Ben-DutkaNIS America has already lifted the lid on their new PlayStation 3 exclusive RPG, Last Rebellion , but that doesn't mean they're leaving the PS2 behind just yet.
Today, DailyGamesNews reports that NIS has announced Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy for the PS2. It's set to release "by the end of the year," but we have to assume that's a Japanese launch estimate. If you're at all familiar with the first Mana Khemia , you're familiar with the battle system and you can probably expect the gameplay to be similar, although the setting is a bit different. In this sequel, you "take control of two different characters, each with their own stories," and they'll be students at a magic school. The school setting is popular in JRPGs these days; just look at the Persona franchise. And of course, item creation will be a major focus of Fall of Alchemy , so all you inventive micromanagement types will "fall" into the ol' routine from the original with ease. Evidently, you can create over 1,000 different items using a variety of raw materials, and that isn't a small number. If you're one of many who are still waiting for a fresh influx of JRPGs, you needn't wait much longer; the past few days of NIS announcements ought to satisfy you.
We moderately enjoyed Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis , but it did have its faults. Here's hoping the team spruces up the sequel a bit.
Related Game(s): Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy
Just a small point, but one worth mentioning when it comes to game exclusivity…
Should Sony ever restore PS2 backwards compatibility via software emulation, then any "PS2 Exclusive" has a good chance of being a PS3 exclusive as well…of course for those that own an original 20/60GB launch system or the early 80GB systems that is a reality, not a pipe dream. Just a thought though…
Hey thanks for that… it's the reason I kick myself every day for not having bought my PS3 a year earlier. My ONE TV has all the inputs used up so my PS2 just sits there hoping that I'll find a converter to connect it to my computer monitor or some solution …
@Alienage
Write to Sony – often – and request the return of Backwards compatibility. The geek consensus on the PS forum is that the only viable method for this is via software emulation, which is already at least half done (The 80GB PS3 uses a software emulation of the EE and a partial software emulation of the GS with a custom piece of silicone providing the remaining GS functionality).
The more people that request the feature, the more likely Sony is to bring it sooner rather than later. The other consensus (apart from it being a good idea to bring BC back) is that they will definitely attempt to being it back once the PS2 ends manufacturing.
Hell yeah PS2 still kickin ass, for a few more years I think.
I think Sony should make different styles of the PS2 i.e. car sterio ps2, flip down dvd player ps2, hell even build the thing into some of their Bravia hdtv's that would give the system a longer life span.
Yeah haha.
The power of the PS2, renewed as a High Definition interface for Sony Bravia.
Nice to see some dev's still getting it on with some luv for the PS2!