Atlus announces Soul Hackers 2 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series/One, and PC

Atlus has announced Soul Hackers 2 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One and PC (Steam). The first game, at the time titled Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers is actually already the ‘second game’ in the ‘Devil Summoner‘ series which itself is a side-series of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise which originally came out on SEGA Saturn and PlayStation, then getting a 3DS remake in 2012. Does all this confuse you? Probably why they decided a more simple, Soul Hackers 2 title instead of “Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers 2” 

The game is set to launch pretty soon, on August 25th in Japan and the next day world wide with Japanese voice overs and English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese subtitles. In Japan they already announced a special Soul Hackers 2 25th Anniversary Edition for PS5 & PS4 that includes a three disc soundtrack, 100 page anniversary book with artwork & interviews, and more to be announced soon.

As for what special versions, day one editions or even pre-order DLC for those outside of Japan; its unknown as of right now. But don’t worry, we will keep you guys posted. Siliconera has a good breakdown on the Japanese content though.

Joker coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on April 17th, new trailer goes in depth over Joker gameplay

Nintendo has finally dropped information on when Joker will steal your stocks in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, on April 17th (aka tomorrow). In addition, Nintendo has released a new trailer that goes into great extent over how Joker plays, plus other content from the Persona series. Joker by himself primarily uses a mixture of his knife and pistol to rake up damage, giving him solid ranged and close combat capabilities. But his main gimmick is the ability to summon his Persona Arsene by filling up a gauge, which causes his normal attacks to have additional power and his Specials to change completely as long as Arsene is summoned. He has two different costumes, ones based on his Phantom Thief persona, and the other based on his school uniform, and his taunts can summon Morgana.

Along with Joker, he will be accompanied by a new stage called Mementos, based on the location from Persona 5, the stage receiving music tracks throughout the Persona series, and the addition of Spirits from the Persona series being included. Additionally, new Mii costumes based on Persona 3 and Persona 4 characters will be included, along with the return of the Tails and Knuckles Mii costumes from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS.

So when you get the chance, try out Joker in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and comment on your first impressions.

Persona 5 The Royal officially revealed, teases new female character and more information in April

Atlus of Japan has officially revealed the long rumored Persona 5-related game, a seemingly new game titled Persona 5 The Royal likely planned for the Playstation 4. Not much new information about the game itself has been revealed, but the trailer puts heavy emphasis on a new female character. Based on the very few pieces of information, said character is a first year student who apparently resents the Phantom Thieves, feeling that they don’t actually solve the problems they claim to being fixing. What her exact role in the game is currently unknown.

However, this ties into another rumor that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will introduce a female counterpart to Joker, based on data mining finding code talking about “Jane” as an alternative costume and having a ponytail, the latter notably matching with the design of the new female character teased. Atlus is also promising more information about Persona 5 The Royal on April 24th, which is also coincidentally the same month when Joker is planned to be available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. A possible simultaneous reveal? Well whatever your stance is, Persona 5 The Royal is already shaping up to be an interesting direction in the Persona series.

[Source: Official Website]

Nintendo Switch Shin Megami Tensei game revealed to be Shin Megami Tensei V

Back in January, we were teased that a new game in the Shin Megami Tensei series for Nintendo’s new system the Nintendo Switch. What it was wasn’t specified at the time, but commonly speculated to be a new “main” title. Now we have official confirmation that indeed it is a new installment in the main series, officially called Shin Megami Tensei V.

No specifications have been dropped, including a release date or gameplay, however similar to past installments it will take place in modern day Tokyo, along with having the franchise’s signature focus on demons and dark themes. The trailer shows two high school students walking in a hallway presumably from an airport, and then transitions into a tunnel with countless dead demons, set in what appears to be an apocalyptic Tokyo ravaged by monstrous winged demons.

While information is scare on Shin Megami Tensei V, more information might be dropped by next year. So stay tuned for more.

 

Atlus launches Shin Megami Tensei 25th Anniversary project website

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Atlus’ legendary Shin Megami Tensei series is celebrating 25 years with a new website, that is teasing a new unannounced project. Since Shin Megami Tensei 25th Anniversary logo shows the roman numerals for I through IV with dates, I will assume this new project will be Shin Megami Tensei V. Not to mention the star in the logo also shows five points, so I don’t think its there just for ‘cool design’.

The Shin Megami Tensei 25th Anniversary celebration also spread to the companies’ twitter account and will probably be a huge focus for the Japanese side of the company throughout 2017. What are your guys thoughts on Shin Megami Tensei 25th Anniversary teased project? What do you hope it is? Let us know in the comments below.

[Source: Siliconera]

Atlus to feature NicoNico stream for Persona 5 on June 15th

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Persona 5 is shaping up to live up to the hype, but for those that are still not sold on the game, a NicoNico stream tied to E3 will be hosted called “Uncover the Phantom Thieves” that will provide more details on Persona 5. What this stream will feature is unknown, but will feature the reveal of a “classified video” and general new information. The stream will be live on June 15th at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST.

To actually view the stream, you’ll need a NicoNico account in order to access the general website. Be warned as the website is in Japanese, so navigate with caution. When information drops on the game, anything new will be reported. Persona 5 itself will be released on Playstation 4 in Japan on September 15th and February 14th for American regions. A release in PAL regions is unknown as of this writing, not helped by the relatively recent SEGA buyout complicating releases of Atlus titles in European countries.

[Source: NicoNico]

Atlus is handling Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE localization

TokyoMirageSessionsIt seems that some Nintendo fans aren’t too thrilled with Nintendo of America’s liberties when it comes to localization. Not only that, Nintendo of America has changed characters and/or removed content in the American versions of the recent Fire Emblem. If you were looking forward to the Nintendo Wii U Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem inspired Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, fear not! Nintendo has confirmed via Gematsu that Atlus was in charge of localizing Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE!

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE was localized by Atlus in a way that is consistent with the localization work they do on games they publish. It was a priority to ensure the game feels familiar and appeals to longtime Atlus fans. Any changes made to the in-game content were due to varying requirements and regulations in the many different territories Nintendo distributes its products.”

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is out now in Japan, will launch in North America and Europe on June 24th. Who here is picking up a copy of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE?

[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!

Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem gets new trailers and screenshots

Nintendo and Atlus have continued their partnership by showing off a couple of new trailers and screenshots for the upcoming Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem crossover game (being tentatively titled Genei Ibun Roku #FE).

One of the new trailers (above) shows off Tsubasa Oribe, a new playable character created for this game. Honestly the Japanese trailer just left me with more questions, but I guess its nice to see Oribe in a lot of different outfits?

The trailer after the jump shows off side stories from the upcoming game.

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem trailer shows that the game does indeed still exist

Back in January 2013, Nintendo announced that they were working together with Atlus to make a Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem cross-over game for Wii U. Since then they hadn’t shown anything of this project, but today Nintendo finally shared the first trailer featuring a first look at the game’s cutscenes and gameplay on Nintendo Direct.

The game, which is now titled Geiei Bungoku #FE in Japan, will be released this winter. It’ll be released in the US and Europe as well, though they didn’t say what the game’s English title will be nor when we can expect the game to launch in those territories. It was also confirmed that the game is being developed by Atlus. And while the game will feature various Fire Emblem characters, it seems like the characters on the Shin Megami Tensei side will be original.

Atlus bringing Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker to the US in early 2015

Atlus USA just announced that they’re bringing the upcoming 3DS game Devil Survivor 2: Break Record to the west with the subtitle changed to Record Breaker. The game is an updated version of Devil Survivor 2 for the DS and contains almost double the amount of stuff and the story fully voiced in English.

You can expect the game to be released in the US in early 2015 for $49.99. As usual with Atlus localizations, no release date has been given for Europe and it can take a while for it to be released there.

Persona 4 hits the Playstation 3 on April 8th

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Last time we talked about Devil Summoner getting a re-release via PS3’s PS2 Classics brand and now people will be able to download Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 as well.

The game is set to come out on April 8th and cost a mere $9.99 through PSN  in North and South America. This will allow SEGA gamers who haven’t experinced the classic Atlus game to dive right in.

I suggest all gamers give this game a go, it has some memorable characters, writing and story.