Author Archives: InTheSky

“Miracle Girls’ Festival” Live Concert Event in Japan

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Last month, SEGA announced “Miracle Girls’ Festival”, a live event featuring seiyuu that voiced characters in the Playstation Vita title Miracle Girls Festival. For those who may have forgotten (it’s been some time since we’ve written about the game, and it was never localized), Miracle Girls Festival featured units of characters from ten different notable anime series.

On April 3rd, the Miracle Girls’ Festival live concert was held. It comprised of two parts: a talk session featuring games and discussion from the attending seiyuu, and a performance session featuring live singing and dancing from attending seiyuu. The talk session included an extended team-based competition wherein two teams, led by Yuka Ōtsubo and Ayaka Ohashi (well-known seiyuu in their own right), took seiyuu from each of the attending units and competed in events including a table tennis showdown, a themed posing contest, a quiz, and some showdowns in the Miracle Girls Festival game itself! That sounds fun, and quite intense. Yuka Ōtsubo’s team emerged as the victor, with a clutch victory from a showdown in playing Miracle Girls Festival that awarded one million points.

Goods!
Lights
Miracle Girls Festival Vita Showdown
Table Tennis Showdown
Quiz Showdown
Awards Ceremony

The live performance section followed after the talk and games section. Here are the performing units for this section of the unit:

  • GO! GO! 575
  • Sega Hard Girls
  • Wake Up, Girls!
  • Afilia Saga

Afilia Saga as a unit don’t perform any songs in the Miracle Girls Festival game, but were invited to attend and perform. Its members work at select maid cafes in Japan, but are still also a musical group: performing the opening theme for Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation and publishing albums and singles over the past several years. Also, several of the seiyuu who voice Sega Hard Girls characters performed a couple of songs as a unit! Interestingly, this is not the first time is they have come together to perform SEGA-related songs.

The setlist for the concert is below:

  • Afilia Saga
    • Never Say Never
    • Magical☆Express☆Journey
    • S・M・L☆
  • Sega Hard Girls
    • Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan
    • SeHaGaGa Ganbachau!! (the opening theme for the SeHa Girls anime)
  • Wake Up, Girls!
    • 7 Girls War
    • Underground Labyrinth
    • Tachiagare!
  • GO! GO! 575
    • Kiseki Festival
    • Kotoba Colorful
Afilia Saga
SEGA Hard Girls
Wake Up, Girls!
Wake Up, Girls!
575
575

Check out this 4Gamer article for a large writeup of the event in Japanese, alongside a large selection of un-watermarked photos from the event.

Featured image for this photo is credited to this Tweet from the Miracle Girls Festival Twitter account. The other images included in the article originate from this Tweet on the official SEGA of Japan Twitter account and the 4Gamer article linked in the above paragraph.

Another Yakuza 6 Demo Stream (With Commentary) Uploaded to YouTube

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Last month, another niconico stream for the Yakuza 6 demo featuring Toshihiro Nagoshi was announced for the month of March. The Ryu ga Gotoku YouTube account recently uploaded that footage to YouTube, and we’ve attached it below for your viewing.

It’s the same demo from before, but the footage itself is different, so we’ll leave it to our viewers to check it out. Actual game footage lasts from about 9:30 to 19:30. At around 4:10, viewers might recognize a picture of Nagoshi from the set of the recently-uploaded Yakuza Kiwami commercial produced for the Korean version.

『龍が如く』情報局(2016年3月放送回)

So far as we know, Yakuza 6 is due for release in Q3 2016.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir’s Cornelius Trailer

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I hope that you all survived April Fool’s Day!

Here’s an Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir character trailer, featuring Cornelius. He is a prince who is cursed and transformed into the mythical creature known in-game as the “Pooka.” The story of Cornelius follows him as he learns about his curse and attempts to escape from the Underworld. Cornelius is described as a fighter with quick attacks.

The game is due for release on PS3, PS4, and Vita in the West in June of this year (though the releases per region won’t be concurrent, so far as we know.)

Watch the trailer below!

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir: Cornelius the Pooka Prince

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered: Story Trailer…?

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We at Segalization care about your feelings! No April Fool’s Day pranks for our readers today…maybe. Take care of yourself today – the Internet may be dangerous.

Anyway, Sega has produced an English version of the Valkyria Chronicles Remastered trailer. No tricks, no screaming faces at the end, no stealth Valkyria Chronicles III localization announcements. Just an overview of the story that follows the lovable Squad 7.

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered Story Trailer

There’s a lengthy press statement authored by SEGA in the video’s description. We’ll reproduce it for you below.

In the world of Valkyria Chronicles, the year is 1935 E.C., and the continent of Europa has been plunged into the Second Europan War between the Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance — also known as The Empire — and the Atlantic Federation over the precious resource Ragnite. The Empire is sweeping through the continent like an unchecked wildfire and has its eyes set on the rich Ragnite deposits of the Principality of Gallia. Although peaceful Gallia remains neutral in the conflict, its citizens will need to defend home and country against the inevitable invasion. Players follow Lieutenant Welkin Gunther and the vaunted Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia as they take on the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Empire.

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered features:
• HD “CANVAS” Graphics Engine – The stunning, painterly graphics return, but this time in 1080p/60fps high definition quality! Battles and cutscenes are conveyed like a vibrant tapestry in motion.
• “BLiTZ” tactical battle system – Part overhead turn-based strategy, part RPG, and part real-time 3rd person shooter, the” BLiTZ” system is an innovative mechanic that makes battles simultaneously strategic and action-packed. Players will command and control their soldiers and tanks as they take on the Empire in 30 different battlefronts.
• Memorable storyline – Set against the backdrop of a world war, Gunther, Alicia, Largo and the rest of the fierce members of Squad 7 fight for personal reasons in the name of freedom, and the hope against all odds of liberating Gallia from Empire control, all in the face of the terrible realities of war.
• DLC Included – Besides the core game, Valkyria Chronicles HD includes all previously released DLC: Hard EX Mode, Edy’s Mission, Selvaria’s Mission, and Challenge of the Edy Detachment.

Yakuza Kiwami Korea Logo

Yakuza Kiwami Korean Release Web Commercial

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A new web commercial for Yakuza Kiwami has hit the internet. It features a tense encounter between the Yakuza (SEGA series, just to be clear) boss man Toshihiro Nagoshi and a Kkangpae, a Korean mafia man. Clocking in at around two minutes, it features Japanese subtitles for the Korean lines. Check it out below.

『龍が如く極』 韓国語版 Web CM 黒い取引編（日本語字幕）

It’s been a while since we’ve written about it, but a Korean version of Yakuza Kiwami was confirmed quite a long time ago. There is also this Korean version announcement trailer that you may have seen before, too:

PS4 Ryuga Gotoku Kiwami Korean Ver. trailer

Still, what makes the above-linked commercial unique is the fact that it’s a commercial dedicated to Yakuza Kiwami’s Korean release (coming towards the end of May.) We’ve seen advertisements not based in Japanese, but those were posters, billboards, and the like.

Nagoshi and SEGA have previously expressed confidence in releasing SEGA games in Asian territories outside of Japan, and they have some decent numbers to support their resolve. SEGA of Japan has been embracing the idea of releasing some of their “niche” packaged game titles with such examples as the Mandarin release of Phantasy Star NOVA and Shining Resonance.

In the West, localizations of Japanese titles have picked up since 2014, and the Yakuza franchise is no longer in the dark situation that it once languished in. But of course, there remains more to be localized and played!

Sakura Wars Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari

Newest Sakura Wars Mobile Game Service Recently Discontinued, Another Mobile Game In Planning?

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At Segalization we’ve not written much about the Sakura Wars titles on mobile in Japan. However, a couple of days ago operations for the most recent operational Sakura Wars game (subtitled “Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari”) were effectively discontinued. Plans for the game’s closure were announced at the end of January via the official Twitter account for the mobile game, though not currently reflected in the game’s official webpage.

~Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari~ was a card-based battle game wherein one of its promoted features was the ability to change the outfits of the heroines.

With this said, it appears that there is another Sakura Wars mobile games in the works, and that this has been the case for quite some time. Introducing Sakura Wars: The Legend Begins, the officially translated subtitle of a card-based battle game developed by Snowpipe, a Korean company that appears to have plans to develop mobile phone content for various industries.

Snowpipe acquired the rights to develop a Sakura Wars mobile game in 2014. Though I’m not familiar with all pieces of Sakura Wars artwork featured on the linked webpage, most if not all of them are borrowed pieces that belong to SEGA (likely used for drafting and reference purposes.) This AngelList page interestingly notes that Snowpipe’s Sakura Wars project was due for release in 2014 after having secured investment money, but as we know SEGA’s own Sakura Wars game has been operational long past that time frame.

Snowpipe has their own official website, which lists The Legend Begins as one of its projects. Their project history lists three titles, perhaps reflecting their relative newness as a company. The description for The Legend Begins links to a Facebook page which is currently not operational.

A short trailer for the game was released earlier this month, demoing its gameplay and card artwork. We’ve linked to it below.

[OFFICIAL] 사쿠라대전 : 전설의 시작 SAKURA WARS : The Legend Begins

While art or gameplay aspects of The Legend Begins may appear decent, it might surprise some observers to see a relatively new company develop what might become the flagship Sakura Wars mobile game. Clearly a Korean release is planned, but it’s also difficult to imagine the absence of a Japanese Sakura Wars mobile game that ~Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari~ is now defunct.

We should at least expect to see more of The Legend Begins in the coming months. To be sure, ~Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari~ was not developed by SEGA itself, but rather by Sakurasoft. Sakurasoft being the developer of the recently-closed mobile game is reflected in the link for the ~Hyakka Ryouran Yumemonogatari~ that I posted much at the beginning of this article. Interestingly, Sakurasoft’s website doesn’t seem to mention their Sakura Wars title, upon a quick glance.

Segalization would like to thank XMax360 for their contributions and background information on recent developments in mobile games for the Sakura Wars franchise, as such details were helpful to the crafting of this article.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir Alchemy & Cooking 8

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir – Alchemy and Cooking Video

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A new English trailer is out for Atlus and Vanillaware’s Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, showcasing the benefits of alchemy and cooking in the game. Both enhance the player’s ability to progress through the game, whether it be through creating items to attack enemies, eliminating certain land hazards, or eating to increase experience points.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is due for release in the West in June of this year, on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita.

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Valkyria Chronicles 3 Logo

Massive Japanese SEGA PSN Sale Features Valkyria Chronicles III, Phantasy Star NOVA, and More

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The Japanese PlayStation Store was recently updated with a special sale featuring large list of SEGA games being discounted. For the full list, click here. It’s a sale meant to celebrate the arrival of the Spring season and will last until April 13th.

Among the list of games are Valkyria Chronicles III (PSP) and Phantasy Star NOVA (PSVita), both of which remain unlocalized for Western audiences. 7th Dragon 2020 and 7th Dragon 2020  – II are also marked down. As we know, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD (due for release this summer in the West) marks the first 7th Dragon game to be localized for the West.

The list extends beyond modern SEGA games and goes to the classics. To start, Phantasy Star Complete Collection, and Phantasy Star Generations 1 and Phantasy Star Generations 2 (the PS2 remakes of the first two games) are on sale here. Additionally, some of the other notable classics include Golden Axe, Gunstar Heroes: Treasure Hunters (PS2 version of the original game), Comix Zone, and Streets of Rage II. Even more recent releases like Hell Yeah! and The Cave are on sale too.

While it stings to realize that the West is missing out on some key games like Valkyria Chronicles III and PSNova, the sale is also a testament to the vast library of IPs belonging to SEGA. Many of these are quite cheap, too; most of them run for ¥500, with the outliers being PSNova at ¥2000 and Valkyria Chronicles III at ¥1300.

Be sure to check out the list for yourself!

Yakuza 0 Announcement

Yakuza 0 Western Release – Physical/Digital Confirmed for Early 2017 in North America and Europe!

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Sega today confirmed several important release details for Yakuza 0 in the West.

First – the release window. Leading up to today, we’ve seen a couple of suggestions that the “Early 2017” release window that is now officially confirmed was likely to be realized, including an apparent interview with Toshihiro Nagoshi from a past issue of Weekly Famitsu, and an informational page on Sony’s US website. At the least, this probably comes as little surprise to many fans following news of Yakuza in the West.

Second – platforms and distribution type. Yakuza 0 released for Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 in Japan, but the Western release will see the distribution of the Playstation 4 version. This is a detail we’ve known since the North American version’s announcement, but is receiving reconfirmation. Starting with Yakuza 6, Yakuza releases in Japan seem to have finally settled on releasing on Playstation 4 rather than a cross-generational PS4-PS3 release. While there has also been some speculation about releasing Yakuza games (or other Japanese Sega titles) on PC, we don’t have confirmation on this at the moment. It’s possible that Yakuza 0 may be “Console Exclusive” to the PS4 and a PC release may happen in the future.

That aside, Yakuza 0 is also confirmed for a physical and digital release. If you don’t like having to deal with long downloading times and having precious hard drive space taken up, rejoice for a physical release! It’s coming to both North America and Europe.

…wait. Europe?

Indeed! While at first there were no confirmed plans for a European release of Yakuza 0, Sega today confirmed that European fans will be able to purchase Yakuza 0 along with North American fans. Everything for them is the same – early 2017, physical or digital, Playstation 4. Complete parity so far as we know!

A new promotional English trailer has been produced in conjunction with the release of the new Western Yakuza 0 announcement details. We’ve attached the European trailer below. Looks like Yakuza 0 earned itself a PEGI 18 rating.

Yakuza 0 | Legends Trailer [UK]

A press statement accompanies the YouTube page for these English trailers. We’ve reproduced the statement below.

The 1980s in Japan were defined by unprecedented amounts of decadent overindulgence – and nothing was out of greed’s reach, especially in Kamurocho.

A chilly but electric Tokyo in December 1988 is the backdrop for Kazuma Kiryu’s ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza – the name given to members of notorious crime organizations.

And with Yakuza 0, newcomers to SEGA’s Yakuza series will be able to get in on the ground floor, with the game’s standalone, story-driven action that focuses on navigating the seedy underworld of Japan with series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, and for the first time in a numbered title, players will be able to play as long-time NPC, Goro Majima – the Mad Dog of Shimano. Available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the game will be localised and released as physical and digital versions early 2017.

Yakuza 0 Features:

– The Dragon’s Origins: What lies in a man’s past defines his future, and in this case, we learn a lot about what inspires Kiryu down the paths he takes in the rest of the Yakuza series. Plus, you don’t get to be called “Dragon” without being able to knock a few heads. Combat styles can be hot-swapped during fights for some of the most intense battles in the Yakuza series to date.

– Embrace the Mad Dog: For the first time in a numbered game, long-time NPC Goro Majima is now playable. With his own fighting style, abilities, and his penchant for turning sleaze into profit, stepping into the role of Yakuza’s most eccentric character will provide some eye-opening insight.

– The Decadence of the 1980s in Japan: Cash rules everything in the world of Yakuza 0, and in the game, there are a million ways to spend, make, or take money. From cash spilling out of the pockets of gang members you fight to Telephone Clubs, Disco Halls, or even Pocket Circuit car races, there are tons of ways to be a well-to-do gangster.