NIS America Overview

 Recently, I was invited to check out NIS America, which would include brand-new title announcements, upcoming titles, and even some hands-off previews. This presentation showcased titles releasing in the span of 2022 and 2023. Here is everything we got to see:

The Presentation:

 

Throughout the initial presentation, we got a look at some of the titles with quick overviews, pricing, release dates, and which consoles it will be coming out for. The team showed us 13 games throughout this section, starting with:

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software

 

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is a spiritual successor to another title within the series, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. Build an army of puppet soldiers with surprisingly in-depth customisation (more on that in the previews section of the overview), build the perfect team, and explore in-depth dungeons, with mechanics such as breaking walls, jumping over pits, and underwater exploration, featuring over 50 hours of gameplay for you to enjoy. 

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society will release for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC on the 14th of February (NA), 17th of February (EU), and 24th of February (ANZ), and will be priced at $49.99/€49.99.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore

Developed by Vanillaware & Nippon Ichi Software

 

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a remake of the original title released near the end of the PlayStation 2 life cycle, going largely under the radar due to it. This hidden gem is coming to modern consoles, including brand-new features to make the game more modernised, such as a skill tree, improved UI, and much more. 

GrimGrimoire OnceMore will release on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in Spring 2023 and will be priced at $49.99/€49.99.

void* tRlLM2();//Void Terrarium 2

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software

 

void* tRlLM2();//Void Terrarium 2 is a direct sequel to void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium where you'll play as Robbie protecting the last human, Toriko, on Earth after an apocalyptic event that destroyed the world and made it uninhabitable. Maintain a terrarium that works as the last safe haven for Toriko, and engage in Tamagotchi-esque gameplay with her as you'll interact and play games with her whilst also decorating it by planting seeds. Once you're outside of the terrarium, engage in roguelike gameplay, in which you will fight enemies, gain some new weapons and equipment, and gather materials. Protect Tomiko at all costs!

void* tRlLM2();//Void Terrarium 2 will release on the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 in Spring 2023, and will be priced at $49.99/€49.99 retail and $39.99/€39.99 digital.

Process of Elimination

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software

 

Process of Elimination is a visual novel detective title. Play as an upcoming, would-be detective as he teams up with 13 others whilst on an island trying to identify a serial killer at large. The twist, however, is that the killer is among the 14 detectives, and it'll be up to you to find out who before you become their next victim. Engage in a board-game-like exploration as you'll use the power of all 14 detectives in order to investigate the murders and find the perpetrator before they can kill anyone else.

Process of Elimination will release on the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 in Spring 2023, and it will be priced at $49.99/€49.99 retail and $39.99/€39.99 digital.

Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software

 

This brand-new IP by Nippon Ichi Software will be a strategy-based mixing tactical dungeon crawling and survival RPG whilst also mixing in some roguelike and cooking elements. Play as a group of four adventurers attempting to escape a labyrinth as you'll delve into it, battle foes, gather resources, and — most importantly — gather ingredients to cook meals, which is how you increase your stats and monitor your calories and hydration. Additionally, use these meals to harm monsters by poisoning them (presumably from your terrible cooking) and buffing them in order to get more experience and items.

Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook will release on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in Spring 2023, and it will be priced at $49.99/€49.99.

Kamizawa: Way of the Thief

Developed by Acquire

 

After a heist goes terribly wrong and the blood of innocent civilians is spilt, Ebizo — our amateur thief and protagonist for the game — swears off thieving and escapes with a young girl he takes as his own, naming her Suzuna. A decade later, however, Suzuna falls ill, and Ebizo must return to the life of thievery in order to gain the funds to cure her, but will he walk the path of honour, even as a thief, and steal only from the rich to give to the poor? The choice is yours.

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief is already available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC for $39.99/€39.99.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software

 

The third instalment of the Yomawari franchise, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark was featured throughout the presentation. This title will be standalone, following a unique separate story with new characters meaning that those that haven't played the previous titles will be able to pick this one up. This cutesy survival horror features adorable characters and spooky ghosts that will be great for Halloween. Yomawari: Lost in the Dark features new ghosts, though it specifically has a new mechanic where you can close your eyes to hide from some of them, adding to the creepiness factor!

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC on the 25th of October (NA), 28th of October (EU & ANZ), and it will be priced at $49.99/€49.99 retail and $39.99/€39.99 digital.

YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Developed by Nihon Falcom

 

YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA was featured in my time with NIS America; this title will be coming to the PlayStation 5 with a selection of new content that fans of the series are sure to love. This version of the game features all of the DLC costumes from previous releases and even some unreleased ones from Japan as free DLC to the title. We got a specific look at Laxia's School Swimsuit & Greek Summer Costumes and the Instructor Rean Hug-Hug costume, all three of which were only available in Japanese releases of the game (PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4, respectively). Additionally, YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA will have some of the PC improvements, namely higher FPS, further draw distance, faster loading times, and even keyboard and mouse support! 

YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA will be available on the PlayStation 5 on the 15th of November (NA), 18th of November (EU), and 25th of November (ANZ), and it will be priced at $39.99/€39.99.

Raiden IV x MIKADO remix

Developed by MOSS

 

The continuation of Raiden IV was presented throughout my time with the team, and it will come with a set of five new game modes to the title. This will also come with three different ships and an original tracklist featuring the previous songs from the franchise, and a remix tracklist! Raiden IV x MIKADO remix will feature a two-player co-op, though the presenters wanted to highlight the Double Play feature, where one player will have to control ships at the same time, spicing up the Shoot 'Em Up gameplay.

Raiden IV x MIKADO remix will be available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on the 31st of January (NA), 3rd of February (EU), and 10th of February (ANZ), and will be priced at $39.99/€39.99 retail and $29.99/€29.99 digital.

Sneak Peek Titles

We were shown four secret titles. Ooooh!

 

Among the four secret titles, NIS America showcased... well, I'm not allowed to say! That said, you will be able to hear more about all of these enticing titles in two timeframes:

The first set of announcements is coming throughout the next couple of weeks through NIS America's official socials, so stay tuned! In those, you'll also be able to see five free DLC for Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook!

The second set of reveals will be in an upcoming livestream that NIS America will have in cooperation with Granzella on the 29th of October at 4 AM BST. This livestream is, unfortunately, relatively late, though it is done so to coordinate with Japan time and will be available for everyone to watch again through VODs.

Previews

Hands-off views at three titles

 

The final section of my presentation with NIS America featured three hands-off previews for some of the titles showcased. The first of which was…

GrimGrimoire OnceMore

 

We got a short preview for GrimGrimoire OnceMore featuring some gameplay footage. In it, we saw some of the flying fairy units and the RTS-esque gameplay set in a vertical setting rather than a horizontal one. Since GrimGrimoire OnceMore is only coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, we got to get a good look at how this RTS title will work with a less traditional control scheme (joypad rather than mouse and keyboard inputs). Surprisingly, the gameplay looks smooth and easy to control, and the pause function is great for those that can't aim precisely with controls.

One of the features that stood out to me throughout the preview was the capability to speed up the gameplay for those that are less patient or don't have the time to sink into these types of games. The characters in GrimGrimoire OnceMore move relatively slowly, though this issue is fixed with the speed-up mechanic.

The presenter for GrimGrimoire OnceMore explained some of the upcoming features whilst the preview came, including a wider screen resolution due to the more modern consoles, which help with unit positioning. Additionally, there are some new features coming to the game, such as four grand magical spells and coins that you can get for upgrading units. 

In GrimGrimoire OnceMore, your main goal is to destroy all enemy spawn points, as opposed to killing all enemies. We see what happens when all fairy units die and a new group is trained to fight the final enemy blocking the path, and finally, a quick story sequence, though it was in Japanese, so I was unable to snoop in the narrative.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society

 

This was the preview I was most excited to see of the presentation, as Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society's puppet creation left me intrigued. Starting off with puppet creation, we get to see as a new puppet named Tori gets created, and a menu to choose the character's:

• Facet
• Appearance
• Color
• Name
• Nickname
• Nature
• Favorite
• Voice
• Preferred Stat Growth
• Stance
• Skill Selection
• Lucky No.
• Flavor Text

The stat growth and nature, in particular, were some of my favourite customisation options, as you'll be able to choose how each of your characters grows in strength and how balanced their kit can be. Aside from that, you also have a slew of cosmetic options, including their voice and color, which you can customise to differentiate them from other puppets within your party.

The player can control up to 40 different puppets at the same time throughout exploration, with five per party and eight brigades at a time, which is an astounding amount of characters.

One thing I'd like to note is how in-depth, and terrifyingly daunting the menus looked in my preview time. I didn't understand much of what was occurring throughout the early section, though I did my best to soak in all of the information that I could. There were things like formations, parties, and an entire brigade to take care of, which I didn't get to grasp entirely but will hopefully be able to once the game releases. 

After playing around with the menus for a while, we get into the exploration of the game. Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society takes place in a 3D world, though you'll be traversing through grid-based movement for you to explore. There were rooms to explore and treasure to find, though often stepping into the wrong chamber led to an encounter. Encounters will allow you to choose what your characters will do, though I didn't manage to see how in-depth this combat system would be, as I did see that all characters from the brigade were instructed to "attack". Later on in the preview, we did get a look at combat when managing one party, where we got a look at selecting different commands for the puppets and even a support spell. The deeper into the dungeon you go, the more challenging the encounters become, meaning you'll need to take extra care once you start reaching the deeper depths. I did notice (and the presenter pointed out) how your customisation choices are reflected in combat, too, as the characters will use the selected voice and will look the way they were assigned, which was a pretty nice addition that I look forward to exploring a bit of.

Exploration allows you to look around and engage with the environment, as we were showcased a wall being torn down with an attack and venturing deeper into the dungeon through there (though, the minimap showcased an alternative entrance with an actual door, indicating that you'll be able to explore these in your own way). Additionally, we got a look at the "quick exit" spell with some of the menu items present whenever you aren't exploring the depths of the labyrinth. These all didn't overly make sense to me, though I look forward to getting to know more about it moving forward.

Finally, the preview ends by showcasing a boss fight with a brigade of five characters. Criminally underprepared for their battle against Basila, the party quickly loses their encounter, and we get a look at what happens when you don't prepare accordingly for each meeting, and the hands-off preview ends at the "Defeated" screen.

Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook

 

The final preview was Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook, and we started off with some character customisation of the party leader, featuring options for:

• Hair
• Hair colour
• Pose
• Clothing

These were the customisation options mentioned by the presenter, though I am not able to give an in-depth explanation for each of the things you'll be able to change due to the game being in Japanese (curse my lack of linguistic knowledge!). That said, I did manage to see a couple of other changes, including the smile, colour, and even if they'll have a blush — this character appears in your cutscenes, so make sure to make them pretty!

The story starts with your adventurer, the protagonist, who lives near a village and ventures off into a labyrinth to see what they can find and finds themselves hopelessly stuck. Now, they must ensure that they do not starve to death, and it's how the primary calorie and hydration mechanics come into play.

The hands-off preview showcases some early footage for the game, including the first randomly-generated dungeon. In it, the protagonist scavenges for materials to craft weapons and gear and ingredients to cook up some ... questionable meals. Upon finding a dead bug, the protagonist does the unthinkable (presumably, from the level of starvation) and eats it. Each member of your party (with up to four characters per party in this title) has a needs level that you'll have to tend to, which is why you'll need to take advantage of the resources around you to cook meals. Should one of your characters die, they'll reset to level zero; if your protagonist dies, however, your whole party will reset to base. We get a quick look at the base camp, which is where you'll be able to prepare for each expedition — cooking meals, saving, healing, organising your inventory, and setting battle formations.

Next up, our party leader engages in battle against an innocent bat with grid-based movement and combat. The system seems simple, as I was unable to see any special abilities used by the protagonist, but I did watch early footage of the game, so perhaps these will be things added later in development.

After biting off more than he could chew (get it?), the party leader dies to a boss and returns to base, deciding that he must recruit a new follower to help in combat. These followers can also be customised, much like the party leader, though you'll also be able to assign them a class and what their role is. The character in the hands-off preview was edited slightly and fights with ranged combat. After eating a meal and raising the party's stats, we see another combat sequence with two party members. The presenter tells us of an ability where you'll have to eat monsters on the battlefield for a quick stat boost to help you in a pinch in case you need extra HP in a particularly challenging encounter. We did not get to see this in the preview, however. 

We get a look at the cooking menu, as you'll be able to slot in ingredients and cook with them to see what kind of meal you will create. After doing so, you'll need to watch the animation and see if the character likes the meal you've made or whether you'll need to brush up on your cooking skills (more likely than not, the latter, in my case).