For reasons unknown, the digital version of Project X Zone has been removed from the Nintendo eShop. Starting around 2012 games produced for the system typically sport a retail and digital version, with a few exceptions that are retail exclusive or vise versa. Typically the digital version would need to be loaded into an SD card, but the main benefit of choosing digital is slightly faster loading times, the convenience of not switching 3DS game cards, and the option to re-download the game at any given time.
Project X Zone itself for quick context was a hybrid of a strategy RPG and action RPG developed by Banpresto and Monolith Soft, and published by Namco Bandai. It’s a spiritual successor to the Japan only Namco x Capcom, the main difference is that in addition to characters from Namco and Capcom, it also throws in SEGA characters into the mix from franchises like Sakura Wars and Virtua Fighter. Project X Zone uses a grid layout on, with each character having their strengths and movement options in typical strategy RPG fashion, but battles are set up in a limited arena where characters execute combos and utilize mechanics like Support Attack and Cross Hit to inflict as much damage as possible before their turn is over. Varies characters appear from Namco, Capcom, and SEGA franchises, divided into either paired units that act as the standard characters or solo units that act as assists. Project X Zone itself received criticism for it’s repetitive nature, but praised the crossover aspect of the game. Despite the criticism, the game received enough popularity to earn a sequel called Project X Zone 2, introducing Nintendo characters into the mix from the games Fire Emblem Awakening and Xenoblade Chronicles and the return of everyone’s favorite badass SEGA Saturn enthusiast Segata Sanshiro.
The reason why Project X Zone is removed from the eShop is unknown. It’s possible that it was removed due to copyright reasons, a general stigma that plagues any type of crossover and can effect distribution, which already did effect Project X Zone and is why many song tracks were removed when localized in the west. It maybe of also been removed to highlight the improved sequel Project X Zone 2 more. Regardless, it’s not possible to download the game, and attempting to re-download the game is not possible. Retail versions however are still available if you want to play the game for yourself.
[via Nintendo Everything]
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sure why not sega, you like to remove lots of stuff nowadays.
They didn’t make the game.
Sega made the game as well, but Sega isn’t the primary publisher of the series, it seems to be Namco that is, so Sega and Capcom have less say on the distribution front.
A bit like the Capcom vs SNK series on Dreamcast, both companies were involved but Capcom called the shots on most publishing duties.
Sega doesn’t typically remove stuff either, the most notable exception is Outrun Online and that was only because their Ferrari license was expiring so they were legally obligated to remove it.
It was a ‘license issue’, like what happened to the Scott Pilgrim vs the world the game a while ago.
I stand corrected. On the license front, I presume that is the reason After Burner Climax was removed.
It’d seem so.
Licensed software, or any game with any licensed item within it are typically now going to be the biggest casualties of the digital markets.
There’s no other good reason for a company to take down their own products, especially digital ones – which don’t accrue additional manufacturing costs.
What gets me here is that it can’t be redownloaded. That’s pretty unusual, isn’t it? Not unprecedented (hi, Silent Hills), but unusual — especially for something purchasable instead of free, right?