Phantasy Star Online 2 Reborn: Episode 4 Update Goes Live

Reborn-Episode-4-LogoSEGA hasn’t given up on Phantasy Star Online 2, at least in Japan. The game’s newest update, Reborn: Episode 4, is a big deal for the franchise. The game will launch with the new update on a new platform, the PlayStation 4 and the older versions will also get a reprint on store shelves. Not only that, SEGA also recently launched its anime series based on the franchise.

File Size on the patch:

  • Launcher: Version 04.00.00
  • Client: ver. 4.0001.0
  • Patch Size: 3.7 GB (PC) / 1943 MB (Vita)
  • If Pre-patched: 575 MB

Reborn: Episode 4 will include a new story chapter in the Phantasy Star Online 2 storyline. This time you get to explore earth, Tokyo in the year 2028. Phantasy Star Online 2 hits PlayStation 4 in Japan on April 20th, SEGA still has no plans on releasing this outside of Japan.

[Source: Bumped]

SEGA News Bits: Valkyria Chronicles on PS4 coming West reaction and discussion

The physical releases of localized Japanese SEGA titles keep on coming! In this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry react to the news of Valkyria Chronicles Remastered coming to the Americas and Europe and discuss how this could affect the future of the series. Valkyria Chronicles Remastered is due out Spring 2016, priced at priced at $29.99/CA$44.99 in special launch edition case for the Americas. The game is also releasing to Europe both physically and digitally, with physical release details to come.

If you enjoyed the video make sure to like, share and subscribe to us on YouTube if you haven’t already. Thanks for the support!

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered releasing to the Playstation 4 in Americas & Europe in Spring 2016

SEGA continues to kick ass in the West in 2016, as just this morning it was announced that Valkyria Chronicles Remastered will be releasing to the Playstation 4 in the Americas and Europe in Spring 2016. Even more exciting, the game will indeed be receiving a physical release (as well as digital) priced at $29.99/CA$44.99 in special launch edition case.

After the break, read the full press release!

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir tops Japanese sales chart on debut week

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Atlus seems to have made the right choice bringing back Odin Sphere, as Liefthrasir has topped the Japanese sales chart on its debut week. The game took the number one and two spots, with the PlayStation Vita coming in at first with 43,394 sales and a close second on the PlayStation 4 with 42,263 units sold. That’s right, the PlayStation Vita is still big in Japan.

As for the PlayStation 3 version of the game, that came in at tenth place with 9,771 units sold. That means that all together Odin Sphere: Liefthrasir sold over 95,428 units in Japan in the span of three days. Impressive for the region and it being a remake. Odin Sphere: Liefthrasir hits North America on June 7, check out the limited edition release.

Hit the jump to see the full sales chart.

[Via: NeoGAF]

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SEGA Europe hints at Valkyria Chronicles Remaster & 3D Classics releases in the West

The latest episode of SEGA Central, a YouTube series produced by SEGA Europe and hosted by European Community Manager Dan Sheridan, brought up the upcoming Japan-only Valkyria Chronicles Remaster for Playstation 4 with an interesting tease. In a recent Twitter poll, viewers voted for what sort of content they’d like to see covered in upcoming SEGA Central episodes and Japanese news was a clear winner. As such, Dan shared clips from the new trailer for Valkyria Chronicles Remaster, but it didn’t end there. Dan added: “But what does this mean for us? Will we see it in the West? Tune in next week to find out more!” (ominous laugh)

Could a Western announcement for Valkyria Chronicles Remaster be due next week? Or is SEGA Europe simply trolling fans? I’d go with the former, as it is rare SEGA of America or Europe give official attention to Japanese-only releases unless there are plans for a Western release. Fingers crossed, and we’ll know for sure next week!

Update: Our own Tracker pointed out on Twitter that the video ends with what could be a sly tease of upcoming 3D Classics titles. Seen is a pair of Master System 3-D Glasses on a shelf surrounded by already released to the West titles as well as the unreleased Puyo Puyo 2 which is taken down from the shelf. Hmmm…

Valkyria: Azure Revolution’s soundtrack being done by famous JRPG composer Yasunori Mitsuda

ValkyriaAzureFamitsu2Famitsu’s latest issue has a nice spread with some new details about Valkyria: Azure Revolution. They revealed a new nemesis named Maxim (pictured above) and showed off what is being called “Battle Demo 1.0” which is set to come with first print copies of Valkyria Chronicles Remaster.

Also confirmed is that the game’s music is being done by legendary JRPG composer Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Shadow Hearts). Valkyria: Azure Revolution hits Japan this winter, nothing confirmed for the west.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 coming to Japanese PlayStation 4 owners on April 20

PhantasyStarOnline2Playsation4SEGA Japan have finally given a specific date as to when their free-to-play online game, Phantasy Star Online 2 will hit the Playstation 4. That date is April 20. Right now SEGA will accept 50,000 beta testers between January 25 and February 15.

SEGA will also repackage the game with the upcoming ‘Reborn: Episode 4‘ content update and release it in retail for the PS4, PS Vita and PC. Those that pay ¥4,990 ($43) will get a variety of in-game items.

As for a Western release, SEGA has already said they have no plans on bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan. Which led us to write a decent rebuttal here. So tell us if any of you are planning on importing the game or give us your two cents on the whole ‘no Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan’ issue in the comments below!

[Via: Gematsu]

Yakuza: Kiwami gets high marks from Famitsu

YakuzaKiwamiThe latest issue of Famitsu is out in Japan that means we get to see the latest review scores from Japanese games we won’t see in the West for quite awhile. This week’s big releases include SEGA’s remake of Yakuza 1, being titled Yakuza: Kiwami in Japan.

Here are all the scores in the recent issue of Famitsu:

  • Dasshu Adventure: Kami Kudashi no Uranai Sara (3DS) – 7/7/8/8 [30/40]
  • Drop Zone Under Fire (3DS) – 6/7/6/5 [24/40]
  • Fast Racing Neo (Wii U) – 7/7/7/9 [30/40]
  • Hyrule Warriors Legends (3DS) – 9/9/8/10 – [36/40]
  • Just Cause 3 (PS4) – 8/8/9/8 [33/40]
  • Just Cause 3 (XBO) – 8/8/9/8 [33/40]
  • Seisen Chronicle (3DS) – 7/7/8/7 [29/40]
  • Yakuza: Kiwami (PS4) – 8/9/9/8 [34/40]
  • Yakuza: Kiwami (PS3) – 8/9/9/8 [34/40]

The way that Famitsu reviews work is that four people write a short review and give it a score in the end, those scores are added up in the end. Yakuza: Kiwami was the second highest rated game, losing by two points to Hyrule Warriors Legends on Nintendo 3DS.

[Via: Gematsu]

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered – Playstation 4 Trailer

Take a gander at Valkyria Chronicles Remastered in this beautiful new trailer that’ll reminding you just how charming the first entry in this acclaimed series was.

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered was announced for the PS4 along side the newest edition to the Valkyria franchise, Valkyria: Azures Revolution, (PS4). Azure Revolution which takes the series in a new medieval meets steam-punk direction will exist parallel to the Chronicles series meaning Valkyria fans may have a lot to look forward too in 2016 and the years to come.

Personally I can’t wait to triple dip on Valkyria Chronicles or find out more about Valkyria: Azures Revolution.  If you didn’t already know, all first print copies of Valkyria Chronicles Remaster will come with a demo of Valkyria: Azures Revolution! Squad 7 Move Out!

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Valkyria Chronicles Playstation 4 Remaster gets tons of Japanese pre-order bonuses

ValkyriaChroniclesPreorderbonusSEGA is set to release their newest Valkyria Chronicles Remaster on February 10th in Japan, exclusive to Playstation 4. While the publisher has been silent on the overall package, it already announced shop-specific pre-order bonus.

A few to note include the “DX Pack” from the SEGA Store pre-order which includes a Squad 7 graphical towel (900x400mm), a set of two A3 posters that feature Edelweiss and Shamrock, a set of two casters featuring a tank and scouts, and a Principality of Gallia Army carrying pouch (100x170mm). All first print copies of the game will include a battle demo for Valkyria: Azure Revolution. No Western release dates have been announced yet for either the remaster or Azure Revolution.

Hit the jump to see pre-order bonuses.

[Via: Gematsu]

Yakuza 6 trailer reveals brand new graphics engine

The new Yakuza 6 trailer has just been released, showing off the new graphics for the team’s first ever Playstation 4 exclusive game. What do I think? Holy smokes, is this game looking amazing! While I can find a few things to complain about, like the animation still looking a bit stiff, there is no denying how much of a improvement this is compared to all the other games.

Enough about what I think, what do you think about the new trailer?

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SEGA reveals Yakuza 0 American release details and screenshots

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More good news regarding the recently revealed American release of Yakuza 0 direct from SEGA. First off, despite being released to both the PS3 and PS4 in Japan, Yakuza 0 will only be seeing a PS4 release in America. Secondly, the game will receive both physical and digital copies. So those bemoaning SEGA’s decision to release Yakuza 5 digital only should be happy to hear the next title will receive a disc release.

It also is worth mentioning that I have read comments online suggesting that the game’s American release is connected to Atlus in some way, but SEGA has stressed that this is 100% a SEGA release and any mentions of Atlus (for example, the screens were hosted by Atlus) were only a subterfuge to hide the surprise of the release. Sneaky.

After the break, check out newly released screenshots from the upcoming game.

Yakuza 0 will release to the PlayStation 4 in America!

It has just been announced at the PlayStation Experience event that Yakuza 0 will be releasing to America! Unfortunately nothing has been announced for Europe as of yet, with the official SEGA Twitter account even notifying EU fans that nothing has been confirmed for the region yet. The game has an official English language site as well as a trailer which can be seen above. With Yakuza 5 set for a December 8th release and the prequel incoming, Yakuza is truly back in the West!

Rez Infinite announced for PlayStation VR

Playstation experience is happening now, and a special announcement was made by former SEGA developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi that Rez will be releasing to the PlayStation 4 as Rez Infinite and better yet will utilize PlayStation VR! You can see gameplay footage in the link above, and more details as we hear them.

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New Yakuza remake trailer details new “Majima Anywhere” system

SEGA Japan’s upcoming Yakuza remake for Playstation 4 (due out January 21st, 2016) isn’t just some ho-hum rerelease of the original game in HD, it is a full-on remake with new modes and visuals that fall in line with the franchise’s latest releases. SEGA’s recent trailer, seen above, showcases how shiny and new the classic game looks and details a new “Majima Anywhere” system. “Majima Anywhere” is pretty much what it sounds like, as fan favorite character Goro Majima will emerge from just about anywhere to randomly attack Kazuma Kiryu. The developer’s reasoning for these attacks are because Goro wants “to awaken Kiryu’s intuition” after his ten year prison stint and because he wants “to enjoy more fights.” Also revealed, Goro will have four fighting styles to choose from: “Dancer” (rapid hitting), “Fight Master” (balanced), “Slugger” (hard hitting), and “the Mad Dog of the Shimano.”

Randomly fighting Goro is said to be the only way to unleash Kazuma’s “the Dragon of the Dojima” fighting style and if players clear certain conditions they’ll be able to use some of Goro’s moves as “Heat Actions.”

[Source: Tinfinite]