Seems like Atlus really loves the PS2, and I like that. The game sold decently in Japan. It looks good so far and the developer has a good track record (Summon Night series), does anyone know how good this game is (the japanese version)

The official press release

ATLUS INJECTS NOVEMBER WITH ETERNAL POISON
Save the princess, save the world



IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — AUGUST 4, 2008 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced Eternal Poison for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Released in Japan as Poison Pink, Eternal Poison delivers a riveting narrative with sweeping themes and memorable characters, complimented by classic tactical gameplay and a uniquely dark aesthetic. Prepare yourself for an adventure rife with action and intrigue in this grand strategy RPG drama.

Soundtrack CD included
Every single copy of Eternal Poison is a special two-disc set. In addition to the game disc, customers will receive a soundtrack CD featuring selected music from the game.

Eternal Poison is currently scheduled for release on November 11, 2008, with an MSRP of $39.99.

For more information, visit:
http://www.atlus.com/eternalpoison

About Eternal Poison
Our world descended into chaos the day the demonic realm of Besek appeared. Creatures known as the Majin emerged, wreaking havoc and destroying our way of life. They captured the Princess of Valdia and imprisoned her in their lair. Now, brave adventurers throughout the land have set out to explore the Majin homeland. Some wish to rescue the princess; some seek fame and glory; some merely want revenge. However, there are those who look to harness the Majin's dark powers, for it is rumored that deep within Besek lies the Eternal Poison, a legendary treasure able to make your deepest desires come true. Travel the paths of some of these adventurers, and as their tales unfold, you will discover the true meanings of romance, heroism, madness, despair, and betrayal...

Key Features
• Five stories in one—Walk the winding paths of five different parties as they journey deeper into hostile lands. With branching paths and optional encounters, you must chart each course carefully, for your choices will have a direct impact on the outcome of each tale.
• Capture and collect demons—All demons can be exploited - even bosses - so every battle offers the intriguing choice of binding or killing your foes. Bound demons can be summoned to fight at your side or be sacrificed for money or new spells.
• Gorgeous dark fantasy world—Step into a twisted fairytale world of demons, black magic, and a quest for the ultimate treasure. The kidnapping of the Princess and the temptation of finding the Eternal Poison have drawn your heroes into a world full of dangerous traps, fiendish monsters, and unexpected villains. Discover a world that is as rich in beauty as it is in corruption.

Eternal Poison has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

And the trailer

Some gameplay minutes

ps2 just keeps on getting support

Atlus loves PS2=confirmed. Seems like it is one of those games that were made mostly for the Japanese audience like Ar Tonelico

Based on what I've seen, the game reminds me a bit of Suikoden Tactics. It doesn't look like it would reinvent the SRPG genre, but the gameplay looks solid. If it has a great story to complement, I'm fine with that. And I hope it has an option for Japanese voices, Atlus hasn't been putting that option in their latest games (Persona, Baroque, DDS) and that is bothering me a little

Those load times for each attack in battle look like they could add up to be pretty harsh. Still though, sounds intriguing, and I may give it a try.

I noticed that too, but someone in the Atlus forums said that you can turn the battle animations off, so probably they won't bother

Not so much loves as fears like hell the next generation, because the PS3 isn't the PS2 and they aren't sure where their very small niche audience is... and if they've even upgraded systems yet.

(Most atlus fans i know haven't...)

Being a SRPG i'll get it at some point.  I just can't not get a SRPG eventually unless it's got some crippling flaw making it physically unplayable (operation darkness)... or i wait for it, don't get it in release and it becomes some expensive rare gem.

Yep, this and Ar Tonelico 2 looks great.

@ kasz

It seems that Atlus is trying to get their fans to upgrade with their 3 Xbox 360 exclusives. (although they don't seem successful, but that's just because Operation Darkness sucked.)

I know I just bought one, but I wish the PS2 would hurry up and die so that developers have to switch up to current generation consoles.

Yeah. It's kinda confusing. Makes me thing America might be more important to the Japanese market to them.

Baraque didn't help the move to wii audience, probably because it sucked... and also they are likely focusing less on it since they already have "alternate" games on the system (Trauma Center) and would perfer diversity.

They'll probably use the Trauma Center and PS2 profits to try out a PS3 offering, which might take a lot of time and money since it takes a long time to learn the cell even for RPGs that don't push the boundries. (Look at Disgaea 3.)