Namco Bandai has revealed some exciting new details about the upcoming release of manga-inspired action/adventure game One Piece: Unlimited World Red.

In the Story Mode, which features an original scenario by series creator Eiichiro Oda, a new “Difficult” mode will be unlocked after the first play-through. With Difficult mode unlocked, enemies and bosses will put up a much tougher fight upon replaying the episodic adventures of the Straw Hat Crew, with rare special items to be awarded for taking on the additional challenge. It’s unclear if this higher difficulty will function as a true New Game+ mode, but any added replay incentive will be a definite plus.

Speaking of bosses, some of the Pirates and Marines you can expect to face off against include Shanks, Boa Hancock, Trafalgar Law (aka Surgeon of Death), Aokiji, Rob Lucci, Caesar Clown, and Doflamingo. In addition to the storyline, Eiichiro Oda has designed two new characters just for the game: a cheerful and sassy raccoon named Pato, and a pirate villain named Red Count.

Eager One Piece fans who pre-order the game ahead of launch will also be treated to a “Day One Edition” upgrade containing exclusive DLC created in commemoration of the animated series’ 15th anniversary. The extra content will include a Strong World Adventure Outfit for Luffy, 9 additional anniversary costumes for members of the Straw Hat Crew (Luffy, Nami, Sanji, Chopper, Zoro, Usopp, Franky, Robin and Brook), and the “Flame Fist & Straw Hat” bonus quest.

Developed by Ganbarion, One Piece: Unlimited World Red is scheduled to launch in the U.S. on July 8th for 3DS, PS3, Vita and Wii U. It’s important to note that retail distribution will vary by platform. The 3DS and PS3 versions will be sold in stores nationwide, while the Vita version will see a limited retail release exclusive to GameStop, and the Wii U version will skip brick and mortar altogether for a digital download release via the Nintendo eShop. Pricing also varies: $29.99 for 3DS, $39.99 for Vita, and $49.99 for PS3. (I don’t have confirmation for the Wii U price, but I’m guessing it’ll be equal to PS3.)

Before you go, please enjoy a new batch of One Piece: Unlimited World Red screenshots and character art fresh from Namco Bandai’s E3 showing.

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Namco Bandai sent over a huge press kit full of screenshots and other assets from the company’s annual Global Gamers Day. The event was headlined by new game announcements, including GRID Autosport, Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2, Sword Art Online, Tales of Hearts R, and a free-to-play PC fighting game called Rise of Incarnates collaboratively designed by the teams behind Tekken, Soulcalibur, and Gundam Extreme VS. New screens are also in for games like Tales of Xillia 2, Lords of the Fallen, Enemy Front and plenty of anime-related goodness. Enjoy!

Rise of Incarnates (PC Free-to-Play)
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GRID Autosport (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
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TALES OF XILLIA 2 (PlayStation 3)
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Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment (PlayStation Vita)
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TALES OF HEARTS R (PlayStation Vita)
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One Piece Unlimited World Red (PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, 3DS, Wii U on eShop)
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Lords of the Fallen (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC)
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Enemy Front (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
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PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, 3DS)
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SOULCALIBUR: Lost Swords (PlayStation 3 free-to-play)
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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (PlayStation 3)
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DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM REBORN (PlayStation 3)
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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM REVOLUTION (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
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ACE COMBAT INFINITY (PlayStation 3 Free-to-Play)
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