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

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]

Battle Fantasia to Fantasize your Battles this Autumn

Do you like fighting games? RPGs? How about hybrids of the two?

Arc System Works' Fighter RPG, Battle Fantasia, has recently been announced to be making the jump to North American Xbox 360s this autumn, courtesy Aksys.

Battle Fantasia combines the gameplay of a 2D fighter (think of their flagship fighting series Guilty Gear on this one), with cell-shaded 3D character models, and the story and background mechanics of an RPG.

Though the game was on Arcade, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in Japan, Aksys has only confirmed the game for Xbox 360 on our shores, set to be released sometime this fall.

Since I really like 2D fighters (especially Arc System Works' brand of them), I am pretty stoked to get to play this game.

To better sum up the story and style of this game, I've included the plot synopsis from Aksys' press release, as well as a trailer for the Japanese version.

Battle Fantasia Prologue

There was once a time when the world was engulfed in darkness. Mankind fought six battles to save their world, but lost every single one. All hope was lost for humanity and many turned to god with prayers. But one day the darkness was finally driven back by the swords of four heroes.

Light returned to the world, and with it came peace and serenity. The world was then divided into two major countries: The Magic Kingdom and the Steam Empire. The people prospered like never before…

But in recent months, strange things have begun to happen. Rumors spread among the people that the darkness was returning...

However, fate has once again brought together warriors from all over the world. Some fight in the relentless pursuit of justice. Some fight due to their conviction and faith.

As the battle looms near, an epic new tale of new heroes begins to unfold...

Japanese Trailer