RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

Atlus announced plans to release a special edition of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax in Japan. Priced at 8,315 yen, the “Premium Newcomer Package” focuses on downloadable content, and includes codes for the following items: the original Persona 4 Arena‘s story mode, the full character glasses set, 12 background music tracks (three from Persona 3, five from Persona 4, and four from Persona 4 Golden), and additional navigators (Teddie and Mitsuru). The package also includes a not-downloadable illustration from series artist Shigenori Soejima.

No word has been given as to whether the package will be available in other regions.

Source: Gematsu

The former chief executive of Atlus parent Index Corporation, Masami Ochiai, has been arrested on charges of fraudulent activity relating to the company’s shutdown. Mr. Ochiai and his wife, former president Yoshimi Ochiai, are alleged to have falsified financial reports through the use of round-tripping: the trading of unused assets between companies, and the agreement to buy back said assets for roughly the same price, which is disguised as a boost in investment activity.

The source article in Nikkei cites “a source knowledgable in the matter,” which states Index used this practice to artificially inflate stock volume for the business quarter ending in August 2012. This gave the appearance of a 4 billion yen profit at the time, hiding the company’s insolvency until it entered bankruptcy in June last year. Mr. Ochiai denies the allegations, and the investigation by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor’s Office is still ongoing.

Source: Gematsu

XSEED Games announced they will be localizing the latest Harvest Moon title – Tsunagaru Shin Tenchi, or Story of Seasons – for a North American release. As Natsume, who previously managed localization for the series, still holds the rights to the Harvest Moon name, XSEED will be shortening the name to Story of Seasons.

Story of Seasons will release in North America later this year.

Source: Gematsu

Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment has been confirmed for a European release. Bandai Namco recently announced that the title will launch digitally in Europe this July.

Source: Gematsu

Final Fantasy Agito has officially made the jump to smartphones in Japan. The title is available now for iOS and Android through their respective stores.

Sega has announced Shining Resonance, an upcoming RPG for the PlayStation 3. The story features a dragon as the protagonist, who apparently is assisted in battle by human allies; these friendlies play special melodies, allowing for more powerful attacks by the dragon. Combat is reportedly real-time and action-based, with seamless transitions between battle and the game world. Studio Media Vision, best known for the Wild Arms series, is handling development.

No release date was announced at this time, though a teaser website has been set up here.

Source: Gematsu

Lionhead Studios has announced that Fable Legends will be playable at E3 next month. Speaking at a UK press event, studio head John Needham confirmed the title will be featured at their E3 booth, and he further remarked that the title looks to be “one of the most beautiful games on the platform.”

Source: Gematsu

Nintendo and Level-5 revealed that a custom Yokai Watch-patterned 3DS-XL is coming soon to a Japan near you. Priced at 18,000 yen, the 3DS XL Yokai Watch Jibanyan Pack – which does not include Yokai Watch 2 – comes out on July 10.

Source: Gematsu

As Persona 4 Arena Ultimax draws closer to its North American release, the steady drip of details continues. Atlus has set the price at $59.99 for PS3 and 360, with as-yet-unspecified preorder bonuses depending on the retailer. This week’s Famitsu also revealed that Persona 3‘s Ken Amada and Koromaru as a playable character – that is, the pair will fight together as a single character.

Friendly reminder: said North American release is this fall.

Source: Gematsu

Ubisoft announced that Child of Light, which came out last month for PC and consoles, will be making the jump to handheld on the PS Vita. The title will launch digitally on July 1 in North America and July 2 for Europe.

Source: Gematsu

Filling in for the Slayer due to some technical difficulties. In the meantime, got some nice things on sale for ya, strangah. (more…)

Nintendo has lifted the lid on the next paired set of Pokemon games: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, for 3DS. According to the announcement trailer – available on YouTube – the duo is planned for a worldwide release in November of this year.

After dropping a hint or two on Reddit, Atlus has re-released Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne for the PlayStation Network. Relive fond memories of post-apocalyptic Tokyo – and the game that had to license the name “Nocturne” thanks to action/horror title of the same name – for $9.99.

Source: Gematsu

Side-scrolling action RPG Battle Princess of Arcadias will see a June digital release, NIS America announced recently. The title launches in North America on June 17, with the European release following on June 18.

Source: Gematsu

Tecmo Koei confirmed that Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland will indeed see a western release this June. The remake of Atelier Rorona will be available on PS3 (retail) and PS Vita (digital via PSN) starting June 20 in Europe, with the North American launch on June 24.

Source: Gematsu

Bethesda Softworks has delayed the PS4 and Xbox One versions of The Elder Scrolls Online. In a statement, the company stated the console release has been pushed back “about six months,” citing “a series of unique problems specific to those platforms.”

The company added that, as compensation, anyone who picks up and plays the PC/Mac version by the end of June will be able to transfer their characters to the console versions when they are released. For $20, those players will be able to add a digital version to their console of choice, along with another free 30 days of game time.

Source: Gematsu

Deep Down producer Kazunori Suguira announced that a public beta for the title is in the works, planned to begin this summer. An update on the game’s overall development progress will be given in June.

Source: Gematsu

Monster Monpiece will begin seeing PS Vitas in North America and Europe this month, Idea Factory announced. The North American release is on May 27, with Europe following on the 28th. Price has been set at $29.99.

Source: Gematsu

Blizzard has announced that Diablo III will see a console release on August 19. The Ultimate Evil Edition, launching on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, will include the Reaper of Souls expansion, and will be priced at $39.99 for PS3/360, and $59.99 for PS4/X1.

Source: Gematsu

Gust announced that Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea has been delayed from its original release date of June 26 in Japan. The title will instead launch for the PS3 on July 17.

Source: Gematsu