Japanese gaming giant Koei has today announced that PlayStation Portable fans over in Europeland will soon be able to get their RPG-lovin’ paws on Dragoneer’s Aria, which has been designed and developed exclusively for Sony’s diminutive gaming platform.

While Dragoneer’s Aria is already on release in the United States, the kindly folk at Koei are keen to show their European fans that this particular gem of exclusivity is one turn-based RPG action adventure that will not pass them by.

Further to that, Koei offers up Dragoneer’s Aria as an “epic fantasy” that “combines everything that has made top-quality RPGs so compelling” to the gaming masses. Yet the game doesn’t merely rest on the laurels of previous landmark titles, but also contributes some “clever new ideas to the mix.”

In terms of original approach, the battle system in Dragoneer’s Aria gives players much more instant control by allowing them to choose the order of character attacks, or even have the entire character team (of 4) attack en masse for devastating effect. The new battle system also brings “chain” attacks into play, which can trigger powerful “Chain Skills” that grow in strength when successful chaining is prolonged.

Interestingly, the standard “guard” ability utilised during the heat of battle has been replaced by an original rhythm-based clicking mini-game that is similar to current musical rhythm titles. Received character damage is gauged based on how well the player performs during this gameplay oddity – and it remains to be seen whether this mini-game detracts from the mainstay battle action.

“When you can combine the talents of some of the world’s most experienced RPG developers, with the man responsible for the awesome character design in Lineage II and the genius [soundtrack] of Johann Sebastian Bach then you clearly have something worth getting excited about. said Will Curley, Sales Manager for Koei Ltd. “Dragoneer’s Aria is shaping up to be the first essential PSP release of 2008.”

Developed by Japanese Strategy RPG specialists Nippon Ichi (Makai Kingdom, Phantom Brave, Disgaea) in collaboration with Hit Maker (Dino Crisis 3, Cyber Formula, Blade Dancer), Dragoneer’s Aria is currently scheduled to arrive on European shores in February of 2008.

Can’t wait until then to know whether to splash the cash for Koei’s latest foray? Check out this GameTrailers review for the U.S. version of the game. Enjoy.