Typically, Nintendo Switch Online game updates come in two flavors. There are the exciting updates that bring all-time classic titles to the service. And then there are the weird updates that add a mix of obscure titles that seem to exist as curiosities at best. This month's update maybe veers closer to that second camp, but it’s such a crazy mix of games that I mostly feel confusion over any kind of disappointment.

Across the Game Boy, NES, and SNES apps, Switch Online owners can now access three Japan-exclusive titles and, weirdest of all, an obscure licensed game. Here’s the rundown:

• Kirby Star Stacker (SNES)
• Quest for Camelot (Game Boy Color)
• Downtown Nekketsu March: Super-Awesome Field Day! (NES)
• Joy Mech Fight (NES)

I really cannot get over seeing Quest for Camelot on that list. It was one of those movies that was in the pop culture conversation so briefly that I only really remembered its signature song. I have no idea how the game holds up, but seeing the Titus logo on it doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence. The Wikipedia page for the game states under “Reception” that “Adam Cleveland of IGN summarized the game as ‘bad,’” which, hey, who am I to argue with Adam Cleveland of IGN?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDB_vr-0KJs

A good time for Japanese games

Meanwhile, it does appear that the other titles on this list have some merit. Downtown Nekketsu March is part of the Kunio-kun series, best known in the United States for River City Ransom. Additionally, Joy Mech Fight was famously one of the ten Nintendo titles that Destructoid’s Zoey “I’m gonna play it” Handley said should be localized. I can’t believe Nintendo reads Destructoid. There is literally no other explanation for this that I am willing to listen to.

You’ll probably want to look up guides to help navigate some of the menus in these titles. I mashed the A button in each to get into gameplay, but that's not the best way to enjoy games. This fortunately isn’t a problem you’ll have with Quest for Camelot though. You’ll only have to contend with the fact that the game is - in the word of Adam Cleveland of IGN - “bad.”

All four games are available now for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

The post Nintendo Switch Online update adds Japanese titles and a licensed game appeared first on Destructoid.

'80s titles planned for rerelease on Switch and PC

Old-school cool developer Sunsoft has announced that it is planning a crowdfunding campaign in hopes to bring three of its Japan-only Famicom releases to modern platforms. The campaign will officially launch on the Japanese crowdfunding site Campfire between July 14 - August 31.

The three titles up for rerelease are Edo-set platformer Kanshaku Tamanage Kantarou no Toukaidou Gojuusan-tsugi (1986), side-scrolling fantasy adventure The Wing of Madoola (1986), and finally the casually-paced text adventure Ripple Island (1988). None of the titles ventured outside of Japan and thus have since faded into obscurity, a status that Sunsoft is hoping to revitalize.

[caption id="attachment_388355" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image from Shmuplations[/caption]

Should the Campfire campaign prove successful, the three titles will be ported to PC and Nintendo Switch. In addition, the publisher is hoping to release physical gold cartridges of the games for the Famicom platform. Way back when, Sunsoft was one of the few companies allowed to release its titles on specially branded cartridges, (see image above), and while many of the studio's games were awarded this prestige, gold-tinted cartridges were a goal never achieved by the studio. Hopefully, Sunsoft will be able to realize its glittery dream, if 40 years after the fact.

Localizations for the titles were not confirmed, and seem unlikely, but we will let you know should this change.

Sunsoft plans crowdfunding campaign to port three Famicom titles to Switch, PC [Gematsu]

The post Sunsoft to crowdfund ports of three forgotten Famicom releases appeared first on Destructoid.

Looking into other Directs

Nintendo Directs are always chock-full of information on games coming to different regions. And while the North American Nintendo Direct had a bunch of games to show off, today's Nintendo Direct for Japan also had some surprising, intriguing games on display.

I try to make a habit of watching the Japanese Nintendo Direct after the North American one airs. For one, it's an interesting way to see how Nintendo organizes these shows for different regions; some games move further up in the rundown, or feel like they get a little more time. And in other cases, some games only show up in certain regions' Directs. It's a handy way to spot games you might have otherwise missed, and has put me onto early stand-outs like Gnosia's Switch port.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTMMSC4xP1c

Today's Nintendo Direct for Japan certainly had some surprises, too. I normally wait until later in the day to take a look, but after seeing some Twitter chatter about a few trailers, I looked over and found that quite a few games showed up here that didn't appear in the North American Direct. So I put together a quick look at the key differences. An important note: I do not speak Japanese, and am mostly relying on info I can ascertain from English outlets or otherwise noted sources.

[caption id="attachment_387980" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Nekketsu Hachamecha Dai Kasha-sai!

Shoutouts to our sister site Siliconera for getting the details on this one. Shown near the beginning of the Direct, it looks like a party game featuring various athletic competitions starring... horse girls? I have done some research and ascertained that this franchise is, indeed, about literal horse-girls. Either way, the anime horse gals slamming dunks and playing dodgeball looks pretty fun.

[caption id="attachment_387983" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Fashion Dreamer

Shown off at a North American Nintendo Direct earlier this year, Fashion Dreamer is a new game from the Style Savvy studio. It got a November 2 release date in Japan's Nintendo Direct, but did not appear in the North American version.

We contacted Marvelous and were told that there hasn't been an update on the formal date for Fashion Dreamer in North America beyond a stated window of 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o36dy9atoSw

This Goemon-style game

A video that was going around of this game is what got me to immediately jump over to the Japanese Nintendo Direct. A Google translation has it as "Mametanuki no Buckel ~ Festival of Oracle Festival Taro!" It definitely has some Goemon style, and looks like a pretty fun action-platformer. It's planned for 2023 sometime in Japan.

[caption id="attachment_387987" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Game of Life

Yes, the Game of Life. The classic board game of getting a car, filling it with spouses and offspring, and spinning the most ornate spinner your child-brain could conceive. Seriously, that thing was a subtle work of art to a small child, at least until Mouse Trap came along. Anyways, we have some versions of this already available on the Nintendo eShop, but I do like the look of this version.

[caption id="attachment_387989" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Ketsugou Danshi: Elements with Emotions

Okay, I had to do some digging on this one. After a bit of searching, I found a Gematsu article (thanks Sal!) about this game from a few months ago, describing Ketsugou Danshi: Elements with Emotions as an adventure simulation game. It launches with a few characters, with additional members available later as DLC. Apparently you have to stop the world from being destroyed, using the power of anime boys. Sure!

This is why I like watching the Nintendo Direct for Japan, because I doubt I'd have known about this game otherwise. It arrives for Switch in Japan on June 29.

[caption id="attachment_387982" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

A few quick clips

Alongside Ketsuogou Danshi, we also got brief glimpses of the Atelier Marie remake, which hits Switch on July 13, and Crymachina, FuRyu and NIS America's new action RPG. That's coming to the west in Fall 2023, but Japan will get Crymachina a little earlier, on July 27.

We also got a look at The Wonderful One: After School Hero, which happened to release today for Switch, PS4, and PC. It's a standalone version of the free DLC for The Wonderful 101: Remastered.

[caption id="attachment_387981" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Momotaro Electric Railway World ~The Earth Spins with Hope! ~

Another board game, and this one seems to have some train antics involved. Not sure what else it entails, but I do wish we had some more wacky party games available over here. That heads to Japan on November 16.

[caption id="attachment_387985" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Fate/Samurai Remnant

Boy, was I bummed we didn't see this in today's Nintendo Direct over here. I do enjoy some Fate from time to time, and this entry looks fascinating. It's got some serious Like a Dragon: Ishin! vibes, but within the world of Fate where heroic spirits can clash in big, flashy battles. A trailer debuts soon (as of this writing) for the English version, but thanks again to Gematsu, it looks like we are getting a worldwide release in line with Japan's launch.

Fate/Samurai Remnant will arrive on September 29. And yes, you can pet the dog.

[caption id="attachment_387988" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Natsu-Mon

Via the official Nintendo site for the Direct in Japan, this appears to be Natsumon! 20th Century Summer Vacation. Much like other Summer Vacation games, this looks like a relaxing sojourn to the rural countryside of Japan. Check out Tim Rogers' lengthy video essay on it for more info, but I do hope we get this in North America.

That's all for today's Direct, but I hope y'all enjoyed this look at what's happening in other regions. Let us know if any stand out to you down below!

The post Japan’s Nintendo Direct had some really cool reveals today appeared first on Destructoid.

Bravo, man

There's nothing a love more for a Saturday than giving you all the good word on a particular oddity joining the Arcade Archives range — And this week's entry sees "oddity" doing some heavy lifting, as Hamster unleashes Bandai Namco's Transcendent Lovers Bella Bowman onto PS4 and Switch.

Released to the Japanese coin-op market in 1986, Transcendent Lovers Bella Bowman, (also known by the far less interesting name of Bravoman), is a simplistic side-scrolling actioner in the vein of the tokusatsu genre, as a mild-mannered salaryman dons the costume of a powerful superhero in order to stop the machinations of the evil Dr. Bakutu, (Dr. Bomb). Utilizing his telescopic limbs, Bella Bowman battles an army of minions across 33 stages, gathering powerups, defeating bosses, and receiving occasional assistance from his super-heroic friend, Lottery Man.

Check out the very sill action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber World of Longplays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSKS5U5b9o4

On release, Transcendent Lovers Bella Bowman was highly praised for its colorful and satirical visuals, cute animation, as well as its fun score, and use of pressure-sensitive buttons, (which frequently broke). Today, however, it's frankly pretty terrible, although there is no denying the absolute charm with which it depicts the tokusatsu aesthetic.

While frustratingly difficult and not a whole lot of fun, it's still pleasing that this rarity is now finally available in the Arcade Archive catalog, as it represents not only a window into gaming culture, but also one of Japanese pop culture. As such, it retains a level of intrinsic value in spite of its gameplay shortcomings.

Transcendent Lovers Bella Bowman is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

The post Transcendent Lovers Bella Bowman brings its gorgeous name to the Arcade Archives appeared first on Destructoid.

'New Title X' should be the final name, honestly

Publisher Koei Tecmo has announced that it is partnering with Japanese developer Akatsuki Games to produce a brand new, currently unannounced new game for Gen 9 platforms. As reported by Gematsu, this collaboration was announced in Akatsuki's recently published financial report.

No details whatsoever were offered about the new title, but we do know that it is in production for "next-gen" platforms, (we're really still calling it that?), and that the companies hope to release the game before the end of the financial year. So we can, in theory, expect the game to release before March 2024.

Koei Tecmo is, of course, famed for its handling of several popular gaming franchises, including Dynasty Warriors, Dead or Alive, Wo Long, and Ninja Gaiden. Akatsuki Games has produced licensed and original titles in all manner of genres, though the studio has more recently focused on mobile releases such as Romancing Saga Re:Universe, Dragon Ball Z: Dokken Battle, and idol-based rhythm game Uni's on Air.

Stepping up to PS5/Xbox Series X development is certainly something of a leap from producing mobile games, but one would assume that the guidance and veteran nature of Koei Tecmo will help see the developer through. We will be sure to give you all a heads-up when the identity of this mystery project is finally revealed.

Akatsuki Games and Koei Tecmo announce joint development of new title [Gematsu]

The post Koei Tecmo and Akatsuki Games teaming up for mystery release appeared first on Destructoid.

Hyrulin' the Box

Game marketing has sure changed in the post-internet world. And while we can be grateful for the abandonment of those weird "lad's mag" years, there's definitely something of a yearning for the well (and not-so-well)-conceived commercials of the 1980s and 1990s. This was a time when context was absolutely necessary, where no answers or information could be found via a quick wander through the information superhighway.

The commercial had to do all the selling. No live streams, no banner ads, no YouTube previews, and no E3 visits for Johnny Public. You have 30 seconds to tell people to spend $50. Make them count.

Fortunately for Nintendo's premier fantasy franchise, The Legend of Zelda, its universe and characters exemplified magic, mystery, excitement, and adventure. Marketers had a literal universe of brave heroes, beautiful princesses, vicious monsters, grim castles, and haunted woods at their disposal, advertising Link's newest adventure to eager youth — pockets bursting with dollar bills, due to the fact that the only subscription anybody had back then was a subscription to Nintendo Power.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launches on Nintendo Switch later this week, riding on the crest of a commercial that, according to social media, left some fans literally crying with emotion. For sure, there is an art to making a modern game trailer, especially with a release as epic as TOTK. But still, one cannot help but wistfully recollect those carefree Saturday mornings, when a show that you remember being better than it actually was would eventually cut to commercial — And it was in this arena that The Big N would do its very best to compel you and your friends to the Land of Hyrule...

...Armed, more often than not, with the power of Rap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGZv30buf-U&ab_channel=RadUniverse

The Legend of Zelda (US, 1986)

With the flash dominance of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo quickly established a series of ads that were mostly based around the players themselves, huddled together in the lounge to enjoy a bout of Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! or to break R.O.B. with an accidental trip. With the launch of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo once again chose not to focus on the game, but on two "Video Game Fans", including one that has stepped straight out of garbage 1984 flick Revenge of the Nerds.

In order to remind you how cool game fans are, the duo start an abominable rap, not only giving school bullies validation in the hatred of gaming culture but also consigning The Legend of Zelda to a bizarre pattern of hip-hop-related advertising. Beatboxing like The Fat Boys included. Still, fair play for reaching out and crossing that Nerd-Jock divide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxICMGKuT1s&ab_channel=VGLegacy

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (JPN, 1987)

This delightful commercial sees a young girl excitedly run into her Grandma's (?) video game store and declare her love for Link's second adventure. The back of the store then parts, revealing Hyrule itself awaiting adventure. Adorably, the child becomes Link, while Grandma becomes Impa. The gender themes here are interesting, as this represents one of the first instances of Link's androgynous nature, which often sees him portrayed by women and girls in marketing, fanart, and cosplay.

The commercial ends with Zelda and Impa imploring us never to give up, while the Famicom disk system asks us to "Go as Far as We Can". More consoles should offer life-affirming lessons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYF6r-RluJg&ab_channel=M1nt

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (US, 1993)

Were you down wi' Zelda from the very start? Because this lad was, and he's telling us all about it in this commercial for one of the finest releases (as well as the most played) in the entire series, LoZ: Link's Awakening. It's 1993, and everyone has a Game Boy. Everyone. Mine had pink and black fur glued to it. I had a lot of growing up to do.

Anyway, even folks who had never touched a Zelda title in their life dove into Link's amnesia-fueled handheld adventure, while this commercial continues Nintendo's desire to push Zelda away from its unfair "nerdy role-playing game" reputation and into something altogether cooler. The irony is, video game fans didn't care, we were already d-d-down with the inhabitants of Hyrule.

"Creeping through with an overhead view" is going to be the title of my autobiography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZwW9rh6cY&ab_channel=ZeldaDensetsu

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (US/UK, 2013)

This ad for Nintendo 3DS release A Link Between Worlds might have screened in 2013, but it most certainly features the "Put the kid in the action" mentality of the '80s/'90s advertising. In the short TV spot, we see a kid who kind of looks like dollar store Frankie Muniz navigate a Zelda-style dungeon, utilizing A Link Between Worlds' ingenious wall-merging abilities in order to conquer an array of obstacles, before ultimately escaping the dungeon and capturing the fated Master Sword.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_jdwTkb9xY&ab_channel=VHSVideovault

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (UK, 1993)

British comedian Rik Mayall grew out of the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s — an entire comedic movement mostly established as a full-throated assault against the Tory government and its "Iron Lady" leader. Mayall became one of the most successful stars of the scene, appearing in shows such as The Young Ones, Yes, Prime Minister, and Bottom, while Americans might know him best in the titular role of the 1991 film Drop Dead Fred.

When the SNES hit it big in the UK, Mayall starred in a series of commercials for many Nintendo releases, including Star Fox, Street Fighter II, Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing, and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. This short spot sees him sending up his more successful modern image and features little of the actual game itself. It was a very successful ad, intrinsically linked with the game by British Zelda fans. Notably, the ads reflect a time when Nintendo was chiller about its image. The idea of them giving up their biggest franchises to ads this dopey, and celebrities this subversive, is wild.

Mayall would pass away suddenly in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of riotous work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krwkNZtM5Sc&ab_channel=NintenderoMasked

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (US, 2009)

The beautifully composed ad sees a young man taking his regular subway commute, with a journey that becomes not only a commercial for the hit Nintendo DS release LoZ: Spirit Tracks, but is also a wonderful metaphor for the magic and mystery of The Legend of Zelda itself, which has the ability to pull its fans out of the humdrum cycle of everyday life and deposit them into an amazing and engaging world. An escape from the woes of the nine-to-five, the frustrations of modern living, and the often-drab commitment to routine. An enjoyable transposing of reality as old as gaming itself.

The visual marrying of themes here works splendidly, from the use of a train for, obviously, Spirit Tracks, to the mobile nature of playing the Nintendo DS itself, with a metropolitan horror aesthetic giving way to the colorful splendor of The World of Hyrule. Commercials such as these represent something of a last hurrah for the medium, soon to be replaced by the far more commonplace "Gameplay Trailer".

As such, it's good that so many of the ad makers saw that their respective franchises went out on a high.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYsgeAmsNHc&ab_channel=83Chrisaaron

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (JPN, 1998)

Actor and singer Kyoko Fukada plays LoZ: Ocarina of Time and makes reactive noises.

There's your ad. I'm okay with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Eo9dh3xgQ&ab_channel=Carnivol

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (JPN, 1993)

We welcome back the art of Rad Rappin', only now with added puppetry, as Nintendo Japan chose to market Link's Awakening with this very cute, very fun piece that features marionette versions of Link, Marin, Tarin, The Owl, and The Skeleton Knight, regaling you with the backstory of just how our boy washed up on Koholint Island. A bouncy chorus leads us into our obligatory rhyme-spittin' breakdown, ending on a shot of the island and its mysterious Wind Fish Egg.

This would not be the last appearance of puppetry in The Legend of Zelda marketing. Be sure to check out this insanely cute short for The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords. Proof, if proof be need be, that puppets make every gaming franchise better, no matter how horrific the source material.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09wBn4ux3N0&ab_channel=ZeldaUniverse

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (US, 2011)

I'm sure that everyone reading this piece remembers Robin Williams, and I'm sure that you're also aware that the comedian and actor named his daughter Zelda, after no less than the princess herself. In 2011, Nintendo would work with the father and daughter on several commercials, which included ads for LoZ: Skyward Sword, LoZ: Four Swords, and LoZ: Ocarina of Time 3D, and see the duo enjoying the new titles, while occasionally offering insights on their relationship with gaming in general and The Legend of Zelda

Of course, this series of commercials have gathered a whole new emotional weight following Robin's sad passing in 2014, a reminder of the quieter real-life nature of a personality who built a career on manic performances and wild, character-based comedic roles. Zelda Williams works in the entertainment industry as a writer, voice actor, and philanthropist, occasionally having fun with her namesake via public appearances at The Legend of Zelda concerts, and cosplaying Link for Halloween in 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2TBHppHX1o&ab_channel=ZeldaUniverse

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (JPN, 1991)

We have to go out on the highest of highs, and whether you've seen it a thousand times before, or you're seeing it for the very first time, there's no denying the unbridled joy and unabashed wholesomeness of the Japanese commercial for LoZ: A Link to the Past. Backed by the ultra-catchy beat of Japanese rap group Scha Dara Parr, the one-minute spot sees a full cast of costumed characters bust out a funkadelic dance routine, set against the backdrop of a cutely theatrical dungeon set.

Our hero Link, once again played by a woman, fends off several memorable enemies from the game, before rescuing the beautiful (and black-haired) Princess Zelda. This is just the beginning of the duo's troubles, as they are then besieged by a giant puppet of the evil Ganon. Don't sweat it, a handy two-step will see pig boy outta town. GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!

It's just so much fun, everyone looks great, the translated lyrics are amusing, the track is a real earworm, and the dancing is awesome. It's a real celebration of Link, Zelda, Ganon, and Hyrule itself. I don't know why Nintendo hasn't dug the master out for the HD treatment... Maybe it no longer exists. As I said at the top of the piece, the physical creativity that went into commercials such as this is sorely missed in a post-internet world, but at least that very same technology has allowed us to archive it — in all of its glory — for generations of Zelda fans.

I wonder if Nintendo still has that Ganon puppet?

The post Let’s flashback to some of the greatest Legend of Zelda TV ads appeared first on Destructoid.

Battle Beyond the Stars

ININ Games, in association with Irem and Tozai Games, has announced Irem Collection Volume 1, a compilation of classic shmups from the old-school arcade developer. Currently in development for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, the release will include some titles which are receiving their first-ever official localization.

Irem Collection Volume 1 — the first of what is set to be a five-volume set — will feature three titles in total. They are Image Fight (1988), Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker (1992), and the iconic bio-blaster XMultiply (1992). These three vertically scrolling shmups were all smash hits during the renaissance of the arcade scene, and were among the tidal wave of titles that helped to keep the genre alive as gaming headed into the 1990s.

In addition to the digital release, ININ Games will release a physical edition of Irem Collection Volume 1, (and, presumably, its following four volumes). This set, available for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, includes a hard copy of the game, a visual compendium, replica arcade flyers, a double-disc CD soundtrack, replica boxes for Image Fight and Image Fight 2's home releases, as well as some cool, A2 sized posters for all three titles. A price or release date was not announced for this edition.

Irem Collection Volume 1 is currently in development for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

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And you better bring some Aero the Acro-Bat

Retro publisher Sunsoft, the studio behind 16-bit franchises such as Aero the Acro-Bat and Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, has announced that it intends to hold its second "Sunsoft is BACK" live stream next week, featuring more information on the resurrected publisher's upcoming releases.

Sunsoft's first comeback stream, which was held in August of last year, saw the dormant studio announce a selection of new titles for the Japanese market, including the revival of '80s strategy series Ikki Unite, a remaster of 1992 platformer Gimmick!, and a rerelease of 1991 Famicom adventure Ufouria: The Saga — One of the games in the cult Hebreke franchise. In addition to these announcements, Sunsoft also teased that it had a full remake in the works, but is yet to offer up the identity of the mystery title.

Next week's stream is expected to feature new information pertaining to the above titles, and will perhaps see Sunsoft finally lift the lid on the teased remake. Of course, we may find that the studio is only planning to continue its focus on the Japanese market and some of its more obscure IPs, but it's still interesting to see the long-forgotten studio make its presence felt some 20-30 years later. We will, of course, bring you all of the news from the stream right here on Destructoid, so stay tuned, folks.

The "Sunsoft is Back" live stream kicks off April 20 at 15:00 JST / 07:00 BST / 23:00 PT.

The post Sunsoft to hold its second ‘comeback’ stream next week appeared first on Destructoid.

'Creators First'

Veteran video game developer Konami has announced that it has opened a new studio in Osaka, Japan. The new offices, located in the Osaka Umeda Twin Towers south building, will support the developer in its efforts both grow and endure over the coming decades.

"Konami Osaka Studio is a developmental relocation of the existing studio and comes with the concept of 'Creators First'", said the developer in a press release. "It is characterized by a well-developed environment where creators can demonstrate their full potential, and is set up in a location with convenient transportation access. As the major production center in Western Japan, the facility is fully equipped with motion capture equipments and sound studios necessary for product development."

Konami, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, goes on to suggest that the new building will be a core entity in the studio's current and future projects, noting that it hopes Konami Osaka will encourage "sustainable growth" over the next 50 years. So I guess Konami is not looking to get out of the gaming biz anytime soon — despite the past decade's penchant for gyms and pachinko halls.

In addition to the new offices, Konami continues its work on the establishment of a new, next-gen R&D center. Konami Creative Front Tokyo Bay is expected to open in 2025, and provide the central locale for the company's experiments into new engines and technology. Having already teased several unannounced game reveals for 2023, Konami's next major release is expected to be a remake of the legendary survival horror title Silent Hill 2, which is in development for PS5 and PC.

The post Konami opens new studio in Osaka, Japan appeared first on Destructoid.

Another territory down

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has offered its official approval to Microsoft for its proposed purchase of publisher Activision Blizzard. The approval puts Microsoft one step closer to completing the $68.7 billion USD sale, which was first announced in January 2022.

The JFTC published its findings yesterday in a 48-page report, wherein the regulatory body states that the proposed purchase "would not substantially restrain competition in any particular fields of trade." The JFTC believes that the merger does not violate antitrust laws, and that the increased trend toward cloud and digital gaming prevents the possibility of any supply shortage of the products themselves.

The report will come as a great relief to Microsoft, crossing off one more major distribution territory from the list of areas with which the publisher seeks approval. Of course, Microsoft is yet to gain official approval from two of the biggest markets in the western world: Europe and the United States. The latter is going to be a particularly tough ask, given that the North American FTC has actually filed suit in a bid to block the proposed sale from taking place.

Japan's approval is a huge feather in the cap of the sale, and could potentially lead to smaller territories — still on the fence about the sale — leaning in Microsoft's favor. Regardless, MS will still have to engage in a legal dispute with the FTC this summer, with both parties able to appeal should the courts not find their favor. This ongoing situation is still quite some ways from completion.

The post Japan’s antitrust regulator approves Microsoft’s proposed Activision purchase appeared first on Destructoid.

Game and anime receive a brand refresh

At this weekend's AnimeJapan 2023 expo, publisher Bandai Namco announced a slight rebranding of its upcoming mech adventure, Synduality, which will now be titled Synduality: Echo of Ada. The third-person action RPG is currently in development for PC and Gen 9 consoles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgOznJOzOo&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainment

Originally announced during the fall 2022 State of Play presentation, Synduality: Echo of Ada, sees a young woman, existing in a polluted and dystopian future, who makes a living by gathering resources from the inhospitable atmosphere of Amasia. Guiding an A.I. mech, (or "Cradle Coffin"), through the poisonous terrain, players must fight off not only predatory creatures, but also other human players, in a race to bring home the lion's share of precious "AO crystals".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzwpalvyRas&ab_channel=EMOTIONLabelChannel

A Synduality anime, exploring the lore of the world and its characters, is also in the works. This project has been newly rechristened Synduality: Noir and is expected to premiere in July of this year. A new trailer, which you can check out above, features new footage from the animated series. The video is soundtracked by the anime's theme song "Raytracer", as performed by artist Stereo Dive Foundation.

Synduality will launch on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X later in 2023.

The post Mech adventure Synduality is now Synduality: Echo of Ada appeared first on Destructoid.

Perfect Blue Velvet

As part of yesterday's Future Games Show presentation, Shiro Unlimited released a new trailer for its gooey psychological horror title Decarnation — In addition, the publisher announced that the title will launch on PC and Nintendo Switch at some point this coming May.

Described as an "intensely emotional story unfolding in a malignant, elaborate setting", Decarnation uses lo-fi visuals to tell the tale of a Parisian cabaret dancer, Gloria, who is struggling to find her big break, held back by a litany of problems related to her life and career. When a seemingly can't-miss opportunity comes her way, Gloria finally realizes that this could be her chance to pull the fraying ends of her life together. But the human mind does not always allow for the best-laid plans, and Gloria's spiraling emotions may be about to manifest themselves very real-world nightmares.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmeL6rfuJS8&ab_channel=ShiroGames%7CUnlimited

Decarnation will blend dramatic role-playing elements with puzzle action and elements of survival to create a uniquely creepy, brain-bending experience. With clear stylistic influences coming from the works of directors such as Satoshi Kon and David Lynch, as well as the familiar trappings of the giallo genre, Decarnation doesn't look like it will be standard "OMG Zombies!" horror title — instead reaching a little deeper into the darkness of the human soul, as it twists and bends to deal with the realities of the living, and unloving world.

I'm keeping several eyes on this... including the ones growing out of my arms.

Decarnation launches this May on Nintendo Switch and PC (via Steam).

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Who doesn't love an escort mission?

Capcom has released the second episode of Leon and the Mysterious Village, the short-but-adorable anime series produced to help fan the flames of hype for this week's highly anticipated Resident Evil 4.

The second episode, titled "A Promise Between the Two", sees young Leon Kennedy come face-to-face with missing girl Ashley Graham, whom he must escort out of the strange town and, presumably, back to The White House. Of course, as Resident Evil 4 veterans will be more than aware, keeping Ashley out of the hands of the village's weird doomsday cult is easier said than done. Leon, Help indeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q99mSnhXbtM&ab_channel=capcomasia

A ground-up remake of the 2005 GameCube classic, the hotly-anticipated release captures all of the creepy cult shenanigans. gory head-splitting chaos, and panicky damsel-in-distress action of the original title, spruced up with brilliant new visuals, alternate twists on the narrative, and sporting an overhauled approach to its movement and combat mechanics. You can check out our own Zoey Handley's review of the new title right here.

Resident Evil 4 launches on PlayStation, PC and Xbox platforms on March 24.

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Premieres in Japan this summer

Wonderful news for fans of the Atelier series, as Koei Tecmo has revealed that a new anime adaptation of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is currently in production inc collaboration with Aniplex. The new TV series is expected to premiere in Japan this coming summer.

Not much was offered in the way of detail about the anime, but it is confirmed to be a straight adaptation of the 2019 video game, which saw young hero Reisalin Stout — more commonly known as "Ryza", embark upon a country-crossing series of adventures with her friends, where they become embroiled in a world of magic, alchemy, and monsters. The anime is being produced by studio Liden Films, who have a proven pedigree in adapting games and manga to the medium of animation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly83UdDhv18&ab_channel=%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

Koei Tecmo and Aniplex announced that more details about the series will be revealed at the dramatically titled "Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Launch and Anime Adapation!" event, which is scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Anime Japan 2023 expo. As you can see from the teaser trailer above, the new anime features some wonderful lineart and animation, even if the camera is a tad on the shameless side.

It's a very promising look at what will no doubt be an eagerly anticipated show for the Atelier faithful.

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout anime announced [Gematsu]

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Good Boy

A dazzling Japanese "3D" billboard for Square Enix hit Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been declared the winner of a contest held by the Tokyo Outdoor Advertising Association (TOAA).

The Final Fantasy VII 3D billboard, which could be seen in Tokyo back in the winter of 2021, stars beloved party member RED XIII, who is chased down by a Shinra helicopter high up over the rooftops of Midgar. Fortunately, it all ends happily, as our boy falls into a toy warehouse, for some goofy fake moustache chicanery. It's a genuinely fascinating and gorgeous piece of animation, and one can only imagine how much joy it brought to onlookers during the holiday period.

You can check out the full animation in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6OFS3DCmmA&ab_channel=%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A8%E3%83%8B%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9

The Tokyo Outdoor Advertising Contest, which is held every two years, recognizes advertising that it believes not only displays creativity and amazing visual design, but that also suitably fits in with the environment, offering a form of "art and spectacle" over the general crassness and tackiness of most advertising. Also brought into consideration are the advert's impact on the surrounding area, and whether or not it disrupts the aesthetic of the local area.

While 3D billboards are nothing new, they are still incredibly sparse in their use in mainstream society, generally located to major metropolis' such as Tokyo, New York, and countries such as China and South Korea. They use depth perception and optical illusion to make characters appear to be leaping out from the buildings themselves and, when partenered with imaginative brands and beautiful animation, make for visually stunning talking points for passerbys.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available now on PS5 and PC.

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We Are The Game Creators

Back in September 2022, we reported that long-time BlazBlue producer Toshimici Mori was stepping away from Arc System Works, a company that he had served for just shy of two decades — And it seems that Mori is now ready to get back into the thick of the action, with the establishment of a brand new developer, Studio Flare.

Based in Gotanda, Tokyo, Studio Flare has been co-founded by Mori and the former executive vice-president of Marvelous, Toshinori Aoki, with a healthy dose of financial funding from Chinese commerce conglomerate Netease. Aoki will serve as president and CEO of Studio Flare, with Mori serving as vice president and head producer. The studio has a long list of openings, with roles for artists, engineers, coders, and server maintenance managers.

"With knowledge and expertise from their past projects, Studio Flare will deliver new game experiences to global audiences. The company also has received support from NetEase Games, the gaming division of NetEase, Inc.," reads a press release. "Studio Flare has [[the intent] to create games with an edgy feel that bring excitement to hardcore gamers. We will start developing original games for console platforms, with a small but highly talented team based in our studio in Gotanda, Tokyo."

For those familiar with Mori's work, the specific use of "edgy" in the press release is quite amusing, as Mori's oeuvre has frequently featured dark, cringe-cool, super-sexualized characters. While it is fantastic to see Mori back in the game and in the driving seat, one can't help but wonder what fate this leaves for his trademark series, BlazBlue, which stays with Arc System Works, and will hopefully not get lost among that studio's catalog of releases.

You can check out Studio Flare's brand-new website — complete with obligatory shades and leather jacket shot — right here.

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Studio presentation set for March 9

Level-5 will hold a live stream presentation next month, offering updates on a selection of titles currently in development at the Japanese studio. The "Level-5 Vision 2023 Tsuzumi" will take place on March 9.

The stream will include new news and details pertaining to upcoming Level-5 releases such as Decapolice, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, Megaton Musushi Wired, Fantasy Life I: The Girl Who Steals Time, and the recently revealed Professor Layton and The New World of Steam.

As noted by Gematsu, this live stream announcement is not only the first revelation of a new Megaton Musashi title, along with the debut of a localized title for the Inazuma Eleven release. The live stream will feature English subtitles, which suggests that the studio has global plans for some of its upcoming wares — with the new Professor Layton title being perhaps of the highest interest for puzzle fans.

The Level-5 Vision 2023 Tsuzumi stream will kick off March 9 at 20:00 JST / 03:00 PT / 12:00 BST. We'll be sure to bring you all of the hot gossip from the stream right here on Destructoid, so you don't have to sweat staying up for the wee small hours.

LEVEL-5 Vision 2023 Tsuzumi live stream set for March 9 [Gematsu]

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Take the SPD and deal with it

Capcom has begun location tests for a new virtual reality experience set within the world of its flagship fighting franchise, Street Fighter. The Street Fighter VR: The Shadaloo Enhancement Project is currently available to play in the Capcom store at Hiroshima Plaza in Hiroshima, Japan.

The short experience allows players to step up to the plate against long-time poster boy Ryu and Russian wrestler Zangief in first-person combat, with sound and visuals running on the same engine used for Street Fighter V. The concept sees the player take the role of a lowly Shadaloo grunt, training against two of the World Warriors that they may encounter as the evil organization attempts its takeover of the free world. Yeah... That's exactly who I want to play in VR: A nameless, nobody, Shadaloo trainee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3rBDYNXRs&ab_channel=asciijpnews

Utilizing PC VR hardware, players must block attacks and counter with punches and special moves, impacting certain areas on the opponent while their guard is down. A short video not only demonstrates a player throwing out an iconic Hadoken projectile, but also sees the hapless protagonist caught in Zangief's Spinning Pile Driver, which I can only assume is a VR experience likely to demonstrate the technological power of your own stomach.

"Stop playing if you feel sick or feel something is wrong with your body." reads the warning. Indeed.

The demo ends with hints that further characters — such as Akuma and Shadaloo leader Bison himself — will be added to the game in future updates. Capcom has not announced any plans to bring Street Fighter VR: The Shadaloo Enhancement Project to western locations, but I would not be surprised if it at least showed up at one of the booths at the big summer expos such as E3 or Summer Game Fest.

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The rules are simple, yet frightening...

Having treated us to a couple of bonafide back-to-back classics in January, retro-loving publisher Hamster is kicking off the new month with something especially obscure for the Arcade Archives, with the arrival of Seta/Allumer's digital card game Magical Speed, now available on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Hitting the Japanese coin-op scene in 1994, Magical Speed is an anime-infused version of the classical "Speed" card game, which sees two players go head-to-head in a race to shed their respective hands as quickly as possible. Players simultaneously attempt to match cards in their deck with the top card in a central pool — constantly pulling from a side deck in a bid to be the first to deplete all cards in hand. It's simpler than yer boy is making it sound, but perhaps not so much when presented in Japanese by shouting anime characters

Deal yourself a hand in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber edzvision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_dVkoBuOrM&ab_channel=edzvision

Magical Speed, which was generally presented in cocktail cabinet form, follows the rules of the tabletop classic but adds cutesy characters and a thin "adventure" storyline, as a hero makes their way through a fantasy kingdom, taking on a variety of opponents. As this Arcade Archives release represents the Japanese ROM, there is no English localization, although an English manual is included. While perhaps the nichest Arcade Archives release in some time, this obscure oddity is worth a look for traditional card game fans. Who knows, you might end up searching for cocktail cabinets on eBay.

Magical Speed is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $8.

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Everybody pour yourself a Mystery Drink

Square Enix has registered with the Japanese Anniversary Association to request January 31 is officially recognized as "Final Fantasy VII Day".

January 31, 1997 is, of course, the fateful date that saw the legendary and genre-defining RPG hit Japanese retail stores. FFVII would synergize a combination of dramatic storytelling, beloved characters, a then-unheard-of world scale, and the massively popular Sony PlayStation console to spotlight a title that would, eventually, lead a global renaissance for the entire RPG genre — one that has only grown in popularity in the ensuing decades.

https://twitter.com/finalfantasyvii/status/1620255927075995648?s=20&t=buig4p_njufMyjYewXWS6g

"The day that Final Fantasy VII came out, was not just a significant day for the Final Fantasy series, but also marked when so many big things started moving for those of us who worked on the game," wrote FFVII director Yoshinori Kitase in an anniversary message. "I remember being overwhelmed at the breakneck speed with which video game technology was evolving, but also dreaming big things for the future. With the establishment of this official anniversary day, I will now always remember these things, and hold them dearly in my heart."

Final Fantasy VII's legacy lives on in the many re-releases and spin-offs that have hit the market in the past 26 years, not to mention a plethora of merchandise, including model kits, plush toys, figures, statues, and clothing. The world of FFVII has been repeatedly visited in titles such as PS2 release Dirge of Cerberus, the beloved PSP spin-off, Crisis Core, and, more recently, the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake, which sees the iconic adventure and its memorable cast of characters return in a fascinating, eyebrow-raising retelling of its (literal) revolutionary narrative.

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Beats 'n' Blasts

NIS America has finally confirmed that sonic shmup Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is being localized for the west — the beat-heavy blaster will launch on PC and console platforms this summer, following on from its Japanese release in February.

As we have previously reported, Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is a revamped edition of MOSS' legendary 2005 arcade shmup, which boasts new modes, including the dual-ship Double Play option, a selection of game modifiers, online leaderboards, and additional features to present the best version of this beloved shooter classic. The crux of the release, however, lies in its fully remixed and re-recorded soundtrack, which sports a plethora of celebrated names from Japan's electronica scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIaYNsy57CA&ab_channel=NISAmerica

Among the musicians featured in the new release are GoSatoBan, Heavy Metal Raiden, Fantom Iris, O.T.K., Soshi Hosoi, Daisuke Matsumoto, Cosio, Keishi Yonao, Ryu☆, Raito, and Yu Shimoda — who have recorded a total of 20 new stage and boss battle themes. Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX also features a customizable U.I. and soundtrack, allowing players to choose from a selection of wallpapers, and define a personal playlist of their favourite tunes from both the original and re-recorded scores.

Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX launches summer 2023 on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. A Collector's Edition is now available to pre-order from the NIS America Online Store. This physical release, retailing for around $70, includes a console copy of the game, alongside a phone stand, poster, and a two-disc soundtrack CD of the awesome MIKADO MANIAX score.

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Tanks a Lot

For this week's addition to the Arcade Archives, retro-funsters Hamster have gone way back to the early gaming years of Tecmo, with a revisit of the developer's tank-based blaster Senjyo, now available to download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Released to the fledgling arcade market in 1983, Senjyo, (or "Battlefield"), sees players manning the cannon of a hi-tech tank, charged with taking down an attacking force of alien invaders. The player can rotate the tank through a 360-degree landscape, utilizing radar to locate the attackers. Senjyo was highly praised in its day for using parallax scrolling and forced perspective to give the illusion of 3D visuals, though some players were frustrated by the sluggish movement of the tank itself.

Check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber Old Classic Retro Gaming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM2HUVMa8vQ&ab_channel=OldClassicRetroGaming

Senjyo would head to western arcades in 1984, arriving just in time for the market crash. Undaunted, developer Tehkan would eventually return with several sizeable hits for the home and arcade market, eventually changes its name to the more localization-friendly "Tecmo". As I'm sure nobody needs reminding, Tecmo would merge with Koei in 2009 to form Koei Tecmo, which is today best known for franchises such as Dead or Alive, Dynasty Warriors, Monster Rancher, and Fatal Frame.

Senjyo is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $8.

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Retro compendium jettin' west via ININ Games

Veteran publisher Taito, in conjunction with developer M2, has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming shmup compilation Ray'z Arcade Chronology. The classic shmup series take to the stars once again when it launches in Japan on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in March 2023.

As we have previously reported, Ray’z Arcade Chronology compiles the three original titles from the franchise — namely RayForce (1994), RayStorm (1996) and RayCrisis (1998) — with a newly revamped edition of the 2013 remaster RayStorm HD, complete with brand new features including a classic 4:3 screen ratio and the original arcade dipswitch settings. The compendium is then rounded out with a brand new remaster of RayCrisis, titled RayCrisis HD, specifically developed for this new release.

Ray’z Arcade Chronology will launch in Japan March 9, 2023, on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Western fans of the pew-pew persuasion need not fret, as publisher ININ Games has already confirmed that it will be localizing the collection for western release, although a specific launch date is yet to be announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axxz_iaJ0Jc&ab_channel=taitochannel

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Could you be the next Original Starla?

The Guilty Gear franchise is renowned for its bizarre arsenal of stylish weaponry, from Faust's 10-foot scalpel to Ino's satanic shredder, but perhaps one of the most ingenious tools belongs to the delightful young bounty hunter Bridget, in the form of her trick-shot-tastic Bullet Yo-Yo.

And, if you fancy taking an eye or two out yourself, then hobby crafter SpinGear has you covered, as the Japanese yo-yo specialist is now taking pre-orders on an exceptionally cool-looking replica of Bridget's weapon of choice. The "Full Metal Bridget Mini Yo-Yo" is an authentic (if smaller) replica of our girl's face-flicker, faithfully recreating the six-shooter style of its casing and cast in solid metal.

Check out the ace toy/death dealer in action in this official video, complete with Bridget cosplay!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ql62Lot7E

So if you fancy picking one up, hurting yourself, and realizing you're just as terrible with the yo-yo now as you were with that Coca-Cola one in 1991, then head on over to the official YOYOSHOP SPINGEAR website, where you can pre-order the Full Metal Bridget Yo-Yo for ¥44,000 or... erm... $330 USD... Well, if that seems a little on the pricey side for you, then a far simpler design is also expected in January, priced at a somewhat cheaper ¥4,400, or $32.

"We understand pre-order expensive yoyo feels little scary." explains the website. Yer-darn-tootin'. But, hey, you can't put a price on knocking mum's favorite vase off the mantle.

Guilty Gear Strive is available now on PlayStation and PC platforms. An Xbox port arrives spring 2023.

Oh, and don't forget to check out our previous report on this cute Bridget fan animation.

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Neptunia developer to kick off the year in style

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

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

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

Compile Heart teases announcement for January issue of Weekly Famitsu [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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The next entry in the Ys series aims for next year

Falcom has announced the next numbered entry in the long-running Ys RPG series. Ys X: Nordics will launch next year.

News about this broke last night during an annual meeting, soon followed by the official news. Ys X is the latest numerical entry in the series, targeting PlayStation 4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. It's currently set to launch in Japan sometime in 2023.

According to a description of the game (thanks Gematsu), Ys X: Nordics will once again follow hero Adol Christin in a new adventure, this time set in the northern Obelia Bay. There are many islands and sea-faring people here, as well as some immortal undead who like to attack humans.

Ys X: Nordics will also let the player control a ship, for the first time in the series. Considering Adol's history with boats, it might not be a wise idea to put him at the helm. But hey, maybe the ship won't wreck this time.

Fighting in tandem

Battles look otherwise very action-y and flashy, as you would expect from a Ys game. The new Cross Action system will allow the player to fight in two modes: Solo Mode lets you control one fighter with automatic attacks and support from a partner, while Combination Mode has the player simultaneously controlling both characters for a series of actions.

Nothing's been formally announced about an English localization just yet. We have eventually received previous entries in the Ys series though, like Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. Odds seem decent that sooner or later, we'll hear more about Ys X: Nordics.

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Bare (Broken) Bones

While the mid-'90s fast gave way to a love of 3D fighting titles, spearheaded by the success of Virtua Fighter, Tekken, and Dead or Alive, there were still plenty of developers who knew that the 2D aesthetic was where it was at. And due to budgetary or stylistic reasons, some franchises retained the flat-planed approach to the act of kicking names and taking ass.

And while Street Fighter III might not have quite been the launch success Capcom had hoped, the love for the game demonstrated by the most "hardcore" of the fighting game community was enough to ensure that many 2D fighters would continue to spill into the market, particularly in Japan, where the traditional look was perhaps better appreciated by digital sluggers. And so, The King of Fighters,  Darkstalkers, Samurai Shodown, and Fatal Fury would continue adopting 2D action for their main canon — leading to all-time greats such as SNK's Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

But there was an abundance of great, lesser-known 2D fighters that either faded into the background, or simply never saw the light of day outside of their native Japan. Titles such as Breakers' Revenge, The Last Blade, and Art of Fighting 3 could all deliver the goods, but simply couldn't find their niche within an overcrowded, overcooked market. Ironically, it would not be until decades later — amidst the visual splendor of Tekken 7, Guilty Gear Strive, and Street Fighter 6 — that younger players would even become aware of these titles' existence, thanks to remasters and compilations by some of Japan's most veteran publishers.

Today, we take a look at one such release, The Rumble Fish 2, freshly launched on modern platforms by publisher 3goo. This is a particularly special case, as it represents the funky fighter's first-ever official release not only on home platforms but also on western soil. Unfortunately, as magnificent a moment as this is for the genre, the returning fighter has not exactly put on its Sunday Best for its grand comeback...

The Rumble Fish 2 (PlayStation [PS5 reviewed], PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Developer: Dimps / 3goo
Publisher: 3goo
Released: December 7, 2022
MSRP: $29.99

The Rumble Fish 2 was released to Japanese arcades in 2005, a product of the then-highly common Atomiswave arcade platform. Developed by jack-of-all-trades studio Dimps, the 2D fighter is the follow up to the equally obscure 2004 release The Rumble Fish, which was only Dimps' second arcade release to that point. Following the tradition of fighting game sequels, The Rumble Fish 2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, adding new stages, mechanics, and characters to its already colorful roster, while rebalancing overall gameplay to provide a more measured and exciting experience.

The narrative, (of what there is to speak of), of The Rumble Fish is set against the backdrop of a decaying and dystopian city, revitalized on an economical basis by the mysterious PROBE-NEXUS. But, despite the super corp's generosity in helping civilization, PROBE-NEXUS financial greed has created a capitalist nightmare, with the very foundations of life built around the rich and the elite. In what seems to be a distraction for the people, the company announces the F.F.S. (Fight for Survival) Tournament, which garners the interest of the area's toughest, hardiest, or most desperate warriors. But, as is always the case, there are many ulterior motives at play, on all sides of the conflict.

This tournament is presented by RF2 to the player as a series of standard two-round, one-on-one fights, as the player climbs the ladder toward the top of the tournament bracket and the mysterious competitor that stands atop the mountain. For the most part, any fighting game player knows the score: strike, special, super, dash, crouch, backdash, block, hyper jump. Although, when compared to many of the anime fighters of the day RF2 remains mostly grounded, without air dashes, or double jumps, (though juggling is a common practice, as are Off-The-Ground specials.)

The Rumble Fish 2, however, does contain some very cool, unique gimmicks. For starters, the player is afforded two meters, one for offense and one for defense. The offensive meter builds as the player lands hits, and can be used to activate Offensive Arts (Supers) and moves such as the block-destroying "Jolt Attack". Meanwhile, the defensive meter — built through blocking and evasion — can be spent on "defensive" special moves (perhaps a counter or a projectile shield) or the "Impact Break" — a block cancel that offers up additional frames for a counterattack. Should both meters be filled, then the player can pull off a devastating Critical Art. This is obviously an expensive spend, so use it wisely, if at all.

The Rumble Fish's second unique sense of identity is aesthetic and lies in its trademark "S.M.A" (Smooth Move Animation) technology. Essentially, each character is built up of multiple 2D sprites, all layered on top of one another and moving in tandem with each other. This allows RF2's roster to have a smooth "rotoscoped" movement style, similar to Elena in Street Fighter III. Admittedly it takes a little getting used to visually, but it's a cool idea, and one rarely seen in fighters.

Due to the mechanical nature of the pixels, this allows for characters to incur damage while fighting, such as puffy faces, bruised skin, and torn and stained clothing. These few bespoke ideas, from gameplay to visuals, really help The Rumble Fish stand apart from the pack, and — rather than feeling gimmicky — bring life and excitement to the title.

The Rumble Fish 2 is really hearty underdog fighter. The brand and budget are not there, but the cast is fun and unique — including a sword-swinging kid in a onesie, a 10-ft tall shark man, a sexy secret agent, and a ninja who can lay booby traps around the battlefield — while the action itself is solid and engaging, with neat mechanics that actually work, rather than feel like gimmicks for the sake of gimmicks. I'm sure The Rumble Fish 2 was a great way to spend ¥100 in the arcade on a Saturday...

...Unfortunately, we aren't in an arcade, and it doesn't cost ¥100, and it isn't Saturday. (It might be Saturday).

Outside of the fighting itself, The Rumble Fish 2 has some serious packaging problems. Priced at a lofty $30, there isn't the content nor the polish to warrant its purchase. There is the original arcade mode, survival, time attack and local Vs. and online play, but many elements of this release are so poorly mastered that it makes the whole comeback seem like an afterthought. For online battles, there are no lobbies, there isn't even a rematch feature (you are booted back to the title screen after one fight), nor is there any ping counter, replays, or spectator option.

The Rumble Fish 2 does support rollback netcode, and actually plays great when the fists and finally flying — but without rudimentary online features, the drive to engage evaporates quickly.

There is a Training Mode, but it is missing many useful features, such as a record/playback option or a screen reset. There are visual tweak options, such as screen filters, and the game's image is frustratingly "soft" by default, with a CRT vibe that wipes away all those beautiful pixels. The game also plays in fixed 16x9, with no option for its original 4x3 ratio. And the list goes on. There are no custom keyboard controls on PC. The PS5 version doesn't support PS4 controllers/sticks, and you cannot cross-buy the two versions together. So if you purchased RF2 on PS5 and have a PS4 stick, you're outta luck.

But mouth-gaping is truly withheld for publisher 3goo's decision to lock three characters, (Beatrice, Hazama, and, ironically, Greed), as paid DLC. To have access to the entire roster of an almost two-decade-old fighter, players must roll out an extra $10 on top of the already staggeringly high $30 entry fee. I don't hate the concept of paid DLC for fighters the way that most do, but I have to draw the line somewhere, and locking characters out of a 20-year-old 2D fighter that never saw the light of the home market is quite literally it. Staggeringly unwise decision-making by the publisher.

And thus, The Rumble Fish 2 is a woeful tale of two halves. On one half, this unique 2D scrapper is a great, old-school fighter. One finally given a brand new lease of life resurrected for the global fighting game community after years of being spoken of in whispered tones on shady emulation websites. The other half, however, reveals a shocking lack of desire to give this lost legend the comeback it deserves, with little in the way of basic features, and shockingly egregious DLC practices.

Of course, there is still the possibility that the team might see to fixing many of the aforementioned issues, but we can only review today what we can review today. At $30, with $10 DLC, it's incredibly difficult to recommend The Rumble Fish 2 to anyone, even the most ardent fighting game devotee.

Almost 20 years on from its initial arrival, The Rumble Fish 2 still packs a punch as a spunky fighter that dared to hold its own in a crowded market, powered by a fun cast, a unique look, and solid gameplay. Unfortunately, this expensive release fails to capitalize on its grand comeback, offering barebones features, lacking rudimentary options, and greedily locking characters behind paywalls. That this long-lost fighter would receive such a half-hearted presentation is hugely disappointing.

The post Review: The Rumble Fish 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Pay close attention

Following on from last week's much-celebrated and long-awaited release of Tetris: The Grand Master, retro publisher Hamster returns to its bag big of Namco classics this week, with the arrival of 3D maze chaser Pac-Mania, now available to download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Released to arcades in 1987, before finding itself ported to myriad home computers and consoles, Pac-Mania was something of a very big deal upon its launch, due to its fresh adaptation of Pac-Man's genre-defining gameplay from an all-new 3D perspective. Choosing an oblique 3/4 viewing angle, and sporting some delightfully cartoonish sprites, Pac-Mania offered a new approach to the pill-munching action of its 1980 predecessor.

Check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber MegaMan52.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctJFLJ5w88U

Once again, our boy is charged with dashing around a symmetrical maze, gobbling up power pellets, and staying one step ahead of the ghostly gang of Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde, and "Sue". As a major game-changer, Pac-Man now has the ability to leap over his enemies, offering him a handy escape when cornered. Later stages introduce new ghosts... erm... "Funky and Spunky" both of whom also have the ability to take to the air, intercepting Pac-Man's avian action. A popular release in arcades and on the home market, Pac-Mania remains one of the most recognizable of the Pac-Man sequels.

Pac-Mania is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $8. It should be noted that it is also included as part of Bandai Namco's compendium Pac-Man Museum +.

The post Pac-Mania takes the Arcade Archives to another dimension appeared first on Destructoid.

The Forgotten Wall

This week is a very special one for Hamster Corporation, as the publisher celebrates 300 consecutive weeks of classic arcade game reissues — And to celebrate this record-breaking moment, the Arcade Archives receives a little royalty: The Arika's never-before-re-released puzzler Tetris: The Grand Master.

Launching in Japanese arcades in 1998, Tetris: The Grand Master was the biggest challenge offered to block-dropping fans to date. While TGM, (as it is known by the Tetris community), follows the typical rules and methodology of Alexey Pajitnov's world-best puzzler, this particular edition offered up a marathon 999 levels to be conquered as well as the dazzling "20G" mechanic to truly push expert players to their limits. Essentially, this difficulty option places the incoming Tetrominos directly on top of the stack, offering a mere split-second to place them onto the playfield.

Check out the wild action in the classic run below, courtesy of YouTuber Sega-16.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEzvyMI4I9I

This mode fast became the target for the community, eager to master the iconic title to the point that they could play it — accurately and efficiently — on a second-to-second basis. Ironically, despite being held in such high regard, the original TGM would never receive a home release, though it would be followed by several console sequels over the following years. This new Arcade Archives release marks the first official home version of TGM since its late-'90s debut. Thus, this is a very special week for the die-hard Tetris community.

TGM has been a staple of speedrun tournaments and global competitions for many years, and now players all over the world can finally sit and master the game in their own bedrooms... in a legal capacity, at the very least. If you want to check out the brain-melting action for yourself, then Tetris: The Grand Master is available to download right now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

The post The wait is over: Tetris The Grand Master is now available on PS4 and Switch appeared first on Destructoid.

SSGSGSSSGSSGGSS

Bandai Namco has announced that it will hold another Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour presentation in 2023 — The live stream event, which debuted in February this year, will take a look at the current and upcoming titles spawning from the legendary anime franchise.

While details on 2023's Battle Hour are currently slim on the ground, we can expect Bandai Namco to showcase Dragon Ball games such as Dragon Ball Super Card, Dragon Ball Legends, and Arc System Works' excellent tag-fighter Dragon Ball FighterZ. It is currently unknown whether any unannounced games or DLC will be revealed on the stream, but one can only assume that the publisher will be bringing new news to the table and not leave the fans walking away empty-handed.

More details on the event, including a date, will be announced on December 3. We will, of course, bring you all of the pertinent information right here on Destructoid.

https://twitter.com/db_eventpj/status/1597593231960997888?s=20&t=m0pQcQt8a7DIN8olLZyoyA

The post Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour live stream to return in 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.