Release just today in Nintendo's eShop is a game that many figured would never see this side of the ocean. It's Liberation Maiden, from beloved gonzo game developer Grasshopper Manufacture, developer of such hardcore hits las Killer 7 and No More Heroes.
The premise is simple: it's a 3D shooter that's set 100 years in the future and staring a high school girl who became the President of Japan after her father was assassinated. She defends her proud country by piloting a giant mecha from various kinds of menaces. Yes, it's a fairly pedestrian set up, but trust us, the game itself is top-notch.
Liberation Maiden was original one of several games that was part of Guild01, published by Level-5 (best know as the developers of Professor Layton, though their portfolio is extremely diverse in Japan). It was essentially devised as a mix tape, where various noteworthy designers were all invited to create quick and quirky offerings.
Many assumed that it would be yet another Japanese only title, but recently it was announced that the retail package would be cut into pieces and sold digitally. Liberation Maiden is the very first of these releases.
Unfortunately, one of the four games is not making the jump. Thankfully, Aero Porter, a baggage handling simulator by Yoot Saito, best known for Seamn for the Dreamcast, and Crimson Shroud, a traditional RPG by Yasumi Matsuno, best known for Ogre Battle and Final Fantasy Tactics, are still forthcoming.
Liberation Maiden is available now for just $7.99. It's highly recommended.
