so the us version is region free?

I actually got the game when it came out but already sold it to my friend after a while. In my opinion, I prefer the first one better. This isn't Aya, it's a new protagonist and her new sister. Aya and Saki are only cameos in this game. Play very much like the first one albeit with better graphics and slightly harder enemies. You can upgrade things and acquire 2 new weapons. Also now you can equip up to 3 rings and have special abilities that replace that issen slash from the first one.