The streets of Kamurocho are about to get messy

During this morning's RGG Studio live stream presentation, the developer released a teaser trailer confirming the arrival of Like a Dragon 8, the newest entry in the legendary Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise. The new sequel will arrive in 2024 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

The new sequel ??will feature both Kazuma Kiryu a?nd Ichiban Kasuga in a dual protagonist role. The former is sporting a new "silver fox" hairstyle, which RGG Studio insists will be explained in the new game's storyline, as will the snakeskin-shoed hero's reason for returning to the mean streets of Kamurocho.

Gameplay style was not discussed, outside of referring to Like a Dragon 8 as an "RPG." The new title will be the largest scale Yakuza/Like a Dragon title to date. It will be available on previous-gen consoles, including PS4 and Xbox One. Also revealed during the showcase were a release date for Like a Dragon: Ishin and new side-story adventure Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJhqN7R_oAg

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Bah gawd, that's the PlayStation boot music

Sony is joining the list of ??publishers rolling out a showcase this week. A new State of Play is set to air tomorrow, September 13, with ?updates on all things PlayStation.

Announced just 24 hours ahead of its air time, the Sony State of Play will go live at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Sony's Twitch and YouTube channels.

In its announcement, S??ony notes that the Tokyo Game Show is just around the corner. For the State of Play, Sony says to expect some updates from its Japanese partners, along with a "few other surprises" from developers around the world.

The show is expected to come in at about 20 minutes of reveals, new update?s, and gameplay for 10 games. Platform-wise, Sony identifies the PlayStation 5, PS4, and PlayStation VR 2.

//twitter.com/PlayStation/status/15?69445831614369793

The week to come in showcase streams

This puts Sony at the opposite end of tomorrow's news cycle from Nintendo, which is hosting its September Nintendo Direct at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET.

In the week ahead, several more publishers and developers are planning streams for the Tokyo Game Show 2022. Square Enix, Cap?com, Ko??nami, Bandai Namco, and more will all host streams throughout the week.

As for what Sony still has to show, there are several games in its own studio pipeline. God of War Ragnarok is currently aiming for its launch in November, while ot??her projects like Insomniac's Marvel games are f??urther down the line.

Japanese partners could cover a broad swath as well. Square Enix has made several State of Play appearances, as has Capcom. With just about 20 minutes set for this Sony State of Play, across 10, it ??will probably be a pretty fast and to??-the-point show.

We?'ll see what Sony has in store for?? its September State of Play tomorrow, at 6:00 p.m. ET.

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They all float down here

Retro-loving publisher City Connection has announced that it is to publish a newly developed remake of obscure arcade release Psychic 5. As reported by Gematsu, Psychic 5 Eternal is currently in development for Nintendo Switch and will be playable during this week's Tokyo Game Show festivities.

Originally developed by NMK and released to Japanese arcades in 1987, Psychic 5 sees a party of cute anime characters navigate a maze filled with hazards a?nd perils, en route to a showdown with the nefarious Demon King. While all five characters have their own playstyle, gameplay places heavy emphasis on the smart control of incredibly "floaty" jumps, which require the player to glide their chosen hero around the various traps and obstacles that stand in their way.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZEVd5Q2sQk&t

The odd little adventure would not receive a home port and was rarely seen outside its native Japan, but has garnered a devoted fanbase in modern times, with fans attracted to its tricky gameplay and fun aesthetic. Psychic 5 Eternal �developed by CRT Games �will sport improved visuals, a new widescreen option, co-op two-playe?r action, and a fully rescored soundtrack, handled by the original composer, Shinichi Sakamoto. Players will be able to switch between the remastered and original versions of the game on a whim.

Psychic 5 Eternal is currently in development for Nintendo Switch. Given that it will be playable at Tokyo Game Show later this week, one would assume that an announcement of its release date should be relatively fort?hcoming.

1987 arcade game remake Ps??ychic 5 Eternal announced for Swi??tch [Gematsu]

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Unearthed Treasure

Tokyo Game Show is yet to officially get underway, but already it seems that some of its surprises are just too durn exciting to keep under wraps. According to a new leak uncovered by Gematsu, legendary shmup developer Treasure is getting set to reveal a new project under the banner of one of its best-loved IPs, Radiant Silvergun.

Gematsu found evidence of a new Radiant Silvergun title after poking around the TGS website uploaded by publisher Happinet. Alongside assets and titles pulled from over 30 franchises was a brand new logo simply depicting "Radiant Silvergun," complete with a silhouette of the game's iconic starship. Treasure, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, will apparently? be showcasing the new title at this year's TGS, which will no doubt get retro game fans and shmup aficion?ados into a suitable tizzy.

Radiant Silvergun was released in Japanese arcades in May 1998, before finding its way onto the Sega Saturn in the console's twilight years. For the longest of times, it would remain something of an urban legend among western players, available only via expensive imports and poor early-day emulation. The classy shmup would eventually be ported to Xbox 360 in 2011, which represented the title's first, readily available, global release. Today, Radiant Silvergun still stands proud, holding a de?served reputation as a genuine classic of the genre.

What form this project will take remains to be seen, but I would think a remaster or remake is more likely than a sequel. In either case, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out, as Tokyo Game Show will kick off September 15, emanating from Chiba's Makuhari Messe complex. We will bring you all of the details from Radiant Silvergun (and many other TGS?? ??exclusives) right here on Destructoid.

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Misadventures in Kamurocho

Ryu ga Gotoku Studio, perhaps better known to western audiences as Team Yakuza, has announced that it will be h??osting a new episode of production web series next week, which will feature none other than studio director himself, Masayoshi Yokoyama, who will present fans with a "sneak peek trailer."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMIrQbJ5K2E

The developer did not offer any further hint as to what the trailer will be giving us a "sneak peek" of, but the rumor mill has been turning for some time �spilling stories that a "Yakuza 8" is currently in the works at the veteran studio. With Tokyo Game Show kicking off in just a fortnight's time, now would be the perfect opportunity for a Japanese company to get the hype engine in motion for a brand new release. The stream will also feature a gallery of specially selected fan art reflecting the s??tudio's games.

The Ryu ga Gotoku Studio TV #12.5 episode will premiere on the developer's official YouTube channel Thursday, September 8, at 20:00 JST. This is, obviously, an eye-watering 02:00 PT / 05:00 ET, but fret not, as we will be sure to have all of the pertinent details on the new trailer? right here on Destuctoid, ready and waiting for you when you eventually roll outta bed and into your snakeskin shoes.

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Microsoft, HoYoverse, Square Enix and more will air streams

The 2022 Tokyo Game Show is fast approaching. Today the show released the stream schedule for this year's Tokyo Game Show, highlighting when you can watch all th??e news from major companies coming out of TGS.

We've already seen confirmation of a few in attendance, including Capcom, Xbox, and Konami. The streaming schedule, as published by Tokyo Game Show, shows just when all the announcements are happeni??ng.

Here's the lineup (all times in Japan Standard Time, or JS?T):

Thursday, September 15

• 10:00 - TGS 2022 Opening Program
• 11:00 - Keynote
• 12:00 - Gamera Games
• 13:00 - Japan Esports Union
• 15:00 - BenQ Japan
• 16:00 - Japan Game Awards 2022
• 18:00 - Microsoft
• 19:00 - Archosaur Games
• 20:00 - GREE
• 22:00 - Bandai Namco Entertainment
• 23:00 - Capcom

Friday, September 16

• 12:00 - Prime Gaming
• 16:00 - Sense of Wonder Night 2022
• 18:00 - 505 Games
• 19:00 - Koei Tecmo Games
• 20:00 - Sega / Atlus
• 21:00 - Konami
• 22:00 - Square Enix
• 00:00 - Capcom

Saturday, September 17

• 11:00 - D3Publisher
• 12:00 - Donuts Games
• 13:00 - Qookka Entertainment / Japan Game Awards 2022
• 15:00 - GungHo Online Entertainment
• 17:00 - Happinet
• 18:00 - HoYoverse
• 20:00 - fingger
• 21:00 - Level-5
• 22:00 - Aniplex
• 23:00 - ProjectMoon

Sunday, September 18

• 10:00 - Online Experience Tour / Japan Game Awards 2022
• 12:00 - Japan Electronics College
• 13:00 - Japan Game Awards 2022
• 16:00 - GungHo Online Entertainment
• 17:00  - 110 Industries
• 18:00 - Happinet
• 19:00 - TGS 2022 Ending Program

Japan Standard Time is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time, so expect these to be early in the morning for North American viewers.

It's a pretty big lineup, with some notable companies in attendance. Friday looks the most packed, with 505 Games kicking off a block that carries into Koei Tecmo, Sega and Atlus, Konami, Square Enix, and ending ?off with Capcom.

Still, I'm interested in seeing what companies like Microsoft, Bandai Namco, and Level-5 are bringing to show. And I'm also hoping for a little more of Zenless Zone Zero from HoYoverse too.

Where to watch the Tokyo Game Show 2022 streams

For 2022, Tok??yo Game Show is partnering with a few companies to provide streams for those not able t?o make the show in person.

According to a press release, IGN will be this year's streaming partner for the U.S., airing the showcases as they go on. Probably best to keep an eye on their streaming platforms for the official shows.

Program?s will also be accessible through a special TGS page on Steam. While most programs will be streamed in Japanese, streams should have simultaneous English interpretation available too.

The post Here’s the Tokyo Game Show 2022 streaming lineup appeared first on Destructoid.

A new game, eh

Konami has been playing it low-key ever since the handling of Hideo Kojima and PT set them back decades, mostly content with dropping some compilations of their golden years; or the occasional new game like Super Bomberman R. While their 2022 lineup? for the Tokyo Game Show likely won't excite anyone on paper, an ominous 2022 Konami TGS tease might.

The publisher has revealed its TGS 2022 lineup, and it sure looks like a lineup. Amid several new entries in its string of sports titles, we'll also get to see more of Super Bomberman R, as well as four Yu-Gi-Oh games, which are curren?tly helping to keep Kona??mi afloat in their games department.

But the main thing to keep an eye on (spotted by Gematsu) is a similarly low-key tease for a "new title" fr??om a "world-loved series."

When is the 2022 Konami TGS tease announcement happening?

To be clear, and I'm going to put this in neon letters (so to speak): the new Konami title announcement will take place from 15:30 to 16:15 JST on September 16. Konami has revealed that voice actor Yuki Kaji (Hope Estheim, Eren Yeager) will be present?? as a "guest."

As for th?e other games, you can find ?the full lineup below!

First party Konami 2022 TGS Lineup:

• eBASEBALL Powerful Pro Baseball 2022 (PS4, Switch) â€?Stage, Live Stream
• eFootball 2023 (PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android) â€?Stage, Playable
• esports Ginza school â€?Live Stream
• Hina Bita â€?Exhibit
• Konami Action & Shooting Game Contest â€?Stage, Live Stream
• Konaim Unannounced Title â€?Stage
• Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban! â€?Stage, Live Stream
• Shine Post: Be Your Idol! (iOS, Android) â€?Exhibit, Stage, Live Stream
• Super Bomberman R 2 (PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) â€?Stage, Live Stream, Playable
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Cross Duel (iOS, Android) â€?Stage, Live Stream, Playable
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links (iOS, Android) â€?Stage, Live Stream, Playable
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel (PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, Android) â€?Playable
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel: Dawn of the Battle Royale!! Let’s Go! Go Rush!! (Switch) â€?Playable

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LET ME IN! LET ME INNN!

Capcom has started to reveal its itinerary for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2022 event, which is scheduled to take place next month at Chiba City's Makuhari Messe complex. In addition to appearances from Resident Evil Village, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, and Exoprimal, Capcom will also be bringing a brand new build of its incoming blockbuster, Street Fighter 6.

The new build will differ from that currently being courted at Gamescom, Summer Game Fest, and VS Fighting in that it will feature playable appearances from characters Guile, Juri, and Kimberly, joining the previous demo's roster of Ryu, Luke, Chun-Li, and Jamie for a flashy roster count of seven World Warriors. This will give TGS attendees a world-first opportunity?? to check out the three new characters, something which isn't leaving yer boy seething with envy in any manner whatsoever.

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

In addition to the new Street Fighter 6 demo, Capcom will also be holding two live streams across the duration of the show. The first is the Tokyo Game Show 2022 Capcom Online Program, which will look at all of Capcom's other incoming releases, (though the publisher has confirmed Resident Evil 4 will not be in attendance at TGS 2022). The second stream, Tokyo Game Show Street Fighter 6 Special Program, will be focused purely on the new slugger, and is expe??cted to feature at least one new character reveal trailer. Exciting stuff!

Of course, for those not in attendance, LIKE ME, all of the pertinent news for Street Fighter 6 and all other tit??les being showcased at TGS will be reported right here on Destructoid. While the remainder of 2022 is looking like something of a quiet year for big releases, there's no denying that 2023 is shaping up pretty nicely, and TGS will only add fuel to that hype fire.

Tokyo Game Show 2022 will t??ake place at Makuhari Messe between September 15-18.

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Capcom wares headed to Japan's premier trade show

In a month's time, the Makuhari Messe in Chiba,?? Japan will open its doors to welcome the country's biggest annual gaming event, Tokyo Game Show (TGS). As is the style of the event, a wide variety of developers and publishers will be in attendance to spotlight their new and upcomin?g hardware and software releases to press and players.

Getting a little ahead of the game, developer Capcom has offered up a teaser of some of the titles that it will be bringing to TGS 2022. Available to play on-site will be upcoming scrapper Street Fighter 6, strategy compendium Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, recent adventure expansion Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, and Capcom's still-in-development din smasher Exoprimal, which will launch at some point in 2023.

In addition to the floor demos, Capcom has two digital presentations planned for the weekend. September 15 will see Capcom featured as part of the "Tokyo Game Show 2022 Capcom Online Program," which will feature news and updates pertaining to all of the TGS-featured games. September 16 will feature a special Street Fighter 6-centric presentation. While detail??s remain under wraps, I would not be surprised if we do not get further character and gameplay reveals for the highly anticipated sequel.

??Tokyo Game Show 2022 will take place September 15-18 in Chiba, Japan. We will be sure to report all of the hottest news and reveals from the event right here on Destructoid.

Capcom? announces partial TGS 2022 lineup, schedule [Gematsu / PR Times]

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Are you ready for the GAME CRAZE?

The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is officially set to return in full capacity later in 2022. As announced by organizers CESA, Nikkei, and Dentsu, Japan's premier industry event, which has been on hiatus for the past three years, will make its grand comeback this September, host?ing a four-day ex??travaganza for both industry folk and the gaming public.

The theme for the show will be "Nothing Stops Gaming" �referencing the fact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a steady shutdown of industr?y events across the globe, including TGS itself.

"Over these two years, various fun events disappeared from our daily life, ?but games still lightened up our days," explained CESA in a press statement. "Game??s will continue to brighten up the days of everybody now and forever �this year’s theme implies such strong determination."

In case you still haven't gotten it, the organizers have even banded together to write an actual theme song for the event, which goes as follo?ws *clears throat*

Nothing Stops Gaming

"We had to give up doing fun things one after another over these two years. How many times we thought, what happened to our days? Even then, we still had games that kept us going. Thrilling plot twists, captivating and heated experience lightened up our everyday life. Games became our hope.

2022 is the year to show the real spirit of games. Tokyo Game Show has the mission to create our hope and beyond. Update our possibilities. Unprecedented excitement is always born out of something you have never imagined.

Let’s open the gate to the forefront of games. Give courage and enthusiasm to everyone. Show your love of games to each other.

For everyone to share the 'great feeling of living in this era.' Let’s dive into the heart of game craze.

Nothing Stops Gaming!!!"

Makes you think.

TGS is just the latest in a selection of global events that are feeling optimistic about making a comeback in 2022. The San Francisco-based Game Developer Conference (GDC) and European megashow Gamescom have already announced their own "live" events for the year, though E3, typically considered the biggest games show of the entire year, may or may not be making an appearance this summer.

It should be noted that the threat of COVID-19 remains very much in existence, and continues to spread among the global ?populace. As such, some visitors might still be understandably discouraged from attending said events. It does seem, for the most part, that the industry is making a concerted effort to return to normal... or at least a "new normal."

Tokyo Game Show 2022 is scheduled for ??September 15-18. It will be hosted at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Tokyo.

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Bringing history to life... and kicking it in the balls

Arc System Works released the opening movie for its curious, even dubious new brawler River City Saga: The Three Kingdoms, which will see the classic Chinese works adapted in the cutesy, ass-kicking, Kunio-kun style. The strange new title is currently expected to launch on Nintendo Switch in December, with PS4 and PC to follo??w in the spri?ng of 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=owljs_MWN1Y

As we have previously reported, River City Saga: The Three Kingdoms will adapt the ancient Chinese fable of “Sangokushi� perhaps better known to westerners as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. River City Saga will be a stylized retelling of the warfaring tale, with familiar faces from the Kunio-kun universe stepping into the roles of its lead characters. The new title will combine narrative storytelling and deep RPG elements with the ?knock-down?, drag-out brawls that are the series' trademark. Consider it a lesson in culture... but with far more roundhouse kicks and piledrivers.

Previously released screens spotlight the retro/modern fusion that ArcSys is affording River City Saga's aesthetic �with typical 2D action and Famicom-style sprites, polished with something of a more contemporary sheen. River City Saga: Three Kingdoms is one of a number of Kunio-kun titles in the works, joining upcoming releases River City Girls Zero and 2022's River City Girls 2 as three new sluggers currently prepped for the series'? 35th anniversary celebrations.

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Updates from Square Enix, SNK, Kadokawa, and more

This past weekend saw Japan host Tokyo Game Show 2021, once again held in an online capacity as the world continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ho??lding a trade show over the weekend often means that headlines and reveals tend to fall between the cracks of major media outlets, but I thought I'd help all y'all out with this, a short selection of the news, reveals, videos, and updates that rolled out of eastern developers this past weekend.

Let's get to it. Hope you find something fun!

Tokyo Game Show 2021 recap

• Bandai Namco announces new vision, purpose, and logo for 2022?.
• Scarlet Nexus joins Xbox Game Pass and reveals upcoming DLC.
• Capcom's Monster Hunter Rise reveals upcoming collaborations with Ghouls n' Ghosts and Sonic the Hedgehog.
• Murder shmup Yurukill: The Calumination Games will launch in the west in 2022.
• WayForward's first gameplay trailer for River City Girls 2 debuts Japanese voice cast.
• Square Enix releases a new trailer for RPG Echoes of Mana.
• Nintendo Japan releases an overview trailer detailing Mario Party Superstars.
• A new trailer for Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier points to a November 2021 release date.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnbr7SG3bag

• Square Enix announces a new chapter for mobile smash hit NieR: Reincarnation.
• Koei Tecmo unveils Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream.
• Square Enix reveals fantasy dungeon crawler, Dungeon Encounters, launching October 14.
• Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires will launch in the west in February 2022.
• Classic shmup Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion is headed to PC in December.
• Koei Tecmo drops a spooky trailer for remaster Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water.
• Square Enix and Artdink release new trailer for historical Switch adventure Triangle Strategy.
• 110 Industries debuts cyber-actioner Wanted: Dead, racer Red Go Faster, and mecha fighter Vengeance is Mine.
• SNK releases the Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 to the Steam platform.
• Granzella shows images of a mysterious young woman, rumored to be the protagonist of a new Disaster Report.
• Kadokawa Games shows off eight minutes of footage from its PlayStation mech battler, Relayer.
• Tales of Arise announces collaboration with the popular Sword Art Online anime franchise.

It was also announced that Tokyo Game Show 2022 is scheduled to take place September 15-18 2022. Expected to be a hybrid physical/online event, there are currently no specific deta?ils as to what form next year's ??festivities will take.

The post Here’s a grab bag of headlines and trailers from Tokyo Game Show 2021 Online appeared first on Destructoid.

Look your best for the brain-eaters

Bandai Namco has offered up a little more information regarding the DLC headed toward its anime action-RPG, Scarlet Nexus. The"brainpunk" adventure hit headlines last week after being a surprise release f?or the Xbox Game Pass service, and the publ?isher is taking the opportunity to send a little love in The OSF's direction.

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

Two updates will be coming to Scarlet Nexus at some point in the near future. The first update, Version 1.04, is a free-for-all update, adding a list of 50 all-new challenges to the game �the completion of which will unlock new skins and items for our heroes and ??their arsenal of alien-slaying weapons. Additionally, this up?date will patch in brand new dialogue for the cast's social interactions, as well as a fresh run of balance tweaks and bug stomps.

The second update will be paid-DLC pack "Bond Enhancement 1". This pack will add an additional Bond status to the player's relationships "EX", alongside a total of 10 new Bond episodes, (but not No Time to Die). The DLC pac??k will al??so include a new wardrobe of costumes for The OSF's members, meticulously designed by veteran artist Yusuke Kozaki. You can check out the trailer below for a glimpse at this incoming content.

Bandai Namco is yet to announce a specific launch date for eith?er of the new updates.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6VkkpNrr8

While Scarlet Nexus may have been considered a little under-the-radar for many in the gaming community, Bandai Namco aims to make it a cornerstone of the publisher's portfolio. Having already been a critical and sales success, with tie-in marketing including an anime adaptation, a range of slick clothing, and an electrifying street mural, Scarlet Nexus' arrival on Xbox Game Pass should serve to draw a larger audience into its strange, brain-zapping universe. You can check out our own Eric van Allen's thoughts on the game right here.

Scarlet Nexus is available no?w on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox platfor??ms.

The post Scarlet Nexus reveals Bond Enhancement DL??C and free update goodies appeared first on Destructoid.

School Hall World Brawl

As part of this weekend's Tokyo Game Show festivities, WayForward released a new trailer for its incoming sequel River City Girls 2. The new preview introduces us to the action-RPG's sequel Japanese cast, and also gives us a quick look at s?ome of Kyoko and Misako's running buddies as they dole out Street Justice in the avenues and alleyways of River City.

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

Opening with footage from the original game and its delightful manga-esque cinematics, the video then transitions to some rapid-fire cuts from the upcoming sequel. We see both Kyoko and Misako in some familiar and brand new locations, (including the local fairground, making its return from previous Kunio-kun titles), as well as a dose of cartoonish chaos at the hands of Kunio and Riki, and returning stars Marian (Double Dragon) and Provie (River City Underground). While both the new characters look tubular, I'm really ex?cited to check out Marian and her six-pack in acti??on. Ker-blam.

Perhaps more importantly, the trailer offers a quick glimpse at a new selection of shopkeepers, allowing eagle-eyed Kunio-kun veterans to spot a number of cameos and familiar faces taken from the franchise's storied, 35-year history. The shopkeepers were a key part of River City Girls' distinct identity, so it'll be great to meet these new retail superstars when River City Girls 2 finally �drops on PlayStation, ??PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms �in 2022.

Oh, and if you can't wait until then, don't forget that River City Girls Zero �a remaster of 1994 Super Famicom release Shin Nekketsu Koha: Kunio-tachi no Banka �is expected to hit Nintendo Switch before the year is up?.

The post ??River City Girls 2 trailer includes Marian, Provie, and, best of all, new shopkeepers! appeared first on Destructoid.

Echoes of Mana TGS 2021 trailer

Square Enix has been an interesting publisher to watch at this year's Tokyo Game Show. The company has been firing on all cylinders with new game announcements and updates on some highly anticipated titles it has in the works. It's also keeping fans up to date on games they might not be so super hot on, like Echoes of Mana. Revealed earlier this year, Echoes is an upcoming free-to-play mobile game being developed by Wright Flyer Studios. Its initial reveal really didn't do too much for me, but the new Echoes of Mana trailer below has me singing a different tune.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=87TOLe9bmjU

Dare I ask, but does that actually look pretty good? Like, the combat actually looks like it might be far more interesting than many of its mobile contemporaries. My initial impression was this game would be something more along the lines of Dissidia: Final Fantasy Omnia Opera, which didn't last too? long on my Android. But this actually looks worth paying attention ?to.

Either way, we'll find out for sure if this is worth a download or not when Echoes of Mana launches worldwide in 2022 for iOS and Android. That gives me plenty of time to finally play through the Collection of Mana games that's been ?sitting on my shelf for well over a year now.

The post Is it just me or does Echoes of?? Mana look kinda good? appeared first on Destructoid.

Don't bring Cards Against Humanity

It's now October, and that means we're just a few weeks out from one of Nintendo's biggest releases of 2021, Mario Party Superstars. Launching just in time for the Holiday season, the new multiplayer title no doubt hopes to get you and your game-hating family members gathered around the Switch for silly, colorful action with Mario and his familiar friends. Nintendo Japan released a three-minute Mario Party Superstars overview trailer, offering an extended look at the digital tabletop title.

As is to be expected, Mario Party Superstars will be comprised of a board game element, alongside a slew of wacky, easy-to-play minigames, sure to get your relatives staring at the Joy-Con in disbelief?? and muttering about "Mickey Mouse technology". Among the worlds on show are the hi-tech Space Land, the?? tasty-looking Peach's Birthday Cake, the rustic Woody Woods, and the creepy Horror Land �take a look.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKHGB9zFJkU

Mario Party Superstars will house 100 distinct mini-games, all of which can be played in standard Mario Party Mode or enjoyed i??n the rapid-fire Free Play mode.

The new entry will support same-system, local wireless, and online mult?iplayer, with the option to save your game between turns if anyone has to duck out of play. A sticker mode will allow players to "praise and pester" their opponents online, and all modes support online multiplayer. Huh, maybe you won't have to get? together with the fam after all.

Mario Party Superstars launches October 29 on Nintendo Switch.

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And it's coming back bigger and better than ever

Shmup specialist Degica Games has announced that fantastic space shooter Crimzon Clover: World Explosion is getting set to let rip on PC this winter. The fully rearranged arcade hit blasts off on Steam in December. A demo is available right now, so you don't even have to wait? befo?re checking out the pulse-pounding action.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKvKCQ3b89g

Developed by Japanese outfit Yotsubane, Crimzon Clover hit the arcade scene in 2011 during one of the shmup genre's many renaissance periods. The incredibly simple narrative sees the player as a top intergalactic pilot assigned to oversee the discovery and destruction of a super-weapon, currently being developed by a sinister space force known as "Gorgoneion". What this boils down to is five stages of brain-frying, bullet-throwing mayhem, as the player takes on waves of enemies and huge, war m?achine boss types. There are four vessels to choose from, each featuring its own distinct balances between speed, weaponry, and power.

The World EXplosion arrangement �already available on Nintendo Switch —features multiple difficulty settings and a selection of new modes. As well as the original 2011 release in its entirety, players can also play the new Time Attack mode, the adaptive Boost Mode, an Unlimited Mode for bullet-hell aficionados, and a Training Mode �allowing players to hone their skills against particularly difficult stages and bosses. The new "Arrange Version" of Crimzon Clover alters that original game's scoring system, offering pilots the option to exchange score items for ship upgrades, including speed upgrades, support pods, and other additional boosts. Crimzon Clover might be getting up there in years, but ??World EXplosion offers it a new lease of life for shmup fans of yesteryear and today.

Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion?? launches on PC this December. Check out a demo ri??ght now on Steam.

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Fore-shadowing

As part of Tokyo Game Show 2021, publisher Kemco has released a new trailer and some fresh deets pertaining to its ultra-cute golfing adventure RPGolf Legends, which will tee off on PC and console platforms at some point in 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pezzS-sCmY4

RPGolf Legends will see players step into the pleated skirt of a golfing enthusiast as they embark on a mystic quest to save the sport from an evil entity. Yep. This powerful force has sealed off all of the golf holes in the world, and you, armed with your trusty six-iron and aided by the "spirit of a golf club", must travel the globe clearing g??reens, dodging bunkers, battling monsters, fishing, and helping out a huge roster of fun characters along the way. Oh, don't forget to play some golf, too.

An adorable blend of Legend of Zelda-style adventuring and accessible golfing fun, RPGolf Legends looks to be a blast. Well worth sticking on your wishlist if you were a fan of Sidebar Games similarly themed Golf Story, or Nintendo's Game Boy Advance classic Mario Golf: Advance Tour. No specific release date has been announced, but RPGolf Legends will arrive on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch at ?some point next year.

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Demo headed to Steam in just a fortnight's time

As part of Capcom's Tokyo Game Show stream, the long-time publisher finally revealed a launch date for the long-awaited PC port of Monster Hunter Rise. The fantasy adventure will hit Steam on January 12, 2022, with a de??mo ??arriving on October 13.

The PC port will feature the most up-to-date build of the Nintend??o Switch release, further boosted with improved textures, uncapped framerates, and support for both 4K displays and ultrawide monitors, painting the lands of Kamura with dazzling visual splendor. Interface support has been added for mouse and keyboard controls, as well as player voice cha?t. October's demo will offer players access to three quests, a handful of weapons, and both offline single-player and online multiplayer modes �giving PC players a taste of the adventure to come.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMLk9-tZ-_A

Aside from the PC port, Capcom also shed some new light on the upcoming expansion DLC, Sunbreak. A new teaser trailer, (which you can check out below), features grim purple castles, crimson skies, and the return of Monster Hunter Elder Dragon Malzeno, who will serve as the expansion's signature creature. Good luck taking down this scaly nightmare. The Sunbreak expansion �which is still to see a release date �will a??ls?o feature new story quests, weapons, gear, and prey.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=DatM4U30b0M

Monster Hunter Rise launches on PC via Steam on January 12. It is available ri??ght now on Nintendo Switch.

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Kinda takes 'Pocket' out of the equation though

Happy Days. SNK has surprise dropped its Switch compendium Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 on PC, bringing a slew of great but hard-to-obtain handheld titles to the Steam platform. Available right now at a limited-tim??e price of $32.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZTNBnlAt9c

As a quick reminder, Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 is comprised of all of the re-released titles from SNK's awesome-but-underplayed handheld, bundled together in one handy collection. Included in the package are hits Samurai Shodown! 2, King of Fighters R-2, SNK Gals�Fighters, Fatal Fury: First Contact, The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny. Exclusive to the compilation are cutesy golf sim Big Tournament Golf, RPG Dark Arms: Beast Buster, and both Metal Slug: 1st Mission and Metal Slug: 2nd Mission.

It should be noted, however, that the brilliant SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millennium is NOT included in the Steam release, and has been broken out to? be sold se??parately...

...Thanks for that.

As well as the fully-restored versions of these ace games, there's also a fun gallery featuring 3D recreations of the original game packaging, monochromatic display options, and support for local two-player co-op. This latter feature was difficult to enjoy back in 2000 when you were the only person you knew who actually owned a Neo Geo Pocket Color console. Some of these titles are real gems, however, and the fact they have been collated and archived for new audiences is a genuinel?y important motion for video game history. If you have the dollarydoos to spare, consider checking them out.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 is available now on ?PC for $31.99. The price will ris??e to $39.99 October 6.

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Did someone say 'chaos'?

The 2021 Tok?yo Game Show is only a few days away, and Square Enix is detailing what games will be making an appearance over its t??hree-day plans.

On the docket for Friday, Oct. 1 is the opening presentation, with a TGS special featuring Forspoken at 10 p.m. JST (or 9 a.m. EST).

On Saturday, an official livestream for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy will start at 1 p.m. JST, followed by Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and a SaGa series special livestream. At 9 p.m. JST, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin will have a special broadcast.

Then, on Oct. 3, Square Enix will air some special Tokyo Game Show livestreams for Chocobo GP and Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars will air. Square Enix will cap things off with a livestream for Final Fantasy VII The First Soldier, its FF VII-themed battle royale. You can find the full schedule and times for each segment here.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Igrpmg7RWI

Final Fantasy XVI is conspicuously absent, though it isn't totally unexpected. Producer Naoki Yoshida reportedly said on a livestream that the team wanted to show something for Tokyo Game Show 2021, but that it probably couldn't make the deadline.

Meanwhile, several big Square Enix games like Forspoken and the delightfully strange Stranger of Paradise are set to be shown in livestreams, alongside recent announcements like Chocobo GP and the Yoko Taro-helmed Voice of Cards.

While most of these reveals will be happening in the early morning for U.S. time zones, I'm excited to be waking up to some news on some of these games this weekend. Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars especially made an impression on me with its demo, and good heavens, please show more of Chocobo GP. It still feels like a dream.

T?he Square Enix streams for Tokyo Game Show 2021 kick off on Friday, Oct. 1, starting at 7 p.m. JST / 6 a.m. EST.

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