It's gonna be a busy season for Atlus fans and gaming in general

We all know that this season, video games are going to be released left and right at a high premium. A lot of triple-A titles are being released and it will be very difficult to keep track of. From LittleBigPlanet to Fallout 3; from Resistance 2 to Gears of War 2; the season is going to be a massive money maker.

Even those of us on the underground and "niche" game market seem to have our hands full. While I certainly will play the big titles as well (already reserved LBP and Fallout) my favorite developer is hitting on all cylinders this season. Atlus is looking to have a good lineup this year with Persona 4, Eternal Poison, and what will most likely be a very overlooked title, Dokapon Kingdom.

Starting with Persona 4, this is easily my most anticipated game. After finally having watched a beloved series break into the consciousness of the mainstream audience and recieve critical acclaim, one can only expect so much more from the follow up. It retains the same sim system during the day time that hooked so many people last time around while providing us with a whole new atmosphere and story. Early reviews from importers have been extremely positive ratings-wise (I refuse to read them in case of spoilers though). And once again, Atlus has stepped up and served their fans like none other by packing in the soundtrack again as well as offering a 100 page art book for any preorders. Thank you.

Much the same can be said for Eternal Poison. Also releasing with the soundtrack and preorder special artbook it is apparent that Atlus is all about pleasing the faithful this year. While a much lower profile game than Persona 4, Eternal Poison is shaping up to have one of the more unique aesthetics that I can recall seeing in quite a while. With gorgeous gothic art styles the tactic/strategy game tells its story from 5 different perspectives. A dark world in which you can capture the demons you fight and sacrifice them for power if you so desire hints at a system that can be very customizable and unique to itself. Something that tactic fans have come to desire and love from companies like Atlus and Nippon Ichi. While not a whole lot of info is available yet, the website is continuously being updated as we approach the Novemeber release.

Then there is Dokapon Kingdom releasing for the Wii and PS2. If that fact alone won't make it overlooked, the very kiddy cartoonish art style will. In essence the game is Mario Party-esque taking place on and playing out much like a board game. But unlike Mario Party, this game is billed as one that will "destroy your friendships." This game is all about going the extra mile to double cross and backstab the other players. From sending thieves after them, to exploiting them in battles; there are a lot of different ways to do just that. The game is a medieval setting and actually has a ton of RPG elements on top of the board game. While you can get items to use (thankfully not god awful candy) the bulk of the money you gain will go towards buying armor and weapons to fight with. The board can throw you into random turn-based fights for spoils, pit you against other players in duels, and possibly summon you to the battle arena to fight for who knows what. All in all this looks like a potential party game that has the depth Mario Party has been lacking and will sadly go unnoticed but all but the most avid "niche" or independent gamers. Check out the website over at Atlus.com and see for yourself.

Add on the various DS titles that have been produced and the company has kept themselves very busy this year. I know the collector in me will pick them all up, but I'm more worried about the time factor to play all the great games coming out across the board. I mean, after all we only have til February before RE5 hits...