Author Archives: InTheSky

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X HD Announced for Playstation 4

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Sega took to the official Japanese Project DIVA blog to announce Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X HD, the Playstation 4 version of Project DIVA X for Japan. The game is due for release on August 25th. Notable details from the announcement include compatibility with Playstation VR for the purposes of the game’s Live Edit Mode, and the Snow Miku 2010~2015 Download Campaign which offers Snow Miku modules from 2010 to 2015 for free as downloadable content for a month after the game’s release, but will no longer be free after September 25th. The DLC will be available for both Vita (Project DIVA X) and PS4 (Project DIVA X HD.)

A new piece of artwork by KEI was also published to commemorate the announcement! It is used as our featured image for this article.

Project DIVA X for the Vita released a month ago in Japan. Project DIVA X is planned for release in North America for both Vita and PS4, but there’s no word on support for Europe at the moment. Hopefully that situation may change so as to better accommodate any European fans.

A new promotional trailer for Project DIVA X HD was uploaded to Sega’s YouTube channel for the Project DIVA series. It features the Cool Medley – Cyber Rock Jam. Check it out!

【初音ミク】PS4版『初音ミク -Project DIVA- X HD』紹介映像第1弾！【Project DIVA X】

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir: English Oswald Trailer

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Promotional trailers for Oswald from Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir hit the web not too long ago. Be sure to watch it below (uploaded to the PlayStation YouTube channel) if you haven’t gotten the chance. Oswald’s path tells the story of a talented dragon-slayer whose journey intersects with powerful dark forces after he is betrayed by his adoptive father. However his destiny also comes to overlap with the heroine Gwendolyn.

If you remember, NISAmerica is handling the publishing of Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir in Europe, and this game may quite possibly the last Atlus title they work on, so far as we know. In any case, I’d like to bring to our readers’ attention the fact there are French, Italian, German, and Spanish-subtitled versions of the Oswald character trailer on NISAmerica’s YouTube channel. It’s an interesting thing to be aware of!

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir - Oswald Trailer | PS4, PS3, PS Vita

Sakura Wars X Granblue Fantasy Crossover Incoming

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The newest edition of Weekly Famitsu has announced a collaboration event between Sakura Wars and the popular Japanese mobile game Granblue Fantasy. Details are scarce at the moment, but what we do know is that there will be an event featuring the Sakura Wars franchise at a date that is to be specified, and that it will at least feature Sakura Shinguuji, if not more characters. Chisa Yokoyama will be reprising her voicing role for the character.

There is a photo of a page with Sakura Shinguuji rendered in the Granblue Fantasy artstyle. The art looks amazing!

Granblue Fantasy has done crossovers with a couple of other franchises thus far, including Street Fighter and Tales. A TV anime project is also in the works, and a North American version of Granblue Fantasy launched earlier this month.

Official release of this week’s edition should be expected tomorrow, April 28 in Japan.

It’s a strong year for Sakura Wars! I do hope that we can see another Sakura Wars game released this year to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

Credit to Hachima Kikou for the news.

King of Fighters XIV: August 23rd Release in North America, New Videos, New Characters Announced

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Atlus has recently issued a press release, two new videos, and an assortment of images to accompany their announcement of the North American release date for King of Fighters XIV. Atlus will be publishing the SNK-developed game for North America and releasing it on August 23rd.

KOFXIV 20160425 - Steelbook bonus

The press release also reveals some interesting details, including the Classic Kyo DLC costume being free for download for a week after launch. Traditionally, Kyo’s image is associated with a black jacket (with a white shirt underneath) and black pants, but King of Fighters XIV will give him a slightly newer look. Additionally, the press statement discusses new characters including the classic SNK character Nakoruru from Samurai Shodown (another SNK fighting game franchise) and new character Shun’Ei. Fatal Fury was only the beginning – King of Fighters is absorbing all of the other SNK fighting game characters! The screenshots and press release also offer a glimpse into the Day One edition, which come in limited supply.

The first trailer is a system and gameplay overview trailer, while the second one showcases a variety of characters.

Check out all of the media below. The press release will be found at the end of this article.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV - Overview trailer

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV - Characters trailer

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV Launches Aug. 23 –Pre-order/Day One Edition Details Below!

Plus, for the Week Following Launch, the Classic Kyo DLC Costume will be Free!

Oh, and Two New Videos!

The legendary KING OF FIGHTERS returns for its latest numbered entry on August 23 this year with KOFXIV. When it arrives however, players will get more than they bargained for….

…because ATLUS is creating a special Pre-order/Day One edition! Only available while supplies last as a bonus item for THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV is a collectible SteelBook™ emblazoned with the series’ fiery mainstay, Kyo Kusanagi, literally burning to fight. It’s the perfect collectible for fighting game connoisseurs who want to own a memorable piece of KOF history.

But we’re not stopping there (maybe you’re not understanding the tagline “Burn to Fight!”) because Atlus U.S.A. is ALSO making the Classic Kyo DLC costume free for the week following launch as a download on PlayStation Network!

And in case you missed it the last time around, here are the top-line refinements for THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV:

3D Evolution: All 50 fighters, movesets and more are rendered in full 3D graphics that preserves the essence of KOF’s visual style but updates it with a whole new dimension.

The Best Refinement since KOF ’98: Through extensive playtesting and balancing, the controls have been streamlined, and the Combo and Max Mode mechanics have been overhauled to create the most competitive fighter in SNK’s history.

The KOF Saga Continues: There’s a robust single-player storyline where several years have passed since the previous KOF tournament. Now a worldwide business, the global KOF will decide who is the strongest as both individuals and companies with their own ambitions have come to compete. Players compete against CPU-controlled opponents to unlock the storyline.

The Best Roster Yet: There are 50 fighters total, with 31 returning from previous entries into the KOF series, and 19 brand new characters. All 50 characters will be available at the game’s launch.

Revamped Online Experience: THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV has devoted a lot of development time to improving the game’s netcode for vastly improved online gameplay. KOF XIV uses the PS4’s online architecture to have a whole host of online conveniences, from spectating to saving replay/battle data, and having a single online KOF XIV profile to connect with friends.

The game will be $59.99/CA$79.99 at launch.

PLUS, we have two new trailers! There’s a new video that will touch on the game’s systems – from the traditional 3 on 3 combat to the all-new online Party Battle! It sets the stage for the KOF saga that’s about to unfold! Second, is a new character video! Some hawk-eyed press may even recognize a few SNK favorites, including Nakoruru from the Samurai Showdown series! On the other hand, you’ve got the brand new character Shun’Ei. What will his role in the game be? Find out when it releases on Aug. 23!

Valkyria: Azure Revolution – The Reveal of “The Circle of Five”?

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I would like to begin this article by pointing our readers to a particular image from the title art of Valkyria: Azure Revolution.

Valkyria Azure Revolution LogoHere lie the “circle of five”, whose vengeful actions brought forth an inferno of war. With their execution, the blood of the brave legions is redeemed, and a just peace born. They rest eternally in the land of their birth, by the grace of the Holy Mother.

This was initially presented to us as something without context, but with the reveal of four new characters, the plot just got a little more interesting.

Introducing the Five Grand Criminals. They are a group who is identified within the mythology of Azure Revolution as coming to posses great power (in some form or another) during the war against the Rus Empire. One of the five is Amleth, the main character who is renowned for his combat ability.

The rest of the five all acquired a name for various forms of non-military power.

Suleiman Kahlenberg, a man of numbers and stoic composure, for his political skill and influence in government. Basil Sabanci. Basil Sabanci, a man with a charming and disarming personality (and very intense taste in fashion,) who inherits a factory from his stepfather and uses the money from the company he grew to success to finance war against Rus. Fleet Ericksen, a man with a soft demeanor who assumes a position of power within news media as a voice to influence public sentiment. Violet Szand, a spy who uses her good looks to acquire intelligence for the Five, and whom also fabricates information for the enemy so that Jutland Kingdom can profit from it.

Suleiman
Basil
Fleet
Violet

If we refer back to the quote from the title card, it seems history after the Revolution paints the Five in a negative light. It would also suggest that Amleth’s existence was erased (whether by death, or simply not being able to live in the public eye.) Why does a group that purportedly fought on behalf of the Jutland Kingdom receive such disdain from its historians?

Because the Five instigated a war with the Rus Empire all the while plotting some sort of act of treason against the Jutland princess, Ophelia. But the next question is – if they acquired so much power during the course of the Revolution, how did they come to lose it? Especially the social and political power from the media and government. How did the Jutland Kingdom come to turn against the Five? And how close is Amleth to the other Five?

Names, images, and profile descriptions are from this Siliconera article.

New Sakura Wars Museum: “Sakura Wars Museum 2”!

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Remember the Sakura Wars Museum from earlier this year? Missed the festivities?

Then you might be interested in Sakura Wars Museum 2, another Sakura Wars museum returning to the Gamers store in Akihabara, floor 7. It is running from April 22 to May 8. This museum will also feature two special promotions. First, those who purchase ¥2000 worth of goods will receive one of three random bromides, each themed after character cards of the three main heroines (Gemini, Erica, Sakura) within the Sakura Wars games.

Sakura Wars Museum 2 heroine bromideAdditionally, those who purchase ¥2000 worth of goods and Tweet using the hashtag “#サクラ大戦” will be eligible for a special Sakura Shinguji bromide.

Sakura bromide TwitterMany of the same goods from the previous Sakura Wars museum will be available for purchase; you can check out a preview image below. Some of the items are new – like the Tote Bag which comes in a different color.

Sakura Wars Museum 2 goods

So it bears repeating that this is the 20th anniversary of the Sakura Wars franchise in Japan, and within this year so far there have been several events held (and planned) to help commemorate the momentous occasion for the franchise. Of course, the dream is that we’ll see a new game from the storied Sakura Wars franchise!

Credit for information and images in this article goes to this announcement post from the Gamers website.

New Momoclover X Sakura Wars Cycling Gear: Featuring Erica Fontaine

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Momoclover’s crossover campaign with the Sakura Wars franchise continues with new Erica Fontaine-themed cycling gear, marking the designer’s first foray into the Paris Assault Force. Prior to this announcement, Momoclover has represented Sakura Shinguji, Sumire Kanzaki, Maria Tachibana, and Iris Chateaubriand from the Imperial Assault Force.

Erica Fontaine is probably one of the more popular Sakura Wars characters. She’s cheerful, a bit of a ditz, and pure in her sense of morality and devotion to God. And of course, the immortal Good Morning Dance has really made an impact among fans. Check out this impression that Erica’s seiyuu Noriko Hidaka performs at Animazement 2010.

Check out a preview gallery of the clothing items below!

Windbreaker
Bib Shorts
High Function
Quick Drying
Long Sleeve

As usual, check out Momoclover’s English Facebook application if you have an interest in their items. The Japanese store page (set to browse Sakura Wars items) can be seen here.

 

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir Releasing June 24 in Europe, EFIGS + Limited Edition Incoming!

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NISAmerica announced a June 24 release date for the European release of Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, and revealed some additional details about its release. Notably, the game will be receiving EFIGS text localization, dual-audio (English and Japanese) voice option, and a Playstation 4 Limited Edition purchase option. The Limited Edition, priced at £59.99 includes such goods as (per the product page description on NISAmerica’s online store):

  • PS4 version of the game.
  • A 64-page hardcover art book, with full color renditions of the glorious Vanillaware art.
  • A Potion Recipe t-shirt to remind you of the most basic alchemical recipes.
  • A collector’s metal slipcase to house the game.
  • Alice and Socrates art print.
  • And a premium outer box adorned with the game’s fantastical artwork!

Check out some preview shots of the Limited Edition goods:

Game Slipcase
Artbook
Art Print

The Limited Edition is also being offered through Amazon.co.uk and GAME, though priced 5 Pounds higher. In case it is not clear, the Vita and PS3 version are still being localized; it’s just that only the PS4 version has a Limited Edition option,

In line all of the Atlus RPGs recently released in Europe, NISAmerica seems to be consistently publishing games for Europe that Atlus has published for North America.

If you’ve missed it, check out European English version (PEGI-rating, etc.) of the Storybook trailer below. Additional game description from the Limited Edition preorder page can be seen below the trailer in our article.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir: Storybook Trailer (EU - English)

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a 2D sidescrolling action RPG, steeped in Norse mythology or a Wagnerian opera. The new game is a complete HD remake of the original PS2 classic Odin Sphere from Vanillaware, the team behind the hit side-scrolling action game Dragon’s Crown and Muramasa: The Demon Blade.

The kingdom of Valentine was the most powerful country on the continent of Erion. Its people thrived using the magical power of the Crystallization Cauldron, but it was destroyed in one fateful night. And so, a war over the now master-less Cauldron has begun, involving all the nations of the land and growing more intense by the day. Is the End near, as the Prophecy states?

KOFXIV Featured

Atlus USA Publishing SNK-Playmore’s King of Fighters XIV in North America

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Atlus USA officially announced today that they are handling the publishing for the North American release of King of Fighters XIV, the newest upcoming release of the longstanding King of Fighters franchise of fighting games. To celebrate this announcement and to bolster promote the game, Atlus has launched their own website for King of Fighters XIV and has authored a press release detailing some key features.

King of Fighters is a series of 2D fighting games that pits one team of three player-controlled characters against an opponent’s team of three characters. It has long been one of SNK-Playmore’s premier franchises. It has something of a reputation for demanding technical execution for advanced combos and fast-paced gameplay, but these are also considered charm points and high-level matches can be very intense (if EVO 2014 is any indication!) King of Fighters XIV also marks the franchise’s first entry into using 3D models for characters; King of Fighters XIII used sprites instead of 3D models that moved on a 2D plane. Guilty Gear is another series that made the transition to 3D models between Guilty Gear XX and Guilty Gear Xrd; now, one of the last remaining sprite-based 2D fighters is Blazblue.

Check out the website here. There’s not a lot on it at the moment, just a few screenshots and an announcement video. Watch the video (showcasing some gameplay and new characters) below!

The King of Fighters XIV is Arriving to the Americas This Year!

We will reproduce the press release at this article’s end. Some items of note include the 50-character roster (19 of which are new,) efforts to improve netplay (online match spectating!,) and the promise of a strong single-player story mode. Gameplay mechanics are also revamped and there are also beginner-friendly gameplay options that may be utilized.

A few days ago, RiceDigital uploaded an article which speculated that Atlus USA would be publishing the North American release of King of Fighters XIV. Thus far, SNK-Playmore (the developer of the King of Fighters series, and a company with a long history in video game software and hardware) had been handling publishing for the KOF games – with the exception of King of FIghters XII, which was handled by Atlus USA. It was also announced last year that the Chinese technology company Leyou had acquired SNK-Playmore.

Atlus has published several third party games (especially RPGs) in the past. Now that Atlus’s assimilation into Sega is complete, I wonder if Sega’s Western branches may be taking on this same spirit of game publishing that Atlus has done in the past.

In any case, this is good news for KOF fans and fighting game fans in North America, and hopefully Europe will have a release option announced for them soon. The game is due for release in North America and Japan this year. You can find some screenshots of the game featuring the characters Kukri and Mui Mui below the press release.

The legendary fighters in the upcoming THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV will be making their stateside debut thanks to a partnership between SNK PLAYMORE and Atlus U.S.A. The vaunted fighting game series, which first made its debut 1994, is entering a new evolution with THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV thanks to series-first 3D graphics and debuting exclusively on the PlayStation 4 console. THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV will arrive to consoles later in 2016.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV Feature Details:

• 3D Evolution: All 50 fighters, movesets and more are rendered in full 3D graphics that preserves the essence of KOF’s visual style but updates it with a whole new dimension.

• The Best Refinement since KOF ’98: Through extensive playtesting and balancing, the controls have been streamlined, and the Combo and Max Mode mechanics have been overhauled to create the most competitive fighter in SNK’s history.

• The KOF Saga Continues: There’s a robust single-player storyline where several years have passed since the previous KOF tournament. Now a worldwide business, the global KOF will decide who is the strongest as both individuals and companies with their own ambitions have come to compete. Players compete against CPU-controlled opponents to unlock the storyline.

• The Best Roster Yet: There are 50 fighters total, with 31 returning from previous entries into the KOF series, and 19 brand new characters. All 50 characters will be available at the game’s launch.

• Revamped Online Experience: THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV has devoted a lot of development time to improving the game’s netcode for vastly improved online gameplay. KOF XIV uses the PS4’s online architecture to have a whole host of online conveniences, from spectating to saving replay/battle data, and having a single online KOF XIV profile to connect with friends.

Shin Megami Tensei IV FINAL - DLC

New Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final DLC Trailer

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Atlus published a new DLC trailer for Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final to their Japanese YouTube account. It might be longer than you would expect (at a little more than five minutes,) but it is a comprehensive trailer that illustrates the remainder of Atlus’s DLC plans for Final. I’ll illustrate a couple of highlights in this article.Shin Megami Tensei IV FINAL - DLCFirst, the return of previous Shin Megami Tensei protagonists. Readers may have taken note of their inclusion (alongside Stephen, another prominent character in SMT lore) earlier last month. Alongside Nanashi, the name of the protagonist for Final, a special DLC quest will allow previous SMT characters Protagonist (…of the first SMT game), Aleph (SMT II), Demi-fiend (SMT Nocturne), and Flynn (SMT IV) as party members for a special dungeon and grand final battle.

Protagonist (SMT)
Aleph (SMT II)
Demi-fiend (SMT Nocturne)

The introduction of Cleopatra was also previously revealed in Famitsu. She is part of a paid DLC quest, wherein once completed she can be Fused. There is a similar paid DLC quest for Mephisto, and it is set in Hawaii. With all of the chaos in the world of SMT IV Final, it’s nice that Hawaii is still intact. Other DLC options include Hunter Memos for story purposes and the ability to level up past 100, with these DLC items in particular being free.

Check out the trailer below!

真・女神転生IV FINAL　DLC紹介 #2