Namco adds yet another title to the growing list of games delayed for Nintendo’s 3D console. The upcoming PS2 remake of Tales of the Abyss will not be heading to western shores this year as planned, though it will still make it to Europe this November. There is no firm date yet as to when the title will be released next year.
UPDATE: The North American release has been confirmed for February 14th, which will make for a lovely Valentines Day present for that gamer you love.
Namco had provided no specifics concerning the delay but it is pretty easy to assume the North American sales numbers of the hardware may be a factor. The other reason could be the release of Cave Story 3D and Super Mario 3D land set to be released in the same month. This news does not bode well for JRPG fans in the west as it is unknown how many similar projects may have been delayed or cancelled due to lackluster sales and support from Nintendo.
The worst part of the news is that you can’t even import the title from Europe due to the region lock on the system, making yet another oversight on Nintendo’s part for the 3DS.
Rian Quenlin
This is why I oppose region locks. EXACTLY why. It’s in English, hitting Europe, and because the 3DS is region-locked I can’t play it. Real smooth Nintendo, real smooth Namco, you both collaborated to ruin my evening.
Chris Hernandez
It’s not even like Xenosaga for the Wii because at least the Wii was hacked at that point to make it region free, there is simply no alternative but to buy a European 3DS if you want to play this game early.
For shame.