Level-5 Turns 10, Teams Up With Studio Ghibli

Dragon Quest VIII and Professor Layton developer Level-5 has announced a suite of new games to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary –- including a new Nintendo DS title featuring work from famed Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. As detailed in the latest issue of Japanese consumer magazine Famitsu, and as translated by forum NeoGAF, the role-playing game Ninokuni: The Another Word will feature animation from Studio Ghibli and come as part of an expansive package including a fully illustrated “Magic Master” book. Studio Ghibli is famed for traditionally animated movies such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, with many Japanese developers citing the studio’s work as a key inspiration. However, despite the clear crossover appeal, Studio Ghibli has previously avoided association with the video games industry, with acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki reportedly not a fan of the medium. Other new Level-5 games announced at the same time include a “horror RPG” named Ushiro, in which players take the role of a grim reaper-like shinigami from Japanese mythology. Fellow PSP role-playing game Carboard Senki appears to feature a lighter tone, with an upgradeable robot and environments made out of cardboard. Finally, a sequel to Nintendo DS soccer themed role-playing game Inazuma Eleven has also been confirmed. It is unclear which if any of these new titles will be adapted for release in the West, although none of the games are due for release in Japan until next year.