Atlus unearths "Master of the Monster Lair"

ATLUS UNEARTHS RPG “MASTER OF THE MONSTER LAIR” FOR NINTENDO DS
If you build it, they will come…

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — JUNE 19, 2008 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced the dungeon-designing, monster-hunting RPG adventure Master of the Monster Lair for Nintendo DS™. Dream it, design it, dig it… then explore it! In order to trap the freeloading monsters of South Arc, you must become the architect of a vast labyrinth, crafting intricate levels designed to lure and capture all manner of beasts. Level after level, every monster disposed of offers the promise of new weapons and items, allowing for more unique dungeon designs and more efficient means of ridding South Arc of the nasty baddies.

On September 2nd, shovel talks. You dig. Monsters die.

Visit the official site:
http://www.atlus.com/monsterlair

Official Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hbDNNNCbco

About Master of the Monster Lair:
The quiet town of South Arc is about to have some monster trouble. Foul creatures with serious attitude problems have infested nearby forests and are now slowly moving into the village. The townsfolk, fearful for their safety, do not even dare to leave their homes. Calls for help have gone unanswered, likely because every other town in the Kingdom is similarly troubled.

As a young lad off in search of your calling, you stumble across a talking shovel. The verbose tool forcibly binds you to the task of digging a dungeon on the outskirts of South Arc, hoping to bait and trap the scrounging monsters.

Looks like you found your calling, Master of the Monster Lair. Now start digging!

Key Features:
• It all begins with a talking shovel – The discovery of a talking shovel begins an eccentric adventure where you become the master of the monster lair! As the shovel’s new owner, you’re given the incredible job of digging a dungeon and hunting the monsters that come to live in it.
• Be the architect of your lair – Transform a small hole in the ground into a huge dungeon for hunting monsters! Fill it with over 20 different types of rooms, including Chapels, Cellars, Stables, Trash Dumps, and more to attract different types of monsters and help you obtain different items.
• Share your lair! – Challenge your friends to reach the end of your custom monster lair and see what monsters and items are waiting in theirs. Trade designs over local wireless and prove that you’re the best dungeon digger around!

Master of the Monster Lair has been rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older) with Language and Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB.

# # #

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

©2008 Global A Interactive. Licensed to and published by Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

[System_Error]

WTF... is... this?

not Elminage... so do not want.

[Juanblue85]

Woah this came out of the blue never heard of this one.

[ckhapa]

Awesome!

I wanted this game ever since I saw it! Dungeon Hunting ground was so dissapointing, but as soon as I saw the more light-hearted tone and the turn-based battles I knew that this was the game I was originally trying to buy :D

[DamnedToBeFree]

A talking...shovel?

:?

[Olethros]

Awesome!

I wanted this game ever since I saw it! Dungeon Hunting ground was so dissapointing, but as soon as I saw the more light-hearted tone and the turn-based battles I knew that this was the game I was originally trying to buy :D

OK, I'm sold. I'll pretty much give anything turn-based my support.

[Sayckeone]

April Fool's Day was over two months ago, Aram.

[Raithgar]

If this game is similar to Dungeon Keeper (PC), then I might just pick this up.

[jeffx]

AWESOME

never expected this

once again you have my money

[Futomimi]

Hmmmm... not sure if I want. I'll keep updated.

[DamageCity]

Looks kind of generic and the characters look rather annoying. There better be a really large number of interesting monsters.

[Master Zombots]

Nice, Atlus! Thanks! I've been following this and hoping that it would find its way to North America. :)

[DarkShear]

If this game is similar to Dungeon Keeper (PC), then I might just pick this up.

Thats what I am thinking it is similar to Raithgar.

[Sayckeone]

Nice, Atlus! Thanks! I've been following this and hoping that it would find its way to North America. :)
Why am I not surprised?

[Neku]

Humm... Where's Luminous Arc 2? :roll:

[Kitsunexus]

So this is Dungeon Keeper but Japanese and for the DS. :?

[Constraint]

Is you serious?

[SickleCellAnemia]

Hmmm...I have never heard of Global A Entertainment before this.

[Sayckeone]

Humm... Where's Luminous Arc 2? :roll:
Ask Marvelous.

[Neku]

Marvelous, where's Luminous Arc 2? :twisted:

[Sayckeone]

^Let's try this again Ask here: http://www.mmvus.com/

[tross]

So this is Dungeon Keeper but Japanese and for the DS. :?

Hopefully. I had Dungeon Keeper II, and it was a really awesome game. It did get boring after a while though, but it was fun to play occasionally. I would buy a handheld Dungeon Keeper. Definitely something I would consider checking out. I'm not sure how the other game mechanics work though, like resting in the main character's house, or buying weapons/armor, or controlling a character while looking after the dungeon. But I guess other aspects to the game will help keep it fresh. I don't really like the anime style for this particular type of game, and I could do without the talking shovel and the young protagonist, but it sounds like the same type of gameplay that I'm fond of, so I'm sold.

[Zephyr]

I'll be too busy torturing players in my D&D... dungeons, to get this.

Maybe another time.

[RayFoxSith]

Hrm, kinda neutral on this one.

[Neveryll]

Chuckle. I thought Dungeon Keeper too for this one when I first saw it. Its sounds to me though like you lure them into the dungeon and then go slaughter them. Sadly, no explorers to get eaten.

I remember the days of reinforcing my whole dungeon so I could train the heck outta all my monsters and then choosing when the explorers would get eaten by my monsters. heheheh

[raum215]

ok ATLUS, a deal's a deal.

where do you want me to send my firstborn when this comes out?

(Seriously, I was looking at this a few days ago on RPGamer archives and said I would give my firstborn for this to come out in the States!)

My Gamer soul blesses you people!

[shimo]

omoshirori.

I need more details before I tell how I feel.

omoshirori - interesting :!:

[Inzaghi]

ok ATLUS, a deal's a deal.

where do you want me to send my firstborn when this comes out?

banballow knows the address.

[tross]

Lol.

[Sanctine]

banballow knows the address.

It's a scam. You know he's never getting laid.

[Onion of Mystery]

It's the age of cloning!

[Koromaru]

Some of you have no respect, for New games.
This is directed more to children then you.

[Constraint]

How many children know about Atlus?

[System_Error]

How many children know about Atlus?

How many children give a #### about a name on a box? like 0. They buy things because they look appealing.

[Koromaru]

They don't have to know about Atlus to find the game.
They just have to look for whatever game looks good or fun to them.
So they can easily find this without even knowing or heard about atlus.

[DamageCity]

omoshirori - interesting :!:

spelled it wrong, ass.

[DamageCity]

Ugh..

I think...

I think I'm actually becoming interested in this game.

What's the bestiary like?

[Olethros]

^ I'd like to know this as well.

[Sayckeone]

Comparable to Pokemon.

[arollo]

Comparable to Pokemon.

I just had an image of someone trying to lure Pikachu into a bathroom so they can kill him (her? it?).

This game sounds fun, in a "that's the craziest thing I have ever heard of" sort of way.

[Sei]

Is this game related to Dungeon Maker: Hunting ground?

The new trailer sort of gives away a similar vibe.

[Vincerific]

This is simply a cartooned version of Dungeon Maker. I own DM for PSP... it is the same thing only not turn-based. DM is more Diablo-like but is held back by only being able to level up via eating - just like this one. To me, it would be a great game if Exp were integrated but without that the whole concept becomes a massive turdwich. Even the Atlus art and humor I've grown to love can't save the unrewarding game play and repetitive feel of another DM game, in my honest opinion. If Atlus fixed the level up system I'd give it a ridiculously high rating. I know it might seem odd to base so much on one aspect of the game... but play DM and you'll see my point.

[Kakizaki]

This is simply a cartooned version of Dungeon Maker. I own DM for PSP... it is the same thing only not turn-based. DM is more Diablo-like but is held back by only being able to level up via eating - just like this one. To me, it would be a great game if Exp were integrated but without that the whole concept becomes a massive turdwich. Even the Atlus art and humor I've grown to love can't save the unrewarding game play and repetitive feel of another DM game, in my honest opinion. If Atlus fixed the level up system I'd give it a ridiculously high rating. I know it might seem odd to base so much on one aspect of the game... but play DM and you'll see my point.

By suggesting Atlus should fix something, aren't you making a rather large assumption that the level up system is exactly the same or even similar to DM? Or have you played the Japanese version of this?

[Vincerific]

No, but if you click on "Owen's House" on the official site it confirms this. >.> It has almost the SAME EXACT WORDING that the DM game uses to describe how you eat to gain stats, I might add.

http://www.atlus.com/monsterlair/howtoplay.html <<< click for yourself and see.

I could always scan or screenshot the wordiness of DM for you if you are still ye of little faith. *rolls eyes* Did you even bother to read all the info on the official site or did you just skim through and jump to the forums?

Oh, and here. Amazing what a quick google search comes up with. (Not being sarcastic... I'm
actually amazed, myself.) :o

http://www.therpgo.com/articles/dungeon-maker-ds-to-be-releasedin-europe-06110859

So, much like other game companies (such as Capcom with the Zelda series handhelds) Atlus just took on this game for Global A, it would seem.

[Kakizaki]

No, but if you click on "Owen's House" on the official site it confirms this. >.> It has almost the SAME EXACT WORDING that the DM game uses to describe how you eat to gain stats, I might add.

http://www.atlus.com/monsterlair/howtoplay.html <<< click for yourself and see.

I could always scan or screenshot the wordiness of DM for you if you are still ye of little faith. *rolls eyes* Did you even bother to read all the info on the official site or did you just skim through and jump to the forums?



No I didn't bother to read any of it. I just think it is a large assumption to make (that it needs to be "fixed") if you haven't played the game yet -- even if the wording is similar. How many rpgs appear to share similar leveling mechanics in theory but turn out to be quite different once you play them?

[Vincerific]

LOL there is NO WAY "eating foods once a day to gain stat points. The points gained depend on the food cooked" can vary no matter how you look at it. You'll still get one small stat boost rather than being able to power level yourself. And because of such, imo, it makes drudging through the same monsters and collecting the same items unrewarding. Your gear doesn't get better until you hit a new floor and / or defeat a new monster that drops better equips, and adding 1-3 STR per in-game day isn't quite so rewarding when you have to get 15 strength points to notice a difference in damage. And btw, I don't need to play the game when everything I researched online says it is basically a port of DM:THG to DS with a more child-like overtoned look.

[Kakizaki]

^Dude, chill out. I don't really appreciate the condescending tone. I simply asked if you were basing your opinion off more than just what you have read and were speculating, or if you had actually played the Japanese version of this title / and or had more to go off of.

You would have been better served to just direct me to the link of the actual developer of MotML - who did work on the DM titles you are referencing. I would have known you were actually on to something.

edit - I'm an idiot. There was a link. :P

[Vincerific]

I -did- post a link for that. Did you even bother to click it? Plus, a quick google search isn't hard to muster. And yes, I re-read my former post and it was rather rude-sounding. I didn't mean for it to come out that way, I apologize for that. Here I'll post the link again. :)

http://www.therpgo.com/articles/dungeon-maker-ds-to-be-releasedin-europe-06110859

and for those who have dial-up and don't wish to click another tab open:

-06/11/08 at 10:26 pm-
"Rising Star Games announced today that it will be releasing Global A's Dungeon Maker for the DS in PAL territories on September 19.


Released in Japan as Dungeon Maker: Mahou no Shovel to Chiisana Yuusha (Little Hero with a Magic Shovel, or something to that effect), Dungeon Maker, surprisingly, circles around players creating their own dungeons. After making a dungeon, players can set traps to catch monsters who, upon defeat, will pony up treasure and experience. Make a more desirable dungeon, and better monsters will be attracted.

Further, players will be able to choose where certain monsters spawn, and also kill monsters to create stat-boosting recipes with their meat, among other things.

Does the name sound familiar? If so, you're probably thinking of one of Global A's other Dungeon Maker games, Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground, released in North America (but not Europe) last June for the PSP by Xseed Games. No word yet on the possibility of Xseed localizing this title as well."

[Kakizaki]

^You did post the link previously. I apologize.

I'm not sure if you are aware, but Atlus USA publishes a great deal of titles that are from other developers. The only reason I mention this, is due to your previous comment regarding Global A.

[Vincerific]

no problem. I also want to apologize. I'm miffed at my GF's laptop atm and some of my wording is coming out rude. Not trying to take out my stress on you.

*sighs* I have to safe mode and virus scan it I think :/

[Vincerific]

Oh yeah, I noticed Atlus does Square-Enix and others as well. Nippon-ichi a part of Atlus like A1 is Agetec or they just do a lot of art and designs for them?

[Kakizaki]

No need to apologize. My bad for skipping right past the link.

You know, the Admin could probably explain this a lot better than I can as it is a little complicated, but I believe Atlus USA just has an agreement with Nippon Ichi to distribute titles in the U.S. -- outside of the collaboration (well, I mean Atlus USA handling it) with the first Disgaea.

[Vincerific]

Ah ok, because I noticed a lot of N-I's stuff was similar- typically in the art areas.

[jeffx]

Hey another Rhode Islander!

[Vincerific]

lol yeah and ironically I know Raithgar IRL. Didn't remember he was on here until I scanned the forums for this and was like "! WOW!" He's the one who introduced me to atlus.com to get disgaea for 20 bucks when it was on e-Bay for like 100 at the time. :) He also talked me into getting a PSP, which I am grateful for. He's a good friend all around. ^^

[DokaponObsesed]

Sounds sweet is Atlus considering making a Wii sequal?

[Squall.LeonHart]

sems to be a good game

i love strategy games