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Guilty Gear Xrd arcade to receive console-exclusive fighters
In a recent Japanese-language update, developer Arc System Works reveals plans to add the console exclusive characters of Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- to the fighting game's arcade incarnation. According to a translation by the fighting game devotees at Shoryuken, an update for the arcade game will be released that will both balance the game to more closely mimic its console counterpart and add three new fighters: Sin Kiske, Leo Whitefang and Elphelt Valentine. Sin is an unlockable playable character in the console game, while Leo and Elphelt were both added to Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- as separate DLC characters after launch. Arc System Works offers no word on when it plans to launch the update. [Image: Aksys]
Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- review: Technical knockout
PS4, PS3 Not everything that glitters is gold, but sometimes that glitter can go a long way. Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, the latest fighting game from Arc System Works, handily demonstrates this tweaked adage. Despite carrying over many characters and gameplay elements from the niche-hit Guilty Gear series, this entry adds a wholly new graphics engine that trades 2D sprites for cel-shaded 3D models. The result is a hyper-kinectic 3D fighter that looks like a very attractive 2D fighter while retaining a few neat gimmicks only possible in the third dimension. But beneath that glossy exterior lies an anemic framework. What's there is great, both aesthetically and mechanically, but what's there is also relatively scant. It's hard to dislike Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- because it does so many things well, but the level of quality present in the game only makes you wonder how much better it might have been had the developers added a few more fighters and gameplay modes.
Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- spawns limited edition in late December
A few months ago we brought you a detailed explanation of what can be found in the limited edition version of Arc System Works' upcoming fighter Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-. Now we know when it will reach North America: December 23. According to North American publisher Aksys Games, the limited edition release was originally slated to appear earlier, but labor strikes at California's docks made it impossible to nail down a launch date that could guarantee sufficient copies of a release that includes the exceedingly attractive Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- alongside a soundtrack, keychain, art book and premium box. "In conjunction with our partners, Aksys Games has been working hard to mitigate this postponement," states the publisher's release date announcement. "We'd like to apologize for the delay and thank all our fans for their patience in this matter." The limited edition version of Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- will be available for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles. On the former machine it will feature a $70 price tag, while the new-generation version of the limited edition is priced at $80. If you don't need any of the these extras and just want to buy the game itself, you can pick up Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- on December 16 for $60. [Image: Aksys Games]
Why Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- ditches pixels for polygons
The biggest change hitting Arc System Works' Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- is a shift from hand-drawn, two-dimensional sprites to three-dimensional, polygonal characters. You could be fooled into believing the game is 2D, as the game's vibrant cel-shading covers any jagged edges, but the sweeping camera angles betray the game's new 3D technology. According to Arc System Works chief creative officer Daisuke Ishiwatari (via translator), the company's rival fighting franchise, BlazBlue, has reached the apex of what its developers can do with sprite artwork. Describing BlazBlue as the "pinnacle of that style," Ishiwatari feels that it would be "boring to do the same thing with Guilty Gear." Plus, the new three-dimensional space allows the development team access to new camera angles - a feature especially notable in the almost-cinematic launch attacks, where the camera drops behind the attacker, then follows his or her victim into the air where players can unleash a brutal, mid-air combo. [Image: Aksys Games]
How to pronounce 'Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-'
Unless you've got a baffling grasp of phonetics, you're likely having trouble pronouncing the title of the latest entry in Arc System Works' Guilty Gear franchise, Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-. Fortunately, we're here to help. According to chief creative officer Daisuke Ishiwatari (via translator), the title is pronounced exactly as you read it. The "Xrd" bit is properly pronounced "ecks-erd," and the remaining bits of the title are pretty self explanatory. [Image: Aksys Games]
Supernatural high school RPG Mind Zero due out in May on Vita
Mind Zero, the dungeon-crawler RPG from publisher Aksys, is due out for Vita on May 27. Mind Zero follows Kei, a high school student who winds up connected to a "MIND," a sentient and deadly weapon. The government attempts to take down Kei and his MIND, and with the help of his friends, Kei must escape and learn the truth about his weapon. Players control (and must defend) Kei, his MIND and his friends in battles against other MINDs. Last we heard, Mind Zero would be out in the spring for $40, at retail and digitally in North America.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma brings the fight to PS3 today
Better late than never, publisher Aksys has announced that BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma is making its PlayStation 3 debut today. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma is the latest hyperkinetic 2D fighter from developer Arc System Works, the same people behind the Guilty Gear series and Persona 4 Arena. In November, we reported that the game was slated to hit the PS3 on March 14, but that date came and went without any word on the fighter. Regardless, the game is now winging its way to retail locations, with a digital version scheduled to debut on the PlayStation Network come April 1. Those of you on the fence about picking up BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma should know that the initial print run of the game will feature additional content. Specifically, a new character named Yuuki Terumi who serves as the game's antagonist. If you miss your early bird chance to add Terumi to the BlazBlue roster, the character will go on sale as a standard DLC release on May 27. [Image: Aksys]
Magus review: Best worst game
Magus is the worst game I've played this year, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. Bad games typically fall into one of two categories. Many are bad because they're mechanically awkward or otherwise deeply flawed in terms of controls, making them frustrating to play. The second category is much rarer. These games are poorly conceived but otherwise inoffensive with regard to gameplay, often rendering them inept in an endearing sort of way. Magus, exclusive to PS3, neatly falls into the latter category, offering up tons of unintentional laughs at the expense of its boneheaded writing and simplistic gameplay. It's a rare gem of a game that manages to be immensely entertaining despite having no obvious redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Magus is magical fantasy in a godless world
It's pronounced "may-jus," apparently. Magus, the first game developed by mainly Japanese-RPG publisher Aksys, launched on PSN on February 25. It's co-developed by Japanese company Black Tower Studios, and President Richie Casper says it's fantasy with a focus on humans, not orcs or trolls. [Image: Aksys]
Zero Escape series stalled, director cites low sales
ChunSoft's Zero Escape franchise is currently in limbo, as series director Kotaro Uchikoshi revealed this week that his team was unsuccessful in securing a budget for a proposed third entry in the series, due to a lack of sales. Though previous series entries Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors and Virtue's Last Reward were well-received overseas, Uchikoshi notes that neither game was much of a success in Japan, leading to disinterest in a sequel among managerial staff. Despite the recent setback, however, Uchikoshi maintains that Zero Escape 3 "will definitely be released somehow, someday!" Fans of the series responded to the news with an outpouring of support via Twitter. Uchikoshi currently seeks funding for the project from a third-party investor. "If there is an great investor who thinks 'Virtue is its own reward', I wish him/her to send me a message," Uchikoshi stated. "If you know such a wonderful person, please induce him/her to cooperate." [Image: Aksys/ChunSoft]
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma picks a fight on PS Vita this summer
The PS Vita port of fetching fighter BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma has been confirmed for North America. Last month, the game was reportedly a Japanese exclusive, but Aksys has officially announced the PS Vita version of BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma will launch Stateside this summer; the PS3 game is due on March 14. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma on PS Vita will ship with an additional side-story revolving around a beach party, an "enhanced" Abyss mode - BlazBlue's procession of progressively more difficult opponents - and an abridged story catch-up for all PS Vita players new to the series. Unfortunately, the exact way in which Abyss is "enhanced" is not mentioned in the press release past the break. Two premium DLC characters will be available on both PS3 and PS Vita, as well as one more unlockable on-disc character. A limited edition version of BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma, exclusive to PS3, tosses in a behind-the-scenes Blu-ray, poster and other goodies for $80. [Image: Aksys]
Magus, first game developed by Aksys, out on PS3 Feb. 25
Niche publisher Aksys will dip a toe into untested waters with this month's PlayStation 3 release of Magus, the first game the studio is tackling in a co-development role. The Virtue's Last Reward publisher previously announced that it would develop Magus in partnership with Japanese developer Black Tower Studios, though few details regarding the game have been revealed since it was first teased in 2013. Magus is an action RPG in which players control a mysterious, god-like prisoner equipped with a powerful array of chromatic magical abilities. Magus will be priced at $30 when it debuts at retail and digitally via the PlayStation Network on February 25. [Image: Aksys]
Persona-like dungeon crawler Mind Zero coming to Vita this spring
Aksys Games confirmed that it will release an English-language version of Acquire and ZeroDiv's PS Vita dungeon-crawling RPG Mind Zero in North America and Europe this spring. Similar in premise to Atlus' Persona series, Mind Zero stars a high school student who forges a pact with a "Mind," a supernatural being that grants its partner special abilities and magic attacks. Party members come equipped with unique Minds, which players can switch out and call upon to exploit enemy weaknesses in battle. Mind Zero will be priced at $39.99 when it launches at retail and digitally via the PlayStation Network in North America. Aksys will skip a retail release in Europe, opting instead to launch the game exclusively as a digital download.
Super Famicom visual novel makes English debut on iOS
Visual novel Banshee's Last Cry was released as a choose-your-own-adventure novel on the Super Famicom back in 1994, but this week's iOS port is the first chance to experience the game in English. You can try out Banshee's Last Cry for free, but you'll need to pay $3.99 if you want to flip through every digital page. The who-done-it murder mystery takes place in a ski hotel lodge. No, you cannot just leave and let the authorities handle it - the app store description notes that guests are "snowed in" to the resort, so you can either channel Scooby Doo or let a killer go unchecked. Have we mentioned that local legends involve a banshee that can rip through flesh just by screaming? Sounds like a good time! Banshee's Last Cry has multiple endings and unlockable side stories, so diligence is likely rewarded. While the novel is currently only available on iOS, Assistant Localization Editor "@Aksys_June" tweeted that an Android version should appear soon.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma hits US on March 14, limited edition is $80
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma launches on March 14 in North America for PS3, and that limited edition costs $80. The "mysterious" item in the limited edition, exclusive to the US, is a reference poster with all playable characters and their moves, and the bundle includes a special features Blu-ray featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes things. The disc might include "some other unannounced goodies," North American publisher Aksys says. Chrono Phantasma includes five new, playable characters and two downloadable ones, and each old character has been rebalanced with new moves.
Sexy warrior dating sim Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi coming to North America
Aksys revealed plans to localize Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi a choose-your-own-adventure-style visual novel for the PlayStation 3 and follow-up to last year's PSP release Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom. The Hakuoki series is part of the otome (female market-targeted) visual novel subgenre, offering a harem of cuddly warriors for players to woo in a 19th-century Japanese setting. While Aksys released the Dynasty Warriors-like spinoff Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi for the PSP earlier this year, the upcoming Stories of the Shinsengumi sticks closer to the series' roots, featuring text-based gameplay that focuses entirely on dialogue choices and branching narrative. Aksys recently announced that it will also bring the Nintendo 3DS series sequel Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi stateside. A release date for Stories of the Shinsengumi has not been announced.
PSA: Muramasa Rebirth invades Europe
Following a March release in Japan and a June release in North America, Aksys Games has announced that Muramasa Rebirth is now available to European Vita owners via PlayStation Network download. As its name suggests, Muramasa Rebirth is an enhanced re-release of 2009's Wii-exclusive Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The original game was widely praised - JC awarded it a 5/5 score and described the game alternately as "beautiful" and a "great action game" - but the Vita remake adds a host of new features including improved graphics and customizable controls designed with Sony's handheld in mind. Aksys has also used this release to remind players to keep an eye out for four upcoming DLC packs for Muramasa Rebirth, though the publisher offers no word on when they might appear. On arrival, these additions should expand the game by a sizable margin as each pack will introduce a new playable character as well as new areas to explore.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma limited edition includes 'mysterious' item
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma will make its PlayStation 3 debut in two versions: The standard release, and the newly revealed limited edition, which offers players the game alongside a handful of bonuses. Included in the limited edition are a 40-page art book, an official soundtrack CD, a Nendoroid figure of Rachel Alucard, and a fourth item that Aksys describes as "mysterious" before prompting fans to "stay tuned." Without knowing what the last bonus is, the Nendoroid seems to be the highlight of this package. These small PVC action figures are very popular in Japan - most are modeled after fan-favorite anime, manga and video game characters - and though they haven't seen such success in the West, Nendoroids easily serve as adorably miniature home decorations. Aksys has yet to reveal official pricing or release date information for either BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma or its limited edition incarnation.
Sweet Fuse, a dating game starring Keiji Inafune's niece, out August 27
Sweet Fuse, the Japanese dating sim starring the fictional niece of game designer Keiji Inafune, will hit PlayStation Network and retail shelves for PSP on August 27. In the game, Saki Inafune visits her famous uncle's new amusement park on opening day – the same day that the villain Count Hogstein blows up the Ferris Wheel and forces park employees to participate in a series of deadly games. Saki volunteers (as brave young women do) to play his games and save Uncle Keiji, and somehow this all culminates in a romance story. Pre-order Sweet Fuse via Amazon and get Count Hogstein's skull necklace. Otherwise, be on the lookout for the downloadable game on PSN in North America and Europe on August 27.
Three quirky Japanese imports coming to PS Vita
PS Vita owners can look forward to a trio of new localizations bringing fresh weirdness to their handhelds. Up first is Holy Sorcery Story, a dungeon crawler and roguelike focused on curry preparation, due later this year in North America from developer Compile Heart. Aksys announced the localization during Anime Expo (via Siliconera) on Saturday, revealing Compile's game will be released here under the title Sorcery Saga: The Curse of the Great Curry God. The other two localizations are coming courtesy of NIS America, which announced early 2014 launches for Demon Gaze and DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc in both North America and Europe, Kotaku reports. Demon Gaze is a quirky RPG about Oz, a vagabond with a magical eye that can be used to capture demons. The even more bizarre DanganRonpa is about a black-and-white mystical bear named Monokuma, who traps kids in their school and won't let them leave unless they "graduate" by committing a murder. And to think, our parents complain about what their high school was like.
