So, who's gonna grab Gotta Protectors (Protect Me Knight 2) from the NA 3DS eShop ASAP?

I'm not sure how this news avoided pinging my radar until now, but apparently the localized version of Ancient's Protect Me Knight 2--known as Gotta Protectors in this part of the world--hit the North American 3DS eShop yesterday.

In case this is the first you're hearing of the game, it's a portable sequel to the Japanese developer's first Protect Me Knight title, released digitally for the Xbox 360 in 2010.

That game was a total blast--while also being a blast from the past--and this one is even better. Specifically, this on-the-go follow-up offers a slew of playable characters, 100 levels, four difficulty levels, four-player co-op via Download Play (only one person needs to own a copy of the game), a map editor that uses QR codes and more.



Oh, and to top off that pixelated goodness, Protect Me Knight 2--er, Gotta Protectors--features a soundtrack that was concocted by the brilliant Yuzo Koshiro. (If you've played 7th Dragon III Code: VFD, Half-Minute Hero or any of the Etrian Odyssey titles, you've heard what he's capable of in this medium.)

Is all of the above worth a cool $12.99--which is the price tag currently attached to this tiny tower-defense title? Based on my admittedly limited experience with the Japanese version, I'd say yes, especially if you tend to be a fan of the genre.

One last thing: those of you who are happiest when you're defending towers--or princesses, or any other entity that needs protecting--should check out Witch & Hero II as well. It's just $3.99 right now, which is a great price for what I consider a must-have 3DS game. (Read my Witch & Hero II review to learn why I hold it such high esteem. Up for more? Read my review of the first Witch & Hero, too.)

My gaming goals for this Presidents' Day

Since 1968, the United States has recognized the third Monday of February as a holiday.

Officially, what's being celebrated is George Washington's birthday. Despite that, the day often is referred to as Presidents' Day.

Why am I using this post's opening lines to offer up a lesson in American history? Because this holiday--regardless of what it's called--has provided me with an extra day off of work, that's why.

I want to do all sorts of things during this "lazy Monday," of course, and a good number of them are related to gaming. Specifically, I hope to:

* stick one of the 16GB memory cards I received as Christmas gifts into my pink-and-white Vita and then download all of the digital games I've had to ignore since that system arrived on my doorstep about a year ago

* finally transfer the contents of my gold Pokémon Center 3DS LL to the Japanese New 3DS I bought in late September

* buy Minna de Mamotte Knight: Hime no Tokemeki Rhapsody (aka Protect Me Knight 2) and Majo to Yuusha (the first Witch & Hero) from the Japanese eShop

If you're wondering why I'm buying another copy of Witch & Hero (I've owned the North American version for ages now), that would be because the sequel is due out in Japan on Feb. 17, and I--rather stupidly, I admit--want both games to reside on the same 3DS system.

Aside from that, I've got to admit I'm more than a bit terrified I'll screw up the 3DS LL-to-New 3DS transfer and wind up with a pair of borked handhelds. Here's hoping the YouTube videos I've dug up on the subject and Nintendo of America's own support info will save me from that tragedy.

Anyway, that's how I'm planning to do during my Presidents' Day. If you also have today off of work, for whatever reason, how are you going to spend it?