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Shiren the Wanderer brings some disappointing news to North Americans

by: Tina -
More On: Shiren the Wanderer
Shiren the Wanderer releases in February of the upcoming new year in North America, but we’re getting some screens and info pre-release.

Beside the screenshots, Atlus’ blog for the game is also up for those that want to keep an eye out on what’s to come. As a word of warning, the publishers brought what must be some disappointing news for North Americans: three online features found in the Japanese version of Shiren the Wanderer will not be found in the NA version. These include Rescue, Versus, and Item Transfers. However, Atlus is still certain that the game will be received warmly and that gamers will enjoy it all the same.

ATLUS UNLEASHES A METRIC-TON OF CONTENT FOR SHIREN THE WANDERER, RELEASES FIRST ENGLISH SCREENSHOTS, FINAL NORTH AMERICAN BOX ART, AND FIRST OFFICIAL BLOG ENTRY
Also, important news regarding the game's online features

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19, 2009 -- Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today unloaded a plethora of content for Shiren the Wanderer™, the upcoming critically-acclaimed RPG for Wii™. In addition to the game's final North American box art and the first batch of English screenshots, the publisher also updated the game's release date and introduced an official blog, offering fans an intricate look into the game, its exciting millenium-spanning narrative, and its addictive RPG mechanics.

The publisher also revealed that three online features from the Japanese version of the game would not be included in the North American release:

"Despite our best efforts, the North American version of Shiren will not include the Rescue, Versus, or Item Transfer online features," stated Aram Jabbari, Manager of PR and Sales at Atlus. "However, the downloadable dungeon content from the Japanese version will be included on the disc. Without these subfeatures, Shiren is still a fantastic RPG, one we hope all gamers can experience and enjoy. Still, we understand that the absence of these features may influence some fans' decision to purchase the game, which is why we are bringing this to their attention as soon as possible."

"The game was exceptionally reviewed by famed Japanese gaming publication Famitsu (9/9/8/9) and warmly received by the Japanese gaming community," continued Jabbari, "not because of any of its subfeatures, but for being the most accessible, best looking, most exciting entry in the series to date. We're confident North American gamers will agree."

Shiren the Wanderer is currently scheduled for release on February 9, 2010.

About Shiren the Wanderer
For a thousand years, a princess has slept inside the Karakuri Mansion. When Shiren's former master bestows upon him the Karakuri key, he quickly finds himself entangled in a millennium-old mystery, wandering through past and present to unravel the story of the girl and vanquish an ancient, lurking evil...

Key Features

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Epic adventure in feudal Japan -- As the wandering samurai Shiren, you will explore a vision of historic Japan that is beautiful and vibrant. An epic story that begins 1000 years prior takes you through villages and dungeons and places you alongside figures straight out of Japanese mythology.
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Variable challenge -- A brand new easy mode lets even newcomers to the genre find a foothold while experienced players will find a more rigorous challenge in Normal mode. Post-game activities will test the most advanced gamer with additional quests, super dungeons, a tournament, and the "ultimate challenge"-the Millennium Dungeon, a pain-staking 1,000 floor dungeon crawl.
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Challenging depth and strategy -- Control your time in the dungeons down to the details. Choose direct control over your party members or take advantage of the excellent AI that lets you specify attitude and tendency. Power up equipment through the new Dragon Orb system, and imbue them with special abilities via more than 100 Seals. New Spells allow targeted casting of effects on enemies.