Check out the full press release below…

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 27, 2009 – Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that Shin Megami Tensei®: Devil Summoner 2™: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, a new chapter in the stunningly original action RPG series for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is making its way to North America on May 12th. Improved over its predecessor in every way, Devil Summoner 2 is an action RPG breath of fresh air, with a deep, easy-to-control combat system, nearly two hundred demons to negotiate with, collect, and fuse, and a variety of strategies to employ and master. Experience a 1920′s Tokyo bustling with cases to solve, criminals to bring to justice, and the threat of the mysterious King Abaddon looming on the horizon.

For a limited time, and out of an exceptionally small fixed number of units, North American gamers will have even more reason to pick up the game that raced to the top of the Japanese game sales charts upon its release. Each and every launch copy of Devil Summoner 2 will feature a rare Raiho plushie doll (not available for sale separately). Only a small amount of these rare bundles will be assembled, and each package will be numbered to ensure its rarity and collectible value. Should there be future print runs of the game, they will ship without the Raiho collectible. Act before they’re gone!

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon is scheduled to negotiate its way into retailers on May 12, 2009 with an MSRP of $39.99. Each and every copy of the game’s limited quantity launch will ship with a rare Raiho collectible plushie.

About Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon:

A new threat to Japan’s Capital calls for the return of its case-solving, tube-slinging Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha the 14th. When a woman walks into the Narumi Detective Agency and asks to find a man, Raidou’s boss is reluctant to accept, but soon it’s clear there’s more to the case than it seems on the surface. It isn’t long before Raidou is on the trail of crooked gamblers, masked ninja, and strange insects… a trail leading him inexorably to the mysterious King Abaddon.

Key Features

* Massively upgraded battle system – Advancements to the battle mechanics include a MAG balancing system, dodge and hide abilities, and the ability to command two demons in combat. Use the retooled Weapon Alchemy system to create new swords with unique special attacks.
* Deeper demon integration – Demon negotiation returns with more than twice the number of demons to attempt to recruit to your side. Create more powerful demons through fusion and skill transfer. Control two demons in battle and choose from more tactical options.
* Phenomenal creative team – The rich environment of this Taisho-era Japan comes to life with the character designs of Kazuma Kaneko and the musical score of Shoji Meguro.Over 500 character possibilities – 10 races, 2 genders, 3 alignments, and 15 majors add up to incredible opportunity to customize your party! Change majors for further customization at higher levels.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Read below for the full press release…

Torrance, CA (January 27, 2009) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment products, announces today, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus will be arriving this spring 2009. Hardcore players will finally be able to take their fight on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™. Developed by Yokohama-based Arc System Works, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus is the definitive installment in the series and is widely cited as one of the most balanced fighter among its peers.

Sporting high resolution graphics in 480P, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus marks the return of over 20 beloved characters from the Guilty Gear franchise, including Kliff and Justice! Fans of the series will be pleased to not only find all their characters available right off the bat, but will finally be able to uncover the rich stories of each character for the first time!

“Never has there been a fighting game where so much attention to character balance exists,” said Michael Manzanares, Producer, Aksys Games. “Guilty Gear veterans will definitely find themselves immersed once again with the new story and survival modes.”

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus Features

· 2 COMBATANTS RETURN TO THE BATTLE!
Accent Core Plus marks the return of fan favorites Kliff Undersn and Justice,
rounding out the cast of 25 playable characters.

· ALL NEW STORY MODE CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR GGXXACP!
Discover the back story to all of your favorite characters in the Guilty Gear
mythos, with fully-voiced dialogue.

· FIGHT TO SURVIVE!
Level up your character’s abilities and traits in the re-tuned Survival Mode.

· TEAM BATTLE ROYALE!
Create a three-man team in Versus Mode to find out which characters are the ultimate Guilty Gear team-up.
 
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus has not yet been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

According to Joystiq and Gamasutra, Braid creator Jonathon Blow is supposedly working on a new 2D RPG.  According to Jonathon, the focus will be on the dialog mechanics.  Like Braid, he wants the games mechanic to tie closely to the themes of the game.  However, this is just one of many ideas Jon has had for his next game, so don’t be suprised he changes his mind on doing an RPG next week.

Source: Gamasutra

Available as DLC today for both Xbox Live and Games For Windows Live is the first expansion to last year’s Fallout 3.  Operation Anchorage opens up a whole new area in the game, facilatated by a VR simulator located somewhere in the wasteland.  Players relive the liberation of Anchorage, Alaska from the Chinese, an event that took place during the series historic nuclear war.  In addition to a whole new area to explore, this expansion provides new equipment, perks and achievements.

Source: Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage

You’ll find plenty of monsters in your midst this week, courtesy of the Wii™ Shop Channel. A brand new WiiWare™ game invites you to battle an army of deceptively cute creatures, while a classic Virtual Console™ release pits players against ferocious foes and fire-breathing dragons. Think you’ve got what it takes to defeat these outrageous beasts? Grab a Wii Remote™ controller and get busy.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare

Niki – Rock ‘n’ Ball (Bplus, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Are you in love with those unforgettable arcade classics where the only goal is to vanquish all opponents to reach the next stage? Niki – Rock ‘n’ Ball is a new interpretation of those games with a completely innovative and unique gaming mechanism. Roll along with Niki through fantastic worlds, find all the ZeLeLi pearls, and liberate your village from cuddly-yet-evil monsters before it’s too late. Timing is everything. Jump in the nick of time to avoid landing amid barbs. Hop across the stages thanks to the realistic gaming physics. Snap on the ZeLeLi amulet, transform yourself into Niki Rock, and force even the most obstinate monster to its knees. Explore all the stages and win valuable medals while dribbling through them, alone or with a friend. Use familiar controls in Retro style, or experience novel controls in the Wii style.

Virtual Console

Wonder Boy™ in Monster Land™ (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Alcohol Reference, Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): After the defeat of the evil king, the kingdom of Wonder Land was a paradise…for a time. The peace was broken when a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon struck without warning and took over Wonder Land with a swarm of evil, monstrous henchmen, turning the once-peaceful land into the utterly chaotic Monster Land. Unable to fight, the people now look to Wonder Boy. Realizing that he is Wonder Land’s last hope, Wonder Boy sets out on an incredible journey to rid the country of the monsters and defeat the “invincible” evil dragon. Guide Wonder Boy through various environments and dungeons, and defeat enemies using Special Weapons and Spells.

For more information about Wii, please visit http://www.wii.com.

Noitu Love developer, Konjak, just released a one-level fan game based on The Legend of Zelda series. The game is free and can be downloaded on the Konjak web site, which is located here…

http://www.konjak.org/

At first glance, this game is similar to Zelda, but in reality, it’s a lot faster-paced than that, kind of like an even more arcadey Magic Sword or Wonder Boy, and features no overworld or RPG elements. Equipment is chosen at the beginning of the game, and rated by difficulty.

Nintendo of Japan announced several new games and applications coming to its digital download service for the Nintendo DSi this Wednesday (January 28th), including several “excerpts” from existing puzzle titles and two new Art Style releases.

Art Style: PiCOPiCT (500 Nintendo Points) combines Picross with falling blocks and Nintendo franchises. It also features chiptune tracks from YMCK!:

Art Style: Somnium (500 NP) features slide puzzles:

Chotto Panel de Pon (500 NP): Panel de Pon, or Planet Puzzle League, without multiplayer support.

Chotto Suujin Taisen (500 NP): Based on a Mitchell Corp.-developed puzzle-battle game that never made it to the States, but received positive import impressions. Includes WiFi support for up to four players.

Chotto Asobi Taizen: Jikuri Trump (500 NP): Bits from Clubhouse Games, including Blackjack, Poker, and more. Features local multiplayer, but no online.

Hobonichi Rosenzu (500 NP): Map application for train/metro routes in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Sapporo. Users can search for stations and routes, as well as add bookmarks, notes, and photos to the map.

DSi Solitare (200 NP): Solitaire, Klondike, and Spider with cat shapes on the cards!

DSi Clock: Slide Show Type (200 NP): A clock using photos taken with the DSi. Also has alarm/sleep functions — you can even record your own alarm sounds! This is the first in a series of planned downloadable Clock apps.

Square-Enix today announced the official release date for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time for North America. The game has been confirmed to release on March 24th, 2009… which is pretty quick, considering if just came out in Japan.

Both titles will cost $39.99. The Wii and DS versions can communicate with one another, so it’s up to you to decide which version you want. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy some special, familiar characters.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time Launch Date Announced for North America

Multiplayer RPG Linking Wii and Nintendo DS Arrives on Both Platforms on March 24, 2009

LOS ANGELES (January 26, 2009) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that FINAL FANTASY® CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: Echoes of Time™ will be released simultaneously for both Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ on March 24, 2009.

An innovative new concept in multiplayer gaming, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time will enable Wii and DS users to play side by side for the first time. This breakthrough in gaming connectivity allows players on both Nintendo platforms to journey together in the fantastical world of the beloved FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time offers a gameplay system that allows for a seamless, hassle-free in-game switch from single to multiplayer mode. Play anytime, anywhere, with anyone and experience a new level of connectivity with this latest adventure in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series.

Story

A triumphant return from a monster-infested forest marks the completion of the 16-year-old hero’s coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero’s joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as “crystal sickness.” Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artifacts of the past and no longer exist…

Features

* Play anytime, anywhere with anyone! Multiplayer connectivity reaches new heights in FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time, where players can team up or compete with friends and players around the world
* The intuitive control scheme introduced in FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates® returns, now adapted to Wii for double the action
* Players can switch between single and multiplayer modes at any time while playing, enjoying two great gaming options in one integrated experience
* A personalized hero can be generated from a choice of the four familiar races of the series; Clavats, Lilties, Selkies or Yukes. Players joining from the Wii can also introduce their Miis to the world of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES
* Create and customize materials, armor and equipment for characters with tailored appearances and abilities — no two heroes will be the same!
* Players can continue to enjoy the game even after completing the main adventure, as the New Game+ feature provides increased difficulty and better items with every new round
* A vast selection of quests delivers hours of fun!

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 for both Wii and Nintendo DS. The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffcceot.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America, and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises — FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 47 million units worldwide — under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

Toys “R” Us recently created a Facebook event page for a Shaymin giveaway to be held Feb. 8-14 in participating U.S. stores. Players of Pokémon Diamond or Pearl can obtain Shaymin from in-store DS Download Stations. The store will also distribute a coupon for $5 off any Pokémon Nintendo DS game and a free Pokémon poster. As usual with Toys “R” Us events, this Shaymin will be caught in a Cherish Ball. Shaymin will know Seed Flare, Aromatherapy, Substitute, and Energy Ball, and will hold a Micle Berry.

Thanks to Bemanistyle.com for the information! Michael Yum from PM Studios took some time out of his hectic schedule today to forward a list of the 60 total songs that will make up DJ Max FEVER, which is set to release next week. Here is what you can expect to see in the game…

1. A.I
2. Whisper to the wind
3. Luv Flow
4. Blythe
5. On
6. Brand New days
7. Bye Bye Love
8. Cherokee
9. Chain of Gravity
10. Divine Service
11. End of the Moonlight
12. Fallen Angel
13. For Seasons
14. Get on Top
15. Goodbye
16. Higher
17. Extreme Z4
18. Lady made Star
19. NB POWER
20. FTR
21. Mess it Up
22. Miles
23. Your Own miracle
24. Jupiter Driving
25. Rock or Die
26. piano concerto 1
27. NB RANGER
28. NB RANGER : Returns
29. Fear
30. OBLIVION
31. Out Law
32. Catch me
33. KUDA
34. Plastic method
35. Sunny Side
36. Brain Storm
37. Wonder Love
38. Seeker
39. Syriana
40. So Much in Luv
41. SQUEEZE
42. Sunset Rider
43. Long Vacation
44. Starfish
45. Stay with me
46. taekownburi
47. Whiteblue
48. Save my Dream
49. Yo Creo Que Si
50. Ray of Illuminati
51. Enemy Storm
52. Naver Say
53. morning person
54. Let¡¯s Go baby
55. Elastic Star
56. Memory of beach
57. Hamsin
58. Sin
59. JBG
60. hip hop goo jo dae