Japanese action RPG Pandora's Tower has been available in Europe since April 2012, and no news was ever heard regarding a North American localisation - until now.
It looked as though the critically acclaimed Wii game had slipped through the net, but localisation specialist XSEED Games has revealed it has picked up the game and will be bringing it to North America in Spring 2013.
In a press release, XSEED CEO Shinichi Suzuki said the following:
It's fantastic to be bringing such a highly-anticipated title like Pandora's Tower to such a vocal fan base. North American gamers have been very patient in waiting for this game to be released, and we're confident they will be pleased when they get their hands on the title.
This vocal fanbase he refers to is most likely Operation Rainfall, a campaign created by eager fans in the hope of getting three Japanese Wii RPGs to America. The other two titles were Xenoblade Chronicles, published by Nintendo in the end, and The Last Story, which was also published by XSEED.
XSEED did a pretty stand up job with The Last Story and the game quickly became the company's most successful game of all time. It'll be hoping for similar success with Pandora's Tower.
What are your thoughts on this, North Americans? Are you happy to see Pandora's Tower finally emerge after such a long wait? Let us know in the comments section below.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments 83
Great news, glad to see that more people will get the chance to play the game!
It's a very underrated game, and an amazing experience that I can wholeheartely recommend!
It's almost too late now! I'm not sure I really care anymore.
Damnit...I was hoping I was done getting Wii games...And this is one that I only want to get to support XSEED - from everything I've heard, it's terrible from a gameplay perspective. 'Course, people said the same thing about Fez, too...
This just made my day. YES!!!!!
After the huge success of The Last Story, this was definitely worth a punt for them! I'm worried that this won't get as much attention though, because when LS came out there was nothing for Wii... Now there's Wii U
I loved playing this game, I'd recommend getting it!
@CanisWolfred
Terrible would be a big overstatement. Pandora's Tower won't appeal to everyone, but it's a pretty good game and well worth playing.
@C-Olimar
Now there's Wii U... but there is a pretty empty looking software schedule, so maybe this release won't do too badly anyway.
Operation Rainfall is a success! Sorta....
There was a time when I didn't care for JRPGs because they didn't appeal to me. When I heard about Operation Rainfall I figured I'd give it a look, and I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story. I'm excited I'll finally be able to try Pandora's Tower, since my hopes of being able to play this were gone months ago.
Weird. I had given up all hope that this would come to NA. Of course, I really didn't care that much either as it was the Operation Rainfall title that I cared the least about, but who knows...maybe I'll pick up a copy just to completely my collection!
I would have much rather that they published Rodea the Sky Soldier, but oh well. This is still cool news and a smart move since WiiU is pretty slow out of the gate in terms of exclusives. So this will attract both Wii owners who desperately want something new as well as WiiU owners starving for a fresh experience.
Congrats to those americans that have been waiting for it. It's a good game but don't be fooled, it's not an rpg and it's not as good as Xenoblade or TLS.
Just read this on Facebook. It's quite belated, since we already have the WiiU, but I'm glad I'll get a chance to play this. I really hope XSEED will include an artbook and soundtrack in a preorder bundle. The artbook is what I'm really interested in.
@DarkCoolEdge I love the fact that it's not an RPG. I've had quite enough of those. We need more Japanese games that aren't RPGs, but share the quality of design and execution.
This is great news, but i'm still pushing for them to release Retro Game Master 2, even if it's download only.
The Wii lives in 2013!!!!!
I've been thinking of picking up a wii mini, so this could be a great last wii game
They should just release it on the eShop to save money. It's hard to believe that a whole lot of people will be picking this up at retail.
Way too late
They should release it on the Wii U eshop instead.
I hope you Americans pick up this fantastic underrated gem. Its not as good as Xenoblade chronicles but its better than The last story.
I got it a few weeks ago and I'm currently in the Ironclad turret, the fifth tower and it's a fantastic game! Tbh, the lukewarm reception it got surprises me, It seems likely that it will end up being the second best game I got last year (second to Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the new world, another very underrated game). The towers are varied and are very well designed and the combat is a lot of fun and it's got some great boss fights. The relationship between Aeron and Ceres is also done really well even if Aeron could be more expressive.
If you're still worried about some of the complaints it got, I haven't noticed any drops in frame rate and the fixed camera only caused me trouble in one room but for the most part its fine. I also think that the design of the towers is better than the design of the dungeons in some Zelda games.
Wow, speechless....
Fantastic news!
Not really interested in the game personally but it's great to see that the original Wii can look forward to at least one more good game.
I just hope the Wii U can get amazing RPG's earlier in its life. I t seems like all the good RPG's on the Wii came out very late in it's life.
By a pretty wide margin Pandora's Tower was the Operation Rainfall game I was least interested in, but I'd be willing to give it a shot if it's priced around $30 or so. Even if XSeed prices it higher though, I'm glad that the NA fans that most wanted to play it are getting their chance.
@TwilightV - I'm with you there. Even as a digital-only release, I'd be on Retro Game Challenge 2 like white on rice.
Good stuff. You Americans finally get to play the best of the three
I beat the game with the Pal version.
One of the most heart driven games i've EVER played. Im glad its coming to the US , but honestly compared to the PAL version WHAT CAN YOU LOCALIZE?! I hope they dont change any voices or anything cause the english VA's did an excellent job, really top notch.
Finally! The Trio is alligned.
REJOICE! REJOICE!
I preferred this game way more than the last story. This game was fun and I completed it and it has replay value. I found the last story a real chore and gave up and sold it after about 12 - 15 hrs waiting for it to get good. Give this game a go. Its very good 8/10
Eh, I think I'll pass. I'm sure it's great and all, but Xenoblade was good enough for me.
OMG! I'm so happy about this. I have Xenoblade and Last Story, but didn't think this would ever be released here. I'm soooooooo getting it!
Is this a joke? it's not a joke, right? If it's a joke, I'll kill you Andy Green!!
This is most unexpected news I've heard in a very long time!! I never EVER expected that Pandora's Tower would arrive in NA, specially since the Wii U is th focus now. I'm so happy!!!
Ahhhhh, if only us European could get Trauma Team...... But good that PT make it to NA
finally, cant wait!!!
YES! YES!
I've already imported one, managed to get the deluxe edition for only 40 USD, at least 10 bucks cheaper than AAA wii title are. For those americans who haven't imported, definately worth a buy. Was my favorite of all the Rainfall games, ranks number 2 on my favorite wii games list, and overall games list is in my top 10 for sure. It's miles better than the Last Story (which i personally found dissapointing) and a little bit better than Xenoblade (which ranks 4 on my top wii games).
Ugh. Why would they waste their time with this game? It didn't even get as good reviews as the other two, plus I hear it's too short.
i though xseed said no more CART based releases all be digital only
I haven't tried the game and I'm not sure I'm going to buy it, but I think it's great that this game gets a release in North America. It seems like a good game, it would be sad if a game that is already in available in Europe and as I understand is a a part of a "game trio" with Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story (which are already out in North America) didn't get this release.
I might actually consider a 2nd copy, if the deluxe edition (if we get one) is any good, or if there are good preorer bonus, or if there is some kind of extra/different content. All of which I honestly doubt, given the lacklustre localization of Last Story I wouldn't be suprised if it is the PAL version on NTSC discs and some lame paperback artbook (A real artbook isn't just some plain paper, Its hardcover, or at least a thicker paper than a school textbook.).
Actually, I kinda agree with DreamingHawk as this is the lowest rated game of the three.
I also fear XSeed will be let down by the sales. I think they're letting the ridiculous success of The Last Story go to their heads.
Why not Disaster, too? That one doesn't even need translating!
So it is coming! So many games, so little money.
@TheDreamingHawk and @brandonbwii
Reviewers aren't always right, I think this is a fantastic game it's a lot better than reviewers made out. It is also not too short. I've been playing for over 10 hours and I'm only on the fifth tower. Although, I have been revisiting some towers to get more meat to sell to Mavda so that I can get some good gifts for Ceres as a reward. I'm trying to get our affinity as high as I can to get the best ending. Besides, the content is more important than the length. I beat Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Earth in 5 hours but still think it was worth the 1,200 points I spent on it because of how good it was.
@Spark_Of_Spirit
I agree!
:')
Some time ago, I signed the O.R. petition and it was for an improved release and localization of said games. With the good work done in Lunar, The Last Story If any one altes got the rights, then I'd expect nothing to adjusted from the EU release.
-I excited for news from Xseed, I just got the need to play Sky Crawlers now. :~) later.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss this is the game i wanted the most of all the games in Operation Rainfall
YES! YES!
This was my most anticipated Operation Rainfall game. So excited for this!
I plan to pick this up,
@fonis
True, it may just be a fantastic game, but I could practically hear the collective sighs when reviews started pooring in. I actually hope it does well and the reviews themselves don't lead to poor sales.
OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!! I'M SOOO EXCITED!!!! I gave up on this game, and right now I am literally crying tears of joy. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
Nice to see this coming to our shores. This is one of those odd games that I normally wouldn't like because of the time limit and stuff, but sounds so awesome I wanna play it anyway.
Hopefully XSEED is rewarded for their efforts.
I hope thisll be available via eShop on wiiu
OMG I haven't checked this section in so long and Saw this article. What a wonderful surprise. Now if we can get Dragon Quest X online AWESOME!
awsome i got xenoblade and last story at launch in canada but havent started it yet lol
will get this day one as well
Jeez!
XSEED keeps making me love them! I'm so glad that XSEED's financial department or whatever is giving this a go after the success of The Last Story. It's just too bad Nintendo didn't publish these games. Would've loved it if America had a chance to get those awesome Club Nintendo bonuses from owning all three games, like the Europeans did.
But thanks XSEED for being awesome to the niche American Japanese gaming crowd!
@TheDreamingHawk
Screw reviews.
Thanks again, Xseed. You are definitely getting my money with this one. It is so polarizing that I want to try it, and the premise sounds interesting and dark.
Anyone knows if this one is double layered as the other two OR games? My old Wii barely reads TLS and refuses to boot Xenoblade. Still no big deal as I have a Wii U now.
About time this is coming to NA! I lost interest when i didnt hear any news of its being release in the US. -_- Well...ill still get it since it was part of the BIG 3, i suppose...especially since people r saying this game better than The Last Story. I LOVE THE LAST STORY!! so PT better be just that.
Oh XSEED, your generosity is rivaled only by your dashingly good looks. Will be buying a couple copies of this on release, also hoping this relationship with Nintendo will continue in the future should a superhero once again need to rise to pick up games they decide not to localize. May bacon rain down upon your faces <3
Please not in March. My wallet's already sore from the amount of cash its going to be hemorrhaging from Monster Hunter, Bioshock, Aliens, Pikmin 3, and Walking Dead
"What do you say when Nintendo releases the game you want?"
" 'BOUT TIME!"
"That's my boy."
Well considering The Last Story was a dissapointment, I'm hoping Pandora's Tower fulfill's my expectations.
@AltDotNerd:
Dear XSEED,
Will you marry me?
Love,
SPJ
P.S. I have to echo BRAINFOX. March is going to be tough. If you insist, I guess I can resort to some...unconventional methods to raise some funds.
This has been my most anticipated game to get post-The Last Story, but I sorta gave up on it when I experienced Nintendo Land. It's my most anticipated game for 2013 now that its release has finally been confirmed. Can't wait to preorder this and eventually experience the game. Hopefully, I'll have The Last Story done beforehand.
Great game, far more action oriented than xenoblade or pandora's, better stories & characters too.
This is nice and all, but it's pretty late :l Release it on Wii-u instead!
I am super surprised to hear this, but also super happy. Day 1 buy for me.
I will now eat my hat. YUMMY!
This is awesome news! Will be buying day !
And for those of you who are saying, "well it's too late now." Or other moaning and complaining, you do remember your new Wii U plays Wii games, right? So buy the game support XSeed for bringing it to the US! They rock!
@sketchturner XSEED has already stated an interest in bringing Rodea the Sky Soldier stateside but it has to actually come out in Japan first which it still hasn't even though it's complete. I would assume the 3DS version will still come out eventually but I doubt the Wii version will ever see a retail release at this point outside of a Wii U eShop release. I'm thrilled the XSEED is bringing over Pandora's Tower and will support day 1 as I did with Xenoblade and Last Story. They are a great crew who has always answered e-mail questions and actually listens to the fans. Thank you XSEED.
YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!! I've always been WAY more interested in this game than The Last Story, and was disappointed that that one was released with no word about this one. But finally I'll get to play it!
Congrats... though now us Europeans are again the ones getting the shaft, what with no Trauma Team or Excitebots...
Wow, I genuinely was not expecting this. Sweet.
Pre ordering as soon as it becomes available! Finally!
Good news for the US,one of the best Wii games ever.
How about Kirby Dream Collection for Europe now?
Pre-ordering this baby the minute I can!
After like forever they decide to localize it, why such the long wait. This was the least anticipated one so they better remind players with Xenoblade and Last Story that this exists. Probably going to get it, just to keep to my word and complete the trio.
Oh dear, you guys still don't have it!! Nintendo really messed up, don't they!!
Don't leave the game on the shelf though! It's pretty fun!!
The Wii has ended with a Bang! Great games in the End
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