RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

New and curious tidbits have emerged regarding the HD redux of Final Fantasy X/X-2. First, the game will feature a 30-minute audio drama that runs after the ending credits. The content of this drama was not clarified, save that it would feature new cast members and new character voices. Second, the remaster will feature cross-saves, meaning players can save on the PS3 and continue playing on the PS Vita, and vice versa.

Source: Gematsu

Nihongophiles and/or Tales fans, rejoice: dual audio will be available in Tales of Symphonia Chronicles. Speaking the Japan Expo in France, Tales series producer Hideo Baba confirmed that the high-definition makeover will feature both English and Japanese voice tracks.

As a friendly reminder, Chronicles includes both the original Tales of Symphonia and the sequel Dawn of the New World. The title will launch in Japan this October, and early in 2014 for everywhere else.

Source: Gematsu

To celebrate the upcoming release of Pokemon X and Y, Nintendo will be releasing special edition 3DS XLs: “Xerneas and Yveltal Blue” and “Premium Gold”, each to the tune of 22,800 yen. Naturally, they’ll come with the download version of the game included, along with a 4gig memory card and other standard pack-ins. These will be released alongside the game starting October 12, though no North American release has been confirmed.

Nintendo has confirmed that they will be releasing two very awesome looking Pokemon themed 3DS XL units in Japan to go along with the release of Pokemon X & Y in October. These special editions will be exclusive to Pokemon Centers in Japan. No word on whether they will release in the west.

The systems come with a 4GB SD card and a copy of Pokemon X or Y. It isn’t clear if these are digital copies or physical but I’d imagine digital.

These 3DS XL units will retail for 22,000 Yen or $220. Hopefully Nintendo announces that these systems are coming to the US/Europe in tomorrow’s GameMite news on Nintendo Direct.

And, well, the Nintendo Switch has proved to be so popular that Nintendo has had to double the production run on the new console to keep up with demand, with gamers falling over themselves to get their hands on the system and play 10/10 titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey.

Of course, with the Nintendo Switch now settled into its lifespan, joined by the Nintendo Switch Lite, and granted access to a wide selection of awesome games (and even more great games on the way in 2020), now could be the perfect time for those interested in the Switch to pick one up if they haven’t already. And, if that is the case, then T3’s detailed Switch review here is resource for you.

Best Nintendo Switch games
Nintendo Switch news and updates
If you want a quick takeaway from this Nintendo Switch hardware review, though, then this is it – Nintendo Switch is an innovative, stylish and fun video game console. It has a premium look and feel, attractive price point and offers both a home console and portable handheld experience in one slick package.

Source: Gematsu

Sony has confirmed that PS3/PSv action/RPG Warrior’s Lair has been cancelled. Speaking with IGN, a representative apologized to those who pre-ordered the title, and stated that retailers must be contacted directly to cancel pre-sales. No explanation was given for the cancellation.

Source: IGN

Well, there’s something different. Final Fantasy VII is now available on Steam, currently priced at $11.99. Long-time fans may recall this isn’t the game’s first appearance on PC; as with the Square Store version, FFVII now includes achievements, cloud saves (I shall refrain from the obvious pun), and some optimizations for current hardware and Windows versions.

Source: Gematsu

PSP RPG One Piece: Romance Dawn has been confirmed for a European release, and will launch sometime before the end of the year. According to Namco Bandai, there are currently no plans to bring the title to North America.

Source: Gematsu

Speaking of western releases, the follow-up to Tales of Xillia – that being Tales of Xillia 2 – will launch in North America and Europe, Namco Bandai confirmed in a press release. The title is planned for a 2014 release, and players with a save file from Tales of Graces f and/or Tales of Xillia (coming 8/6) will gain access to “exclusive bonus items” in Xillia 2.

Source: Gematsu

NIS America announced that Vita RPG Demon Gaze will indeed see North American and European releases, with a loose window of early 2014.

Source: Gematsu

Curry-centric RPG fans, Aksys Games has you covered: Vita roguelike Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God is planned to launch in North America next year, the publisher announced recently. As the title may suggest, the Compile Heart-developed RPG follows the heroine Pururu, whose noble quest to save a local restaurant involves making “the greatest curry ever.”

Source: Gematsu

Polly want a Megazord?

Continue reading ‘Mass Media 07/07/13’ »

Index Holdings, best known as the parent company of Atlus, has declared bankruptcy to the tune of 24.5 billion yen, or about $250 million US. This comes amidst an investigation by Japan’s Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission of improper accounting and exaggerated revenues, particularly through the use of roundtripping; a common tax evasion and money laundering strategy, a large component of that Cyprus flare-up from earlier in the year.

For their part, Atlus has stated that upcoming game releases haven’t been affected. Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl is out now in Japan, and Dragon’s Crown hits stores on July 25.

Source: Gematsu

The beta phase of Final Fantasy XIV: Completely Willing to Get Fooled Again (thanks Penny Arcade forums) continues apace, and Square Enix announced that over one million beta registrations have been processed. Paired with this information, the company revealed that custom Windows and PS3 themes will be available.

FFXIV goes live for the second time on August 27.

Source: Gematsu

Continuing in their plan to milk FFVII for all its worth, Square Enix has announced that Cloud Strife’s outfit and signature Buster Sword will be featured as pre-order items for Lightning Returns. Special abilities will be included with the weapon, though they have not been revealed as of yet.

Source: Gematsu

Developer Gust, of the Atelier series, has announced a new RPG titled Chronos Materia is in development for the PS Vita. The story centers on a cadre of girls somehow transported to a world with no humans or civilization. With a planned launch date of September 26 in Japan, price is set at 6,090 Yen; no US release has been indicated.

Source: Gematsu

As previously mentioned, Final Fantasy XV largely revolves around the exploits of Noctis Caelum and pals. Noctis is capable of forseeing the deaths of others by way of a mysterious light, and coincidentally is the heir apparent to the throne of Lucis. Gladiolus Amicitia is a nobleman sworn to protect said crown, and is a close friend of Noctis all the same. Ignis Scientia is the smart guy intended to one day counsel Noctis, Prompto Argentum is a playboy with a chip on his shoulder, and Cor Leonis is a legendary warrior honor-bound to keep watch over the group.

In plot matters, the crux of the action involves the last crystal left in the world, entrusted to the Kingdom of Lucis. Though they struck a tentative peace accord with the state of Niflheim, that didn’t quite last; Niflheim launched a surprise attack to begin a full-scale invasion of Lucis. Hence, it falls to Noctis and company to spearhead the resistance, ideally in as flashy and fabulous a manner as the engine can depict.

Final Fantasy XV is set to launch on the Xbox One and PS4. No release date has been announced.

Source: Gematsu

Dragon Quest X, the MMORPG entry in the popular series, is coming to the PC in Japan. Retail and digital versions run at 3,990 yen, and include a 20-day free trial. A Special Pack edition throws in a security token, a DQX game controller for PC, monster illustration book, world map, and code for an in-game item, bringing the price up to 9,800 yen.

Paired with the announcement was the launching of a beta test, a benchmark for which may be downloaded here. Applications are handled through the benchmark utility.

Source: Gematsu

Man, Ward got back!

Continue reading ‘Mass Media 06/23/13’ »

Square Enix may consider successive HD re-releases for the Final Fantasy series if Final Fantasy X/X-2‘s makeover sells well, according to producer Yoshinori Kitase. While he didn’t indicate any such title was currently in development, he did state that “If [FFX and X-2] do well, I think this will pave the way for more of the previous games to remade in an HD sort of quality. I mean, if we had to single out one of the vast number of Final Fantasy titles which we could make in HD, it would have to be Final Fantasy XII.”

Source: Gematsu

Nippon Ichi has confirmed that The Witch and the Hundred Knights will see a European release. A specific date wasn’t given, but the title is planned to launch sometime in Spring of 2014.

Source: Gematsu

While they had Tetsuya Nomura sitting still for Final Fantasy XV, they also questioned him about Kingdom Hearts III. The details are as follows:

• Nomura is co-directing the title along with Tai Yasue. Rie Nishi is producing, and Yoko Shimomura is serving as composer (Shimomura is also composing for FFXV.)
• Plotwise, the game once again follows Sora and company across multiple Disney worlds, searching for a key to return hearts; this serves as the final episode in the “Dark Seeker” chapter, and is a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The exact Disney worlds to be used have not been finalized.
• Nomura did not deny the possibility (but also could not confirm) of Riku and Kairi being playable.
• A playable demo exists internally; the hardware in use was not specified.

Source: Gematsu