nipponichi
Latest
_jd.jpg.cf.jpg)
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.
NIS offers contest to win a game and viral candy
While that may sound disgusting, it's not. In fact, we find this Puchi Puchi Virus candy to be almost as appetizing as the budget priced game due out this summer. Now, though, there's a chance for you to get your hands on both the delicious snack and the game it's themed after. In order to promote their upcoming game, NIS is having two contests, in which the prize is a Puchi Puchi Anti-Virus kit. The kit include anti-virus pills (aka candy), information about Puchi Puchi Virus, and the game itself. The deadline for both contests is May 20th. For one, you must draw your own version of an infected person, name it, and send in the artwork. For the other, you must come up with your own "wacky" virus, name it, and write about what it does.If you're interested in entering, just click the "read" link below for more information. Gallery: Puchi Puchi Virus [Via GamerTell]
When puzzles attack: Jigsaw Battle World
Puzzle Quest may have made crazy genre-combining games popular, but we have no qualms when other titles follow suit. Take, for example, Jigsaw Battle World. Fusing jigsaw puzzles with action gameplay, this combination of styles sounds incredibly addicting. It's been a long time since we've obsessed over a jigsaw, but those things are like crack once you start them; there's really no stopping until you finish.This time, there's even more of an incentive to get your jig on, since there's a story included that involves overthrowing Satan. So, where exactly does the "action" element come in, then? Basically, you race against your opponents to complete puzzles. You can also attack your opponents, though (and vice versa), and by correctly putting pieces in place you gain stronger attacks.The game is being developed by Nippon Ichi, makers of such gems like Disgaea. There will even been a Disgaea character, Etna, featured in it. Also, since NIS is furiously localizing games for us English-speakers, there's a chance this one might show up in North America eventually.If you're curious about this crazy hybrid, you can check out some screenage after the break.
Today's most edible swag: Puchi Puchi Virus candies
If there's one thing we enjoy more than getting free stuff in the mail here at Joystiq, it's getting stuff that is both free and edible, which is why we were only too happy when a package showed up today from NIS America promoting the publisher's upcoming foray into the world of casual gaming with Jaleco's Puchi Puchi Virus. We'll admit we had our misgivings about the change in direction, particularly given the company's traditionally niche role-playing and strategy roots, but if all of their side quests turn out as milk chocolate covered in a thin candy shell, we may well have to revise our stance altogether. Were we not thinking with our stomachs, the notion of consuming food based around a puzzle game with 'virus' in the title could be cause for concern. Also sealed in the box, aptly labeled 'Anti-Virus Kit,' is the game as well, so expect impressions soon -- assuming the candies themselves do not do us in.%Gallery-16732%
PSP Fanboy review: Dragoneer's Aria
Nippon Ichi hasn't had the best history on the PSP -- every game was plagued with bugs, load time problems, and an overall case of the Mediocres. Perhaps that's why they decided to take a very different approach, stylistically and gameplay wise, with Dragoneer's Aria. The game boasts an "epic" storyline of love and adventure and has what, at the surface, could be seen as fantastic graphics and an interesting twist on the turn-based RPG. Did they pull it off? Did Nippon Ichi finally get it right on the PSP? That's what our review will reveal, so go ahead and take the jump.%Gallery-6701%
New Dragoneer's Aria vid shows how to summon help
Nippon Ichi released a new trailer of their upcoming PSP RPG, Dragoneer's Aria and it showcases the ability to summon captured spirits to defend you. It looks like the way you capture souls is by continually fighting a type of monster until you finally get access to their sweet, tasty soul. Once captured, you can equip the soul orb and summon it during a battle to fight by your side. Nothing like summoning a huge rock golem out of nowhere to make the lizardmen you're fighting scared witless.Dragoneer's Aria is looking more and more entertaining everytime we see it. With the lack of high quality RPGs on the PSP in the past, is this a title you're interested in picking up?
Dragoneer's Aria an "epic" departure for Nippon Ichi
Nippon Ichi isn't known for epic 3D games -- but that's exactly what they're trying to with the upcoming PSP RPG, Dragoneer's Aria. Sohei Niikawa, producer at NIS, is afraid that people will say: "But you're Nippon Ichi Software!" Regardless, in a new blog on Gamespot, he admits "Even so, I feel that this title will help support us as we take a shot at something that's a little step away from the usual NIS titles."To help create the "epic" feeling that NIS is trying to achieve, they hired some high-profile talent for the game. Juno Jeong, artist of Lineage II, is contributing his art to this PSP exclusive RPG. In addition, "the number one blog idol in Japan," Mimika, will be singing the game's theme song.
Disgaea 3 announced for PlayStation 3
Nippon Ichi is bringing its popular strategy franchise Disgaea to the PlayStation 3. The two screenshots at the moment imply the visuals will be very similar, both fortunately in style and unfortunately in technical prowess, to the previous two PS2 titles. No other information is currently available about the title. Disgaea 3 is due out in Japan this winter.%Gallery-4958%
Dragoneer Aria Screenshots
This summer, publisher Nippon Ichi is gearing up their release of a new multiplayer RPG, titled Dragoneer Aria. Up to 4 players are expected to be supported in the final version, via ad-hoc. In typical J-RPG fare, expect to face off against "bad" dragons using magical abilities aligned with each of the popular elements: thunder, ice, water, earth, wind and fire. No word on a North American release at this time, but if this title takes off like hotcakes, you can expect its chances coming stateside to increase exponentially. Take a look at these new screenshots.[Via Game Watch]
RUMOR: Dead or Alive and Disgaea coming to PS3?
Leave it to EGM's rumor mill to churn out a tasty new rumor. It's rumored that an XBox staple, Dead or Alive, might be making its fifth iteration exclusively on the Sony gigantor bot -- the PlayStation 3. Actually, that's not entirely true. Team Ninja is supposedly making something revolving around the DoA universe on the PS3. Not specifically the fifth entry into the franchise. What was that last God-awful fighting game spinoff? Death by Degrees? Bad call, Tekken, bad call.Also mentioned in the magazine is the idea that Nippon-Ichi's popular SRPG series, Disgaea, will be making its way onto the PlayStation 3 as well. Not much else is known -- will it be on the PSN (since the games are, admittedly, not the finest looking), will it be a remake, sequel, what? No matter, we'll find out in due time. Personally, I'm not too fond of the games. You waste too much time getting absolutely nothing at all accomplished. Levelling up is a joke, blah blah blah add your own opinions.
NIS America open to releasing titles on non-Sony systems
Jeffrey Fleming from Game Set Watch had a chance to interview RPG fan favorite publisher NIS America (Disgaea). In the interview, he asks if NIS plans on just keeping Sony platforms as their target for game releases. Here's their response:"For a long time, NIS America has been releasing titles for the PS2 and PSP, so some people might think we are solely dedicated to Sony, but that is not true. Our goal is to provide quality games and services to all game fans, and looking ahead, there are several platforms that can help us reach out to a broader audience and gamers can expect surprises from us. Of course, we will also continue to work closely with Sony, providing great games for PS2/PS3/PSP users as well."So while they have no intentions to be a Sony exclusive publisher, they do plan to still support them. Here's hoping our favorite portable continues to get the NIS love.
Aedis Eclipse: Generations of Chaos screens
The first Generations of Chaos game for PSP seemed good when I bought it, but the lacking tutorial made it difficult for me to really progress. Hopefully Aedis Eclipse: Generations of Chaos will do a better job of informing the gamer how to play the game. The key idea of this game seems to be that you play a main character and story in three different worlds and get those different perspectives on the war and universe. I love tactics games, so I want nothing more than for it to be worthwhile. In the meantime there are some screens to view. More screens after the jump ...
Nippon Ichi has something original on its way to... somewhere
Like niche titles? Preferably strategy/tactics oriented? Like Japanese humor? Oddball storylines and over-the-top characters? Chances are you've played a Nippon Ichi game: Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, La Pucille Tactics, Phantom Brave, Makai Kingdom, or just released, Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories. Nippon Ichi announced recently that the first Disgaea game will make its way onto the PSP, disappointing avid fans of this publisher, wishing for an original title. Well, you've gotten your wish. Very little is known about what these two characters represent, although one thing is obvious: a new, original Nippon Ichi title. IGN reports that on September 8th, Dengeki Playstation, a bi-weekly gaming magazine, will reveal some more details about this game. When that happens, we'll report the findings. Should we hope for a PS3 title? It isn't likely since Nippon Ichi loves their 2-D sprites and upgrading to a new system wouldn't be practical at this time, but who knows? They've surprised us before.
