Nippon Ichi Software announced today its newest PlayStation 2 title, Grim Grimoire. The makers of Disgaea describe their newest project as a "mage simulation." Grim Grimoire is jointly developed by Nippon Ichi and Osaka-based VanillaWare. The latter company was founded by a Seiya Kamiya, whose track record includes Atlus' action RPG Princess Crown. Grim Grimoire's characters are the brainchild of Kamiya. The character designer is Kouichi Maenou, who previously worked on Irem's PlayStation 2 title Sakurazaka Shouboutai.

The game's protagonist is a young girl by the name of Lillet Blaw. The young girl is excited because she is allowed to join an elite school of magic. In order to support her poor siblings back home, she aims to become a great witch. The school's headmaster is the legendary wizard Gammel Drask, who is famous for having defeated the Demon King in the past. Furthermore, the school is located in the tower which was originally the evil lord's residence. However, the gigantic structure is still full of unsolved mysteries and dangers. Only five days after Lillet began her studies at the school, a major disaster strikes the tower, killing everyone inside, save Lillet. In addition to Lillet and Gammel, two other characters have been revealed so far. Batido Ballantine is Lillet's senior and specializes in the field of alchemy. The young man is apparently hiding a secret. Lujei Piche is one of three mages who have created powerful magic stones. On the orders of a kingdom deeply afraid of magic, her beloved younger brother was assassinated.

Grim Grimoire has yet to receive an official release date in Japan.

• Official Grim Grimoire Website (Japanese)