Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition launches its opening volley, as Sega release Shining Blade for PSP.

Sega says fans will be surprised when they open Shining Blade package on March 15.

Sega is preparing a Shining Blade accessory set to launch along with the PSP game. For 3,129 yen ($40) you get a pouch with a changeable back cover plus eight reversible panels with character art from Tony Taka.

Artwork of Rage, Altena, and Roselinde juxtaposed with in-game art.

Divas are at the heart of Shining Blade’s story and in battle this class can sing Force Songs. Similar to the Bard’s abilities from the Final Fantasy series, Elmina’s Force Songs can buff your party by creating a damage reducing force field or regenerating HP.

More details about Shining Blade’s battle system and the PSP game’s special attacks.

Idea Factory and Gust have been working on an otome game with alchemy elements. Atelier Elkrone: Dear for Otomate has six guys to date and… Popo from Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana!?

With Tony Taka’s artwork, Shining Blade *looks* like the other games in Sega’s Shining series. However, it doesn’t play like any other game in the series.

But, before we get to that… what is the titular Shining Blade and why is it so important?

Shining Blade for PSP has a strategy action realtime battle system, which is being compared to the BLiTZ tactics system from Valkyria Chronicles.

Shining Blade is coming to PSP in spring 2012.

Trademark hints at a new Shining series game from Sega.