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]

Atlus has ‘several unannounced titles for 2016’

newipgamesatlusIn an interview this week Atlus CEO, Naoto Hiraoka told Famitsu of the company’s plans for 2016 and beyond:

“In 2015, we were able to develop existing IP like Persona 4: Dancing All Night and Etrian Mystery Dungeon. In 2016, starting with Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, we plan to release a large number of titles. In the summer, we’ll launch the long-awaited Persona 5. Of course, in addition to that we have several unannounced titles. I have no doubt this will be a year Atlus’ popular series all gather together.”

Exciting news! So what do we already know about Atlus’ line up in 2016? So far they have the following games set to release: Odin Sphere Leifdrasir , Persona 5, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final, and Etrian Odyssey V. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say there might be more Persona and Shin Megami Tensai spin-offs in the works. What I am hoping for? Catherine 2!

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir hits North American shores on June 7th

osl-storybook-editionAtlus has just announced that Odin Sphere Leifthrasir will launch for Playstation 4, Playstation 3, and Playstation Vita in North America on June 7, 2015. This means it will come out a mere 5 months after it hits Japan.

The standard package will include a 64-page softcover art book, which will come with all regular first print copies of the game. A hardcover version will come exclusively to the Playstation 4 as the “Storybook Edition” which is a premium version that will include a Potion Recipe t-shirt, metal slipcase, art print, and premium outer packaging (see photo above).

The standard game will cost you $59.99 on consoles, $39.99 on Playstation Vita. The Storybook Edition on Playstation 4 will run you $79.99. If you haven’t played Odin Sphere before, I suggest giving it a try, especially when the Japanese demo hits North American PSN.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir demo now out for Japanese PSN users

OdinSphereDemoVerDo you have a Playstation 4, Playstation 3 and/or Playstation Vita? Guess what? You can now download the demo for Atlus and Vinalliaware’s remake of Odin Sphere (if you live in Japan or have a Japanese account)! Yeah, that great Playstation 2 game is now coming to all your current Sony consoles.

Seems that each version of the demo has a different file size, for example the PS4 demo weighs in at 442 MB, PS3 at 423 MB, and the PS Vita one at 250 MB.

The demo will allow you to play as all five characters though an action stage that has been configured for the demo and even have a boss battle with “Belial“. Sadly there won’t be any story parts and you won’t be able to use the demo data in the full release.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir comes out in Japan on January 14th and later this Spring in North America.

[Via: Gematsu]

Valkyria Chronicles Remaster gets a slew of new screenshots

ValkyriaScreen1Valkyria Chronicles Remaster is close to release over in Japan that it has now launched its Japanese Playstation webpage that provides a ton of new screenshots for the remastered Playstation 4 game.

If you didn’t already know this version will run at a full 1080p, feature Playstation Network Trophies (the Playstation 3 version didn’t have any) and will included all the downloadable content released for the original.

This game is set to launch on February 10th over in Japan and first print copies come with a battle demo for Valkyria: Azure Revolution. No western release dates have been announced for the remaster or Azure Revolution.

SEGA News Bits: What to expect from SEGA in 2016

SEGA is getting ready for a whole new year, while 2015 saw a limited release of titles and had the company going through ANOTHER restructure; this year we will see some of the bigger budget SEGA games finally hitting the retail market. On this episode of SEGA News Bits, we talk about what YOU can expect from SEGA in 2016!

During the episode I talk about our article we wrote about why SEGA refusing to localize Phantasy Star Online 2 is a bad sign, you can read that here. If you like what you just saw please don’t forget to like, share and like always subscribe. We appreciate your support.

Yakuza 0 won’t hit North America till 2017 says Playstation.com

YakuzaZero2017
Seems that SEGA likes to be really abstract on these Yakuza localization release dates. Not only was Yakuza 5 suppose to release in November, then barely made it in late December but Yakuza 0 seems that it is being aimed for 2017. That would mean by the time it gets here the game would be 2 years old, Yakuza 1 remaster and Yakuza 6 would already be out in Japan. What a vicious cycle of playing catch up for American fans.

Awhile back SEGA released a trailer stating that the game was coming out for both Americans and Europeans, but now SEGA has stated that they have no plans yet for a European release.

What do you guys think? Is waiting till 2017 for a localization of Yakuza 0 too long? Could it be that Sony is using 2017 as a place holder instead of ‘TBA’?

[Via: Playstation LifeStyle]

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: Kiwami 8-minute story trailer brings nostalgic memories

Hard to believe that the Yakuza franchise is already celebrating its 10th year anniversary. It feels like just yesterday I eagerly awaited the first title to be released on the Playstation 2 and now we are here almost 10 years later looking at a trailer for the upcoming Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 remake.

SEGA plans to release the remake in Japan on January 21st, this release is set to feature additional and even updated scenes, new and update systems, new battle styles and new mini-games like “Insect Queen Female King”. Oh, did I mention you get the ability to fight Majima anywhere? No western release has been announced for this title yet, but we just got Yakuza 5 (go buy it!) and SEGA recently revealed they are bringing Yakuza 0 over.

Fun fact, Yakuza: Kiwami in Japan will come with a code with a demo of Yakuza 6.

[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?

Degenki Bunko Fighting Climax IGNITION receives free DLC for limited time by adding two fighters

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With the update to the light novel crossover fighting game coming out next week in Japan, SEGA & Degenki Bunko has recently announced that IGNITION will be receiving two additional characters as DLC for free only for a limited time.

Yuki of Sword Art Online will be one of the DLC fighters joining the fray along with Ren from SAO: Alternative Gangeiru Online as a supporting character.

The release date for the DLC will be announced for a later date. Degenki Bunko Fighting Climax IGNITION is set for release in Japan on December 17th for PS4, PS3, & Vita. With the update receiving DLC unlike the original, which light novel or SEGA character would you guys be interested in seeing as DLC? Hit the jump for artwork & screenshots.

SEGA reveals Yakuza 0 American release details and screenshots

MAJIMA MAIN

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.