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Continue reading ‘Mass 30 Years Old Media 09/03/13’ »

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy will apparently be getting an updated version, titled Bravely Default: For the Sequel. Title notwithstanding, this will be a redux of Flying Fairy with some new features, some of which will be in the actual sequel. In particular, the game fatures a new battle system, which reportedly will run at a faster pace than the original. The updated version also includes an event viewer, greater configuration options, more save slots, better town graphics, more party banter, and an overhaul of the user interface.

For the Sequel will launch on December 5 in Japan, priced at 4,990 yen at retail and 2,900 yen digitally. A global release has been confirmed, though exact dates were not specified; the US version is scheduled for next year, with the European version planned for late release this year.

Source: Gematsu

Zeboyd Games, developers of Cthulhu Saves the World and Penny Arcade’s On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 and 4, have announced their next title: Cosmic Star Heroine. A retro sci-fi RPG, the title centers on Alyssa L’Salle, an agent for a galaxy-spanning government that uncovers one secret too many. Her agency pulls a more extreme Burn Notice and outs her as a spy, with both friends and enemies coming out of the woodwork.

Cosmic Star Heroine reportedly is influenced by Chrono Trigger (in terms of battle and visual style), Phantasy Star (overall worldbuilding), and Suikoden (political intrigue and player headquarters), according to lead designer Robert Boyd. The game will be funded via Kickstarter, and is planned for a launch on PC, Mac, PS4, and PS Vita.

Source: Gematsu

Namco Bandai announced the next entry for the long-running Super Robot Wars series. Super Robot Wars OG Infinite Battle will launch for the PS3 on November 28, priced at 7,480 yen for the standard edition and 8,980 for the limited edition. The extra yen for the LE gets you Super Robot Wars OG Dark Prison as a pack-in bonus, which will eventually be sold separately at 3,000 yen.

Source: Gematsu

GungHo Online has announced that Puzzle and Dragons Z will launch in Japan on December 12. The 3DS title will be priced at 4,400 yen for retail, and 4,000 even for a digital copy.

Source: Gematsu

The ever-prolific Tales series will see a mobile installment, according to Namco Bandai. The company announced Tales of Link in development for smartphones, planned for a fall release in Japan.

Source: Gematsu

Fairy Fencer F has been delayed from its September 19 release in Japan, according to developer Compile Heart. The title will instead launch on October 10.

Source: Gematsu

NIS America has announced that Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers will hit European 3DSs on September 20.

Source: Gematsu

In the series’ ongoing quest to cater to obsessive-compulsives everywhere, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles will include costumes from Tales of Xillia. Costumes for Alvin (Zelos), Ludger (Kratos), and Elize (Presea) can be earned on a second playthrough, or players can unlock them from the start with save data from Tales of Xillia or its sequel.

Source: Gematsu

Bethesda Softworks confirmed that The Elder Scrolls Online will use a monthly subscription model, priced at $14.99 USD per month. Explaining the decision, ZeniMax Studios game director Matt Firor remarked on the series’ free-roaming sandbox roots, adding that “putting pay gates between the player and content at any point in game ruins that feeling of freedom, and just having one small monthly fee for 100% access to the game fits the IP and the game much better.”

TES Online will launch in 2014 for PS4, X1, and PC.

Source: Gematsu

Namco Bandai announced plans to host a closed beta for the PS3 version of Dark Souls II. The test will begin on October 5 in North America and Europe, and the company added that fans should check the official Facebook page starting September 5 for details.

Source: Gematsu

Drakengard 3 will not launch on October 31, according to Square Enix. Instead the game will be released on December 19, reportedly to add more crazy improve the game’s overall quality.

Source: Gematsu

Nintendo has released additional details for their upcoming license to print money, Pokemon X and Y. Namely, the game will feature a new form of evolution for Pokemon during battle. The tellingly named “Mega Evolution” will alter the Pokemon’s appearance, increase their stats, and may add new abilities or change their type, though this is only applicable during battle. For instance, Mega Ampharos gains the Dragon type in addition to its existing Electric type, while Mega Mawile gains the ability “Huge Power.”

Additionally, players can put their Pokemon through Super Training outside of combat. These training regimens take the form of minigames, controlled via the touch screen, which allow them to increase their base stats and underlying values. Conversely, Core Training sets up training bags for Pokemon to practice on, which they can do on their own or with the player’s guidance.

New Pokemon were also introduced: Dedenne, an Electric- and Fairy-type that emits radio waves from its antenna-shaped whiskers; Bunnelby, a Normal-type that somehow uses its large ears to dig and as weapons; and Skiddo, a Grass-type that evolves into Gogoat and can carry people on its back.

Source: Gematsu

Persona 4: Arena finally has Yukari.

Continue reading ‘Mass Media 08/17/13’ »

Speaking of Europe, Dragon’s Crown at last has a European release date. NIS America announced that the Atlus/VanillaWare fantasy sidescrolling RPG will launch in Europe on October 11.

Source: Gematsu

NIS America has revealed the bonuses for the first batch of Disgaea D2. First run copies will include a two-disc official soundtrack, graphic print, and DLC costumes for Laharl, Etna, and Flonne.

Disgaea D2 hits North American PS3s on October 8, and Europe on September 27.

Source: Gematsu

Developer Arc System Works has revealed that a sequel for Persona 4: Arena is in development. Little is known at this time, though a playtest held at select locations in Japan revealed Yukari Takeba and Junpei Iori as playable characters.

Source: Gematsu

Not keen on letting moe alchemy sit idle, developer Gust has announced a remake Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland for Playstation 3 and PS Vita. Among other things, the redux has been retitled as New Atelier Rorona: The Origin Story of the Alchemist of Arland and will feature new events, a longer time limit, item cultivation (gardening, basically), new party characters, costumes, and cross-platform save data.

New Atelier Rorona is set for a November launch in Japan. A release outside of Japan was not announced.

Source: Gematsu

Falcom has unveiled more information about The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki for the PS3/PSV, particularly around the game’s school-based activities. Players will have to attend lectures on such topics as Elebonian history, military affairs, and cooking; higher grades are given for correct answers when called upon.

Outside the classroom, you’re occasionally given optional sidequests by the student council president, and you may also partake in graded mock battles between students. These and other activities grant you Academic Points, which increase your rank and award you various medals to equip as accessories.

Source: Gematsu

As Final Fantasy XIV: XIV Harder nears its re-completion, Square Enix has revealed the dates for open beta and early access. The open beta test for both PC and PS3 will begin next weekend, running from 8/17 to 8/19. Meanwhile, preorders will allow early access starting August 24.

Friendly reminder: the game itself goes live August 27, priced at $39.99 for PS3 and $29.99 for PC. The standard one-month free trial is included, and monthly subscriptions start at $12.99.

Source: Gematsu