Super Robot Taisen

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation, originally developed and published in Japan by Banpresto, brings the popular franchise to the United States for the first time. The series, which has been around for nearly 15 years, puts players in control of dozens of customizable mecha as they battle it out with other mecha in strategy RPG fashion. The game promises 70 missions totaling 40+ hours of gameplay, a skill system for improving your attacks and defense, a kill system that rewards players with additional bonuses and a gripping storyline. Look for the game this summer, followed by Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 at a later time..

Yggdra Union

Yggdra Union is the follow-up game to Atlus' Riviera, with a more streamlined strategy RPG component and the dating sim is removed. In place of that is a card battle system where players use decks of tactical cards to do battle. Key features being touted for this GBA title include character design by manga artist Satoko Kiyuzuki and card design by Sunaho Tobe (character designer of Riviera: The Promised Land), over 30 skills to choose from, and new allies that will help players turn the tide of battle. Yggdra Union is set for release this summer.

Summon Night

Finally is the newest Game Boy Advance game announcement from Atlus USA: Summon Night: Swordcraft Story. Published by Banpresto and developed by Flight Plan in Japan, Atlus USA's latest import is a deceptively cute action RPG set in the strange world of Lyndbaum, an ancient land that is linked to four magical dimensions that summoners can manipulate to call forth spirits called Guardian Beasts. The game promises two main characters to choose from, each with their own unique storylines and four Guardian Beasts to utilize during the game. This means, according to Atlus, that players will have eight different paths they can take as they play the game, each offering a different telling of the story. Other key features include hundreds of weapons to be collected, Two-Player Link Mode for battling and item trading and artwork by illustrator Takeshi Iizuka. Look for the game this summer. Atlus will also publish a follow-up title, Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2, this fall.

Contact

Nintendo DS Titles:

Contact:

Contact is an interesting DS title that revolves around two main characters - a stranded alien professor and Terry, a young man who makes first contact with "it." Players must help the other-world professor find the remnants of his ship's power supply, which were scattered hither and yon after an emergency crash landing. Players must help the professor collect these items, before another nefarious agency or group can get their hands on it and use it for some sinister purpose. The game looks to offer some unique gameplay and some pretty decent use of the Ds' marquee functions. The game is slated for release this fall.

Deep Labyrinth

Deep Labyrinth:

This game by Interaction Games, originally started its life as a mobile game in Japan where it became very very popular. It offers an action RPG battle style and look similar to Elder Scrolls, so it is all first person. Porting to the DS, the developers have added a second scenario for game play, as well as additional content. This is a a down and dirty dungeon crawl, with specific levels so nothing is random. Expect this Ds title to hit the United States in August.

Touch Detective

Touch Detective:

Touch Detective is a mystery adventure game for the Nintendo DS (known as Osawari Tantei in Japan) that takes full advantage of the DS' touch screen. The game revolves around the atypical cute girl, who has inherited her father's detective agency in a world where robot butlers and animated skeletons are normal. Mackenzie will use her detective skills to find and evaluate evidence, talk to witnesses related to each case, and use items she finds to further her investigations. The game will offer four cases to solve, with lots of puzzles and items to figure out using the DS touch screen. Look for this promising game, which is reminiscent of Phoenix Wright (only cuter), this fall.

This is a point and click adventure styled game, similar to Phoenix Wright. It is light hearted feel, childish cartoon. It is also geared towards the females, which is great to have them play this. There are branching paths for conversations that need to be followed to reach your goals. There are four major cases, but each of them does take around five hours to complete. It is a bit different from Phoenix Wright, in the sense that you will physically move the character around into areas. It does look really nice, so it will be a game to look out for. You may expect it in September.

Final Thoughts:

We'll have more on these games as they inch towards their respective releases later this year. Keep an eye out for many of them by the end of this year. - Gordon Edward (with an assist by Jayson Hill and James Fudge).