Atlus U.S.A. finds itself in the news again today after announcing its recent acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Riviera: The Promised Land for the Sony PSP. Riviera was originally born as a child to the Wonderswan in Japan in 2002 (known in Japan as Riviera: Yakusoku no Chi). After some success, it ended up being released as a GBA game and made its way to North America in 2005. The PSP version is an updated port of the GBA title.

The list of Riviera updates for the new port include fully-voiced cast work in dual-language (within cut-scenes, conversations and battles), an arranged CD-quality soundtrack, a new dungeon and episode, and enhanced visuals, including about 50 new CG scenes.

The game takes place in the world of Asgard. Long ago, a war raged between the gods of Asgard and the demons of Utgard, plunging the land into darkness and chaos. Deciding it to be their only chance of survival, the gods sacrificed themselves to create the black-winged Grim Angels who would fight the demons, and defend the land. The battle ended with much blood shed, but the demons were defeated and sealed away. Fearing they may one day return to wreak havoc, the gods imbued the isle of Riviera with the last of their power, and then left for good. A thousand years have passed and the demons have returned once again. Fearing that this time their land may perish for good, The Seven Magi, the designated agents of the gods, have decided to unleash Riviera's power and once again bring the Grim Angels back to life.

In Riviera you play as Ein, an angel who sacrificed his wings to attain a great power. With the help of your comrades, you must take up sword to protect the world of Asgard from the blood-thirsty demons who seek to destroy it once and for all.

News of the PSP port was released in August of 2006, and at that time, it was believed that the game would see completion at the end of that year. However, a clear PSP release date for Riviera has not been announced, though it is expected later this year. Check back with RPGamer for further news and media as it becomes available.