RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

BioWare has let loose a few more tidbits regarding Dragon Age: Inquisition‘s multiplayer mode. The game will feature 4-player co-op, consisting of three campaigns that each randomly generate a large level out of smaller, pre-designed sections. Specifics are few at this time, though BioWare indicated they are aiming for multiplayer matches roughly 20-30 minutes in length.

Source: Gematsu

Amidst the gameplay demonstration at PAX Prime this weekend, Square Enix revealed that Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is roughly 80% complete. However, no concrete release period was given at this time.

Source: IGN

As long as we’re talking Square Enix, the company also revealed more information about Final Fantasy Explorers. Of particular note: (more…)

Square Enix announced that Bravely Second has been set for a Winter release in Japan.

Source: Gematsu

Nintendo announced they will be bringing Xenoblade Chronicles to the recently announced New 3DS model. Specifically, the title will only run on the New 3DS, as it makes use of the upgraded CPU over previous models. Chronicles will re-launch in Japan sometime next year.

Source: Gematsu

Fantasy Life will hit the 3DS in Europe on September 26, ahead of the October 24 release for North America, Nintendo recently announced. Additionally, the title will feature a downloadable add-on called “Origin Island” at launch day, which adds additional story content, new ranks in Life Classes, more equipment, and new varieties of adoptable pets.

Source: Gematsu

Square Enix has released another trailer for Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix, this one showing off some of the worlds featured in Birth by Sleep Final Mix: Castle of Dreams, Deep Space, Olympus Coliseum, and Enchanted Dominion. View the trailer for yourself here.

As a reminder, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix hits the PS3 on December 2 in North America, followed by the European release on December 5.

Electronic Arts and BioWare have revealed Shadow Realms, an online action RPG with a focus on asymmetric team-based gameplay. The title centers around a conflict between heroes on Earth and a parallel world called Embra, whose Shadow Legions have begun to invade Earth. A team of four players will control the heroes as they square off against a single enemy, also player-controlled, called the Shadowlord, and the game will reportedly have an episodic narrative stringing the various missions together.

The official website has been set up here, and players can register for the closed alpha here.

The Pokemon Company interrupts this program to apologize for this interruption. Also, they announced a new Pokemon project is in development, to be formally announced next week on August 26; a livestream of the announcement will be available via Niconico. Naturally, no further details were given at this time.

Source: Gematsu

As long as we’re talking Level-5, Fantasy Life will be hitting European 3DSs starting September 26, Nintendo recently announced. The title will make use of StreetPass by filling the game world with other players as citizens, and will also feature local and online multiplayer.

Source: Gematsu

Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino confirmed that Yokai Watch will release outside of Japan. Few specifics have been given at this time, but Hino did state the series will launch in other regions sometime in 2015.

Source: Gematsu

This week’s Jump has revealed that Final Fantasy Explorers will launch in Japan on December 18. More jobs were also confirmed, including Time Mage and Ninja; a separate article in Famitsu reported that Paladin and Hunter will be playable as well.

Source: Gematsu

NIS America has performed an interesting switcheroo with the release dates of Natural Doctrine and Fairy Fencer F. Natural Doctrine has been pushed back a week to launch for PS3, PS4, and PS Vita on September 23 in North America, followed by the European release on the 26th. Conversely, Fairy Fencer F has been advanced by a week, and will now launch on September 16 (NA) and 19 (EU).

Source: Gematsu

As long as we’re talking about Atlus, the company also announced that Persona 4 Arena Ultimax will hit the PS3 and 360 in North America on September 30. Famitsu also revealed that Margaret will be a playable character, though only available as paid downloadable content released after the launch. This DLC has only been confirmed for Japan at this time.

Source: Gematsu

Atlus has announced that Etrian Odyssey 2 will be getting a 3DS adaptation, titled New Etrian Odyssey 2: Knight of Fafnir. Similar to Etrian Odyssey Untold: Millenium Girl, Knight of Fafnir will be a partial remake, adding story elements and characters around the central dungeon crawling premise.

New Etrian Odyssey 2 is planned for a winter release this year in Japan.

Source: Gematsu

The Pokemon Company has released more details about the upcoming Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Players can earn a Shiny Beldum containing a Metagrossite Mega Stone by purchasing the game at launch. The Shiny Beldum evolves into Shiny Metang, and eventually a Shiny Metagross; players can also use a Mega Stone to push it further along the line into a Shiny Mega Metagross form.

Other Mega Evolutions have been confirmed, including Mega Altaria (gains Pixilate, plus Attack and Special attack boosts), Mega Salamence (major Defense boost, gains Aerilate ability), and Mega Lopunny (gets the Scrappy ability, plus a large Attack and Speed increase). Horde Encounters from Pokemon X and Y have returned, and can include groups of up to five enemy trainers in addition to wild Pokemon.

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire launches on November 21 this year.

Source: Gematsu

Atlus announced they will be bringing PS3 RPG Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord to North America on October 14, with the European release following on November 11. The title will be a retail release in both regions, and is priced at $39.99.

Source: Gematsu

By way of the official website, Square Enix has released more information about Bravely Second, specifically a new location, Agnes’ role, and character classes. (more…)

Koei Tecmo has announced that subsidiary developer Gust (of the Atelier series, among others) will formally merge with its parent company on October 1. Gust will be placed within Koei as the Gust Nagano Development Group, and will continue working on its existing series and new properties.

Source: Gematsu

Atlus has announced that Shin Megami Tensei IV will launch in Europe this September, with all non-retail exclusive downloadable content available at launch. The title will be available on the Nintendo eShop for €19.99 / £17.99.

Source: Gematsu