Nippon Ichi Software
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Village in the Shade review for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Village in the Shade offers a unique blend of farming simulation and supernatural horror, setting itself apart from typical genre entries. While the core farming mechanics are solid and familiar, the game excels with its intriguing story, complex characters, and unsettling horror elements that emerge during nighttime excursions. Despite some pacing issues and forced tutorials, the game is a rewarding experience for those patient enough to uncover its secrets.
Japan’s best-selling games of August 2026 – Rhythm Heaven Groove on top, Village in the Shade has a strong debut
Famitsu has released Japan's best-selling games for August 2026, with Rhythm Heaven Groove topping the charts for the second month. Village in the Shade debuted strongly, while Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition also saw significant sales. Nintendo Switch 2 hardware sales saw a slight increase.
PlayStation is "hearing the feedback from customers" on discs, says JRPG boss whose business is built on…
Nippon Ichi Software president Kenzo Saruhashi suggests Sony is listening to customer feedback regarding the planned discontinuation of physical PlayStation discs in 2028. While Sony has not announced any changes, Saruhashi expressed hope that discussions might alter the future direction, emphasizing the importance of physical editions to his company's business model.
PAX West 2026 - Scenes from the Show Floor
PAX West 2026 highlighted a strong showing of indie games, with major publishers like Nintendo and Capcom absent. The event featured new sections like the Indie Incubator and Artist Alley, drawing large crowds to independent developers. Several promising titles were showcased, including the roguelite FPS MURDEER, the JRPG-inspired Terra Nova: Legend of the Runes, and the physics-based 3D platformer The Box is Alive.
Review: Disgaea Mayhem (Switch 2)
Disgaea Mayhem attempts to translate the Disgaea series' charm into a musou-style action RPG, but ultimately falls short due to repetitive gameplay, small environments, and a lack of compelling content for its $60 price tag. While the game looks and feels like Disgaea, its thin mechanics and short playtime make it a difficult recommendation for fans of the genre.
Unique PS5 RPG Party Game Gets Free Demo on PlayStation Store
A free demo for the chaotic 4-player RPG party game, The Prinny Party: Going Overboard!, is now available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Developed by Nippon Ichi Software, the demo features a 'Super-Spicy mode' and allows players to experience core gameplay mechanics like earning experience, acquiring equipment, and cooperative boss battles. The full game is set to launch on November 11, 2026.
Rhapsody 2: Ballad of the Little Princess is this week’s Console Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2
Rhapsody 2: Ballad of the Little Princess is being released on the Nintendo Switch via Hamster's Console Archives series on August 20 for $14.99. Originally developed by Nippon Ichi Software in 1999, this musical RPG follows Kururu on her quest to find her ideal prince. The Console Archives version will feature English interface and manual, with the game content remaining in Japanese.
Gorgeous PS5 Adventure Horror Game Gets Trailer, Release Date
Nippon Ichi Software's adventure horror game, Village in the Shade, has received a new trailer and a confirmed release date of October 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The game, which blends cute farming simulation elements with a sinister narrative, has already sold over 150,000 copies in Japan. A limited edition is available for pre-order, and players can choose between a standard experience or a 'Village in the Sunshine' mode.
Village in the Shade gets Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch release date
Village in the Shade will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, 2026, according to a Nintendo eShop listing. The hand-painted farming simulation game, previously released in Japan as Hono Gurashi no Niwa, allows players to plant crops, customize their homestead, and interact with characters in the Japanese mountain village of Kagatsu. Players must adhere to specific rules, including not talking to strangers, not leaving the village, and avoiding going out at night, as they uncover the village's secrets.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling Switch 2 and Switch digital games for July 2026
Nintendo has released the best-selling digital games for the Japanese Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch eShops for July 2026. Splatoon 3 debuted at number one on the Switch 2 charts, while Rhythm Heaven Groove topped the Switch charts. The data includes a wide range of titles, from new releases like Village in the Shade and Digimon Story: Time Stranger to perennial sellers like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Ubisoft CEO suggests there are pros and cons to Sony's plan to end the production of discs, 'but I think it…
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's plan to end physical game disc production by January 2028 will not significantly disrupt the industry. He suggests that a digital-only approach could lead to more accessible hardware prices, similar to trends seen in PC gaming. While acknowledging both advantages and disadvantages, Guillemot anticipates minimal overall impact on the gaming landscape.
Sega president says 'we still value the culture of physical media' but 'believe that a digital shift is…
Sega president Shuji Utsumi stated that while the company values physical media, a digital shift is crucial for the future of console and PC gaming. He emphasized the need to strengthen digitalization to cultivate the market, especially with the increasing proportion of PC players globally. Utsumi also acknowledged Sony's plans to end new game disc production in 2028, noting that Sega, despite its history as a hardware provider, is adapting to the evolving landscape.
Disgaea Creator Says Sony May As Well Scrap PlayStation Consoles If It’s Killing Game Discs
Disgaea series creator Sohei Niikawa believes Sony should discontinue PlayStation consoles if it plans to eliminate physical game discs by 2028. Niikawa argues that physical editions foster a connection between fans and developers and serve as sentimental keepsakes. He suggests that executives making these decisions may not understand the value fans place on physical media.
PlayStation "may as well eliminate the hardware" if Sony is ending physical discs, says creator of Disgaea RPG…
Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game discs for PlayStation by 2028. He argues that physical editions are crucial for collectors, fans, and preserving game history, suggesting that if Sony eliminates discs, they might as well eliminate the hardware itself. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro regarding the future of physical media.
Disgaea Mayhem review for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Disgaea Mayhem for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 shifts the series to an action RPG format, retaining its signature humor and deep progression systems like Item World and Reincarnation. While the gameplay experiments with a new genre, the repetitive mission design and a less engaging story prevent it from reaching its full potential, making it a better fit for series fans than newcomers.
Prinny Party: Going Overboard announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
NIS America and Nippon Ichi Software have announced Prinny Party: Going Overboard for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, set to release in 2026. This party game involves players traversing a board, battling demons, and upgrading equipment to defeat the Supreme Overboard, with a focus on competitive cooperation where only one player can claim boss victory.
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure is this week’s Console Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2
Hamster Corporation announced that Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure will be released on Nintendo Switch's Console Archives tomorrow, July 9. Originally developed by Nippon Ichi Software in 1998, this musical RPG follows Cornet as she befriends puppets on a quest to rescue a prince. The Console Archives series adds modern features like customizable controls and save points to classic titles.
Disgaea Director Yoshitsuna Kobayashi Returns With New Shooting RPG 'Cosmicgalaxywars' on Steam; It’s No
CosmicGalaxyWars, a new shooting RPG from Disgaea director Yoshitsuna Kobayashi, is now available on PC via Steam. This marks Kobayashi's first project in over 20 years, shifting from strategy RPGs to a bullet hell experience with roguelike elements and extensive replayability. The game features a minimal tutorial approach, encouraging players to discover its mechanics through experimentation.
Shinigami Hime to Ishokan no Kaibutsu details base facility creatures
Nippon Ichi Software has released new details and screenshots for their upcoming adventure game, Shinigami Hime to Ishokan no Kaibutsu. The information focuses on the creatures that inhabit the game's base facilities.
Disgaea Mayhem Preview - Disgaea Branches Out
Disgaea Mayhem is a new musou-style spin-off from the Disgaea series, featuring a new 3D art style and action combat. Players control N.A. on a mission for the current overlord Tichelle to reclaim a stolen artifact. The game is set to release in Summer 2026 for PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.