RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

Square Enix has revealed that the Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix will launch in North America and Europe this fall.

Source: Gematsu

In a recent interiew, Blizzard production director John Hight indicated that Diablo III will have some form of offline play. This was mentioned in the context of multiplayer, with Hight saying that “You can have four people on the same screen—no split-screen, we just zoom the camera out. Or if you’re offline.” As a reminder, the PC version requires a constant connection, largely for the Real Money Auction House.

Hight also said the PS3 version was further along than the PS4, given the team has only just been introduced to the PS4’s controller.

Source: Eurogamer

Nippon Ichi has announced that Zillions of Enemy X: Zetsukai no Crusade, a card-based RPG, will hit Japanese stores on May 23 priced at 7,140 yen.

Source: Gematsu

The much-talked-about beta test of Final Fantasy XIV: Let’s Try This Again will begin on February 25 according to Square Enix. The playable area will be limited to Gridania and its surroundings, with limited storyline quests, sidequests, and a level 30 instanced dungeon among the content to be tested.

Source: Gematsu

With the North American release of Etrian Odyssey IV a known quantity (February 26), Nintendo of Europe confirmed the game would hit European markets this spring. No specific date was given, however.

Source: Gematsu

Square Enix has announced that, having released on the Wii back in August, Dragon Quest X will make its Wii U debut starting March 30. Priced at 6980 yen, the title will be available in both retail and download versions, and both will include 20 days of free play. A beta test is planned for March 6, and players will be able to transition their beta characters to the full version.

Source: Gematsu

Valhalla Knights 3 will launch on Japanese Vitas starting May 23. No specifics were given on a worldwide release, though prior announcements indicated a fall 2013 release for North America.

Source: Gematsu

With the US release mere weeks ago, Fire Emblem: Awakening will reportedly hit European markets on April 19. Keenly aware of the delay, Nintendo of Europe head Satoru Shibata said both he and the company “sincerely apologise” for the extra time taken. As recompense, Nintendo will be releasing a unique Fire Emblem 3DS XL bundle in Europe, which includes Awakening in the package.

Source: Eurogamer

As long as we’re talking portable releases, Nintendo released a chunk of 3DS news, among which was the existence of a new Mario and Luigi RPG. Formally titled Mario and Luigi: Dream Team, the game reportedly takes place in Luigi’s dreams, and will launch sometime this summer.

Source: Eurogamer

After more than a year of basically no information, the Vita HD release of Final Fantasy X is officially back on the table. At the Japan-based Vita Heaven event, Square Enix released a small dollop of game footage, which appeared to be a render of the characters in battle. See for yourself via the YouTubes.

Sour apple sake!

Continue reading ‘Mass Media 02/16/13’ »

Speaking on BioWare’s forums, community manager Chris Priestly discouraged referring to the next Mass Effect game as Mass Effect 4. “We have already said that the Commander Shepard trilogy is over and that the next game will not feature him/her,” he wrote. “The game does not have to come after. Or before. Or off to the side. Or with characters you know.”

Clarifying those remarks, BioWare Montreal’s Yanick Roy stated that “Thinking of the next Mass Effect game as Mass Effect 4 would imply a certain linearity, a straight evolution of the gameplay and story of the first three games.” According to Roy, there may be some recognition of choices made in prior games, but if so it would not be the thrust of the new story. Details about that story, he added may be several months away.

You’ll forgive me for tagging it Mass Effect 4 for lack of anything else to call it.

Source: Eurogamer

With Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity due out March 24, Nintendo has clarified a few points regarding the game’s DLC. For starters, content will encompass new dungeons, items, and Pokemon, all to be released on a regular basis following launch day. In an interesting twist, the first batch of content – the Poke Forest dungeon – will be free to download until April 30. Three other dungeons will be available at launch, with more content planned for April.

Also, Gates to Infinity will offer local multiplayer in the form of Companion Mode, allowing players to explore dungeons, collect items, and gain experience together. Said items and experience then carry over to the game’s single player (Hero Mode).

Source: Gematsu

Speaking of bringing things over, Aksys Games has announced that the Vita-bound Muramasa Rebirth – known as Oboro Muramasa in Japan – will be localized for a North American release. As an updated release of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Rebirth features, among other things, DLC character scenarios and a significant relocalization effort. No release date was announced.

Source: Gematsu

XSEED is looking to have a busy 2013, having announced several games to be localized this year in addition to the already-revealed Pandora’s Tower. These include: Rune Factory 4, Valhalla Knights 3, Ys: Memories of Celceta, and Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Rune Factory 4 hits North American 3DSs this Summer. Valhalla Knights 3 and Ys: Memories touch down on US Vitas in Fall. And Steam users can serve the Newell with Ys I & II Chronicles+ starting February 14.

Source: Gematsu

I suppose “bonanza” is a bit strong for “these two games are coming out in Europe,” but what the heck. Persona 4: Golden, AKA probably the best reason to own a Vita right now, will hit European markets starting February 22. Completely unrelated game Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory will spread its console moepocalypse on March 15.

Source: Gematsu

Via Famitsu, more details have emerged regarding Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII‘s battle system and character design. In particular, the ATB system will reportedly be a lot busier this time around, and will be used more in the field in place of dashing. Styles can be changed instantaneously, and there’s little to no delay between pressing the button and executing the command.

In other matters, Lightning’s outfit was designed by Toshiyuki Itahana, as opposed to Tetsuya Nomura, who originally illustrated Lightning. Itahana had previously worked on some downloadable costumes for Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Source: Gematsu

The expansion for Dragon’s Dogma, titled Dark Arisen will see a late April release worldwide: April 23 for North America, 25 for Europe, and 26 for Japan. US versions ring up at $39.99, with European ones at €29.99 / £19.99 and the Japanese version at 4990 yen.

Among the usual expansion bonuses – new areas, new missions, new enemies – Dark Arisen will include the full base game with purchase. Additionally, some improvements are planned to the core game, notably to menus and travel in general; details on those were not provided at this time.

Source: Gematsu

Along with the other Nintendo Direct announcements, the Big N revealed that the Wii U will be getting two new Zelda games. First is Wind Waker, which will get a high definition upgrade for its re-release. The second, however, is an entirely new title designed specifically for the Wii U. Little is yet known about this second title, as series producer Eiji Aonuma has said that “Since it is a bigger development project, it will take some time before we can make a more concrete announcement.”

Source: Gematsu

Speaking of trailers, Nintendo also showcased a short gameplay montage for Monolith Soft’s upcoming Wii U RPG. It remains untitled, though several developers are named: Kunihiki Tanaka on character design, Hiroyuki Sawano on music, and Tetsuya Takahashi as executive director. Check it out for yourself here.