Not exactly new as the version without CERO rating has been around for quite some time but this is final box art for Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (click for ultra large version). Note that the PlayStation Network logo (like the one on Phantasy Star Portable 2’s box art) is no where to be seen, which means we can’t save on shipping and download it off the Japanese PSN. Really unfortunate and something that result in the really poor sales of PSP go. Those who can read Japanese (or if you don’t mind playing the game with guides) can check out Play-Asia ($59.90) or YesAsia ($67.99) for pre-orders. The release date again is January 9th in Japan.

More awesomeness from Falcom’s art department for Ys Seven, including a nice concept art/in-game graphics comparison of a couple of new locations. The release date is September 17th in Japan.

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The best looking PSP game just keeps looking better with the latest batch of screens from Japan to introduce Kratos, Sophitia, Nightmare and Algol. No specific date is set for the Japanese release of Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny yet besides the summer window. High res character arts and more screens after the cut.

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I love the promo materials CESA (Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association) did for past Tokyo Game Show and this year’s version is as colorful and vibrant as always (click for larger view). Silhouettes of various game elements (quite a few Monster Hunter stuff in there :) are used to signify the fun and dynamism of gaming. The theme for this year’s show, to be held from September 24th to 27th at Makuhari Messe, is “Game wa, genki desu” (still no official English translation, it’s something like “Game! It’s Alive!”). I have high hopes that a new Monster Hunter Portable will be announced there :)

Source: Tokyo Game Show 2009 official website.

Did you guys check out the demo for Onore no Shinzuru Michi wo Yuke (Oreike is the official shorthand name)? I just did and I must say it’s pretty impressive and one of the most creative game (to me at least, but it’s actually based on a Flash game) since Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida or 2.

It’s pretty hard to describe the game in words, you really have to download the 3Mb demo to see how it works. But basically it’s an action puzzler that features a ninja (that will be you) who must clear all kinds of gimmicks and kill enemies who are in his way to meet the boss of the stage. However, certain gimmicks on stage require more than one person to solve. You won’t have any partner throughout the game to help you but fortunately you know some Bunshin Jutsu, which allows several versions of you to be everywhere at the same time.

The game achieves this by letting you perform your actions and when it comes to a tricky spot, you can pause the game to have another you loaded to the beginning of the stage. A replay of your previous actions will be loaded at the same time in the form of ghost and stop at the point where you switch to your current self. For example if there are two switches that are far away from each other and need to be pressed at the same time to open a secret staircase. You can first press one switch, load another you to press another switch, then load another you again to enter the staircase.

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