Dragon’s Crown Patch Adds New Difficulty, Features
The latest patch for Dragon’s Crown has gone live, reportedly the fifth and final update for the Vanillaware RPG. Apart from various bug fixes, the following features have been added:
- A new “Ultimate” difficulty level, accessible by clearing the ninth layer of the Labyrinth of Chaos. This difficulty provides access to the bonus Tower of Mirages dungeon, and also increases the level cap from 99 to 255.
- Damage can now be displayed as a running total, instead of being broken down by individual hits.
- Character transparencies have been added, to allow visibility when one character is on top of another. This can be toggled in the options menu.
- Save files with story mode cleared can skip the first few Talisman quests when creating a new character.
- Cleared guild quests can be skipped in repeat playthroughs.
- Item shortcuts can be assigned and used through holding L1 and Up on the d-pad.
Source: Gematsu
Class of Heroes 2G Confirmed for North America
Gaijinworks and Monkey Paw have announced plans to bring Class of Heroes 2G, a PS3 RPG that launched only in Japan, to North America. No specifics were given at this time, with a release listed only as “coming soon.”
Source: Gematsu
PS3, PS Vita Getting 3rd Super Robot Wars Z
The next entry in the Super Robot Wars series will be coming to both the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. 3rd Super Robot Wars Z Jigoku Hen will be released on April 10, and will feature cross-saving between the platforms. The PS3 version is priced at 8070 yen, with the Vita version clocking in at 7121 yen. The first run of copies will include a high-definition remake of the first Super Robot Wars, which will also be sold separately on April 24 for 1204 yen.
Source: Gematsu
Atelier Ayesha Plus Coming to Vita
Atelier Ayesha will be getting a Vita release, according to Dengeki Playstation. Titled Atelier Ayesha Plus, the Vita redux will include the downloadable content from the PS3 version, some game balance adjustments, and a new Hard Mode. The game launches on March 27, with a pricetag of 5800 yen.
Source: Gematsu
Ao no Kiseki Scheduled for June Release
The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Evolution – a Vita redux of an earlier PSP release – will launch for Japan in June, according to Dengeki Playstation. An exact date was not given at this time.
Source: Gematsu
Nomura Talks Kingdom Hearts 2.5, 3
In a recent interview with Famitsu, series director Tetsuya Nomura revealed a few choice tidbits about both Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD Remix and Kingdom Hearts 3. Of particular note are the following:
- Kingdom Hearts 3 and the 2.5 Remix are being developed simultaneously by the Osaka team.
- Nomura has begun writing and editing for Kingdom Hearts 3.
- The team behind the 1.5 Remix is handling 2.5, and the process is moving quicker with the HD conversion system already in place.
- Re: Coded is not as long as 358/2 Days, though some of the events of Disney Worlds will have new representations. New voices are also being added.
- Scenes from Re: Coded tie into Dream Drop Distance.
Source: Gematsu
Persona Q BGM Samples Released
Via Famitsu, Atlus has released two samples of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth‘s background music. Theme #1 plays during battles while controlling the Persona 3 protagonist, while Theme #2 is one of the field tracks.
Source: Gematsu
Natural Doctrine Delayed, Details Delivered
A Famitsu preview for Natural Doctrine revealed some new information about the upcoming RPG. Specifically, two characters were detailed: Nebula, a proud, somewhat twisted, but allegedly kind-hearted wizard; and Tatiana, a tomboyish weapons expert who gets along better with orcs than humans.
The various subspecies also got a closer look, explaining their particular quirks: goblins excel at mining and metalwork; lizard people are intelligent and skilled in both weapon and magical combat; orcs are physically strong, through crudely organized in a feudal society; minotaurs are massive and resilient, but are uncivilized and cruel; dragons are ancient monsters, seemingly unsupported by the current ecosystem; gurions are similarly legendary, appearing only to consume everything and evolving based on what they consume.
Pricing was explained in the preview. The PS Vita version weighs in at 5,980 yen, both the PS3 and PS4 versions are priced at 6,980 yen, and the limited edition “Take Out Pack” – which includes both the PS4 and Vita versions – reaches 7,980 yen. However, a separate report from Dengeki later confirmed the title’s release date has been pushed back; Natural Doctrine will launch on March 19, instead of its original February 22 date.
Source: Gematsu
Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients – Staff Review
Whatever you can say about the late Drox empire, they sure knew how to make enemies. Not content with turning on their own spy network, the Drox also got under the skin of other races along the way. Older than the known spacefaring species, these Ancients know how to carry a grudge, and have at last returned to destroy the Drox and claim the stars for themselves. Since they’re a little late to that party, they’ll settle for those that bear the name (that would be you). Don’t bother trying to explain that the Operatives fought the Drox aeons ago; that’s just more time for them to lock on and fire. Time to suit up and do what Operatives do best: make their enemies pay, no matter where they hail from.
Continue reading ‘Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients – Staff Review’ »
Ys: Memories of Celceta Dated for Europe
NIS America has set the date for Ys: Memories of Celceta‘s European release on the PS Vita. The retail version launches on February 21, with the download version on February 25.
Source: Gematsu
TES Online PC, Mac Release Date Announced
Bethesda has announced the worldwide release date for the PC and Mac versions of The Elder Scrolls Online. Both will launch on April 4, with the PS4/Xbox One versions to follow sometime in June.
Source: Gematsu
Pokemon Bank Launch Day Announced
Nintendo announced it will launch the Pokemon Bank, a downloadable service for Pokemon X/Y, on the 3DS eShop starting December 27. The application helps players to manage their Pokemon inventories, storing up to 3000 of the critters and facilitating trades between players; players can also transfer Pokemon from the Black/White series using the Poke Transporter, a feature linked to the Bank.
The service will carry a $4.99 fee per year. Users who download the app by January 31 will get a free 30-day trial.
Source: Gematsu
Final Fantasy X|X-2 Release Date, Special Edition Announced
Square Enix has revealed the release date for the Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster. Both the PS3 and PS Vita versions will launch on March 18 in North America, and on March 21 in Europe. Additionally, a collector’s edition will be available for the PS3 exclusively through the Square Enix online store. Priced at $79.99, the CE includes a 40-page art book, soundtrack, and five lithographs of artwork and characters from the game.
Source: Gematsu
Drakengard 3 DLC Dates Announced
Square Enix has outlined the release schedule for Drakengard 3 downloadable content in Japan. Costume DLC will be staggered on December 19, 26, and early 2014, while story DLC follow at an unspecified date. The game itself goes live in Japan on December 19, with a global release planned for next year.
Source: Gematsu
Tales of Zestiria Announced for PS3
Namco Bando has announced the next entry in the Tales series. Tales of Zestiria will be a PS3 title, and is the 20th anniversary entry in the series. Story details are scarce at this time, though the lead characters have been revealed: the imaginatively-named Slay – paradoxically a kind-hearted nice guy with an interest in ancient ruins – and a spear-wielding princess named Alicia.
Tatsurou Udou, lead planner for Tales of Graces, will be working on Zestiria. The title is planned for a worldwide release, though a release date or timeframe has not been revealed.
Source: Gematsu
Lightning Returns Collector’s Edition Announced
Square Enix has revealed a Collector’s Edition for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Priced at $89.99, the CE adds to the package an 80-page hardcover artbook, a silver embossed pocket watch, and a DLC code for Aeris’ – sorry, Aerith’s – outfit from Final Fantasy VII. The CE will only be available from the Square Enix store, and the game itself comes out on February 11 for North America.
Source: Gematsu
The Witch and the Hundred Knight Set for March Release
NIS America has announced the global release dates for The Witch and the Hundred Knight. The European version launches for the PS3 on March 21, with the US version to follow on March 25.
Source: Gematsu
