Page 4024 – Capsule Computers

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February 6, 2014

ASSASSIN’S CREED^® FREEDOM CRY ANNOUNCED AS A STAND-ALONE TITLE

Today, Ubisoft^® announced that single-player adventure, Assassin’s Creed^® Freedom Cry, will be available as a stand-alone game exclusively for download on PlayStation^®4 and PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment systems on February 19 and PC on February 25. Originally released as an add-on adventure for Assassin’s Creed^® IV Black Flag™, Assassin’s Creed^® Freedom Cry will not require the purchase of Assassin’s Creed^® IV Black Flag™.

Assassin’s Creed^® Freedom Cry tells the story of Adewale, a man born into slavery. Once a pirate and now a trained Assassin, Adewale is shipwrecked in 18th-century Haiti, home to the most brutal slavery in the West Indies. In an effort to get back to the sea, Adewale assists the locals in exchange for a crew and a ship. The more he fights for freedom from slavery, however, the more he is drawn into the Maroon slave community, forcing him to face his vicious past. In the game, Adewale will take his new crew and set of weapons, including a machete and a blunderbuss, to assassinate enemies and free slaves, delivering merciless justice in plantations and cities alike. No stranger to the sea, Adewale will command a fearsome brig to take down slave owners in the Caribbean.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed^®, please visit www.assassinscreed.com and www.facebook.com/assassinscreed.

For the latest news on Assassin’s Creed^® collectible merchandise, please visit and like the page www.facebook.com/ubicollectibles.

Hasbro, DeNA, and IDW Publishing Deliver the Ultimate Fan Experience for TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS’ Dark Cybertron Episode

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 6, 2014

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Hasbro, DeNA, and IDW Publishing Deliver the Ultimate Fan Experience for TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS’ Dark Cybertron Episode

SAN FRANCISCO – February 5, 2014 – Hasbro, DeNA and IDW Publishing today announced a collaboration to bring Dark Cybertron to life in a new interactive experience for the action-packed mobile card battle game TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS. Fans that play the TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS in-game episode that starts on February 5 and runs through February 11 will gain free access to a special edition Dark Cybertron comic from IDW Publishing, in addition to exclusive discounts on select TRANSFORMERS action figures from Hasbro featured in the Dark Cybertron story, such as ARMADA STARSCREAM and SKYWARP.

TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS’ Dark Cybertron Episode

Dark Cybertron is the first Team Battle episode in TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS. It combines elements of cooperative and competitive gameplay that players have never experienced before this mobile game. In the Dark Cybertron episode players will join forces with the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS to battle against a powerful and ancient enemy, the NECROTITAN, and fight to unravel the meaning behind mysterious new developments in the battle for CYBERTRON.

The new Dark Cybertron episode is available to play beginning on February 5 by downloading TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android devices for free at: http://mobage.com/games/TRANSFORMERS-LEGENDS

Free Dark Cybertron Comic Book

As part of the collaboration between DeNA and IDW Publishing, players who take part in this week’s TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS Dark Cybertron episode can also download a special issue of the Dark Cybertron comic book for free via the game. The limited release comic chronicles the latest developments in the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons from the fan-favorite series.

Save on Action Figures

Completing the TRANSFORMERS fan experience, HasbroToyShop.com is offering a 15 percent off discount from Feb. 5-11, 2014 on select TRANSFORERS GENERATIONS action figures featured in the Dark Cybertron storyline: Transformers Generations 30th Anniversary Deluxe Class Autobot Scoop Figure (SKU #A5780), Transformers Generations 30th Anniversary Deluxe Class Mini-Con Assault Team Figure (SKU #A5779), Transformers Generations 30th Anniversary Deluxe Class Skywarp Figure (SKU #A5778) and the Transformers Generations 30th Anniversary Deluxe Class Armada Starscream Figure (SKU #A5777). To purchase the discounted action figures, please visit: www.HasbroToyShop.com/tflegends15

Assets for the TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS Dark Cybertron in-game episode, the Dark Cybertron comic, and images of select TRANSFORMERS action figures on sale can be downloaded via this link: http://moba.ge/DarkCybertron

About DeNA

DeNA (pronounced “D-N-A”) is a global leader of developing and operating mobile services including free-to-play games, the Mobage social games platform, e-commerce and other online offerings. Founded in 1999, DeNA is headquartered in Tokyo with offices and game development studios across the globe. DeNA Co., Ltd. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2432). For more information, visit:http://www.dena.com

About Hasbro, Inc.

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 180 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more atwww.hasbro.com.

About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist’s Edition imprint.

IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood’s Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

LIGHTNING TO GET LARA’S GEAR IN LAUNCH DAY DLC DEAL

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 5, 2014

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LIGHTNING TO GET LARA’S GEAR IN LAUNCH DAY DLC DEAL

For the first time ever the worlds of FINAL FANTASY and TOMB RAIDER unite with Lara Croft DLC for LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII

LONDON (5th February, 2014) – Square Enix Ltd., publishers of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and PAL territories, today announces a very special Lara Croft downloadable content (DLC) set for LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII, available to download from launch (14^th February 2014) via the in-game stores, PlayStation®Store and the Xbox Games Store.

The DLC, a wardrobe staple for any avid adventurer, will include Lara Croft’s unmistakable gear, as made famous in the TOMB RAIDER game released in 2013, and TOMB RAIDER: DEFINITIVE EDITION released earlier this year. In addition to the gear, players will also receive the exclusive Survivor’s Axe and Riot Shield to help them during battle.

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII is released in Europe and PAL territories on 14th February 2014 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

A playable demo of the game for is now available for download on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

There are assets to accompany this release as below:

Trailer description:

Lara Croft/TOMB RAIDER™ Gear – LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII

A collaboration between two awesome heroines! This equipment for Lightning to use in LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII, is modeled on none other than Lara Croft from TOMB RAIDER. Includes Tomb Raider outfit, Survivor’s Axe, and Riot Shield. Available on launch of LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII, out 14^th February 2014 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

YouTube Link to Trailer:

Pre-Order Links:

PRE-ORDER NOW: http://sqex.to/pre-order

DOWNLOAD THE DEMO:
PlayStation 3: http://sqex.to/PS3
Xbox 360: http://sqex.to/Xbox360

Related Links

Official Websites:

www.lightningreturns.com

www.tombraider.com

Official Facebook:

www.facebook.com/finalfantasyxiii

www.facebook.com/tombraider

Official YouTube:

www.youtube.com/user/FinalFantasyOfficial

www.youtube.com/tombraider

Official Twitter:

@SQUARE_ENIX_EU

@TOMBRAIDER

About the FINAL FANTASY XIII Project

The FINAL FANTASY XIII project began in March 2010 with the release of FINAL FANTASY XIII and continued with its sequel, FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, released in February 2012. The series has been widely successful, shipping over 10 million units worldwide.

About TOMB RAIDER
The TOMB RAIDER franchise has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and inspired one of the most successful video game film adaptations in history, grossing over $300 million at the global box office with protagonist Lara Croft becoming a contemporary global icon. TOMB RAIDER, released in March 2013 is the fastest selling game in the history of the franchise. TOMB RAIDER: DEFINITIVE EDITION, a fully re-built version for Next Gen features an obsessively detailed Lara and a fully realized lifelike world, is available as of January 2014.

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 62 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/.

CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA

FINAL FANTASY, LIGHTNING RETURNS, the LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII logo, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment. Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United Kingdom and/or other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Explore a New Realm in Guild Wars 2 ‘Edge of the Mists’

Zac Elawar

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February 5, 2014

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MMO RPG fans take notice – a mysterious new realm has been unveiled by developers ArenaNet, and is the setting for Guild Wars 2‘s newest expansion entitled ‘Edge of the Mists’. Players will further explore the story of villain Scarlet Briar, as she progresses in executing her plans for Tyria and its people, first over-running the new land with the sky pirates known as Aetherblades.

Stranded in the mist, Braham and Taimi are helpless to defend against the attackers. Rescuing them, whilst fighting back against the onslaught is paramount. But, the action doesn’t take place entirely in the Mists, as players will return to Tyria in order to piece together clues as to what exactly Scarlet’s master plan entails. To do this, they will join Marjory and Kasmeer at the Dead End Bar, analysing artifacts attained throughout prior living world storylines.

Outside of the plot-focused additions, World vs. World mode now includes the ‘Edge of the Mists’ map as an “overflow map”, which essentially means players will never have to wait to participate, being able to continue the PvP or PvE battle in various, vast zones and build rank and gain loot/achievements while still in queue to join regular WvW matches. Finally, a new UI system displays which maps are populated and their respective queue times. Neat!

Check out the gallery of ‘Edge of the Mists’ screenshots below.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES DRAKENGARD 3 RELEASE DATE

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 5, 2014

0

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES DRAKENGARD 3 RELEASE DATE

Action-RPG brings Dragons and Epic Combat to the PlayStation®3 System

*Game’s Opening Movie Released Today*

LONDON (5^th February 2014) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces its action role-playing game (RPG), Drakengard®3, will be released exclusively for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on 21^st May 2014. In addition, online from today, players can preview the game’s opening movie as part of the new official game trailer.

A prequel to the original Drakengard, Drakengard 3 transports players to a medieval world where six goddess-like sisters known as “Intoners” have brought peace to the earth with their power to manipulate magic through song. Harmony is disrupted, however, when the eldest sister, Zero, attempts to murder her younger sisters with the help of her dragon companion Mikhail. As the story progresses, players find themselves in a battle to unravel the mystery of Zero and learn her true intentions.

Featuring the series’ signature brand of action Drakengard 3 pits players against hordes of fiends and foes in remorseless hack-and-slash combat. Quickly switch weapons to launch devastating combo attacks to vanquish enemies that can only be defeated with the correct weaponry. Plus harness the power of your dragon for combat, allowing you to charge, bite, trample your foes and even demolish buildings.

Drakengard 3 will be a digital-only release in Europe and PAL territories and will be sold digitally and at retail in North America.

Related Links

Official Homepage: www.drakengardgame.com

Official Facebook® Page: http://www.facebook.com/Drakengard

About Square Enix Ltd.　　　　　　

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 62 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Official Game on Mobile

Zac Elawar

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February 5, 2014

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In celebration of the upcoming blockbuster film, Gameloft and Marvel are teaming up for the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Official Game on smartphone and tablet devices this March. Karine Kaiser, VP Marketing & Licensing at Gameloft, said of the collaboration;

Marvel has been a longtime partner of ours, and we are once again happy to transform one of their blockbuster films into an immersive action game. Players can expect a truly involved Captain America experience, with many characters from both the movie and the comics.

Players will inhabit Captain America in this tactical action title as they lead an elite team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in combat against a number of infamous villains threatening the entire globe. The world is more reminiscent of the comic-book stylings than the film, with an original story (inspired by the film), co-written by Marvel. There is also a multiplayer mode that features clans and league standings. Javon Frazier, Vice President, Games Marketing at Marvel Entertainment stated;

We are happy to expand around the Captain America: The Winter Soldier film with this game, which truly complements the global experience we are aiming to offer.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Official Game is scheduled for release on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android in late March, before the movie’s launch on April 3rd in Australia and New Zealand. Check out the first trailer for the game below.

Night Raid 1931 Review

Luke Halliday

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February 5, 2014

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Night Raid 1931
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Publisher: Siren Visual
Format: DVD
Release Date: January 8th, 2013
Price: $49.95 – Available Here

Overview
From the studio that brought us series such as Sword Art Online and Fractale comes a crime drama anime by the name of Night Raid 1931. With a solid sense of mystery and some supernatural elements thrown into the mix, Night Raid 1931 makes for an engaging action series, throw in the wild capers and you’ve got yourself a good night in.

Night Raid 1931 is quite easily the oddball series in A-1 Pictures body of work. It is strange in all the right ways and the distinct story-telling and setting make this anime something a little different from the norm. With a highly intriguing story and a sense of fun about itself, Night Raid 1931 is a solid anime series start to finish.

Story
The proof is in the pudding as they say and with Night Raid 1931 the pudding is its setting; Shanghai. It is a backdrop that ignites a fire under Night Raid 1931 that refuses to go out. The city of Shanghai is dripping with character and every nook and cranny feels just as alive as the people that inhabit it. While Shanghai does make Night Raid 1931 into something truly special it is the superb story-telling that makes it so memorable.

In the year 1931 the world is on the verge of utter turmoil and a complex web of events are laying themselves out beneath the surface of our world. Conspiracies, criminal syndicates and the dark underbelly of Shanghai are all highlighted in gritty detail. That is where the Sakurai Kikan comes in. They are a group of 4 remarkable individuals that are tasked with uncovering truth in lies.

All of this plays out across an alternate history Shanghai. It is how this alternate history works that really brings the intrigue though, there is an unpredictability to Night Raid 1931 that you wouldn’t expect considering its foundations in a certain time in history. But the alternate history setting opens it up to a world of possibilities and it explores that idea in rich detail.

The characters themselves are each well developed in their own right. The Sakurai Kikan in particular are brought to life with a high level of characterization and depth. Each is distinct and written with deft accuracy. They are all on-point and their interactions with one another prove to be highly entertaining to say the very least.

This particular release of Night Raid 1931 covers the entirety of the series 13 episode run and what a glorious run it is. While there may be some pacing issues here and there, the overall complexity of the story and the high level of detail given to its characters and setting, result in Night Raid 1931 being one of the best crime drama anime in quite some time.

Visuals and Audio
Artistically speaking, Night Raid 1931 is well-designed with some gorgeous cinematography to boot. The visual arrangement is engaging and appealing all at once. The character designs in particular are quite memorable and a large part of that is due to their appealing aesthetics. The real highlight visually for Night Raid 1931 is its portrayal of Shanghai. It conveys the city with an affectionate touch, bringing Shanghai to life in darkness and in colour. It is quite simple a gorgeous setting and it gives Night Raid 1931 a sense of place that is unforgettable.

Perhaps the real highlight of Night Raid 1931 is its brilliant musical score and arrangement. With an excellent array of jazz-infused tracks to give life to the grimy streets of Shanghai, Night Raid 1931 sounds as bustling as it looks. Not only does it feature some remarkable incidental music but it also has an amazing opening theme song and a solid ending theme. Both songs leave quite an impression.

This release of Night Raid 1931 comes with two language tracks. It features the original Japanese audio track and the English langauge dub track from Sentai Filmworks. The English dub is a solid effort by Sentai Filmworks and it does have some true high points such as the phenomenal Greg Ayres as Aoi Miyoshi. Sadly there is some low points on the other end of the spectrum for the dub like Brittney Karbowski’s grating performance as Yukina Sonogi. It is a mixed bag of a dub, but it is always nice to have the option available.

Extras
This complete collection release of Night Raid 1931 is quite simply incredible. Siren Visual have bundled in a plethora of special features for fans to feast their eyes on. Included in the release is two OVAs, a special episode and of course the usual clean opening and ending credits. The OVAs and special episode are well worth the watch and give the release some real rewatch value. This is a great deal of substantial bonus content from Siren Visual in an all around great anime release.

Overall
There aren’t many anime out there that are like Night Raid 1931. Heck even the ones that come close just aren’t quite like it. There is something intangibly special about this anime that is hard to nail down. It proves to be a wildly fun anime series that all the while can take viewers to some pretty dark places when it wants to. Its a crime drama that will no doubt have you hooked.

So what exactly is it about Night Raid 1931 that makes it so very addictive? Well its quite simple really. Night Raid 1931 doesn’t take itself too seriously. It sits nicely in the middle ground of light-hearted and deadly serious and its a comfortable place for an anime like this to be seated. It invites viewers in with a playful sense of excitement and keeps them hooked with the intense drama and action. It is a winning combination for Night Raid 1931 and it proves to overshadow any pacing issues the series may have.

Night Raid 1931 is excitement in a bottle, once you pop that lid, you just can’t close it. It is addictive anime through and through and we wouldn’t have Night Raid 1931 any other way.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call 3DS Model Revealed for Japan

Dustin Spencer

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February 5, 2014

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It is always nice to see a new model of the 3DS. Will the west get lucky on this one? Probably not. It is still nice to wish though. Today it was announced that Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call will receive its own 3DS model, which you of course can view above.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is an eShop title that takes the original title (see our review here) and mixes things up with the new “vs. mode“. For importers, it will also be good to know that this new, slick model comes with the game pre-installed, and releases on April 21st for the region. It is still unknown if us in the west will see either the game or the bundle, but stay tuned and hopefully Square Enix will weigh in.

Nintendo Releases New Commercial for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Dustin Spencer

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February 5, 2014

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Diddy, Cranky, Dixie, and the big banana himself are back again in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and this time we have been treated to some decent televised promotion for the game. A long time ago, Nintendo used to do quite well in creating some original commercials for their products, but that kind of marketing seen some age and was scrapped for more to the point ads.

Today, a new commercial has risen for the latest Wii U title – due out on February 21st, and I must say that it is a refreshing change to see Nintendo back doing this type of promotion. Yes, the game is looking good, but the commercial isn’t too shabby either and might just be the punch you need to feel the hype. Check it out below.

Wagnaria!!2 and new standard editions for past NIS America anime available now

Travis Bruno

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February 5, 2014

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Fans of Wagnaria!! (Working!!) might have had to wait a bit for their order to be licensed and brought to the States, but it is finally ready and prepared for your viewing pleasure. Today Wagnaria’s second season, the full title being Wagnaria!!2 Complete Second Series Premium Edition, has been made released. The series will be on Blu-ray only and comes with a fully illustrated hardcover art book and a collectible slipcase, both of which can be seen above.

Also, you may remember that last month NIS America announced that they would be releasing standard editions of kimi ni todoke -From Me to You- Volumes 1 through 3 and Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 1 & 2. Well today those series have been released at a more affordable price and will still include all of the on-disc bonus content that the premium releases contained. All of these titles can currently be purchased from NIS America’s online store.