The story of Joan of Arc, heroine of France and historical legend, is known to many. The tale tells of a young lass who hears the voice of God telling her to save France from the wicked English. She does so by taking up arms and slaughtering people Old Testament style. The game Jeanne D’arc follows this theme, but throws in animal human hybrids, elves, demons, and just about every other fantasy cliché one can dream up. It still takes place in France, it still stars Jeanne herself, and it even features burning at the stake, but players certainly won’t be gaining any historical insight when playing.

What they will gain is one of the finest portable strategy RPG experiences they’ll probably ever play.

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This generation Japanese RPGs haven’t really ridden the momentum they had going for them during the PS2 days. Both the PS1 and the PS2 were literally an everlasting cave of wonders for gamers who love JRPGs. Unfortunately this generation I can’t say the same yet, with only a handful of them out 3-4 years into this generation, none of them are really much to write home about. My optimism hasn’t been flushed down the toilet yet, because aside from the powerhouse that is Final Fantasy XIII, there are still a few such as Resonance of Fate and White Knight Chronicles coming down the pipeline with something worth offering to the genre. Today I got a little hands on time with the PS3 exclusive White Knight Chronicles to see what this has different in store for us.

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White Knight Chronicles gets closer and closer as we pine away and envy the fact that Japan has had this game for months already. Despite it being out for some time now in the Land of the Rising Sun, Level-5 is still adding new features to the game! I thoroughly respect those [few] companies left that still remember that they gave birth to that game and treat it like their own. Well White Knight Chronicles, the PS3 exclusive RPG slated to reach North America in early 2010, has received a patch in the Japanese version which allows for voice chat among friends within towns and quests in WKC’s online mode. Loot drops have been ramped up to be more beneficial, and lastly you will also be able to unlock PlayStation Home rewards such as a knight costume for your avatar and a giant knight statue for your Home. Still unknown how they will be unlocked, but these features will all surely be included on the final version of the North American release.

Being rewarded for playing my games? Finally! We’ve been in dire need of a few more decent JRPGs this generation, here’s to hoping White Knight Chronicles fills that ever-so-painful void.

[Source: Siliconera]

Considering Japan recently got treated to news of a sequel to Level-5’s HD JRPG White Knight Chronicles, it is even better news to hear that the original will finally be heading to North America. Set to arrive in the infamous “Q1 2010″ window (approximately February 2010, to be more specific), it could be possible that, despite being highly anticipated by many North American RPG fans, it may get lost in the deluge of titles arriving in those first three months of 2010.

Although no official announcement has been made, last Thursday’s PSN update included the addition of a new trailer of the game, revealing the Febuary 2010 release date. Hit the break to see the trailer — in English!

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Recently revealed at the Tokyo Game Show were the details of White Knight Chronicles‘ new online components. To be released in the retail version in North America and given as a patch to the already-released Japanese version, the new online components will be shared through the appropriately titled Online Mode. Three new modes will become available, allowing players to interact with one another, design their own town, and take on quests.

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When it comes to the Professor Layton series, Japan seems to have all the fun. While we here in North America only just received the second game, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, Japan has had one full trilogy, part of a second, and plans for a third (that’s 9 games!). In January, they will also get the first (of what promises to also become a series) of animated films based on the games’ characters but featuring new storylines, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. The story of this first film takes place after the events of the third game (not yet released in the US), Professor Layton and the Devil’s Flute, and was crafted by Level 5 president and series creator Akihiro Hino.

As of right now, the movie looks to be Japan-only; however, Level-5 is rumored to be shopping the film out for a possible English adaptation. Check out a sub-titled trailer and stills gallery after the break.

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After recently completing the original Professor Layton title, I was eagerly awaiting the US arrival of the second in the series, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box. The sequel picks up where the first left off, as Layton receives a letter from his mentor mentioning the mysterious Elysian Box, said to kill all who dare open it. Fearing for his friend’s safety, Layton and Luke immediately set off to visit him.

So begins the second adventure of the famous puzzle-solving professor. But does this installment continue the magic of the first, or is it something best left unexplored?

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