Monster Hunter X
In the latest episode of Capcom TV, that was held during the week, we got another look at Monster Hunter X and Nyanter Mode, including the costume you can unlock if you own Monster Hunter Diary. You can view the footage below, followed by another batch of screenshots from the game.
https://youtu.be/UHSKBdjhezA?t=2h9m7s
Project X Zone 2
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine officially confirms the addition of Ingrid, Ryo and Estelle as playable characters, something previously leaked through Korean screenshots. We also got some more confirmations regarding enemies and characters appearing in event scenes.
Here’s the full list of new characters making an appearence from this week’s Famitsu:
Solo units
Ingrid (Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX)
Ryo (Shenmue)
Estelle (Tales of Vesperia)
Enemies
M. Bison (Street Fighter)
Pyron (Darkstalkers)
Black Hayato (Star Gladiator)
Ranmaru (Sakura Wars)
T-elos (Xenosaga)
Metal Face (Xenoblade Chronicles)
Characters in event scenes
Ada Wong (Resident Evil 6)
Miles Edgeworth (Ace Attorney)
Garigliano (Resonance of Fate)
Tarosuke (Shadow Land)
Tiki (Fire Emblem Awakening)
You can also find a new batch of screenshots focusing on these new characters in the gallery below, followed by a new trailer and some footage from the Japanese demo.
7th Dragon III Code: VFD
SEGA recently released a new trailer for 7th Dragon III Code: VFD, this time showcasing the Rune Knight class. You can check it out below:
3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2
SEGA also released a trailer for 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which released in the 3DS eShop during the week. You can watch it below:
You can also find and interview with SEGA producer Yosuke Okunari and M2 president Naoki Horii here, where they discusse the development of 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and talk a little bit about how they wish they could have converted Virtua Racing to 3DS too.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Final
Atlus revealed this week that Shin Megami Tensei IV Final is coming to 3DS and will be released in Japan on February 10 for 6,480 yen. The game is said to be an entirely new project set in the same world as SMT IV.
Here’s all the info we know about the game coming from the latest issue of Famitsu and a special Atlus live stream on Niconico.
General
– Story takes place in Tokyo, on the year 203X;
– In order to avoid destruction from the war against the gods that suddenly broke out 25 years prior, thick bedrock was made to cover the sky. However, this also prevented any contact with those outside;
– It wasn’t long until the battle ended, and the people of Tokyo began to fight and murder others for the little amount of supplies and resources that remained;
– The people have become ruled over by the angels and demons that stood atop the food chain;
– Masashi Doi is working on character designs;
– See the likes of Merkabah, Lucifer, and others, including Medusa from the previous game, in their refined forms;
– 90% complete so far.
– Not like Shin Megami Tensei IV with the Chaos and Law routes. Instead they will be all “Neutral” but with multiple endings;
– You don’t need to have played or completed Shin Megami Tensei IV to enjoy Final, although some references to the original game will supposedly make gamers who have played it smile;
– Roughly 450 demons in the game;
– You can “raise” human characters as well as demons;
– The conversations for recruiting demons have been completely renewed;
– Demons will be able to use various types of magic, even if they don’t specialize in them;
– However, when they use the magic they specialize in, it’ll be more effective;
– Demon stats have been completely changed up;
– Yamai says that Isabeau will be in the game;
– Regarding Flynn, fans are told to “stay tuned for more”;
– This isn’t the “final” of the series, it’s instead the end of Shin Megami Tensei IV;
– Shin Megami Tensei V, Shin Megami Tensei VI, and so on will still keep coming.
Protagonist (CV: Hiro Shimono) & Majin Daguza (CV: Shuichi Ikeda)
– The main character will be a silent protagonist;
– Has been spending his days as an apprentice of an organization called the Inhumanity Hunter;
– While out on a mission, he takes a surprise attack from a demon and dies;
– After the protagonist (Hiro) dies, he wanders around the kingdom of Hades, where he encounters the Majin (Demon God) known as “Daguza”;
– Hiro reluctantly comes to an agreement with Daguza, who had plans of his own: “From this day forward, you will be my ‘God Killer’. Together, we will kill all gods”;
– Daguza gives Hiro a new live and the “demon summoning” ability that lets him call out demons to his aid;
– The protagonist goes back to reality with his newfound power that is more than enough to make it through the fights at the Demon Capital, Tokyo;
– Daguza resides inside the protagonist’s smartphone;
– During this time, the “Final War” between the Archangel Merkabah and the Demon King Lucifer was nearing its end;
– A group of gods called the “Association of Gods” have descended, led by the Majin Krishna;
– They have the objective of “relieving all humans” and begin to demand mankind to relinquish their souls;
– The “gauntlet” shown on the protagonist is his smartphone. The ones worn in Shin Megami Tensei IV could be considered a smartphones as well, but in a different form.
Asahi (CV: Seike Tomoko)
– 15-year-old girl and childhood friend of the protagonist;
– Part of the Inhumanity Hunter organization;
– Asahi can be considered the heroine of the game;
– She’s a bit younger compared to most Shin Megami Tensei characters when you take into account her age.
Navarre (CV: Shintaro Oohata)
– Same Navarre from Shin Megami Tensei IV;
– After losing his life for something petty, he meets the protagonist when he wasn’t able to properly go to the afterlife;
– Currently has the form of a green body;
– Navarre will have more of a role in Final than he did in Shin Megami Tensei IV.
Partner System
– Atlus is including a new partner system that allows players to choose a character among a group of allies to support them in combat;
– Different partners will come with their own skills. Asahi specializes in recovery while Navarre focuses on using attack items and support magic, for instance.
– Each turn, partners assist the protagonist. They also become more powerful as they fight alongside the protagonist. For example, as Asahi levels up, she will learn new healing abilities like being able to heal status ailments;
– There will be other human characters besides Asahi who will appear as Partners;
– The “Assist Attack” system will have your Partners show up when you’re in a pinch.
The magazine also contains an interview with producer Kazuyuki Yamai, which you can read some details of at Siliconera if you are interested.
Finally, you can find a preview trailer, some footage and screenshots, below:
The Legend of Legacy
With the North American release of The Legend of Legacy right around the corner, Atlus has now shared the various improvements that were made for the western release of the game. Most of the adjustments apparently pertain to New Game+. Here’s the changes straight from Atlus’ John Hardin:
- In NG+, all the money and formations you designed now carry over. Any special weapons you created will also be available to purchase in the shop.
- Drop rates for items and materials was increased across the board. Drop rate for rare items goes up in subsequent NG+. FICTITIOUS EXAMPLE TO ILLUSTRATE THIS POINT: The made-up drop rates for a rare item could be in the first 1st Game – 1%, in NG+ 5%, NG++ 8%, NG+++ 10% etc. Let me stress that these numbers are made up and I have no idea what they are for actual items.
- Finally, the time it takes the trade ship to return is decreased substantially. The ship uses real-world time, and we’ve decreased the amount of time it takes to return.
You can also find the launch trailer and an unboxing video below, and some gameplay footage from the most recent Twitch stream here.
Stella Glow
Atlus also released a new update on Stella Glow, introducing us to the The Knights of Regnant.
Here’s the overview and trailer:
When you’re just a lowly villager about to be obliterated at the hands of Hilda, Witch of Destruction, and moments before your certain demise you get saved at the last second by the knights of the land, you tend to feel indebted to those knights and do whatever it takes to join their ranks.
Well, that’s what Stella Glow’s protagonist, Alto does at least! And good for him too, since the Regnant Knights’ 9th Regiment are some of the baddest mofos around and fully capable of stopping Hilda and her Harbingers. I mean, look at Archibald. You don’t say stuff like this if you can’t back it up:
Archibald, Klaus, and Rusty make up your fellow squadmates who will help recruit other Witches and stop Hilda. Oh, and don’t forget, they’re also people you can form bonds with during Free Time (bromances, even)!
Monster Strike
In the latest issue of Famitsu, the magazine revealed new information about Monster Strike for the 3DS in a new preview.
First, we get some insight on the characters:
Ren Homura
– Has a forward facing and bright personality;
– Though appears to be an average boy, has memories of having lived in a Divine Realm;
– A protagonist of many mysteries.
Aoi Mizusawa
– Ren’s classmate from childhood;
– Seeks to reform her own group of monsters that had disbanded;
– What does she have to do with Ren’s lost memories?
Oragon
– Self-proclaimed prince of the Monster Realm;
– Travels with Ren, came from Sumaho;
– Not much is known aside from being a child of dragons.
Minami Wakaba
– An airheaded girl who loves her family cafe;
– In the same class as Ren;
– Always feels cold so dresses to stay warm.
Akira Kagetsuki
– Ren’s classmate;
– Was once a cool top member of the Strikers, but has recently been distant from the “Monster” group.
Next, Famitsu goes on to explain the basic plot:
Ren was in the Divine Realm, though he has no recollection of this. Oragon came from Sumaho with knowledge of the Mystery Gate that influences people. Famitsu also says that Ren searches for the gate with the help of his classmates.
Various locations will appear in the story. Ren will come across a Colosseum where monsters fight freely, a research center, and his own school.
In the original Monster Strike on mobile, there are quests that are “Extreme Quests” where you encounter “Extreme Monsters”. In the 3DS version, an original monster named Kagutsuchi makes an appearance. This is a fire elemental that unleashes beams. It also resembles the appearance of an Izanami.
Famous monsters will make an appearance in this game. We can expect the Extreme Monsters Izanami, Kushinada, Yamato Takeru, Izanagi and Tsukuyomi. There will also be popular quests from the app version, and the famous-among-users mode “Queen Butterfly” will also be included.
Similar “Shell Quests” appear, taking you to places where a great amount of experience is given among other things. Monsters of the Kenchi Family, and the boss monster “Oku Kenchi”, are confirmed for the game. Famitsu wonders if there will be bonus quests as well.
Players could have only three monsters and one from a friend to challenge a quest in the original mobile release. However, in this game, it’s possible to choose four monsters in that way as well as set members and players from each character.
Monster Strike for 3DS will have some sort of StreetPass functionality. According to Famitsu, players will be able to receive “Strike Cards” from others, which are items that can only be used once in multiplayer modes.
Moreover, Famitsu’s interview with the developers revealed a few extra details:
On Kagetsuchi:
– Envisioned as son of Izanami and Izanagi who appeared in the original;
– With 3DS visuals, it will be obvious it has special abilities [different from the others].
On 1 character with 1 monster each:
– For four-player multiplayer, with there being a maximum of 4 people, felt fitting to let them use one monster each.
Why are monsters still pixels?
– Sprites make expressions easier to see. All monsters have refined sprites in the 3DS version thanks to the improved graphics capability.
Will original stages appear?
– Yes.
In the Colosseum picture, monsters are battling in their full form – will that be elsewhere too?
– In the 3DS version, there are plans where, akin to an anime, monsters will display their more full bodies in areas even outside the colosseum.
You can also find a new batch of screenshots and art from Monster Strike recently released by Mixi in the gallery below:
Medabots 9
According to this week’s issue of Famitsu, Medabots 9 has been officially announced for the 3DS. The game will be released in Japan on December 24, with pricing set at 5,800 yen for both Medabots 9: Kabuto Version and Medabots 9: Kuwagata Version. Those that decide to pick up an early copy of the game will receive a soundtrack CD.
We also got the following details from Famitsu:
– The game begins with Tenma trapped;
– Through the help of a Medarot he doesn’t recognize, he’s able to free himself;
– He notices an older man also leaving while on his way out;
– A few days later, Tenma is invited to a school meeting where the same mysterious man is seen;
– Your Medarot are the enemy in this game;
– Mio and her Medarot, Lapis, as well as Kunigiku and his partner Sango are some of other characters that will make an appearence;
– Shinto Kamichi and Horuma Rin are returning as character and robot designers, while the script is written by Masaki Wachi;
– Over 300 Medarot are present in the game;
– A new 3-on-3 battle system will be included;
– The game is 80% done.
You can the boxart for both versions and a few screenshots in the gallery below:
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers
A new trailer for LEGO Marvel’s Avengers was shownat the New York Comic-Con. In the video, we’re able to see some key cinematic moments from The Avengers and The Avengers: Age of Ultron. It’s also revealed that the game is to feature some content based on other Marvel Studios films, including Captain America: The First Avenger, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Check out the trailer below:
https://youtu.be/UFG2yRh7J_k
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets has been dated to launch on October 20, with pricing set at $29.99, according to Ubisoft and Disney Interactive’s recent announcement.
Here’s an overview of what the title has to offer:
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is adapted from Disney XD’s #1 series, “Gravity Falls.” In collaboration with the show’s creator and executive producer Alex Hirsh, a brand new and original adventure was created for the game and places players in a mysterious adventure to help Jeff the Gnome retrieve the ancient Gnome Gemulets and restore magic to the Gnome forest.
Players will play as both Dipper and Mabel Pines in dual character gameplay switching between characters at any time to use their unique powers and abilities given through the power of Gnome magic. Dipper is bestowed with Gnome Battle Cuffs which deliver powerful punches at close range, and keeps his trusty flashlight by his side to shed light on the many mysteries in Gravity Falls. Mabel wields the Fleece of Bezazzlementthat lets her whip her sweater sleeves to attack monsters from afar, and her grappling hook is at the ready to help access areas otherwise out of reach. Dipper and Mabel will complement one another as they will unravel a mystery to learn more about the inhabitants of Gravity Falls and unlock secrets of the town’s past.
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is powered by the UbiArt Framework game engine and allows players to experience lush backgrounds and beautiful graphics. Players will explore favorite places from the show, such as the Mystery Shack and the Gnome Forest like never before.
You can also find a new batch of screenshots in the gallery below:
NOTE: Special thanks to Nintendo Everything and Siliconera for providing the base translations of Famitsu content I used to put this post together.