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PSA: NIS America's PSP re-releases half price on PSN
As we reported earlier this month, NIS America is making several of its previously UMD-only PSP games available for download from the US PlayStation Store late tonight / early tomorrow morning to coincide with the launch of PSP Go. For a period of one week, Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light, Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, Dragoneer's Aria, Holy Invasion of Privacy Badman!, Mana Khemia: Student Alliance and Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? will be available at 50% off their normal cost -- a welcome offer, given that many digital titles on the store are keeping pricing parity with their retail UMD equivalents.NIS is also asking visitors to the PlayStation Blog whether they want to see a UMD release of Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! by means of a poll that currently has the "ayes" and "nays" running nearly neck-and-neck.
PSN Thursday: All systems are PSP Go for a massive update
If a PSN Update could be a classified as a zombie invasion, consider this humble paragraph the red door keeping the horde at bay. Once you click past the break, be prepared for an update the likes of which you've never seen. It's big, it's scary and it's going to eat your brains ... in a good way. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
NIS America to fix Disgaea 2 save error with free DLC
"If you save now, your save data will be saved in the state in which you cannot use the DLC." This error message has been scaring off players that picked up Disgaea 2 for PSP. However, NIS America admits that this error message is unwarranted, and "the message will appear regardless of whether or not the current saved data contains DLC." Players are encouraged to simply ignore the error. "Our investigation has revealed that this message will not harm your game play experience with Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days or any future Downloadable Content offerings." There will be a fix to this error, but it won't be available until late November. According to NIS, the company plans on making the first DLC for Disgaea 2 -- Sapphire from Disgaea 3 -- free for all users due to the "distress and confusion" caused by the error. Until then, players will have to continue their journey through the game, ignoring the save error along the way. [Via Kotaku]
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Ears
Sega and Red Entertainment's Sakura Wars series has enjoyed great popularity in Japan (witness the Sakura Wars Dreamcast system), but despite that success, it's never been localized. It seemed that non-importers would never get to try the long-running strategy RPG series, until NIS America announced plans to localize Sakura Wars V as Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love on Wii and PS2.It is the novelty of a Sakura Wars game in America, along with the appeal of a mech game set in an alternate 1920s NYC, that sustained us through this trailer (after the break), despite the voice acting. Don't worry, the game will include both English and Japanese!
NIS localizing Atelier Rorona for English audiences
It's not surprising, but it certainly is welcome news. NIS America is planning on bringing Atelier Rorona to English-speaking audiences. NIS' Allison Walter confirmed to the EU PlayStation.Blog that the company is "working on Atelier Rorona right now" and that "it should be coming out in English and French next year."For those unfamiliar with the game, Atelier Rorona is a very standard JRPG that's exclusive to the PS3. With this and Final Fantasy XIII, Star Ocean and possibly Tales of Vesperia all coming to Sony's black box next year, JRPG fans will finally be able to say the drought is over.[Thanks, Marcus N.!]
NIS classics hit PSN in October, price cut in half
NIS America's library of PSP games is about to go digital. Games like Disgaea, Prinny: Can I Be the Hero?, Blade Dancer and more are being transformed into downloadable games, available from the PlayStation Store. Unlike many other UMD archive games on the PSN, NIS America will be offering a special discount on these downloadables: 50% off. The promotion isn't set to begin until October 1st, when the PSP Go launches. The sale will last for one week, allowing PSP owners new and old to pick up some NIS games for $12.99 and less.
Disgaea 3 trophy patch hitting on July 16
Trophy patches are continuing to trickle out (except, no, not for that game, sorry) and the latest title to receive an update is NIS' Disgaea 3. You should be seeing this patch hit in the US on July 16 at 1AM PST. The patch will add over fifty trophies to the game, but there's a downside. Installing this patch will render your previous game saves unusable. You'll have to start from scratch. Considering the game came out last August, chances are you've probably put a few hours in. If you don't want that time wasted, don't install the patch. There's no word on a European release for the patch, but we're looking into it. [Thanks, nikku]
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! becomes a download-only game
There are multiple reports (on IGN and Siliconera) of pre-orders being canceled for NIS America's upcoming PSP game, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Ever Do to Deserve This?. When we contacted NIS America for comment, the publisher noted that "the game will be coming out," but didn't provide specifics. Today, we can report that Badman will be releasing exclusively as a PlayStation Network download for $19.99. Considering the unique pick up and play nature of Badman, coupled with the upcoming digital-only PSP Go, it makes a lot of sense why Badman will release as a downloadable title.While Badman makes sense as a downloadable title, we're a little surprised that the UMD version had to be canned. NIS America told us that "we wanted to make UMD for it, but Sony doesn't allow dual release (UMD & PSN) until Oct. 1st. We are super bummed about it!" Well, now you know who to blame.Check out gameplay footage of the unusual game after the break.%Gallery-63011%
Phantom Brave pushed out to August for Japanese voices
Brace yourselves. The upcoming port of Phantom Brave won't possess Wii consoles in June as expected. Now, assuming you survived that Prinny Bomb, NIS America says in its press release (PDF link) that the delay will allow the niche publisher to put the oft-requested Japanese voice-over track back into the game. It's a gift, however, that requires some "extra programming and debugging," and players looking forward to the moody strategy game will now have to wait until August 4 to get their grinding fix.
Toro and Kuro join Disgaea 2 as DLC
American audiences will be able to enjoy the PSP enhanced version of Disgaea 2 later this year. However, gamers in Japan are already getting ready for some free (and paid) DLC content for the game. As usual, Nippon Ichi is preparing post-release DLC. The most surprising addition to Disgaea 2 comes through a collaboration with Sony: Mainichi Issho's Toro and Kuro can both be added to the game. The two Sony mascots are relatively unknown here in the States, but the felines are quite beloved by players on the other side of the pond. The two cats will be ready to hand special items to players, so keep an eye out for them! It would be nice if NIS America decided to include this DLC content as part of the retail release in the States. However, considering the DLC for Disgaea 3, that's unlikely. To see the other DLC characters, visit PSPHyper.
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%
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy coming to PS2 this Fall
The PS2 keeps on chugging along. NIS America has announced yet another RPG for the PlayStation 2: Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy. Once again, players will play through a Harry Potter-esque adventure through a magic school. This time around, players take control of two different characters, each with their own stories. Razeluxe is your typical emo hero, disinterested in the art of alchemy. Ulrika is an over-enthusiastic girl that'll most likely work her magic on said emo hero. Get it? Work her magic. Never mind.Item creation is, once again, at the core of Mana Khemia's battle system. Players will have to search the world for ingredients to create over 1000 different items. Fall of Alchemy will be available on PS2 this Fall.%Gallery-63018%
A Witch's Tale finally coming this Fall
It's been nearly a year since we last saw A Witch's Tale. Well, it looks like NIS America is finally ready to bring it to the States this year. The horror-themed RPG takes full advantage of the DS touch screen by using a unique combat system based on your drawings. From the trailer, we can garner the entire game is controlled through the stylus. Players must draw various runes to cast spells to travel the six kingdoms and save princesses.Considering the gothic vibe oozing out of the game, we wouldn't be surprised if NIS America aimed for a Halloween release.%Gallery-63017%
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%
Disgaea 3 patch adds Trophies and Home support
Disgaea 3 has been updated in Japan with two new features: Trophies and PlayStation Home support. The two go hand in hand as well. Unlocking a Trophy in the game will also earn you a reward in Home: a Prinny trophy you can place in your virtual abode. Of course, getting the Trophies won't be very easy. Siliconera reveals some details on what you must do: "One trophy is awarded after dealing over 10 billion damage and another is given after a Counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-attack." Excuse me? We're hoping English language versions of Disgaea 3 will also receive this patch. It's always nice to see developers update their games to take advantage of all the new features added to the PS3 post-release.
Cross Edge release level grinding to May 24
Publisher NIS America announced this morning that the unconventional RPG Cross Edge will head to the US on May 24 after being delayed last month in the name of Trophies. Best described as fan service, the game was co-developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Idea Factory, Gust, Namco Bandai and Capcom, and features popular characters from such titles as Disgaea, Darkstalkers, Mana Khemia 3, Ar tonelico and Spectral Souls in a variety of questionable outfits.Finally, PlayStation 3 owners hungry for some niche role-playing in their diets have a date to circle on their 'Girls of Anime' calendar. It's about time that thing got some action besides your ceaseless leering. Seriously, it's creepy.
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.
