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Last month rumors surfaced about the possible US release of Ar tonelico 2, and seeming confirmation came in the form of a Playstation: The Official Magazine article stating that US RPG lovers would be able to get their hands on the emotional song fest in December of this year. Now we have confirmation, in the form of a NIS America press release, stating that we will indeed be able to revel in our Reyvateil relationships this winter.

I'm always interested in the variations developers take with a turn-based battle system, and so I definitely like the idea of integration of the quick-time events during the Defense phase of the battle. Not sure how I feel (no pun intended...well maybe just a little) about playing a game with an emotion gauge. It reminds me of Super Princess Peach, and that's not a good thing.

Read the release after the jump.

August, 04, 2008 -- Santa Ana, Calif.NIS America, Inc. announces the sequel to the revolutionary sim RPG, Ar tonelico, a hit amongst many hardcore gamers who are quick to adopt a new genre of simulation role-playing game. Ar tonelico 2 will be released in North America for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed and published in Japan by Banpresto Co., Ltd., Ar tonelico 2 marks a new approach to the RPG genre by seamlessly combining simulation with role-playing. Gamers can not only customize weapons and items, but now design their character's personalities, skills, and appearance through virtual interaction. Also past events will intersect with future game play as well as the outcome of the game.

SETTING

The region of Metafalss surrounds Infel Pira, the second Tower, which is said to represent the Goddess Frelia of the Trio A mysterious epidemic called Infel Pira Dependency (IPD) has been killing Reyvateils. Croix, a young knight from the Church of Pastalia, is sent to contain the epidemic. However, many more challenges await, which lead him to unraveling the mysteries of the planet Ar Ciel and seek the legend handed down by the people of Metafalss: the lost Song of Metafalica.

KEY FEATURES

-Cosmoshphere: Ar tonelico features a revolutionary system that combines character development with skill acquisition. By diving into the Reyvateil's subconscious world, one gets to know the character of the team member better, while acquiring new spells.

-Song Magic: When the fronline attacks an enemy, the song magic gauge increases. After a certain level, the Reyvateils are able to cast a powerful magic attack by singing.

-Replekia: Song magic can be powered up by Replekia which are replicas of Reyvateils you have saved. The more Replekias you have, the stronger and more unique your song magic becomes.

-Syncronicity: In this latest installment, song magic is cast by 2 Reyvateils. If their emotions are more closely synced, the stronger the magic becomes.

-Emotion Gauge: During battle, how well you cheer your Reyvateil becomes the key to victory.

Expected release date is December 2008 in time for the christmas holiday.

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