics and gameplay can live up to them, as my interest is definitely piqued.

Shining Legend will be available for Nintendo DS sometime this Winter.

As a side note, this appears to be related to Blueside's previously announced Princess and Knight (if not the same game with a different title).

[Shining Legend Official Site]
[Famitsu]

The Last Story Official Site Opens, Tons of Info Revealed

2010-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Nintendo and Mistwalker have ripped down the 'please be patient' curtain off the official website for their upcoming action-RPG collaboration, The Last Story.

The updated website features new screens, game and story details, as well as juicier descriptions for the playable characters revealed so far (Elza, Kanan, Quark, Saylen, and Yuris).

There is a ton of content there for any interested.

My previous Last Story translation apparently rubbed some people the wrong way, so I hesitate to jump right into translating all of it right away. (It is a lot of work, and I'm not interested in just being trolled over it.) Since I am looking forward to the game, however, I would be happy to translate it if there is interest. Otherwise, I have been told that Google can provide you with the exact same translation. (I couldn't confirm this, but the friendly troll was quite adamant.) ;)

Either way, The Last Story is definitely looking cool, and provides a strong argument for me finally picking up a Wii this year.

The Last Story will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

[The Last Story Official Site]

Sega Announces Shining Hearts

2010-08-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

While Sega's Shining Force RPG series has really changed quite a bit since its original inception, compared to its whored-to-death cousin Phantasy Star, I feel it has still gotten the better end of the stick. And with Sega, that is really all you can ask for.

Cue their latest announced entry into the series, Shining Hearts.

Tony Taka once again is at the helm of the art direction (which, yes, likely means art book and toy spinoffs for the next decade), but the game itself is actually taking cues from turn-based RPGs, rather than the SRPG or action-RPG treatment that we've been used to.

Famitsu has gone all out on the initial details, which you can find translated for your English-reading convenience below.

The Hero and the Three Daughters

The game's protagonist Rick (or 'Rikku' if you like Japanesey spellings) is a young wandering swordsman who, for reasons currently unknown, arrives on Windaria Island, and begins to work at a magical bakery (wow. that's a new one). There are three daughters who work with him at the bakery, and could be called the female protagonists. At the beginning of the game, you will be asked to choose one of the three. (Note: the article doesn't elaborate on this, so I can only guess at what you 'choose' the girl for.) However, based on your actions and choices throughout the game, the girls' feelings might change...?

The three girls are as follows (in order from left to right):

Neris (Hunter)

Aerie (Nun)

Amil (Wizard)

The Mysterious Girl Kaguya holds the key to this game's story. She washes ashore one morning after a terrible storm the night before, and is found in a state of memory loss and emotion loss. She is taken to the village clinic, and after devoted care, slowly begins to get some emotion back. From this, her heart's 'Soul Stone' produces a 'Heart Key,' which has the power to unlock the door to a new world...

The Pirate Dilan is the enigmatic leader of the pirate knighthood 'Arc Buccaneers.' It is currently unknown if he is friend or foe...

Windaria Island - The Centre of the Adventure

The game's stage is set on the lush Windaria Island. However, since the appearance of Kaguya, inevitable changes have begun, including the island itself changing shape, and the appearance of pirates after Kaguya's Soul Stone. You will embark on a journey to determine the reason for these changes by exploring various places, including a lava dungeon that appears from a field of flowers. It also appears that you will eventually venture beyond Windaria Island as well...

Communication with the Island's Residents

Various people live throughout the island, including elves and beast tribes. Some people may request you to undertake quests for them, so you are encouraged to talk to many people regularly. Additionally, there are various other ways to spend your time on the island, such as fishing.

Affinity with Your Companions is Essential in the New Battle System!?

In the game, various characters will join you in your quest besides the aforementioned Three Daughters, and you will be allowed to create battle parties of 4 characters. An orthodox command-based battle system allows anyone to enjoy the game's combat. Furthermore, you will be able to execute 'Combination Skills' with your companions, and characters' emotions will change depending on who you use Combination Skills with. More information will be coming regarding the battle system in later articles.

Hm. So far it sounds a little pedestrian to me, but I suppose the opportunity to build relationships with other characters could be fun if implemented well.

Shining Hearts will be available in Japan for PSP sometime this Winter.

[Famitsu]

Marvelous Announces Yuusha 30 SECOND

2010-08-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

In what must be one of the most clever sequel names of all time, Marvelous has announced Yuusha 30 SECOND (Hero 30 Second).

Following on the heels of the indie-game-gone-mainstream, Yuusha 30 SECOND removes the action and shooting scenarios of the original, and replaces them with 5 RPG scenarios.

Yuusha 30 Overture follows the hero Yusha (har har), a member of the Royal Commando Unit, who is charged by the Queen to suppress the 'Eight Elements.'

Yuusha 30 Judgement follows Yusha as he is hunted by humans and demons who have flooded the world after the Gates of Hell were opened. He also must face off against a rival who has crossed time and space to challenge him.

Yuusha 30 Revolution follows the young Queen Yushia (these Japanese puns just don't let up) as she heads out on a fun adventure with her classmate, despite the fact that her curfew is only 30 seconds away.

Yuusha 30 Ragnarok follows a man named Yuuja in his journey across a destroyed world, and the mysterious robot No. 30. Amidst the melodies of the Singing Princess' song, the gods descend to end it all.

Yuusha 30 Destiny sees Hero Castle (Yuushajou) ascend to the heavens. The thousand year battle between gods, humans, and demons will finally be settled.

In addition to these single player scenarios, there is a multiplayer mode called Shin Yuusha Taisen (True Hero Wars) which pits up to 4 players against each other via adhoc wireless, in new stages with different rules.

Yuusha 30 SECOND will also include an edit mode called Romancing Tsukureru (I think this is a pun on the Japanese name for the mildly famous RPG Maker series), which will allow you to create your own 30 second quests and multiplayer levels.

Finally, there is a mode called Yuusha Mugen (Hero Unlimited) which lets you endlessly face off against the Demon King(s). 30 seconds for each fight, of course.

Yuusha 30 SECOND will be available for PSP on November 4, 2010 in Japan.

[Famitsu]

Concept Art for Next Tales of is Cool

2010-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Famitsu.com has revealed a sizable haul of concept art for Namco Bandai's next big Tales of title.

The art direction is being handled by illustrator Daigo Okumura (who handled the art for Tales of Symphonia 2), and is very different from what we've come to expect from the Tales of series. But according to Producer Hideo Baba, that is exactly what the studio is going for in this new entry.

We still don't know much about the new game, except that it is slated for debut on PlayStation 3 in Japan.

You can check out the full gallery at Famitsu.com.

Looks promising. I'll keep my fingers crossed for an Xbox 360 version.

How Tales of Graces F is Different from the Original

2010-08-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

So, Tales of Graces is getting ported to PlayStation 3 this Winter. A little rude of Namco Bandai, but being rude to their fans is their MO, after all.

We already know that the heroine, Sophie, is getting a costume overhaul, and that the graphics will be upgraded to HD, but what else could late adopters expect from ToGF?

According to Famitsu.com, probably F's biggest selling point is an extended scenario called Geneology for the Future (in Japanese: 未来への系譜編). It takes place a half a year after the end of the original game, where the world Efinea managed to avoid destruction thanks to the exploits of Asbel and his friends, but damage from monsters around the world continues to increase. Though the heroes had each set out on their own paths, they unite once again to suppress the new threat. At the same time, new feelings that hold the key to the story begin to grow unnoticed in Sophie's heart.

As for the game system, the "Style Shift" system from the original is carrying over, as is the Eres gauge and Eres Rise.

The Style Shift system allows characters to switch between fighting styles in battle at the press of a button. Sophie, for instance, can switch between the powerful 'Martial Arts' and the supportive 'Rebirth Magic.'

Eres, meanwhile, is not unlike Overlimit from previous installments. A gauge at the left of the screen fills as party members act. When full, the party can enter the Eres Rise condition, which allows allies to act without limit, and execute powerful Mystic Artes.

In addition to the info above, Namdai has released a short teaser trailer for ToGF, which you can check out below.

If you're interested, here is the translation for the trailer:

Sophie: Everyone has left me...
[I am very sad]
[I am very scared]
[Help me]
[I'm so anxious, I can't stand it]
Sophie: 10 years. 20 years. 30 years. They will all go by in the blink of an eye.
[I will forever heal your heart, which longs for salvation]
Sophie: I... I also wanted to be with all of you...

Tales of Graces F will be available for PlayStation 3 sometime this Winter in Japan.

I really want Namco Bandai to stop doing the timed exclusive thing. If they wanted it on Wii and PS3, then start it out on both Wii and PS3. >:[

[Famitsu]

RPGs of the Week: Castlevania Rancher Edition

2010-08-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hello. Before jumping into this week's RPG releases, some readers may have noticed that there is now comment moderation in effect on older articles. I know it's kind of a pain for regular commenters, but I will try to get legitimate comments approved in a timely fashion. It's really just to make old articles easier to maintain. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Anyways, there are some new RPGs this week (August 2 - 7, 2010). You can read what they are below:

North America
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair – Konami – XBLA
Monster Rancher DS – Cing, UFO, Koei Tecmo – Nintendo DS

Japan
Akumajou Dracula: Harmony of Despair - Konami - XBLA
Magna Carta II (Platinum Collection) – Softmax, Banpresto, Namco Bandai – Xbox 360
Monster Chronicle – Gameloft – DSiWare
Monster Farm DS 2: Yomigaeru! Master Breeder Densetsu – Cing, Koei Tecmo – Nintendo DS
Persona 3: FES (The Best) – Atlus – PlayStation 2
Persona 4 (The Best) – Atlus – PlayStation 2
Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X – Tales Studio, Namco Bandai – PSP

Europe
(none)

Monster Rancher DS (actually the second Monster Rancher for the little handheld that could) is hitting North America and Japan this week, as is Konami's XBLA multiplayer 2D Castlevania, Harmony of Despair.

Japan also gets Gameloft's DSiWare Crystal Monsters, redubbed Monster Chronicle, as well as Namdai's Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X. To round it out, Magna Carta II, Persona 3: FES, and Persona 4 are all getting budget editions this week as well.

Ah, Magna Carta II. Brings back good memories. Too bad nothing this week really stands out to me. Maybe I'll give Harmony of Despair's demo a chance.

Anything for you?

Meet Some Friendly Faces from The Last Story

2010-07-30T08:03:00.001-07:00

The latest issue of Jump has revealed three new friendly characters from Mistwalker and Nintendo's upcoming action-RPG, The Last Story. Since I'm very excited to play The Last Story, I have taken the liberty of translating their (very short) character descriptions.

Quark
Leader of the mercenary band, Quark met Elza at a young age, and works with him as an older brother figure.

Saylen
The mood-maker of the mercenary band, Saylen has a foul mouth, but also possesses a kind and considerate side towards her companions.

Yuris
Though the youngest mercenary in the group, Yuris is a solitary young mage possessing outstanding battle abilities.

Besides Yuris, I think the characters designs for The Last Story are quite cool-looking, and the screens continue to be impressive for a Wii title. Definitely looking forward to this one.

The Last Story will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

Atlus Announces Radiant Historia

2010-07-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

With Nintendo's 3DS set to eclipse the soon-to-be-outdated DS sometime this year, you might think that developers will be moving their games to the new handheld. Well, apparently nobody told Atlus about this, as they have just announced a new original RPG for the old DS.

Titled Radiant Historia, the game is being headed by many key members of tri-Ace and Square Enix's charming little PS2 RPG, Radiata Stories. (Hence the game's title?)

Radiant Historia takes place on the warring continent of Vancoor, where 5 countries are all vying for dominance over the others, and follows the story of a spy for the country of Alistell, named Stokk. During a mission with companions Rainie and Marco, the party is ambushed by an enemy unit, and Stokk is badly injured. However, upon regaining his senses, Stokk finds himself in a strange place where space and time twist around him called 'Historia.' Here, Stokk is granted the ability to move through time and space by some mysterious children, and is told that the world needs his power.

The game's battle system is played out on 3x3 'grids,' and seems to combine SRPG elements with basic turn-based conventions (which, as I currently understand it, plays out something similar to Enchanted Arms).

So far, the story seems like an interesting idea, but I can't say I'm sold on the graphics or the battle system right now.

...And Atlus really needs to make an RPG on a non-handheld someday before this console gen is over. Seriously.

Radiant Historia will be available for Nintendo DS on November 4, 2010 in Japan.

You can check out the Famitsu.com reveal via the link below to see screens of the game in action.

[Famitsu]
[Radiant Historia Official Site]

Namco Bandai Announces 3 Tales of Titles

2010-07-28T08:14:00.001-07:00

Namco Bandai is finally showing the PlayStation brand some love with the next three Tales of titles announced for Sony's machines.

The first announced title - and the one with the most information - is an enhanced PS3 port of the previously Wii-exclusive Tales of Graces. Planned for release late this year, the newly dubbed Tales of Graces F will follow the story of the young noble Asbel Lant as he tries to become strong enough to protect those close to him.

So far, we know the updated port will feature a graphical enhancement, new additional Mystic Artes, and the game's heroine, Sophie, will be gettting an updated character design. I expect there will be more additions revealed in the coming months.

Tales of Graces F will be available for PlayStation 3 in Japan sometime this Winter.

The second confirmed title is Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3 for PSP, which apparently will feature over 80 Tales of cameo characters. Woo.

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3 will be available for PSP sometime next year in Japan.

Finally, the megaton announcement was that the next mothership Tales of title will be debuting on the PlayStation 3.

There is no further info on this title - not even a name yet - but if the single image released by Jump (top of the article) is any indicator, the title looks to have a more mature feel about it than previous entries in the series.

Overall, I am sort of dumbfounded by these announcements. After all the resentment from the last timed exclusive Tales of title, I had thought Namco would have learned its lesson, but apparently not. Initial adopters of Tales of Graces will not be pleased.

As for the unnamed PS3 Tales of game, I imagine it will eventually find its way to other consoles. I mean, ToG just got the same shaft ToV did. This looks to be a continuing trend.

And I can add another reason to why I hate this console generation. Thanks, Namdai.

[Gamekyo]
[Andria Sang]

EA Announces Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

2010-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pro Baseball pitcher Curt Shilling apparently loves him some role-playing. So much so, in fact, that he started a video game studio to make RPGs, called 38 Studios.

The first fruits of that is an action-RPG called Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, due next year on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

In case you are worried that a baseball player doesn't have the chops to make an engaging RPG, the story is being handled by fantasy novelist R. A. Salvador (known for his work on the Forgotten Realms series, among other titles), the visual direction is being headed by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and the game design is under the direction of Oblivion designer Ken Rolston.

Quite honestly, Oblivion didn't do anything for me, and I've never understood what people liked about Spawn. R. A. Salvador has some decent works, so I guess I'll bank on the story.

Either way, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will be available for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 in Autumn 2011.

[Destructoid]

RPGs of the Week: Arc Rising Edition

2010-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hey, there are some new RPGs coming out this week (July 26 - 31, 2010). Check out what they are below.

North America
Arc Rise Fantasia – imageepoch, Ignition – Nintendo Wii
Crystal Monsters – Gameloft – DSiWare

Japan
Agarest Senki Zero: Dawn of War – Compile Heart, Idea Factory – Xbox 360
Metal Max 3 – Enterbrain, Kadokawa – Nintendo DS
Wizardry: Boukyaku no Isan – Genterprise – Nintendo DS

Europe
(none)

North American FINALLY gets Arc Rise Fantasia for the Wii (though I'm told the localization leaves something to be desired), and a DSiWare title that I'd never heard of from Gameloft.

Japan, meanwhile, gets an enhanced 360 port of Agarest Senki Zero, the DS revival of Metal Max, and the newest DS incarnation of Wizardry.

Europe will have to wait for next week, I guess.

Anything for you this week?

RPGs of the Week: Summer Slowdown Edition

2010-07-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

It is a new week, and if it wasn't the summer, that would usually mean new RPGs. But alas, the summer brings with it the usual drought (both of interesting news and new games). :/

Anyways, here's what is coming out this week (July 19 - 24, 2010):

North America
(none)

Japan
Ken to Mahou to Gakuen Mono. 2G – Acquire – PlayStation 3
Ninety-Nine Nights II – feelplus, Phantagram, Konami – Xbox 360

Europe
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies – Level 5, Square Enix, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Europe gets the latest Dragon Quest, while Japan gets a remake of Class of Heroes 2 for the PS3 (yay?) and extremely niche Xbox 360 title Ninety-Nine Nights II (which I'm told even some fans of the original aren't so thrilled about).

(Sigh) Summer. What can you do with it?

The Last Story might be Sakaguchi's last story

2010-07-14T07:10:00.001-07:00

After a 3 month long development stint in Japan, Final Fantasy creator and Mistwalker boss Hironobu Sakaguchi has returned to his home in Hawaii for a brief week for personal reasons.

In his Mistwalker blog, Sakaguchi comments on his team's commitment to The Last Story, stating that they are all pouring 120% into the project, which he says may be his last.

From his blog (translated by yours truly for your English reading pleasure):
"While I'm completely pouring everything I have into this one title, the feeling that this might be my last game is strong. So I am working towards the project's completion so that I have no regrets, but more than that, while having fun."

While it saddens me to think The Last Story may be Sakaguchi's last game, it is shaping up to be a great-looking title, and I think most would agree that Sakaguchi has more than made his mark upon the game industry.

The Last Story will be available for the Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

[Mistwalker]

Have Some Dragon Age II Screens and Details

2010-07-13T07:42:00.001-07:00

So Dragon Age II will be out sometime early next year.

According to RPGamer, the title will follow a human named Hawke, who, over the course of 10 years, will rise from poverty to become very powerful. The player may create Hawke as either a male or female human, but not as any other race.

In addition to the above info, BioWare has released two new screens from the game, embedded here in this post for your viewing pleasure. I had heard that the visuals were going to be improved, but honestly they don't look very good. Better than the original's? Er, maybe...?

It has also been hinted that the game will feature an upgraded combat system, also reinforced by one of the released screens (assuming that it real-time combat, and not a cutscene).

Either way, Dragon Age II will be available for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 sometime next year.

[RPGamer]
[Gamekyo]

NieR to be Cavia's Final Game

2010-07-13T07:29:00.001-07:00

Ah, Cavia. We barely knew thee.

According to an interview on 4gamer, Drakengard and NieR developer Cavia will be absorbed into its parent company of AQ Interactive within the near future.

Though the reasons remain unclear (NieR: RepliCant was a top seller in Japan, so obviously they are capable of producing results), the interview concludes with info that the Cavia brand will officially be no more.

Cavia has developed many licenced titles besides its action-RPGs, including the Resident Evil on-rails shooting titles for the Nintendo Wii. Though the developers titles have been sort of hit-and-miss for me, I have enjoyed Drakengard II and NieR quite a lot, and it saddens me to see their identity get swallowed up.

I suppose we still may see games from the team under the AQ name, but its still a bit sad nonetheless.

[4Gamer]

D3 to bring God Eater Burst to North America

2010-07-13T07:21:00.001-07:00

Are you one of the few North American gamers into ad-hoc multiplayer casual MMOs in the vein of Monster Hunter? No? Oh, well nevermind then.

If you meet someone who is, though, you should tell them that Namco Bandai's sort-of-sequel to their answer to Monster Hunter, titled God Eater Burst, is making a trip to North American PSPs, courtesy of D3 Publisher. (I love that Namco tries to pretend that they don't completely own D3, and then release their 'other' games under that label. Whatever works, I guess.)

God Eater Burst is basically a giant overhaul of the original title, upgrading the graphics, adding in elements, and increasing the amount of monsters to be slain with or without friends.

God Eater Burst is planned for release on PSP sometime in 2010 in Japan, and reportedly sometime in 2011 for North America.

[Destructoid]

RPGs of the Week: Dragon Spank Edition

2010-07-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to a new week of RPGs.

I can't think of something witty to talk about here, so just check out what's hitting shelves this week (July 12 - 17, 2010):

North America
DeathSpank – Hothead, EA – XBLA, PSN
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky – Level 5, Square Enix, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Japan
Fire Emblem: Shin Monshou no Nazo Hikari to Kage no Eiyuu – Intelligent Systems, Nintendo – Nintendo DS
Last Ranker – imageepoch, Capcom – PSP
Sekaiju no Meikyuu (Atlus Best Collection) – Atlus – Nintendo DS

Europe
Puzzle Quest 2 – Infinite Interactive, Namco Bandai – Nintendo DS

Hothead's comedy action-RPG, DeathSpank, hits downloadable networks this week in North America, as does Square Enix's Dragon Quest IX (brought to you by the concerned folks at Nintendo).

Japan, meanwhile, gets another DS Fire Emblem, Capcom's first JRPG in a while (albeit developed by imageepoch), Last Ranker, and a budget reprint of Etrian Odyssey.

And Europe finally gets Puzzle Quest 2 this week.

Anything looking worth it?

The Last Story gets its First Trailer

2010-07-08T08:26:00.001-07:00

Mistwalker and Nintendo's second joint project, The Last Story, is currently in development for release this year on the Wii. Up until now, the project has been kept under fairly tight wraps, with mostly only concept art and design elements revealed by the developer in a series of blog posts, and the odd Famitsu article dropping a handful of screens and gameplay details.

This morning, though, Nintendo released a full-fledged trailer to the masses, showing off the cast, demonstrating the action-RPGing elements, and even dropping some story elements into the mix.

Being a Wii title, the visuals are predictably sub-par compared with even Mistwalker's previous console offering (Lost Odyssey), but it looks like they've done a lot with the tech they have, and the battle system is certainly Mistwalker's most ambitious project to date.

While this trailer didn't exactly grab me in the way I hoped it would, the title seems like a solid entry into the 7th generation JRPG library, and definitely a game to keep on the radar.

The Last Story will be available on Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

Dragon Age II Confirmed (Again)

2010-07-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

GameInformer supposedly has the scoop on BioWare and EA's next RPG, Dragon Age II, which is that, yes, it is a real thing.

And besides some splash art on the magazine's cover, that's really all the info we have.

The game will reportedly take place in a 'different' part of Ferelden, have a 'different' hero, and a 'different' story. Yeah, that sounds like it could be a 'different' game! How novel!

Either way, its nice to hear some official word, even if that word is next to nothing. I guess.

Dragon Age II is rumoured to be available early next year for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

[Destructoid]

Square Enix Announces Lord of Arcana

2010-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Capcom's Monster Hunter is a big thing in Japan. So, when something is big, other developers inevitably want to jump on the gravy train too (just ask Nintendo about what Sony and Microsoft are up to lately). Well, Sega pulled it off with Phantasy Star Portable, and Namco Bandai pulled it off with God Eater, so why not Square Enix?
Lord of Arcana, Square Enix's recently announced PSP casual-MMO-action-RPG-thing isn't even shy about its blatant run for Monster Hunter's target audience, toting the tag line "Surpass a Hunter, Become a Slayer."

Considering its target audience, it may or may not make it across the Pacific. I'd stake the whole affair on a coin toss at this point.

Lord of Arcana will be available for PSP on October 14, 2010 in Japan, with a demo planned for August 19.

[Famitsu]

RPGs of the Week: Third for 3

2010-07-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly starting to come out of my post-E3 depression, which I seem to have to put up with every year (since E3 every year seems to let me down).

As such, a couple of weeks have come and gone without a proper new RPGs list. So here are the games that have/will come out this week (July 5 – 10, 2010):

North America
Persona 3 Portable – Atlus – PSP

Japan
Bokujou Monogatari: Futago no Mura – Marvelous – Nintendo DS
Shiro Kishi Monogatari: Hikari to Yami no Kakusei – Level 5, SCEI – PlayStation 3
Zikande Fantasia – Idea Factory – PSP

Europe
Breath of Fire III (PSP Essentials) – Capcom – PSP
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP Essentials) – Capcom – PSP

North America gets the third edition of Persona 3 (which though I love, is starting to border on excessive - and who wants to put down money that there will be a Persona 3DS?).

Japan, meanwhile gets the approximately 100th Harvest Moon for DS, the "sequel" to White Knight Chronicles, and Idea Factory's take on Half-Minute Hero, Zikande Fantasia (previously known as Jikan de Fantasia), which looks like the most promising title this week (to me, anyway).

Europe, meanwhile, will have to be satisfied with Capcom PSP reprints.

Oh, and by way of catch up, here are last week's releases (June 28 – July 3, 2010):

North America
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights II – feelplus, Phantagram, Konami – Xbox 360
Puzzle Quest 2 – Infinite Interactive, D3 – XBLA
Trinity Universe – Idea Factory, Gust, Nippon Ichi, NIS America – PlayStation 3

Japan
Boku mo Sekai wo Sukuitai – Poisoft – WiiWare
Digimon Story: Lost Evolution – Namco Bandai – Nintendo DS
Elminage II DS Remix: Sousei no Megami to Unmei no Daichi – Starfish SD – Nintendo DS
Inazuma Eleven 3: Sekai e no Chousen!! Bomber/Spark – Level 5 – Nintendo DS

Europe
(none)

I'm working on NieR at the moment, but I hope to eventually get around to End of Eternity, Puzzle Quest 2, and N3II before the summer ends. What about you?

RPGs of the Week: Puzzling Edition

2010-06-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Not much time this morning. I'm in the middle of an office move and time (and internet connection) are sort of all over the place.

Anyway, here are the RPGs coming out this week (June 21 - 26, 2010):

North America
Puzzle Quest 2 - Infinite Interactive, D3 - Nintendo DS

Japan
Monster Hunter Frontier - Capcom - Xbox 360
Totori no Atelier: Arland no Renkinjutsushi 2 - Gust - PlayStation 3

Europe
Demon's Souls - FromSoftware, Namco Bandai - PlayStation 3

Puzzle Quest 2 looks sweet. Liked the first one, so I may consider trying out the sequel eventually.

Anything on your radar?

E3 10: Nintendo to Release Dragon Quest IX Next Month

2010-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, Nintendo has assumed publishing duties of Square Enix's huge-in-Japan casual MMO, Dragon Quest IX.

While NOA president, Reggie Fils-Aime, talked up DQIX's multiplayer push, the North American version, unfortunately, will lose a lot of the online functionality of the Japanese original, limiting online multiplay to only 3 people at a time.

Also announced with the title was the inclusion of a 'tag mode' which allows gamers with their DS in sleep mode to search for friends also connected.

Dragon Quest IX will be available on Nintendo DS on July 11, 2010 in North America.

E3 10: Nintendo Reveals Golden Sun: Dark Dawn

2010-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

During their currently ongoing press conference, Nintendo took a moment to introduce their new DS RPG, the revival of their Golden Sun franchise.

Now named Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, the game is not a remake of the original, but a new story taking place generations after the previous game. The telekinetic-type abilities from the original returns, but will be handled via the DS touch screen. The battles remain turn-based, but weren't expanded on any further.

Either way, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn will be available for Nintendo DS sometime this holiday season.

E3 10: Nintendo Reveals Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

2010-06-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Nintendo, the second of the Big 3, has just kicked off their E3 press conference, starting with one of their most anticipated upcoming titles, new Legend of Zelda.

Titled Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the title will require Wii Motion Plus, and use 'intuitive' motions to control all the tools and abilities, including the sword and shield, which will work with 1:1 motion on the wiimote and nunchuck, respectively.

Unfortunately, not much was revealed about the story, and Miyamoto, citing some development hold ups, said the game will not hit its target release this year.

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime next year.

E3 10: Phantasy Star Portable 2 gets a Pointless Trailer

2010-06-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

A video game trailer, in my opinion, should do at least one of the following three things, if not all of them:

-Give me an introduction to a game's story
-Show me what to expect from gameplay
-Get me excited for its release

This Phantasy Star Portable 2 trailer does none of these things. You can watch it anyway though, if you have a couple of minutes you don't know what to do with.

Phantasy Star Portable 2 will be available for PSP sometime this year in North America.

E3 10: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Trailer for the Discerning RPG Fan

2010-06-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

I know I shouldn't, but I can't help rolling my eyes every time a new Kingdom Hearts thing happens. I've tried to understand why these games are popular, but I simply can't figure it out. Sure, I love Disney characters and Final Fantasy characters as much as the next guy, but a world where Mickey Mouse is the epitome of badass is simply an idea I cannot get behind.

Regardless, Square Enix knows how to make money, and if selling you Mickey Mouse vs. Final Fantasy will do it, well they will pile it on. Cue Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep for the PSP, due out this fall for gullible, I mean discerning gamers everywhere.

Really, though, Kingdom Hearts is definitive proof of why Square, once my most favourite RPG developer, is now among my least favourites.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep will be available September 12, 2010 in North America and Europe.

E3 10: Hunted Still May or May Not be an RPG, Gets a Trailer

2010-06-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Bethesda and inXile's upcoming Hunted: The Demon's Forge is a game that looks like it might be an RPG, but it also looks like it might not be an RPG. I still can't tell. Some sites say it will be an action-RPG, while others claim it will be a straight-up action title.

Either way, I've included the trailer in the post, because whether its workings are indeed RPG or not, it certainly has a sort of RPG appeal that some action-RPG fans may appreciate.

Hunted: The Demon's Forge will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, though it still has no solid release date.

E3 10: Fable III gets a Release Date

2010-06-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, Microsoft's E3 presser just wrapped up, and though there wasn't much in the way of new reveals, Lionhead's upcoming Fable III did get a new trailer and an October release date.

Though its probably not worth mentioning here, Microsoft's star of the show, their new motion sensing gizmo, Kinect, while a pretty cool little piece of tech and something my wife would likely enjoy, is not exactly what I was hoping to see from the house of Xbox.

Obligatory sad face. :(

Fable III will be available for Xbox 360 on October 26, 2010 in North America (and presumably near that date in Europe).

E3 10: Here's Some Gameplay and a Release Date for Fallout: New Vegas

2010-06-14T10:17:00.001-07:00

This is going to be short because E3 blogging and other work is busy.

I don't like Fallout. So, I don't care about Fallout: New Vegas. But other people might, so here is a new E3 trailer showing off some gameplay.

Also, the Bethesda has revealed that the game will hit PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on October 19, 2010 in North America, and on October 22, 2010 in Europe.

[Destructoid]

E3 10: Gameloft Announces Dragon Hunter: Alliance

2010-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

I guess this is sort of a warm up for the rest of E3, but Gameloft, a smaller publisher, has revealed a new Gauntlet-style co-op action-RPG for PSN this morning, called Dragon Hunter: Alliance.

The trailer (embedded above for your viewing convenience) claims it to be 'The Ultimate Action RPG,' a claim which I can only assume is either highly delusional or a bald-faced lie, as Gauntlet-style games have been done to death (least of all by the Gauntlet series itself).

Gameloft's PR speak aside, however, if you were craving some co-op hack-n-slash on PSN, Dragon Hunter: Alliance may be worth keeping in mind.

[All Games Beta]

RPGs of the Week: E3 Means Nothing

2010-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, E3 kicks off this week, tying up the world's game developers, marketers, reporters, bloggers, retailers, and pretty well everyone else involved in the industry. Thus, in keeping with tradition, there is really nothing worth mentioning hitting shelves this week, least of all RPGs.

Sorry.

I guess we'll just keep our fingers crossed that E3 is RPGtastic (if that's even a word).

Sword Machine E3 Predictions 2010

2010-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

E3 unofficially kicks off a little earlier this year, with Microsoft's Natal conference starting on Sunday. Surely, there will be many game reveals, game demos, game release dates, game trailers, and other things that you might relate to games.

Though huge bald dudes in space armour is still the 'in' thing amongst 'hardcore' gamers, there are sure to be some RPG gems hidden in the rough. Below is my annual stab in the dark on what to expect/look for/hope for/complain about from E3 (ranked from most probable to least probable):

Nintendo announces Xenoblade, The Last Story, and the next Legend of Zelda for 2010 release.
In my opinion, Nintendo is definitely the show to watch this year. With double the time set aside for their conference, the above three titles already confirmed in the works, and no needless gimmick to waste their show on (see Natal and Move), Nintendo is poised to rock our RPG socks off this year with their first party offerings alone.

Fable III to get a 360+Natal bundle for launch
Regardless of whether you like jumping around your living room like a crazy person or not, Microsoft is making a big deal out of it with their new motion sensing tech. And while I think their target audience for Natal is not me, they will try to get me to buy it anyway by packaging with something I do care about.

Dragon Age II officially revealed, will have an action-based battle system
Dragon Age: Origins was great, even if it took a half a decade to develop. EA, though, is planning on getting its sequel out in a much more timely fashion, hinting heavily that it will be out early next year. And considering the original’s console success, I expect to see a much more controller friendly sequel, most likely boasting some sort of action-based, uh, action.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII to also release on Xbox 360
Wada kind of hinted at this, then retracted his hint. But seriously, Square Enix’s exclusive days are long past. Whether or not Versus will be announced this year or some other time remains to be seen, but it seems pretty obvious that it will happen eventually. I suppose the real question is, will it too remind me that Final Fantasy has lost its magic? …Probably.

Tales of Graces to be released this year in North America
I don’t know if Namdai will announce this, or if Nintendo will take the initiative, but with the JRPG love settling on the Wii this year, skipping this one would be a drastic oversight. Since the Tales of games are pretty fickle when it comes to getting localized, I can’t move this one any higher on the list in good conscience.

Square Enix announces Valkyrie Profile 3 for 360/PS3
Rumours of this one have been sneaking into the limelight every now and again, and with no formal tri-Ace project announced at the moment, it would seem the next obvious reveal. Whether we’ll see it go timed exclusive like SO4, or multiplat right out of the gate like EoE is anyone’s guess, but it will be on both HD consoles sooner or later.

Atlus announces Persona 5 for 360/PS3
Atlus has been cautious about getting into HD games. Though their North American branch has been localizing the odd title, an Atlus-developed game has still evaded announcement to the point that some may conclude the company will sit HD out this gen. However, we know that Atlus has been hiring for a 360/PS3 project for a few years now. Is this the year the rip the curtain back and show us some HD RPG love? Will it be Persona 5? I hope the answer is a resounding ‘YES,’ but I suppose patience is a virtue.

New handheld Legend of Zelda to launch with 3DS this Autumn
Even though Microsoft and Sony are launching motion control projects this year, the real talk of the tech world is Nintendo’s mysterious new handheld. Reportedly boasting graphics to rival the Wii, and glasses-less 3D, Nintendo is aiming to take on Sony and Apple in one fell swoop. But what good is a handheld device without launch software? Perhaps a new Zelda title will help ease us all in.

Kingdom Hearts 3 announced for Wii
Square Enix has hinted that a new Kingdom Hearts reveal is in the stars for this year’s E3. Whether that is their already confirmed Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded for the DS, or something bigger is unknown, but if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to make financial decisions for the RPG giant, KH3 on the family-friendly Wii seems to make the most sense.

Microsoft announces Lost Odyssey II
Despite the long awaited release of Final Fantasy XIII earlier this year, Lost Odyssey is, in my opinion, still the best Final Fantasy since IX. If Microsoft would just kindly get to backing a sequel (of course with the cooperation of Mistwalker and feelplus), I would happily abandon the FF name all together. Don’t make me beg.

Well, there you have it. I'm hoping E3 doesn't disappoint this year. I'm honestly starting to get a complex about it.

RPGs of the Week: No Xenoblade for You! Edition

2010-06-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

With less than a week before the E3 press conferences kick off, there's not much hitting shelves - especially not RPGs. But, for the import savvy, there may be something worth checking out...

Here are the RPGs hitting shelves this week (June 7 - 11, 2010):

North America
(none)

Japan
Fort Zombie – Kerberos, Cyberfront – PC
Xenoblade – Monolith, Nintendo – Nintendo Wii

Europe
(none)

Japan gets the indie zombie fighting RPG, Fort Zombie, alongside Monolith's latest swing at the Xeno- series with Xenoblade.

Unfortunately, North America and Europe are down for the count this week. :(

The Last Story's Heroes Get Names

2010-06-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

While Monolith's Xenoblade has been getting a torrent of media attention, Nintendo's other Wii RPG project (and arguably way more intriguing game), The Last Story, has been only dripping small droplets of information here and there.

Finally, however, thanks to a scan from a recent issue of V Jump, The Last Story's hero and heroine have been named, along with some incredibly brief character descriptions, translated for your convenience below:

Elza
A mercenary that has come to Ruli Island, Elza longs to become a knight of position and influence.

Kanan
The heroine of the story, clad in a white dress, a certain sense of nobility drifts from her.

Yeah, pretty short. But there you go.

The Last Story will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime this year in Japan.

RPGs of the Week: Against Protocol Edition

2010-06-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my lengthy absence. Work has been pretty hellishly busy lately, and it doesn't appear to be getting better any time soon. :(

On the plus side, there really hasn't been much notable RPG news over the last couple of weeks (at least, I haven't thought so), but with E3 just around the corner, it's time to get back into the swing of things.

Anyway, check out all the new RPGs that are hitting shelves this first week of June (May 31 - June 5, 2010):

North America
Alpha Protocol – Obsidian, Sega – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Hexyz Force – Sting, Atlus – PSP

Japan
Growlanser (The Best) – Career Soft, Atlus – PSP
Persona (The Best) – Atlus – PSP
Tales of Vesperia (Platinum Collection) – Namco Bandai – Xbox 360

Europe
The Witcher Enhanced Edition (Platinum) – CD Projekt Red Studio, Atari – PC

While European gamers had their hands on Sega's Alpha Protocol last week, its just hitting shelves in North America this week. As a troubling aside, it seems to be receiving a fairly negative response from a lot of critics, and while I'm not in disagreement with them, I find it strange that everything most sites have disapproved of in AP are many of the same gripes I had with 2008's Fallout 3. Strange.

Anyways, Sting and Atlus' Hexyz Force is out this week for PSP as well in North America, while yet another reprint of The Witcher is gracing European PCs.

Meanwhile, Japan gets a few budget reprints of the Persona and Growlanser PSP remakes, and of the brilliant Tales of Vesperia.

Anything looking good to you this week?

RPGs of the Week: Cubism Edition

2010-05-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

It feels like there isn't much going on in the RPG world lately, and this week's new releases sort of reflect that. Regardless, here is what is coming out this week (May 10 - 15, 2010):

North America
3D Dot Game Heroes – Silicon Studio, Atlus – PlayStation 3

Japan
(none)

Europe
3D Dot Game Heroes – Silicon Studio, SouthPeak – PlayStation 3

FromSoftware's 8-bit-meets-Lego action RPG, 3D Dot Game Heroes is hitting North American and European PS3s this week, with really nothing else to speak of.]

Worth it?

RPGs of the Week: Undeserving Edition

2010-05-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Another week, some more RPGs.

...Well, not many this week, actually. But here's what's hitting shelves during the week of May 3 - 8, 2010

North America
What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 – Acquire, NIS America – PSP

Japan
(none)

Europe
Final Fantasy – Square Enix - WVC
What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 – Acquire, NIS Europe – PSP

Acquire's Yuush no Kuse ni Namaiki da or2 is really the only title out this week, renamed to the more pronounceable but equally excessive What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 courtesy of NIS.

Europe also gets a chance to buy the original Final Fantasy for the umpteenth time, this time on the Wii Virtual Console. Yay?

Japan gets no RPG love this week.

Worth it?

Old News: Record of Agarest War Zero Xbox 360 Port Confirmed

2010-05-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

In further evidence of the extinction of 3rd party exclusives, Compile Heart's prequel to the steamy SRPG that could, Agarest Senki Zero, has been confirmed to be getting an enhanced Xbox 360 port sometime this year.

Agarest Senki - recently released in North America as Record of Agarest War - is a typical Japanese SRPG with a twist: the girl that the player chooses to romantically pursue will change the next generation's hero.

Zero returns to this system - which they call 'Soul Breed' - as well as introduce new functionality to the game, including interactive costume changing, and changes to girls' appearances as their feelings for the hero grow.

The Xbox 360 port will reportedly have new costumes and costume changing modes, new CG scenes, and a gallery mode for different event scenes.

Agarest Senki Zero: Dawn of War will be available for Xbox 360 on July 29, 2010 in Japan.

[Famitsu]

Old News: Kadokawa Announces Metal Max 3

2010-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

In a blast from the past that few will appreciate, Kadokawa has announced that it will be resurrecting the Metal Max series on the DS with Metal Max 3.

If Metal Max is a series that seems unfamiliar to you, don't feel bad, as Metal Max 1 and 2 were released on the Super Famicom in Japan over 17 years ago, and never saw the light of day on Western shores. The closest we ever got was the poorly-received spin-off, Metal Saga on PlayStation 2.

The rebirth of the series, developed in tandem with RPGMaker developer Enterbrain, will bring players back to the near-future post-apocalyptic Earth in the role of a hunter who can embark on a variety of quests in the vast wastelands.

Metal Max 3 is scheduled for release on Nintendo DS in Japan on July 29, 2010.

[Metal Max Official Site]

Old News: Gust Announces Atelier Totori

2010-05-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

If you follow Japanese gaming news closely, you're probably well-aware that Gust has announced their third RPG for the PlayStation 3, a direct sequel to last year's Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland, which will be called Atelier Totori: Alchemist of Arland 2.

Taking place approximately 8 years after the events of Atelier Rorona, the story follows the young and shy alchemist Totooria "Totori" Helmold, who leaves her small fishing village in search of her adventurer mother who disappeared several years prior.

The game is in development for PlayStation 3, and appears to be running on the same engine that Ar Tonelico 3 and Atelier Rorona were developed on, and is planned for release in Japan early this summer.

As usual, the Atelier series remains one of the most charming obscure RPGs on the market, but since NIS will likely publish it over here, you might want to consider importing if you'd like to play it any time within the near future.

Atelier Totori: Arland no Renkinjutsushi 2 will be available for PlayStation 3 on June 24, 2010 in Japan.

[Atelier Totori Official Site]

Idea Factory Announces Jikan de Fantasia

2010-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Following the success of the indie game gone PSP, Yuusha 30 (known as Half-Minute Hero in the West), Idea Factory has announced their own time-attack portable RPG, known as Jikan de Fantasia (Fantasia in Time).

Though the scan is too blurry to read well, the game appears to sport pixelized sprite-based graphics, and has players working against the clock to finish their epic quest, which Idea Factory is positioning as an RPG for your commute (again, the comparisons to Yuusha 30 should be obvious).

Further details will have to wait until a legible scan surfaces, but this should come as welcome news to those who wanted more games like Yuusha 30. And, frankly, I always like to see experimental RPGs on handhelds, as I think that is really where they are experienced best.

[All Games Beta]

Nintendo-Flavoured Scan Dump

2010-04-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but here is a lovely little scan dump from the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, featuring three upcoming RPGs for Nintendo systems, including a first look at screens from Mistwalker's latest, The Last Story.

The Last Story
Nintendo Wii
Mistwalker, Nintendo
2010 (Japan)

Ninokuni
Nintendo DS
Level 5, Studio Ghibli
Autumn 2010 (Japan)

Xenoblade
Nintendo Wii
Monolith, Nintendo
June 10, 2010 (Japan)

Yeah, looks like its almost time to invest in a Japanese Wii.

[All Games Beta]

RPGs of the Week: NIER the End Edition

2010-04-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the last week of April! Since I think May is better than April, I am glad to see it go.

My personal opinions aside, however, there are still some new RPGs hitting shelves this week (April 26 - 30, 2010), just in case you have some cash burning a hole through your pocket.

North America
NIER – Cavia, Square Enix – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Record of Agarest War – Compile Heart, Aksys – Xbox 360, PSN

Japan
Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 – TOSE, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Yuusha 30 (The Best) – Opus, Marvelous – PSP

Europe
SpellForce 2: Faith in Destiny – JoWooD – PC

Cavia's NIER makes it to North America this week, along with the under the radar Record of Agarest War.

Japan gets a budget reprint of the charming Yuusha 30, along with another Dragon Quest spinoff thing for the DS.

Europe grabs a new WRPG, SpellForce 2, for the PC this week.

Anything worth picking up for you before May hits?

RPGs of the Week: Monstrous Edition

2010-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm home sick today, but that doesn't stop RPGs from hitting the marketplaces of the world. So here they are for this week (April 19 - 24, 2010):

North America
Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley - Marvelous, Natsume - PSP
Monster Hunter 3 - Capcom - Nintendo Wii

Japan
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Game of the Year Edition) - Bethesda - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
NieR Gestalt - Cavia, Square Enix - Xbox 360
NieR Replicant - Cavia, Square Enix - PlayStation 3
Nights in the Nightmare - Sting, Atlus - PSP
Ys: Felghana no Chikai - Falcom - PSP

Europe
Monster Hunter 3 - Capcom - Nintendo Wii
NIER - Cavia, Square Enix - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

The talk of the RPG community is no doubt Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (still curiously pronounced 'Tri') for Nintendo's white waggle box in both North America and Europe this week.

Japan meanwhile gets both the Gestalt and Replicant versions of NieR for Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively, as well as PSP ports for Nights in the Nightmare and Ys: Felghana no Chikai. Oh, and the ten million years late GotY edition of Oblivion. Woo.

Europe speeds ahead to grab NIER (the Gestalt version only) for 360 and PS3 before NA, while North Americans on the go can get into some more farming with the latest Harvest Moon for PSP.

Anything looking worth it to you this week?

RPGs of the Week: NOTHING Edition

2010-04-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

With a strong start to 2010, I had hoped this year would be the first year in memory in which at least one RPG hit retail every week. And for the traditionally slow first quarter, that hope remained bright.

It is, then, with a heavy heart that this week - April 12 - 17, 2010 - no RPGs will be released anywhere.

Oh well. Maybe 2011 will pull it off.

Take Your First Look at The Last Story's Main Characters

2010-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Nintendo and Mistwalker have been keeping info on their upcoming joint Wii RPG, The Last Story, to a small but steady drip. From the island the game takes place on to how the soldiers dress, every week another drop is delivered.

This week we are finally given a decent look at the hero and heroine of Sakaguchi's latest. Though we still have no names or colours with which to identify them, we are told that the two are separated by a wall. Not necessarily a physical wall, but something that keeps the two apart in someway due to their individual roles and positions in society.

We are told that though the game focuses on the hero's Story, each person he comes in contact with necessarily has his or her own Story with which the hero may be able to touch.

I fell in love with RPGs due to their storytelling, and while a good battle system and nice graphics always enhance any experience, this sort of commitment to storytelling is why I love Sakaguchi's work so much. The Last Story definitely has my attention.

Though that hero guy could use a shirt.

[The Last Story Official Site]

Xenoblade gets a Release Date

2010-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Nintendo is apparently trying to mend their ways by bringing hardcore games (especially JRPGs) to their little white waggle box this year. And if they really can manage to bring a Tales of main series title, a Mistwalker RPG, a new proper Legend of Zelda game, and the resurrection of the Xeno series to their console all in the same year, I might just accept their apology for ignoring me the last couple of years.

So, along with that, Nintendo has announced that their first of the upcoming heavy-hitters, Xenoblade, will be hitting Japan in June this year. June seems a little more like 'summer' than the originally promised 'spring,' casting some doubt as to whether or not they are truly capable of having an unbeatable RPG year in 2010, but I'm sure they could still prove me wrong if they want to.

Also, they have released a new story trailer, which is embedded below for your viewing pleasure.

Xenoblade will be available for Nintendo Wii on June 10, 2010 in Japan. No date has been confirmed for North America or Europe yet.

[Xenoblade Official Site]

Sega Announces Neptune

2010-04-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

If further proof was needed that the PlayStation 3 has taken the curious position of 'niche RPG console' of this generation, look no further than small Japanese developer Compile Heart's latest RPG offering, titled Neptune.

Though still little is known about the game, it appears to be sort of a 'meta-game' (i.e. a game about games), taking place in a world known as the 'Geimu-Gyoukai' (the Japanese word for the video games industry) which is split between the four worlds of Platetume, Rinbox, Lasdition, and Ruwii, each ruled by its own goddess, Purple Heart, Green Heart, Black Heart, and White Heart, respectively. (Certainly by looking at each, you should be able to figure out what they represent, though I'm still not sure what the purple one is supposed to be).

The game is reportedly Compile Heart's first fully 3D title, will be co-developed with Nippon Ichi, Gust, and Idea Factory, and will be published by Sega for the PlayStation 3, though no release date has been mentioned yet.

Well, it definitely sounds... unique. Oh, and the 360-tan they have made for Green Heart is hot.

[Official Neptune Teaser Site]
[All Games Beta]

Nintendo Announces Pokemon Black/White

2010-04-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure Nintendo announcing more Pokemon is exactly news-worthy, but here you go anyway.

Nintendo of Japan has announced yet another iteration of their animal slavery RPG, Pokemon, with Black and White. Set for release on the Nintendo DS (of course) sometime this fall, relatively nothing is known about the games yet, with Nintendo promising a full reveal in one week on April 15.

I haven't cared about Pokemon since I played Pokemon Red on my Gameboy Pocket back in junior high (holy crap I'm getting old!), and I can't imagine this to be the game that gets me back in to the craze, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.

Either way, good news for people who just can't stop collecting those rascally pokemon!

[Pokemon Black/White Teaser Site]

RPGs of the Week: Welcome to April Edition

2010-04-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

There are traditionally a few slow months for video games every year. One of those months is April, the month in which taxes are due and many companies are beginning a new fiscal year. It is also the month that many retailers attempt to clear out last year's unsold stock, and so often are hesitant to stock up on new titles.

Armed with this knowledge, I give you the obviously disappointing haul of the week (April 5 - 10, 2010):

North America
none

Japan
Judie no Atelier: Gramnat no Renkinjutsushi – Toraware no Moribito – Gust – PSP
Mass Effect (Platinum Collection) – BioWare, Microsoft – Xbox 360

Europe
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love – RED, Koei – Nintendo Wii

Wow. You know its slow when even the DS is bereft of anything.

Europe gets the ill-advised Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love Wii port, with no hide nor hair of its PS2 progenitor, while Japan gets a budget reprint of the now ancient Mass Effect, and a PSP port of Atelier Judie.

"Slim pickings" doesn't even begin to describe it.

Anything worth it for you this week?

April Fools Day: Square Enix Teases Final Fantasy XIII Alternative

2010-04-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Despite a successful release of Final Fantasy XIII worldwide on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Square Enix has announced that it will be remaking its latest HD epic into a more bite-sized title.

Tentatively titled Final Fantasy XIII Alternative, the game is being redone using the recent 16-bit engine used in the latest Chrono Trigger DS port to bring FFXIII to handheld systems later this year.

"Final Fantasy XIII is a hallmark of this generation," said the game's producer, Yoshinori Kitase, "but unfortunately, HD gaming has limited appeal."

Kitase explains that though the graphical prowess of the PS3 and 360 a nice for kids and single men, most people - especially in Japan, he says - are too busy to sit in front of a TV for over 60 hours to play a game like Final Fantasy XIII.

Porting the title to more portable devices seems like a smart business move in Japan where the games market is currently dominated by the DS and PSP, and even Square Enix's latest in the Dragon Quest franchise made its debut on DS.

"The DS is the obvious first step for Final Fantasy XIII," Kitase said, "but I think the 16-bit graphics engine we have chosen will work on PSP as well as various cellphones."

The game is still apparently very early in its development, but will likely be available early this fall, probably before Nintendo's new 3DS hits the market.

Its important to remember that the screens released here are still from a pre-alpha build, and will probably be cleaned up before launch.

Final Fantasy XIII was not everything I hoped for, but it was decent enough. I'm quite frankly not surprised to see this move from Square Enix, but that doesn't mean I'll be buying it again.

How about you?

UPDATE: Just kidding. ;)

RPGs of the Week: So Long, March Edition

2010-03-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

April is quickly approaching, meaning that if you had a monthly goal of buying an RPG in March, your days are numbered.

Check out what's hitting shelves during the March-to-April transition week (March 29 - April 3, 2010):

North America
Mimana Iyar Chronicles – GungHo, Aksys – PSP
Monster Rancher DS – Cing, UFO – Nintendo DS
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love – RED, NIS America – PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii

Japan
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel – Ascaron, E-Frontier – PC
Sekaiju no Meikyuu III: Seikai no Raihousha – Atlus – Nintnedo DS

Europe
Rune Factory Frontier – Neverland, Rising Star – Nintendo Wii

North America's featured release this week is the ill-advised half-a-decade-late Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love, complete with a sub-par Wii port alongside the PS2 version. Flying only slightly lower on the radar is the latest Monster Rancher and a quaint old-school-ish RPG for the PSP called Mimana Iyar Chronicles.

Japan finally gets around to the PC version of Sacred 2, as well as Atlus' third Etrian Odyssey.

Europe, meanwhile, finally gets around to taking care of a farm while also trying to save the world in Rune Factory Frontier.

Anything looking worth your cash this week?

RPGs of the Week: Strangely Late Edition

2010-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am a terrible person because I have been bad at updating. This is no means an appropriate attempt at absolution, but I present to you the RPGs that will/have already arrived on shelves this week (March 22 - 27, 2010):

North America
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey – Atlus – Nintendo DS

Japan
Nobunaga no Yabou Online: Shinsei no Shou – Koei – PC
Lineage Eternal Life: Dragon Slayers 1st – NCSoft, E-Frontier – PC
Bokujou Monogatari: Sugar Mura to Minna no Negai (The Best) – Marvelous – PSP
Yggdra Union (The Best) – Sting – PSP
Romancing SaGa 2 – Square Enix – WVC

Europe
From the Abyss – Sonic Powered, Nobilis – Nintendo DS
Infinite Space – Platinum, Sega – Nintendo DS
Pokemon: HeartGold/SoulSilver – GameFreak, Nintendo – Nintendo DS
Last Rebellion – Hit Maker, Koei – PlayStation 3
Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Calibur – Quest, Nintendo – WVC
Resonance of Fate – tri-Ace, Sega – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Between nothing but a single DS dungeon crawler (albeit the latest iteration of a cult-followed series of dungeon crawlers) and reprints for Japan, Europe has unquestionably the best haul this week. The DS gets From the Abyss, Infinite Space, and MOAR POKEMANS! tri-Ace's latest hits the 360 and PS3, and Koei is bringing NIS' first 3D HD RPG to European PS3s. Also, Ogre Battle 64 is getting a Virtual Console release for those who like to pay for games they probably already own.

I don't know if I will get Strange Journey or not. I'm not extremely pleased with Atlus' HD feet-dragging, and even less pleased to see their main franchise on the sub-par DS, so I'm in no hurry to pick it up at full price.

Anything for you this week?

Namco Bandai Announces Solarobo

2010-03-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

What is this I don't even

CyberConnect2, the developers behind the quirky .hack series have again teamed up with Namco Bandai for a new DS action-RPG called Solarobo: Sorekara CODA e (And from There Towards CODA), which appears to be a game about furries vs. robots.

I'm going to just stop there and put $5 on the table that says this won't see a North American release. Call it a hunch.

The game follows a 17 year old dog boy named Red Savarin, who lives with his young sister and gets by as a Hunter. His adventure apparently begins when he enounters a robot named DAHAK-AZ103.

Okay, I'll give you that dog people living on floating islands with robots is certainly more original than some JRPGs lately, but I just can't imagine who thinks this sounded like a good idea. No wonder I've been having a hard time wanting to write about RPGs lately.

Solarobo is due for Nintendo DS in Japan sometime this year.

Old News: Capcom Announces Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

2010-03-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Quick, act really surprised that Capcom has just announced yet another Monster Hunter title for PSP! OMG! THIS IS SO SHOCKING!

....

Seriously though. More Monster Hunter. Um, yay?

I admit that I'm no Monster Hunter fan, so maybe this is all lost on me, but from the announcement trailer, it looks exactly the same as the previous Monster Hunter games. I'm really struggling to see how this stuff still appeals to Japanese gamers. But from Famitsu's reaction, you would think the entire country just won the lottery.

Either way, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd will be available for PSP by the end of the year in Japan.

[Famitsu]

Old News: Bethesda Announces Hunted: The Demon's Forge, Might be an RPG

2010-03-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Since every game from Call of Duty to Cooking Mama has RPG elements in it these days, I'm finding deciding what games I should cover more and more challenging.

So, enter Hunted: The Demon's Forge, a new 'dungeon-crawler' from inXile (developers of the oft forgotten A Bard's Tale) and Bethesda. Certain things about it make it look like it might be an RPG. Maybe. It has swords and dungeons, which are usually present in RPGs. It also has magic and elves, which are often helpful in determining an RPG. However, I can't find character progression, character or equipment leveling, number-based stats or battle systems, or a centralized story.

But then, I guess it resembles Demon's Souls and Too Human in some respects, two games which I consider RPGs (albeit not very good ones), so I suppose I'll give this the benefit of the doubt for now.

Hunted: The Demon's Forge will be available for Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation 3 at some point that has yet to be decided.

[Destructoid]

Old News: Ubisoft Announces Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes in HD

2010-03-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know this announcement is now a week old (equal to about 2 years in internet time), but I thought I'd mention it officially here too.

Following on the heels of its highly charming (and even more addictive) puzzle-RPG hybrid for the Nintendo DS, Ubisoft and Capybara have announced that they will be remaking Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes using HD hand-drawn sprites for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Additionally, it appears that the gameplay is being tweaked for the new release, and online play has also been confirmed. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that there will be a co-op mode, allowing players to have battlefields beside one another, as well as a new game plus for those who want to go back and play completionist.

While the game is confirmed for XBLA and PSN, Ubisoft apparently hasn't ruled out a WiiWare or PC release.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes will be available for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network sometime this Summer.

[Kotaku]

RPGs of the Week: Fragile Eternity Edition

2010-03-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Now that we live in a world where Final Fantasy XIII is officially old news, it is time to look ahead towards future RPGs. As a certain industry figure once described, we, the "core gamers," are insatiable. There is never enough. And to prove it, feast your eyes on the RPG horde of this week (March 15 - 20, 2010):

North America
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening – BioWare, EA – PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon – Tri-Crescendo, XSEED – Nintendo Wii
Infinite Space – Platinum, Sega – Nintendo DS
Mount & Blade: Warband – Taleworlds, Paradox – PC
Resonance of Fate – tri-Ace, Sega – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Japan
Darksiders: Shinpan no Toki – Vigil, Konami – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
King’s Bounty: Armored Princess – Katauri, E-Frontier – PC
King’s Bounty: Gold Edition – Katauri, E-Frontier – PC
Moe-moe 2-ji Daisenryaku 2: Yamato Nadeshiko – System Soft – Nintendo DS
Ys I & II Seven Set – Falcom – PSP

Europe
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening – BioWare, EA – PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon – Tri-Crescendo, Rising Star – Nintendo Wii
King’s Bounty: Armored Princess – Katauri, Focus – PC
Mount & Blade: Warband – Taleworlds, Paradox – PC
Torchlight – Runic, Tradewest – PC

The major Dragon Age: Origins expansion, Awakening, is available in North America and Europe this week for the HD machine of your choosing, as is Tri-Crescendo's melancholy Wii RPG, Fragile (curiously renamed Fragile Dreams, as if that sounds more 'Western,' 'mainstream,' or 'RPGish' or something). Also, those who enjoyed the indie-ish WRPG Mount & Blade might be interested in the expansion Warband for the PC.

Meanwhile, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners in North America have the opportunity to pick up tri-Ace's first true multiplat RPG, End of Eternity, again curiously renamed Resonance of Fate, which is decidedly less catchy. Those who prefer their JRPGs portable and graphic novel-ish might instead be swayed by Platinum's Infinite Space for the DS.

European gamers, on the other hand, have a chance to pick up a boxed version of King's Bounty: Armored Princess, or the well-received MMO Torchlight for PC.

Japan also gets a double dose of King's Bounty for PC, yet another Ys reprint/bundle for PSP, Moe-moe 2-ji Daisenryaku 2 for DS this time, and the Zelda for people who like to punch treasure chests in the face, Darksiders.

What's on your shopping list this week?

RPGs of the Week: Finally Edition

2010-03-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

After years of delays, platform changes, unnecessary hype, and a few blatant lies, Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII is finally hitting stores in North America and Europe this week (though anyone who reads this blog certainly knows that already).

Just in case you aren't interested in Final Fantasy XIII, or are wanting to get a different RPG, check out what other titles are hitting shelves this week (March 8 - 13, 2010):

North America
Final Fantasy XIII – Square Enix – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Foto Showdown – Konami – DSiWare
Spectral Force Genesis – Idea Factory, Ignition – Nintendo DS

Japan
7th Dragon (Low-Price) – imageepoch, Sega – Nintendo DS
Battle Spirits: Hero’s Soul – Namco Bandai – PSP
Blade Chronicle: Samurai Online – DWANGO, E-Frontier – PC
RPG Tsukuru DS – Enterbrain – Nintendo DS
Summon Night Granthese: Horobi no Ken to Yakusoku no Kishi – Flight Plan, Banpresto, Namco Bandai – PlayStation 2
Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaiki da or3D – Acquire, SCEI – PSP
Zettai Hero Kaizoku Keikaku – Nippon Ichi – PSP

Europe
Avalon Code – Matrix, Rising Star – Nintendo DS
Final Fantasy XIII – Square Enix – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Besides Final Fantasy XIII for PS3 and 360, North America is getting a DSi downloadable RPG from Konami and Idea Factory's Spectral Force Genesis, while Europe gets Matrix's Avalon Code for DS.

Japan - who already got their FFXIII a few months back - gets a few PSP RPGs, a hard copy of Blade Chronicle, RPG Maker for the DS, and a new PS2 RPG from Flight Plan, who apparently can't get with the times. Oh, and a budget reprint of Sega's 7th Dragon.

So, anything for you this week?

RPGs of the Week: Moonlighting Edition

2010-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new week and a new month!

There is a dinosaur-load of RPGs headed to various consoles this month, though this week is a little slow. Check it out for yourself below.

Here's what's coming out this week (March 1 - 6, 2010):

North America
Alganon – Quest Online – PC
Fallout Trilogy – Black Isle, Micro Forte, Interplay – PC
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony – GameArts, XSEED – PSP

Japan
.hack//LINK – CyberConnect2, Namco Bandai – PSP
Dragon Quest IV: Michibikareshi Mono-tachi (Ultimate Hits) – ArtePiazza, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanayome (Ultimate Hits) – ArtePiazza, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Dragon Quest IX: Hoshizora no Mamoribito (Ultimate Hits) – Level 5, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Final Fantasy IV (Ultimate Hits) – Matrix, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Gundam Network Operation 3 – Namco Bandai – PC
Keroro RPG: Kishi to Musha to Densetsu no Kaizoku – Namco Bandai – Nintendo DS
Pokemon Ranger: Hikari no Kiseki – Game Freak!, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Europe
Sacred 2: Gold Edition – Ascaron, Deep Silver – PC
Star Wolves 3: Civil War – X-bow, 1C – PC

North America's most high-profile title is yet another remake of Lunar, this time for the PSP (GameArts really needs to make a new, good Lunar), yet another MMO, and a repackaging of the first three Fallout games.

Japan gets CyberConnect2's return to the .hack series, Namco Tales Studio's Keroro RPG (which does, in fact, play like a Tales of game with Keroro characters), and a new Pokemon Ranger title from Nintendo. Oh, and a small fortune in budget editions of Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy DS remakes.

Europe gets a Sacred 2 compilation for PC, and a spaceship RPG that I'd never heard of before.

Anything looking interesting to you?

Nintendo to Publish Dragon Quest IX in North America

2010-02-24T12:46:00.000-08:00

So, Dragon Quest. It's kind of a paradox. While it is unquestionably the biggest JRPG series in Japan, and fiercely defended by JRPG purists around the world, its presence outside of Japan is niche at best, unmemorable at worst.

Though Square Enix has tried several times to make the series relevant to North Americans, their recent effort with the DS remakes has been with an air of resignment. "Westerners just aren't interested in Dragon Quest," seems to be the attitude, and many fans have been worried that Dragon Quest IX might be passed up for localization completely.

But with over 4 million copies sold in Japan, it appears that Nintendo isn't interested in letting this one slip under the radar, and has announced that they will be assuming publishing duties of the title on this side of the Pacific.

Though Nintendo claims that they have formed a "unique partnership" with Square Enix to make this happen, Microsoft and Ubisoft have made similar partnerships to publish titles Square Enix wasn't interested in (Project Sylpheed and Drakengard 2 respectively, if anyone is counting).

Though Nintendo has yet to announce a formal release date, they have promised that the game will be out sometime this summer for Nintendo DS, and will be released as Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies.

[Kotaku]

Monster Hunter 3 gets a North American Release Date, Free Online

2010-02-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

Nintendo held a press event today called the Nintendo Media Summit, where they've shown off and announced release dates for several of their 'core' titles.

Among the list of (mostly) first and second party offerings, Capcom made an appearance to talk about the long overdue North American release of Monster Hunter 3 (pronounced 'Monster Hunter Tri' for reasons still unknown). Released last summer in Japan, MH3 was a game Nintendo hoped would draw core gamers back to their white box of waggle, and though the game enjoyed decent sales, it wasn't the phenomenon the PSP titles were in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Regardless, it appears that Capcom has decided to allow North American gamers to hunt monsters alongside their Japanese counterparts this Spring.

Like the Japanese version, the North American release will be fully playable with a classic controller and be able to utilize the WiiSpeak peripheral for chat online with friends/co-players. However, Nintendo and Capcom are aware that Monster Hunter is not popular on our side of the ocean as it is in its native land, and have announced that Monster Hunter 3's online functionality will be available for the very agreeable price of FREE.

For those interested in trying before buying, a demo disc is set for release exclusively from GameStop/EBGames on March 8, 2010.

Monster Hunter 3 will be available for Nintendo Wii on April 20, 2010 in North America. It is already available in Japan.

[Destructoid]

RPGs of the Week: Awake and Rebellious Edition

2010-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the last week of February. It seems like it went much faster than January (for me anyway). With that in mind, check out your last fix of RPGs before March hits.

Here are the new titles hitting shelves during the week of February 22 - 28, 2010:

North America
Last Rebellion – Hit Maker, NIS America – PlayStation 3
Risen – Piranha Bytes, Deep Silver – Xbox 360

Japan
Arc Rise Fantasia (Minna no Osusume) – imageepoch, Marvelous – Nintendo Wii
Borderlands – Gearbox, Microsoft – Xbox 360
Demon’s Souls (The Best) – FromSoftware, SCEI – PlayStation 3
Estopolis: The Land Cursed by the Gods – Neverland, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
Fushigi no Dungeon: Fuurai no Shiren 4: Kami no Hitomi to Akuma no Heso – ChunSoft, Spike – Nintendo DS
Grand Fantasia – Aeria, Cyberfront – PC
Kin’iro no Corda 3 – Koei – PSP
Oboro Muramasa (Minna no Osusume) – Vanillaware, Marvelous – Nintendo Wii
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Mugen no Frontier EXCEED – Monolith, Namco Bandai – Nintendo DS
Tales of Symphonia: Ratatosk no Kishi (Minna no Osusme) – Namco Bandai – Nintendo Wii
WiZman’s World – Jaleco – Nintendo DS

Europe
Adventures to Go! – Global A, Zushi – PSP
Fable II (Classics) – Lionhead, Microsoft – Xbox 360
Puzzle Chronicles – Infinite Interactive, Konami – Nintendo DS, PSP
White Knight Chronicles – Level 5, SCEE – PlayStation 3

Yikes! That's a lot of stuff!

Japan gets a tidal wave of stuff this week including the 360 version of Borderlands, Neverland and Square Enix's Lufia II remake/reinvention, the sequel to the busty turn-based Super Robot Taisen OG Saga, Jaleco's second attempt at an RPG, a for-girls dating sim/music RPG, yet another MMO, the fourth DS Shiren the Wanderer, and a small fortune of budget reprints. (Whew)

Europe takes distant second this week with amount of new RPGs, scoring Global A's Adventure's to Go, Infinite Interactive's Puzzle Chronicles, and Level 5's White Knight Chronicles. Fable II is also getting a budget reprint for those who have been holding out for the cheap.

By contrast, North America nabs only two titles, with Piranha Byte's 360 Risen port, and Hit Maker's Last Rebellion.

Anything looking worth it this week?

Xenoblade First Look

2010-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Famitsu has recently pulled back the curtain on Monolith and Nintendo's upcoming Wii RPG, Xenoblade to give us a taste of what's to come. The taste is not a big taste, but it is enough to possibly wet your appetite.

The article focuses on an interview with one of Monolith's bigwigs, Tetsuya Takahashi, who answers questions and expands on the game's world, its gameplay, and content. The article is unfortunately too blurry to make a full translation viable, but it is notable that the game will apparently use a real-time battle system. Expect more coverage as information becomes available.

UPDATE: Nice scans GET! Translation requests now accepted.

Xenoblade will be available for Nintendo Wii sometime this Spring in Japan.

[Gamekyo]
[Wiiz]
[Puissance-Nintendo]

RPGs of the Week: Ragnaroky Edition

2010-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'm behind this week, so let's just barrel straight into this. Here are the RPGs hitting shelves this week (February 15 - 20, 2010):

North America
Aveyond: The Lost Orb – Amaranth – PC
Ragnarok DS – GungHo, XSEED – Nintendo DS

Japan
Classic Dungeon: Fuyoku no Masoujin – Nippon Ichi – PSP
Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu: Legendary Saga – Kadokawa Shoten – PSP
Gensou Suikoden Tierkreis (Konami the Best) – Konami – Nintendo DS
Hyakuman-ton no Bara-bara – Acquire, SCEI – PSP

Europe
A Farewell to Dragons – Arise, KranX, Excalibur – PC
Half-Minute Hero – Opus, Rising Star – PSP
White Knight Chronicles – Level 5, SCEE – PlayStation 3

North American gamers get the DS version of the 'casual' MMO, Ragnarok Online, as well as the next iteration of the indie Aveyond series.

Japan gets a ton of portability this week with a dungeon crawler for Nippon Ichi, a weird patchwork title I've never heard of before, an anime spinoff, and a budget reprint of Suikoden Tierkreis.

Europe, meanwhile, gets the charming Half-Minute Hero, the late-coming White Knight Chronicles, and an action-RPG for PC.

Not a bad haul for a single week. Nothing for me, but a decent showing overall.

Anything for you this week?

End of Eternity gets a North American Release Date

2010-02-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

As previously reported, Europe got its End of Eternity (AKA Resonance of Fate) release date confirmed last week, and as expected, North America's was announced (albeit very quietly) right afterward.

And, similarly to Europe's release, tri-Ace's 3rd current gen RPG will be hitting North American Xbox 360s and PlayStation 3s mid-March. Yes, right after Final Fantasy XIII.

I don't know if I should tip my hat to Sega for their sheer bravery or shake my head sadly for their apparent stupidity. Whether or not you think End of Eternity is going to be better than FFXIII is really a moot point, as either way FFXIII is clearly the heavyweight of March.

I'll be buying both, but I have learned that I am a clear minority amongst gamers.

End of Eternity will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as Resonance of Fate on March 16, 2010 in North America and March 26, 2010 in Europe.

[GameSpot]

X10: Microsoft Announces Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 Bundle

2010-02-11T14:16:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: According to Gamekyo, Europe will actually be getting two 360 bundles. In addition to the previously announced black Elite bundle, European gamers will also be given a white 'Super Elite' bundle that will come with the Special Edition of the game instead of the standard edition.

So, uh, still no Special Edition for NA, then? :(

Rumored earlier this week, Microsoft has taken a moment at their currently in-session press conference, X10, to announce a Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle.

For North America, the bundle will include a white 'Super Elite' 360 console (250GB HDD), 2 wireless controllers, all the usual wires and accessories, a 'standard' copy of FFXIII, and exclusive FFXIII-themed Avatar items.

Seeing as no 'special' or 'limited' edition has been announced for North America yet, it seems strange for Microsoft to specify that a 'standard' version of the game will be included. Hmmm...

Europe will also be getting a FFXIII 360 bundle, but it will be a black Elite (120GB HDD) with the same contents.

In addition, there will be several limited FFXIII white faceplates distributed across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Finally, Microsoft has announced that Xbox 360 is the only console that will receive a Final Fantasy XIII bundle outside of Japan, which is a pretty big deal considering its current 'exclusive to PS3' status in Japan.

The bundle will launch at the same time as the game on March 9, 2010, and will retail for $399. If I didn't have a 360 already, that would actually be a pretty sweet deal.

[Kotaku]

End of Eternity gets a European Release Date

2010-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

So Sega is publishing tri-Ace's third 7th generation RPG, End of Eternity. Unlike previous tri-Ace games, EoE is a gun-based title with only 3 playable characters. Additionally, it is the very first tri-Ace title to get a true multiplatform release.

Though the game was released last month in Japan, Westerners have had to do with a vague promise that the game will someday be released to us too, albeit under the strange name Resonance of Fate.

Sega of Europe has recently - and very quiety - revealed the game's European release, along with its cover art. And that release is much earlier than many expected, apparently due late next month!

Though Sega of America still lists the game for 'Spring 2010,' North American and European release dates for 360/PS3 titles have gotten much closer to each other, often no more than a week apart. We expect Sega of America to announce something soon, but until then, planning your calendar around late March is probably a good guess.

Though its proximity to Final Fantasy XIII seems to seal its fate as second fiddle for most gamers.

But, hey, I never claimed to understand Sega.

Resonance of Fate will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 26, 2010 in Europe. It is already available as End of Eternity in Japan.

[Gamekyo]
[Sega UK]

Ninety-Nine Nights II Scan has Playable Characters in it

2010-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted some scans (mostly because I haven't been able to find them online much anymore), but I recently ran across some N3II scans, so here they are!

The scans cover several gameplay points, including character specific abilities and learnable skills, as well as different types of soldiers that can be added to your army. However, the main topic of interest in the scans is the characters.

Three of the game's main characters are shown, one of which is confirmed to be playable: Zaji the dark elf, who fights alongside the game's hero, Glen, and is also the elven queen Sephia's cousin. Additionally, Lyn, the little girl from the TGS trailer has been revealed to be a survivor from the destroyed village of Tramont, saved by Glen and Zaji. Finally, apparently one of the game's antagonists, Galdo is a grand sorcerer who has shown great talent in leading troops, and fights on the side of the Army of Night.

Ninety-Nine Nights II still has yet to receive a solid release date, but is still planned for a 'Spring 2010' release in Japan and North America for Xbox 360.

Big Fable III Announcement at X10 will Apparently Piss You Off

2010-02-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

After a quiet couple of years, Microsoft is bringing their own personal press conference back to life this year with X10, held this Thursday (February 11, 2010) in San Francisco. The publisher has promised several announcements, some of which have been vaguely described as "big" or "exciting" or other PR-speak equivalents.

This much is not news (yet).

However, one announcement we have already been told to expect is one related to Lionhead's upcoming Fable III, which is due sometime this year. Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux - generally infamous for brash statements and over-hype - told Game Reactor last week that many gamers may not be happy about it.

"There's some very, very big things happening in Fable III, and it's really going to upset people. I'm really scared when I go out and tell people what it is [that] they're going to get super pissed off. They really are."

Well, I'll make sure I'm sitting down for it.

Personally, my guess is that Fable III will require Project Natal, which I can definitely see pissing some people off. But since I also expect the next Zelda to require Motion Plus, I don't see it as that big of a deal. Unless of course Natal will cost $100+.

Any speculations?

[Game Reactor]

BioWare and EA Have Big RPG Plans for 2011

2010-02-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

2010 is just getting started and we already have a high volume of really great RPGs, but that hasn't stopped EA from talking about how awesome next year is going to be.

Though BioWare's Star Wars MMO is also planned for 2011, EA apparently isn't given them any breaks as a new Dragon Age title is planned for early next year, as well as "something far reaching" for Mass Effect - whether that "something" is Mass Effect 3 or something else is hard to determine at the moment.

Either way, EA seems eager to keep BioWare's titles flowing, and after their recent RPGs, I can't find a good reason to disagree.

[Destructoid]
[Kotaku]

RPGs of the Week: Wandering Edition

2010-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new week!

There are new RPGs hitting shelves this week (February 8 - 13, 2010), and you can check out what they are below! Convenience!

North America
N.E.O. Online – Sonov, PlayOMG – PC
Shiren the Wanderer – ChunSoft, Atlus – Nintendo Wii
Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope International – tri-Ace, Square Enix – PlayStation 3

Japan
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel – Ascaron, Spike – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Europe
Bleach: The 3rd Phantom – Sega – Nintendo DS
Phantasy Star Zero – Sega – Nintendo DS
Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope International – tri-Ace, Square Enix – PlayStation 3

Atlus brings some dungeon crawling love to the Wii with the now-pretty-old Shiren the Wanderer, while yet another MMO enters the oversaturated fray with N.E.O. Online.

Europe gets a couple of DS RPGs from Sega, while Japan will have to be content with on an old B-grade WRPG this week.

And PS3 owners in North America and Europe can now pick up a year-old Xbox 360 RPG port courtesy of Square Enix. Yay?

With Valentine's Day on Sunday, my wallet is glad I won't have to buy any games this week. ;)

Anything for you guys?

Alpha Protocol Delayed Yet Again

2010-02-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

Obsidian Entertainment is a developer that I have a hard time really associating a strong identity with. For a long time they've really been in BioWare's shadow, picking up where they left off on already established IPs.

Alpha Protocol - a modern day spy RPG - was to be their first true original title (even if the comparisons to Mass Effect diluted that claim to fame), and many fans in 2009 were eager to see what Obsidian is capable of with (mostly) their own ideas.

Well, 2009 has come and gone with neither head nor tail of the fabled 'better than Mass Effect' RPG, and now ME2 is already out. What's a developer to do?

Delay the game again, of course!

According to publisher Sega, the delay(s) have been to "polish the game up" and "position it better." The extra year plus has apparently been spent on "tweaking" in things like lighting and inventory management, but I personally have a hard time believing any such things require as much time as it has taken.

Fear of the competition is probably a more honest reason, but what company in their right mind would say that, right?

Either way, the game is now apparently scheduled for 'Summer 2010' on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. We shall see.

[Destructoid]

Fallout: New Vegas gets an Ambiguous Trailer, Ambiguous Release Date

2010-02-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

If you are like most Western gamers, you probably really liked Fallout 3. It had a lot of things in it that Western gamers like: guns, nuclear bombs, a post-apocolyptic setting, open world exploration, moral choices, endless dialogue trees, and a heavily brown and grey colour palette.

Bethesda Softwork's first self-published title, it is also probably their biggest, and no money-respecting company would be foolish enough to ignore big franchises. Thus, we were teased last year that developer Obsidian was working on a new Fallout title, set on the other side of the once-was USA, in a city called New Vegas.

No other details were given at the time, but Bethesda has raised the curtain on a new CG trailer that really sheds no light on the subject at all. It also came with an incredibly vague 'Fall 2010' release date announcement, for whatever it's worth.

I personally never could get in to Fallout 3, and so you'll have to excuse me if I'm not falling all over myself over a short, pointless trailer like the rest of the internet seems to be. But at least they're consistent with the style of the series.

Planned for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, we are sure to hear more details sooner than later with a 'Fall 2010' release scheduled.

...Speaking of Obsidian, are they ever planning on finishing Alpha Protocol or what?

[Bethesda Softworks]

NIER Dated in North America

2010-02-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

That was quick. Just a few days after Square Enix announced the Japanese release date for Cavia's upcoming action-RPG NieR: Gestalt and NieR: Replicant, the company's North America branch has done the same.

As previously noted, the North American version of NieR will only be Japan's Gestalt version, and the game's official spelling on our side of the world is apparently NIER (like it matters, but there you go).

The game will launch in North America on April 27, 2010 on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, a mere 5 days after its Japanese release.

Given Cavia's reputation, NieR could either be extremely interesting or extremely boring, but will almost assuredly be far from mainstream. I'm hoping for at least interesting.

[Square Enix]

Final Fantasy XIV Headed to Xbox 360?

2010-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

According to Square Enix employee Yuuki Akama's LinkedIn profile, Final Fantasy XIV is in development for Xbox 360 on top of its already confirmed PC and PlayStation 3 iterations.

Though not an official announcement by any means, this information is hardly surprising considering Square Enix's comments on the title at last year's E3, hinting that the game could indeed show up on any console.

Since Square Enix and probably Microsoft would rather you hear about this apparently big news from them officially, the LinkedIn profile has been hastily removed, so we'll go ahead and label this one with a trusty RUMOR tag.

Just try to act surprised when someone makes a big deal out of the official reveal.

Final Fantasy XIV has been announced for release sometime this year for PC and PlayStation 3.

[Destructoid]

Final Fantasy XIII 360 Version to Ship on 3 DVDs

2010-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

After a Gamefly listing for Square Enix's upcoming PS3/360 RPG Final Fantasy XIII tipped off the gaming public that the much-debated RPG would be shipping on 3 discs for the Xbox 360 version, fanboys on both sides of the line went wild for probably the 10 millionth time over the game.

VG247 followed up with Square Enix, and was told that the game will indeed fill 3 dual-layer DVDs when it ships to North American and European retailers next month.

Depending on your view of disc-swapping, this could be good or bad news, or not news at all.

Some feel that disc-swapping is an out-dated work-around that should no longer need to exist in an increasingly lazy world, while other, more nostalgia-oriented gamers enjoy the opportunity to gauge their progress by how many discs they have finished. Still others don't see why this is a big deal either way.

I happen to personally fall in the third category. Many 360 RPGs - and, indeed many RPGs in even the last generation - required disc swaps. My feeling is, if they need to span multiple discs to fit the whole game in, shouldn't we just be happy that there is so much content? Is the physical act of swapping out discs really such a critical issue in the enjoyment of a game?

That said, I admit I enjoyed swapping the discs in Lost Odyssey because it gave me a sense of acheivement, while I hated the disc swapping in Star Ocean 4 because it felt like the developers just threw the swaps in wherever they felt like it (like in the middle of gameplay).

But honestly, either way, is it really a big deal? People will buy the game for whichever console they have, or whichever console they prefer. Disc swapping will have little, if anything to do with it.

Final Fantasy XIII will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 9, 2010 in North America and Europe. It is already available in Japan for PlayStation 3.

[Destructoid]
[VG247]

NieR Dated in Japan

2010-02-02T08:32:00.001-08:00

Cavia's upcoming hack-n-slash action-RPG, NieR, has been given an official Japanese release date by the publisher, Square Enix.

The story of a father trying to find a way to cure his young daughter from a mysterious plague (or a brother doing the same for his young sister, depending on which version you like), Cavia has stated that the game is an attempt to appeal to Western audiences, and will feature more blood and mature subject matter than many other Japanese RPGs. (I'm not sure blood and sex are truly the best way to make a game sell, but then, I'm not every gamer.)

As previously noted, there will be two versions of the game in Japan, each exclusive to either Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, titled NieR: Gestalt and NieR: Replicant, respectively, while North American and European gamers will only get NieR: Gestalt for both platforms, titled simply NieR.

Both NieR: Gestalt and NieR: Replicant will be available on their respective consoles on April 22, 2010 in Japan. Square Enix has yet to specify a date for North America or Europe beyond 'Spring 2010.'

[Dengeki]

Koei Tecmo Delays Trinity: Zill O'll Zero Indefinitely

2010-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

With a rough financial year for nearly everyone last year, recently merged Koei Tecmo has posted some heavy losses. Despite these pressures, or perhaps because of them, a couple of games slated for Japanese release next month have been postponed indefinitely.

One of the two is their upcoming PlayStation 3 hack-n-slash action-RPG, Trinity: Zill O'll Zero (to be known as Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll in North America). This is at least the second delay for the game which has dropped on and off the radar sporadically over the last year for no given reason.

Why the title has been put on the back burner is anyone's guess, but it is likely along the same lines as the excuse for the other postponed title: quality improvement.

Trinity: Zill O'll Zero's release has been changed from 'March 2010' to 'TBD.' We'll let you know when Koei Tecmo announces a new release date.

[Dengeki]

Tales of Graces to Get a Summer 2010 Release?

2010-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

According to the Official Nintendo Magazine (the Nintendo Power of the UK), Namco Bandai will be bringing the latest iteration of the Tales of series, Tales of Graces, to Europe sometime this summer.

One of the biggest JRPG series in Japan, the Tales of games and their fanbase in the West have been repeatedly slighted or overlooked completely by Namco Bandai, with only 1 in 3 Tales of games ever seeing the light of day outside their home country. With little rhyme or reason to which Tales of games are allowed a chance in North America or Europe, many feared that the recently released in Japan Tales of Graces would be similarly forgotten.

While the ONM article provides new hope that an English release may be in the cards, many North American Wii owners are already very aware that Europe has repeatedly got the better end of the stick with Nintendo this generation, having received bundles and games that Nintendo of America seems bent on preventing.

Though the Tales of Graces article offers few details, the 'Summer 2010' release date alone is welcome news to many eager fans, and hopes for an official announcement from the publisher have been renewed.

(Thanks to GameFAQs user tylerx27 for the scan)

RPGs of the Week: Late Knight Edition

2010-02-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

It's a new week and a new month all at the same time today, and that means new RPGs!

January was quite good, and with this week's offering, it looks like February will be keeping up with that trend.

Check out what RPGs are available this week (February 1 - 6, 2010):

North America
Global Agenda – Hi-Rez Studios – PC
Legends of Exidia – GameLoft – DSiWare
Puzzle Chronicles – Infinite Interactive, Konami – Nintendo DS, PSP
Star Trek Online – Cryptic Studios, Atari – PC
White Knight Chronicles International – Level 5, SCEA – PlayStation 3

Japan
Moe-Moe 2-ji Taisen(ryaku) 2 – SystemSoft – PlayStation 2, PSP
Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope International – tri-Ace, Square Enix – PlayStation 3

Europe
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days – NIS Europe – PSP
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers – Square Enix – Nintendo Wii
Legends of Exidia – GameLoft – DSiWare
Star Trek Online – Cryptic Studios, Atari – PC, Xbox 360

North America starts out the month with a couple of new sci-fi MMORPGs for the PC, Star Trek Online and Global Agenda, along with the portable version of Puzzle Chronicles, and Sony's original first-party PS3 JRPG, White Knight Chronicles (which has taken more than its sweet time getting over here).

Japan gets the PS2 and PSP versions of an obscure SRPG, as well as the PS3 port of last year's Star Ocean 4.

Europe meanwhile gets Square Enix's first real attempt on the Wii, The Crystal Bearers, the PSP port of Disgaea 2, and both PC and 360 versions of Star Trek Online.

Additionally, the first DSiWare RPG (that I am aware of, at least), Legends of Exidia, is hitting both Europe and North America this week.

Nothing really striking to me this week, though I may give Puzzle Chronicles a spin just to check it out.

Anything for you this week?

Nintendo Announces The Last Story

2010-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well, Mistwalker promised their new big RPG would finally be announced this year, and here it is, much sooner than I anticipated.

The revolutionary action-RPG that Sakaguchi has been talking about on his blog consistently for the last year or so has finally been revealed to be a project for Nintendo. Titled The Last Story, the game is currently planned for an unspecific release on the Wii sometime this year in Japan.

Like Xenoblade, The Last Story has no real media or details worth speaking of at the moment, other than a teaser site up on the official Nintendo site. And, like Xenoblade, the game's site features little beyond a logo and some background music - though both are admittedly very nice.

I have somewhat mixed feelings about this announcement. On one hand, I couldn't be more pleased to see that the game is a console title instead of a handheld one. On the other, I bought my 360 partially to play Mistwalker's first two games, and still prefer to play my 360. I also don't particularly love motion controls (which every Wii game has the possibility of possessing). Further, I am actually quite surprised to see Nintendo funding a Mistwalker game after the dreadfully disappointing sales of Archaic Sealed Heat.

But, hey, I'm still excited to see what it's all about, and I'm quite impressed with Nintendo of Japan's efforts to put more RPGs on their console.

As a bit of bad news, however, Nintendo's most recent finacial report only lists The Last Story for Japanese release, and is completely absent on North America and Europe's release forecast. That doesn't necessarily mean anything, but it would have been more reassuring to know The Last Story won't meet the same Japan-only fate that ASH met.

Thoughts?

[The Last Story Official Japanese Site]

Nintendo Announces Xenoblade

2010-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

Since last year's E3, Nintendo has been surprisingly impressive in their resolve to promoting RPGs on their systems. One RPG that was teased at E3 09 but then fell mysteriously silent was Monolithsoft's Wii RPG, Monado: Beginning of the World.

Though all that was released was a single teaser trailer and a name, many eagerly anticipating the next thing from the studio that created Xenosaga and Soma Bringer were understandably excited.

Since then, it seems that the game has undergone a name change, and has been officially announced as Xenoblade, and according to Nintendo's most recent financial report, will be released this Spring in Japan, with a slightly more vague 2010 release planned for North America.

Currently, the only official media we have since the name change is Nintendo of Japan's official site for the game, which shows off the game's logo while a loop (presumably from the game) plays in the background, and a promise that the official site will launch "soon."

Sweet.

[Xenoblade Official Japanese Site]

"Really Naughty Limited Edition" Planned for Record of Agarest War

2010-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

So, I don't remember if I've truly covered Aksys' decision to bring Compile Heart's 'Soul Breed' SRPG, Agarest Senki to North America.

For those who don't remember this slightly obscure title, the game is basically a classic Japanese SRPG, complete with gridded fields, turn-based strategizing, and anime-style still art taking the place of cutscenes. Really, nothing specular there. Where the game sets itself apart is in the 'Soul Breed' system, which allows the player to choose a wife to bear his posterity for several generations. Which girl the player chooses to (ahem) procreate with will determine certain traits of his successor.

Along with this admittedly 'mature' subject matter comes the obvious fanservice - arguably the game's true selling point.

The original title was released in Japan in 2007 on PlayStation 3, then ported to the Xbox 360 in 2008 as Agarest Senki: Reappearance, and contained different and bonus content.

Aksys games has been known for some time now as the North American publisher for the title, but it was pushed back several times to allow for the 360 version to launch simultaneously here. With that, Aksys has claimed that the PS3 and 360 versions are now identical for the NA release, though it is still unclear whether that means the extra content was added to the PS3 version, or stripped out of the 360 version.

Though Aksys claims that this prevents rampant fanboyism over the title, they have chosen to release the PS3 version exclusively through PSN, while the 360 version will receive a classic hard copy, destroying any fanboy peace they may have been striving for.

To further the gap, Aksys has recently revealed a limited print edition (yes, only for the 360 version) that will include a soundtrack disc, a mousepad with boobs wrist rest, and a saucy pillowcase (pillow not included) for, er, more private encounters (I guess?), all wrapped up in a fancy collector's art box.

If you have the choice, I would imagine most gamers will prefer the hard copy, but maybe that's just me. I admit that the special edition sounds like the best deal (and a lot of swag) for $59.99, but I would never get it past my wife. Regular box edition will have to do for me. :P

Record of Agarest War will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (via PSN) on April 27, 2010. It is already available in Japan.

[Kotaku]

Capcom Announces Monster Hunter Frontier 360 Port

2010-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Last week Microsoft put up a teaser splash on their official Xbox Japan website which read "Capcom x Microsoft 2010.01.26" and promised a new game announcement. Many Japanese gamers assumed it was the announcement of the Xbox 360 exclusive DLC for GTA4, so I made no effort to report it last week.

However, the mini-event held in connection with this teaser announced many things, the biggest of which is the revelation that Capcom will be porting its highly-popular-in-Japan action-MMO, Monster Hunter Frontier, to the Xbox 360 this summer.

Aside from being run on different servers, it is currently unclear if there will be any major changes from the PC version, and will reportedly have a pay-to-play monthly fee similar to the PC version as well, though the details are still a bit fuzzy.

Though I have no real interest in this series (or MMOs in general), this is undeniably a huge boost for the 360's image in Japan.

Monster Hunter Frontier will be available for Xbox 360 sometime this Summer in Japan. There is currently no word on a possible North American or European release.

[Monster Hunter Frontier Official Site]

Darksiders 360 Patch Tomorrow

2010-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Despite being highly derivative - especially of Nintendo's famous Legend of Zelda series - THQ and Vigil's Xbox 360 and PS3 action-adventure-RPG, Darksiders, is quite good. ...Except for some very obvious tearing issues on the 360 version, which were highly headache-inducing for me during long play sessions.

However, Vigil has claimed that this problem is an "easy fix," and had promised a patch soon.

Despite my skepticism that an "easy fix" should have been in the game when it shipped, Vigil has announced that the patch is complete and will be available for all internet-enabled 360 users Wednesday, January 27, 2010 (tomorrow).

It's a little too late for me, as I'm already finished the game, but for anyone who held off until these glitches were fixed should now have no trouble.

[Darksiders Official Blog]

Old News: New Legend of Zelda Coming This Year

2010-01-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

Nintendo may not be known as an RPG publishing powerhouse, but the RPGs they do have under their belt tend to be quite good. Above even those, the Legend of Zelda action-adventure-RPG series is known and loved by gamers who can't even spell RPG. It should be no surprise, then, that many have been waiting intently for the next main console entry of the series since Twilight Princess back in 2006.

In an interview with Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has been quoted as saying the long anticipated newest entry in the Legend of Zelda series is nearing completion, and is planned for an end of the year release.

With 2010 already off to a very encouraging start, seeing a brand new console Zelda title would definitely be a nice addition to the year.

However, before your hopes get too high, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has warned fans on the Nintendo Week monthly report that the new title will be released "when it's perfect." In other words, if it's not perfect in 2010, we will still be waiting until it is.

I'll cross my fingers for early perfection if you will.

[Asahi Shimbun]
[Nintendo Week (YouTube)]

RPGs of the Week: Massively Effective Edition

2010-01-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

This has to be some kind of RPG record. Here we are, the last week of January - traditionally one of the slowest, if not the slowest month for RPG releases - and we've had at least one RPG per week. This trend is highly encouraging, and one that I hope continues throughout 2010.

...Except now that I said that, it might jinx it. Crap.

Anyways, check out what RPGs are hitting shelves near you this week (January 25 - 30, 2010):

North America
Mass Effect 2 – BioWare, EA – Xbox 360, PC

Japan
Ar Tonelico III: Sekai Shuuen no Hikigane wa Shoujo no Uta ga Hiku – Gust, Namco Bandai – PlayStation 3
Dragon Quest VI: Maboroshi no Daichi – ArtePiazza, Square Enix – Nintendo DS
End of Eternity – tri-Ace, Sega – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Last Rebellion – Hit Maker, Nippon Ichi – PlayStation 3
Tales of Destiny 2 (The Best) – Namco Bandai – PSP
Tales of Rebirth (The Best) – Namco Bandai – PSP

Europe
Mass Effect 2 – BioWare, EA – Xbox 360, PC

Japan has a huge flood of RPGs this week, with three at once for the PS3. We're just breaking records all over the place this week. Namdai and Gust's latest in the Ar Tonelico series, along with Nippon Ichi's first all 3D PS3 title, Last Rebellion, and tri-Ace's first true multiplatform title ever, End of Eternity. The choice is much easier on 360 with just End of Eternity. Meanwhile, the last of Square Enix's Dragon Quest DS remakes, Dragon Quest VI is out this week. Plus two budget reprints of Tales of ports for the PSP, and you have yourself a whole lot of choice in Japan this week.

North America and Europe have decidedly less to choose from, but the only choice is thankfully a good one with BioWare's latest sci-fi epic, Mass Effect 2.

Anything looking worth your cash this week?

Atlus Announces Persona 3 Portable for North America

2010-01-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Just in case you haven't played Persona 3 enough yet, Atlus has revealed that they will be bringing their PSP port of the rather successful little (actually quite large) RPG to North America.

For the uninitiated (and just what is wrong with you if you haven't played Persona 3 yet?!), Persona 3 follows a group of Japanese high school students who awake to the reality of a "hidden hour" everyday in which demons roam our world freely searching for humans to feed on. Using the mysterious power known as 'persona,' these teenagers seek to unravel the secrets of the 'Dark Hour' while balancing their school and social lives.

The PSP port contains various additional features to the original game, the most significant of which is the ability to play as a female protagonist in order to build different social links and romances.

She has a pretty cool character design, but I don't know how interested I am in hitting on dudes. Just a personal preference.

Persona 3 Portable will be available in North America for PSP via traditional UMD or downloadable via PSN on July 6, 2010. It is already available in Japan.

As much as I love Persona 3, I just can't see myself going out of my way to pick this up again. I bought Persona 3 FES, and honestly never touched it. But if you like to game on the go and missed out on this the first two times, might as well go for this one.

[Persona 3 Portable Official Site]

Old News: Vanillaware Teases... Something (NSFW?)

2010-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

...And I mean teases in the naughty sense of the word.

A week or so ago, the splash image below was uploaded to small Japanese developer Vanillaware's main webpage (possibly NSFW).

The image depicts 3 strategically censored naked blonde women lying together on the ground. The artwork is unmistakenly George Kamitani's work - the president and lead artist at Vanillaware - and is accompanied by the following cryptic message:

Three Graces 2010 Vanillaware George Kamitani

The image is now gone, but not before the internet has had plenty of time to let loose on the speculation wagon.

Certainly it is conceivable that the art could be a teaser for the stuido's newest game. 'Three Graces' could refer to the hypothetical game's title, its protagonists, its theme, or something else entirely. '2010' could hint at the reveal year, or even the release year. 'Vanillaware' and 'George Kamitani' are fairly self-explanatory, I would imagine.

Another theory is that the image may simply be a New Year's greeting. It is a very common practice in Japan to send New Year's greetings, and many Japanese graphic artists do a new piece specifically for that purpose. This doesn't explain the 'Three Graces' title, however, unless we're missing some inside information. (2010 is the Year of the Tiger in Japan, which has nothing to do with 'Three Graces' or with the artwork.)

Either way, it will be interesting to see what Vanillaware has up their sleeve next, and a new title this year would certainly be welcome news.

[Vanillaware]

Old News: EA Announces Dragon Age: Origins - Awakenings

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I enjoyed BioWare's latest WRPG, Dragon Age: Origins. Easily my second favourite RPG of 2009. I've been playing it more or less consistently, and I think I'm finally getting close to wrapping up the main story.

Tiny, overpriced morsels of DLC aside, I couldn't help but wonder when I would get a chance to experience more of Dragon Age's world. Well, EA and BioWare have recently revealed that the wait won't be as long as I might have thought.

Coming this March, EA will be releasing Dragon Age: Origin's first 'official expansion,' Awakening.

Awakening reportedly takes place after the events of Origins, and puts the player in the position of the new Commander of the Grey Wardens. Players can choose to keep their original character, or start fresh with a new character from Orlais with a new origin.

Unlike the DLC packets which typically unlock a small amount of additional content, Awakening will introduce full story complete with five new recruitable characters (plus apparently one 'favourite' from the main game).

Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening will reportedly be available on March 16, 2010 in either digital or retail versions, and will set you back $39.99 regardless of your platform choice.

I don't usually buy add-ons to games, but this sounds actually pretty tempting.

[Official Dragon Age: Origins Website]

RPGs of the Week: Heraclean Edition

2010-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

A little late, but let's just jump right into what new RPGs are hitting shelves this week (January 18 - 23, 2010):

North America
Glory of Heracles – Paon, Nintendo – Nintendo DS
Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgement – Konami – XBLA, PSN

Japan
Moe-Moe 2-Ji Taisen Ryoku Deluxe (SystemSoft Selection) – SystemSoft Alpha – PlayStation 2
Senjou no Valkyria 2: Gallia Ouritsu Shikan Gakkou – Sega – PSP
Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgement – Konami – XBLA, PSN

Europe
none

The nearly secret release of Nintendo's Glory of Heracles marks the first iteration of the series (yes, it is a series) outside of Japan, while Konami's unsettlingly awkward resurrection of the Vandal Hearts series, Flames of Judgement hits XBLA (and I think PSN, though I'm not 100% on that).

Meanwhile, Japan gets a reprint of an SRPG I doubt you would ever be interested in playing, as well as the sadly pitiful PSP sequel to Valkyria Chronicles. (Sigh), and I thought Sega would finally be able to do something right with their RPG franchises for a change.

Europe, unfortunately, is left out again this week. Sorry. :(

Anything worth picking up for you this week?

Rumour: Final Fantasy XIII Collector's Edition Leaked?

2010-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Square Enix's upcoming PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 RPG Final Fantasy XIII is apparently a big deal, and big deals tend to get Collector's Editions. According to GameStop Italy, FFXIII will indeed be getting the Collector's Edition treatment.

According to the listing on the site, the bundle in question will reportedly contain a soundtrack, art book, prequel story, comic book, and collection of art cards. Oh, and the game. Obviously.

The Collector's Edition will reportedly run for €80 (~$110). Pricey. But, I guess that is a lot of stuff.

Since this is the only reported listing at the moment, we're going to have to take this one with a grain of salt and a good old RUMOUR tag, but the FF Fanboy in you wants to believe it's true, right? ;)

[Kotaku]
[GameStop Italy]

Old News: feelplus Working on a Large Scale RPG for Microsoft

2010-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

If you've been following JRPGs closely this generation - or been at least paying some attention during credit sequences after a few RPGs - you'll likely be aware of the development studio feelplus. Though they are most readily acknowledged for their development of Mistwalker and Microsoft's (opinion) best (/opinion) JRPG, Lost Odyssey, they have also had a hand in the development of Infinite Undiscovery and Star Ocean 4, and are the leading developers behind the upcoming Ninety-Nine Nights II.

With N3II making its debut in both Japan and North America this Spring, feelplus is up to something new. And, according to a recruitment ad on DODA (a Monster.com-esque site in Japan), that "something new" is a 'large scale RPG for Microsoft.'

Though no further details have been provided, many have begun to speculate on the inevitable sequel to Lost Odyssey.

If the large-scale RPG is indeed Lost Odyssey II, it would reason that Mistwalker would be involved in some way. But with Mistwalker's other "next big thing" planned for this year - not to mention N3II releasing this year - my educated guessing powers deduce that we shouldn't start salivating for this new title until next year.

Plus, forcing Lost Odyssey II to compete with Final Fantasy XIII just doesn't seem like a wonderful idea. Just my opinion.

Either way, I'm extremely interested in seeing what Microsoft's Japanese studios have up their sleeves sooner than later, so this is very welcome news.

[DODA]

Old News: Mistwalker's Next Big Thing in 2010, also iPhone

2010-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

If you are anything like me, you've been waiting on your hands for the next big thing from Mistwalker since 2007's highly awesome Lost Odyssey. Sure, there have been some decent DS games from them, but nothing that has sufficiently satiated my need for more epic awesomeness.

Followers of Sakaguchi's blog will know that the studio is indeed in the thick of a new, large scale "blockbuster" project, and that they had planned to unveil it last year. Obviously that didn't happen, but Sakaguchi has declared in his blog that 2010 is the year of his new blockbuster.

From previous blogposts, we know the game is an action-RPG, and will combine high quality visuals and integrated FMV, likely pointing to a console release. We still haven't been told who is doing the development (programming, etc.), who their publisher is, or even what platform it will be on yet.

Previous evidence suggests that Microsoft, AQ Interactive, or even Namco Bandai are possible publishers, and if the title is indeed a console game, Xbox 360 is my first guess, but this generation has taught me that anything is possible.

Since the game is confirmed to be an action-RPG, I have trouble believing it will be a Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey sequel, but again, I suppose anything is possible.

Speculation aside, I suppose we can do nothing but wait and hope at the moment, but the sliver of hope that the game will make it out this year is reassuring if nothing else.

Incidently, Sakaguchi also said that he is working on an iPhone game, which is also scheduled for this year.

[Mistwalker]

Old News: Atlus Announces Hexyz Force for North America

2010-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Some readers may recall that Atlus acquired Knights in the Nightmare and Dokapon Kingdom developer Sting last year. Since Atlus has published most of the developer's titles in recent years, the acquisition was not entirely surprising.

The newly acquired studio's first joint game with Atlus was a turn-based RPG for the PSP released last year in Japan known as Hexyz Force. The PSP title is based in a world divided into two - Light and Darkness - each with its own main character, Cecilia and Reivant, respectively. The game promises different story and characters depending on which protagonist you choose to play as.

Atlus announced that it would be bringing the game to North American PSPs on May 25, 2010.

[Hexyz Force Official Site]