Arcana Hearts Set for PS2

via IGN

Another one of those 2D Naomi fighters is making the move from arcades to the PS2, only this time Arc System Works isn't involved. AQ Interactive will be publishing the PS2 version of Arcana Hearts, a fighter from Ecole Software that hits arcades back in December of 2006.

The big draw for this game is its female cast, which includes girls clad in schoolgirl outfits, swimwear, maid outfits, and even priestesses! While the PS2 version doesn't appear to have new characters, fans will be able to enjoy the current cast better than ever through a gallery mode that features original character illustrations. And if that isn't enough seed for your imagination, you'll be able to enjoy fully voiced performances by all the girls in the game's story mode.

Gameplay seems to be fittingly flashy. Fights take place on a battle field that spans three screens high, allowing for fantastic aerial attacks. When heading out to battle, in addition to choosing a single warrior, you select an "Arcana" helper spirit, who adds to your attacks and defense.

If you were into the arcade version (don't be shy now!), it should please you to learn that Ecole is including two versions of the game, the original version and the current version, Arcana Heart Full!, which fixes game balance. The game will let you pair the old version of a character with the new version for a fight to determine just how good Ecole's balance tweakers are.

This latest arcade to PS2 fighter hits Japan on 10/11. It will likely stay overseas, so interested parties should import.