XSeed
Latest
'No More Heroes 3' heads to PlayStation, Xbox and PC this fall
After debuting exclusively on Nintendo Switch last year, No More Heroes 3 is coming to PC and home consoles.
Harvest Rune Factory 4 in Europe, Australia next week
Dedicated Rune Factory 4 fans living in Europe and Australia, your patience will soon be rewarded: XSEED and Marvelous Europe will release the 3DS JRPG in both territories on December 11 for £24.99 (€29.99 or $49.95 AUD), according to a related press release. Rune Factory 4 was released in North America on October 1, 2013, but Marvelous Europe eventually called off its regional release, explaining that it was "not possible to do" at that time. The cancellation followed RF4 developer Neverland's filing for bankruptcy and closure within two months of the game's US release. Hope for a European release was revived in October 2014 however, when Vice President of XSEED Ken Berry confirmed the publisher's work to secure a European launch for RF4. To those that have waited this long for RF4: Enjoy the feast. [Image: XSEED]
Akiba's Trip: Undead and Undressed reaches PS4 tomorrow
If this launch trailer for Akiba's Trip: Undead and Undressed is to be believed, Simon Belmont could've saved everyone a few thousand years of Dracula-related hassle if he'd ignored the whip and holy water, and went straight for tickles and forcible underwear theft instead. [Image: XSEED]
Rune Factory 4 may tend European fields after all
Rune Factory 4's European release was canceled following the closure of developer Neverland, leaving only North American and Japanese fans to tend its crops. Maybe 2014 was just a bad planting season across the pond though – a report from Siliconera suggests Rune Factory 4 will launch in Europe after all, eventually arriving as a digital piece of produce on the 3DS eShop. After noticing a content rating for the RPG simulator on USK (Germany's equivalent of the ESRB) which lists both Marvelous and XSEED as publishers, Siliconera contacted XSEED Executive VP Ken Berry to learn more. Berry explained that an unnamed group has been working in place of the original development team to secure a European launch "for months," and that XSEED hopes to start the master submission process with Nintendo of Europe "within the next couple weeks." Berry added that the effort was meant to be kept under wraps until the game actually passed Nintendo of Europe's certification, just to ensure European fans wouldn't face another letdown. Content rating boards always spoil all the fun, huh? [Image: Marvelous AQL]
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky lands on Steam, out today
If you're unfamiliar with Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, that may be because Nihon Falcom's acclaimed PSP JRPG only headed West towards the end of the system's life cycle. The good news is there's now a new way of playing it, with the trilogy's first chapter coming to Steam later today, courtesy of XSEED. XSEED is also bringing follow-up Trails in the Sky: Second Chapter to North America on PSP and Steam, but that's gonna take a bit more time to arrive. According to the publisher, the best fans should hope for is "the end of the year." As for Trails in the Sky, its regular Steam price is $20 but there's a 15 percent first-week sale if you fancy dipping in early. For more on why it's worth a look, read this. [Thanks, Jason K!] [Image: XSEED]
Akiba's Trip 2 brings the full monty, including PS4, to North America
Akiba's Trip 2 AKA the helpfully named Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed is confirmed for PS4 in North America. Acquire's action-RPG leaves its hat on the PS4 sometime this holiday season, after arriving on PS3 and Vita on August 12. One of this year's more intellectual games, Akiba's Trip 2 tasks you with taking the clothes off vampire-like enemies terrorizing Tokyo. Because you want to shine sunlight onto their vampiric skin, of course. There's no other motivation than that, as the above NSFW trailer clearly shows. [Image: XSEED]
Tecmo Koei now Koei Tecmo in West, Marvelous Inc. drops AQL
2014 is the year of corporate name reversals, it seems. After Namco Bandai became Bandai Namco, Tecmo Koei and MarvelousAQL have decided to get in on the act. Or, as we should say now, Koei Tecmo and Marvelous Inc. It might seem odd, but there is some sense to the moves. When Tecmo and Koei merged in 2009 the resultant company was called Koei Tecmo in Japan, while Western Branches were named Tecmo Koei. Tecmo was the bigger name in the West with the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series among others, so putting the Tecmo name first was a smart move. Five years on, the company wants to move forward under a common name globally, and now we have Koei Tecmo Europe and Koei Tecmo America.
Xseed to bring Brandish, Corpse Party to North America
Publisher Xseed has unveiled plans to bring English-speaking gamers two quirky Japanese hits, the PSP's Brandish: The Dark Revenant and PC survival horror epic Corpse Party. For those unaware, Brandish: The Dark Revenant is a modern remake of the Super Nintendo cult hit Brandish, a roleplaying game developed by Falcom. Players star as Ares, a warrior who must battle his way through a multi-tiered, labyrinthine dungeon while being stalked by a sorceress who is as magical as she is half-naked. Though the title Corpse Party might suggest a dope rave populated entirely by undead club kids, the game is actually a pixelated horror adventure with roleplaying game elements. Players control a hapless group of five people who must band together to survive the supernatural horrors of Heavenly Host Elementary School - an institute of learning where nap time has been replaced by imminent death. Xseed has yet to determine a release date (or even window) for either Corpse Party or Brandish: The Dark Revenant, though the publisher claims that it will unveil trailers for each at the upcoming E3 conference. [Image: Xseed]
Don't call the new Harvest Moon game 'Harvest Moon'
Xseed Games has picked up the North American publishing rights to the next entry in Marvelous' long-running Harvest Moon series, announcing that it will release the sequel Story of Seasons for the Nintendo 3DS in North America later this year. Published by Natsume since its Super NES debut in 1997, the farming-focused Harvest Moon series has seen numerous sequels and spinoffs in the years that followed, including the ongoing Rune Factory subseries. Natsume still owns the rights to the "Harvest Moon" trademark in North America, however, requiring Xseed to rename its upcoming 3DS game Story of Seasons. Despite the new name, Story of Seasons shares much of its development staff with previous Harvest Moon games, including producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto and character designer Igusa Matsuyama. Story of Seasons also retains core series mechanics like crop-tending, animal care, and character growth and customization. Xseed notes that further details will be revealed at E3 next month. [Image: Xseed]
Bullet Witch resurrected for Xbox 360 Games on Demand release
As many studios eye the new console generation, publisher Xseed turns its attention to an early standout for the Xbox 360, releasing a digital version of 2007's Bullet Witch for the Xbox 360's Games on Demand service this week. Developed by Nier and Drakengard creator Cavia, Bullet Witch equips players with an arsenal of high-caliber weaponry and explosive magic attacks within a series of third-person shooter levels. Its fans will attest that Bullet Witch has a style and charm that rises above its awkward and frequently frustrating gameplay, and its twisting narrative leaves a lasting impression. The Games on Demand version of Bullet Witch is priced at $19.99. [Image: Xseed / Cavia]
Ragnarok Odyssey ACE nets demo, crossover DLC this month
Xseed's recently launched PS Vita and PlayStation 3 action-RPG Ragnarok Odyssey ACE will receive a bounty of free add-on content in the weeks leading up to a demo version hitting the PlayStation Network. Starting this week, Ragnarok Odyssey ACE players can pick up the Gapap Tentacle and Homesick Sakura headpieces for free, along with additional clothing inspired by fellow Vita action-RPG Soul Sacrifice. May 6 will see the release of character accessories inspired by GungHo's MMORPG Emil Chronicle Online, while an exclusive helmet and background music from the mobile hit Puzzle & Dragons joins Ragnarok's free DLC lineup on May 13. A demo of Ragnarok Odyssey ACE will premiere for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita on May 13. [Image: Xseed]
Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed getting buffed up on PS4 in Japan
The subtly christened Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed is coming to PS4 in Japan, but there's no word yet on North America getting a peep. XSEED previously announced it's bringing the game stateside this summer for PS3 and Vita, and we've reached out to see if we can expect the same for the PS4 version. Known as the more transaction-friendly Akiba's Trip 2 in Japan, the Acquire-developed adventure is set in Tokyo otaku haven, Akihabara. There, a bunch of vampire-types called Synthisters are having the locals for lunch, but you can stop these monsters by exposing them to direct sunlight. Apparently, the best way to get some sun on Synthister skin is to get that skin out in the open. In brief(s), you're stripping vampiric demons down to their underwear so you can send them back to the nether regions - sorry, Netherworld. According to a Siliconera translation of Famitsu's report, the new PS4 version offers enhanced visuals and faster load times, and it can also display more characters on the streets of Akihabara. It's due to hit Japanese retail shelves on July 3. [Image: Famitsu]
XSEED is bringing Akiba's Trip 2 to North America this summer
Following Senran Kagura Burst, XSEED is localizing more clothes-ripping action for North America in PS3 and Vita game Akiba's Trip 2. The action-RPG is titled stateside as Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed, and it's due on retail shelves sometime this summer. It's an interesting localization given XSEED's reluctance to bring the first game (released on PSP) stateside, but as the publisher points out, the sequel features a standalone story. It's set in Tokyo's electronics hub of Akihabara, where vampire-like Synthister creatures are feasting on the otakus. If you feel like stopping that from happening, you can destroy the Synthisters by beating them up and, yup, removing their outerwear - no they don't die from embarrassment, but from being exposed to the sun. For the record, a NSFW trailer of the Japanese version shows male and female Synthisters prowling the streets of Akiba, so no vampires are safe from a strip. The North American version is confirmed to feature Japanese audio, but XSEED says it's looking into dual audio.
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace journeys to PS3, Vita on April Fool's Day
An English-language localization of Game Arts' action-RPG Ragnarok Odyssey Ace will hit the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita platforms on April 1, publisher Xseed announced today. An upgraded multiplatform version of 2012's PS Vita-exclusive Ragnarok Odyssey, Ace layers new bosses, equipment, and features on top of the previous game's existing content. Ace boasts a new AI mercenary mechanic, allowing players to tackle the game's challenges with assistance from computer-controlled companions. Ace is also compatible with all DLC released for Ragnarok Odyssey, and many existing character attributes and unlockables can be directly transferred over to the new game. The PlayStation 3 version of Ragnarok Odyssey Ace will be available at retail and digitally via the PlayStation Network for $39.99. The PS Vita port will hit PSN at $34.99, while a physical edition packaged with a soundtrack CD will retail for $39.99. [Image: Xseed]
XSEED restocking copies of Rune Factory 4 for North America
If you've recently had some difficulty tracking down the part dungeon raider, part agricultural simulator Rune Factory 4, publisher XSEED Entertainment has some good news for you: The shortage is temporary. A post on XSEED's Facebook page explains that RF4 is selling "well beyond our expectations, so we're working as quickly as possible to restock physical copies." The post also thanks fans for making the game a "major success." While waiting on a restock might be annoying, at least North American fans were spared from getting their hopes up for nothing. In Europe, Rune Factory 4 was planned to be published by MarvelousAQL, but the release was canceled in January. At the time, Marvelous stated that securing RF4's release for Europe was "not possible to do."
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace PS3, Vita screenshots are like the real thing
You know, that Vita and PS3 of yours have WiFi capabilities. If you were to open this with your browser on those devices and flip through the gallery while rapidly tapping buttons, it'd almost be like you were playing Ragnarok Odyseey Ace! I mean, maybe. Not really. But you can still pretend!
Rune Factory, Lufia developer Neverland Co. to file for bankruptcy
Rune Factory and Lufia series developer Neverland Co. has ceased operations and will file for bankruptcy soon, the studio revealed on its website. Siliconera reports that Neverland's statement cites recent "changes in the business environment" as one of the studio's difficulties. Attempts to secure funding for Neverland's future development have been unsuccessful. The news follows a statement in August from Yoshifumi Hashimoto, a producer with Rune Factory 4's publisher, Marvelous AQL. Weeks after its release, Hashimoto stated that RF4 had performed well enough to "greenlight a sequel." Hashimoto also posted on Marvelous AQL's blog for RF4 after Neverland announced its closure, teasing that while the publisher's next title will "remain a secret," the staff members are doing well.
Senran Kagura Burst hits North American 3DS eShop Nov. 14
XSEED has announced Senran Kagura Burst, an expanded version of the Senran Kagura 3DS action-adventure game from Tamsoft, will be in the North American eShop on November 14. The new version includes an additional story called "Crimson Girls" and will be priced at $29.99. Two competitive secret female ninja schools are at the heart of Senran Kagura Burst. The original game's story, "Skirting Shadows," follows the good ninja house, while the new version's "Crimson Girls" storyline focuses on the other academy. The combat is fast with an emphasis on combos, and each shinobi has their own battle stats and fighting styles. As each battle progresses, the girls can go into a "Shinobi Transformation" state, which unlocks even greater attack moves and augments their stats. But of course the real hook is these girls are very bust. Yes, the game is arguably shameless in its fixation on breasts. While we won't judge you for playing it in light of this newfound revelation, we do feel compelled to point out that it's likely others will.
Ys: Memories of Celceta special edition priced, detailed
Xseed Games finalized its launch plans for the upcoming PS Vita action-RPG Ys: Memories of Celceta, revealing that a bonus-filled special edition will hit store shelves later this month. Celceta's $59.99 Silver Anniversary Edition includes a three-CD soundtrack featuring music from Falcom's long-running Ys series, along with a 120-page companion art book and strategy guide. Also included are a cloth map and a compass, ensuring that you'll never get lost in Celceta or in the real world. The regular edition of Memories of Celceta, priced at $39.99, will launch on November 26 at retail and as a PlayStation Network download. A European release is due next year.
Ys: Memories of Celceta launches for PS Vita in Europe next year
NIS America announced that it will publish Falcom's PlayStation Vita action-RPG Ys: Memories of Celceta in Europe early next year. Celceta marks the latest entry in the long-running Ys series, which spans multiple decades and several console generations. Memories of Celceta revisits characters and events introduced in the Japan-exclusive Ys 4, offering players an expansive overworld to explore alongside a party of AI-controlled partner characters. Xseed Games will publish the North American version of Ys: Memories of Celceta on November 26. A European release date has not been announced.
