Nippon Ichi's Jigsaw World is bizarre in a few different ways. It's not a port, which makes it rare among NIS's DS games. It's not a strategy RPG, which makes it fairly unique among NIS's games in general. Oh, and also, it's an anime-style action game about completing jigsaw puzzles.

The latest screens of Jigsaw World, which comes out this month, show off the giant special attacks employed by each character, which affect both competitors and the puzzles themselves. For example, Mikan the cat/fruit crate (as far as we can tell!) can automatically fit a piece into the right place at the highest level of its explosive, orangey special attack.

Puzzle Quest may have made crazy genre-combining games popular, but we have no qualms when other titles follow suit. Take, for example, Jigsaw Battle World. Fusing jigsaw puzzles with action gameplay, this combination of styles sounds incredibly addicting. It's been a long time since we've obsessed over a jigsaw, but those things are like crack once you start them; there's really no stopping until you finish.

This time, there's even more of an incentive to get your jig on, since there's a story included that involves overthrowing Satan. So, where exactly does the "action" element come in, then? Basically, you race against your opponents to complete puzzles. You can also attack your opponents, though (and vice versa), and by correctly putting pieces in place you gain stronger attacks.

The game is being developed by Nippon Ichi, makers of such gems like Disgaea. There will even been a Disgaea character, Etna, featured in it. Also, since NIS is furiously localizing games for us English-speakers, there's a chance this one might show up in North America eventually.

If you're curious about this crazy hybrid, you can check out some screenage after the break.

You folks know what we'd like to see more of on the DS? Jigsaw puzzle games, that's what. Or, more specifically, localized jigsaw puzzle games. Not only is the touchscreen ideal for manipulating fiddly jigsaw pieces, but Japan has already seen its share of such titles, with the likes of the Otona no Jigsaw Puzzle games giving players the chance to reassemble various famous works of art. Regrettably, the west is still waiting for its first dedicated jigsaw game.

Hopefully then, Hudson will see sense by bringing us a localized edition of Jigsaw Puzzle DS: Journey to the World Wonders. Featuring various famous sights from around the world, including the Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon, and the Great Sphinx of Giza, this would be perfect for lazy weekend afternoons. Reach down the back of the sofa Go past the break to locate more screens.

Uh-oh. You see, this is exactly why we should never be let loose on the streets of Japan with pocket money to spare -- yes, it's yet more Pokémon tat that we desperately crave, but will probably never own. These 3D jigsaw puzzles of Pikachu and Piplup will set you back a modest ¥2,100 (just shy of $20), and are constructed from sixty pieces each. If anybody finds an importer who can get these to us, you know where the comments field is.

[Via Go Nintendo]

If you're going to do a jigsaw puzzle (or ten), then why not learn the details of a great masterpiece of art at the same time? We're not saying this DS puzzler is educational or anything, but it probably can't hurt. This is probably another of those games it's safe to import regardless of your comfort level with Japanese, and a great idea for the touchscreen.