In one of the most surprising announcements in video game history, Capcom recently revealed that an Okami sequel is currently in production. But what's especially ?mind-blowing is that the director of the original game, Hideki Kamiya, returned to the company after having left 18 years ago, when he helped create PlatinumGames.

Per Automaton Media, Kamiya sat down to talk with Denfaminicogamer alongside his former PlatinumGames colleague Kenta Koyama. Together, they discussed the creation of their new studio CLOVERS, an obvious reference to Clover Studios, the defunct Capcom subsidiary behind Okami, Viewtiful Joe and God Hand. To no one's surprise, Kamiya himself came up with ??the new st??udio's name.

Both developers explained that CLOVERS is made up of "4 Cs" that represent its current philosophy: Challenge, Creativity, and Craftsmanship. They had a very hard time deciding what the fourth and final C was going to be, but they eventually realized that it should represent each employee's "individual C". For?? example, Kamiya's fourth C is curiosity, while Koyama's is cleanness.

With this unique naming scheme (which is present all over? CLOVERS??' official website) they are cementin??g how important each member's creativity and individuality is going to be from the get-go, and it's ?evident that the decisions of higher-ups have affected these two veteran game developers in the past.

Why did Hideki Kamiya leave PlatinumGames?

Hideki Kamiya infamously left PlatinumGames back in 2023. His sudden departure was a huge surprise because he was one of the studio's original founders back in 2006, not to mention that he worked in the development of their biggest hits, like the Bayonetta series and The Wonderful 101. While he vaguely explained why he left on his YouTube channel on a few occasions, he finally gave a concrete explana?tion for his departure in this? new interview.

Kamiya told Denfaminicogamer that his creative ideas did not match the current direction that PlatinumGames was going towards, so he spent 3 months arguing with CEO Atsushi Inaba, and they couldn't reach a compromise that would satisfy them both. After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally decided to leave the company in October 2023, even though he?? had no idea what he w?as going to do after that. That's why he constantly called himself "unemployed" on his YouTube channel.

Kamiya sadly left some projects unfinished, like Project G.G., but he clarified that it's up to PlatinumGames whether to decide if it will cancel that game or not. At the end of the day, this is yet another classic story of execut?ives not allowing creatives to do what they want, which is something t??hat was clearly affecting him negatively, to the point that he even thought to himself, "If I continue working here, my artistic spirit will die" before he left. Nevertheless, Kamiya also clarified that he doesn't think that PlatinumGames is better or worse than his current studio, but it's evident that he's hoping that his creativity and curiosity will be able to fully thrive in CLOVERS.

The post Kamiya talks new studio: and how it values his creativity in ways PlatinumGames couldn’t appeared first on Destructoid.

In 2013, Nintendo published PlatinumGames' The Wonderful 101, a unique and stylish action game that slowly became ??a cult classic. For many years, the IP belonged to Nintendo, but fans recently noticed that PlatinumGames a??cquired its trademark from the publisher earlier this month.

Reddit user r/Joseki100 recently discovered that on August 19, PlatinumGames filed a document in the United States Patent and Trademark Office requiring the transferal of the Wonderful 101 trademark from Nintendo, which was successfully completed by Sept??ember 9, ultimately confirming that the studio fully own?s the rights to the game now.

This is quite an unprecedented event, since it is extremely rare for Nintendo to give one of its IPs to someone else. Although this acquisition isn't much surprise in retrospect, considering that Plati??numGames has been trying to become independent since 2020, not to mention that Nintendo hasn't done much with the Wonderful 101 IP, aside from? allowing PlatinumGames to remaster the game and port it over to other consoles in 2020.

The potential future of The Wonderful 101 franchise

News of the acquisition made some fans speculate that PlatinumGames may have plans of developing a sequel to The Wonderful 101. It all depends on the studio that created the franchise now, as it no longer needs to rely on the funding or approval of Nintendo. It's possible that PlatinumGames may even do another crowdfunding campaign in order to develop a new The Wonderful 101 game, similar??ly to what it did for the 2020 remaster.

There's only one problem: the director of The Wonderful 101, Hideki Kamiya, left the company in September 2023. Some fans believe that his departure means that making a new entry in this series is almost impossible, since his signature style was a big part of the original game's identity. How?ever, there ??still are many other talented people working today at PlatinumGames who may be able to take over from him and successfully direct a solid sequel.

The post PlatinumGames acquires ownership ?of The Wonderful 101 trademark from Nintendo appeared first on Destructoid.

Last month we learned that Hideki Kamiya would be resigning from PlatinumGames on October 12. Well, the day has come, so what's the mind behind games like Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and more to do next? Why, start a YouTube channel, of course! Kamiya went live with the appropriately named Hideki Kamiya Channel, and the first video is up in both Japanese and ???English. 

The outspoken, block-happy creator didn't waste any time getting to the question on everyone's minds. The inaugural video addre??sses why he quit PlatinumGames and what his plans are next. In fact, the first thing we see is Kamiya walking out with a box full of items from a freshly-cleared desk. "Oh well, I'm ??done (with Platinum)," he says. "I left. I'm over it. I'm so over it." 

With a tongue-in-cheek attitude, ?Kamiya invites us t?o take a seat and have a quick chat about what's next. Let's join him and his Robocop and Mazinger figures in the video below.

"I am Hideki Kamiya, unemployed"

After reflecting on his career �which started at Capcom as a planner on Resident Evil �he touches on what he's been up to since leaving Platinum. Kamiya says he's been very "refreshed," and has been watching Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other stuff. But surely he isn't just going to stream movies and TV shows for the ??rest of time, right? All that matters to Kamiya is that he doesn't have to attend any more boring meetings.

As for why he quit, after some hemming and hawing he says he wanted to "follow (his) beliefs as a game creator." He's not goi?ng to retire yet, he just wants to choose the right path and move on. So, for those worried, he does plan to keep making games. He jokes around a bit, wondering if Hamster will hire him and saying he'll do anything. "I'll even do debugging," he pleads. 

Time well wasted

In the meantime, Kamiya isn't allowed to work in the video game industry for the next year. It's not stated outright, but this is likely due to non-compete clauses. As such, it'll be a while before we hear anything exciting fro??m the creator. Kamiya will no doubt stay busy betwee?n video game jobs, though. He plans to go home and do some cooking. What will his "infinite free time" inspire? Maybe next time we see Kamiya in the industry we'll be treated to an intense curry-cooking action game. 

For those head-hunting, Kamiya says he's willing to consider any offer "above 100 million yen a year." The ball's in your?? court, video games! The rest of us will be keeping an eye on Kamiya's YouTube channel for more "completely education-free" content. 

The post Hideki Kamiya launches YouTube channel, vaguely explain?s why he left Platinum appeared first on Destructoid.

A witch, an alchemist, and a wrestler walk into a bar...

March 2023 is heating up with plenty of exciting game releases. Resident Evil 4 Remake will modernize the horror classic with spectacular visuals, while Atelier Ryza 3 is taking the series open world fo??r the fi??rst time.

In addition, we'll be getting a brand-new WarGames mode in WWE 2K23 and exploring a certain witch's past in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Here's what to expect from t??he March 2023 games l??ineup.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key (NSW, PS4, PS5, PC)

[caption id="attachment_365614" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Koei Tecmo[/caption]

Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Gust
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 24
Trailer

Firstly, the fan-favorite Atelier series takes its introductory steps into an open world, and this will sadly be the conclusion to Ryza's story. Koei Tecmo seems to be stepping up the action with 11 playable characters, a seamless open-world design with multiple biomes, and a grand story involving the Code of the Universe. It will also have some fun alchemy mechanics, which makes the series stand out among the rest of the JRPG juggernauts, like Final Fantasy and Persona. Atelier Ryza 3 was recently delayed by a month. Hopefully, the game is technically sound and will run great when the game is in the play??ers' hands.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (NSW)

[caption id="attachment_365612" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: PlatinumGames
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 17
Trailer

Coming out of nowhere in an early 2023 Nintendo Direct, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza of the Demon tells the origin story of the legendary witch. Cereza (her name before being called Bayonetta), alongside her first demon Cheshire, is on a quest to save her mother with a power found within the forest. She'll be solving puzzles and fighting faeries, even as a child. This game will likely give some fascinating backstory to the beloved witch in the Bayonetta series. There's an expectation of quality from this cult hit series, so hopefully, this game will de??liver.

Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, PC)

[caption id="attachment_365615" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 24
Trailer

One of the most prolific horror games ever made, Resident Evil 4, is finally receiving a remake in March. Similarly to the two prior remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, RE4 is getting a complete reworking of its gameplay and graphics. The animation and texture quality is incredible, while the gameplay has been remade to fit more modern tastes. That means no more tank controls! In addition, the pesky quick-time events of the original have been completely removed. While Capcom's attempts to bring back Resident Evil 3 arguably disappointed fans, Resident Evil 4 Remake can hopefully pick up the slack.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, PC)

[caption id="attachment_365626" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Koei Tecmo[/caption]

Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Team NINJA
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 3
Trailer

After the tepid audience response to Wild Hearts (according to the UK charts via PlayStation Trophies), Koei Tecmo is likely hoping Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will be a hit. This action RPG pits you against mighty bosses across the Three Kingdoms. Set in a dark fantasy interpretation of the late Han Dynasty, you'll face off foes with swordplay that's based on Chinese martial arts. You'll have access to multiple weapons like dual swords, glaives, a spear, a staff, and 14 other types. You'll also be able to use magic like fire and ice-elemental abilities against your enemies. Hopefully, this Souls-like hits with Team NINJA's many fans of Nioh. There's a demo out as well if you're curious about this JRPG.

WWE 2K23 (PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, PC)

[caption id="attachment_365629" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via 2K[/caption]

Publisher: 2K
Developer: Visual Concepts
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 17
Trailer

Unlike the 2021-2022 season, WWE has been red-hot over the past year with the return of Cody Rhodes, the championship reign of the E.S.T. Bianca Belair, and the incredible storytelling from the Bloodline faction. Hopefully, WWE 2K23 takes advantage of the hype that's been building toward Wrestlemania in 2023. The game is introducing a new WarGames mode, which has two wrestling rings combined within a cage. In addition, the MyGM mode is getting a big upgrade with new managers, match types, and more show options with four people instead of just two. Wrestlers like Logan Paul and the original GOAT Bruno Sammartino are a part of the roster as well. It's one of the Mar??ch 2023 games that diehard fans will want.

Honorable Mentions

[caption id="attachment_365630" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Awace??b & Kepler Interactive[/caption]

Thankfully, there's a promising indie that has to be included on this list: Tchia. It's an open world that has the titular character exploring the beautiful archipelago islands and sailing the seas. A neat mechanic in this game is that you can take control of any animal in the game. You can even learn the ukelele in Tchia. It's docki??ng onto PS4, PS5, and the Epic Games Store on March 21.

Additionally, Crime Boss: Rockay City is making its way to consoles and PC (Epic Games Store) on March 28. Starring Hollywood talents like Chuck Norris and Michael Rooker, this crime-based first-person shooter has you planning heists, similar to Payday. The twist is it has roguelike mechanics as you take down enemy forces from rival gangs and avoid the custody of Officer Norris. The action seems fun and having?? more co-op experiences can only be a good thing.

The post Most anticipated game releases – March 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Voice acting controversy continues

The Bayonetta 3 pay dispute controversy has taken yet another turn, as aggrieved actor Helle?na Taylor has confirmed that they were initially ??offered more than they originally claimed to reprise their role as the gun-toting, angel-slaying witch in her upcoming Nintendo Switch adventure.

Although Taylor originally claimed that she turned down the role after receiving an 'insulting' offer of just $4,000 USD to portray the sultry superhero, the voice actor has now confirmed that they were initially offered $10,000, with an additional $5,000 added after negotiation with? producer Hideki Kamiya. This is a package in keeping? with SAG/AFTRA guidelines, but Taylor suggests is unfair given the inevitable financial success of the long-anticipated sequel.

After declining this package, Taylor was repla??ced by Jennifer Hale.

"I thought that as a creative, [Kamiya] would understand," said Taylor on Twitter. "[Kamiya] replied saying how much he valued my contribution to the g?ame and how much the fans wanted me to voice the game. I was th?en offered an extra [5,000]! So, I declined to voice the game."

//twitter.com/hellenataylo?r/status/1584415390171480066?s=20&t=e9WwYMYltUlikWrfZRSG7g

Once Hale had accepted the role of Bayonetta for Bayonetta 3, PlatinumGames offered Taylor a paid cameo appearance in the game, which she refused. It is now believed that this cameo role is, in fact, the "$4,000" role referenced in Taylor's original complaint, though that was not made clear in Taylor's original video, which called for the Bayonetta community to boycott the new game. Taylor has also disputed re??ports that she had demanded "a six-figure s??um, plus residuals", to voice the character.

"Any other lies, such as 4,000 for five sessions are total fabrications," continues Taylor. "There were not ‘extensive negotiations.�I’ve also b?een informed of ridiculous fictions, such as I asked for 250,000 dollars. I am a team player �just asking for a fair, living wage in line with the value that I bring to this game."

"There are people who are attempting to throw shade and discredit what I say. The industry is powerful, they have powerful journalists too. They are trying to save their asset. Don’t fall ?for it!"

PlatinumGames acknowledged the controversy last week with a succinct and unemotional statement, supporting Hale in the role of Bayonetta and thanking past contributors fo??r their work, (though Taylor was not credited by name). This controversy has shone fresh light on the long-running deba??te regarding voice actors, their work, value, and standard of pay when compared with on-screen talent and other more visual forms of performance.

The post Bayonetta 3 actor conf?irms higher pay offer than initially claimed appeared first on Destructoid.

Which Witch?

PlatinumGames has finally broken its silence on the ugly Bayonetta 3 voice actor controversy that has been the height of internet discourse for the past week �In a new statement posted to Twitter, the studi?o reaffirmed its solidarity with actor Jennifer Hale, who will portray the gunslingin?g witch in the new sequel, which hits the shelves next week after years of anticipation.

The incredibly straight statement, presented unemotionally and sparsely worded as if it has been passed through several legal departments, outlines Platinum'??s desire to continue forward with Hale as the "new Bayonetta", while thanking all those who have contributed to the franchise's past succes?s, (though choosing not to reference anybody in particular by name.)

//twitter.com/platinumgames/status/15833029967497871??37?s=20&t=ShR7H6hLv5CWHYsGBgPMYA

While the story itself hardly needs recalling, given that it has been the week's hottest topic of discourse, Hellena Taylor �the long-time voice of the sultry demon slayer �explained that she refused to portray the character in the new sequel d??ue to an "insulting" pay off of allegedly just $4,000. Taylor suggested that the dedicated Bayonetta fanbase? boycotted the new release and instead gave the money they would have spent on the game to a charity of their choosing.

Things got messier, however, in the wake of a report by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, who suggested that the figure quoted by Taylor was false, a report backed up �but never officially confirmed �by news outlet VGC's own sources. These latter?? reports state that Taylor was offered $4,000? per session, for an estimated total of four sessions, but in response asked for a six-figure payoff alongside post-release residuals. Taylor has since called these reports an outright lie, and an effort by the studio to "save their ass and the game". Hale, speaking on Twitter, states that their NDA disallows them from commenting.

Regardless of the truths and falsities, it appears that PlatinumGames has clearly made its decision, and will go ahead with the launch of Bayonetta 3, with Jennifer Hale n?ow the voice of the iconic character for the foreseeable future?.

The whole debacle, whoever is in the right, has once again shone light on the fragile and unstable business of voice acting �forever dice-roll in regards to who gets what role, how long for, how much the act?or is worth to the brand, the value of the individual's voice, and how/whether long-term loyalty is rewarded. These and many other problems have faced actors, publishers, and producers in all dramatic media industries for many years, with no sign of a clear line ever being drawn.

The post PlatinumGames issues statement on Ba??yonetta 3 voice act?or controversy appeared first on Destructoid.

A new report disputes initial info on the deal

Over the weekend, voice actor Hellena Taylor claimed she received an "insulting" offer to reprise her role and called on fans to boycott Bayonetta 3. Today, some new reports dispute some of these details, addin?g more wrinkles to the story.

In Taylor's initial claim, the voice actor says PlatinumGames offered her a flat $4,000 fee for returning to voice Bayonetta in the third game. At the time, PlatinumGames' HIdeki Kamiya tweeted a vague post, saying "sad and deplorable about the attitude ??of untruth."

The situation has seen an uptick in discussion over compensation for voice actors, as many have shared their desire for more fair compensation. Jennifer Hale, who voices Bayonetta in Bayonetta 3, released a statement saying she is under NDA and unable to discuss the situ?at?ion.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh6bwdYgbio

Disputes over the voice of Bayonetta

Today, Bloomberg reports on the dispute, but with new details.? According to Bloomberg's sources, who are reportedly tw??o people familiar with the negotiations and documents seen by the outlet, PlatinumGames offer was for five sessions. These would have paid $3,000 to $4,000 for four hours in the session, totaling at least $15,000.

In response, B?loomberg reports, Taylor asked f??or a six-figure sum and residuals. Platinum reportedly declined and held auditions for a new voice actor following lengthy negotiations. Platinum also reportedly came back to offer Taylor a cameo in the game for the fee of one session, which she reportedly turned down.

VGC corroborates Bloom?berg's report through its own sources, though its sources say the nu?mber of Taylor's sessions could have been as few as four.

In response to Bloomberg, Taylor calls the account of the situation an "absolute lie" and said Platinum is trying to "save their ass and?? the game."

"I would like to put this whole bloody franchise behind me quite frankly get on with my life in the theatre," Taylor told Bloomberg. Representatives for Nintendo and PlatinumGa?mes did not respond to requests for comment on Bloomberg's report.

The post New reports deepen Bayonetta 3 pay dispute appeared first on Destructoid.

Rapid-fire Robots

Japanese studio Aniplex has released a lightning-fast teaser trailer for its upcoming anime NieR: Automata Ver1.1a, an animated series set within PlatinumGames/Square Enix dystopian sci-fi universe.

Titled "Promotion File 003: Bunker", the brief preview introduces us to the incredibly stern and authoritative voice of Commander White, portrayed by veteran voice actor Chiaki Kanou.  Barking out commands while threateningly tapping a crop of some kind, Commander White is seemingly in charge of a battalion of YoRHa-esqu??e battle bots, who will no doubt be charged with taking the fight to the army of metal monstrosities �The Machines �currently laying siege to planet Earth.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p26isMDvuM

In addition to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it clip, Aniplex released a promotional image, depicting Commander White alongside several members of their regiment. It looks like we're going to have to wait a little longer for full details on the anime's narrative and cast, but it's clear that NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is more of an adaptation of the NieR universe and its interplanetary warfare in general, rather than a direct retelling of the events depicted ?in Platinum's smash-selling video game series.

NieR: Automata Ver1.1a will premiere in Japan in early 2023.  NieR: Automata is available now on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox platforms. A long-awaited Nintendo Switch port, known as "The End of YoRHa Edition" was released worldwide on October 6.  You can check out Jonathan Holmes thoughts on the release right here.

The post Don’t blink during this teaser trailer for the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime appeared first on Destructoid.

She's also calling for a boycott of the game

Because we live in an era where so many of the best things in life carry more baggage than a member of the royal family going on a weekend holiday, there are now calls for a boycott of Bayonetta 3 coming from the actor who gave Cereza her voice in the English-speaking world.  As was recently reported, voice actor Jennifer Hal?e is taking the reins of the title character in this month's big Switch release.  In an interview with Game Informer, Yusuke Miyata, who is directing the series' third entry, said Hale was offered the role because "Various overlapping?? circumstances made it?? difficult for Hellena Taylor to reprise her role."  Today, Taylor, who was the English Bayonetta voice actress in the first two games of the series as well as Anarchy Reigns, Super Smash Bros., and Bayonetta: Bloody Fate, offered a ??diffe?rent account of why she didn't return for the threequel.

In a series of social media posts, Taylor said she reauditioned for the role and was given an offer she considered "insulting."  She said she then wrote a letter to Hideki Kamiya asking for what she was worth.  According to Taylor, Kamiya responded by saying he values her contribution to the game before offering her a flat rate of $4,000 for the role, an amount that would cover the entirety of her work on the game.  Calling that amount an insult, Taylor is now asking fans to boycott Bayonetta 3 and instead take ??the money they?? would have spent on the game and donate it to charity.

"I understand that boycotting this game is a personal choice? and there are those ?who won't, and that's fine," Taylor says in the second of four videos she released on Saturday.  "But if you're someone who cares about people, who cares about the world around you, who cares about who gets hurt with these financial decisions, then I urge you to boycott this game."

//twitter.com/hellenataylor/status/158129054??3619112960?s=20&t=MecPNqGIXmKdmsDm??597aIw

Shortly after Taylor's tweets went live, Kamiya did post a short response to the allegations on Twitter, writing, "Sad and deplorable about the attitude of untruth. That's what all I can tell now.?"

I shouldn't make more money than the Bayonetta voice actress

While there are some questionable points made by Taylor in her posts, including suggesting the Bayonetta franchise has somehow made $450 million not including merchandise and all the religious stuff in the fourth video, the alleged offer of $4,000 seems pretty in line with what has been said about pay rates for voice actors in games and anime.  While SAG-AFTRA has made strides to help actors in these areas, it's clear its reach is still quite limited.  As an aside, following the video game voice actor strike of 2017, SAG-AFTRA came to an agreement with 11 western video game developers on a three-year contract for voice work.  That contract was extended in 2020 and is set? to? expire or be extended again on November 8.

It is a touchy situation because I know many people, myself included, have been looking forward to Bayonetta 3 since we first got wind of its existence at The Game Awards in 2017.  I know a lot of people are going to feel for?? Ms. Taylor and reject the idea her voice is worth so little but still buy the game anyway.  It's possible that PlatinumGames will offer a more con?crete response on the matter than a single tweet.  I don't think I'm in a position to tell you what you should or shouldn't do with your money.  Go with what your heart is telling you in this situation.

Whatever people choose to do when Bayonetta 3 releases later this month, it's not difficult to see that a fundamental c??hange in attitude is needed with how actors are treated when lending their talents to a video game or anime or anything of the sort.  Video games are a $100 billio??n industry and are the primary form of entertainment for huge swaths of the population.  As games become bigger, bolder, and more profitable, it's important that everyone contributing to their development is compensated in a just and fair manner.

The post Bayonetta voice actress Hellena Taylor details ‘insulting’ offer to reprise her role in Bayonetta 3 appeared first on Destructoid.

Studio still set on producing live service titles

PlatinumGames has finally broken its silence on the uncomfortable and shocking collapse of its ambitious fantasy adventure, Babylon's Fall. Speaking in an interview with VGC, PlatinumGames CEO Atsushi Inaba noted that he was "extremely s?orry" for any frustration or disappointment felt by the gaming community.

Speaking semi-candidly, Inaba said that he was not in a position to discuss the title's development or marketing strategies in any detail, due to the studio's commitment to its publishers. But, reading between the lines, Inaba expresses a sense of regret that Platinum was confined only to the development of Babylon's Fall itself, which would suggest he? would've liked the team to take a stronger role in its release.

"Firstly, the important thing that I want to note is that we’re not able to comment on certain areas of games developed with our partners,�said Inaba. “And that’s one of the reasons we’re not fond of our current situation that only limits us to game development, to be honest with you�in terms of?? any concrete reasons or the process that led to this conclusion of the title, you’d have to go ahead and ask Square Enix about the details, unfortunately."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ZktpmoGrg

Inaba did, however, openly apologize to anyone who might have been expecting a better fate for the title, as well as to PlatinumGames fans who might feel that the title was below the expectations of a product coming from the studio behind mega-hits such as Bayonetta and NieR: Automata.

"Any disappointment that we might have caused for our fan base is something we feel extremely sorry about, the fact that we led our dedicated fans to feel that way as a developer. Providing an?y sentiment other than enjoyment and fun in our creations to players is something that we’re not very happy about at all as a developer."

Following a lengthy and expensive development cycle, Babylon's Fall was released in February of this year with the intent of becoming a long-life "games as a service" title. Unfortunately, the player base collapsed almost instantly, with one particular day in the game's launch month seeing only 10 concurrent players on Steam. Despite PlatinumGames' desire to hold the line and see the project through, Babylon's Fall never recovered from its disastrous opening salvo. Last month, it was announced? that Babylon's Fall servers will permanently close on February 28, 2023.

PlatinumGames has stated it still wishes to continue exploring the games as a serv??ice model.

Platinum CEO breaks silence on Babylon’s Fall closure: ‘We’re extremely ?sorry?�/a> [VGC]

The post PlatinumGames CEO ‘extremely sorry’ for Babylon’s Fall closure appeared first on Destructoid.

It's fun 2B fashionably late

NieR: Automata was first released in 2017, just close enough to the Switch launch date that it could have helped define the console's larger identity. It's definitely a "Style over Horsepower" game, and did little to tax the hardware of the now last-gen PS4. It's also developed by PlatinumGames, who've done a lot to build their audience on Nintendo consoles in recent years. Between The Wonderful 101, the full Bayonetta franchise, and Astral Chain, the Switch is where the bulk of their character action games live now. That's another reason why it's felt a little weird to see NieR: Automata on every major platform but Switch for all these years, but then again, weird has always been Nier's thing.

Now the game is finally headed to Switch on October 4, 2022, and I'm happy to report it's been made slightly more strange along? the way.

Before we get into all that, let's do a quick recap of some of what makes NieR: Automata different. You might not already know, because people really don't like explaining this game. Even talking about how it plays may spoil some of it, because many of its mechanics are tied directly to its story. But it's safe to tell you upfront that Automata is more "arcade-y" than?? most character action games. It even starts off with a traditional shmup-style sequence, setting the sta??ge for a massive amount of mechanical death to follow.

After that opener, the action largely sticks to t?he third-person melee-and-guns action that fans of the genre have come to expect. The only initial clue that there's more going on here comes from a short warning. Ironically enough, the game doesn't "automatically" save, so ??you can't turn it off anytime you want without killing your progress.

Again, there are story reasons for that. Like Undertale and Chrono Trigger, NieR: Automata is meant to be played through again and again for different endings, so when and where you save counts in a big way. After you see them all, these endings all work to sort of explain why 2B (the Hamlet-inspired star of the game) is fighting against an army of trash-can-looking ro?bots named after guys like Karl Marx?? and Soren Kierkegaard.

The fact that so many of those last-gen, occasionally pitiably automatons look alike probably helps NieR: Automata to run so well on Switch. There just isn't a lot going on here to cause the current-gen hardware to chug. I didn't notice any new slowdown or frame rate d?rops? when playing the game in handheld or docked mode. Load times were also a non-issue.

I was surprised to see that my only problem with the visuals of this Switch port came fro?m how loyal it is to the source material. Like in the original version of the game, the camera sometimes zooms way out and 2B gets really small on-screen. That was fine on a big TV, but on the original Switch, it can be hard to keep track of her.

Having the camera switch to a side view, a landscape view, or a top-down angle is yet another way that the gameplay relates to the underlying narrative themes. Taking "multiple perspectives" is a big part of what series creator Yoko Taro wants players to do with all the Nier games. But for?? handheld players,? that might mean getting your girl lost in a hail of purple bullets and rusty, rotted-out androids.

As for additional content, the game comes with the previously released Automata DLC, some exclusive skins, and also optional motion controls. I didn't see that last one coming. The character action community historically hates motion controls. Back in the Wii days, fans of the genre almost lobbied immediately to have traditional control options added to the No More Heroes and MadWorld franchises, and they succeeded on both fronts. Nintendo even made motion controls optional in its Switch re-release of Skyward Sword, a game designed from the ground up for them.

So it's fitting that NieR: Automata on Switch flies in the face of conv??ention yet a??gain by jamming motion controls into the game just for the heck of it.

At least, it might be just for the heck of it. After testing them out and seeing that they work fine (if you don't care about a touch of input lag), I went back to button presses right away, but I wouldn't at all be surprised if there is a new Switch-exclusive "waggle only" ending hiding away in there somewhere. Given Yoko Taro's i?nterest in making an adult video?? someday, we can guess how that might turn out.

All in all, there aren't a lot of reasons to double-dip on NieR: Automata for Nintendo Switch, but the motion controls are a cute novelty, and having the option to get some of those extra endings while you're on the go (or in the bathroom) in handheld mode is always a go?od thing.

As a slightly obsessive Platinum fan, it will be fun for me to see Automata's icon lined up alongside the full Bayonetta trilogy? on my Switch dashboard by the end of Octobe?r.

The post NieR: Automata on Switch ought to have come earlier but it’s nearly perfect appeared first on Destructoid.

2B getting a lil' foxy

We are just a few weeks out from the Nintendo Switch port of the exciting and highly melodramatic NieR: Automata. Publisher Square Enix has released a new trailer showing? off the Plati??numGames-produced action-adventure, also taking the time to spotlight some exclusive new DLC content.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiWGORJRNr0&t

The Switch port, titled NieR: Automata �End of YORHA Edition, will already feature all of the post-release skins, gear, and other additional items featured in its PlayStation, PC, and Xbox brethren, but will also include the all-new "6C2P4A118680823" DLC pack, which will include new character costumes for protagonists 2B, 9S, and A2, as well as new looks for their respective pods. The DLC includes outfits based on the recent remake NieR: Replicant, as well as some traditional Japane??se ?garb, including samurai and kunoichi gear, complete with fox masks.

NieR: Automata first launched on PS4 back in 2017 and has slowly gathered a larger and larger audience in the ensuing years. The dizzying hack 'n' slash title tells the story of a war between mankind and the machines, and the fates of the sentient androids that are placed right in the center of the interplanetary conflict. NieR: Automata has won praise for its bleak, dystopian world, dramatic storytelling, smart enemy design, and its unforgettable protagonist, 2B, who has fast become a gaming icon. And with the release The End of YORHA Edition no doubt bri??ng further ac??olytes are to be brought into the fold.

NieR: Automata �End of YORHA Edition launches October 6 on Nintendo Switch.

The post NieR: Automata Switch port shows off some exc?lusive DLC content appeared first on Destructoid.

Remember the Robots

Square Enix has released a new trailer for its upcoming Nintendo Switch port of NieR: Automata. The preview focuses on evocative protagonist 2B, the NieR hero who would become a legendary gaming icon.

2B �or to offer her full moniker YoRHa No.2 Type B �is a YoRHa all-purpose battle android created to aid humanity in its war with The Machines. Adept in all manner of fighting abilities and coded to operate with cold and ruthless efficiency, 2B is one of mankind's finest tools in its efforts to reclaim the planet. As NieR fans will be fully aware, however, there is more than 2B than mee??ts the eye, and her single-minded coldness will be put to the test on the battlefield when faced with the chaos, disaster, an??d "death" of her equally disposable friends and colleagues.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqHMMLn00ts

While NieR: Automata launched as something of a cult release, PlatinumGames challenging action-RPG would find itself pushed into the mainstream, thanks in no small part to 2B's elegant, engaging, and undeniably sexy demeanor. Operating as both the heart and the brain of NieR: Automata's narrative 2B �alongside her battle buddies 9S, ?A2, and not forgetting Pod �offer the only real semblance of actual humanity in a bleak, miserable, and seemingly endless war of attrition.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition was first announced during June's Nintendo Direct. The port will feature a faithfully recreated adaptation of the 2017 modern classic, bundled with all of the RPG's post-release content which includes additional missions and char??acter costumes. In addition to this DLC, the Switch port will feature a small range of e?xclusive skins for the trio of protagonists.

NieR: Automata: End of YorHa Edition launches October 6 on Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders for the physical release are now live at the official Square Enix store.

The post NieR: Automata Switc??h trailer reacquaints us? with the iconic 2B appeared first on Destructoid.

Struggling fantasy RPG will sally forth

In a new interview with the game's own publisher, Square Enix, directors Kenji Saito and Takahisa Sugiyama have admitted to feeling dismayed at the reception to their epic fantasy RPG Babylon's Fall, bu??t remain committed to producing new content and in-game updates for the live service title.

Launching in March 2022 following a lengthy development cycle, Babylon's Fall found itself swiftly subdued due to poor critical reception and a busy month of top-tier game releases. In a standout, (and heavily publicized moment), the Steam player base for the RPG reportedly fell from a meager 1,000 players to just one single player in early May.

Addressing the less-than-stellar launch in the new interview, Saito and Sugiyama expressed their intention to continue building upon Babylon's Fall's launch build, and have already rolled out several patches and updates to tweak visual, technical, and gameplay-based issues. According to the duo, Babylon's Fall today has "twice as much con??tent" as it did at launch, and the team will continue to roll out new weaponry, quests, and challenges as the year progresses.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ZktpmoGrg

"There are still many areas we have not done enough with yet, and many aspects that will be hard to change unless we focus our efforts,? so I feel there is a great deal of room left for us to meet player expectations as we diligently continue to develop and improve the game," notes Sugiyama.

“For all the issues that?? are brought to our attention, we have strived to carry out as many emergency fixes and improvements as possible and get them out as early as possible. We do understand that these measures are still far from enough and will continue to push on with further fixes and improvements alongside all the new content we will be releasing going forward."

While many online titles that stumbled out of the gate would go on to perform incredible comebacks (the best example perhaps being Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege), Babylon's Fall is undeniably in trouble. For a game that was designed as a long-term live-service title, the situation is looking bleak. Bleaker even than Square Enix's other foray into live service, Marvel's Avengers, an e??qually epic project which today limps on weakly from month to mon??th.

The post Babylon’s Fall updates are in development, despite ongoing player base woes appeared first on Destructoid.

It's a good day to be a fan of fantasy

If you are a PlayStation player who is yet to check out the regal splendor and violent conflict of Babylon's Fall, then today will provide you a distinct opportunity, as a new demo for Square E?nix and PlatinumGames' incoming action-RPG is now available to download on PS4 and PS5.

The demo, (bravely launching alongside the similarly-themed FromSoft release, Elden Ring), will let players check out the opening sections of the adventure at their leisure. Support is offered for one-to-four players, and online cross-play will be enabled, so you can check it out with your fellow PlayStation pals. The demo is the widest trial for Babylon's Fall to date, and follows several closed beta periods.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UdjHVUDPno

To help you find your feet in the challenging tower of Ziggeraut, Square Enix released a new trailer looking at Babylon's Fall's unique combat system, which sees players adapt their arsenal and abilities as they lay waste to a slew of opponents. The "Gideon's Coffin" �the dramatically titled tools of chaos �can be adapted to new elements, effects, and skills? as the player progresses, with synergy allowing for not only smart weaponry as an individual warrior, but also a precisely tuned team, or "Sentinel Force."

The demo and combat trailer are part of a bigger week of news for the Babylon's Fall brand, as it was also announced earlier this week that the game would be crossing over with Square Enix' own dystopian series NieR: Automata. As noted by our own Eric van Allen, this crossover event will see Babylon's Fall's first season introduce enemies, dungeons, and cosmetic items inspired by the adventures of 2B and her robo-pals. The event will offer a superstar way for Babylon's Fall to find its feet in the early going.

Babylon's Fall launches on ?PlayStation and PC platforms March 3. Players who pre-order the Digit?al Deluxe Edition will be able to access the game a few days early on February 28.

The post Climb the terror towers of Babylon’s Fall in today’s PlayStation demo appeared first on Destructoid.

No BayoNFTta anytime soon

PlatinumGames head honchos Atsushi Inaba and Hideki Kamiya have slammed the NFT trend, criticizing the controversial blockchain technology for having "no positive impact for creators." The duo's opinion was stated, in no uncertain terms, in an interview with gaming outlet VGC.

"I understand it's a hot topic right now and it's really starting to gain momentum," said PlatinumGames ?CEO Inaba, "but the way that it's gained momentum has been focused on profitability for the company, but with no positive impact on the creators ??or the users in any sense. So that's frustrating to see happening.

"[The] conversation??s seem extremely one-si?ded. 'Hey, you're going to make money!' But how does it benefit the user or the creator? If I want to spend my time on something, I want it to benefit making good games."

Former Capcom producer Kamiya was equally unenthused with the NFT trend, candidly calling out studios such as Konami for hopping on the ultra-fragil?e cash-carrying b?andwagon.

"If it smells like money," note??d the Bayonetta creator "Konami's going to be there in a heartbeat!"

As a major studio, PlatinumGames are somewhat in the minority when it comes to opposing NFT technology. Companies such as Ubisoft, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, Team17, and even some independent developers were quick in their efforts to get on the "bottom rung" of the NFT ladder. While some of the aforementioned studios performed embarrassing about-turns in the face of public derision, others have doubled down, convinced that it's simply the public's fault for not getting with the program.

//www.tiktok.com/@destructoid/video/706870250080680679?0

Alongside the hot button topic of NFTs, Inaba and Kamiya also commented on the upcoming Bayonetta 3,  as well as Platinum's recently released shmup Sol Cresta, the canceled Scalebound, and the studio's overall legacy within the action genre. You can check out the full interview over on VGC.

The post PlatinumGames label NFT trend ‘frustrating’ with ‘no positive impact’ appeared first on Destructoid.

A focus on creating games that "can be enjoyed and loved for a longer period of time"

PlatinumGames has a few different projects in the pipeline right now, ranging from the soon-to-launch Sol Cresta to games like Project G.G. In a new interview, CEO Atsushi I??naba discusses some of his goals for the future, and what the studio is aiming to do with forthcoming games.

In the Famitsu interview, translated by VGC, Inaba discusses their future goals when talking about the mysterious Project G.G. The in-development game is still a bit of a mystery, but Inaba does discuss future game production.

"Project G.G. is still in the stage of test??ing various things, so I can’t tell you much about it, but when it comes to future game production, we want to focus on creating games that are different from the past. I would like to focus on creating games that can be enjoyed and loved for a longer period of time."

What exactly that means has been up to interpretation. Inaba goes on to say that projects they create will be "different in terms of their structure," drawing comparisons to the design of Sol Cresta and Bayonetta.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6inZzkZmiI

The "longer period of time" part has raised some concern about live service games, but it sounds like it could also be generally referring to Platinum exploring new ideas. While the studio would like to still "cherish and create" games like Sol Cresta or Bayonetta, with aspects like one-off, we??ll-designed stages in ??the latter, future games will try to be different in terms of structure.

The gist from the interview seems to be that PlatinumGames is looking at ways it can adapt ?to a changing market.

"However, the projects that we are trying to create for the future will be different in terms of their structure. Considering the changes in the market over the next five years or so, I think it is absolutely necess??ary for us to do this. I’m sorry for being so vague, but I think that’s all I can tell yo??u right now."

What that means in terms of the actual games, we'll see as Platinum continues to roll out more projects. Sol Cresta is set for Feb. 22, while Bayonetta 3 is also locked for 2022.

The post PlatinumGames CEO? wants to focus on creating games different ?from the past appeared first on Destructoid.

Pre-orders blast off tomorrow

Later this month, shmup fans will finally be able to take flight in PlatinumGames' interstellar sequel Sol Cresta. The April Fools' joke turned real release will launch on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch on February 22. However, in new news released this morning, Limited Run Games has announced that it will be giving Sol Cresta its typical hard copy treatment.

Eager collectors will be able to pick up a standard boxed copy of Sol Cresta on PS4 or Nintendo Switch (price TBA) or, can go all-in on a special Limited Collector's Edition. This edition, which will retail for a princely $120 USD, includes a boxed copy of Sol Cresta on PS4 or Switch, an enamel pin, a selection of art cards, two medals, a dinky metallic model of the ship, a mini arcade cabinet, and a double-disc soundtrack CD, as composed by Streets of Rage veteran Yuzo Koshiro.

Pre-orders launch tomorrow, February 4, exclusively on the Limited Run Games store. Orders will then close on March 20. So you have a g?ood 5-6 weeks window to sign up for this?? mission.

Sol Cresta, the sequel to classic '80s arcade releases Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta, will see a return to exciting vertically scrolling shmup gameplay and docking mechanics of its predecessors, revitalized with PlatinumGames' typically dazzl?ing approach to action-packed, bullet-pumping gameplay. From earlier trailers, the new title is already looking like something of a gem, so here's hoping it finds its audience in February's stacked schedule of releases.

Sol Cresta launches digital??ly on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch February 22, priced at $39.9??9.

The post PlatinumGames’ Sol Cresta is getting a Limited Run Games release appeared first on Destructoid.

Good luck to the lil' guy

Following on from numerous development and announcement delays, PlatinumGames has finally revealed a release date for its April Fools' Day joke turned Real Deal, Sol Cresta �/em> The retro-inspired space shmup will launch o??n PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch February 22, priced at $39.9?9.

From recent trailers �as well as the above preview �em> Sol Cresta looks a lot of fun. It's always neat to see franc??hises from the formative y?ears of gaming make their grand return to the big stage. Here's hoping that it will scratch that trigger-pumping itch when it arrives on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam) come February.

The post Sol Cresta joins February’s stacked schedule of releases appeared first on Destructoid.

Sparkly shmup finally getting dated

[Update: The previously canceled live stream has been officially rescheduled, and will now take place on Saturday, January 22 at 19:00 PT / 22:00 ET. The stream will reveal Sol Cresta's release date, and will include a "real-time viewer giveaway. You can watch it on the official PlatinumGames YouTube.]

Here's a curiosity. PlatinumGames has announced that it will be holding a forum to discuss and decide the new release date for the recently delayed shmup, Sol Cresta. Nothing odd about that. The weird part is that the developer will apparently live stream the meeting on Twitch on January 7, turning it into ??something of a pseudo-public presentation.

Sol Cresta �a great-looking shmup that began life as an April Fool's Day joke, before evolving into a real project �was supposed to launch in December 2021, but was pushed back for non-descript reasons. It's probably safe to assume that the retro sequel is now ready to rock, and tomorrow's stream will finally confirm Sol Cresta's official release date. For realsies this time. You can check out the lates??t trailer below, it genuinely l??ooks like a pretty rad blaster.

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

In attendance will be Sol Cresta designer Hideki Kamiya, producer Takahito Washisaka, director Takanori Sato, and interface designer Rui Onishi. Alongside the discussions pertaining to the title's launch date, the stream will also feature giveaways and gameplay reveals. One can assume that this live stream will be entirely in Japanese, naturally, but don't fret, as we'll be sure to bring you all the pertinent information once announced. They have to already know the Sol Cresta release date, right? There's gotta be too much?? red tape to check out before you can officially ??reveal it to the public.

Sol Cresta will ??launch in 2022, worldwide, on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $40 USD.

The post (Update)?? PlatinumGames holding forum to decide Sol Cresta date appeared first on Destructoid.

Former Capcom legend to helm Bayonetta studio

Japanese developer PlatinumGames has announced the appointment of a new company CEO, Atsushi Inaba. Inaba will take the mantle from Kenichi Sato, who stepped down from the role after serving as the stu??dio's President ?and CEO for almost six years.

Atsushi Inaba has, in essence, been with PlatinumGames since its inception. Inaba first broke into the industry working with stalwart companies such as Irem and SNK, before finally getting his big break with Capcom in 1998. In this role, Inaba would produce titles in the Devil May Cry, Ace Attorney, and Steel Battalion series, while also being a key figure in the development of cult-favorite Okami.

Inaba would leave Capcom in 2006 to form his own studio, SEEDS, a company that would eventually merge with ODD to form what we know today as PlatinumGames. Since the founding of the studio, Inaba has worked within Platinum as both hea??d producer and Vice President, but is now taking his turn as the figurative head of the table. This is something of an inevitable role for the industry veteran.

Inaba has set out his mandate in an open letter to PlatinumGames' employees and fans. The letter, which you can read right here, expresses Inaba's desire for Platinum products to focus on variety, unique experiences, quality, and fun �produced with passion and delivered with sincerity. Given PlatinumGames' popularity, it is someth??ing of a heavy burden to carry the responsibility of the company, and it will be interesting to see how Inaba adapts to his new role in the modern generation of gaming.

The post PlatinumGames appoints new President and ?CEO Atsushi Inaba appeared first on Destructoid.

No Foolin'

PlatinumGames' flashy shmup Sol Cresta has been officially delayed to an unknown future date, and will no longer meet its originally stated release window of December 2021. Director Hideki Kamiya announced the delay on a "Very Sorry" live stream presentation held last night.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ehlJBEk1m0

Sol Cresta, the sequel to 1980s arcade classics Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta, began life as a mere April Fools' Day joke back in the spring of 2020. However, following fans' appreciation of the title's potential, the vertically scrolling shmup sequel was eventually confirmed as an official, upcoming PlatinumGames release �with the studio having released several flashy trailers of the old-school/nu-school t??itle in action in recent months.

The new sequel will see the mighty Yamato space vessel take to the skies once again, battling against the forces of Mega Zohar as it procedurally swallows up entire? regions of the galaxy. With humanity currently hidden away on planet Neptune, and the threat of galactic civilization under threat, it will be the duty of the Yamato and its pilot to make one last assault on the Mega Zohar forces, lest the last flicker of mankind is snuffed o??ut like a candle.

We'll be sure to let you know when the new release date is announced. The title already looks very cool and should definitely prove worth the wait. Sol Cresta is currently in de??velopment for PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

The post Inevitably, Sol Cresta h?as been delayed to an unknown da??te appeared first on Destructoid.

I already forgive him

A mysterious live stream has popped up on the PlatinumGames YouTube, which seems to imply that bad boy auteur Hideki Kamiya will be mak??ing an appearance to apologi?ze. Apologize for what? Well, I'm not actually sure.

The "Hideki Kamiya's Very Sorry Stream" �as spotted by VGC's Andy Robinson �is scheduled to take place tomorrow, November 2, and seems to be pertaining to Sol Cresta �the April Fools' Day joke turned awesome-looking shmup. Perhaps the star fighting space blaster is set to join the long, long, looooong list of video game releases that have seen their launch date pushed back into 2022. Obviously, this delay is purely speculation on my part, but here's hoping that it isn't a full cancellation, what we've seen of Sol Cresta so far has been excellent. I'm sure it won't be.

The Very Sorry Stream will kick off at 20:00 PT / 23:00 ET / 04:00 BST and can be watched over on YouTube or at the embed below. We will be sure to keep you up to date on Kamiya's apology and any relevant news. I'm sure this will be a mere delay for Sol Cresta but �for lulz �why not frighten a Bayonetta fan by suggesting a Bayonetta 3 cancellation?

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ehlJBEk1m0

The post Hideki Kamiya will be ‘Very Sorry’ on November 2 live stream appeared first on Destructoid.

Android activists lower defenses

It seems that Square Enix has removed the controversial Denuvo DRM measures from its PC edition of NieR Replicant. A new listing on the Steamdb App History suggests that the anti-piracy s?oftware?? was disabled yesterday, around six months on from the title's release.

The controversial Denuvo software is an industry-standard anti-tamper measure, that operates live during the playing of a video game to prevent hackers from gaining access to the title's source code and other integral elements. However, the security measure is frequently the source of chagrin from players, and has been known to adversely affect the performance of video games. Arkane Studios' recent shooter Deathloop has had some of its stumbles blamed on Denuvo, while tech-heads also found direct links to Denuvo and performance issues within the PC port of Capcom's Resident Evil Village.

The removal of Denuvo in NieR Replicant has been a quiet affair, and was only spotted thanks to a savvy Resetera user. The DRM tweak follows a major June update that saw ??the PC port boosted to 60 FPS �two patches that should produce a little more stability and smoothness in the enhanced RPG release. Given the industry's und?erstandable concern about piracy, DRM is unlikely to vanish from major Steam titles anytime soon, but hopefully, a less resource-hungry alternative can be found in the very near future.

NieR Replicant is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One. You can check out Chris Carter's review right here.

The post NieR Replicant PC port has had its Denuvo DRM ?removed appeared first on Destructoid.

Developer shares feedback from previous trials

Square Enix and PlatinumGames have announced a third closed beta for its incoming epic Babylon's Fall. The new tr??ial for the action RPG will take place worldwide on the weekend of November 15-17, offering testers a new opportunity to take up the arms of Gideon Coffin and, once again, attempt to summit the dominating, insurmountable Tower of Babylon.

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

The third beta will add PS5 to the mix, alongside initial tests for cross-platform gameplay, allowing Sentinel Force members on both PlayStation and PC platforms to team up for six challenging quests. All players from the previous two betas are automatically signed up for the third outing, and a squad of new players will also receive notification around one week before the beta's test period. If you want to be considered for the trial, on PC or PlayStation, then there is still time to sign up over on the official website.

In addition to announcing the third beta period, PlatinumGames announced that it will hold a special video showcase to discuss all of its findings from each of the Babylon's Fall betas, with attention paid to player feedback regarding control, visual clarity, movement, mapping, and more. Each beta has already seen changes effected to this end, with further tweaks and redesigns planned before the title's eventual release. An official Babylon's Fall Discord server will also open in the near future, offering an open forum for players to offer thei?r thoughts and opinions on the epic title?'s development.

For full details on the third beta, as well as all changes implemented thus far, visit the official blog.

Babylon's Fall is currently in development for PlayStation and PC?? p??latforms. It is expected to launch in 2022.

The post Babylon’s Fall will have a third closed beta in November appeared first on Destructoid.

Feedback received from previous beta period

It's time to get your fighting fantasy kick on once more, as publisher Square Enix has announced a new run of dates for the Babylon's Fall closed beta. Developer PlatinumGames has released an in-depth feedback report, packed out with info pertaining to the player base's experien??ce to date, along with the studio's plans to improve various aspects of the multiplayer?? adventure.

Among a huge laundry list of thoughts and responses, perhaps one of the most interesting is that players did not find Babylon's Fall's gameplay to be particularly exciting, with a deliberate pace that some players felt makes the title slow and lacking in exhilaration. To this end, PlatinumGames is looking to revise the animation of Ba??bylon's ?Fall characters, hoping to make combat a speedy and more engaging affair.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRX3EqCyB1c

Additionally, while Babylon's Fall takes great pride in its unique "painted" aesthetic, it seems that a lot of players have complained that they found the naturally stylized nature of the world impeded visual clarity and was a source of frustration. Platinum has suggested that it will attempt to find a compromise, making the visual action clearer and easy-to-follow while simultaneously maintaining Babylon's Fall's distinct identity and aesthetic.

These are just two examples from a huge host of features that PlatinumGames is hoping to adjust. Other topics covered by the report include server waiting times, U.I. bugs, character controls, and more. You can read the full report right here.

In regards to Phase 2 of the Babylon's Fall closed beta, the servers will reopen in Japan on September 10 (19:30-22:00 JST), North America on September 11 (19:30-22:00 PT / 22:30-01:00 ET) and Europe September 13 (19:30-22:00 BST). As for the full game, Babylon's Fall is currently in devel??opment f?or PlayStation and PC platforms and is yet to receive a release date.

The post Babylon’s Fall dates second closed beta for mid-September appeared first on Destructoid.

Hideki Kamiya DLC also on the way

It might have started off as a goofy April Fool's Day prank, but that's long behind us. PlatinumGames' interstellar shmup Sol Cresta is?? almost ready for lift-off, and will take flight against battalions of enemies on PC and ?consoles December 9.

A sequel to 1980's coin-op Moon Cresta and its 1985 follow-up, Terra Cresta, Sol Cresta will f??eature the rapid-fire action and cool docking and ship adaptation mechanics of those releases, brought screaming up to date thanks to PlatinumGames' eye for fantastic game design and deep, engaging action. Pilot the famous "Yamato" vessel as it fights a hopelessly one-sided war against wave after wave of deep space terrors. Pew. Pew.

In addition to the release date, PlatinumGames also announced that a DLC expansion is already in development for Sol Cresta, featuring a fully voiced story scenario penned by the legendary Hideki Kamiya of Resident Evil and Devil May Cry fame. Further details regarding the DLC will be released at a later date. In the meantime, you can check out a chunky seven-minute gameplay video below, courtesy of Gematsu.

Sol Cresta launches on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch Dec??ember 9, priced at around $40.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0kkN0cNjHE

The post PlatinumGames ‘joke’ Sol Cresta will take flight in December, and it’s lookin’ great appeared first on Destructoid.

World of Demons, Sol Cresta, and Wonderful 101

PlatinumGames has announced that it will be holding its own super-duper live stream presentation this coming weekend. The PlatinumGames Super Summer Festival will see the beloved studio offer up fresh news and footage of three of the Japanese developer's releases: World of Demons, Sol Cresta, and The Wonderful 101: Remastered.

The live stream will be available in Japanese and English and will feature new updates on the above titles, as well as various chatter with a huge panel of PlatinumGames producers, artists, and composers. There is no mention of any big surprises or major reveals, only updates for Platinum's current crop of titles.. so perhaps keep your Bayonetta 3 hype in check for ??now. I think we'd be more likely to see that on a bigger, mo?re international platform.

The Super Summer Festival kicks off on PlatinumGames YouTube channel Friday, August 27 at 20:00 PT?? / 23:00 ET.

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

The post PlatinumGames Super Summer Festival live stre??am scheduled for August 28 appeared first on Destructoid.

Preparing to pew-pew

PlatinumGames has dropped a new gameplay video for its April Fools Joke turned real revival Sol Cresta, which is currently in development for PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch with an expected release date of late 2021. The new preview spotlights some of the new game's docking mechanics, a core component of the Cresta shmup series.

As with the original 1980 coin-op Moon Cresta and its 1985 sequel, Terra Cresta, Sol Cresta will see players take to the stars to battle waves of enemies and devast?ating boss?? characters. As demonstrated in the video below, the Yamato space vessel can dock with various components in order to unlock new weapons and abilities �known as "Formations."

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

The Yamato's original unit, "Amaterasu," offers three-way laser firepower, while the second unit, "Tsukuyomi," carries a powerful homing missile cannon. The third unit, "Susano," offers access to powerful drill abilities, including the wave-flattening Drill Shot. By mix and matching the three units, players can efficiently manage the Yamato's weapon systems to best fit the current battle. Each combination also comes loaded for bear with its own distinct offensive and defensive capabilities, so master the Formation system and lay wa?ste to th?e deadly Mega Zohar army.

If anybody had told me that Moon Cresta would be getting a brand new sequel in 2021, there's no way I would have believed them. Then again, we actually weren't supposed to �it was a joke after all. But I can't deny that I'm pretty happy that this silly joke is becoming a reality. These recent trailers are doing a grea??t job of getting me excited for launc??h day.

The post Sol Cresta might’ve started as a joke, but right now it’s looking pretty tubular appeared first on Destructoid.

Do y'all still care about this one?

Remember Babylon's Fall? Well, we remember the murmuring for several years, but after the E3 reveal, some folks have tried to forget it. While the idea of co-op action from Platinum sounds fun on paper, the art style is one of the weirdest aesthetics from the studio yet. Well, you'll get to try it out for yourself soon enough via a Babylon's Fall beta.

A Babylon's Fall beta period will begin soon, and will "gradually unlock additional content as the company moves into subsequent phases. According to Platinum the first closed beta, dubbed "phase one," will focus on "fundamental aspects of an online game," including the actual client installation, registration, and operational server stress tests. The signup page, though past the deadline, sheds some more light on what's afoot and what you'll need to participate. The studio will be collecting feedback on the official "Hanging Garden" forums? located here, just in case you're interested in taking part.

The whole reveal was one of the strangest trailers in recent memory, as it doesn't like Platinum at all, and the looming threat of live service elements is scary. If it was just one of the aforementioned e??lements afoot, it would be an easier pill to swallo??w. Instead, I'm worried from both the perspective of Platinum and Square Enix. The beta will clue us into how good the action is, though, which is a start.

The post Babylon’s Fall will be kicking off its closed beta soon appeared first on Destructoid.