Sponsor

XSEED Announces Pandora’s Tower for North America

– January 16, 2013

UPDATE: Pre-order from Amazon now! http://amzn.to/UEtDE7 (http://amzn NULL.to/UEtDE7)

Pandora’s Tower has always been considered the underdog of the Operation Rainfall campaign. Of the three games, it was the one considered least likely to arrive stateside. Even though our campaign has long since retired, and the Oprainfall Staff is in a completely different state of mind than we were around June 2011, I can guarantee you there is not one single person among us who is not completely overjoyed by this surprise twist from XSEED.

We saw this image last night when it first appeared on their social media. Many of us were skeptical, despite the symbolism. A lot of people assumed it would be the next chapter in the Ys franchise, or something similar. But… it’s been confirmed, ladies and gentlemen.

Pandora’s Tower will available on the Wii in North America by the Spring of this year.

“It’s fantastic to be bringing such a highly-anticipated title like Pandora’s Tower to such a vocal fan base,” said XSEED’s Shinichi Suzuki, President. “North American gamers have been very patient in waiting for this game to be released, and we’re confident they will be pleased when they get their hands on the title.”

I’m honestly at a loss for words. I think most of us are! How much did this announcement come out of left field for us, the XSEED faithful? How freaking excited are you all in North America to finally be able to experience this game? Be sure to let us know, in some way shape or form.

Rain is mostly a calming phenomenon in my eyes. But if I urge one thing from everyone reading this, as someone who has supported Operation Rainfall since the beginning—show XSEED a storm of support to the likes of which have never been seen! Let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

We’ll offer more information as it comes.

SOURCE (http://xseedgames NULL.com/news NULL.php?id=176)

About Jonathan Higgins

Jonathan joined the Oprainfall Staff a few months before the US release of Xenoblade Chronicles. He began as a dedicated editorial writer for the site, but over time was recognized for so much more than just that. He is now a co-owner of the Oprainfall website, helping to maintain the site itself, as well as ensure its content is given proper quality control. Motivated primarily by philosophy and “knowing his roots” as a gamer, Jonathan spends his time playing games for their stories or creating his own.

http://www.facebook.com/hrodo Rodolfo Romero

What is this…? Some kind of cruel joke? … or is it real?! :’)
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003758236672 Thomas Johnson
  
  It’s real, all right. I saw this news on Destructoid a few minutes ago. The timestamp said their site had posted it 3 minutes ago, and when I came here (and Facebook), it wasn’t even posted here yet.
  
  Woot!
- http://www.facebook.com/paganprincesss Crystal Baltimore
  
  We were all in shock for a few moments lol
- http://www.facebook.com/paganprincesss Crystal Baltimore
  
  it is 100% real. This is one thing we would never kid about!!
Endspire

Can this really be happening?! :’D
Cesar Barroso

count me in! yeahhh!! the last of the trilogy (xenoblade, last story and pandoras)
Triforce of the Gods

This was the first one I was interested in out of the original three. So I can say with one hundred percent certainty that I am squealing like a fangirl on the inside.
- dubaloseven
  
  You and me both!
XypherCode

It’s not april, is it?!

Finally!!! )
Vaiglor

I love Xseed. They do an amazing job. I imported this from the UK forever a go. I really didn’t think this was going to come here. It is a very touching game. The controls aren’t perfect but the combat is generally pretty unique and fun. Also, the boss fights are just insanely good. It is a really unique game that is worth a play for anyone because there is nothing remotely like it.
http://www.facebook.com/kevin.reed.1650 Kevin Reed

Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story, and Pandora’s Tower. Operation Rainfall, mission accomplished!
- mmmpepsi
  
  Operation Rainfall had nothing to do with this.
  
  Just like The Last Story which XSeed themselves said Op Rainfall didn’t influence their decision at all. Good news the game is coming though.
- IkeFE
  
  Riiiiight. Op.Rainfall headlined the big three for months.
  
  These companies never want to look wrong, and by admitting that fans convinced them to bring us something, they do just that.
- mmmpepsi
  
  In what way would they be wrong if they said Operation Rainfall influenced them?
  
  They’re a business, they don’t care as long as people buy their games. If it looked like only a handful of hardcore fans that post on Operation Rainfall were going to buy The Last Story and Pandoras Tower XSeed would never bring them over.
- IkeFE
  
  (For some reason I can’t directly reply to you mmmpepsi)
  
  My point was that if they had admitted that was Op.Rainfall that helped bring it over, they’d look wrong(stupid as well, among other things)if the games didn’t sell well.
  
  You may think its only a few fans here that they’d be localizing it for but dude, you have to realize word of mouth is an incredibly uncredited and underestimated resource. I’m 85% sure I wouldn’t have given The Last Story much thought if it hadn’t been in my face for 3 months. It was mentioned in every 3rd article on IGN.com, kotaku.com and many others.
  
  This isn’t 2003 when an AOL forum fawns for something. It’s 2013 – twitter and facebook alone make a lot of noise when it comes to fan support.
- Vahne
  
  You know, there’s a reason he said “vocal fanbase”.
  HMMMMM, NOW WHO OR WHAT DOES THAT REMIND YOU OF?
- http://www.oprainfall.com/ Richard Ross
  
  Regardless of whether we had anything to do with it or not, the important part is the game is going to be released.
- mmmpepsi
  
  Agreed.
- mhayes86
  
  It may not have influenced their decision per se, but the fact of the matter is that Operation Rainfall made these games more widely known than otherwise. Operation Rainfall was referenced in numerous gaming articles and forums for quite a while since its creation, so word of mouth spread like wildfire, thus increasing interest in the games.
  
  After announcing the localization of The Last Story, XSeed even said that they didn’t have any intentions of localizing Pandora’s Tower (likely due to its poorer sales compared to XC and TLS), but here we are with an expected release.
  
  OpRa may not have influenced them directly, but without it, the knowledge of these games’ existence could very well have been overlooked by countless potential buyers, leaving a localization publisher (like XSeed) to not bother with it due to an expected lack of profitability.
  
  Anyway, I can’t help but thank XSeed enough for all of the excellent localizations that they’ve done over the years. They are certainly one of my absolute favorite gaming companies!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Gulyas/709632554 Daniel Gulyas

Dear XSeed.

I officially love you.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=740051018 Clinton Nix

Wow. Just, wow. I never would have expected it. This is amazing.
http://www.facebook.com/rweible Ryan J Weible

hot damn, preordering today.
http://www.facebook.com/kyle.emch Kyle Emch

I never thought this game would be released in the states, seeing how the Wii U has kinda overshadowed the Wii at this point. Regardless, I will be pre-ordering it the minute it becomes available on Amazon, GameStop, wherever.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Thompson/100000355411389 Steve Thompson

Wow. Xseed rocks! First they give us the last story and now pandoras tower! They are such an awesome publisher! And now we can finally close this chapter in our history. We did make a difference after all. We supported the last story and made it Xseeds most successful game to date and we can do it again. Lets make Xseed a ton of money with pandoras tower!
Vaiglor

Everyone start saving up your coin so you can spend all of it on flowers, plants, fabrics, bracelets, dresses and other things you have to keep handing Elena so she likes you instead of turning into a beast and eating you!
dbclick

Operation Rainfall: Three for Three. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHx5hCVN26E (https://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=kHx5hCVN26E)

Kudos to XSEED for picking up the slack for NOA.
http://twitter.com/XCWarrior1 Andrew

Thank you to XSeed for publishing both The Last Story and now Pandora’s Tower. But also thank you Operation Rainfall for starting the campaign which I know helped bring these two games and Xenoblade over to NA. Own the first two, will be buying PT day 1 for sure.
RyanOPR

Join our Chatroom if you want to talk about it with members of the staff!
Peekers

XSEED never fails to deliver~! ;A; <333
NinjaApe

I am expecting these characters in Smash Bros 4!
SecretX

i’ve seen couple of game plays on youtube. it looks great i’m gonna pick this up.
http://twitter.com/Nintemple_Maxi Daniel Narbaiz

When I saw this earlier today I was really excited and very happy about it and this is the one that I have been most looking forward to. I knew this was coming out it was only a matter of time.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Thompson/100000355411389 Steve Thompson

Congrats to the staff members.
Andyliini

Finally to the west? Like us Europeans wouldn’t even exist?
blu

well, I think its safe to say, and it goes without saying, that Operation Rainfall was indeed a success.
RichieBerry

Gentlemen, it’s been a privilege.
http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Best/100003863840372 James Best

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! A million times, Yes!
http://www.facebook.com/nathan.stiles.58 Nathan Stiles

I freakin’ love Xseed man.. they are making a huge profit by just localizing the scraps that other morons are leaving behind.
Sirx

I am buying this game SO HARD that the freaking Game Stop is gonna need foundation repairs once I get through.

And to the OG Operation Rainfall staff: You deserve ALL of the beers! I have and will purchase every single game that you guys made me aware of through the original campaign–And I have enjoyed the hell out of each. I’m certain that when the last rooster finally comes home to roost, I will not be disappointed.

From this Nintendo (Wii) fan (still my only console in this generation): Thank you
Misael Quiroz

i can’t … i just … can’t express words of how happy i am
ybeast10

My God! XSEED is officially a miracle worker. These people are truly saints. What an amazing company! I could not be more thrilled right now, and I officially have nothing left to complain about! Thank you so much Operation Rainfall for reaching out to XSEED and all the hard work that you guys did to help make this possible!
Synbios

XSEED is a blessing to JRPG fans. Hoping for a Limited Edition!
Pearljam8989

holy crap, that is great news now we must fight for all the unreleased tales games, starting with tales of innocence R and hearts R
Alex Diaz

THIS IS GREAT NEWS! Mission accomplished! Everyone!
Ryan McConnell

Pretty amazing stuff. i still remember that same time June 2011 when I admit I was extremely doubtful this would be successful. The JRPG franchise was just another thing i loved and lost along in my childhood with no clear reason other than americans just liked shooting the hell out of each other with big guns instead of being moved by an amazing story.
I kept on this site daily (and still do), and I realized “holy hell, this may actually work”
and would you look at this.
it really did.
Not only did it bring great games overseas, it rescued my favorite genre in all of my life. JRPGs now have a ray of hope thanks to this community’s great, appropriate, and loud voice, and this community in general.
I just wanted to say thank you Operation Rainfall. your success has blown me away, and i’m now more hopeful than ever that our voice can be heard.
Jack

I’m so happy right now..
Pearljam8989

xseed, just take all of my money now!!!
meg nonofyourbusiness

I will give all my money to them this proves to me XSEED is now my favorite company
Babdadb

Alright guys. I think we can all agree that XSeed is one of the greatest publishers of all time.
http://www.facebook.com/david.rawlings.353 David Rawlings

By jove. I think they’ve done it lads.
http://www.facebook.com/alexdghaffari Alexander Ghaffari

Thank you, XSEED! Now just bring over the Steins;Gate PS Vita games to go with my Corpse Parties, and you may have my babies.
Bakuryukun

Holy Macaroni!
http://www.facebook.com/chase.phillips.712 Chase Phillips

The second I imported it… it gets localized… well good for all you people who didn’t import it. I’ll be staring at my shelf contemplating the $45 I spent for nothing.
- http://www.oprainfall.com/ Richard Ross
  
  Same thing happend to me with The Last Story. Learned my lesson for this time, haha.
dubaloseven

I think I just jizzed my pants…
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001601671911 Cari Kreske

OMG This is awesome! Thanks XSEED!
http://www.jerseysmarts.com/ Joe

Why would they have kept up the front that they weren’t going to bring this over? They should have just said ages ago that they were working on it (unless they weren’t and this is a relatively recent decision for them, which would be interesting).
- http://www.oprainfall.com/ Richard Ross
  
  It could be because of the Wii U launch and Nintendo maybe didn’t want XSEED announcing a Wii game during the Wii U launch. Just a theory.
- http://www.jerseysmarts.com/ Joe
  
  Good theory. I hadn’t considered that angle!
Zee

This is unexpected! I imported this one months ago because I was certain we wouldn’t see a release, but it looks like we were all surprised! One of the best games I’ve played in years! Reminds me of a blend of Neir, Shadow of the Colossus, and Castlevania SOTN, all of which have been excellent games that I found to be a blast to play. Even though I already own the import, I’ll be buying this to support Xseed for giving fans what they’ve been asking for.

Don’t pay heed to only what the big review sites say. This is a fantastic game full of great writing and fun gameplay. Of the original three Operation Rainfall games, this one probably was the most influential for me in spite of the fact that it was probably the lowest budget of the three titles. It has such a sad and memorable plot that really pulls you in, much like the ill-fated Nier which was panned by professional critics. I have a hard time choosing between this and The Last Story as my Op Rainfall favorites, for different reasons. I wasn’t all that fond of Xenoblade in spite of investing 110 hours until it (I am a big fan of the director as well). But there are many people who loved it as well. It just goes to show you that there are varying opinions about this games. Each one will have its share of fans.

Please give this great game a chance and you might enjoy it as much as I did. Support Xseed and support Ganbarion so that we see more great games from these small but talented companies.
http://www.facebook.com/ben.stilke Ben Stilke

I got The Last Story a few weeks ago and I’m trying to find Xenoblade Chronicles (thanks douchebags on Amazon) and I’m excited that this game is coming to the states now I just gotta get a Wii U cause my Wii is broken xD
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001601671911 Cari Kreske
  
  Try your local Gamestop to find Xenoblade used. I haven’t seen it new around me since launch.
Retroness

I really do hope they make a great special edition to purchase. With artwork and maybe a figurine.
http://profile.yahoo.com/KK4NVGG44WB3SDNJTCQE4JFNTE GuyR

DRAT! Even if this one was going to come out, I wasn’t going to buy it, but then… XSEED. (sigh)
XSEED has terrific public relations. I emailed them twice, without really expecting a response, and within twenty four hours, they’d gotten back to me with a reply. I decided that whenever XSEED did something I approved of, (like release Last Story at retail, Unchained Blades on eShop) I would support them at launch. And, whether they say so or not, Oprainfall certainly played a part in their decision. Since they’ve published an Oprainfall game, I feel obligated to support them.
I do hope this does well, though. I can see Pandora’s Tower becoming Nintendo’s answer to God of War.
NOA can suck it

Does this make Operation Rainfall the most successful localization fan campaign in history? 3 out of 3.
Ibi Salmon

It’s been two hours since I heard the news. I feel like I’m in a dream, expecting to wake up at any moment….
ScienceNonfiction

Wow. This is seriously amazing. Thanks XSEED, thanks Nintendo, and thanks Operation Rainfall! I don’t think we’ll ever know how much influence Operation Rainfall had on bringing Xenoblade, The Last Story, and Pandora’s tower over here. But all the campaigning no doubt created a whole bunch of publicity for the games and really showed that there was demand for the games here in North America. And for that, I thank you Operation Rainfall! Hope everyone has fun with Pandora’s Tower!

Also, semi-unrelated and possibly stupid question incoming: Is themightyme still among the current oprainfall staff? Just want to know for curiosity’s sake.
- Guest
  
  haven’t seen him post for months around here, but it looks like he hangs around the IGN boards pretty regularly
- RichieBerry
  
  He wrote a series of articles about ways Pandora’s Tower might be localized (XSEED was among them!) about 7 or 8 months ago. I don’t think I’ve seen him do anything since (and I think I’ve read pretty much everything here over that time).
  
  I know he sort of founded it all that time ago, but I think he pretty much gave over control of to Ryan Tyner, Richard Ross, and Steven Boaz, who have been running it for over a year now.
- ScienceNonfiction
  
  Alrighty, thanks for the info.
- http://www.oprainfall.com/ Richard Ross
  
  What he said.
ScienceNonfiction

Yeah, I saw him post a few things today on the original campaign board on IGN. Just some stuff about how Pandora’s Tower is coming to North America.
ArtIristic

Congratulations!!!. I couldn’t be any happier for you guys.

I can only imagine the sheer happiness Jon is bursting through right now.
ZanetheWise

Congrats OpRainfall staff. Total victory at last. =)

I’ll probably pick this one up just to show my support, but I’m really hoping for a Wii U downloadable version sometime in the future. Off-TV gameplay has been a revelation for me.
Eugene Ng

Score! Enjoy the game my fellow Americans! The power of the gaming media is impressive! The more attention it is given the better!
http://www.facebook.com/david.w.easterling David William Easterling

Oh my God! Awesome! =D
Eugene Ng

Edit: Oh yeah, I forgot, all of you in the US, buy this game, write to XSEED and Nintendo and thank them for releasing the game!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000187348670 Kim Agnes

Finally!! Now my friend in America can play the game.
Alonseph

I am drooling!!!!!!!!! Wait, please hope that they will have a steelbook edition like in Europe. If not oh well but lets hope so! Anyways I am so gonna preorder when it is available!
John Ellis

Wow this was unexpected, what with the Wii U out and everything. Still I’m clad for American. And maybe this means there is still hope Kirby’s Dream Collection to come to Europe.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jon-Turner/592763159 Jon Turner

Holy ****, I cannot believe it! The game that I thought was never going to make it to America finally is!

XSeed, you are my heroes. Major kudos to you!
http://www.facebook.com/james.m.mueller James Martin Mueller

Some things just make you feel like a kid randomly getting an ice cream cone
- http://www.oprainfall.com/ Richard Ross
  
  In my case make it cookie dough and mint chocolate chip!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001084743411 Ariel White

YEEEESSSS >D Book of shadows and now Pandora’s Tower? THANK YOU XSEED
http://www.facebook.com/people/Zimmer-Remmiz/100001573602233 Zimmer Remmiz

VICTORY!!!…
http://twitter.com/NinjaDentist Geoffrey Greene

Does this mean we will finally get those Operation Rainfall collectors cases? I donated, but never head anything more about them…
- Guest
  
  they are still coming: http://operationrainfall.com/collectors-case-update-feed/
http://twitter.com/NinjaDentist Geoffrey Greene

Oops, double posted…
http://profile.yahoo.com/H3EIEDFGATD7G55LYXQPGYZANA moonburstseven

With XSEED, the spirit of Working Designs lives on.

Congratulations Operation Rainfall. You’ve won.
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.stanley.3152 Christopher Stanley

AWESOME GUYS I KNEW ONE DAY THIS GAME WOULD COME TO THE USA

but unfortinatly it pains me to say this i’ll worry about this game later because right now i have made a huge mistake i was raging at ninja gaiden 3 razor’s edge and i ended up punching my wii u gamepad’s screen i feel so ashamed of my self
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jimmy-McKee/100000472580937 Jimmy McKee

You people asked for it now make sure it sells like gangbusters or we’ll re-visit 1983 via the wrath of the Hardcore Gamers
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1420386665 Renato Accioly

I don’t really care for Pandora’s Tower. I’d love to get Fatal Frame 2 Wii Edition and Fatal Frame 4, though. How ’bout those being published in the Americas?
Shotgun gamer

Ever since I read the article about this game in Nintendo Power (God rest its soul) I have been so hyped about it, but when I found oh it wasn’t gonna come to the US I was so disappointed, but now it’s all bettr CUZ IT’S FINALLY COMING HERE. It was because of this game that I found out about operation rainfall in the first place. I need to start getting some cash together for this game. EEEEEEEEEEE (little girl squeal)

Highlighted Articles
- PRETENTIOUS OPINIONIST: Why Do Third Parties Hate Nintendo?
  16 May 2013 12:00 PM | 52 Comments
- Import REVIEW: Project DIVA 2nd
  16 May 2013 9:00 AM | 3 Comments
- POLL: If You Could Pick One Game To Be Localized…
  12 May 2013 5:30 PM | 50 Comments
- READER’S PICK: Vote for the Best Wii Games
  10 May 2013 11:00 AM | 50 Comments
Collector's Case Live Update
Latest Podcast Episode

The Downpour Podcast: Episode 16 (May 8th, 2013)
(https://itunes NULL.apple NULL.com/us/podcast/oprainfalls-downpour-podcast/id645737018)
Recent Comments
Check out our latest YouTube videos
- Operation Recap May 11-17
- Panopticon - Reveal Trailer
Operation Rainfall proudly hosted by:

(http://www NULL.bigbrainhost NULL.com/?utm_source=oprain&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=OperationRainfaull&utm_nooverride=1)
Poll
If you could pick one game to be localized, which would it be?
- Tales of Innocence R
- Project Diva F
- Final Fantasy Type-0
- Fatal Frame 4
- Senran Kagura Burst
View Results
Loading ...
- Polls Archive
Support oprainfall by Turning Off AdBlock

Ads support the website by covering server and domain costs. We're just a group of gamers here, like you, doing what we love to do; playing video games and bringing y'all niche goodness. So, if you like what we do and want to help us out, make an exception by turning off AdBlock for our website . In return, we promise to keep intrusive ads such as pop-ups, off oprainfall. Thanks everyone!
(http://www NULL.alexa NULL.com/siteinfo/www NULL.operationrainfall NULL.com?p=rwidget#reviews)