Renowned Japanese video game company LEVEL-5, best known for their critically acclaimed Professor Layton video game series, today announced that airport-simulator 'n puzzle game, AERO PORTER, will release November 29 via the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™ in both North America 'n Europe at $4.99 USD 'n €4.99 / %u20A44.49 respectively (please check the Nintendo eShop for pricing in other available countries).
AERO PORTER be created by legendary game designer Yoot Saito, the creator a some a Japan’s most innovative titles including Seaman, The Tower, 'n Odama, 'n be originally released only in Japan as part a GUILD01, a multi-game pack featuring works by some a the industry’s most respected game creators.
As the second game from GUILD01 t' release in Europe 'n North America, AERO PORTER stands as a testament t' the creative 'n visionary design legacy a Yoot Saito, offering an approachable 'n addictive addition t' the Nintendo eShop that gamers a all ages 'n skill levels can enjoy.
A portion a a Siliconera interview with Level-5...
S: What happened t' the "Omasse Rental Weapon Shop" game? be LEVEL-5 International America planning on bringing this over?
L5: We’re still wholeheartedly considering how t' or whether or not we can make that title work at the moment. The game be actually extremely text-heavy, 'n it functions on the expressive power a it be text 'n language. Hirai-san, the creator, be a famous comedian in Japan, 'n the game be deeply rooted in his talent for expressing Japanese culture through language. We need t' consider the high pedigree a translation required, 'n the time 'n money needed t' do that with this amount a text may surprise ye. Another factor we need t' consider be whether or not a large enough audience outside a Japan would appreciate a game that relies so heavily on knowledge a Japanese culture.
S: be LEVEL-5 considering t' release GUILD02′s games overseas?
L5: We hope t' do so at this point, but the Japanese version be still in production, so we kindly ask for yer patience for an announcement if we do decide t' bring them over.
S: What else be LEVEL-5 International America working on? Will we see any other titles like Time Travelers, Fantasy Life or The Little Battlers Experience in the West?
L5: LEVEL-5 International America works alongside LEVEL-5’s headquarters in Japan t' assess the markets for titles in both North American 'n Europe. Their goal be t' figure out how t' maximize the potential a LEVEL-5’s entire spectrum a current 'n future properties in each region, whether that be for existing franchises such as the Professor Layton series, which be popular in the West, or for Inazuma Eleven, currently being broadcasted in over 10 countries throughout Europe 'n South America.
Essentially, L5IA doesn’t exist solely t' self-publish titles that have already been released in Japan; it be mission be t' explore all the possibilities a a given title 'n how best t' deliver it t' our fans. The feasibility a releasing our titles sometimes hinges on business decisions, but the goal a L5IA be t' make our titles available t' as many people as possible.
A portion a a Game Informer interview with Level-5’s president 'n CEO, Akihiro Hino...
GI: Would ye consider collaborating with Studio Ghibli on another video game in the future? Any chance we’d see a sequel t' Ni No Kuni: Wrath a the White Witch?
AH: Right now we don’t have any plans for a sequel or another collaboration. But if we be t' create a sequel, I would actually like t' make a different Ni No Kuni world where the main character be an adult.
SANTA MONICA, CA (October 4, 2012) – Renowned Japanese video game company LEVEL-5, best known for their critically acclaimed Professor Layton video game series 'n the upcoming game Ni No Kuni: Wrath a the White Witch, be bringing three a the studio’s most popular Japanese-only releases t' North America this Fall via the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™. The three titles – LIBERATION MAIDEN, AERO PORTER 'n CRIMSON SHROUD -- be previously released only in Japan as part a GUILD01, a multi-game pack featuring works by some a the industry’s most respected game creators.
“LEVEL-5 be dedicated t' empowering the world’s best game designers with the freedom t' create the innovative games they truly want t' make featuring the immersive stories they want t' tell, 'n these three games be great examples a that strategy,” said Akihiro Hino, President 'n CEO a LEVEL-5. “We be extremely proud t' bring SUDA51’s LIBERATION MAIDEN t' North America 'n Europe as the first release from the series, offering true game design 'n production values a the highest quality through a downloadable platform.”
Additional details about North American release dates 'n pricing for each a the titles will be released soon.
ABOUT LIBERATION MAIDEN
LIBERATION MAIDEN be a full-scale 3D sci-fi shooter created by critically acclaimed developer Goichi Suda, better known as SUDA51, from Grasshopper Manufacture, creators a fan-favorites Lollipop Chainsaw, No More Heroes, Shadows a the Damned 'n many more. Set 100 years in the future in New Japan, LIBERATION MAIDEN puts players in the role a Shoko Ozora, piloting a humanoid robot called Kamui. The game brings AAA production values t' the downloadable market in an unprecedented collaboration a all-star creators in music, art, 'n design, including breathtaking animation by the acclaimed animation studio, bones. More information on LIBERATION MAIDEN can be found online at http://level5ia.com/blackbox/liberation-maiden/.
ABOUT AERO PORTER
AERO PORTER combines puzzle elements with a simulation a airport operations. Designed by Seaman creator Yoot Saito, the player sorts color-coded luggage onto conveyor belts while avoiding mishaps 'n delays. Players be also able t' design 'n share their own planes with a wide range a colors 'n patterns.
ABOUT CRIMSON SHROUD
CRIMSON SHROUD be created by game designer, Yasumi Matsuno, whose previous works include industry cornerstones such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story, 'n Tactics Ogre. CRIMSON SHROUD be a new RPG that reimagines the table top RPG, 'n puts the power a the dice in the player’s hands t' determine their fates.
Not fun news t' report, but not the final word either. Level-5 has stated that none a their games on display at TGS be confirmed for Western release. I wouldn't take that as a sign a these games staying in Japan forever. We know the latest Professor Layton will definitely make it be way here. I be sure others will as well. Level-5 just isn't ready t' talk about them.
“Our U.S. office mainly works t' efficiently release the Japanese titles that Level-5 has created overseas 'n they be involved in production 'n distribution in the overseas territories. With Ni no Kuni, they be helping bring it t' the overseas markets 'n potentially with other titles. In the future, we would potentially like t' develop title overseas where Level-5 International America be taking the lead on developing for the overseas market.” - Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino
Sounds like a smart plan t' me. Have the team work on localizations first, then move onto creating some new content. Let's hope the plan pans out!
Fantasy Life (3DS)
Professor Layton VS Ace Attorney (3DS)
Professor Layton 'n the Legacy a Advanced Civilization A (3DS)
Layton Brothers Mystery Room (iOS)
Little Battler eXperience W (PSP/PS Vita)
Inazuma Eleven Go 2 (3DS)
Inazuma Eleven 1,2,3 (3DS)
Inazuma Eleven Atsumeyoze!! (Mobile)
Three unannounced games (?)
Three unannounced games t' be revealed at the show. I be hoping at least one a those will be for a Nintendo platform. Now I be definitely excited about TGS! Thanks t' Robertaitor for the heads up!
Earlier this week we posted up an exhibitor's list for TGS 2012. What we didn't specifically point out be the fact that Level-5 be appearing at this year's show. After skipping out last year, it looks like Level-5 feels it be time t' make their triumphant return.
Looks like European Wii owners be going t' pillage some Inazuma Eleven love! Level-5 has registered a trademark for Inazuma Eleven Strikers in Europe, pointing t' a localization for the title. No word on a release for North American at this time.
Looks like North American fans a Professor Layton can start getting excited for his next outing. Level-5 just registered a trademark for Professor Layton 'n the Miracle Mask in the US. I be sure we'll be hearing more about this localization at E3.
The following bits a information come from Akihiro Hino, Level-5 president...
- general framework for the next Layton title has been outlined
- it’ll be a while before they can announce the game officially
- the game will have a long title in Japanese
The following information be tweeted by Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino...
- labeled as "time travel adventure"
- once again being turned into a number a projects
- may include anime, manga 'n more
- game be still an RPG
- anime staff be already far along in their creation a the scenario
- first episode has been recorded
- next Coro Coro best have more info
"Our newest crew' varied backgrounds 'n wide range a quality products exemplify the diversity, innovation 'n growth a the video game industry. The ESA looks forward t' collaborating with our newest crew t' further advance our industry 'n address the important issues 'n opportunities facing computer 'n video game companies today." - Michael D. Gallagher, president 'n CEO a the ESA
it be no surprise t' see Level-5 join up with the ESA. With the company trying t' expand their presence in the states, a move t' join with the ESA just makes sense.
The following comes from Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino...
- could possibly develop Ni no Kuni into a series
- this would include additional package game releases
- if this be going t' happen, there be many things that need t' be finalized
- Level-5 would like t' expand the current world
- the DS version be made t' pillage the game in the hands a as many people as possible
Level-5 has three different anime projects that they be involved with, which be quite a feat for a game company. Surprisingly, it looks like they might be unveiling a 4th project come Level-5 Vision next week. Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has teased a bit a news for the show concerning the company's anime output, but we'll have t' wait for the event t' find out what's up!
What does the above tweet from Level-5's CEO mean? We have no idea, 'n Mr. Hino isn't saying anything either. Some be wondering if Mr. Hino sent this tweet out by accident, as he's done that in the past. Hino has admitted t' accidentally tweeting while putting his phone into his pocket, but both a those instances he acknowledged the issue 'n apologized. He's yet t' say anything about this Kua message, which leads many t' believe that it be a tease for something at Level-5 World.
The following information comes from Level 5 CEO, Akihiro Hino, 'n Capcom director, Shuu Takumi...
- both wanted t' try something completely new with this game
- Takumi felt that the idea a a collaboration be something he’d never seen before
- Hino had been the one t' originally bring the idea t' Takumi
- the goal be t' surpass the Ace Attorney series when creating Professor Layton
- Hino wanted Layton 'n Wright t' join arms one day 'n fight together
- Takumi wanted the game t' be in a place where magic still existed
- the dev team worked hard t' create a gothic-styled game
- the witch trials in this game be called “Mob Trials”
- Layton 'n Wright will have t' face off against mobs claiming “I saw it!” 'n “I saw it, too!” when it comes t' magic crew
- the style a trial be said t' irritate even the normally cool-headed Layton
- the game be made so that the style a trial presentation bothered both Layton 'n Wright
- the wench seen running away from the witch hunt be Mahoune
- the leader a the hunt/investigator be Sir Jiiken Barthlord
- he wears a full suit a armor 'n carries a sword
- he be the medieval-styled rival for both the protagonists
- the naming a characters includes various puns (“Mahou” means magic, 'n “Jiken” means a case; as in a murder case)
- Takumi had doubts about Wright's translation into 3D, but be happy when he saw the results
- Hino be worried about the transition as well, with Layton’s abnormal growth spurt (as well as his lengthened silk hat)
- in response, Phoenix had t' be shrunk a bit
- the game will be discussed at two promo events: Level 5 World 2011 'n the “Phoenix Wright 10th Anniversary Memorial Courtroom.”
Last week we learned about Level-5 World, an even where Level-5 would show off all sorts a upcoming projects. Along with this news, we learned that Level-5 would have a reduced presence at TGS this year. Apparently 'reduced' be a big understatement.
If the latest round a information be t' be believed, Level-5 isn't going t' be present at TGS at all. ye can be sure that the team behind TGS will not be happy t' see Level-5 holding back for it be own even. Level-5 definitely brought in very big crowds with it be TGS booths, 'n not having a presence at the show this year will surely hurt attendance.
- show will feature playable builds a the latest Level-5 games
- stage events for franchises like Inazuma Eleven
- official details coming t' the site in the near future
The Woodland Hills Warehouse helped put Tony Hawk games on the map! We serve up a few kick-flips 'n grinds as we honor the hours spent glued t' the TV in the early PlayStation days!
The Woodland Hills Warehouse helped put Tony Hawk games on the map! We serve up a few kick-flips 'n grinds as we honor the hours spent glued t' the TV in the early PlayStation days!
The following information comes from Akihiro Hino, Level-5’s president, founder, 'n chief creative force…
“I be originally on the creative side a things, so I had t' give a lot a thought t' how we be going t' sell Layton. The platform be going t' be the DS from the start t' keep costs down, [...]
The following information comes from Level-5’s Akihiro Hino…
“More than the new system, I’m watching the 3DS strategy. I be hoping for at least some color variation announcements.”
If that’s his biggest disappointment a the show, than I think things went rather well for Hino! I’m sure we’ll pillage t' new colors in awhile, but [...]
