Multi-Plat Ni No Kuni (The Another World): A Level 5/Studio Ghibli Collaboration

[Gerry]

I'm fairly sure that some of us here have had their eyes on this game at one time or another just from the people working on this game alone, so, with Level 5 doing a press conference for this game this week as well as the latest Famitsu making a big reveal over this game, I think we should use this thread as a means to refresh ourselves on the info that has been released so far on this game =)

Plot Summary:

The player assumes the role of a 13 year-old boy named Oliver, a resident of Hotroit city whose mother Arie dies suddenly. A doll previously given to Oliver by his mother reveals itself to be a male fairy named Shizuku, who gives Oliver a magic book that allows him to go to the world of "Ninokuni," a reality parallel to his own, where the fairy states the boy may be able to revive his mother. There he encounters alternate versions of people he knows.

Gameplay:

As Oliver, the player takes part in battles using the magic book given to him by Shuzuku. The magic book contains various spells that are activated using drawings with the stylus. During battles, players will be able to arrange their characters any where on the bottom screen to implement various tactics. For example, a character that can block certain attacks can be placed in front of the others to shield them. The game will also include a booklet that is supposed to represent the magic book from the game and is required to play the game. In it players can find a bestiary, short stories that offer game hints and other info that the game will refer to.

Latest DS Trailer (No Subs):



Now, I'll bet your wondering why this game is in the multi-plat category rather than the Nintendo threads. Well, Level 5 have announced that the 2nd platform this game will be on, is the PS3, AND will be Move enabled:



So, what do you guys think?

Personally, I'll be getting both versions, that includes Importing from Japan and purchasing the Localized version when someone gets around to it.

 

[Ecks]

I wasn't that impressed with the DS trailer as far as the game was concerned. Though the production of the trailer was fairly impressive. I was about ready to pass on the game entirely until I saw the PS3 commercial, now that looks good. Looks like fun RPG with a pretty amazing anime environment. I was pretty impressed with how the 3D scenes compared to the flat animation. Also I like how both versions play differently, thank god too, because I was not impressed with the DS stuff I saw.

If this ever gets localized I would definitely buy it, the PS3 version anyway.

 

[Gerry]

I wasn't that impressed with the DS trailer as far as the game was concerned. Though the production of the trailer was fairly impressive. I was about ready to pass on the game entirely until I saw the PS3 commercial, now that looks good. Looks like fun RPG with a pretty amazing anime environment. I was pretty impressed with how the 3D scenes compared to the flat animation. Also I like how both versions play differently, thank god too, because I was not impressed with the DS stuff I saw.

If this ever gets localized I would definitely buy it, the PS3 version anyway.

When it comes to localization, this might be done two ways:

1) Level 5 do it themselves with their shiny new Studio in the US.
2) Disney does the localization due to Ghibli and Disney working really close together.

Or it could be a mixture of efforts from both of them.

 

[Gerry]

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/level-5-ceo-hints-at-north-american-releases-for-ni-no-kuni-ina/

Pretty much confirmed then. Western Release incoming.