RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

As the title says, Tales of Hearts R will launch on the PSVita in Japan starting March 7, 2013. Retail price is set at 6,480 yen, or 5,830 yen for the download version.

Source: Gematsu

NIS America has revealed the release date for Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. The console-tan moepocalypse resumes in North America on March 12, 2013; Europe, March 15.

Source: Gematsu

Namco Bandai has announced that Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has gone gold, with all development and localization completed. The game will hit North American PS3s starting on January 22, 2013, with the European release to follow on January 25.

Source: Gematsu

In a recent interview, Dark Souls 2‘s director Tomohiro Shibuya made mention that their approach to the sequel may be more straightforward. “I personally am the sort of person who likes to be more direct than subtle,” said Shibuya. This apparently means both story and gameplay elements, though few specifics were given. Shibuya did confirm the game is a direct sequel, and Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki will still be supervising development.

Dark Souls 2 is about 25 percent complete, though a 2013 release is uncertain. Reportedly, the world creation staff has nearly doubled.

Source: Eurogamer, Gematsu

Falcom has just revealed the next Legend of Heroes title, planned to launch next year in Japan. Sen no Kiseki, as it’s subbed, will be a full 3D spin in the series for both PS3 and Vita. Little is known about the game itself, but the jump to 3D will be paired with more voice acting and a faster-paced battle system.

Source: Gematsu

In a rather interesting move, Square Enix has released Final Fantasy Theatrhythm on iOS. While the base game is free, it comes with only two songs pre-installed. The rest of the tracklist is accessible through in-app purchases, priced at about 99 cents per song. With over a hundred tracks, you’re looking at >$100 to get the whole shebang.

DLC, she be a demanding mistress.

Source: Eurogamer

This game is a case study in the inequality of gender character designs.

Continue reading ‘Demon Gaze Media’ »

Game Arts’ Ragnarok Odyssey, which launched on the Vita in Japan back in February, will be hitting stores worldwide this winter. No specific date was given, however.

Source: Eurogamer

Efforts to balance Star Wars: The Old Republic‘s free-to-play features are ongoing, as communicated by executive producer Jeff Hickman. Over on the official website, he describes the process as an ongoing dialogue between players and developers, citing adjustments in Preferred Status upgrades and larger global character limits. Previous changes included increases in PVP limits and additional Quickbars.

For the curious, Hickman’s full post can be read here.

From Software have confirmed that Dark Souls 2 is in development for PC, PS3, and 360. Series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki will be working with Tomohiro Shibuya as the director, best known for the Monster Hunter series.

Source: Eurogamer

I caved and got a Vita. I’m a chode.

A chode that can play Persona 4: Golden. Suck it.

Continue reading ‘Mass Media 12/08/12’ »

Atlus has released a few tidbits regarding Shin Megami Tensei IV‘s world and story. You command the 18-year-old protagonist, a Samurai-in-training from the kingdom of East Mikado. A prophetic dream precedes your initiation, a process known as the Gauntlet Ceremony. Apparently this refers to an actual gauntlet issued to each Samurai, a magical device that aids each warrior in battling demons.

Among your typical ragtag band of heroes are: Watler, a brash young fellow that lacks for manners; Jonathan, the group’s softspoken peacemaker; Navarre, a proud young man that hates to lose; and Isabeau, the only female Samurai and strong-willed to boot. As previously mentioned, the game goes to various points in time, and apparently modern Tokyo lies in ruins following an assault by demons.

Source: Gematsu

And speaking of Level-5, Namco Bandai will release a demo for Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch on PlayStation Network this week. Go check it out, if you’re so inclined.

Source: PlayStation Blog

Title has it in one. Level-5 announced that Crimson Shroud, brought to you by “I directed Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics” Yasumi Matsuno, will hit the 3DS eShop for Europe and North America on December 13.

Source: Eurogamer

Feel free to double-take: Bethesda announced that the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim will be out early next year. Yes, that includes the PS3 version, and unfortunately it is unclear if this means earlier DLC for the PS3 is closer to being ready. When asked, Bethesda said only that “We’re not done with content for Skyrim. When we’re ready to share more details, we’ll update everyone.”

Continue reading ‘Skyrim: Dragonborn Dated for All Platforms’ »

BioWare’s Casey Hudson has put to Twitter the question of whether Mass Effect 4 should follow or precede the trilogy as it stands. Mass Effect history nerds may recall that ‘prequel’ puts it closer to the First Contact War (or Relay 314 Incident, depending on how your knees bend), while naturally anything post ME3 leaves the galaxy in a state of disrepair.

Check the tweet itself, and its responses, this-a-way.

Atlus has just announced that Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan will hit the 3DS in North America on February 26. Those who preorder will be gifted with a companion art book and music CD.

Source: Gematsu

Speaking with Famitsu, Kingdom Hearts co-director Tai Yasue revealed that the 1.5 HD Remix of the first game is between 80 and 90 percent done. KH1.5 is planned to launch in Japan next year, although a more specific timeframe has not been stated.

Source: Gematsu

The PSP will be getting the next 7th Dragon entry, specifically 7th Dragon 2020 II. A sequel to the futuristic spinoff, 2020 II – despite how it sounds aloud – takes place in 2021. It’s priced at 6,279 yen, though a release date was not announced.

Source: Gematsu

XSeed Games announced a twofer regarding its Wii RPG The Last Story. First, it’s the company’s “most successful title to date,” according to executivce vice president Ken Berry. With that in mind, XSeed is producing additional standalone copies, pricing at $29.99 apiece. These, however, will not include the artbook and custom outerbox featured with the initial run.

Source: Gematsu