Natsume may be best known for publishing the Harvest Moon and Reel Fishing series, but we’re always on the lookout for novel and innovative titles for our growing audience. We plan for 2013 to be a banner year for unique titles, and Carnage Heart EXA, out tomorrow for $29.99, is the first of several PSP titles we’ll be bringing to our fans in both North America and Europe. PlayStation Network lets us bring titles to gamers who are increasingly looking for unique and different types of games. Carnage Heart EXA is just such a game!

Carnage Heart first appeared on PlayStation way back in 1997. Carnage Heart EXA continues the tradition of the franchise with the same style of gameplay, but builds upon it with improved graphics, updated chips, and interface mechanics, and a larger stable of Overkill Engine types. In addition, this time around players can actually control the OKEs (Overkill Engines)! It’s a polished version of the original dream Artdink had, and we’re pleased to be working closely with them to bring the game to a worldwide audience.

Carnage Heart EXA is a mech-infused strategy game where the player takes the role of a commander of giant robots. However, these robots must be programmed ahead of time to behave in a certain way by the player. We’ve created a tutorial to walk players through the basics on our Facebook page. Players will be able to completely customize their OKEs inside and out. Players can control everything from bouncing mechs to hovering tanks, and can choose from a variety of weapons and subweapons, fuel tanks, and even armor thickness.

Software and hardware is stored in cards, which players will be able to upload to a central website and share with fellow programmers from around the world! We’re really excited to see what software and hardware combinations players come up with. Good luck soldier, your OKEs await programming starting tomorrow.

Keep an eye out for more about our next PSN title, Mystic Chronicles — a more traditional RPG we’ll be talking about more in the future. Natsume out!