Last Friday's NIS America press event started with President Haru Akenaga apologizing for the localization job on Ar Tonelico II and wrapped with the announcement of several new upcoming games.
The Western branch of Nippon Ichi Software is taking a hit with the sagging economy, Akenaga said. Worse, he added, a lot of Japanese companies are restricting corporate travel right before E3 on account of swine flu concerns.
But despite the company's struggles and despite its smallish size, NIS America is still delivering the goods with this year's announced lineup:
A Witch's Tale (DS) – Fall 2009
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days (PSP) – Summer 2009
Last Rebellion (PS3) – Fall 2009
Puchi Puchi Virus (DS) – May 2009
Cross Edge (PS3) – May 2009
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What did I do to deserve this? (PSP) – July 2009
Mana Khemia 2 (PS2) – Fall 2009
Phantom Brave: We Meet Again (Wii) – June 2009
Sakura Wars (PS2, Wii) – Fall 2009
Full Blast Hitchhike (WiiWare) — TBD
Last Rebellion and A Witch's Tale will be playable at E3. Additionally, Disgaea chief programmer Yoshitsuna Kobayashi announced that he'd tentatively be releasing his own game this year from his new self-named studio. Kobayashi said that his game won't focus so much on graphics as much as it will on gameplay and that he hopes to have something to show off soon.
Here's our coverage:
Holy Invasion Of Privacy, Badman! Officially Announced For PSP
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! We Deserve This New Trailer And Screens
Sega's Sakura Wars Finally Coming Stateside (But Not From Sega)
Witch's Tale Back With A Cute Vengeance (And Screens)
NIS Reveals The Last Rebellion For PlayStation 3
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! Preview: Badman Does Good Things
Cross Edge Crosses The Sexy Line
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days Coming Stateside
Puchi Puchi Virus Screens Make Outbreaks Adorable
Full Blast Hitchhike Preview: Just As Weird With The Name Change
Phantom Brave: We Meet Again Looks Hauntingly Familiar
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy Falls In Fall
And here's the swag report (not pictured because my camera is flipping out):
1 Prinny plush
1 Badman 3D puzzle
Enjoy!