Gamertell

Idea Factory is certainly going to be bringing some joy to otome (girl’s dating/life sim) and visual novel fans in 2009. A quick visit to the company’s Otomate website, which reveals the company’s upcoming otome titles, shows that both Will O’ Wisp and Ouran Koukou Host Bu (Ouran High School Host Club) will be receiving portable ports.

We don’t know as much about Ouran Koukou Host Bu DS aka Ouran High School Host Club DS yet. Its official website doesn’t offer a release date, but the Otomate site states it will be out on March 19, 2009. That’s all we definitely know so far. It could just end up being a direct port of the PS2 game. Idea Factory has been really good about adding in additional scenes/content for the ports of its PS2 titles, so we’ll have to wait and see what kind of extras also appear. I’m sure more information will be gradually revealed to build up hype as the release date comes closer.

The DS and PSP ports of Will O’ Wisp and Will O’ Wisp: Easter no Kiseki will come out shortly after. Both Will O’ Wisp Portable and Will O’ Wisp DS will debut on March 26, 2009. Pretty smart - that way you can instantly pick up the version you prefer. It appears that there will be additional content in these ports, as the official website has forthcoming “Additional”, “Special” and “Privilege” sections which could offer information on extra content.

I’m both excited and pleased to see these ports! As someone who doesn’t have a Japanese (or modded) PS2, it is wonderful to know that I’ll be able to enjoy some classic and very well received games on region-free systems. I’m not sure which game I’m more excited about though - I’m a big fan of Bisco Hatori’s Ouran High School Host Club manga, but I can’t get over how beautiful Will O’ Wisp looks.

Site [Otomate] Site [Will O’ Wisp Portable and DS] Site [Ouran Koukou Host Bu DS (Japanese)]