Capcom at TGS 2016
Capcom has now opened its official website for Tokyo Game Show 2016. You can find it here.
In it, Capcom confirms some titles to be shown at the expo. Monster Hunter Stories, Monster Hunter Spirits, Resident Evil 7, and Project Palm will all be present at TGS 2016. Monster Hunter Stories will also be playable, and will have a stage event and stream presence.
Tokyo Game Show 2016 will take place between September 15 and September 18. Live broadcasts of the show are planned on each day besides the 16th.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Capcom is continuing its series of development blogs for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice. The second one can be found over here.
This time the discussion is centered on how the developers and artists worked to define the look and feel of the Kingdom of Khura’in. The art director and lead artist for the game go into details about the setting, its location in the world, the language, and the culture of the fictional land.
Capcom has also published blog entries profiling the game’s various characters. These include entries on Phoenix, Rayfa, Maya, and Ahlbi. If you are interested in checking them out, you can find the Phoenix and Rayfa post here, and the Maya and Ahlbi post here.
Finally, we have a video interview with Sam Riegel, the english voice of Phoenix Wright in Spirit of Justice, which you can find below.
Monster Hunter Generations
Nintendo UK has posted another Monster Hunter Generations video about what fans of the series like about the game. You can find it below:
Monster Hunter Stories
Capcom has posted two lengthy videos with director Satoshi Inoue and series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto showcasing Monster Hunter Stories. The footage shown includes many parts of the game, such as story, the extensive character customization, the battle system, and breeding, among others things. You can find both of them below:
Besides that, Capcom has uploaded another couple monster videos (for the Yian Kut-ku and the Deviljho) and more footage from Capcom TV. You can find those videos below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nYX_dd1_oU&feature=youtu.be&t=2h7m23s
Puzzle & Dragons X
Puzzle & Dragons X recently added a collaboration to the game based on Monster Hunter Stories. You can take a look at some footage of the in-game event below.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past was recently showcased during Nintendo’s live stream at Gamescom. Series producer Yuu Miyake, producer Noriyoshi Fujimoto, and assistant producer Takuma Shiraishi were all in attendance and discussed the game while over there.
You can watch the full recording of the event below:
Dragon Quest XI
Square Enix recently reconfirmed that Dragon Quest XI will be coming to the NX.
In this month’s issue of Nintendo Dream, Dragon Quest series creator Yuji Horii, Pokémon series producer Junichi Masuda, and Super Smash Bros. series director Masahiro Sakurai held a roundtable discussion, and at one point, the discussion shifted to Dragon Quest XI, where Horii said that the game will indeed be on Nintendo’s NX console. Moreover, the goal is to have all versions launch simultaneously in order to avoid spoilers.
Here’s the full exchange translated by Gematsu:
Masahiro Sakurai: Well then, I would like to ask about each of your new games. First, Dragon Quest XI. The 11th installment in the series will be released simultaneously on Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4, and including NX it’s coming out on three platforms, right?
Yuji Horii: That’s right. The use of hardware is different for each system, so it’s quite a challenge.
Sakurai: Thank you for working so hard.
Horii: However, we’re making the 3DS version in both 3D and 2D. I asked my staff, “Is that something we can do?” And they said, “We’ll do it.” So we decided, “then let’s do it.”
Junichi Masuda: I get the feeling that means there will be four versions across three platforms then, yeah?
Horii: That’s right. There are a lot of difficulties because of that. Each one has a different look to it, and there’s also a PlayStation 4 version, so if we make a small fix then we have to fix it across every version.
Sakurai: I see. Including things like the release date, it gets dreadful when development is inevitably drawn out and the debugging piles up… But shifting away from the release date, they’re not going to be released apart from each other, right? Since Dragon Quest games are story-driven.
Horii: That’s right. Spoilers will emerge if we release one version earlier. (Laughs.) However, we’re a little concerned about the sense of distance in movement. It’s different for each of the supported hardware.
Sakurai: Oh, is that so?
Horii: The movement in the 2D of the 3DS version, and the movement in the 3D of the 3DS version and the PlayStation 4 version definitely feels different when it’s in action. However, there are concerns when making several versions at the same time, and to that extent it’s difficult, so we’re making the game to the best of our ability.
Sakurai: I made Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U at the same time, but it was nevertheless difficult. Since you’re making it for hardware from different companies, I would think that it’s even more difficult, so please by all means do your best.
Horii: Indeed. All of the staff is working very hard, so please look forward to it.
Puyo Puyo Chronicle
According to the latest issue of Famitsu, SEGA is now developing Puyo Puyo Chronicle for the 3DS. The new game is being made in celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary.
Puyo Puyo Chronicle is a puzzle RPG, much like some of the previous games in the series. The RPG mode features Arle as the protagonist, who gets sucked into an alternate world with her partner Carbuncle. In order to return home, they’ll need to work with a mysterious girl named Arie. Characters and fields are all presented in 3D, and fields can be explored freely.
The voice cast includes:
Arle (CV: Mioe Sonozaki)
Carbuncle (CV: Tamaki Nakanishi)
Arie (CV: Honoka Inoue)
Amitie (CV: Shiho Kikuchi)
Ringo (CV: Asami Imai)
Some more details about the RPG mode were also shared:
– You form teams of three characters to fight enemies
– Attack by erasing Puyos
– Erase enemies to send Ojama Puyo flying their way for damage
– You’ll get to add to the damage with simultaneous erases or via rensa
– Characters do more damage with less rensa when they’re higher level
– Over 60 sub-quests
Aside from the RPG mode, Puyo Puyo Chronicle also includes traditional Puyo Puyo gameplay. It’s packed with 17 different rules from Puyo Puyo Tsu, Puyo Puyo Fever, and others.
A “Boss Fight With Everyone” local multiplayer mode is also in the works. It’ll let you partner with a party of four players to battle a boss. This also makes use of Chance Times. You can also enter Fever Mode for massive damage once you’ve met certain requirements.
Puyo Puyo Chronicle will be getting an Anniversary Box, which includes a special package, and 25th anniversary goods such as a soundtrack, a vocal track, a drama CD, and a theme.
Puyo Puyo Chronicles launches in Japan on December 8.
While you wait, you can watch the trailer and look at some screenshots below.
SEGA 3D Classics Sale
Several SEGA 3D Classics games are now on sale via the North American eShop.
You can save on the following titles:
– 3D After Burner II
– 3D Ecco the Dolphin
– 3D Gunstar Heroes
– 3D Out Run
– 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
– 3D Space Harrier
– 3D Streets of Rage
– 3D Streets of Rage 2
– 3D Super Hang-On
Each one is down to $3, and the discounts end on August 29 at 8:59 AM PT / 11:59 AM ET.
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Atlus has recently uploaded a new Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse trailer highlighting the RPG’s battle system, along with some tips on how to make good use out off it. Check it all out below:
1. Strike First – Tokyo is crawling with demons, so if you see one (or a hundred) while exploring be sure to strike first. If you land a successful first hit, you’ll be allowed to attack first during the battle sequence. While this doesn’t sounds super important, preemptive strikes can mean the difference between life and death. Seriously, death is around every turn in this game, so striking first is a must!
2. Exploit Weaknesses – Fighting demons may seem like a daunting task, but it’s not too difficult once you get into a rhythm. Attacks come in eight classes — Physical, Gun, Fire, Ice, Electric, Force, Light, Dark — and must be used wisely during every encounter. That’s because demons have an elemental weakness that can be exploited to deal devastating damage. For example, battling a gaggle of fire class demons? Don’t fret! It’s nothing that a little Bufu or Raging Blizzard can’t handle. Make sure to remember each demon’s weakness to maximize damage output!
3. Use Buffs – While attacks are the bread and butter of a demon hunter’s arsenal, utilizing buffs can be the difference between a victory screen or making a sad visit to the underworld. Buffs can boost damage/defense, lower enemy damage/defense, prevent negative status effects, heal the team, and more, so make sure to use them!
4. Utilize the Right Partners – Besides demons, you’ll be able to enlist the help of various partners such as Asahi, Navarre, Nozomi, Hallelujah, Gaston, Toki, and Isabeau who can turn the tide of battles in a big way. Each partner offers a different type of support, so it would be best to choose one that best accompanies your team build. Need a healing touch? Asahi is your girl. If extra fire power is what you’re missing, Nozomi is probably a good choice. If muscle is needed, no one hits harder like Gaston! Essentially, partners will fill any offensive/defensive gaps that are missing.
5. Don’t Panic – Fighting demons takes a lot of strategy, and can be terrifying when they ambush you into a battle. However, the worst thing to do is panic and let the demons tear you apart in a turn or two. Be patient, take a step back, and take a look at all the attack options you have at your disposal before making a move.
Yo-kai Watch 2
Nintendo has confirmed that both versions of Yo-Kai Watch 2 – Fleshy Souls and Bony Spirits – will arrive to Europe in Spring 2017.
Furthermore, by reserving both versions of the game via GameStop in North America, you’ll be able to obtain a pair of keychains. Quantities will be limited, and will be distributed only while supplies last.
Meanwhile, Forbes recently took the opportunity to speak with Akihiro Hino, CEO of Level-5. He talked about topics like the company’s cross-media push, avoiding market saturation, and their brand new project Megaton Musashi.
If you would like to give the interview article a read, you can find it over here.
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village
Natsume has announced that a couple of special bundles for Harvest Moon: Skytree Village will be up for pre-order on the Natsume Amazon Store in the near future.
The two bundles include the following:
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village Bluebird Bundle
For a suggested retail price of $39.99 USD, players will receive a retail copy of Harvest Moon: Skytree Village with a limited edition 5″ plush Bluebird. Now have your very own source of Blue Feathers!
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village Premium Bobcat Bundle
For a suggested retail price of $49.99, fans will receive a retail copy of Harvest Moon: Skytree Village with a premium 12″ Bobcat. This is the purr-fect pet!
A Harvest Moon: Skytree Village Limited Edition was also previously announced as a NIS America Store exclusive without a plush, but it has its own unique bonuses, like a Collector’s Box, a 44-page softcover art book in full color, an original soundtrack with jewel case, a six lapel pin set, and a blue feather rubber strap keychain.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
Inti Creates has prepared a new trailer for Azure Striker Gunvolt 2. You can find both the English and Japanese versions below.
Inti Creates also held a live stream for Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 on their Twitch channel, which can be found over here, if you want to watch some gameplay footage.
Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure
Mastiff has announced that Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure will be playable at PAX West.
It will be making its debut at the show between September 2 and September 5.
Furthermore, the company has stated that when Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure comes out later this summer, it will only be playable in English, but that could eventually change depending on how well the game does.
Mastiff said that an expansion pack could be made available for Gurumin 3D, which would add in the Japanese audio, but it’s all dependent on the performance/popularity/sales of the title. So if Gurumin 3D takes off on the eShop, we might see the Japanese voices added in at some point!
Disney Magical World 2
Nintendo has now opened up the North American teaser site for Disney Magical World 2. You can find it over here.
The full site will be coming soon, but while you wait you can view a teaser trailer and some game details in the one available.
You can also watch the trailer below:
Yooka-Laylee
Playtonic has shared a new trailer for Yooka-Laylee during Gamescom 2016. Check it out below:
Besides that, Eurogamer also released some more gameplay footage after going hands-on with the game. You can find the video below:
Skylanders Imaginators
Activision has officially announced that Doctor Neo Cortex will be joining Crash Bandicoot in Skylanders Imaginators.
Those who pick up the Wii U version of Skylanders Imaginators can obtain a figure based on Cortex this holiday. It’ll be included in the Thumpin’ Wumpa Islands Adventure Pack, that will sell for $29.99. It’ll also contain Crash Bandicoot as a toy and the Thumpin’ Wumpa Islands level.
Here’s what the course offers:
“In the game, a ‘Synchronization Celebration’ has aligned the world of Skylands with the Wumpa Islands. Upon arriving, Spyro and Mags discover that Dr. Neo Cortex (voiced by Lex Lang) has created a terrible machine to harness the rhythmic power of the island’s celebration for his newest evil scheme! When the machine goes awry, something occurs that throws the whole party out of sync. Crash (voiced by Jess Harnell) must team up with the Skylanders and his old enemy Neo Cortex to restore the celebration before the Wumpa Islands are syncopated right out of existence!”
“The level includes special Crash Zones that bring back the classic massive boulder chases from the original games. And, as with any Skylanders level, there are secrets and hidden areas all along the way. In paying homage to this iconic character on his 20th anniversary, the level is packed with TNT boxes, crabs, hazards, temple ruins, Wumpa Fruit, exploding crates and many more elements from the original Crash. But it all takes place in the Skylands – which means a new twist of Skylanders combat and action brought into the world of the Wumpa Islands.”
You can also find some gameplay footage and some screenshots below:
LEGO Dimensions
Below you can find a couple of videos straight from Gamescom that take a look at LEGO Dimension’s latest content. Enjoy!
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers
Cartoon Network and GameMill Entertainment have recently announced Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers.
The game is described as a side-scrolling action game with lighthearted humor. A tear in the universe is created after Uncle Grandpa accidentally hits the multidimensional switch on his RV. In doing so, the main characters of some of Cartoon Network’s biggest shows are brought together to take down threats from their animated worlds.
Six playable characters are included: Uncle Grandpa, Finn & Jake from Adventure Time, Rigby & Mordecai from Regular Show, Clarence, Gumball from The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven of Steven Universe. Players can swap between them at any time. With some enemies, you’ll need to use a specific hero’s ability to defeat them. GameMill promises “special stages with varied gameplay, boss battles and light character progression and customization”.
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers will be a single player experience on 3DS. Unfortunately, the co-op multiplayer feature we heard about in a previous retailer listing is only in the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions. However, there is a bonus Bonkers mode in which players can replay stages “with even more wild challenges”.
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers launches in November in both physical and digital versions.
You can find a trailer and some screenshots below:
Just Dance 2017
Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Just Dance 2017 in celebration of Gamescom, which highlights some new tracks.
The songs list will feature Scream & Shout by will.i.am Ft. Britney Spears, Cake by the Ocean by DNCE, All About Us by Jordan Fisher, and more, in addition to what we already knew about.
You can find the trailer below:
Virtual Console Trailers
Below you can find a trailer for the Wii U Virtual Console versions of Capcom’s GBA title Chinmoku No Iseki – Estpolis Gaiden. Check it out: