Eidos creates separate label for unique Japanese titles

   Eidos Interactive has recently created a new brand responsible for the localization of various Japanese games in both North America and Europe. The new label, called Fresh Games, will start off by translating three PS2 titles in 2002.

   Legend 2: Duel Saga is the sequel to 1998's Legend of Legaia and features a martial arts-oriented combat system very similar to its predecessor. Mad Maestro! (known in Japan as Bravo Music) puts players in the role of an orchestra conductor who must save his town's concert hall by giving the crowd memorable perfomances. This goal is accomplished through tapping out the button combinations displayed onscreen in a rhythmic fashion, and the title's use of the DualShock 2's pressure sensitivity could make for an interesting experience (Several screenshots and pieces of art are also available for Mad Maestro!). Lastly, the blood-sucking simulator Mister Mosquito (also known as Ka, GIA Commercial Break fans will note) will also receive North American and European releases.

   According to Mike McGarvey, CEO of Eidos PLC, "Fresh Games is considered a boutique label, created solely to expose gamers to unique and captivating gameplay experiences that traditionally have been unavailable outside of Japan." While Legend 2: Duel Saga would seem hard to defend as innovative, titles such as Mad Maestro! and Mister Mosquito may pave the way for other, similarly fresh titles.