Monster Hunter Generations
Capcom has released a new trailer confirming the The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker collaboration will be available in the western version of Monster Hunter Generations. Check it out below:
Moreover, the fourth Monster Hunter Generations localization blog is now online, covering more of the monsters in the game, such as Mizutsune, Deadeye Yian Garuga, and Silverwind Nargacuga. You can read it over here.
Finally, GiantBomb shared 90 minutes of footage from the final English version of Monster Hunter Generations, which you can watch in the video below:
Monster Hunter Stories
The latest issue of Famitsu has shared another update on Monster Hunter Generations. The magazine introduces a new character, Otomon, areas, and amiibo.
Characters
Ayuria is a rider who was born in a different village from the protagonist, and has an Otomon called Barioth to which she gave the nickname Hyouga. During her journey, she meets with the protagonist.
Hyouga is a rare Otomon that can listen to its Rider’s mind. It’s also said that despite being a fellow Rider, Ayuria and the protagonist have conflicting ways of thinking.
Newly confirmed Otomon:
1. Barioth
Ride Action: Flight
Can fly in the sky and move freely without bumping into other monsters. May be able to pass through annoying obstacles.
Bond Technique: Ground Cyclone
After soaring up to the sky, it breathes a strong chill wind to the ground, causing a giant tornado due to temperature gap.
2. Zamtrios
Ride Action: Detect Monsters
Can detect monsters on the field, and mark living monsters on the map screen.
Bond Technique: Frozen Ground
Gathers frozen energy on its body, then unleashes all of it at once. The cold temperature freezes everything around it.
3. Deviljho
Ride Action: Detect Monsters & Super Rock Crusher
Deviljho is one of the Otomon who have multiple Ride Actions. Its implied its version of Detect Monsters is also able to detect aerial monsters. The latter action is used to destroy giant rocks.
Bond Technique: Hungry Anger
It devours everything in front of it to satiate its hunger. It’s implied that it will also eat meat allocated for allies.
Famitsu then talks about field areas:
Tarju Snowfield is a very vast world of platinum, famous for its natural geysers. Monsters that can stand cold weather like Zamite and Lagombi live here.
Etto Cave is a cave located beyond Tarju Snowfield. After passing through here, the Hunter City Girudekaran will be visible. However, the environment in the cave is extremely cold, so prior preparations are required to traverse it.
Finally, Kakse Forest is a lush forest located nearby Hakumu Village. It has abundant resources, and villagers often pass through it, but because there are many monsters living here, Omna the village elder strictly prohibits children from approaching the forest.
Famitsu also shows off three new amiibo related to Monster Hunter Stories:
– Qurupeco and Dan-senpai
– Barioth (nicknamed Hyouga) and Ayuria
– Rathian and Cheval
These new amiibo are planned for release on December 8, selling for 1,800 yen each. Scanning them will let you unlock special Otomons, much like the previously revealed ones.
Capcom later released a big batch of screenshots and artwork related to this update, which you can check in the gallery below:
Capcom also showcased Monster Hunter Stories in the latest episode of Capcom TV. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/onlcn4R3RWA
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream recently interviewed some of the developers behind Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice. Motohide Eshiro (producer), Takeshi Yamazaki (director), and Takuro Fuse (co-director) participated in the discussion. The total interview spawns 10 pages, touching on topics like Maya’s return, ideas left on the cutting room floor, and much more. You can find a translation of the interview by Nintendo Everything over here.
Capcom also revealed it is currently preparing a new art book for Japan. The Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice Official Visual Book will release on August 25 for 1,900 yen, containing key art, character illustrations, 3D character models, background illustrations, and developer commentary and interviews.
You can find a few small photos from the artbook below:
Aikatsu Stars! First Appeal
Bandai Namco has release two commercials for Aikatsu Stars! First Appeal. You can find them below:
Dragon Ball Fusions
Bandai Namco has released an updated version of the original Dragon Ball Fusions trailer that shows off some of the more recent updates, including different fusions, Street Pass, and the cameo of the Akira Toriyama character Arale. You can watch it below:
One Piece: Great Pirate Colosseum
Bandai Namco has released the first commercial for One Piece: Great Pirate Colosseum. Check it out below:
https://youtu.be/zm3FLrPt9Dc
Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan: Shijou Psi-dai no Psi-nan!?
The latest issue of V-Jump reveals that Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan: Shijou Psi-dai no Psi-nan!? is in development for 3DS. Bandai Namco is working on this game based on Shuichi Asou’s manga, Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan.
Actual details are under wraps for the time being, but the game is categorized as “psychic action”, and confirmed skills include x-ray vision, psychokinesis, and telepathy.
A release date for Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan: Shijou Psi-dai no Psi-nan!? was not listed in V-Jump either.
Here’s the scan in question:
7th Dragon III Code: VFD
SEGA has published a new trailer for 7th Dragon III Code: VFD and details about all upcoming DLC quests for the game, which will be free for the first week following their release.
Here’s the information on the additional DLC quests, followed by the trailer mentioned above:
Launch Week — 7/12Quest: Seed Outbreak!Price: $1.49/CA$1.99Availability: 7/12/2016Description: Encounter Dragonsbane Seeds for extra XP and money.Quest: Gold Rabi Outbreak!Price: $1.49/CA$1.99Availability: 7/12/2016Description: Encounter Gold Rabis for extra XP and money.Wave 1 — 7/19Quest: Code: Student!Price: $1.99/CA$2.49Availability: 7/19/2016Description: Recruit the Samurai character from 7th Dragon 2020Quest: Code: Otaku!Price: $1.99/CA$2.49Availability: 7/19/2016Description: Recruit the Hacker character from 7th Dragon 2020Wave 2 — 7/26Quest: Code: Lucier!Price: $1.99/CA$2.49Availability: 7/26/2016Description: Recruit the Lucier character from 7th Dragon 2020-IIQuest: To My Beloved Unit 13Price: $1.49/CA$1.99Availability: 7/26/2016Description: Prepare for post-game. Unlock ultimate weapons for all classes and a “Blaster Raven” characterQuest: Allie’s Death MarchPrice: $1.49/CA$1.99Availability: 7/26/2016Description: A test for only the bravest of dragon hunters. Unlock a boss rush of nearly every encounter in the game pumped up to max level. EXTREME!Permanent FreeLCBonus Item: Nagamimi DollPrice: Free foreverAvailability: 7/12/2016Description: Obtain a talking Nagamimi bunny doll in your apartment!
Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice
More off-screen Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice footage is now available thanks to GameXplain. In the video below, you can take a look at the opening and ice world.
Etrian Odyssey V
A demo for Etrian Odyssey V has been confirmed to be coming to Japan on July 20, ahead of the game’s August release.
There are no concrete details about the demo yet, but it seems like data can be transferred to the full game, including characters, levels, skills, and items.
Etrian Odyssey V can also be pre-loaded from the eShop starting on July 20.
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Atlus has announced that Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse will launch in North America on September 20.
A new trailer was shown introducing the game’s cast, which you can learn more about below:
- Nanashi – Nanashi is the silent player controlled protagonist who’s trying to become a full fledged member of the Hunter Association. He gets murdered early in the game by a demon, but is given a second chance at life by the god Dagda. In return, he must serve as Dagda’s personal “Godslayer” in the world changing events to come…
- Asahi – The ever optimistic Asahi is Nanashi’s childhood friend/Hunter Association teammate. She’s eager to prove herself in the field, but will need to overcome her doubts in order to become a key member of the group.
- Navarre – This familiar Samurai from the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado is making a return! Well sort of, because Navarre is no longer what we would call “alive.” He’s now a green ghost who can use his ethereal powers to the benefit of the team.
- Nozomi – Nozomi is another familiar character who is the newly appointed Fairy Queen working under the protection of the goddess Danu. She’s a level-headed and mature ally who will provide valuable skills and insight for the party.
- Hallelujah– This young gray haired individual is a member of the Ashura-kai gang, who is ordered to join Nanashi and co. in their journey to “watch” them. Hallelujah is accompanied by his foxlike pet demon Chironnupu, who will support him in battle.
- Gaston – Gaston, or as he likes to call himself Gaston the Magnificent, is the brash and arrogant younger brother of Navarre. He is the leader of an elite squad of Samurai called the Crusaders and will undoubtedly be a useful partner during fights. That is, if players can stand his braggadocios nature, but you know what they say, “no one fights like Gaston!”
- Toki – This mysterious Oni mask wearing girl in black is an assassin for the Ring of Gaea faction. She absolutely does not have an ulterior motive for joining the squad. Nope, totally doesn’t have a hidden agenda or anything like that.
- Isabeau – This steadfast Samurai is the best friend and confidant of the heroic Flynn (the protagonist of Shin Megami Tensei IV). Isabeau is an experienced warrior who will act as a great role model for the younger members of the party.
And here’s the trailer mentioned above:
Deep Silver partnership with SEGA and Atlus
SEGA and Atlus have established a new partnership with Deep Silver to publish their titles in PAL territories.
This new partnership will soon be put in practice, since physical and digital versions of 7th Dragon III Code: VFD, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, and Persona 5 will be made available through it.
SEGA recently explained the decision in a blog post:
Stop me if you’ve heard this before:
“We’re working on it.”
It’s an oft-used PR phrase that people have come to see as a general throwaway response. And while I can’t speak for every case, I can at least tell you that when it comes to publishing SEGA Japanese IP games (and ATLUS’!) in Europe, it’s true. We are working on it. Or were, really, since we just inked a deal with Deep Silver to release multiple upcoming titles in Europe. Physical versions.
That means that 7th Dragon III Code: VFD will be coming to European regions as both a physical and digital title, which will be published by Deep Silver for the EU territory.
The next question out of your mouth I’m sure is “but why? You have SEGA Europe, use them!” Yes, we do have a European branch, but they’re very much their own business, and as a business unit, SEGA Europe focuses on our Western IP titles – the titles developed by our Western studios such as Creative Assembly, Relic Entertainment, Sports Interactive and in partnership with studios such as PlaySport Games. With the majority of those titles being released on PC, we’ve seen an evolution of SEGA Europe into a more digitally-centric business over the last few years. For any packaged releases of SEGA Europe Western IPs they already partner with Deep Silver to bring those titles to market in Europe. It made sense to mirror that partnership with the SEGA of America-managed Japanese IP titles which currently have a heavier bias towards physical release. Sega Europe will still be publishing Yakuza 0.
Added bonus – this deal also applies to some upcoming ATLUS titles, so if you’ve been hankering for Persona 5 or Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, Deep Silver has the EU covered!
We aren’t ready to share release dates for those just yet, but for all our fans in Europe, we can finally say “we worked on it, and now we’ve got an answer for you.”
Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media/Deep Silver, said of the news:
“We are delighted to have signed this publishing partnership and look forward to using all our pan-European publishing network to maximize the potential of the ATLUS and SEGA games.”
Atlus and SEGA’s Naoto Hiraoka also mentioned the following:
“In entering this partnership with Deep Silver, I am truly delighted we will be able to release our titles in the European regions. Not only does the deal span multiple titles, but Deep Silver has a strong presence in European and PAL retailers. They have a strong passion for being able to deliver physical games to our fans in those territories, which we hold in high regard.”
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
Inti Creates recently revealed at Anime Expo that Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 will be launching on September 30 in the west, priced at $14.99.
The Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack has also been confirmed for overseas territories, and will sell for $30. The package will include both games in the series, Azure Striker Gunvolt 1 and 2, and will be published by Yacht Club Games.
Yacht Club wrote the following about publishing the games:
A real bolt from the blue, right!? When we said we were a publisher last year, we bet you didn’t expect that we’d be publishing other companies’ games! Neither did we! Honestly, we never thought we’d be jumping further into the realm of publishing. However, Inti Creates saw Shovel Knight’s physical release and reached out to us to see if we’d be interesting in doing the same for Gunvolt. We couldn’t say no…we love the games they make! Heck, Mega Man 9 was one of our biggest inspirations for Shovel Knight! We were so impressed by the latest Gunvolt 2 as well! The new high-flying playable character Copen is a real blast to play.
So yes, the Yacht Club Games crew has joined the world of physical publishing. Once again, we’re getting a big helping hand from our distributor U&I Entertainment who will be shipping the game out to stores for us. We couldn’t be more honored to join forces with Inti Creates and bring their signature style of action games to players everywhere. As always, we take on surprises like this because of our passion and excitement to see it happen…it’s all about bringing everyone more rad games! We hope everyone who loved Shovel Knight and is interested in a big leap from 8-bit will give Gunvolt a try. We think you’ll all love all the awesome 2D platforming excitement.
This is a new adventure for us, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have all of you, the talented team at Inti Creates, and the amazing team at U&I at our backs to help us bring more 2D action games to store shelves!
There’s still no official word on a PAL release, but Yacht Club games are encouraging Inti Creates to release the game physically in those territories. We also saw an Australian rating document some time ago, indicating a PAL release might be in the works, so stay tuned for more info on what happens.
A special Azure Striker Gunvolt anime OVA was also announced for this winter.
You can find trailers for both things below:
During a Nindies panel at BitSummit, a trailer was shown for amiibo support in Azure Striker Gunvolt 2, highlighting how players can challenge Shovel Knight to a fight while controlling Copen or Gunvolt.
The Shovel Knight sprite was designed by well-known pixel artist Masaya Suzuki from Inti Creates, who has worked on classic series including Breath of Fire and Mega Man Zero.
You can find some clips of that below:
Yo-kai Watch 3
Level-5 has posted another clip for Yo-kai Watch 3, in which we can see the different types of transporation in the game. Check it out below:
Yu-Gi-Oh! Saikyou Card Battle
Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Saikyou Card Battle is now out on the Japanese 3DS eShop, so some gameplay footage is starting to show up online. You can watch some below, thanks to 3DSCapture:
Puzzle & Dragons X
CoroCoro has given us another look at Puzzle & Dragons X’s gameplay, this time focusing on the multiplayer mode. You can find the video below:
Ninja Usagimaru: The Mystery of Trick Castle
Aksys Games recently revealed at Anime Expo that it’s planning on bringing over Arc System Work’s sequel to Ninja Usagimaru: The Gem of Blessings, which could be translated to Ninja Usagimaru: The Mystery of Trick Castle.
The game has players going through various levels and rescuing villagers in various levels by overcoming traps and gimmicks. The new game builds on the foundation of the original, and should release this Autumn.
Here’s the Japanese trailer for the game:
Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure
Falcom has released a facts sheet and several screenshots and artwork from Gurumin’s 3DS version. You can find them below:
Nyoki Nyoki
Puyo Puyo creator Masamitsu Niitani, and his company Compile Maru, have announced a new game for 3DS called Nyoki Nyoki: Tabidachi Hen.
It’s a falling object puzle game, where you try to match colors and horizontally line up falling “Nyoki Nyoki” to build up attack power to prevent from being buried under “Ojama”. This can be activated at any time. Given that it’s assumed two people are fighting against each other, the official genre of the game is “fighting puzzle”. An Handicap mode exists with “2 Colors vs. 5 Colors”, which will allow advanced players and beginners to face off against each other.
Nyoki Nyoki: Tabidachi Hen is due out later this summer in Japan for 800 yen. You can find some screenshots in the gallery below:
Virtual Console
Below you can find trailers for the Japanese version of recently released Virtual Console games.
King’s Knight (Famicom)
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri 5 (GBA)