This new collaboration will kick off with Aksys Games distributing Rising Star Games' first U.S. title, Akai Katana, a side-scrolling bullet hell adventure for the Xbox 360. Akai Katana will be releasing later this spring, and places players in a parallel world resembling Japan's Taisho period. Utilizing the power behind the world's Blood Swords for leverage, schmup (shoot 'em up) fans will fight alongside their rebel warrior kin as they seek to regain peace and order by taking on a fierce empire of tyranny.

"I am excited to finally bring Rising Star Games compelling video games to the USA," said Martin Defries, president of Rising Star Games. "We have, in line with our approach to publishing in Europe these past years, decided to come to the market by partnering with experts in their field. Aksys Games offers an expertise and know-how that will define our success across 2012."

"We are also very excited to become an important role in introducing Rising Star Games' video games to the U.S. market," said Akibo Shieh, founder and CEO of Aksys Games. "We believe Rising Star Games can effectively launch and expand their business in the North American territory by utilizing our in-house sales and logistic resources. At the same time, we are very confident that our combined efforts will create a synergy and increase brand awareness for both Rising Star Games and Aksys Games."