The partnership made in anime heaven just got a little sweeter. Earlier this week, the Japanese game publication Famitsu revealed that Ni No Kuni, the DS game developed by Dragon Quest/Professor Layton developer Level-5 and legendary animation team Studio Ghibli, is going to receive a proper HD update and release on the PlayStation 3. If the promise of Ghibli's gorgeously animated cutscenes and wildly imaginative style in 1080p didn't sell you on this game already, the newly released trailer for the PS3 version of the game just might. 
 
    
 
If you're even the least bit interested in Japanese RPGs, then you understand why fans are so excited about this partnership. Level-5 developed the last two major releases in the Dragon Quest franchise to wild critical and commercial acclaim, to say nothing of the other beloved franchises the team has under their belt. And Studio Ghibli is the animation house behind Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, some of the most beloved films to come out of Japan over the past two decades.  
 
Oh, and to top it off, the gameplay looks like it's directly inspired by the monster-battling antics of the Pokémon franchise. It practically reads like a love letter to Japanese game design. I'm half-surprised that Level-5 isn't billing this game's development as the collaboration of a new RPG "Dream Team." 
 
I'm glad I'll have the opportunity to see Studio Ghibli's art in 1080p, but what about you guys? Do you think that a console release is better suited for the kind of game Level-5 and Ghibli are developing?

The partnership made in anime heaven just got a little sweeter. Earlier this week, the Japanese game publication Famitsu revealed that Ni No Kuni, the DS game developed by Dragon Quest/Professor Layton developer Level-5 and legendary animation team Studio Ghibli, is going to receive a proper HD update and release on the PlayStation 3. If the promise of Ghibli's gorgeously animated cutscenes and wildly imaginative style in 1080p didn't sell you on this game already, the newly released trailer for the PS3 version of the game just might. 
 
    
 
If you're even the least bit interested in Japanese RPGs, then you understand why fans are so excited about this partnership. Level-5 developed the last two major releases in the Dragon Quest franchise to wild critical and commercial acclaim, to say nothing of the other beloved franchises the team has under their belt. And Studio Ghibli is the animation house behind Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, some of the most beloved films to come out of Japan over the past two decades.  
 
Oh, and to top it off, the gameplay looks like it's directly inspired by the monster-battling antics of the Pokémon franchise. It practically reads like a love letter to Japanese game design. I'm half-surprised that Level-5 isn't billing this game's development as the collaboration of a new RPG "Dream Team." 
 
I'm glad I'll have the opportunity to see Studio Ghibli's art in 1080p, but what about you guys? Do you think that a console release is better suited for the kind of game Level-5 and Ghibli are developing?

This looks amazing

OH MY GOD YES.

Pretty much my dream combination!

This should be a Team ICO game =( 
 
Oh well. If this ends up to be the 3D Pokemon RPG I've always wanted, then I'll still be a happy camper.

characters and monsters look really nice, XBOX? :(

This better come the the US!

" characters and monsters look really nice, XBOX? :( "

I wonder if this game will come to other territories.

The visuals are as awesome as the story title suggests. 
The gameplay ain't my thing, but I hope (and am sure) it will do well so Ghibli gets more involved in games.

This is better news then anything to come out of E3 this year. Been starving for more good PS3 RPGs and loving the worldmap inclusion too. 

That looks fucking  AMAZING on PS3

Beautiful. I can only hope for a western release.

I posted this story via Giantbomb on Facebook but when you click on the link it redirects to the general videos page rather than this article and/or video.  どうして?

This looks amazing.

I've been wanting Ghibli to write a game for ages, and now the technology has come along to do their vision justice.  It looks nigh on perfect, and I'd sell a kidney to be able to play the game right now.
 
...
 
Anybody want a kidney?

" This should be a Team ICO game =(  Oh well. If this ends up to be the 3D Pokemon RPG I've always wanted, then I'll still be a happy camper. "

Hot damn does that look good! Is it coming to the states?

I can't wait, I LOVE LEVEL 5!!!

Smart move. I can't wait. 

Oh hell yes. I'm sold.

looks awesome, cant wait for this game to come out

This does look properly incredible. Please English subtitles or, even better, Western release.

Wow, it's pretty impressive how well the animation style carries over into realtime. This seems like a weird move to me though...the ds version isn't even out yet, is it? This seems like it would kill sales of the ds version.

Level 5 did a whole lot to sour me with White Knight Chronicles.  And yeah, good combat and gameplay has never really been their forte.
 
This looks absolutely incredible, but too much reminds me of White Knight.  I don't think I can trust them.

Yay!!  Studio Ghibli, Level 5, amazing visuals, monster training. Sign me the "F" up! 

This reminds me in a lot of ways of the classic Digimon World. I'm pretty psyched!

Just hope it plays good.  We need more good JRPGs this gen.

" Just hope it plays good.  We need more good JRPGs this gen. "

I really hope we see a western release of this *fingers crossed*

Oh man, this looks great.

*raises glass* heres hoping it gets localized...though its likely it wont.

Studio Ghibli and Level-5!? I'm sold.

Monster design is nifty; reminds me of Team Symphonia X PS2 Final Fantasy critters.

This is probably the title I am most excited about for TGS this year (hope it's playable there).  Gorgeous animations, world design, it has Studio Ghibli and Level 5 both working on it, plus some other really talented individual developers.  This and Last Guardian are topping my anticipated games list, and really really hope I can play both at TGS. 
 
Is there a formal release date [in Japan] for either the PS3 or DS version? The DS is in December I think, so the PS3 either alongside of in 2011?  I'll probably get both versions, frankly.

Oh, Roger Ebert's head is going to split when he hears about this.

I think it looks amazing, but I'm not really into the whole "animals doing the fighting for you in battles" thing. Reminds me of Pokemon.

Well it certainly looks good.

I would rather have a new Mother game. Points to anybody who could connect it with this game.

Finally a reason to dust off and use my PS3 :)

Sweet, never expected to see this getting reported on GB, so good job!

Holy eeefff...

I love Studio Ghibli, this looks pretty damn sweet.

Overworld? I'm in!