First, we are reporting that Tales of Destiny II has just hit Japan, which should be the go signal for the guys who have already bookmarked their favorite import site (and can probably speak Nihonggo). In line with that, Namco Bandai also stated that everybody should be ready for a suprise announcement to be made this February 21 on their Tales channel site.

Yes, we know, that "suprise" can mean anything at this point, although another taking place provides hints of what could be in the works. A GoNintendo blogger has just reported that he received an email from Namco Bandai, and it contained a survey regarding the Tales series. See below:

 

What catches our attention regarding this survey is the section on consoles, which may provide hints of Namco Bandai's future console plans for the Tales franchise. Connecting the dots, could this mean a multi-platform release in the near future? Do we hear murmurs from the PS3/Wii/Xbox fans... How about the DS dudes? Of course, this is just pure speculation at this point - just wait until the 21st to see what they have planned.

 

There's still no word if Tales of Destiny II is scheduled to be released in other territories except Japan. But just like you, we can't get enough of it. The last time around we interrupted the flow of screenshots and looked at a trailer. Here's another change: go back to ol' good screenshots and add two new TV spots.

It seems that Namco Bandai is going all out for this game, at least in Japan - the PS2 original was launched 2002; the much-anticipated PSP version will launch in Japan on February 15, 2007. The game has an excellent background story, a linear motion battle system (real-time instead of turn-based), and various quests.

Right. Enough chatter, here are some more new screenshots for Tales of Destiny II. The two TV ads can be watched via the Read link below. Enjoy and keep hoping that the game will finally reach North American shores.

   

Enough of them screenshots. Not that we don't want any more of them. But for a change, instead of clicking on thumbnails to get a bigger and better view, why don't we click on Play. Yep. That shiny big blue button on the screen below ought to give you the Japanese trailer of Namco Bandai's Tales of Destiny II.

Now, this PS2 original title heading to your PSP will be out in just a little under a week: February 15, at least in Japan. So, while there's still no word as to whether or not it will be shipped to other territories, might as well check out the trailer. We're pretty sure imports are dearly welcomed by you guys, anyway.

Can't get enough of Tales of Destiny II? Us neither, so imagine our bliss when we stumbled upon this new batch of screenshots courtesy of Jeux France.

You've seen the cutscene screens and you already know that the game will have additional content (including new characters, an illustration gallery, and a new anime opening movie. So what could we possibly tell you this time that you guys don't know already? Well, for one, some of you guys probably aren't aware yet that Tales of Destiny II will make use of the LMBS (Linear Motion Battle System), which is a bit similar to a 2D fighting game.

What this basically means is that attacks, spells, and other special techniques are executed instantly. Unlike in the earlier titles, there always seems to be some sort of lag between the moment a spell is cast and the time when you see it being executed on your screens. So unlike the two earlier games off the Tales series, Destiny II will execute spells in real-time, much thanks also to the graphical prowess of the PSP.

And so to give you a glimpse of just how the game will play out on your handhelds, here are a whole buncha screens for you to drool (or quite possibly, cry) over. Harhar. Enjoy!

A whole lot more where that came from, fellas. Head on to the full article!

The source for this one is in Japanese, and given the unwieldiness of online translation engines, if anything here seems a bit off, feel free to point it out in the comments.

Games Watch reports that the PSP Version of Tales of Destiny 2 will include some additional content. There will be three new characters, an illustration gallery, and a new anime opening movie (screens of which you may have already seen).

Tales of Destiny 2 is set to hit retail in Japan on February 15, 2007. For more screens of the new opening movie, and the original Nihongo report, feel free to use our read-link below.

This is the only game we've ever heard of where there's a spell-slinging female companion named Harold, and a bone mask-wearing fighter named Judas who, for once, is not a priest as well. Still, Tales of Destiny II is a fine action game that never saw the light of day in the US. Now that it's coming to the PSP, we can't help but wish that an American adaptation of the game was already in place.

One of the things we like about Namco Bandai's port is that they probably won't skimp on the add-ons. If there are more animated cutscenes and new quests or areas, then you can bet someone's going to want to relive the original game in handheld form. For now, we have some cutscene screenies to tide us over.

Tales of Destiny II will be headed to Japanese store shelves on February 15. Import fans, start watching your favorite importers for word on how to get one.

More screenies after the Jump!

One of the simplest pleasures in life is scratching an itch. Another pleasure in life (although just not as simple) is whooping some enemies by unleashing a solid 99-hit combo onto their sorry butts. Namco Bandai scratches the itch by letting us go wild in battle. That's what the Tales series is known for.

Tales of Destiny II is chaining up some hits for its February 15 release in Japan. The former PS2 title is getting some handheld treatment but still there's not much word about an English version. That doesn't stop us from hoping. Especially after seeing this massive dose of screenshots, we feel like having to scratch our combo-chaining itches.

   

Still itching for more? Thought so. Scratch the "Full Article" link below for the rest of the combo!

For the fans of Namco's Tales series, the original Tales of Destiny for the PSone is one of the more memorable RPGs out there. Epic story, well-developed characters, exciting "real-time" battle system, and a talking sword named Dymlos. Aah, those were the days. Despite having to reminisce today, we can't help but feel a twinge of bittersweetness tug at my heart chords.

We know that Tales of Destiny II is coming out for the PSP. Now don't be confused. This is an old game which came out in Japan for the PS2 but never saw the light of day in North America. This is because another Tales of Destiny II came to America, but this was actually Japan's Tales of Eternia. There was some translation trademark hoopla going on and so, the aforesaid true sequel never arrived to the states.

For what it's worth, maybe we'd get a chance at it this time around with the PSP port. That's why I'm feeling a bittersweet.  Because for this title to jump onto the boat headed to the US is 50-50. Wanna know what you're missing? Check out the Kingdom Hearts Sora-look-alike in the screens below!

  

Check out more pics! Hack and slash behind the "Full Article" link below!

We have exciting news for fans of the Tales series of games for various systems. Namco's Tales of Destiny II for the PS2 is getting ported over to the PSP.

Set to be released in Japan by on February 15, 2007, the game will also retail for ¥ 5040, or about US$ 44. Unfortunately, there is still no news regarding the game's availability in North America or Europe, though we're expecting for a translation to eventually come along, considering the title's popularity.

For those not familiar with the original PS2 version, the story begins 1000 years before Tales of Destiny I, when a comet collided with the planet and caused an ice age. The survivors who wanted nothing more than the light of the sun, created the Lens, an energy source which was found in the remains of the comet, and used this to create the floating city of Dycroft. The residents of the flying city eventually came to dominate the land-dwellers as they created the weapon Belcrant, and the war between Heaven and Earth began.

The creators of Belcrant sided with the land-dwellers and made lens weapons known as Swordians (sentient swords) to counter Belcrant. The Swordian Masters eventually defeated the people of the floating city and sunk Dycroft into the ocean. The Swordians lay dormant for centuries after that. However, trouble brews once again as Dycroft's supposedly dead ruler makes a comeback armed with an enormous lens known as the Eye of Atamoni. And with that, the Swordians are rediscovered and reawakened to prevent the resurrection of Dycroft and restore peace in the land.

So, for new and old fans, here's some screenshots for now, and if you want to know more details about the game's battle system and story, just head on over to the official site, but just remember to bring someone who can read Japanese.

More screenshots after the jump!