Rising Star News

Ten exciting new titles heading to Europe from the Land of the Rising Sun

Rising Star Games, the European publisher of Japanese games, reveals today its line up for 2009. Consisting of over ten exciting new titles from Japan, the line up includes casual titles in Harvest Fishing, Animal Kororo and Mah-Jongg, highly anticipated RPGs Steal Princess and Avalon Code as well as the impressive Rygar: The Battle of Argus. The 2009 line up will also continue to be promoted under the ‘Home of Japanese Games' campaign, which runs for the duration of the year.

Animal Kororo (NDS)

The residents of Kororo Kingdom have gone missing! From pandas to puppies to pigs, these adorable little animals must be grouped in matching twos and sent home where they belong. Roll them around obstacles and reconnect them with their partners to ensure their safe return in the newest puzzle addiction to hit the DS!

Avalon Code (NDS)

From the creative minds behind Rune Factory and Harvest Moon and the development studio responsible for the Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV DS remakes, Avalon Code is an action RPG boasting incredible graphics, a deep and engrossing story and innovative game play mechanics. Using the main character's ‘Book of Prophecy', players can modify the rules of engagement during battle as well as weapon and monster attributes. The player even has control over the story as it changes depending on which gender the player chooses, enhancing the ability to immerse themselves in the story.

Harvest Fishing (NDS)

Harvest Fishing is a fishing simulation game targeted at young Nintendo DS owners. Reminiscent of the Harvest Moon pick-up-and-play style, the unique fishing mechanic uses the touch screen for all gameplay. The multiplayer function offers fishing tournaments via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for up to four players.

JU-ON: The Grudge (Wii)

Based on the classic Japanese horror movie, JU-ON: The Grudge is a ‘haunted house simulator' - or 'fright sim'. Using the Wii Remote as a flashlight, JU-ON: The Grudge has players move forward with the touch of a button and explore haunted areas such as an abandoned warehouse, a dimly lit hospital and a mannequin factory.

Luminous Arc 2 (NDS)

The original Luminous Arc garnered critical praise and this sequel promises to be bigger and better. Featuring new quests, superior voice acting and multiple endings, Luminous Arc 2 promises to be everything that made the first game a success and more.

Mah-jongg (NDS)

Embark upon a fantastic adventure journey to the secretive empire of the Mayas. Go back in time 2,000 years and discover the mysterious temples and fabulous treasures of this once so powerful and yet enigmatic culture!

Play the adventure mode and try to solve the mystical puzzle surrounding the ancient temple of Tikal or simply select your favourite Mah-jongg boards on over 300 layouts. Experience classical Mah-jongg in an unprecedented atmosphere or try one of the 11 further unbelievable game variations. You will love the detailed graphics, the fantastic animations and the atmospheric music!

Muramasa: the Demon Blade (Wii)

Based on ancient Japanese lore, Muramasa: The Demon Blade plunges players into the mystical Genroku era, ruled by the skilled shogun Tsunayoshi Tokogawa. But this culture is threatened; Tokogawa's thirst for power leads to a conflict over the enormously powerful, though cursed, Demon Blades.

Rygar: The Battle of Argus (Wii)

Grab your "Diskarmor" and swing into action on the Wii as the legendary warrior, Rygar! Immerse yourself in Greco-Roman mythology as you journey through the sundered Island of Argus. Intuitive use of the Wii Remote allows you to deftly and effectively control the use of the powerful Diskarmor to destroy enemies and manoeuvre on, around, over, and under obstacles to save Princess Harmonia!

Steal Princess (NDS)

Accidentally triggering a booby trap which leaves Anise unconscious, the young thief awakens in the clutches of the King of Albyon. Mistaking Anise for a descendent of the legendary Hero of Albyon, the king offers her an ultimatum: free the prince, who was captured by the ancient Demon King, or be convicted as a thief and locked away for life.

Steal Princess aims to break the mould as a puzzle/platformer hybrid by offering an intense single player campaign spread over more than 150 levels of increasing complexity. Once the player completes this mode they can then jump into the in-depth level creator, allowing them to determine the layout of the level and where monsters appear, place moving platforms and even setting victory conditions. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support also allows your custom creations to be shared online with anyone over the internet.

Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP)

Sequel to the popular Valhalla Knights, Valhalla Knights 2 features a vast and expansive world to explore as well as customisation tools to create the ultimate battle party. Featuring new races, job classes, weapons and many more, Valhalla Knights 2 builds upon the foundations laid down in the first game along with an intriguing and expansive story arc.

Controlling and choosing character aspects such as skills, race, and appearance, players can engage in real-time 6-on-6 battles, reliant on tactical combat strategies to achieve success. Supporting 2 player ad-hoc network play, gamers can engage in Co-op and Versus modes with friends, or simply trade items and weapons.