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Nagle, who was present at 2009 Tokyo Game Show for to discover all about it. Ni no Kuni, is a fans dream, a collaboration between three popular studios, one of which is the venerated Studio Ghibli. Famous for its award winning animated films, Studio Ghibli has never been involved in a video game, until now. The next partner celebrates its 10th anniversary as a video game developer. Level 5, the creators of such major titles as Professor Layton, and the White Knight Chronicles, is dedicated to making something special with Ni no Kuni. With music from the talented Hisaishi Joe, this collaboration is yet another exciting and enchanting Studio Ghibli story of magical worlds and fantastic characters. But for the first time, delivered in a fun and intriguing video game, transporting the gamer into the mystical world of Ni no Kuni, which translates as the Another World. Beginning the promotional demo, the famous Studio Ghibli touch of quality is felt immediately. Introducing the story through a beautifully illustrated picture book sequence, accompanied by Mr. Hisaishis instrumental score. The story concerns the oppression of the Another World by the evil wizard Jahbo, who has forbidden the use of magic, imprisoning those who might defy him. But the story begins when the colorful, and magical creature, Shizuku, is awoken from Jahbos evil curse, and believes that the young boy who found him, can rescue Ni no Kuni from magical oppression. However, this boy named Oliver, is just a regular boy from this world, and has just recently lost someone very close to him. Surprised by Shizukus sudden appearance, Oliver cannot believe that he can defeat the evil Jahbo, and rescue another world. However, despite his reservations, Oliver agrees to journey with Shizuku, on the promise of being able to learn magic, and see the world of Ni no Kuni. His enthusiasm is doubled upon learning that the souls of his world and of Ni no Kuni are inter-connected, and that he may find the soul of his lost loved-one within this magical world. All the expected Japanese RPG game elements turn-based fighting, challenging boss battles, random enemy attacks, and save points are tight, and in place. At times working organically within the story, and at other times forced for the purposes of the game. Besides battling with monsters, the inclusion of a linear moral system, which urges the player to interact with people of the world, accepting tasks and missions that benefit the citizens of Ni no Kuni earning the morality points necessary to advance the game. A conservative and simple game, yet also something that fans have only dreamt of until now. Studio Ghibli in a video game form! Ni no Kuni appears to meet expectations. Level 5s game is brought to life by Studio Ghiblis wonderful imagination, along with the collaboration of Hisaishi Joes musical score. But no one has said anything about Miyazaki Hayao being involved, the director whose name is synonymous with Studio Ghibli, and responsible for their largest and most popular films has an absence which is felt. Ni no Kuni unfolds more in the vein of other non-Miyazaki, and non-Takahata related Studio Ghibli works. The feel of the game has more in common with Neko no Ongaeshi The Cat Returns, or Gedo Senki Tales from Earthsea. Yet it is also bears similarities in look and setting to Howls Moving Castle. The central character, Oliver, is more in the fashion of Haru from The Cat Returns, or Shizuku from Mimi wo Sumaseba Whisper of the Heart, than he is like Pazu, Conan, or Ashitaka from the brilliant director whose absence must be mentioned. Still, all the talent surrounding Ni no Kuni is exciting, and enormous. With more voice work than an average DS game, and from talented, well-known Japanese celebrities such as Tabe Mikako, and Furata Arata, breathing life into the characters. Of course there are a lot of un-voiced game sequences, but the acting and immersion overall is above and beyond the average title. Hisaishis soundtrack shines with familiar brilliance while filling a subtle and supportive role to the larger picture. Delivering the sound quality, and the skillful instrumentation, for which he is famous. Studio Ghibli approaches their first video game effort conservatively. With a standard fantasy story of a young hero being transported into a magical world. It is the sort of story that Studio Ghibli have told many times before, but the level of quality one expects from the popular studio is also intact. Not only the concept and animation of the game, but the environments are stunning in their beauty.