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Princess Antiphona's Hymn: Angel's Score Op.A: a musical RPG for PSP
The Japanese certainly love lengthy game titles. Princess Antiphona's Hymn: Angel's Score Op.A is what looks to be a spiritual successor to Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS). Developed by Nippon Ichi, this PSP RPG focuses heavily on music. A first glance shows what looks to be a very standard RPG, presented with 2D sprites and anime portraits. The game will also feature anime-style FMV sequences and full voice acting.Antiphona's Hymn will be ready for Japanese release in October. We're pretty certain NIS America will announce localization plans not too long after that.
Phantom Brave: We Meet (the trailer) Again
The upcoming Wii port of Phantom Brave is coming this June. For those of you unfamiliar with Nippon Ichi's SRPG, this new trailer gives an overview of what to expect. The Wii version gets an additional scenario and new characters unseen in the PS2 original. With a zany style expected of the Disgaea studio, Phantom Brave fills the all-important "super crazy Japanese SRPG" genre currently missing on the Wii.%Gallery-63020%
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? coming in July
Quite possibly the best title for a video game ever conceived, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? will be arriving in the US this July. The retro-styled action game has you going against those pesky "heroes" in a Overlord-esque adventure to reign as the best anti-hero in the world. This trailer should give you a pretty good idea on how it plays.Although the game has a very simple look and feel, it's getting a full UMD release this summer. Perhaps NIS America would like to consider a PlayStation Network release as well? Badman looks like it would be a perfect fit for digital distribution.%Gallery-63011%
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days coming to PSP this year
The PSP enhanced port of Disgaea 2 will be getting a US release this year. Dark Hero Days will feature all the content of the original SRPG, but will add new story chapters, a new main character and additional skills, items and side characters. New battle features introduced in Disgaea 3 will also be transplanted into this portable game. While the game's trailer specifically states a Summer release, the press release says the game will release in the Fall. Either way, you'll be able to play the game this year. Keen observers will see a PlayStation Network icon at the end of the trailer -- could this title be digitally distributed? %Gallery-63010%
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love coming to Wii, PS2
Nippon Ichi is finally bringing the Sakura Wars series to the US. The cult anime series will be hitting US audiences as a SRPG destined for Wii and PS2. So Long, My Love promises a unique battle system divided into two parts: ground combat and air combat. In the Sakura Wars universe, it appears mechs don't just fight on the ground. No, they transform into jets that fight in the sky as well! Players will have to keep sharp as they battle enemies on these two vastly different fronts.Developed by Idea Factory, Sakura Wars is scheduled for a US release this Fall.
Nippon Ichi announces Last Rebellion for PS3
Nippon Ichi has announced their latest PS3-exclusive RPG, and surprisingly it's not Trinity Universe. Last Rebellion certainly doesn't take advantage of the graphical capabilities of the PS3, but promises a dark story of revenge atypical of most JRPGs. A joint collaboration between Nippon Ichi and HitMaker, Last Rebellion introduces a VATS-like turn-based combat system where players can target specific body parts to strategically disable enemies.Last Rebellion will feature two main characters: Nine, a warrior, and Aisha, a magician. Players will be able to switch between the two during battle. Last Rebellion is currently scheduled for a Fall release in America.%Gallery-63008%
Trinity Universe coming to PS3, combines Atelier and Disgaea in 3D RPG
Cross Edge hasn't seen a US release yet, but that's not stopping Nippon Ichi from making yet another crossover RPG exclusively for the PS3. Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes, but in a refreshing twist for NIS, is presented in full 3D. In fact, this will be the first time you'll see Etna and Prinny as non-sprite characters.Siliconera notes that the combat is similar to Xenogears, with skills assigned to three different action buttons. Players will also have to keep a close eye on time and destroy "gravitation fields" in dungeons before it's too late. Idea Factory is publishing the game in Japan this August. It's expected NIS America will announce the game for US release at their press event tomorrow.[Thanks, Jeffrey C.!]
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days PSP trailer
We thought we saw everything there was to see regarding the upcoming PSP version of Disgaea 2, recently subtitled: Dark Hero Days. Little did we know a trailer for the portable upgrade was hiding up someone's sleeve at developer Nippon Ichi's home office. After giving the trailer a good once over, we've come to the conclusion that ... well, it's Disgaea -- plus more stuff. An additional storyline starring the dark hero Axel, new game play features and easier pickup-and-play ability on the go are just a few of the enhancements made to Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days. Check out the trailer after the break.
US release of Cross Edge delayed for Trophy support
NIS America is bringing quirky (and low budget) JRPG Cross Edge to the States. While it was expected to release this March, Siliconera has found out the game has been quietly delayed. The reason? Nippon Ichi is spending a bit more time on the game, adding a feature missing from the original Japanese release of the game: Trophies. Perhaps Sony's "mandator Trophy support" mantra has finally kicked in?Currently, NIS is aiming for a May release, although no date has been set in stone.
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Phantom Brave haunting Wii in North America this June
NIS America confirmed that the niche game hub will bring its Wii port of Phantom Brave to North America this June. The decidedly morose turn-based strategy game was first released for the PS2 in 2004, and shares much in common with other NIS titles like Disgaea or La Pucelle Tactics. Titled Phantom Brave: We Meet Again, the port will feature a few tweaks over the original, including improved graphics (though judging by the above shot we're not so sure), a redesigned interface, and more items, skills and characters. An expanded story is also promised, though unlike other titles in the NIS catalog, this one's narrative is more apt to leave you grabbing for a fistful of Zoloft than cracking a smile.
Prinny gets premium DLC in Japan
PSP has been following in the footsteps of its PS3 big brother for quite some time now. The latest trend it's starting to pick up? DLC. Owners of the PS3 have become accustomed to purchasing post-release content through the PlayStation Store, and it appears PSP owners may follow suit.Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? will feature a brand new downloadable level featuring cameos from another Nippon Ichi game, Phantom Brave. "Phantom Isle & Marona" is downloadable on the Japanese PlayStation Store for 300 yen ($3.30). See the video after the break.Although Prinny hasn't released in the US yet (it's coming out February 17th), we're certain NIS America will follow suit and charge for these extras. It'll be interesting to see how PSP owners respond -- will they be as eager to pay for DLC as PS3 owners?%Gallery-31250%
Square Enix to publish Disgaea 3 in Europe
Nippon Ichi's cult SRPG hit, Disgaea 3, still hasn't seen release in Europe. That's all about the change, courtesy of Square Enix. PAL territories will receive this PS3 exclusive on February 20th. It currently holds a Metacritic score of 78. Some call it the best in the Disgaea series, but some are disappointed by the lackluster PS2-esque presentation. John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "With Disgaea 3, Nippon Ichi have created a wonderful world full of bizarre characters and deep, addictive gameplay. I hope everyone enjoys playing this unique and rewarding title." %Gallery-30670%
Confirmed: Cross Edge coming in March 09
Speaking to RPGamer, an NIS America representative confirmed the rumors that the ensemble RPG Cross Edge will be headed for the US. That's great news for traditional JRPG fans everywhere -- the Compile Heart title features characters from the companies Capcom, Namco-Bandai, Gust, Idea Factory and Nippon Ichi. Mark your calendar, kids -- the game will be released in March 2009. To learn more, check out our coverage of the PS3 exclusive here. [Thanks, Marcus N.!]
Asian Home expansion brings Tekken, Soul Calibur, Ridge Racer rooms
Home is getting bigger (well, it couldn't get much smaller, could it?) in Asia on Thursday. The service will expand with a new Namco Bandai space, which will include lounges for Tekken, Soul Calibur, Ridge Racer and a classics museum where you can play Galaga, Xevious, Dig Dug and Pac Man on arcade machines. There will also be a bunch of new items to buy, such as holiday themed costumes and furniture as well as Namco Bandai and Nippon-Ichi branded items.With the original open beta press release stating that the European and US versions would be expanded this week, we're hoping that will also occur on Thursday. The service desperately needs some new, interesting content. Hopefully we'll see as much third-party support as the Asian version is getting. Check out the Famitsu article for more images.
Nippon Ichi's Wii project a Phantom Brave port
Back in November, word hit that Nippon Ichi would be supporting the Wii. Of course, we all thought Disgaea. And why wouldn't we? But, it turns out, the first project for them will be a port of PS2 title Phantom Brave.The port looks like it'll be getting a few improvements, although what those exactly are is unknown at this time. It's not too far off, however, as the game is currently slated for release on March 12th in Japan. No word on whether it'll release outside of Japan, but we'll update you all as soon as it's known.Any of you play the original PS2 game? What would you like to see improved in the Wii port?[Via Siliconera]
Nippon Ichi goes all out with the swag for Prinny launch
Nippon Ichi is really going all out for the launch of Prinny: Can I really be the Hero?. Purchasers in Japan can get free Etna/Prinny pins (pictured) if they buy the game anytime between the November 20 launch and January 11, 2009. But that's not all, the company is looking to really cash-in with adorable Prinny plushies and a PSP traveling case.There are three Prinny plushies; the red muffler Prinny and Lahar-like Prinny both go for ¥1,890 ($19.54) each, but the pink Prinny is going for ¥2,980 ($30.81). The traveling case is blue with an embossed Prinny on the cover; fetch one for ¥1,785 ($18.40). Check out the pics at Famitsu. Hopefully all these goodies will make their way over here, or else ... we'll have to publish a story called North American Gamers: Can we really have all the swag Japan gets? Don't make us do it.
Nippon Ichi signs up for Wii, Disgaea a tantalizing possibility
We already knew that Nippon Ichi would have some kind of presence on the Wii (news of an NIS WiiWare game, Let's Hitchhike, was leaked last month), but now Nippon Ichi and Nintendo's platform are a super official couple, because the publisher has signed up as a Wiiware and Wii developer.It's the "and Wii developer" bit which is significant here. Naturally, the first property which springs to mind where Nippon Ichi is concerned is Disgaea. The company has been only too happy to spread the series across multiple formats (some would say it's been spread too thinly), so the world's best-selling home console seems like a logical next stop. Make it happen, NIS![Via Siliconera]
Prinny screens show new enemies and vehicles
Gpara has a ton of new screenshots from Prinny: Is It Okay If I Am The Main Character? They show Prinny fighting various enemies; such as the Mothman, archers and ninjas. A crab-like vehicle was also spotted. Another fact revealed was that some stages will contain hidden records, an item which allows you to change the background music of that level. Take a look at all the screenshots here.[Via PSPHyper and Siliconera]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Prinny: Is It Okay If I am the Main Character?
Disgaea fans probably jumped in excitement upon hearing the news that Prinnies would be getting their own game for PSP. Prinny: Is It Okay If I Am The Main Character? is the aptly cute pseudo-2D side-scroller which is also being released in North America. While fans may be squealing in delight over that, here's one more tidbit that's going to make your day: you can play the game now off a demo on the Japanese PS Store. If you can't download it or just plain old stuck at work and can't get to it until you're at home, then we're providing our very own impressions for your convenience. Getting right into it, the demo was a short, one-level adventure taking us through scenery we've seen in screenshots previously (namely the one posted above). As you can see, the environmental objects are 3D models and there will be times when certain actions will cause the camera to shift into this 3D perspective; however, the game is mostly in the 2D perspective, side-scrolling from left to right. Before you start the level you'll be given two optional difficulties: either a "one-hit you're dead" game or a "three-hit chance." The number of hits you can take will be displayed by icons placed in the upper left corner of the screen. If you die, you'll use up a life point which are all displayed in the bottom left.%Gallery-31250%
Prinny Disgaea title coming to the States
The fine folks over at Siliconera got a chance to speak to the marketing manager of NIS America, Jack Niida, about Disgaea DS. Those sneaky snakes managed to surprise Niida with a question about the possibility of a localized version of the PSP-exclusive platformer Prinny: Is It Okay If I Am The Main Character? -- and yes, the game is confirmed to come to the US. The publisher will be NIS America and the release dates are still up in the air at this time. We can't wait![Thanks, Jennifer!]
