Japanese Niche Games Deals Thread: Atlus, NISA, Aksys, XSeed and More!

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The following thread are for niche-based Japanese video games by smaller companies such as Atlus, NIS America, AKSYS, XSEED, D3 Publisher, KOEI/TECMO, SNK Playmore, Ignition, Natsume or any sweet deals for those who are passionate and hardcore about Japanese video games even from the bigger companies like SquareEnix, Sega, Bandai Namco, etc.

But to avoid any messiness of links everywhere, we'll focus on games within the last 2-3 years as opposed to the last five-ten. [although, if you do see older titles on sale, please post them regardless].

The theme of these deals are Japanese video games distributed in the US by the smaller niche companies. The thread is literally for those who love Japanese games. There will be a few Korean games that you may see on this list, such as the "DJ Max" games.

If you see a deal, please post!

NOTE: Please check the most recent page for the latest deals.

And I want to thank many of you in advance who submit their deals and their support!!!
 
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[quote name='arcane93']I don't see what they get out of making them "rare" either. Given the mediocre reviews on them (and not really caring about "collector's editions"), I was planning to hold out for a price drop on them.[/QUOTE]

That's why.
 
[quote name='rainking187']That's why.[/QUOTE]

No kidding. If it wasn't rare, a lot of people who pay full price now, will also wait for a price drop. So instead of selling 30k copes at $60, they sell 50k copies at $30. Add the cost of a second printing, and I would say I don't blame them. As someone that's bought several of their games, I'm just glad they're releasing them at all.
 
They cost more to produce with the big outer box , so it make sense to only print a limited copies and reprint more when needed
 
They did that to Sakura Wars Premium Box on PS2. The launch batch was sold out fairly quickly and a couple of months later they reprinted more.

Those premium boxes cost more to make. They have to print the game, the outer box, art book and finally have some people assemble them. Certainly there are more vendors to deal with.

They may possibly reprint Rorona, Neptunia and ATQ down the road but likely in game only version for a cheaper price, instead of the $60 full premium box treatment.
 
Anyone going to Anime Expo? It was announced that Sohei Niikawa of NIS is the guest of honor. Also, to add that the 3D concert of Hatsune Miku will be taking place at AX as well! Just bought the Project Diva game on PSP and enjoying it!
 
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[quote name='elessar123']No kidding. If it wasn't rare, a lot of people who pay full price now, will also wait for a price drop. So instead of selling 30k copes at $60, they sell 50k copies at $30.[/QUOTE]

Nah, most of those people who jumped on it would have jumped on it anyway to get the box/soundtrack/art book/etc.

[quote name='62t']They cost more to produce with the big outer box , so it make sense to only print a limited copies and reprint more when needed[/QUOTE]

People seem to be missing that I said that I don't care about the collector's editions. Honestly, I don't need a big box and an art book that I'll never look at to store -- I live in a small place, have too much junk already, and have limited space for such things. I'm perfectly happy with just the game itself in a normal game case. I'll buy those things for the games that I really care about, but I don't feel that much attachment to these titles.

And if they do a game-only reprint for less money, that's great, that's exactly what I want. However, someone just a bit earlier said that they contacted NISA and were told there are no plans for a reprint of at least Ar Tonelico Qoga (and there's been no sign of a Hyperdimension Neptunia reprint either).
 
[quote name='kndy']
That would be hard... but I do have a few photos on Facebook here or if you need to see the images larger, here.[/QUOTE]

That's what I had been looking for as well, thanks!
 
I figured people who frequent this thread would know the answer to my questions. Here goes:

1) Are all new copies of Ar Tonelico Qoga the LE big box version?
2) Also I see these new in stock at every Gamestop around me according to the website. I'm not in a hurry to get the game. Should I wait for a price drop, is it likely?

Thanks!
 
[quote name='jling84']I figured people who frequent this thread would know the answer to my questions. Here goes:

1) Are all new copies of Ar Tonelico Qoga the LE big box version?
2) Also I see these new in stock at every Gamestop around me according to the website. I'm not in a hurry to get the game. Should I wait for a price drop, is it likely?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

1. yes i believe they are, like hyperdimension neptunia
2. it's not likely unless they reprint the game. i would get one now unless you don't mind risking it
 
[quote name='kndy']Anyone going to Anime Expo? It was announced that Sohei Niikawa of NIS is the guest of honor. Also, to add that the 3D concert of Hatsune Miku will be taking place at AX as well! Just bought the Project Diva game on PSP and enjoying it![/QUOTE]

Yep, i'm going to AX. I just booked my room.
 
[quote name='Relysis']Thanks Joe. Hard to say no for $20, considering the price tag on the NA PSN...[/QUOTE]

It's really hard to say no given the fact that it's a physical copy versus PSN. I decided since I have a bit of Gamestop credit not to pull the trigger on this one, but just get the X360 version instead.

If anyone wants to use my 10% coupon code from The Hut to pick it up, be my guest: 1114-JMKC-J477
 
[quote name='Joe Fongul']If anyone wants to use my 10% coupon code from The Hut to pick it up, be my guest: 1114-JMKC-J477[/QUOTE]

Thanks! I used it. I've been looking to get this for awhile and The Hut's price is cheaper than anything on eBay.
 
I have Record of Agarest War Zero - Limited Edition in my goldbox today.

Is this going to be a decent game?

It would cost $56.96 for the PS3 version.


I also have Majin but it is on 360 for 12.34 (actually it is only 12.99 on 360 right now.


 
[quote name='slowdive21']I have Record of Agarest War Zero - Limited Edition in my goldbox today.

Is this going to be a decent game?

It would cost $56.96 for the PS3 version.


I also have Majin but it is on 360 for 12.34 (actually it is only 12.99 on 360 right now.


[/QUOTE]

anyone? I don't have a xbox and I do not play my PS3 online, so I have not played the first game.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']anyone? I don't have a xbox and I do not play my PS3 online, so I have not played the first game.[/QUOTE]

Depends how hardcore of an S-RPG fan you are. There are better choices, which if you haven't played, you should play those. Of course, if you only have a PS3, your choices are more limited. A PS2/PSP would afford you more choices. On the PS3, you're pretty much limited to Disgaea 3 and Valkyria Chronicles in terms of good S-RPGs.

Also, for the PAL version of Agarest, it's apparently a really bad localization.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']anyone? I don't have a xbox and I do not play my PS3 online, so I have not played the first game.[/QUOTE]

I am currently playing through the first game on the 360 and feel the enemies are excessively difficult especially starting off. My attacks keep missing, and my characters are constantly hit by 12+ combos. I have just made it passed the first dungeon . The leveling seems like there will be days of grinding as I only get 3-6 exp from battles and need 65+ to reach the next (I am level 3 across the board). There are some aspects of this game I enjoy, but some other are really turning me off from buying this (I am borrowing a friends copy).

Those who have played this, does it get better over time or is the battle system really this crappy it terms of difficultly?
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I have Record of Agarest War Zero - Limited Edition in my goldbox today.

Is this going to be a decent game?

It would cost $56.96 for the PS3 version.


I also have Majin but it is on 360 for 12.34 (actually it is only 12.99 on 360 right now.


[/QUOTE]

maybe a dumb question but what is this gold box people keep talking about? i keep hearing people say they have stuff in their gold box and its usually a few bucks cheaper than the list price. What is it?

and in answer to your question about the game.. dunno. I have a couple sealed copies of the original game, but havent played it yet. My understanding is its a decent SRPG with some interesting elements such as mating with a girl and producting offspring and continuing to play as them.
 
[quote name='Kenshindono']maybe a dumb question but what is this gold box people keep talking about? i keep hearing people say they have stuff in their gold box and its usually a few bucks cheaper than the list price. What is it?

and in answer to your question about the game.. dunno. I have a couple sealed copies of the original game, but havent played it yet. My understanding is its a decent SRPG with some interesting elements such as mating with a girl and producting offspring and continuing to play as them.[/QUOTE]

They are actually referring to Amazon's personal quick picks (located below the gold box when logged in). They can be manipulated to give you a regular flow a video games at a small percentage off. This guide is a bit old, but not much has changed:

CAG Quick Picks FAQ
 
:360: Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage - New
$18.11 sold by Hubbagames (Fulfilled by Amazon). 15 copies left.

A good price for the game, in my opinion. I had to pay $22 for a used copy two weeks ago. It plays like most other Koei games, so if you're into Dynasty Warriors and/or are a FotNS fan then it shouldn't disappoint.

Looks like the PS3 version is still at $35.19 since Amazon has copies left.

Edit: Now $20.30 from Hubbagames with 29 copies left
 
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[quote name='VVaffle']:360: Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage - New
$18.11 sold by Hubbagames (Fulfilled by Amazon). 15 copies left.

A good price for the game, in my opinion. I had to pay $22 for a used copy two weeks ago. It plays like most other Koei games, so if you're into Dynasty Warriors and/or are a FotNS fan then it shouldn't disappoint.

Looks like the PS3 version is still at $35.19 since Amazon has copies left.

Edit: Now $20.30 from Hubbagames with 29 copies left[/QUOTE]

Hmm...anyone have a preference between the XB360 or PS3 version of the game? I've been wanting this game and waiting for it to drop in price.
 
OP, can you PLEASE edit the title of this thread to add a space in there somewhere? It throws off the margins on the mobile version of the site since there's no break on the text line. It'd be absolutely much appreciated. :)
 
[quote name='JJSP']OP, can you PLEASE edit the title of this thread to add a space in there somewhere? It throws off the margins on the mobile version of the site since there's no break on the text line. It'd be absolutely much appreciated. :)[/QUOTE]

Hi JJSP, let me know if the new title of the thread works!
 
[quote name='kndy']Hi JJSP, let me know if the new title of the thread works![/QUOTE]
Much, much, much appreciated. Thanks a million - I owe you a present.
 
I've never ordered from GoHastings but here are a few price drops on Amazon from this third party (not fulfilled by Amazon and not inc. shipping cost):

Izuna 2 (DS) - $4.99
http://www.amazon.com/Izuna-Unemplo..._4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307079798&sr=1-4

Steal Princess (DS) - $9.99
http://www.amazon.com/Steal-Princes..._9?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307079798&sr=1-9

And these are Aksys Game price drops:

Mimana Iyar Chronicles - $15.55 (PSP)
http://www.amazon.com/Mimana-Iyar-C..._1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080106&sr=1-1

Record of Agarest War - XB360 - $18.86 (Fulfilled by Amazon, Third Party)
http://www.amazon.com/Record-Agares...8?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080218&sr=1-18

Jake Hunter Detective Story DS - $17.89
http://www.amazon.com/Jake-Hunter-D...7?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080218&sr=1-17

River City Sports Challenge DS - $16.15 (fulfilled by Amazon, third party)
http://www.amazon.com/River-City-Sp...4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080218&sr=1-14

Hero's Saga - $9.96 (fulfilled by Amazon, gohastings)
http://www.amazon.com/Heros-Saga-La..._7?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080106&sr=1-7

From the Abyss - $4.96 (gohastings, third party)
http://www.amazon.com/Abyss-Nintend..._2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307080106&sr=1-2
 
[quote name='kndy']Hmm...was their a reprint of Disgaea 2 (PSP) from NIS America? I noticed its very cheap on Amazon. It used to be quite expensive...

http://www.amazon.com/Disgaea-2-Dar..._4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307079096&sr=1-4[/QUOTE]

Yeah there was a reprint several weeks back on this and I think some of the other Disgaea PSP games. Checked out your link and saw the physical copy from Amazon is $18.99. Clicked on the digital download version and saw it was $29.99. And that friends is why digital distribution sucks for gamers...
 
[quote name='Tom Ato']I think this thread needs a new title like "niche Japanese developers thread" or something of the sort. The list of companies is getting out of hand.[/QUOTE]

Six months later and my suggestion is followed! This also marks the first time I've quoted myself.
 
[quote name='jling84']Anyone know if there is still a cheap way to buy Persona 1 or 3 for the PSP anywhere?[/QUOTE]

I'd personally suggest checking out Best Buy. I remember seeing Persona 1 on clearance there for $11.99, but that was a little while ago.
 
[quote name='Panther Cat']I'd personally suggest checking out Best Buy. I remember seeing Persona 1 on clearance there for $11.99, but that was a little while ago.[/QUOTE]


am also wanting P3P. went to a BB in the east bay/SF area today. the CSR looked it up in their system: nada. P3P is available as an outlet item on BB.com for $27.99, tho'. anyone find a new copy cheeper?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Shin+Me...skuId=9993498&st=persona 3 portable&lp=1&cp=1
 
While it's technically not a deal, it is a last opportunity to purchase an XSEED published game via the Playstation Store.

XSEED tweeted that in a few days, Brave Story: New Traveler for the PSP will be pulled from the PS Store due to expiring licenses which unfortunately involved a few amount of parties and in the end, couldn't proceed forward to get a renewal. There's also a 0% chance of it becoming available again in the PS Store, according to XSEED's replies. It's coming down "soon" so it could be just a matter of days or maybe even tomorrow since there's no definite date.

The game is currently priced at $9.99 at the PS Store.
 
[quote name='worrybomb']While it's technically not a deal, it is a last opportunity to purchase an XSEED published game via the Playstation Store.

XSEED tweeted that in a few days, Brave Story: New Traveler for the PSP will be pulled from the PS Store due to expiring licenses which unfortunately involved a few amount of parties and in the end, couldn't proceed forward to get a renewal. There's also a 0% chance of it becoming available again in the PS Store, according to XSEED's replies. It's coming down "soon" so it could be just a matter of days or maybe even tomorrow since there's no definite date.

The game is currently priced at $9.99 at the PS Store.[/QUOTE]
I wonder if this means I should definitely hold onto my physical copy that I part way played through.
 
[quote name='Joe Fongul']Thanks for adding the little section regarding Japanese imports to the main thread.

I wound up picking up Another Century's Episode R (PS3) used for $26.99 shipped. The game is a mash up of different mecha series including Gundam & Macross. Can't wait to give this series a shot! :) Check it out here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...770&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:1123#ht_672wt_903[/QUOTE]

that game actually looks kinda cool. Im assuming its region free? If so is it pretty easy to figure out?
 
[quote name='worrybomb']While it's technically not a deal, it is a last opportunity to purchase an XSEED published game via the Playstation Store.

XSEED tweeted that in a few days, Brave Story: New Traveler for the PSP will be pulled from the PS Store due to expiring licenses which unfortunately involved a few amount of parties and in the end, couldn't proceed forward to get a renewal. There's also a 0% chance of it becoming available again in the PS Store, according to XSEED's replies. It's coming down "soon" so it could be just a matter of days or maybe even tomorrow since there's no definite date.

The game is currently priced at $9.99 at the PS Store.[/QUOTE]

And this kids is why you don't make a version of your system that is download only yet. And why if you really want to play all the psp games you're going to need to buy a cheap older one rather than wait for the Sony Dolphin or Vitamin or whatever they call it.
 
[quote name='adriley313']you need to edit the price of Izuna 2.
Was bought to buy it now but its up to $17 now
great thread[/QUOTE]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll remove it from the list for now since I have seen that game around the $4-$13 range.

Just a side note that Anime Expo has added more Japanese video games guest to their lineup with Idea Factory/Compile Heart's Kenta Sugano and Katsuyuki Hirano as Guests of Honor. This is pretty interesting that AX is bringing these Japanese video game related guests.

Latest Price Drops:

Sands of Destruction (DS) - $11.20
http://www.amazon.com/Sands-Destruction-Nintendo-DS/dp/B001QLC2YY/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_2

Atlus's Octomania for the Wii has droppped to $7.99 (third party fulfilled by Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/Octomania-Nin...8?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307223548&sr=1-38

Maybe it's been like this for awhile...but maybe not.. Kenka Bancho (PSP) used on Gamestop is $14.99
http://www.gamestop.com/psp/games/kenka-bancho-badass-rumble/76105

Ignition's PS3 game - Vampire Rain - $12.94
http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Rain-...6?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307223714&sr=1-26

River King Mystic Valley (DS) - $10.99
http://www.amazon.com/River-King-My..._1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307223805&sr=1-1

Puzzle de Harvest Moon (DS) - $8.34
http://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Harves...2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1307223849&sr=1-32

Imports:

Macross Ace Frontier (PSP - Used) is for $15.49 + $4 shipping from Japan ala Japan-Export. That's pretty awesome for this price as you can play literally every Macross related mech and characters from the various "Macross" anime series (well, not the newest series as this game came out a few years back).http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-PSP-Macros...6628?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item27bb778474

http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-PSP-Macros...4178?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2561a9be32

But if you are more Gundam driven, the Gundam Universe version (used PSP) is being sold for $16.99 + $4 shipping ala Japan-Export.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-PSP-Gundam...9193?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2562d643d9

And for those who want to try a Bleach fighting game on the PSP, Heat the Soul 5 (Used) has dropped to $14.99 + $4 shipping from Japan ala Japan-Export. This version of the game has 32 characters, Heat the Soul 6 has 74 characters and Heat the Soul 7 has 84 characters. But at $14.99 for HTS5...that's not bad!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-PSP-Bleach...3301?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item25644bb5d5

And Japan-Export only sells them with all documents/booklets intact and UMD's are in great condition.
 
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Technically, Puzzle de Harvest Moon isn't a Japanese game =P

That, and Frantic Farming, were made in the US and never released in Japan.
 
[quote name='elessar123']Technically, Puzzle de Harvest Moon isn't a Japanese game =P

That, and Frantic Farming, were made in the US and never released in Japan.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for letting me know! I was scanning for Natsume's price drops and notice those pretty cheap.
 
[quote name='kndy']Thanks for letting me know! I was scanning for Natsume's price drops and notice those pretty cheap.[/QUOTE]

I know. But they're pretty horrible games, imo. We have just about every Harvest Moon game released in the states, except for those 2.
 
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