Atlus has just announced that they are now an official Xbox 360 3rd party publisher, and with this announcement comes some news on two new titles.

The company that makes everything I like to play (Ontamarama, Persona series, Trauma Center, Odin Sphere, and so much more) has just announced a partnership with Microsoft to bring some next-gen goodness to the Xbox 360. 

“We are very proud to pledge our support to the Xbox 360 and to officially partner with Microsoft to bring quality titles to their impressive entertainment system,” said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “Atlus is renowned for its expertise and excellence in the RPG genre with critically-acclaimed hits like Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 and Odin Sphere, in addition to the award-winning Trauma Center franchise. We are honored to be able to contribute to the Xbox 360 and are eager to deliver the Atlus gaming experience to its owners.”

A new WWII-era fantasy  RPG called Operation Darkness has the best story setup I've ever heard of, mashing up turn based strategy with Hitler and fantasy monsters. I promise that I'm not making that up. It is in the works for a 2008 release. Also, the Spectral Force series will be making its North American debut with Spectral Force 3, another strategy RPG title. 

Say it with me: Yay for Xbox 360 RPGs!

Check out the full release after the jump. 

Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, today announced a partnership to become an officially licensed 3rd party publisher for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. As part of this announcement, it was revealed that a pair of strategy RPGs, Operation Darkness and Spectral Force 3, would be among the first titles Atlus will release for the Xbox 360 in 2008, demonstrating a strong commitment to the console and to the next generation of gaming.

“We are very proud to pledge our support to the Xbox 360 and to officially partner with Microsoft to bring quality titles to their impressive entertainment system,” said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “Atlus is renowned for its expertise and excellence in the RPG genre with critically-acclaimed hits like Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 and Odin Sphere, in addition to the award-winning Trauma Center franchise. We are honored to be able to contribute to the Xbox 360 and are eager to deliver the Atlus gaming experience to its owners.”

About Operation Darkness:
Enter an alternate WWII-era world where history and fantasy collide! Leading an army of ruthless officers and unearthly creatures, Adolf Hitler marches through Europe, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. With his powers on the rise and his armies on the move, it falls on you and your team of elite soldiers to cut deep into the heart of the Third Reich and strike a fatal blow to Hitler’s ever-growing legion of evil!

About Spectral Force 3:
Magic Era: 996. The ten kingdoms of the land, seizing the opportunity provided by Overlord Janus's death, are attempting to unify the continent under their own banners. This is the beginning of the Great Neverland War. In order to bolster their defenses, kingdoms have begun hiring mercenary units. As new members of the Norius Mercenaries, you and your friend Diaz are eager to prove yourselves. When the squad’s commander Judo is mortally wounded in battle, the mantle of leadership is entrusted to you, and so the adventure begins…