The Firefly Diaries

It's no secret that this writer loves Japanese role-playing games, so the latest trio announced by publisher NIS America has your humble host's wallet shuddering in despair – especially as all are confirmed for North American and European release. Almost as if we are physic, the first title is the curiously named htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary, which was featured earlier this week in a Matters of Import article. Coming to the PlayStation Vita this fall, a young girl named Mion explores ruins in search of her memories. Accompanied by two fireflies – one of shadow and one of light – each is controlled by a different side of the system. Chock full of more puzzles and accidental deaths than you can shake a stick at, it looks as if Murasaki Baby finally has a rival.

Criminal Girls

For those looking for some saucy action comes Criminal Girls: Invite Only, a Vita port of the original PlayStation Portable title – much akin to Danganronpa – which is set to release in 2015. Challenged with making seven sinners redeem themselves from an eternal life of hell, you'll need to motivate your girls to pass the four trials of redemption through battle. These girls answer to no one, though, as during combat they act entirely by their own. Not being able to leave their destinies to fate, you'll need to 'guide them' by using the touch screen. They do say that a trailer conveys more than a thousand words, and 'NSFW' is one of them.

Awakening Fate Ultimatum 620 X

Last but not least is The Awakened Fate Ultimatum, which is being released for the PlayStation 3 in 2015. After falling foul to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the devils during an ever eternal war, the angels went into hiding, creating a special crystal that could turn a human into a God. Rather than waiting for the ideal recipient, they give it to a young boy, who gets stabbed by a devil on his way home from school. Saving his life doesn't give them a 'free God' ticket, though, as you'll need to choose which of the opposing factions you want to aid.

Are any of these latest titles on your wish list, or are you going to pass? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.