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The Switch is the first console to sweep Japan's game sales chart in 33 years
The Nintendo Switch is reportedly the first console to sweep Japan's game sales chart since the Famicom in 1988.
There's a new 'Super Monkey Ball' game on its way
A new Super Monkey Ball game will be arriving later this year -- at least, it will in Japan. Game magazine Famitsu confirmed this week in a blog post that a new entry in the popular series will be available for PC, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. The game, apparently titled Tagogo Super Monkey Ball, is scheduled to be available on October 31st in Japan. There's no word yet on if there will be a western release for the title. Update: The game has been officially announced for PS4, Switch, PC and Xbox One, with a US release date of October 29th.
Nintendo Switch won't play Wii U discs and 3DS cartridges
Nintendo might have crushed some fans' dreams with its Famitsu interview. The company told the popular Japanese gaming magazine that its upcoming hybrid console won't be able to play Wii U discs or 3DS cartridges. It's unclear if the Switch won't be able to run digital games either, but if you were hoping to play your favorite 3DS titles on a 50-inch screen just for the heck of it, you may want to temper your expectations.
The next Ace Attorney is first in 'The Great Ace Attorney' series
The next Ace Attorney game from Capcom is apparently called The Great Ace Attorney, and is the start of a new series, according to a Famitsu interview with the game's producers translated by Siliconera. The game is in development for 3DS and is currently exclusive to Japan. Producer Shintaro Kojima says that while the next game is "not a main-numbered Ace Attorney title, it's the start of a new series called The Great Ace Attorney" and that "it's not simply just a derivative title." Series creator and director Shu Takumi also noted that "the image and feel behind its play will be quite different from all the other Ace Attorney games up until now." The Great Ace Attorney was revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu this week, and is set in Japan's Meiji period. The game's protagonist is Ryuichi Naruhodo, an ancestor of the series primary hero Phoenix Wright. Capcom's first trailer for the game introduces Naruhodo and a new heroine, Susato Mikotoba, who Kojima says is "pretty much a graceful Japanese woman, a proper girl who does everything the proper way." [Image: Capcom]
Next Ace Attorney delivers justice to 19th century Japan
A scan, reportedly lifted from the latest issue of Famitsu, reveals that the next entry in the fan-favorite Ace Attorney series will leave our modern era in favor of Japan's Meiji period. Not much is known of the new game, though according to a tweet from Ace Attorney fan site Court-Records.net, it will bear the title "Dai Gyakuten Saiban - Naruhodou Ryuunosuke no Bouken," which translates to "Grand Turnabout Trial - The Adventures of Naruhodou Ryuunosuke." From this, we can deduce that the game stars an ancestor of Ace Attorney protagonist Phoenix Wright (who is known as Ryuichi Naruhodo in his native Japan). The character portrayed in the scan does indeed resemble Mr. Wright, though the latter never wore a katana into the courtroom. Finally, Court-Records reveals that long-time Ace Attorney developer Shu Takumi is once again leading this project and that it is currently in development for the 3DS handheld. It's currently unknown if the game will make its way to Western shores, or if it will remain exclusive to Japan. [Image: Famitsu]
Report: Persona Q features FOE battles, touch-screen cartography
While it's long been known that Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth blends characters from Atlus' beloved Persona franchise with the mechanics of its likewise beloved Etrian Odyssey games, we've had scant solid information on how exactly this collaboration would work - until now. Famitsu, via Siliconera translation, claims that the map-making functionality of Etrian Odyssey will make an appearance in Persona Q. This gives prospective dungeon crawlers the chance to sketch out a map of their virtual surroundings using the 3DS' touchscreen. It's unknown how big a role this feature will play in Persona Q, though in the Etrian Odyssey games it was just shy of mandatory for anyone hoping to make any real progress. Likewise, Persona Q will feature FOE encounters. Officially, "FOE" is an acronym for "Formido Oppugnatura Exsequens," but more pragmatically you can think of these FOEs as largely optional boss encounters. Killing a FOE results in great rewards, but more often than not, it will be in a player's best interest to flee from the battle until properly prepared for that specific fight. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth lacks a specific release date, but Atlus has targeted the Fall of 2014 to launch the handheld roleplaying epic. [Image: Atlus]
PlayStation 4 Japan launch reaps 322K sales in opening weekend
The PlayStation 4 sold 322,083 units across its opening weekend in Japan, according to numbers published this morning by Famitsu. The console hit the country's retail shelves last week, some three months after launching across North America and Europe. The PS4's launch in Japan only marginally exceeds the Wii U's - Nintendo's system achieved 308,570 sales in its first two days - but it's a huge step up from the corresponding 88,400 sales of the PS3 launch. Siliconera notes that, according to Famitsu's archives, the PS2 shifted a whopping 630,552 systems when it launched in Japan just under 14 years ago. Last week, Sony announced it's sold more than 5.3 million PS4 systems since the Western launch in November 2013, meaning the console's already surpassed fiscal goals. We'll hear more about how Japan factors into the total sales in the coming months, not least in May when the company's expected to announce its financial results for the fiscal year. [Image: Sony]
Atlus sheds light on newly-revealed Persona spin-offs, Persona 5
On Sunday morning we reported on a quartet of new game announcements from Atlus Japan: Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, P4U: Persona 4 The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold, Persona 4: Dancing All Night and Persona 5. Today we have a bit more information on these games, courtesy series director Katsura Hashino. "Just like the experiment of making a fighting game based off the Persona series in Persona 4 Arena, which was also well received by fans, the plan of making Persona Q came from wanting a game that could bring further joy from an even more 'unexpected element'," Hashino stated in a Famitsu article translated by Siliconera. "This will be the first title the Persona team will be making for Nintendo 3DS, and we also have Etrian Odyssey that represents Atlus for the 3DS, and we'll be using its system as part of a 'festive' collaboration mindset in the development for Persona Q." While Persona Q is a fusion of Persona and Etrian Odyssey, Hashino assures fans of the former that Persona elements will be the foremost focus of the game. "While we are implementing Etrian Odyssey's system into it, just as the name implies, Persona Q will be a completely new title, but first and foremost, it'll be for the fans of the Persona series." Though Hashino doesn't go into this level of detail on the other games, he does discuss how far along each is in its development. Like Persona Q, Persona: Dancing All Night is almost completed, with only a few new dances and animations to be added to the rhythm-focused spin-off game. Likewise, P4U: Persona 4 The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold is nearly ready to release (though this shouldn't be surprising given that its arcade incarnation was announced in August). Persona 5 lags behind the other titles announced, but Hashino is committed to releasing the game in Japan toward the end of 2014. Notably absent from Hashino's comments is any word on when or if these games might appear outside of Japan.
Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshida sheds some light on PlayStation 4 remote play
If you're thinking about getting a PlayStation 4 for Final Fantasy XIV, you'll be interested to know that you aren't just shackled to playing on the console. We don't mean in the sense you could also play on your PC, either. The game will support the system's remote play functionality with the Vita, allowing you to log in and play on your handheld even when you're nowhere near the actual console. Producer Naoki Yoshida discussed the functionality with Famitsu recently, explaining that while remote play won't be appropriate for large-group endgame content, there are a variety of things that can be done just fine remotely. Gathering and crafting, for example, can be handled without much loss from the handheld device, and even low-impact questing should work out just fine. Sure, that means that you can't fight a Primal while leeching off of the Starbucks wifi, but at least you can harvest some in-game goods whilst waiting for a coffee.
Report: Drakengard 3 coming from Access Games and original Drakengard team
This week's Famitsu reveals a sequel to the weird PS2 series Drakengard (or Drag-on Dragoon as its known in Japan.) Square Enix's Drag-on Dragoon 3 reunites members of the original Cavia Drakengard team, including director Taro Yoko (who also directed Nier), producer Takamasa Shiba, and character designer Kimihiko Fujisaka.The team formerly worked together at Cavia, and are now working on this game under the banner of Deadly Premonition studio Access Games. Drag-on Dragoon 3 stars Zero and One, two sisters who can create magic through song. The sequel reportedly maintains the fast action of the original, and the blend of ground combat and dragon riding. Famitsu reports it'll be out on PS3 in Japan this year.
Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor's Edge coming to PS3 and Xbox [update: confirmed - April 2]
Update: Tecmo Koei Europe announced Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Razor's Edge are headed to the continent on April 5. The publisher then confirmed the North American versions are due on April 2.Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, the improved Wii U version of the action game, will be ported to PS3 and Xbox 360, Siliconera reports based on a Famitsu leak. The ports also showed up on the database of Japanese retailer Rakuten, dated April 4.Along with updated enemy AI and a reduced reliance on quick-time events, Razor's Edge also introduced new playable characters, including Ayane, Dragon Sword's Momiji and Dead or Alive's Kasumi. Ayane and Kasumi appear in Famitsu scans of the PS3/Xbox version, confirming their presence.
Wii U sold 308,570 units across first two days in Japan
Nintendo sold 308,570 Wii U units over the console's opening two days in Japan, according to Enterbrain data. That places the new console 17 percent behind its predecessor, the Wii shifting 371,936 units in its first two days on sale. On the other hand, the Wii U sits comfortably ahead of corresponding launch figures for Xbox 360 (62,135) and PS3 (88,400).Leading the console's software charts was New Super Mario Bros. U, the platformer selling 170,563 units across the launch weekend. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Nintendo Land clocked in at second and third, racking up figures of 110,159 and 78,461 respectively.
Nintendo moves over 300K Wii U consoles in Japan after first week
Nintendo had a so-so stateside Wii U debut, but with 300,000 units chalked up after a week in Japan, it's become the seventh best hardware launch in that country, according to Famitsu and Enterbrain. Games selling well alongside the device include evergreen Super Mario, which tagged along to the tune of 170k units, while Monster Hunter rang up 110k titles. All that is a modestly successful debut for the console at home so far, considering that its more revolutionary predecessor became a monster hit after selling a fourth-best 370,000 copies during its first week in the island nation. On the other hand, Sony's PS Vita also racked up decent early numbers, and we all know how that turned out.
Sony's 'Cross Buy' promo headed to North America and Europe, Japan undecided
Sony's "Cross Buy" promotion isn't just for Europe – SCE president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida took to Twitter to clarify that the PlayStation 3/Vita promo is also headed to the United States. Japan, however, isn't so lucky. At least not yet. " PS Vita-PS3 Cross Buy price promo is coming to both Europe and North America. My quote by Famitsu was meant as 'not decided for Japan yet,'" Yoshida said. A piece from Famitsu was picked up yesterday (via Andriasang) that was misunderstood to mean the promo is exclusive to Europe.PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale was revealed during Gamescom 2012 to be the first retail game from Sony launching with the Cross Buy promo – if you buy either version of the game, you get the other version for free. Sound Shapes and Motorstorm RC already employ the promo, albeit on PSN. A variety of other upcoming first-party Sony games also support the promotion. Incidentally, we also support the promotion, because it's super boss.
Kazuma's back in Yakuza 1 & 2 HD Edition
The Yakuza 1 & 2 HD update originally spotted in a Sega Japan release schedule is official, with Famitsu featuring a back-tattooed blowout of the PS3 update. A preview page of the article was posted today on the publication's website.The top of the article reveals a November 1 release date for the collection, a month sooner than Sega's release calendar had it. There's still no word on a North American release; despite almost every Yakuza game being localized, there's still always an element of suspense whenever a new one is revealed.
Nintendo 3DS XL getting supersized with Circle Pad Pro extension
Sure, Nintendo could've made the 3DS XL even larger by attaching a second analog stick to it, but what fun would that be? Instead, Nintendo's launching an evolved Circle Pad Pro attachment for the larger 3DS "some time this year," according to Famitsu (via Andriasang).The attachment was outed in the latest issue of the Japanese game mag, though it sadly lacked images (perhaps they were too large for a standard magazine?). Nintendo hasn't confirmed the attachment for North American retail just yet, but it's a safe bet it'll arrive here as well.And yes – stop worrying – the 3DS stand from Kid Icarus is said to still work with this new, supersized attachment. Whew.
3DS XL to get Circle Pad Pro treatment, become that much larger
Nintendo's latest oversized handheld not big enough for you? Maybe another Circle Pad Pro will help. According to Japanese gaming publication Famitsu, the Big N is poised to give the freshly announced 3DS XL a second analog slider. Pricing wasn't covered in the magazine's Nintendo Q&A session, but gamers in the Land of the Rising Sun should have their thumbs on it later this year. Oh, and in case you didn't hear, the colossal clamshell is getting its very own charging cradle too, sold separately for 1,200 yen ($15). Mum's the word on stateside details for the secondary slide pad, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it show up on foreign shores.
Dead or Alive 5 adds new fighter, improved photography mode
The latest issue of Famitsu reveals a new Dead or Alive 5 character named Rig, a Canadian fighter who specializes in taekwondo. Bass Armstrong, the wrestler who is totally not Hulk Hogan, is returning to DOA5 as well. The same issue also brings word of an updated photography mode, which allows players to change angles to snap still pictures and video replays.We assume this functionality will be used solely for capturing evidence of impressive combos, and for showing off the impressively interactive stages. We can't imagine what else someone would use a photo mode for in a Dead or Alive game.
Naoki Yoshida talks about Final Fantasy XIV with Famitsu
Final Fantasy XIV is out in force at E3 this year, showing off all of the changes coming to the game with the Version 2.0 launch. Producer Naoki Yoshida recently sat down with popular Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu to discuss some of the changes en route, and a translation of that interview is now available. Yoshida confirms that the game is on schedule, with full promotions starting in August and an alpha test beginning in late September. As Yoshida sees it, the game needs to have a stronger connection to previous titles in the franchise. Fans can expect to see familiar elements like the Crystal Tower (Final Fantasy III), Magitek Armor (Final Fantasy VI), and areas reminiscent of Ivalice (Final Fantasy XII/Tactics). The new client is also meant to be highly customizable and capable of running on low-end machine or high-end machines as needed. Take a look at the full translation for more teases on what's around the corner for Eorzea. [Thanks to Ring for the tip!]
Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition could have been Dynasty Warriors: Pokemon
The newest Pokemon title will combine Nintendo's popular catch-em-all creatures with the Japanese historical setting of Nobunaga's Ambition, but it turns out that wasn't the first choice of historical periods. Originally, according to the latest Famitsu, the spinoff was going to combine Pokemon with the very popular Tecmo Koei Dynasty Warriors series and its historical setting, which is instead based on the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history.Nintendo felt the Dynasty Warriors series was a little too violent to be matched up with its cute little creatures, however, and so Tecmo Koei pitched the series known more for strategy than action, which Nintendo eventually agreed with. Famitsu also says that though both companies are working on the game, Tecmo Koei is heading up day-to-day development during production.
