Friday, 24 January 2014

Famitsu interview with Kenichiro Takaki


During an interview with Famitsu, Senran Kagura producer Kenichiro Takaki talks about the upcoming Vocaloid rhythm game, titled IA/VT Colorful for the PlayStation Vita that he is currently working on -

Famitsu starts by asking Takaki if he could share his thoughts on how the project came about.
Sure. Well, there were several ideas, but the simplest one came from the thought of ‘I want to do something new’,” says Takaki. “Again, I spend every single day thinking about all the different amusing things this world has to offer, and how to express them through games, and this time, I decided to go with Vocaloids. I personally also like the trend of the Vocaloids, too.”

Next, Famitsu asks Takaki to share some more of his thoughts on the Vocaloid trend
As the Vocaloid trend continues to grow with Hatsune Miku at the center, the appearance of IA, who sings softly, really had an impact on me,” elaborates Takaki. “Her colors also gave her quite the different image. As a creator, I can now say that recording songs is actually very difficult.

[The songs] all have their own charms, and we’re choosing the ones that suit the game best, so it’s not quite as simple as just picking whatever,” he continues. “I also believe it’s easier to make detailed adjustments for Vocaloids, and they also have the advantage of being able to sing impossibly fast compared to humans. With all that in mind, I believe that it leaves us with many possibilities.

  • Takaki briefly mentions that the game’s title of IA/VT Colorful comes from its emphasis that it will have on the different colors throughout the game. His idea is to have the background colors represent the feelings that match the player’s control as they play through the songs on the game.

Famitsu asks if that means that it could be a different experience depending on the player.
That’s right, there will be more feedback to the action instead of your usual ‘Good’ and ‘Nice’,” says Takaki. “The results will be different each time, as I want to have something that represents the ups and downs of the player’s feelings.

In other words, it’ll follow the basic elements of a rhythm game; for example, you’ll ‘catch’ a sound with your controls. Then the voices and sounds you catch will be released in the end, which will be met with a climax.”

We’re still in a stage of trial-and-error, so I can’t share too many details, but all I can say for now is that it won’t simply be about pressing buttons to match the flowing icons in a timely manner.

An interesting release for those rythmn fans, like myself, within our readership. IA/VT Colorful will be launched in Japan on July 31, No announcement yet of a western release - but with how much traction the Vocaloid trend seems to be gaining on our shores we may see at least a digital release eventually. Does the game have your interest?

Here Comes Some Old Challengers!

Today brings another 2 character trailers for upcoming 3DS title Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth.

These trailers focus on Shinjiro Aragaki & Yukiko Amagi. Still no word on a US or EU release as of yet but I will keep you updated as and when. 

Persona 3



Persona 4

Project Diva F 2nd Tracklist Trailer


A lengthy trailer was unleashed by SEGA recently (standing at over 10 minutes!) that acts as a roundup for the music to be included in the release of Project Diva F 2nd. The game is rumoured to feature at least 40 songs, but this trailer only shows 32 so there are still at least another 8 to be announced.  You'll find the full list below of confirmed tracks from this footage  -
  • Decorator
  • Nisoku Hokou
  • Two-Dimensional Dream Fever
  • Karakuri Pierrot
  • Hello, Worker
  • erase or zero
  • Suki Kirai
  • World is Mine
  • Luka Luka Night Fever
  • Miracle Paint
  • Romeo and Cinderella
  • Packaged
  • Paradichlorobenzene
  • A Thousand-Year Solo
  • Ura Omote Lovers
  • Kokoro
  • Double Lariat
  • Colourful x Melody
  • Melt
  • Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru
  • Spica –39’s Giving Day Edition-
  • Meteor
  • Kochira Koufuku Anshin Iinkai Desu
  • Tsugai Kogarashi
  • Musunde Hiraite Rasetsu to Mukuro
  • Cantarella ~grace edition~
  • Narisumashi Genger
  • soundless voice
  • Kowase Kowase
  • Akatsuki Arrival
  • Envy Catwalk
  • Glory 3usi9
Its been alluded to that most of the tracklist conforms to the songs used for the Magical Mirai 2013 concert. Its one Ive been looking at importing lately, so if the rumours are true maybe its time to bite and see whats in store for Project Diva F 2nd. A western date has still to be announced, but no doubt that will be announced in due time. The title is due for release in Japan on March 6th. Any tracks in particular you fancy? Personally I'm just glad Two Faced Lovers will be making a return...

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

News: Monster Monpiece censored content


This image above shows some of the 4th evolutionary form cards that have been cut from Monster Monpiece in the west.

Yaiba Developer dairy


A game that seems to be splitting a fanbase, unjustly if you ask me, but still leaves much to be intrigued about. This developer dairy aims to give the viewers an idea on how the ideas for the game came about & the processes taken to finalise concepts. Will it change the haters minds? Probably not but at least people will have more of an understanding about the game in question. With a release date of 28th February (EU) & 4th March (US) on PC/Ps3/Xbox360, you can look forward to a possible review from ourselves if your on the fence.

Ace Attorney Trilogy Re-Re-Re-Release

OBJECTION!!!!!!

This week Famitsu magazine has reported that the first 3 in the Ace Attorney games will see yet another release in the form of a 3DS title.

All three of the trilogy will feature on the same cartridge & have 3D features added into them, feature both Japanese & English language & are also releasing a limited edition which comes with a bonus Drama CD. First print also get some download codes for BGM & an original background image!

Ace Attorney 123: Wright Selection releases April 17th in Japan. No other region release has yet been mentioned


Tales of ROUND UP!!!!!

As snappy and trendy as that title sounds, no I don't have secret information about a new Tales of game called Round Up!.

Instead it's just a healthy reminder of the upcoming Tales Of games coming over to Europe & the US in the coming months. As 2 of our members are currently playing through Xillia I feel it's the perfect time to show people what is in store for them from Namco-Bandai's premier RPG series 

Tales of Xillia 2 

Release Date: TBA 2014 

TALES OF XILLIA 2 focuses on the events a year after the climactic end of TALES OF XILLIA.  Players assume the role of Ludger Kresnik, a young man with a zest of cooking who lives with his older brother and his cat, named Rollo. On his way to his first day at work for a local cafeteria he runs into a young girl named Elle Marta and the two soon become involved in an accident that will change both of their lives forever



Tales of Symphonia Chronicles 

Release Date: 25th February (America) 28th February 2014 (Europe)

PS3 HD Port of the now legendary Gamecube RPG smash hit Tales of Symphonia, it also includes the follow up Wii title Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Relive the classic adventure which brought Tales into many a home in redone HD Textures. 



Tales of Zestiria 

Release Date: TBA 

Recently announced late last year this is the latest in the Tales of series & judging by the trailer the most impressive HD looking of the series. Dragons are supposed to play a huge roll in the game & unlike the Xillia series it is pure fantasy without the cyberpunk styling. Expect to hear more about this title during the year after Xillia 2 & Symphonia Chronicles have released 



Credit to Blue Sky Gamez for the HD trailer 


Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Resident Evil 4 gets re-re-released on PC

Want to play Resident Evil 4 at 1080p/60? (1920x1080 not confirmed as selectable yet though) Then rejoice as this classic will be available on Steam for $19.99 (same price in EU/UK) from the 28th February for you to play on your swanky PC. All the usual Steam gubbins - Resident Evil 4 on PC will include the “Separate Ways” bonus episode. The game will also include Steam platform support with Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, Steam Trading Cards, global leaderboards, and full game controller support, Will be included. Resident Evil 4 has already had a release on PC before, but this one promises to be the 'defintive' release. Always liked the Wii edition myself the best....

Will you be double/triple/quad dipping for this latest re-release of Resident Evil 4?
Resident Evil 4 on PC will include the “Separate Ways” bonus episode. The game will also include Steam platform support with Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, Steam Trading Cards, global leaderboards, and full game controller support.
Read more at http://www.siliconera.com/2014/01/21/resident-evil-4-coming-pc-hd-graphics-60fps/#cpYr7GcIEw5q6A32.99

Danganronpa EU release dated


A blog post has just recently gone up on the EU Playstation BLog concerning this Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc release date. A 14th February date has been set (Valentines day. Now you know what gift to seek) but there has been no mention yet as to whether we are looking at a digital or retail release - 

Trigger Happy Havoc is a revamped edition of the very first Danganronpa that appeared on PSPs in Japan in 2010, and now includes updated graphics, touchscreen functionality, and a new game mode. Now get your thinking hats on, because murder’s afoot, and you’re going to need more than a #2 pencil to survive the tests this high school’s got in store for you.

An interesting Vita release and a good pick by NISa for localisation by the sounds of things. Already have the game pre-ordered? Looking forward to solving some mysterious murders?

Full blog post: EU Playstation Blog

Another Deception IV trailer unleashed


Another Deception IV trailer has made its way online. Interest for the game seems to be gathering momentum as TK were announcing features like Youtube video uploading, Cross-save & cross-play between the Ps3 and Vita versions of the game on Twitter earlier today. The game will be launching in Japan on February 27th, before hitting the west on March 25th (US) & the 28th (EU) The latest trailers & info raised your expectations?