In an apparent bid to challenge Square-Enix for the coveted title of ‘most remakes of the very same game ever’, Atlus announced that it plans to re-release Persona 3… again, this time for the PSP. But wait, there’s more! In this re-hash of the game you get to choose a female lead character and your first persona is now a cow, making it shamelessly obvious to the fans that they are just milking them with fan service.

Well, the part about the cow isn’t real but the female character is. There will of course be some other changes to the story and social interactions if you choose a female lead but for the most part, yeah, its the same game as before. Actually its even less game than the PS2 FES edition, as this version contains only the main storyline and none of that ‘the answer’ goodness. There’s yet no release date for the world outside Japan but don’t doubt for a minute that Atlus wont peddle its recycled title to the western audiences, its free money after all.

[PS3 Nation]

What do you get when you mix 2-parts RPG with 1-part adventure and 4-parts multiplayer party game? You get Dokapon Kingdom: a unique title that sets out on a quest to surprise gamers of all ages by raising the bar on the party game genre.

Without question Dokapon Kingdom is definitely a unique game. Its as if developer Sting decided to play the part of Dr. Frankenstein and began to lop off the best bits and pieces from the gaming universe; a little from genre A, a little from genre B and little from genre C and then proceeded to fuse them all together. The end result is a cute and colorful title that is sure to provide you with hours upon hours of entertainment and laughter.

So if you feel like kickin’ some serious monster butt, humiliating your soon to be ex-friends and hording ridiculous amounts of gold as you spin your way to victory then follow me as we hack-n-slash our way through Dokapon Kingdom.

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As usual Gamestop arranges the best pre-order deals in the states, and in this case you can get a 56-track (!) soundtrack CD when you pre-order this upcoming port of the cult classic strategy RPG Yggrda Union for PSP.

The game was originally an obscure gem on the GBA, and the port has been enhanced with higher quality music and visuals, as well as the addition of more voice-acting (and the coveted Japanese or English language option). Not only that, but we’ll get a new difficulty level, more missions, and more characters. It’s coming out September 15th in North America.

[Siliconera]

According to Siliconera and some recent Play-Asia listings, Odin Sphere, Okami, and Disgaea: Hour of Darkness will all join the Playstation 2 Greatest Hits line, selling for $19.99 US each. The irony here is that Okami and Odin Sphere didn’t sell very well at all in the US, but it’s awesome that they’re reprinting the titles again and lowering the prices.

I am most definitely going to pick up Odin Sphere when I see it in stores again, as I missed the chance earlier and haven’t had much luck finding it locally for some time. All of these new editions should be out in September.

[Siliconera]

Refusing to let the PS2 die, Atlus keeps providing us Westerners with more great Japanese RPG’s to extend our console’s life with. Well, I’m just assuming it’s great. The art direction is attractive and Atlus is publishing it, so chances are it will be quality.

In addition to the game, we’ll also get a soundtrack CD to boot. It’s developed by Flight Plan (Summon Night) and is coming out on November 11. Once I get a working PS2 again I may check it out.

[Joystiq]

The new game in the much-revered JRPG series is Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The King of Abaddon, sequel to Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army (god, what a mouthful). Like the previous installment, the setting is 1931 Japan, but this time in a small mountain village beset by demons.

Besides merely being an RPG, the game has some action and adventure elements. It’s slated for an October 23 release in Japan, and the first pressing will come with a free soundtrack disc and cost 7329 yen. There will also be a special edition at a hefty 10,479 yen that includes Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne Maniax Chronicle Edition (more tongue-twisters).

[1up.com]

Barely a few days after this post about peeping at hot baths, Atlus USA has come out of the closet to impart to us information that Persona 4 WILL be released in the US, specifically on the 9th of December later this year.

The $39.90 game will also include a soundtrack CD that contains music from the game for your listening pleasure. The game, judging from the promo video looks more polished than it’s predecessor, Persona 3, and is as just as funky (if not more). The video also shows that you’ll be able to continue your relationship-linking exploits (ergo pimping skills) in this game as well (well, it’s being hinted at in a not-so-subtle manner).

While I look forward to this, I hope Atlus has it in their hearts to add in a little extra as well *winkwink*. Oh, and here’s a Youtube video for your viewing pleasure.

[Joystiq and RPGFan]

Atlus’ newsletter has confirmed our previous speculation of Yggdra Union’s PSP port getting a North American release. Along with the news came the above trailer featuring the English voice cast as well as the game’s official website. Don’t worry too much if the dub rubs you the wrong way; Atlus typically publishes their games with a both English and Japanese voice tracks.

The game is set to come out September 16th. Late summer and early fall is shaping up to be a prime time for RPGs!