Neptunia developer to kick off the year in style

Compile Heart, the Japanese developer behind the relentless Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, has announced that it has a grand reveal planned to kick off its new year. The announcement will?? be made in the January 19 issue of popular publication Weekly Famitsu, though no further details were anno?unced.

At this point, we can do little ?but speculate, but given Compile Heart's seemingly endless ability to repackage the cheesecake universe of Nep-Nep and friends into almost any genre, we can only assume that the residents of Gameindustri are getting set to?? embark upon another colorful and goofy adventure.

The most recent title in the series, Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters launched in Japan in the spring of this year, and is headed west next month �just in time for this new announcement, in fact. Convenient. Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters will launch January 2023 on PlayStation and PC platforms, and will be the first title in the series since 2018's Super Neptunia RPG to feature a fully localiz??ed English dub.

Compile Heart teases announcemen?t for January issue of Weekly Famitsu [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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You cannot stop The Bydo Empire

One of gaming's endless wars is set to rage on, and it looks like it's time to fuel up the legendary R-9 vessel once again, as Granzella has announced that R-Type Final 3 Evolved is currently in development for PS5. The new rema?ster h??as an expected Japanese launch date of March 2023.

R-Type Final 3 Evolved �revealed in the latest issue of Japanese publication Famitsu �is a revamped edition of the 2021 release R-Type Final 2, making the initial title of that game even more ironic than it already was. While details are incredibly slim at this stage, Famitsu reports that Final 3 Evolved will feature improved visua??ls, online multiplayer lobbies, a selection of mini-games, and an impressive 100 total ships as well as seven all-new stages, making this one of the most feature-packed releases in the iconic Irem franchise.

In addition, Final 3 Evolved will utilize support for the upcoming PSVR2 hardware, allowing players to be immersed in The Bydo Empire battle like never before. I personally cannot wait until the famous boss character Dobkeratops is quite literally assaulting my eyeballs with their eyeballs. While no western localization was announced, such a release remains highly likely, given the appearance of previous titles on North American?? and European shores. We will be sure to let you know right here on De?structoid when more details are forthcoming.

R-Type Final 3 Evolved is currently in development? fo?r PS5. It is expected to launch in Japan March 2023.

R-Type Final 3 Evolved announced for PS5 [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Worst Armor Ever?

If you fancy a little bit of olde-wurlde sword-swinging, then you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for these new ports of O.T.K Games' fantasy adventure, The Vagrant. Previously released for PC in 2018, the attractive action-RPG ?will arrive on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch in June 2022.

As reported by Weekly Famitsu (via the fine folk at Gematsu), The Vagrant �which is to be retitled "Sword of the Vagrant" �is the tale of traveling mercenary Vivian, who is making her way through the mythical land of Mystillia on a personal quest to uncover the whereabouts of her estranged family. Following the research of her father, Vivian must brave the treacherous terrain of lost kingdoms, ?dense forests, and razed battlefields to uncover the truth about her family's disappearance. En r?oute, our hero may uncover truths about herself...

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgo2srsb0E

Sword of the Vagrant is a 2D actioner that will see players hack 'n' slash their way thr?ough the world, utilizing Vivian's incredible swordswoman ship and ridiculously useless bikini armor to negotiate, battle, and survive against the strange creatures and multiple hazards that stand in her way. As the player journeys across six attractive, hand-painted locales, new gear, weaponry, and skills will be earned, allowing Vivan to evolve her abilities and become a hardy adventurer.

While I'm yet to experience The Vagrant myself, it certainly seems an attractive title, with more than just a touch of Vanillaware about its aesthetic. Sporting tradit??ional animation, huge roster of baddies, painted backgrounds, and epic boss battles �not to mention its multiple difficulty tunings and alternate endings �it seems like this somewhat unknown PC release might find itself a wide audience in its new, console-based guise. It's earned a spot on my radar, for sure.

Sword of the Vagrant will launch in June on PS4, PS5,? Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It ??is available now on PC.

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Spellbinding adventure set to return

[UPDATE: The first trailer for GrimGrimoire OnceMore has been released. You can check out footage from the remaster in the video below, courtesy of Gematsu. NIS America is yet to announce a localization.]

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NQreEUAoU8&t

Grab your magic wands and your cute Victorian boots, folks. Nippon Ichi Software has announced that the classic PS2 strategy title GrimGrimoire is getting a remaster. Currently in development at Vanillaware, the delightfully titled GrimGrimoire OnceMore will launch in Japan this summer on?? PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

As revealed in the newest issue of Weekly Famitsu, GrimGrimoire OnceMore will see clumsy witch-in-training Lillet Blan attempt to rescue her school, The Tower of Silver Star, f?rom a bothersome time loop, activated by a nefarious sorcerer who comes seeking the Philosopher's Stone. A 2D real-time-strategy adventure, players control Lillet as she puppeteers armies of mystic familiars, battling it out with the evil wizard's own dark forces.

Check out the t?railer for the original 2007 release below.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUQqX8KvK14

GrimGrimoire was written and directed by George Kamitani of Dragon's Crown fame, and features the instantly recognizable art style of Kouichi Maenou. Unfortunately, despite receiving plaudits from critics and fans, and even being fortunate enough to receive a western localization, GrimGrimoire was something of ?a sales flop, which quickly put an end to plans for an extended franchise.

The new remaster promises higher-resolution, widescreen visuals, new magic mechanics and skill tree options, rebalanced difficulty options, an overhauled save system, and a newly recorded voice track, as well as a gallery of Maenou's gorgeous artwork. With this sparkling remaster, perhaps GrimGrimoire will find the plaudit and success in 2022 that escaped it back in 2007. While a western localization has not been announced, NIS has shown plenty of commitment in bringing its recent release to these sh??ores, so an international edition seems somewhat inevitable.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore launches in Japan on PS4 and Ni??ntendo Switch July 28??.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore announced for PS4 and ??Switch [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Revamped online a possibility for rerelease

Atlus and Persona Team are currently beavering away at the recently announced rerelease of 2013 fighting title Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. According to recent comments from the developer, h??owever, those expecting rollback netcode for the wi?ld slugger might be in for a little disappointment �at least at the title's launch.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Persona Team producer and creative director Kazuhisa Wada spoke of the project to get the acclaimed title back into the fighting game scene, driven by the success of Persona 4 Golden's 2020 Steam port. While the new release is likely to feature a fresh round of balance checks and bug fixes, it seems that adding the much-celebrated rollback netcode technology is not top of the priority list, and is only being considered for implementation down the line. Wada notes that this release should be considered the "definitive" edition of Persona 4 Arena.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=znZJLRW8v4w

A surprisingly complex, but fantastically feature-packed fighter, the return of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax to modern gaming platforms will most certainly be celebrated by both Persona and fighting game fans alike. Given the recent implementation of rollback netcode in 2D anime fighters such as Guilty Gear Strive, DNF Duel, The King of Fighters XV, and even The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match,? it's a little odd to see Atlus no?t immediately join the party.

The idea that rollback functionality may be added "down the line" makes one wonder if Atlus is waiting to see whether the rerelease finds success before they look into network options. If so, that's an odd decision, as successful netcode at launch will facilitate both a community and a competitive scene, a???nd thus lead to better sales in the long run.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax will launch March 17 on PS4, PC, and ?Nintendo Switch.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Remastere??d Interview Discusses Original Development [Persona Central]

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Sisters are nepping it for themselves

Last time I checked my calendar, today was A Day, and that means it's time to announce another video game set in the Hyperdimension Neptunia universe. True to form, long-time series developer Compile Heart has dropped both a teaser trailer and a website for the new release, which i??s to be officia?lly unveiled in the November 25 issue of Weekly Famitsu.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaUHfht-pm8

As teased in the trailer above, Nep Nep's latest jaunt involves "The Next Stage..." in some form, with a teaser trailer that features four unknown silhouettes �though one of them is likely our gal Neptune, while two of the others look like Noire and Blanc. Accompanied by the Neptastic sounds of blaring digital music, the trailer sees Neptune ascend a staircase, before offering the viewer the message "Sisters, to the next stage..." and the release da??te of Weekly Famitsu.

Mate, it's Hyperdimension Neptunia, this could turn out to be a JRPG, a dancing game, a shmup, an arena fighter, a pachinko machine. It could be a fucking pro-wrestling game for all I know, (and it would STILL be better than WWE 2K.) All bets are off when it comes to Nep Nep and the world of Gamindustri. Whatever form of fashion this latest release takes, you can be assured it will feature the wholesome spirit, wry sense of humor, and retina-blurring razzle-dazzle that has made Hyperdimension Neptunia one of the most endur?ing franchises of?? the modern gaming age.

NEPPU!

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Ichiban Kasuga to return in 'Yakuza 8'

Ryu ga Gotoku Studio, (also known as "Team Yakuza"), sat down with Japanese publication Weekly Famitsu to discuss various aspects of the studio's output �from its recent staff restructure, to its recent releases, upcoming sequels, and, perhaps most intriguingly, new titles that will actually take place *gasp* outside of the Yakuza/Lost Judgment universe!

Among the tidbits transcribed from the interview by Gematsu, (with an assist from the ever-ready Ryokutya2089), is news that the next Yakuza title will see the return of Yakuza: Like a Dragon protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, as the loveable ne'er-do-well continues his story in a new game set "several years" after the events of the 2020 action-RPG. This is news that was well received by many Yakuza fans, as Ichiban did a fantastic job at filling the snakeskin shoes of Yakuza's long-t??ime protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. More adventures from the crazy-haired reprobate are welcome.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRgZog5Y328

As previously mentioned, some of the most interesting news from the interview concerns new titles that are set outside of the Yakuza and Lost Judgment universe. This is a territory rarely ventured by Ryu ga Gotoku, save for the 2018 anime adaptation Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise.

The studio seemingly did not offer much in the way of details pertaining to these new releases, so we'll have to wait and see whether they fall in line with the tried-and-tested brawler/adventure action that is the Ryu ga Gotoku trademark. Let's not forget that the developer also coded Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown for Sega earlier this year, so the studio clearly has the c??apabilities to produce an excellent fighting game.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3JTmNATxWc

Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Ryu ga Gotoku Studio underwent a personnel shakeup, which saw the departure of Yakuza series creator and game director Toshihiro Nago??shi, as well as producer and 25-year Sega veteran Daisuke Sato. Both visionaries expressed confidence in the studio's future, which is now in the capable hands of writer and Yak?uza Kiwami producer Masayoshi Yokoyama.

Here's to another decade of bicycle-breaking, sign-smashing, nightclub-wrecking adventure, peppered with the deli??ghtful comedy and warm characterization that makes Ryu ga Gotoku's output? so appealing.

Yakuza 8 set several years after Like a Dragon [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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War & Romance

The latest issue of Japanese publication Famitsu features new details pertaining to Kunio-kun no Sangokushi dayo: Zeiin Shuugou!, an upcoming entry in the legendary Kunio-kun brawler-RPG series. Famitsu confirms that t?he new title �one of many releases set to coi?ncide with the franchise's 35th anniversary �is in development for PS4, PC, and Switch.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOIEbGHf6vQ

As predicted from the recent teaser trailer, the Kunio-kun will be taking time out from its typical Japanese high-school setting, and will instead be taking its rock-'em, sock-'em action to the Chinese fable of "Sangokushi", perhaps better known to westerners as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Video game fans will, of course, recognize this tale from Koei Tecmo's RPG series of the same name �itself a spin-off from the Dynasty Warriors franchise.

Developer A Plus Games has noted that the new adventure is already 65% complete, with hopes to release in Japan on Nintendo Switch in December 2021, with PS4 and Steam ports to follow in the spring of 2022. A localization is yet to be confirmed, but given the recent success of titles such as River City Girls and Double Dragon & Kunio-kun: Retro Brawler Bundle, it would make sense that publisher Arc System Works will continue to bring thi??s brand of mayhem to the west.

In the meantime, check out some early shots over at Famitsu, as reported by Ryokutya2089.

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Yes, another time loop game coming in 2021

Nippon Ichi Software has revealed the creepy new game that it has been teasing over the past week. As noted in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, NIS' Asatsugutori is a brand new murder mystery a??dventure ?that features that most popular mechanic of gaming's current zeitgeist: The Time Loop.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IvKf6cV5b4&list=TLGGJ6Ng??WKB9T4gwNDA4MjAyMQ

Asatsugutori will tell the grim tale of eight young girls, living together in a mysterious complex and each seemingly doomed to die a miserable death. The player protagonist, however, has been given the gift of time manipulation, and must solve each murder upon discovery of the corpse �winding back the clock to chat with the victim, gather evidence,?? ascertain alibis, and uncover other clues in the lead-up to the grisly killing.

Little else is known about the intriguing new title at this date, but NIS has a full reveal planned for tomorrow, August 5. Currently in development for PS4 and Nintendo Switch, Asatsugutori is scheduled to launch in Japan November 25. There's no word on whether NIS will be bringing the murder 'n' mayhem westward, but given the recent output of NIS America, I would be surprised if we don't see Asatsugutori hit these shores in 2022.

NIS announces 'time loop investigation? adventur?e game' Asatsugutori [Gematsu]

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Welcome... to Robot Wars

_{[Header image via Famitsu]}

Japanese developer Kadokawa Games, (of Metal Max and God Wars fame), has announced a brand new strategy RPG. A self-proclaimed "New age space opera", Relayer is cur?rently in development at the studi??o for release on PlayStation platforms at some point in the future.

A feature in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu offered up the sci-fi title's preliminary deets. Set in Stardate 2049, humanity has come into contact with a new alien li??fe-form known as "Relayer". At the same time, a supernatural phenomenon is reported across the planet, seemingly brought about by the arrival of a "Star Child" known as "Terra". Understandably perturbed by the increasingly unnerving events, world governments and military factions become entangled in the situation's escalating drama.

Rooting its characters, narrative, and arc within Greek mythology, Relayer will see players pilot platoons of mechs — known as "Stella Gear" — in a variety of small-and-large-scale battles. Relayer is a tur?n-based strategy title, and will feature numerous classes, maneuvers, weapons, and ally patterns, tasking the player with creating efficient attack patterns to win the day and become one step closer to God... quite literally. Oh, and of course, all of the Stella Gear pilots are sexy and st??ylish anime characters, each of which has their own sub-stories to be explored as the main campaign progresses.

It's very early days, with nary a screenshot or trailer in sight. We also don't know whether Relayer will do the numbers necessary to see a western localization. But for strategy/anime fans — perhaps those who dig the great gameplay and melodramatic nature of Valkyria Chronicles — Relayer might prove to be one t??itle worth keeping an eye on.

Relayer confirmed for PS5, PS4 [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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'The most Beautiful Battle in the World'

Japanese developer Cygames has announced that it is hard at work on a brand new mystery title codenamed "Project GAMM." The new game is described as a fantasy adventure and will be produced and directed by Kenichiro Takaki, creator of the Senran Kagura franchise.

In a short teaser in Weekly Famitsu, Project GAMM is described as being a multiplayer-focused title set in a steampunky world of magic and machines. Lavish illustrations from veteran industry artist Mogmo spotlight a variety of sullen characters, such as a magical maid. Early screenshots appear to depict Dynasty Warriors-style mass battles, despite Project GAMM's heavy PvP slant. No release date or platforms were conf??irmed.

Since Kenichiro Takaki moved on from Marvelous — following his frustrations with Sony's censorship of the Senran Kagura series — the producer has been looking for a title to sink his time and talents into. While I'm in no doubt whatsoever that Project GAMM may also prove to be very fanservice heavy, Mogmo's gorgeous ?early artwork is pretty darn classy. The new title, whatever form it takes, could see Takaki step up a rung on the director's ladder in the eyes of the industry — something of a diversion from the cheesecake titles that?? are synonymous with his brand.

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Blocky Bug Bustin'

Get set for the more adorable little invasion you ever did see, as D3 Publisher, in association with Yuke's, has finally announced a western localization for the newest, pint-sized entry in the EDF franchise: Earth Defense Force: World Brothers, which will launch on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch on M??ay 27.

Released in Japan back in December 2020, EDF: World Brothers features the typical, chaotic, insect-invasion action that is a trademark of the franchise, only this time stylized in super-cute voxel graphics. Players build a team of comical customizable characters, before heading into battle against spiders, ants, wasps, frogs, and other cubic cr?itters laying waste to the major cities of "Voxel Earth"... which itself is also just a big ol' cube.

While the EDF franchise isn't likely to win any medals for reinvention anytime soon, World Brothers is a very f??un new take on the series "fire-and-forget" action. The spin-off title supports two-player split-screen and four-player online, and features over 100 unlockable soldier types, from Gothic Lolita maids to clowns, Godzilla cosplayers, and everything in-between. And speaking of the King of the Monsters, watch out for some truly towering boss characters, ready and raring to smash you back into itty-bitty piec?es.

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Nep Sounds

Idea Factory International has announced that its remake of a remake Neptunia ReVerse will be launching in the west this s??ummer, with the PS5 JRPG hitting North America on June 8, with Europe following a few days later on June 11. The release date was announced as part of yesterday's New Game Expo Plus (NGPX) presentation.

Already available on the next-gen Sony platform in its native Japan, Neptunia ReVerse is the "definitive edition" of the 2018 PS Vita release Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which itself is a remake of the original Hyperdimension Neptunia, which launched on PS3 back in? 2010. Confused?  Well, that's the Nep-Nep way, chum.

Neptunia ReVerse contains the original Re;Birth 1 Plus content in its entirety, spruced up with a fresh run of balance tweaks and bug-fixes, as well as ne??w features and content including a photo mode, a fully unlocked roster of characters, a modified crafting system and - an absolute necessity in the modern RPG genre - a fishing-based side activity.

Though packed full of eye-rolling tropes and gimmicks, the Hyperdimension Neptunia series is a fun franchise, fully self-aware and embracing of its ridiculous anime nature. I'm not sure if Nep-Nep and Co's first foray into the new generation really needed to be another remake, but if nothing else it might offer a glut of ne??wcomers a new way to get up to speed with the batshit world of Gameindustri.

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A Short Game about Killing

Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) has finally unveiled the strange title that it has been teasing for the past week, pulling back the curtain on Tantei Bokumetsu, (or Detective Elimination), which will launch in Japan on PS4 and Nintendo Switch Ma?y 27.

As revealed in the newest issue of Weekly Famitsu, Tantei Bokumetsu sees 14 top detectives - each an expert in his or her particular field - gathered together on a remote island and tasked with ascertaining the identity of the killer that lurks among them. Players will explore the island for clues and interrogate the suspects while hopefully keeping their own name off of the kill list. Sounds pretty freakin' familiar...

While NIS has launched a new website and Twitter for Tantei Bokumetsu, it is yet to release a full trailer or any gameplay footage. There is no word as to whether this latest tale of friendship and fatality will receive an English localization, but given NIS dedication to its western fanbase, it remains a possibility.

NIS announces Tantei Bokumetsu for PS4, Switch [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Could the Stealth Assassins return?

Back when the PlayStation stealth-action boom kicked off, one of the quieter, but still tightly held franchises on the market was Acquire's Tenchu: Stealth Assassins series. These titles saw players in?? the role of shadowy ninjas plying their trade throughout ancient Japan, taking down marks w?ith an array of close-quarters skills, ranged weaponry, and even a dose of the old shinobi magic.

Despite an array of releases and a passionate fanbase, the Tenchu series has long returned to the shadows, with 2009's poorly received Tenchu: Shadow Assassins being the franchise's latest release. In a new interview, however, Acquire president Takuma Endo has suggested that the blood-splattered adventures of Rikimaru and crew are not being left to rot, and that there is a definite possibility that Tenchu could make a long-awaited return.

Speaking with Famitsu, Endo noted that Acquire had refreshed the trademark on the subtitle "Stealth Assassins" and, while this move should be viewed purely as a legal technicality, the studio is very much open to relighting Tenchu's fire on a modern platform such as the PlayStation 5. Given the recent success of titles such as Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, (which ironically was originally designed as a Tenchu sequel), now would be as good a time as any to return to the franchise, allowing fans to once again run the ?rooftops of feudal-era Japan, killing without remorse and vanishing without trace.

For now, a new Tenchu ??title remains merely a pipe dream, but it's comforting to know that Acquire has not forgotten about one of the forefathers of the stea??lth assassination genre.

Acquire pre?sident dis?cusses potential Tenchu revival [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Although Saito expresses candid regret at one project

Developers Yoko Taro and Yosuke Saito, best known for their work on the dramatic adventure franchise NieR, have announced that they are currently in the process of creating two? brand new titles, one of which Saito appears to have serious regret about adding to his resume.

Speaking during Famitsu's "Games Industry Chit-Chat 2020 Year-End Party" live stream, the pair told a tale of how the two mystery projects came about, with Taro forcing Saito to sit through an hour-long presentation in order to agree to making one of the titles in particular. While Saito eventually came on board, he still displays open reluctance, suggesting during the stream that he'd rather just bail on the project and l??eave it entirely to Taro. Curious.

No specific detai??ls were revealed about either game, with no clues offered to titles, branding, genre, platforms, or release date. But it must be said that convincing a colleague to work on something they adamantly ??don't want to work on sure makes for a teasing and interesting way to announce your new wares. Should these two titles come to fruition, we'll no doubt be hearing more about them soon. For now, it's all over bar the guesswork.

Yoko Taro and Yosuke Saito worki?n??g on two new titles [Gematsu / Games Talk]

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The delayed adventure is coming together once again

It has been a mighty long wait for fans of the Tales series, eager to get their anime-adventure loving mitts on the next entry in the long-running franchise, Tales of Arise. According to comments to series producer Yusuke Tomizawa, d?evelopment has markedly picked u?p pace on the PC and console title, which is now expected to ship sometime in 2021.

Tales of Arise was first announced at E3 2019 with a dramatic trailer, telling the tale of two close planets - Dahna and Rena - and the complex issues that develop between their respective civilizations. While the RPG was initially scheduled to launch this year, a desire to create a truly ambitious series entry - along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic - put several hurdles in place, pushing the release date beyond 2020.

In recent comments to Famitsu, Tomizawa noted that development has picked up in recent months, with the team recovering from the work delay caused by the pandemic. The producer notes that more specific information will be coming soon, stating that Tales of Arise is going to be a title that fans around th?e entire world will be ex?tremely proud of.

Tales of Arise development in the final stages [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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NeeeeeeeeePU!

Idea Factory International has officially confirmed that upcoming PS5 release Neptunia ReVerse will indeed be coming to North America and Europe at some point in 2021. Arriving in both physical and digital form, pre-orders are now open on the official Idea Factory store.

Neptunia ReVerse, (or Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse) is the "definitive edition" of 2018 PC and PS Vita release Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which itself is a remake of the very first title in the cute Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise. ReVerse will feature the Re;Birth RPG adventure in its entirety, along with a skill re-balance, new fishing mini-games, revised stats and abilities, and a completely unlocked?? cast from the get-go.

As I've noted before, it's disappointing to see that Nep-Nep's first foray into next-gen gaming is - of all things - a remake of a remake. But still, it is at least good to see that Idea Factory has faith in western Neptunia fans and will continue to push the adventures of Neptune, Vert, ?Blanc, Noire and friends into the coming year and beyond.

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Neppin' back to the past

Compile Heart has revealed that its recently announced PS5 release Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse is not a brand new entry in the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, but is in fact a?? "Definitive Edition" remake of the first title in the series.

As reported in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse will be an enhanced edition of previous remake Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which launched on the PS Vita and PC platforms in 2018. Go! Go! 5 will feature several new and ?reworked elements, including improved balance, the option to take four characters into battle, a completely unlocked cast, revised stats and skills, and a new fishing mini-game.

No release date, nor a western localisation has been announced for Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse, but it will retail in Japan for ¥7,600, or roughly $70. Pre-order customers will receive a download code for a copy of last year's cutesy retro shmup Neptunia Shooter.

It has to be said, it's a little disappointing that the first Neptunia title to arrive in the next generation will be, essentially, a second remake of a now decade-old game, at full price no less. Here's hoping we'll see all-new adventu?res from Nep-Nep, Vert, Noi?re and pals soon.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse details [Gematsu / Ryoukutya2089]

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Better late than never

[Update: Taito has released the first trailer for KiKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo, which is tentatively titled Pocky & Rocky 2021 for its English localisation. You can check out the new trailer at the foot o??f the article. It looks pretty radical.]

Here's a fun bit of news for retro gaming fans: Taito has announced that it is teaming with Natsume Atari to develop a brand new sequel in the KiKi KaiKai series, better known to western gaming fans as Pocky & Rocky.

As reported in this week's issue of Famitsu, KiKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo will be a direct sequel to the action-packed top-down shooter KiKi KaiKai: Nazo no Kuro Mantle, which launched on the SNES way back in 1992. The new sequel will be developed by Tengo Project, who was previously responsible for the excellent remasters Wild Guns: Reloaded and Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors.

The new KiKi KaiKai is no mere remaster, however, promising to be a brand new adventure housed within a modern engine. Fear not, retro-fans, as Tengo Project has noted that it will feature a style reminiscent of the original 16-bit release, albeit with significant visual, audio, and gameplay improvements. If you want to get a taste for the franchise, then the original 1986 arcade version of KiKi Kai Kai is available on the Arcade Archives range.

KiKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo is currently in development for Nintendo Switch.

K??iKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo announc?ed for Switch [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Switch port of series classics seems unlikely

According to creative director Tetsuya Nomura, the Kingdom Hearts team is ??already hard at work on a brand new title in t??he beloved RPG series, with the goal of launching the mystery title in 2022 to coincide with the franchise's 20th anniversary.

"I’m working hard towards the 20th anniversary," said Nomura in an interview with Famitsu. "I myself have already switched to thinking about the next work, and the Kingdom Hearts team has already started working on something new. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory came just before we started working on the next title, so the main staff was able to assist. When we’re able to announce someth??ing in the future, I think it will be full of surprises, so please look forward to it."

Given the huge production gap between 2005's Kingdom Hearts II and 2019's Kingdom Hearts III, it would seem a little optimistic, (but not impossible) to assume that Nomura is referencing a new mainline sequel in the Disney x Square crossover series. Kingdom Hearts is nothing if not wont to produc?e spin-offs and side-titles however, so the sky's the limit for? this release.

In an additional interview with Nintendo Enthusiast, Nomura noted that it was unlikely that the original Kingdom Hearts titles will be ported to S??witch anytime soon. According to the director, the team had previously considered the option, but found the process of translating the classics ?to the Nintendo console technologically difficult.

In the meantime, players can look forward to rhythm-action title Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, which will launch November 13 on PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. You can read our own interview with Tetsuya Nomura on this cheerful spin-off right here.

Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura tea?ses more to come [Gematsu / Famitsu]

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Ys or No?

I??t seems that Falcom is getting set to reveal a brand new title. The veteran developer will debut information on its next majo??r release in the August 27 issue of Weekly Famitsu.

No info was offered on the mysterious new game, but Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo did state that the title would be developed on a brand new engine and would feature "considerably improved graphics," which somewhat suggests a sequel, or the latest chapter in an ongoing series. Falcom is, of course, renowned for its decades-long legacy of classic RPGs, such as Ys, Dragon Slayer, and The Legend of Heroes.

Falcom's newest release, The Legend of Heroes: Hajimari no Kiseki, will launch in Japan on PS4 August 27.

Falc??om to reveal infor??mation on next title in Weekly Famitsu [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Grab your Kwan Do and saddle up

This week sees the 20th anniversary of Koei Tecmo's epic war series Dynasty Warriors, celebrating two decades of countryside-clearing carnage. And if fans were concerned that the occasion ??was going to pass by without any new announcements, then they can allay those fears for the time being.

Speaking in an interview with Japanese gaming journal Weekly Famitsu, Dynasty Warriors series producer Akihiro Suzuki has hinted that there is exciting news on the horizon regarding the series. "I hope to be able to announce a 20th anniversary title in the near future," Suzuki said, before teasingly adding "By the way, there is not only one anniversary title."

Elsewhere in the interview, Suzuki noted that Dynasty Warriors 9 would not be receiving an Xtreme Legends spin-off, saying that the base game's system is not suited to the Xtreme Legends style. Suzuki also expressed disappointment at some of the feedback received from Dynasty Warriors 9, theorising that the studio perhaps ?took on too big a challenge in the seque??l's design.

Dynasty Warriors 9 is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Dynasty Warriors anniversary title announcement comi??ng soon [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Block Busters

[Update: A selection of new screens can be viewed in the gallery below, courtesy of Gematsu.]

D3 Publisher has announced a new spin-off title in its bug-squashing Earth Defense Force series... and this one is particularly peculiar. Earth Defense Force: World Brothers will feature all the typical EDF giant-insect action we've come to know and love, but stylised in a cutesy, voxel-graphics aesthetic??.

Developed by Yukes, World Brothers will allow the player to form a team of four EDF fighters from a roster of around 100 characters, before going into battle against hordes of giant spiders, wasps, ants, and other creepy crawlies, all hell bent on taking over the planet. All of the characters, skills, monsters, and weapons have been collated from previous EDF titles, making World Brothers a celebration of the entire series. There is unfortunately no trailer as of yet, but the official website is live right here, and there is a selection of gre?at screenshots available for your pe?rusal at Famitsu.com.

I'm really digging this concept. EDF is a lot of fun at the best of times, but this unique visual style is so well-suited to the franchise' goofy action. Currently in development for PS4 and Nintendo Switch, we'll be sure to bring you more news on Earth Defense Force: World Brothers as and when it hatches.

It ain't quite LEGO: Earth Defense Force, but I'll take it.

Earth Defense Force coming to Switch [Japanese Nintendo / Famitsu]

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Save your quarters

Japanese game developer M2 has revealed the identities of the first four classic Toaplan shmups being revitalised for future release on modern platforms. The four games were announced this weekend during the Famitsu & Dengeki Game Awards 2019 live stream.

Coming screaming out of the golden age of the arcade are 1990's sci-fi shooter Out Zone; the helicopter warfare of 1987's Twin Cobra; 1992's challenging Truxton II; and finally - a favourite from my childhood - 1987's Flying Shark. All titles are currently in development for future release, but un??fortunately no platforms or dates were announced??.

This quartet of classics represents just the initial offering from M2, who now has the rights to the entire Toaplan back catalogue. As such, more titles can be expected?? in the future, with a target to have all games released by the end of?? 2020.

Toaplan shmups coming to consoles [Gematsu / Famitsu]

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Can I play with madness?

This year sees the wild 'n' weird Danganronpa franchise celebrate its 10th anniversary. As such, Spike Chunsoft is planning numerous reveals and news drops pertaining to the surprisingly dark series,?? which? currently consists of several video game, manga, and anime releases.

To keep fans up to speed on all things Danganronpa, Spike Chunsoft will be holding monthly news broadcasts - starting in May - in which the publisher will relate news related to any incoming merchandise, licensing, or games. Unfortunately, Spike remains tight-lipped on its overall pla??ns for the year ahead, but he??re's hoping these broadcasts will be less filler, more killer... erm... literally.

More details regarding the Danganronpa 10th Anniversary broadcasts will be revealed later this month, when Spike Chunsoft make an appearance at the Famitsu and Dengeki Game Awards. If you wish to check out this event for yourself, then it will be streamed live, April 18, at 18:30 JST / 02:30 PT / 10:30 BST over on the Famitsu YouTube channel.

Danganronpa 10th anniversary monthly news br?oadcasts [Famitsu / Gematsu]

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Bash at the Beach

While Koei Tecmo remains under fire from Dead or Alive fans over its hair-dyeing shenanigans, it hasn't stopped the publisher from dropping new info about DoA 6's upcoming DLC. The latest update, courtesy of Famitsu, announces that Venus Vacation's Tamaki will be available for the DoA 6 roster from tomorrow, March 10.

The young swimsuit model and fashion designer made her debut in Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation back in 2018, with her DoA 6 inclusion, b??eing Tama??ki's first foray into the fight itself. Tamaki is an Aikido practitioner, and as such will come armed with an array of powerful strikes, as well as masterful use of counters and throws, utilising the opponent's momentum against themselves.

Fans of Tamaki's Venus Vacation appearance w?ill be pleased to hear that she's bringing most of her wardrobe from that title along for the ride. A video from Famitsu, which you can ?check out below, shows up some of Tamaki's looks, while also showcasing some of her basic combos.

Dead or Alive 6 is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Dead or Alive 6 DLC character Tamaki launches M?arch 10 [Gematsu / Famitsu]

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The final entry in Kamiya's 'Hero Trilogy'

[Update: Platinum Games has updated the Platinum4 website and released a teaser trailer for Project G.G.??, w?hich you can check out at the foot of the article.]

Platinum Games has dropped new, mysterious information regarding the second title of the fabled "Platinum4." As revealed in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, "Project G.G." wil??l be a brand new video game directed by industry legend Hideki Kamiya.

The new endeavour is set to be the third and final entry in Kamiya's "Hero Trilogy," with the first two entries presumably being 2003's Viewtiful Joe and 2013's The Wonderful 101 (which Platinum is currently remastering as the first Platinum4 release).

Kamiya - along with Platinum Games Studio Head Atsushi Inaba - notes that Project G.G. is in its pre-development stage, and that it is expected to launch on "all existing platforms." The duo also says that Project G.G. is a "giant hero-esque title" that will "go against user expectations in a good way." Asked what genre the title would fa??ll into, Kamiya says he'd put it in the "s??omething-something action something-something" genre, as it is not a game solely focused on action.

Project G.G. is the second entry of the Platinum4, the third and fourth announcements will be revealed at some point in the future. Inaba notes that the fina?l announcement, in particular, will be "very Platinum and interesting."

Platinum Games announces Kamiya-directed Proj????ect G.G. [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Waiting for a star to fall

Platinum Games has updated its curious "Platinum4" website with a new date, revealing that the second of its four mystery announcements will be made tomorrow, February 26. Within the same 24-hour period, Japanese magazine Famitsu launches its newest issue, and it's expected that these two events will align to deliver the previously-teased "major" news.

While there is currently no info - not even a hint - of what Platinum has in store, we know that the first release of the Platinum4, a remaster of Wii U classic The Wonderful 101, went down an absolute treat with fans. Hopefully whatever the Bayonetta and NieR: Automata producer has up its sleeve will be equ?ally exciting.

Of course, we will bring you all the details as soon as they hit the airwaves, so don't touch that dial. In the meantime, you can check out the resounding success of The Wonderful 101 Remastered's crowdfunding campaign over at Kickstarter, where the project has raked? in a cool ?$1.6 million USD.

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Will feature in next week's Famitsu

Platinum Games, the studio behind such wild action titles as Bayonetta and NieR: Automata, has revealed that it will be making a "major" announcement next week. The mysterious ne??ws will drop in ?the February 27 issue of Japanese publication Famitsu.

It is unknown whether this new news will specifically pertain to the fabled "Platinum4" - four incoming mystery news drops that were revealed back in Ja??nuary - but at least we won't have to wait too long to find out. We already know that one of the Platinum4 is a remaster of The Wonderful 101, but what could the other three quadr?ants represent? Hmmm??... What say you?

Also noted by Platinum, in the announcement of the announcement, was that development of Bayonetta 3 continues, with Director Hideki Kamiya saying that the antici???pated sequel is coming along "very well."

Platinum Games teases m??ajor announcement for Fe?bruary 27 [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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