GameGirl

Do you wish you were Japanese? Do you eat Ramen like it is the last food on this planet? Do you crave Japanese games?  Well as for the first two, I can’t help you, but for the last one: this is a weekly article featuring popular and quirky titles just released in Japan. Each article will feature brand-spanking-new games for each system, tell you what they are, what is new about them, and when (if) they are expected to make it over here. Grab your Pocky, Ramune, Pikachu slippers, and retsu go!

Highlights this week: Shin Megami Tensei, Blue Dragon and Valhalla Knights

DS
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
A new first-person RPG for the DS, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is Atlus’ most recent creation. The game incorporates art from Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survior for its’ 300+ demons. Players wear upgradeable “demon suits” to explore a new dimension that has opened up in the South Pole. The main character is an unnamed soldier from Japan sent to the South Pole with three other crew members. A lot of this new game will consist of dungeon crawling. The monsters in the game can be recruited and used to fuse new ones. However, you must be wise in the method in which you recruit these monsters, they are clever.
Will it make it to America? The game was set in Antarctica specifically to target audiences outside of Japan. Will it work? Only time will tell.

Blue Dragon: Ikai no Kyoujuu
The newest in the Blue Dragon serried from Mistwalker/Namco Bandai, Ikai no Kyoujuu boasts an immersive character creation feature. These characters may then be taken into battle to defeat all the fearsome monsters out there. Players may develop their shadow- either a dragon, a phoenix or a giant robot. The object is to make the shadows as strong as possible, as they can be switched between during battle. The game also features a co-op multiplayer mode.
Will it make it to America? The date is still TBA

PSP
Linebarrels of Iron
Based on the popular manga/anime Linebarrels of Iron, this new Hudson title features the original storyline and scenarios of its inspiration. It is a strategy game incorporation multiple endings, as well as full 3D battle scenes. The main character, Hayase Kouichi awakens 13 months after an incident involving an artificial satellite that reached Earth. Upon awaking, Hayase realizes he now has strange powers. If you haven’t guessed it by now, this is indeed a mech game.
Will it make it to America? No, not many here know of the anime/manga.

Wii
Valhalla Knights Eldar Saga
The land of Eldar was, for centuries, in a state of complete chaos. Monsters hunted openly and demons caused havoc. The legends tell of the Spirit King, who gained control over the creatures and waged war upon all of civilization. An alliance of four races saved the lands, but hundreds of years past the monsters are slowing growing in strength again. It’s time for Eldar to find a new hero who can reunite the races again against the threatening monsters. Eldar Saga will allow online multiplayer co-op with up to one other player. Another new feature, battles will take place on the world map, as opposed to on a separate battle screen (like in games past).
Will it make it to America? Yes, the game was released September 29, 2009. 

That's it for this week! Ja matta ne!