IRVINE, CALIF. – Feb. 26, 2010 – ijji.com, the nearly 10 million-strong gaming portal, continues its quest to bring top-quality interactive entertainment to its free-to-play experience with its latest game addition: Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, an expansive massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on a uniquely creative genre of “steampunk,” where 19^th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions.  Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent heads to ijji.com in partnership with online game publisher Atlus Online, the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A.

“Steampunk is another immersive experience we are thrilled to add to our current line-up of games.  Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent offers the ijji community a class-A persistent world to get lost in,” said Calvin Yang, vice president of marketing, NHN USA, which hosts ijji.com. “Atlus provides some of the best games in the business, and that is just what we look for when it comes to our portal.”

Both companies enjoy a considerable following among elite hardcore gamers around the world, boasting passionate communities and vocal participants. 

“It truly is an honor to partner with the leading hardcore online gaming portal, ijji.com, and give Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent access to nearly 10 million online gamers,” said Jun Hyun Kim, head of game operations, Atlus Online.  “Atlus has a reputation for quality gaming experiences, and we look forward to demonstrating that to millions more fans through this partnership.”

Developed by JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent features a charming story influenced by the distinctive steampunk genre, adored by many. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent transports players to a torn world where two nations war over a precious resource called Neo Steam. Front and center to each player’s experience stands complete customization, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes - essential to completely immersing one into this battle-thrashed terrain. As players skirmish to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness the Neo Steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent also features an array of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling - completing a truly unique steampunk experience.

Online gamers and steampunk fans eager to submerge themselves in a battle-entrenched land can visit: www.ijji.com. 

### 

IRVINE, Calif. – Oct. 7, 2009 – Under most conditions, the Soul Reaper is not a welcomed sight. But Atlus Online is engaging some of the most depraved monsters of the underworld to help host events in their fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. The month-long event involves stealing items from slain monsters, and redeeming them at ghoulish characters stationed throughout the game. Also, one lucky player will walk away with an artfully hand-crafted pair of steampunk goggles – just in time to perfect a creative Halloween costume, perhaps?

“Opening doors to the undead might make some a little nervous,” said Jun Hyun Kim, head of game operations, Atlus Online. “But at Atlus Online, we risk everything to make sure anyone who stops by the site is intrigued by the depth of our playful spirit. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a great example of the creativity that keeps players coming back for more – even if it brings them within inches of their lives.”

For players daring to defeat foreboding monsters to collect necessary items and approach the unpredictable Soul Reapers to cash in, several prizes await. Fifty drops with the Reaper results in pumpkin seeds and 100 drops give players 20 pieces of pumpkin pie, both of which can be used for much needed recovery in Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. Those who are brave enough to collect 250 souls will tout a novel pumpkin hat for all to recognize their permanent status as a premier slayer of demons. And it doesn’t end there. Players should keep an eye out for tickets carelessly dropped by monsters throughout the game. These event tickets will automatically enter them into the drawing for an exciting special gift, a pair of steampunk-inspired goggles handmade by an artisan specifically for one lucky Neo Steam fan.

The Underworld opened last week, providing an additional high-level playground for gamers who have achieved level 91 status or higher. The new map is the latest addition to Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, which centers on a battle over Neo Steam between two warring states – the Kingdom of Elerd and the Republic of Rogwel. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, as they pledge allegiance to their homeland of choice and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Adding to the immersive aspect of the fantasy-steampunk world in Atlus Online’s first MMO, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.

Atlus Online fans and gamers are invited to learn more about October’s eerie additions and spooky giveaways by visiting http://www.atlusonline.com for more information.

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., 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, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.

# # #

IRVINE, Calif. – Oct. 1, 2009 – Beware the pull of the Underworld. Demons sealed since ancient times have been unleashed in this latest addition to Atlus Online’s fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. In addition, players that purchase Atlus Crowns between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 will automatically be entered to win a deluxe edition of Demon’s Souls, the critically-acclaimed groundbreaking action RPG experience for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

“Just in time for Halloween, we’ve added a heinous new level that will make even the bravest players shake in their boots,” said Jun Hyun Kim, Head of Game Operations, Atlus Online. “Few games cover the broad range of maps that we have with our version of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. We take players on a journey across furtive dungeons, barren wastelands, quaint villages and now the depraved, foreboding depths of the Underworld.”

The Underworld opens up another high-level map for players who have achieved level 91 status or higher. Located far beneath the worlds of Chrysalis, this new area can be accessed from a hidden entrance beneath the twisted roots of the great Mother Tree on the continent in the Taxn Alliance, the third and most neutral world of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. Brave souls from the nations of Rogwel and Elerd are invited to seek the elusive doorway to darkness and conquer the malicious monsters that wait.

The new map is the latest addition to Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, which centers on a battle over Neo Steam between two warring states – the Kingdom of Elerd and the Republic of Rogwel. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, as they pledge allegiance to their homeland of choice and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Adding to the immersive aspect of the fantasy-steampunk world in Atlus Online’s first MMO, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.

Atlus Online fans and gamers are invited to learn more about this foreboding world at their own risk by visiting http://www.atlusonline.com for more information.

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., 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, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.

# # #

IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 17, 2009 – The community-driven online gaming portal, Atlus Online, made not one, not two, not even 10 – but close to 100 additions to the portal, including Blitz Arcade’s Droplitz and a slew of lively mini-games. Atlus Online, ever committed to enhancing the experience on its frequently updated portal, continues its quest to become the ultimate gaming, anime and online hub for fans across many interests.

“The addition of Droplitz and the mini-games to the portal ensures that no matter what a community member’s gaming preference is, we have something for them,” said Jamie Ortiz, head of business operations, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “We strive to offer our community a wide variety of fun and engaging content to experience.”

Droplitz, everyone’s favorite puzzler, is all about spinning dials to save the precious Droplitz dripping from the top of the screen. Players will be mesmerized as they create multiple paths at the same time, earning score combos and generating more Droplitz.

Atlus Online’s mini-games are packed with a range of fun and challenging options, allowing members to pass the time with a catchy rhythm game or immerse themselves in a multi-player shootout. From the most extreme, hardcore online gamer to the Solitaire-playing casual gamer, this selection of almost 100 flash mini-games range in genre, including sports, fighting, puzzle and shooting to name a few.

• Frantic, an enthralling 2D top-down shooter, allows players to pilot a spaceship as enemies rain down. Avoiding the bullets, players collect power-ups along the way, which are necessary to defeat the ominous boss waiting at the end of each level.
• Even the most musically-inclined will find respite on Atlus Online’s newly-added game, Music Catch, an easy-paced, soothing game in which the self-proclaimed Beethoven’s of the online gaming world can collect musical notes while avoiding wrong notes, all against a brilliant soundtrack backdrop.
• For gamers who enjoy an explosion or two, Atlus Online presents Boomshine, a simple but addictive game that involves setting off a chain reaction to attain points.
• For those looking for a brain workout, Dinglepop is a competitive puzzle game which involves matching three shapes in a row, all while competing against opponents who attempt to fill the player’s screen by transferring over more shapes, setting this heart-racing multiplayer puzzle game apart from the masses.

Atlus Online fans and gamers of all sorts who want to check out or learn more about the addition of the mini games can visit http://www.atlusonline.com for more information.

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., 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, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.

# # #

IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 3, 2009 – Atlus Online’s fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, today revealed two new areas to the game, Flame Basin and the Colosseum. With additions and updates streaming in without fail, Atlus Online strives to please by maintaining a dynamic environment for its players.
“We have the most engaged online community out there, and we want to reward them for being such an integral part of our portal by continually adding to it,” says Alice Ly, Online Marketing and Portal Manager, Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

Citizens of Chrysalis, prepare to throw down with the deviant Subject M-277, the big boss of Flame Basin. This formerly lush forest, at one time called Sylverland, is now a dry, charred landscape. Once a fiercely protected ecosystem, Sylverland was ravaged by the greed of the industrial boom, as loggers tore down one tree after another until the basin was a barren wasteland. Lurking in the center of Flame Basin, players will encounter the iniquitous boss, Subject M-277, an experiment of bioengineered creatures gone wrong. This ominous lot, originally created to protect civilization, promptly turned on its creators and exists to further destroy the basin. Peril-seekers can also conduct their own small-scale cloning experiments, for a small fee, building their own monsters, piece by piece.

The faint of heart need not apply to battle it out in Neo Steam’s Colosseum. At last, players will have the opportunity to demonstrate their top-level skills in this brutal arena. All who enter will have to prove their merit by withstanding the vigorous downpour of foes the Colosseum will bestow upon them. With no penalty for dying, the Colosseum offers boundless opportunities for players to practice their combat skills against some of the most robust enemies Neo Steam has to offer. Players don’t have anything to lose, except their pride on the blood-stained Colosseum floor.

Atlus Online fans and gamers who want to learn more about the addition of Flame Basin and the Colosseum can visit http://www.neosteam.atlusonline.com for more information.

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., 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, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.

# # #

IRVINE, Calif. – Aug. 5, 2009 – Get ready to let off some steam! For the very first time, Atlus Online’s fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, is hosting a realm versus realm (RvR) showdown. Finally, the nations of Chrysalis can engage in all-out, large-scale war to gain glory and proprietorship across the divided lands. The latest update also allows players to utilize guild bases and guild rankings to coordinate and commiserate with fellow members in between exhaustive missions.

“Neo Steam is taking steampunk to never-before-seen levels with realm versus realm play,” says Tyler Kim, Director of the Online Division, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “Including RvR in the game not only reiterates Atlus Online’s emphasis on including the entire community but also establishes Neo Steam as more than just another MMORPG.”

Atlus Online is known for its dedication to its community, which makes RvR combat a natural addition to the game. In order for players to lead their teams to victory, they need to work together using an array of tactics and tools. In addition to fighting on foot, players will pilot siege engines and construct a multitude of offensive and defensive pylons, such as transport cannons, gun turrets, and zeppelin bombing stations. Players level 50 and up can ride in demolishing siege engines, access never-before-seen areas, and ransack harrowing dungeons to annihilate monsters and solve mind-bending puzzles. Throughout these challenges, players will accumulate varying levels of prestige, which determines their personal and guild rankings. Along with the update comes the comfort of guild bases which grant the top guilds respite from the relentless barrage of the battlefield and which further spur players across the world to compete against each other to demonstrate their guild pride.

The battle over Neo Steam takes place between two warring states – the Kingdom of Elerd and the Republic of Rogwel. As the nations fight for domination over Rope Isle’s resources, the Crom mediators have divided the land so that each faction holds entitlement over a different side of the island. However, ownership of the central region of the island, where Energy Stones are most abundant, has never been allocated. To this day, the nations continue to wage war for dominance over this region, and the battles prove to be very profitable to whichever side can command the castles in the end. Adding to the immersive aspect of the fantasy-steampunk world in Atlus Online’s first MMO, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles to interact with.

Gamers, Atlus Online fans, and those eager to partake in the massive battle can visit http://www.neosteam.atlusonline.com for more information and schedules.

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., 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, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.

IRVINE, Calif. – July 15, 2009 – Adventurers journey to a long-lost island in search of riches and new challenges! Atlus Online’s fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, has unveiled the elusive Rope Isle, an island wracked by war. Thanks to the clamor of Atlus Online’s members and a successful petition, the new map destination was opened, furthering the turbulent lore of the shattered continent.

“Our community spoke, and we always strive to listen,” says Alice Ly, Online Marketing and Portal Manager, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “Rope Isle is an integral part of the game’s history. It was the epicenter of change and later became a key point of contention in the war to harness Neo Steam. We agree with our fans that this map marks a powerful addition to Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent.”

Rope Isle, once known as Acydia, was the source of the catastrophic earthquake that split the continent of Chrysalis. As the landmasses began to drift apart, desperate inhabitants instinctively fashioned cables to keep their world together. Alas, the attempt was futile and left Acydia a tangle of ropes and chains – resulting in its fitting nickname. Rope Isle remains a central part of the struggle in the new world, as it houses vast amounts of the ore used to harvest Neo Steam, a precious resource necessary to fuel most progress, travel, and industry across the nations.

The battle over Neo Steam takes place between two warring states – the Kingdom of Elerd and the Republic of Rogwel. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, as they pledge allegiance to their homeland of choice and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Adding to the immersive aspect of the fantasy-steampunk world in Atlus Online’s first MMO, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.

Gamers, Atlus Online fans, and those eager to learn more about the addition of Rope Isle can visit http://neosteam.atlusonline.com/ for more information.

Crunchyroll’s Online Videos Now Streaming to Atlus Online’s Community

IRVINE, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO– July 2, 2009 – Naruto Shippuden and Shugo Chara are among the many popular series at fans’ fingertips as free anime action and adventure finds a home on Atlus Online, the daily destination for community-focused gaming and interactive entertainment.  Through a partnership with Crunchyroll, the premier online video service known for providing current and quality full-length episodes and movies from top-rated anime creators, Atlus Online continues to fulfill its promise to bring fresh and engaging content to its members. With the addition of Crunchyroll’s free streaming content, anime fans and gamers alike now have one more reason to visit the colorful portal, currently host to Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent and an active forum population.

“We want to celebrate Atlus’s proud tradition of delivering quality entertainment by bringing free, full-length streaming videos to the Atlus Online portal,” said Jamie Ortiz, Head of Business Operations, Atlus Online. “Crunchyroll’s high standards and eye for unique content serve as an excellent complement to Atlus Online’s dedication to endlessly augment our community’s experience.  We are confident that anime and Atlus fans will revel in the selection and superiority of the videos now available to them on our portal.”

Similar to Atlus Online, Crunchyroll puts its community first and continuously strives to build a thriving, engaged international following around its high-caliber content. The company brings some of the best anime from around the globe to its community, and with industry-leading speed.  For example, within hours of an anime episode’s premier broadcast in Japan, Crunchyroll delivers the episode freshly translated with high-quality English subtitles to its premium subscribers.  Through today’s partnership, Atlus Online community members can watch an assortment of Crunchyroll’s full-length anime episodes and movies without leaving the portal.

“We are thrilled to align with Atlus Online, a critical partner with a considerable and passionate following of fans,” said Ilya Levtov, Executive Vice President, Crunchyroll. “Our efficient distribution platform paired with Atlus Online’s standing in the market will further expand our audience and establish our leadership in the world of streaming anime.”

To watch shows or find more information on the free streaming anime and other unique content on Atlus Online, visit www.atlusonline.com.

Atlus Online is nearing the launch of the online game and entertainment portal’s upcoming steampunk-inspired MMO, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, and E3 2009 was the perfect place to generate great buzz right before open beta rolls into commercial launch.  We locked in more than 30 journalist appointments as the press clamored to get in to see the game and its enthusiastic makers on the show floor.  Here is just a glimpse at what they had to say:

• RPGFan
• IGN
• N4G
• Gamers Hell
• Gaming Nexus