Who You Gonna Call?..

XSeed Games, in association with Marvelous!, have announced that the western localization of the upcoming RPG Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed will be arriving in the west a mere two months after its Japanese launch. The 10th anniv??ersary remaster will launch in North America on PS4, PC, and Nintend?o Switch July 20, with Europe to follow on July 23.

In addition to the standard releases, this remaster of the first-ever entry in the supernatural series will also be available on PS4 and PC in Digital Deluxe Format. This includes a digital copy of the game along with a 47-track digital soundtrack. Additionally, PS4 owners will? receive a dynamic theme and avatar pack, while PC playe??rs will bag a 96-page digital artbook.

For die-hard fans, an "Akiba's Trip: 10th Anniversary Edition" is now available to pre-order from the Xseed online store and other selected retailers. This limited edition set contains a physical copy of the game on ?PS4 or Nintendo Switch, a softcover version of the art book, and a double-CD soundtrack. The 10th Anniversar??y Edition will retail for $49.99 USD.

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The spoils of the harvest

It's the little farm that could. Marvelous has announced, (via its latest earnings report), that mystical farming/adventure game Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin i?s just a little short of hitting the one million sales milestone, having harvested over 950,000 shipments and digital sales since its 2020 launch on PS4, PC, and Switch.

Developed by studio Edelweiss, Of Rice and Ruin sees a mischievou??s and carefree Harvest Goddess ??exiled to the troubled Hinoe Island, where she is tasked not only with taking care of the people's agricultural demands, but also defending them from attack by an army of ravaging monsters and demons. All in a day's work for a sweetie-pie with a rake, right?

As Sakuna fights off those who would do the villagers harm, she will come to know trusted friends and allies. In turn, she will increase her bountiful harvests and help bring Hinoe Island back to prosperity, all while learning just a little more respect and responsibility than in her formative, hell-raising days. Of Rice and Ruin is by no means a perfec?t game, but it has w??on players over with its genre-blended gameplay, delightful art, and infectious spirit.

Edelweiss has already expressed interest in developing a sequel, and should Of Rice and Ruin's sales continue to rise, that endeavor would be inevitable. As the old sa??ying goes: "If you plant seed in the field of gaming, fruit will grow and one million people will eat it and say 'I en??joyed that, despite its flaws.'"

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If you plant it... they will grow... or something

Publisher Marvelous has proudly announced that Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin has successfully? passed a milestone 500,000 shipments and digital sales. Edelweiss' charmin' farmin' adventure launched back on Nov??ember 10 for PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch and has seemingly found its audience.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is the story of the titular young harvest goddess who is exiled to a remote island for being a bit of a troublemaker. Learning the error of her ways, Sakuna now toils both in the fields and out?? in the ??island's hazardous surroundings in a tireless effort to bring both bountiful crops and a sense of security to the island's populace.

Blending platforming action with typical farm-sim gameplay, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin has won over a small army of devotees with its attractive visuals, fun cast of characters, heart-warming story and love of mythical lore. It's not perfect by any stretch, but definitely warrants checking out. You can read our own Jordan Devore's review right here.

In related news, a new update has been released for the PS4 edition of the game. Version 1.05 ad?ds several balance tweaks to Sakuna's stamina and fertilizer systems, ??while also fixing a frustrating data corruption issue that has been bothering some players as of late.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin shipments and digital ?sales top 500,000 [Gematsu]

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Field of Dreams

Despite having only been toiling in the fields for a scant week, publisher Marvelous has already released the first update for the Nintendo Switch edition of the delightful and totes adorbs RPG farming sim Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

Available to download now, Version 1.02 cleans up a few of Switch Sakuna's frayed ends. Certain locations have received a visual overall, while some missing v??oice files hav?e been restored. In addition, various balance tweaks and bug fixes have been applied to ensure a tighter and generally more stable gameplay experience on the Nintendo platform.

Also added to Sakuna is "expanded endgame content," although speci?fic details were not forthcoming.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin gets some updates [NintendoLife / Marvelous]

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Ee-i-ee-i-oh

During the Japanese edition of yesterday's Nintendo Direct Mini, publisher Marvelous finally revealed a release date for Rune Factory 5 in Japan. The horticultural sequel will laun?ch on Nintendo Switch on May 20, 2021, with a western release to follow sometime later in the year.

Alongside the new trailer, Marvelous also announced a special Rune Factory 5 Premium Edition. Retailing for ¥9,980, (or roughly $95 USD), this edition includes a copy of Rune Factory 5, a DLC bundle featuring costumes from Rune Factory 4, a 60-page artbook packed full of character and scenery illustrations, and a 15-track OST CD, all housed in ex?clusi??ve packaging.

Marvelous is yet to announce whether this set will be released in ?the west.

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Neeeeep, Ne-Nep, Ne-Nep, Ne-Nep-Nep-Nep

Hey NEPNEPS, Do you feel like you need some Nep to Nep you through this coming weekenep? If so, then Idea Factory has got you covered, as Hyperdimension Neptunia: the Animation is now available to purchase and stream via Steam.

Joining the gaming platform are two feature-length compilation episodes, as well as the 2019 OVA Summer Vacation, which is making its English sub debut! All of the above episodes are presented with original Japanese voice tracks, with subtitles ava??ilable in both English and traditional and simplified Chinese, and will run you aro??und $15 USD each.

Alternately, fans can purchase the Hyperdimension Neptunia: the Animation Exclusive Bundle from the official Idea Factory store. This package includes Steam codes for all of the released episodes, plus five ex??clusive wallpapers, for around $45 USD. If you'd planned on picking up all of the anime episodes anyway, this is probably your best option.

Hyperdimension Neptunia: the Animation is available now on Steam.

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Sea Shinobi

In a match made in heaven, a gaggle of gals from Marvelous' Senran Kagura series is getting set to get wet in just-released jet-ski title Kandagawa Jet Girls. A new trailer spotlights the Senran Kagura teams who are preparing to beat the KJG crew at their own game.

A total of eight Senran Kagura stars can be added to Kandagawa Jet Girls via the latter title's Character Pass, available now for an eyebrow-raising $30. The duos chosen are Ikaruga and Yomi, Asuka and Yumi, Murasaki and Mirai, and Homura and Hikage. It should also be noted that Ryobi and Ryona are already featured as part of the Kandagawa Jet Girls' base roster.

While Kandagawa Jet Girls automatically pairs up its Jetters and Shooters in canon teams, Free Play mode allows you to mix-and-match any two characters of their choice, allowing for the creation of your perfect dream team. I recently reviewed Kandagawa Jet Girls for Destructoid, so you can check out my thoughts on the game right here.

Kandagawa Jet Girls is available now on PS4 and PC.

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They all float down here

Zip up your most stylish wet-suit, as XSEED Games and Marvelous Europe have announced that anime Kandagawa Jet Girls will launc??h in the west in a little over? a month's time. Already available in Japan, the cheesecake wave racer will arrive on PS4 and PC August 25.

Kandagawa Jet Girls is a multimedia franchise - consisting of games, manga, and anime - that follows the zany exploits of  an international all-women's jet-ski tournament. The series focuses specifically on the titular team of Rin Namiki and Misa Aoi, although the new game will allow players to choose from a wide variety of gimmicky gals - from the gothic-lolita stylings of "Dress," to the sword-swinging samurai duo "Suiryukai." Kandagawa Jet Girls features?? a full story mode,? as well as online multiplayer.

As is often the case with Marvelous' fan-service titles, Kandagawa Jet Girls is available to pre-order in several formats. The game will see both physical and digital release in North America, and will also receive a "Racing Hearts" limited edition, which ?includes a copy of the game on PS4, a two-disc CD soundtrack, and a 64-page art book, all housed in exclusive packaging emblazoned with the artwork of Hanaharu Naruko.

In Europe, Kandagawa Jet Girls will only see a digital release, and will launch as a standalone download title or in "Digital Deluxe" format. The latter includes a download of the game, a digital soundtrack, an avatar pack, and a selection of DLC skins. Senran Kagura DLC characters Ryobi and Ryona will be included with all copies of Kandagawa Jet Girls, with further Senran Kagura DLC to be released down the line.

Kandagawa Jet Girls launches on PS4 and PC August 25.

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Back to Nature

Sometimes you need to return to your past to see a way forward, and honestly, I believe nothing could be truer for the Story of Seasons franchise. Since the split with Natsume, its games have gotten better, bu?t those improvements have been saddled with a lack of trust in its audience and this overwhelming need to hold our hands for hours on end. 

A return to Friends of Mineral Town may not have been my first choice for a mainline Story of Seasons game on the Switch, but after spending several sprin??gs in it, it's the game I most want the developers to look back at when they get around to cre??ating the next original entry in the series.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town (PC, Switch [reviewed])
Developer: Marvelous
Publisher: Xseed
Released: July 14, 2020
MSRP: $49.99

After playing through several Story of Seasons games with glacially slow openings, it's nice to return to the more expeditious starts found in the earlier franchise entries. Friends of Mineral Town gives players a quick trip to their youth when they first came to the farm that would one day be theirs before handing over the reins. There's no long introduction of the townsfolk, no elongated tutorial, no tour of the town you have to complete before you're given the okay to start plowing the fi?elds. You're given some tools and a horse to raise, then are left to your own devices.

If you've played Friends of Mineral Town before, know it's a walk down memory lane. It does feature a completely new translation, but the layout of Mineral Town and its surrounding area keeps the familiarity of the original with some adjustments that make it a bit more connected. The mines and the shops and the sprites are exactly where you remember them. Some of the quirks of the original, suc??h as having two beds side by side, are retained in the remake.

If you're coming to Mineral Town from a more modern farming sim, it can often feel underwhelming. Several of the seasonal events, such as the ??fireworks show, Moonlight Night, and Starlight Night, are disappointing in their execution. Character dialogue is repetitive, even when you're wooing your future husband or wife. In my quest to marry tortured artist Brandon as quickly as possible, I was subject to the same, emotionless quotes even as I could see his heart growing more fond of me. Dialogue does improve during the events you can unlock for each marriage candidate, but the quality and length of these interactions vary greatly.

Marriage has always been a staple of the series, but Friends of Mineral Town on Switch is the first time same-sex marriage is a possibility without having it disguised as a "best friend" system. I pursued Brandon right off the bat and in just over?? a year, we were walking down the aisle. Doing it this way gets me hitched faster but it also means I miss out on some of the benefits of certain holidays. On Valentine's Day, for instance, there was nobody to bring me chocolates because, by this point, I was already dating Brandon.

Tying the knot as quickly as I did was probably a mistake, but I do love that Friends of Mineral Town gives players the freedom to tackle this game as they choose. I pursued marriage like Charlotte ??York on a Four Loko binge, but I could have spent that time making friends in town or bribing the?? harvest sprites or building up my livestock. By the end of my first year, I had a fiancé and several gold tools, but I didn't have a pet, my fields were still a mess of boulders and stumps, my stamina meter was nearly the same as when I started, and I hadn't won a single event. Going into years two and three, those become my priority, and I appreciate that I could cut my own path through the game without being penalized.

Outside of my romantic pursuits, the gameplay of Friends of Mineral Town is as relaxing and rewarding as it's ever been. In the early hours, I had this nagging voice in my head saying this remake was more of a "stopgap" title as we wait for the next original entry in the series, but the longer I played, the quieter the voice got. Even if it is a remake of a remake, it's still a joy to play. Each day passes at a comfortable clip, and while it can seem to move too fast in the first few seasons, once I had my farm and routine established, I found ways to make time. Upgrading my tools with frequent trips to the mine meant I could till my fields and tend to my crops expeditiously. Getting the harvest sprites involved allowed me to expand my operations more quickly, even if I didn't have a lot of f??un getting to that point.

Even if it's a small part of the overall experience, I didn't enjoy having to play the same repetitive games with the harvest sprites to improve their abilities. It's bad enough with one, but playing the same watering memory mini-game with seven of them felt like a chore, and I write that knowing I'm playing a game that's basically nothing but chores. But it had to be done if I wanted to stalk follow my friends and neighbors around to learn their schedules and improve my relationships with them. You know, without looking at one? of the countless guides that were written for the Game Boy Advance version that still very much apply here. 

My only other gripe with the game is how your tools and items? are handled. Tools are sequestered to the left Joy-Con directional buttons where you c??lick left or right until you land on the one you want. It's functional, but a quick-select option would be nice. As for your items, you can access those with the right Joy-Con thumbstick and this too could be a little more efficient, particularly when it comes to feeding your animals.

But I don't hold that against my animals because all of the animals in this game are so darn cute. The art direction, while nothing spectacular and inarguably a step back from what we saw in last year's Doraemon Story of Seasons, does just enough to capture the look and spirit of the hand-drawn art that's accompanied the series since the '90s. Sure, my character runs with the gait of an old-timey prospector, but when Mineral Town is lit up for the holidays during winter, it's a serene sight. And, unlike the last few entries on the 3DS, Friends of Mineral Town has a rock-solid frame rate.

Not everything is as spectacular as it could be. The summit at Mother's Hill is a disappointment year round and it would have been nice if the develop??ers took a few extra steps with the designs, like giving characters umbrellas when it's raining or dressing up the buildings for the various holidays.

Despite its age, simplicity, and lack of embellishments, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town proves the BokujÅ Monogatari franchise has been on the money since the very beginning. Its content?? may feel a little sparse compared to its successors and competitors, but I can see myself returning to these lands long after the next harvest moon.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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PC stands for plowing crops

We're just a few week away from the North American release of Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town. The game, a remake of the Game Boy Advanc??e original, has been announced for Nintendo Switch for quite some time. But during the PC Gaming Show, publisher Xseed revealed it's also getting a release on Steam the very same day as its Switch debut.

Friends of Mineral Town originally released back in 2003 and is one of the more celebrated entries in the franchise. This remake will include updated g?raphics, same-sex relationships, and a completely new translation.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town will release for PC and Nin?tendo Swi??tch on July 14.

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Coming in from the high seas

It looks like the deep-diggers at GameStat were on the money, as XSeed Games has officially announced that Kandagawa Jet Girls will be getting a western release this summer, bringing all of its anime watersports action to PS4 and PC in North America and ??Europe.

Based on Marvelous! multimedia franchise of the same name, Kandagawa Jet Girls concerns an all-women's jet-ski tournament, with a colourful roster of cute, gimmicky characters. Taking to the waves as "Jetters" are the ninja-trained "Ukai Surfers", wild pop idols "Hell's Kitchen", and the titular "Kandagawa Jet Girls", among other fun anime-troped duos. Players will choose one of seven teams ?and race their way? through the story campaign, or test their skills against other players in head-to-head online action.

While XSeed Games has not offered a specific release date, the publisher has revealed a "Racing Hearts" special edition for the PS4 platform. This set will include a copy of the game itself, a two-disc soundtrack, and a 60-page softcover art-book. This set is expected to retail for around $60 USD, while the standalone edition of Kandagawa Jet Girls will be available for around $50 USD. As a bonus, the Senran Kagura Ryobi and Ryona DLC will be included with the base game, with further Senran Kagura DLC arriving post-release.

Kandagawa Jet Girls will arrive?? in the west on PS4 and PC this summer.

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Watersports action crossing the seas

It looks like Marvelous' cheesecake racer Kandagawa Jet Girls is getting set to make a splash in the west. A new listing for a localised edition of the PS4 jet-ski title has been discovered on the PlayStation Network database by those naughty spoilers over at GameStat.

Released in Japan back in January, Kandagawa Jet Girls is the video game adaptation of the "multimedia franchise" of the same name. The brand revolves around an all-women's jet-ski tournament, focusing on the wacky antics of protagonists Rin Namiki and Misa Aoi - the titular "Kandagawa Jet Girls" - as they battle themed opposition suc?h as the ninja-tastic team of the "Unkai Surfers," tanned beach babes "MKHU," and arrogant goths "Dress."

Kandagawa Jet Girls allows player to race as their favourite team through a series of courses, taking tight turns and jumping stunt ramps, while their partner takes down the opposition with an arsenal of powerful (but harmless) weaponry. Since release, numerous stars from Marvelous' equally eyebrow-raising Senran Kagura franchise have joined the roster as DLC characters, so no doubt?? they'll also be winging their way west soon.

As this database discovery does not constitute an official reveal, there is no date or price for Kandagawa Jet Girls as of yet. We will keep yo??u informed when more details become a??vailable.

Kandagawa Jet Girls localisation on PlaySta??tion Network [Gamestat via Gematsu]

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Mechnology

Back when Marvelous' epic mech adventure Daemon X Machina was first ported to PC, players who picked up the game within the first month of release bagged themselves a free "Protot??ype Arsenal" DLC set, a bonus of sorts for early adopters.

Well, for those who missed out, this rare set has now returned to the Steam platform as paid DLC, and can be purchased for around $7. This set gives your Arsenal and pilot a distinctly basic look, with the impression that it is the first concept Arse??nal ever designed, and a stripped-down pilot's uniform to match.

Marvelous has also noted that the previously released "Metallic Equipment" set - another free bonus offered for early purchases - wi?ll remain an exclusive item and will not be sold in the future.

Daemon X Machina is available now on PC and Nintendo Switch.

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JET! Wooo-Woo-ooh-oh, Woo-ooh-ooh!

Marvelous! has released a trailer spotlighting two more Senran Kagura teams, arriving in cheesecake racer Kandagawa Jet Girls as new DLC characters. The four new "Jetters" join their SK pals Ikaruga, Yomi, Ryobi and Ryona, who were added to the roster last month.

First up are Crimson Squad buddies Hikage and Homura, whose natural tree-hopping, roof-running, shur??iken-throwing ninja skills will no doubt help them make the natural transition from shinobi to jet-ski racer. It also appears that the pair have brought swords to this sporting event. Yeah, why not?

The second team is goth-lolita duo Murasaki and Mirai, trading in their dark, elegant dresses for colourful swimsuits and a helluva lot more sunshine than either girl is used to. Mirai seems up for the chaos, but Murasak??i looks a little more out of her comfort zone, clutching her support bear, Bebeby. It should be noted that Mirai is carrying a parasol whilst wearing a crown, thus beating me to one of my lifelong goals.

Both teams are available to purchase in-game now for ¥1,000 each. Kandagawa Jet Girls is available now on PS4 in Japan. Despite many Mar?velous titles making the jump overseas, there is still no word on a western localisation.

Kandagawa Jet Girls DLC characters [Gematsu]

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Meet your potential mates

It was almost a year ago today that Marvelous announced it would be porting the wonderful Rune Factory 4 to Nintendo Switch as Rune Factory 4 Special. This remastered ??port will feature new artwork and cutscenes, a new opening video, a "Veteran Mode" for returning players, and the anticipated "Newlywed Mode," which will let players explore married life with their waifu or whatever-the-male-equivalent-of-a-wai??fu-is of choice.

If you played the or?iginal game back on the 3DS as I did, you probably have a good idea of which of the townsfolk you'll be wanting to shack up with. But if this is your first visit to Selphia, Xseed has published these videos detailing the bachelors and bachelorettes waiting for y??ou to woo them.

Rune Factory 4 Special releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch on February 25, 2020. Rune Factory 5, also coming exclusively to Switch, is currently in develo??pment.

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Monster High

According to a listing that popped up on Amazon UK this week, Marvelous' Dead or School is headed west this year on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, following on from its previous release in Ja??pan in August 2019, (it is also available on PC via Steam).

Dead or School is a 2.5D side-scrolling ??platformer that combines hack 'n' slash action with thin RPG elements. It tells the story of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where undead monsters roam the city, forcing the citizens to live in the subterranean metro complex. Into this world comes a young girl, Hisako, who has never known life outside of the subway network. After hearing one two many sparkling stories from her grandmother, Hisako decides to venture above ground, on an epic quest to attend a mythological place?? known only as "school". Yep.

In Dead or School, players guide Hisako as she navigates ?the Tokyo subway system, stopping off at real-life districts such as Shinjuku and Akihabara, and laying waste to the demons and ghoulies that plague the city. Along the way she will make new friends, learn new skills, gather powerful weaponry and stand fast against hordes of ravenous monsters, every step taking Hisako one step closer to ?her ultimate dream of attending class.

While there has been no official word from Marvelous Europe, the Amazon listing claims Dead or School will launch?? on PS4 and Nintendo Switch March 30. It is avai??lable now on PC.

Ama??zon U.K. lists Dead or School for PS4 and Switch [Gematsu]

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Water Waifu Warfare

Marvelous has released a new trailer for its cheesecake jet-ski racer Kandagawa Jet Girls, spotlighting the DLC characters crossing over from the publisher's flagship franchise Senran Kagura.

As a quick refresher, Kandagawa Jet Girls is a multimedia franchise fol?lowing the exploits of a wild jet-ski tournament, with a plethora of gimmicky gals battling it out to be the best "Jetters" in the world. The video game adaptation launched in Japan just this week, alongside the DLC content featured in the video below.

Ready and raring for some watersports action are two new duos: Ikaruga and Yomi from Senran Kagura: Portrait of Girls, and Ryobi and Ryona from Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus.  Yumi and Asuka are also available for owners of the limited edition. Sadly there is no sign of the only SK gal I find remotely inter??esting, badass gang boss Daidoji.

Kandagawa Jet Girls is available now in?? Japan on PS4. There is no word o??n a localisation date as of yet.

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Road Splash

Marevlous! has released the opening movie to its up-and-coming waveracer Kandagawa Jet Girls, which hits the surf on PS4 in Japan next week. Much like the publisher's Senran Kagura, Kandagawa Jet Girls is a "multimedia project" which encompasses video games, movies, and anime, and revol?ves around an all-women's jet-ski tournament.

The prologue, which you can check out below, features the titular team - made up of students Rin Namiki and Misa Aoi - besieged by their rivals. This includes the classy and arrogant "Dress"??, wild idols "Hell's Kitchen" and the ninja-tastic "Unkai Surfers". Bringing up the rear are beach babes "MKHU", stoic samurai "Suiryukai", and finally no-nonsense duo "Grindcore".

Four parings from Senran Kagura will also be arriving as post-??release DLC. Phew, that's quite a roster.

In Kandagawa Jet Girls, pl?ayers will have the opportunity to partake in a series of high-speed races, gunning their unique vehicles through tight turns and jumps, while their partner attempts to blast the opposition into the water with a variety of powerful (but harmless) weaponry. Players can switch control b?etween the "Jetter" and "Shooter" to ensure their team is ahead of the pack and first over the finish line.

I think of the teams on show here, the Grindcore crew are more my style. That said, I love a quality Ojou laugh, so my betting money is on Dress taking it all. Obviously, the franchise has fanservice up the wazhoo, but I do really dig the charismatic teams and the wild colours on show here. There is currently no word on a western release for Kandagawa Jet Girls, but given most Senran Kagura titles eventually see these shores, fans should keep the?i?r hopes up.

Until that time, hang ten, or something.

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Available now

Marvelous and Nintendo have given owners of Daemon X Machina many reasons to keep returning to the game week after week. Free content updates have added a lot of value to the package and the developers haven't been shy about pushing out new skins. Not long ago, the anime Eureka Seven got some representation in the game and today, it's The Witcher 3's turn.

The Geralt and Ciri skins are available right now in the eShop for free, however, at the time? of this publication, you can't download them from the Nintendo webs??ite. You have to access the eShop from your Switch.

Daemon X Machina [Nintendo]

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Why are you buying clothes at the soup store!?

Earlier last week, Daemon X Machina revealed that its first crossover DLC would be with the popular Eureka Seven. While that DLC has yet to leave Japan, despite being on the international roadmap, this hasn't stoppe?d Marvelous from revealing its next collaboration.

Japanese players will be receiving Code Geass-themed content today. However it won't be based on serie?s protagonist Lelouch. Instead, his right-hand man Suzaku, alongside the Lancelot he pilots, will be representing the anime franchise.

You can check out the clothes shopper in the trailer below.

If you remember the specifics of the Eureka Seven DLC, then you know the drill here. All of the free content is purely cosmetic, there are no items that impact gameplay. The clothes and parts for your Outer, which are based on Suzaku, can be worn regardless of gender. There wil??l not be any Lancelot parts for your Arsenal, only the option to change its appearance. I did notice in the trailer that if your Arsenal is dashing forward on the ground, the wheels attached to the back of its feet will lower. While it's only cosmetic, I appreciate little details like that.

Daemon x Machina is available now on Nintendo Switch.

[Nintendo of Japan eShop]

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Out today in Japan

Back in late September, Marvelous! revealed their content plans for mech adventure Daemon x Machina. Among exciting additions like the new Battle Mode, collaborations with other known IP were teased, with the promise of new add-on being released free of charge. Surprisingly, the first partner has turned out to be the anime Eureka Seven, and it's releasing today in Japan.

You can check out the trailer for the match made in heaven below.

Here's a quick run down of what's in the DLC, and it's purely cosmetic. Regardless of gender, players will be able to equip the clothes of protagonist Renton Thurston in place of the usual Outer Suit, as well as additional customization items such as his hair. The Nirvash - the main mech of the show - will ??also be avaialable, however there's a major catch: There are no parts or w??eapons for the machine, it is solely a cosmetic skin that just changes the appearance of your Arsenal to the Nirvash.

That being said, the DLC is free, so it's hard to complain about this, especially when anime is known to be a licensing nightmare outside of Japan. Plus, while Daemon X Machina isn't a perfect game by any means, collaborations like this help get the attention of people that wouldn't have considered the game before. Eureka Seven is also being adapted into a film trilogy in Japan, which is likely why this colla??boration happened to begin with. It's a smart move on Marvelous' part, and I can't blame them for that.

Daemon x Machina is available now on Nintendo Switch.

[Nintendo of Japan eShop]

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Robot Rumble

Marvelous has added a major update to their dramatic mech-fighting title Daemon x Machina, bringing new modes, features a?nd a long list of bug fixes to the Nintendo Switch release.

Version 1.1.1 - which is live in-game now - adds new ?PvP combat, allowing players to pit their mettle (or metal) against each other in 1v1 and 2v2 robot wars. Available in local wireless and online play, pit your favourite Arsenal against others in a battle for global supremacy on?? the newly established leaderboards.

A new feature in ?co-op play "Duel" allows players to have quick throwdowns in-between missions. All you need do is attack your partner while returning to base from your latest firefight. If your buddy concurs by returning fire, then the battle is on. It's like Bimmy and Jimmy all over again.

As well as the above content, the new update contains a long list of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks. These include various issues involve save files, online connectivity and game stability, as well as specific in-game fixes, such as improving slowdown problems during Snatcher battles, and taking care of a troublesome bug where Bolt would not call in drones during its second phase. You can find the full patch notes right here.

As a reminder, this update is just one of four currently planned for the mech shooter, with new content expected to arrive through the end of the year.

Daemon x Machina is available now on Nintendo Switch.

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The war goes on...

Marvelous! has released details of new content for their hyper-metal mech title Daemon x Machina, which will roll out o?ver the coming months, adding a bit more longevity to your A.I.-smashing shenanigans.

Next month, on October 10, a fresh update will add an all-new "Battle Mode", ?pitting arsenals against each other in 1v1 or 2v2 mayhem. This will be followed in early November by a selection of collaboration mechs and costumes, skins which will make reference to other popular IPs.

A major u??pdate is expected in late November, which will add new Orders for both single player and co-op modes, alongside a glut of new weapons, armours and boss fights. Finally, a December update will bring further Orders, co-op exclusive modes, and even more weapons and bosses, ready to stare you down on the battlefield.

So even if you already have Daemon x Machina wrapped up, it looks like it might be an idea to keep your favourite arsenal oiled and in good nick, as the battle is far from over. In the meantime, perhaps check the recently released soundtrack, featuring 45 hard-rockin' hits.

Daemon x Machina is available now on Nintendo Switch.

Daemon x Machina to add Battle Mode [Japanese Nintendo]

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Suit up, soldier

Fans eager to get their mitts on mech-fighter Daemon x Machina are able to get a taste of the action right now, as Nintendo has released a short demo for the upcoming Marvelou??s! ti?tle.

The "Prologue" demo offers players a look at the beginning of the game - naturally - and even includes the option to check out Daemon x Machina's co-op multiplayer. This mode supports up to four brave "Outers", as they engage in catacl?ysmic warfare with a rogue A.I. currently attempting to conquer the planet - as all A.I.s will attempt to do, eventually.

Daemon x Machina launches on Nintendo Switch September 13.

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We Are The Robots

We are a little over a week away from the launch of super-anime mech-fighting title Daemon x Machina, which glides into battle on Nintendo Switch September 13. Publisher Marve??lous has released a new Japanese trailer ??to get the hype fires stoked for the dramatic looking action title.

Daemon x Machina tells the story of a planet plunged into war after it collides with a moon, an act that cause all A.I. to turn against humanity. The last hope is The Outers, a unit of highly-skilled mech pilots, who must engage in a series of dangerous missions agains?t the rampant A.I. (or "Army of Immortals") to put the fleshbags back atop the pecking order.

If the above video is a little too cinematic for your tastes, then you can check out this second trailer, which shows Daemon x Machina's customisation and combat in action. Players will fight it out with armies of drones, scavenging parts from their opponents in order to soup up their own abilities. It's also worth noting you won't be alone in this war for mankind, as Daemon x Machina will support up to four players in co-op.

Daemon x Machina launches on Nintendo Switch September 13.

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Farm Friends

Japanese publisher Marvelous delivered upon its promise to offer up more info on its upcoming fantasy sequel Rune Factory 5 yesterday, dropping a shor??t trailer for the game, first announced way ?back in February of this year.

While the new video doesn't feature any gameplay footage, it does show off several designs for some of the wild creatures players will encounter during their time spent cultivating crops and exploring the countryside. The trailer ends with the silhouetted figures of Rune Factory 5's lead male and female protagonist, but I guess you'll have to wait a bit longer to ??see them in the flesh, so to speak.

Also noted, players with save data from the incoming Rune Factory 4 Special will be able to unlock a character crossover in Rune Factory 5. So that's a fun bonus. Rune Factory 5 is scheduled for release o??n Ninte?ndo Switch in 2020.

Rune Factory 5 protagonist silhouettes revealed [Siliconera]

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Sowing the seeds of love

Marvelous' announcement of Rune Factory 5 earlier this year came as quite a ??happy surprise for the fantasy farming's fanbase. ??Still, with a Japanese release set for 2020, and no lockdown on a western launch just yet, there's still quite a lot about this particular sequel that's shrouded in mystery.

Hopefully, things will be made a little clearer this week, as the publisher has announced that the fourth Rune Factory 4 Special live stream - scheduled take place in just a couple of days time - will offer new information of the fifth mainline entry in this niche series. Aside from whatever tidbits Marvelous have to offer us on Rune Factory 5, the stream will also feature news on the upcoming Switch remake Rune Factory 4 Special.

If you want to check the stream out for yourself, then you should tune into Marvelous' Japanese YouTube channel on July 25 at 20:00 JST (which is 12:00 BST / 04:00 PT / 07:00 ET.) Incidentally, this is also the exact same time that Sega will be holding their Project Sakura Wars stream. So you're gonna have to pick your poison.

Rune Factory 5 is currently in development for a 2020 release in Japan. Rune Factory 4 Special will launc??h on Nintendo Switch in Japan July 25, with a western release to follow l??ater this year.

Ne??w details on Rune Factory 5 to be revealed Jul?y 25 [DualShockers]

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'I gave them to Rachel all the time before she got allergic'

Publisher XSEED Games has revealed that weird Nintendo Switch masseuse title Senran Kagura Reflexions will be p??orted to PC in a little unde??r a months time.

This notorious entry in the naughty Senran Kagura series is possibly the blandest of the SK release?s, and mixes a visual-novel style storytelling mechanic with a weird, frankly dull, series of massage-and-grope mini-games. You can check out our own CJ Andriessen's review in the video be??low.

The PC port of Reflexions will feature upgraded visuals and 60FPS gameplay. A base edition of the game will launch for around $10, with an expansion pack featuring more girls, accessories, and scenarios available for $30. Finally, a fully complete "Heart's Desire" editi?on will be available for $60.

Senran Kagura: Reflexions is available now on Nintendo Switch and launches ?on PC June 24.

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Time of the Season

It was quite the surprise for Rune Factory fans when they received news of a new sequel during February's Nintendo Direct presentation. But it seems that buddi?ng fantasy farmers shouldn't quite get the tools out of the shed just yet, as ?this new entry is still some time away.

During a recent financial results briefing, publisher Marvelous noted that Rune Factory 5 will not see launch, even in its home territory of J??apan, at least until the next financial year, which begins April 2020. Even then, ?there has been no official localisation announcement, so western fans might have to wait longer still for the new game to cross the pond, if at all.

At least the Rune Factory fellowship can take heart that there is a new title in development, even if we could be well over a year away from its release. Rune Factory 5 is currently in development. In the meantime, Rune Factory 4 Special will release for Nintendo Switch?? worldwide later in 2019.

Rune Factory 5 not due out before April 2020 [Gematsu]

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Farming and Families

[Update: Rune Factory 4 Special will launch in Japan July 25. Rune Factory 5 will launch in Japan i?n 2020. No western dates have been confirmed as of?? yet.]

During today's Nintendo Direct presentation, Marvelous! announced two editions of the fantasy farming title, Rune Factory -?? a remaster and ??a brand new entry - are headed to Nintendo Switch.

Rune Factory 4 Special is a remastered version of the 2012 3DS title. Journey forth, harvest your crops, maybe even meet someone special? It was also announced that an all-new entry, Rune Factory 5 is?? currently in development for the hybrid console. Th?is is great news for franchise fans, who've been waiting for quite some time for a sequel, to say the least.

Rune Factory 4 Special is coming to Nintendo Switch later in 2019.

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