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Cyberpunk 2D Side-scroller “Dex” is Coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PS Vita
Timeless FINAL FANTASY IX remastered for mobile devices
Timeless FINAL FANTASY IX remastered for mobile devices
Fan Favourite Available Today on iOS and Android; Steam Version Coming Soon
LONDON (10th February, 2016) – Square Enix Ltd., today announced that FINAL FANTASY® IX, a fan favourite in the FINAL FANTASY series, has been optimised for Apple and Android devices and is available to download from today on the App Store® and Google Play™. Along with its tale of love, magic and self-discovery, FINAL FANTASY IX for mobile devices and Steam also offers a selection of new features, including;
· High-definition movies and character models
· New cloud save feature allows players to back up save data to play across other compatible devices
· Auto save function
· Seven all-new optional booster features, including high speed mode and no encounter mode, which will allow players to automatically master equipped weapons and gear, as well as maximize character levels, magic stone counts and gil
First released in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX tells the story of the bandit Zidane Tribal who plans to kidnap the princess of Alexandria, Garnet Til Alexandros the 17th, with the troupe of thieves known as Tantalus. An unlikely series of events set Zidane, Garnet, the shy yet powerful black mage Vivi Ornitier, the loyal knight Adelbert Steiner, and other memorable characters on an epic journey as they learn about themselves, the secrets of the Crystal, and a malevolent force that threatens to destroy their world.
FINAL FANTASY IX is now available for compatible Apple and Android devices at a discounted price of £12.99 / €16.99 until the 21st February (Regular price £15.99 / €20.99).
Appstore: https://itunes.apple.com/app/final-fantasy-ix/id1041260001?l=ja&ls=1&mt=8
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.FFIXww.android_googleplay
FINAL FANTASY IX will also be available on Steam at a later date; featuring keyboard and mouse compatibility, as well as full STEAM trading cards and achievements. For more information on FINAL FANTASY IX for PC, please visit:http://store.steampowered.com/app/377840.
To view the official announcement trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/OeWqEcI7ZtY
Related Links
Official Homepage: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ff9/en/
Official FINAL FANTASY Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/finalfantasy
Official FINAL FANTASY Twitter: @FINALFANTASY
About FINAL FANTASY Portal App
The free-to-download “FINAL FANTASY Portal App” provides the latest and greatest on all things FINAL FANTASY, as well as exclusive promotional trailers and developer commentary. By logging in with their Square Enix account, players can accumulate points that can be exchanged for various items. Also, the iconic Triple Triad card game from FINAL FANTASY VIII makes its mobile debut, and is playable in the app.
About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 66 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 45 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/ .
FINAL FANTASY IX © 2000, 2001, 2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
FINAL FANTASY PORTAL APP © 2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
FINAL FANTASY, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Nexon Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results
Nexon Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results
Fourth Quarter Revenues Up 7% Year-over-Year, Full Year Revenues Up 10% Strong Results Driven by Continued Focus on Quality Content and Expansion of Strategic Partnerships Worldwide
TOKYO – 10th February 2016 – NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended 31st December 2015.
“Nexon’s solid performance throughout 2015 was driven by our relentless focus on the quality of our live and new games and the expansion of world class partnerships. Our full-year revenues, operating income and net income all grew year-over-year, reflecting the positive response from players of our high-quality titles,” said Owen Mahoney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexon. “Player retention and growth among our existing games was strong, and Nexon’s pipeline of new titles delivered impressive initial results . DomiNations surpassed 17 million total downloads worldwide and HIT immediately took first place for top-grossing app in Korea on Google Play and iOS App Store.”
Mr. Mahoney continued, “Throughout the year, we also continued to strengthen our world-class partnerships with industry-leading developers and IP holders. Heading into 2016, we remain well-positioned to continue executing on our strategy of servicing high-quality titles through strong internal development and partnerships.”
Full Year 2015 Highlights:
- Full year revenues were 190.3 billion yen, up 10% year-over-year.
- Operating income was 62.3 billion yen, up 37% year-over-year.
- Net income attributable to owners of the parent was 55.1 billion yen, up 88% year-over-year.
Fourth Quarter 2015 Highlights:
- Fourth quarter revenues were 45.8 billion yen, up 7% year-over-year. Performance exceeded Nexon’s outlook and was primarily driven by higher-than-expected sales from Dungeon&Fighter in China and the successful launch of HIT in Korea.
- Operating income was 10.3 billion yen, within the range of Nexon’s outlook.
- Net income attributable to owners of the parent was 4.4 billion yen, which was below Nexon’s outlook due primarily to FX loss in foreign currency-denominated cash deposits and account receivables.
First Quarter 2016 Outlook:
- Revenues expected to be in the range of 49.0 to 52.5 billion yen.
- PC online game revenues expected to be in the range of 38.1 to 40.5 billion yen.
- Mobile game revenues expected to be in the range of 10.9 to 12.0 billion yen.
- Operating income expected to be in the range of 18.6 to 22.2 billion yen.
- Net income attributable to owners of the parent expected to be in the range of 16.3 to 19.3 billion yen.
Conference Call and Replay:
Nexon management will host an earnings presentation for analysts, investors and media to discuss the Company’s financial results and outlook. The presentation will be conducted in Japanese with simultaneous English translation today at 3:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST) / 1:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)/ 7.30 a.m. Central European Time (CET). The earnings presentation materials will be available on Nexon’s Investor Relations website following the presentation.
A conference call for foreign investors will be conducted in English later today at 10:00 p.m. JST / 8:00 a.m. EST / 2.00 p.m. CET. The conference call will consist of prepared remarks from management followed by a Q&A session.
A replay of the call will be available about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the conference call and can be accessed until 17th February 2016. A transcript of the call will be available within several days on Nexon’s Investor Relations website.
For additional information regarding Nexon’s fourth quarter and full year 2015 financial results, please visit the Investor Relations section of Nexon’s website athttp://ir.nexon.co.jp/en/.
This press release is prepared to offer reference information about Nexon to investors and is intended to generally provide investors and analysts with financial and operational information about Nexon, but not to solicit or recommend any sale or purchase of stock or other securities of Nexon.
About NEXON Co., Ltd. http://company.nexon.co.jp/
NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services over 100 titles in more than 190 countries. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Ponycan USA Announces Import Blu-ray Release of ‘Garakowa -Restore the World-‘
Ponycan USA announced earlier this week that they will begin distributing an import edition of the original anime film Garakowa -Restore the World- on April 10, 2016. The film is a collaboration between Pony Canyon and A-1 Pictures. Ponycan US provided a synopsis of the film:
A space inhabited by multiple worlds, countless timelines and a diversity of people, where Dual and Dorothy battle the enemy – viruses encroaching on the world. A world infected by a virus must be deleted. This is the responsibility of Dual and Dorothy. But when the two of them discover a new virus attacking a girl, they save her and quietly wait for her to awaken. Who is she? Where did she come from? Where will she go? When the girl finally awakens, she calls herself “Remo” and has only one thing to say: “I have to return to the flower garden…”
This collector’s edition release features a special box character drawing by original character designer Kantoku, a digipak illustrated by main animator Toshie Kawamura, an 88 page booklet and a CD containing three songs, “Sendan Life”, “Insomnia” and “Hello”. This release will come with an exclusive English-translated version of the booklet. Promotional videos will be included as on-disc extras. The 67-minute film will be featured with 5.1 channel Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Customers who pre-order this release before February 29, 2016, will receive one of four cards illustrated specially by Kantoku. This release has a suggested retail price of $89.98 USD, but is currently available for pre-order for $71.98 USD. Pre-orders can be made here, at RightStuf.com.
‘PS PLUS VOTE TO PLAY’ NOW OPEN
‘PS PLUS VOTE TO PLAY’ NOW OPEN
Australian studio Witch Beam in the mix with international developers
Sydney, Australia 10 Feb 2016: PlayStation is giving Brisbane’s indie game developer Witch Beam studio their opportunity to make a splash in the gaming world, as Assault Android Cactus steps up to the voting plate this month in the second-ever round of PlayStation®Plus Vote to Play. Could they be the first Australian studio to win?
The studio from Brisbane – who follow Melbourne’s League of Geeks who narrowly missed out on the first round of Vote to Play – are set to compete against two international studios for their chance to have Assault Android Cactus added to the March monthly games line-up for PS Plus members.
Assault Android Cactus is an already award-winning, fast paced and tightly tuned shoot’em’up that plays like a modern day arcade. The frenetic gameplay is perfect for the couch co-op experience but quality games in this month’s vote to play aren’t exclusive to Australian developers with strong international competition in the mix!
Witch Beam goes against developers RageSquid and their game Action Henk! and Broforce for the chance to be added to the March monthly games line-up.
To get your vote in, fire up your PS4 and, with your PSN login, access Vote to Play under the dedicated PlayStation Plus section on the top left corner of your PS4 home screen. Details can also be found under What’s New or the PlayStation Plus section of the PlayStation Store.
The Line-Up
Assault Android Cactus
The first game of indie-start-up Witch Beam from Brisbane, this game is an arcade style twin stick shooter set in a vivid sci-fi universe. While the mechanics of this twin stick shooter will be familiar to many, developer Witch Beam has created a unique battery mechanic (in lieu of lives), providing a fresh experience that helps Assault Android Cactus stand out from the crowd.This game also supports Shareplay, a “virtual couch” that lets a friend join your game for up to an hour at a time, creating an online local co-op experience. According to designer Sanatana Mishra, the goal with Assault Android Cactus was to make a game that he and the rest of the team wanted to play.
Action Henk!
This title from publisher Curve Digital and developer Rage Squid, is a fast paced running, jumping and butt-sliding platformer in a glorious 3D toy filled world! Action Henk! is a game about an action figure trying to relive his heroic past. Henk used to be fastest of them all back in the 80’s and 90’s, but nowadays there’s not much left of his former glory. He gets challenged by his rival Dr. Kentony, and is out to prove that he still has what it takes to be the fastest! The goal is to use physics and momentum to race through levels as fast as possible. These short levels require you to master all the subtle tricks that the physics-based platforming has to offer, including the famous butt-slide.
Broforce
Publisher Devolver and developer Free Lives have teamed up to deliver part irreverent spoof and part loving homage to what are now classic movies and classic games.This action adventure game brings to life the memories (or imaginations for the younger player) of ’80s action heroes and their adventures. While we didn’t know it at the time, this is the game that we always wanted as we cheered those action heroes on to victory. With its online co-op experience, friends can enjoy connecting with each other to bring their own brand of shock and awe to the opposing forces.
To get behind Aussie talent, vote for Assault Android Cactus before voting closes on 16th August and make Witch Beam the first-ever Australian studio to win the PlayStation Plus Vote to Play!
If you don’t already have a PlayStation Plus account and would like to learn more about the benefits of the service, such as the monthly games, access to online multiplayer on PS4, exclusive member discounts, cloud game saves and more, click here.
The List of Madman Entertainment’s Anime Releases of February 10, 2016
Madman Entertainment is releasing some highly anticipated anime titles this month. The following list details all of those releases. Unless otherwise stated, all releases contain dual audio options.
- Aquarion Complete Series – DVD only. The on-disc extras include an interview with Shoji Kawamori, the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2005 featurette, “Talk Show with Cast and Crew”, Tsugumi’s “All about CG!” series and the textless opening and ending animations.
- Aquarion Evol Complete Series – DVD only. The on-disc extras include commentary for episodes 1, 9, 15 and 26, the textless opening and ending animations, the Japanese commercials, promotional videos and a feature titled “The Myth of Ten Thousand Years and Two Thousand More Returns”.
- Danganronpa the Animation Complete Series – DVD and Blu-ray. Commentary for episode 1 and the textless opening and ending animation are included as on-disc extras.
- Dragonar Academy Complete Series – DVD and Blu-ray. Commentary for episodes 2 and 7, commercials, promotional videos and the textless opening and ending animations are included as on-disc extras.
- Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo – DVD and Blu-ray. The on-disc extras include “Rebuild of Evangelion: 3.33”, EVA-EXTRA 08, Japanese teasers and trailers, TV spots and the U.S. trailer. A 56 page full colour book is also included.
- Infinite Stratos 2 Complete Series – DVD only. The broadcast version of “One Summer’s Memories” and the textless opening and ending animation are included as on-disc extras.
- Sailor Moon Part 2 – DVD only. The textless opening and ending animations are included as on-disc extras.
- Samurai Flamenco Part 1 – DVD only. It features episodes 1-11 with Japanese audio and English subtitles. The textless song animations are included as on-disc extras.
- Sword Art Online 2 Part 3 – DVD and Blu-ray. The on-disc extras include “Sword Art Offline II”, the textless opening and ending animations and the original web previews.
- To-Love-Ru Complete Season 1 – DVD only. All episodes are featured with Japanese audio and English subtitles. The textless opening and ending animations are included as on-disc extras.
A review of part 1 of Aquarion Evol can be found here, and the review of part 2 can be found here. The review of Madman’s limited edition DVD release of Sailor Moon Part 1 can be found here.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Review
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platforms: PS4 (Reviewed), Xbox One, PC
Release Date: February 5th, 2015 (AU/EU), February 9th (US)
Price: $99.99 AU – Available Here / $59.99 US– Available Here
Overview
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 (hereby referred to as Storm 4 for obvious reasons) is the 9th and seemingly final release in the core Ultimate Ninja series which began on the PlayStation 2 back in 2003. A lot has changed since then with the main difference being the shift to a 3D plane introduced in the first Storm game and an ever growing character roster, however the cinematic specials and simple combos have remained a staple of the series. Does Storm 4 end the long running series on a high note or fail to do justice to Ultimate Ninja’s multi-generation legacy? Our full review is below.
Story
Storm 4 continues to tell the tale of Naruto, his comrades and his enemies in what is the final chapter of the Naruto Universe. As someone who relies on the games to get the main Naruto story (I haven’t read the manga or watched past the original series in the anime), I really felt like I was getting the full experience here with little being left out. The story is represented a little differently this time, with a chapter select menu as opposed to running around the Ninja world trying to trigger the next story moment, but I don’t feel that decision took away from the story at all and is probably a lot more appropriate as most of the story takes place on the one battlefield. It also allowed for some branching parallel paths that gives you a little freedom in how you want to progress through the story.
I won’t spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t experienced Naruto before or simply doesn’t want the games content ruined, but this last chapter takes place all within a small time frame around one main event (with a fair few chapters dedicated to all new back story for the games). The main Naruto manga reached it’s completion some time ago now, so the game basically covers from where the last one left off to the end of the manga, making Storm 4 the first rendition of the full story in animated form and in English.
This last chapter contains some great conclusions to long running plot points, new twists and some great backstory which really fills in the gaps and answer questions you might have about certain characters or motivations. It can get a little tiresome at times with some repetitive lines constantly being delivered (we get it Naruto bonds are important!) and the seemingly endless stream of power ups can get a bit much, but overall this is a well told tale with a satisfying conclusion and epic set pieces. Some of the takes on boss battles and horde battles are a little shallow and repetitive in terms of gameplay, but the integrated quick time events and story sequences help spur you on to reach the next chapter.
The 3D cutscenes CC2 creates for these games and the quick time events that go with them are a testament to how to handle an anime story mode. Unfortunately only about 70% of the story is told using cutscenes and for some reason CC2 has randomly chosen to use anime stills with slight visual effects over the top to convey some scenes. Perhaps there were budget or time constraints, but it does come off as a little lazy when this method has never been used in the past. Another complaint is the English dub lip syncing, which can be horribly off at times.
After the main story is done you can head to adventure mode. Think of this as filler material, it’s no where near as interesting as the main story, doesn’t really contain any voiced cutscenes and basically exists so that you can free roam around the linear paths and main villages of the Ninja World (which unfortunately is pretty mundane despite the interesting locations) and experience battles from the past which take the form of memory crystals.
There are missions to complete from various people (mainly just talk to this person or fetch quest like missions) and a main story line centered around Naruto, Sakura and Hinata and the latters secret crush on Naruto. While there is some funny dialogue here this mode just feels really bland after playing the main story. It’s an OK extra if you want more single player content and don’t feel like playing the other game modes, but if you hated the free roam aspects in the past game you definitely won’t appreciate this effort.
Gameplay
The main fighting here is the ultimate amalgamation of all the Naruto Storm games from Storm 2 on wards (unfortunately jutsu clashes and wall running do not make their return here outside of story mode). Not only have a few new actions been added such as the instant Chakra dash and mid combo character switching (which is no big deal, the ability to swap between fighters on your team at nearly any given moment is a huge positive), but older actions such as the counter attack have been re-balanced also. CC2 have learned from the last five titles and put the ultimate combination of all those things into Storm 4. People will be glad to know the limiting ‘types’ that you had to choose from in Storm Revolution are gone and you can now awaken, use your secret technique and have supports help out all in the same battle. This leads to varied, fast paced, frantic battles that get more exciting as your health bars dwindle. Gauge management and timing is essential if you want to be any good at this game.
Storm 4 sports the largest playable roster in Naruto video game history and is chock full of variety. While we lost a few support only characters from past entries, Storm 4 introduces a few new fighters to bring the playable number of characters up past 100 (many with alternate outfits) with more to come through DLC. The team possibilities are near endless, especially if you factor in some characters having selectable specials/ultimates before a match, unique team secret combinations, awakenings that often change an entire move set and more. It’s going to take a long time before you experience everything each character in this game has to offer. While I some characters are obviously better then others, the roster is not only diverse but fairly balanced, with not one character seeming to have any overpowered jutsu.
Storm 4 also has a decent amount of game modes to keep you occupied. There are the previously mentioned Story and Adventure mode which will take about 12 hours to complete and a lot more if you are going for S ranks and aim to complete every side quest. Free battle allows you to play local matches with a friend or compete in a variety of different single player events such as survival, tournament and league where you will normally be put up against a themed team and challenge harder levels as you progress. You can also train in the practice mode here which gives some nice features such as unlimited Chakra, health etc. Outside of fighting is the collection menu where you can see everything you’ve collected throughout the game, with most of those things going to how you customise your online profile.
Now living in Australia we have a reputation for slow Internet connections, but I found online very difficult to play, experiencing trouble getting into a match and input lag even while playing someone in the same region. I had a much smoother online experience with Storm Revolution then I did here. Even finding an opponent has gotten much slower as if the game matches you up with a dud match it hangs on two similar messages saying an opponent could not be found and you will be returned to the online menu. There are also problems in ranked, where there is no punishment for the offender or reward for the winner if someone disconnects intentionally. There is an impressive amount of online game modes such as tournaments, endless and more, but the connection problems made the mode not worth the effort. Make sure you have a very strong connection if you want to play online. Why CC2 didn’t put all their past online optimizations into Storm 4 is beyond me.
Visuals
The visuals here are only a slight step up from Naruto Storm 3 but that’s more a testament to how great the games looked in the past rather than a slant against Storm 4. The power of the PS4 was used here more to smooth the edges of the character models and have more effects going on at once. This a bright and colourful game and if you love energy attacks that could nuke a small town or cut a mountain range in half you will be happy to know that those attacks and their accompanying explosions all look incredibly devastating. In many ways Naruto Storm 4 looks better than it’s anime counterpart, especially during some moments of the story mode.
Where the visuals have been stepped up the most is in battle, with most characters clothing now being able to get destroyed in certain ways. Sometimes this just means having scuffs and bruises on the character but other times it can lead to what looks like an entirely different outfit which is a nice touch. Some stages also have destructible areas now although this is rather lackluster, not affecting the battle in any meaningful way and often goes unnoticed.
Audio
Like the visual the audio in the Storm games has always been well polished and that is no different here. Voice acting in the story mode is well delivered and emotional outside of a few awkward villainous laughs from Sasuke which just sound strange. Fans of the original Japanese work can switch over to that vocal track in the options menu. The music in the Storm series has always had a “mimicking the series” feel and that is no different here with plenty of emotional, action and epic feelings tracks for each respective situation. Sound effects are faithful to the show and add ‘oomph’ to the combat. Fantastic audio as always for the Storm series.
Overall
Storm 4 does little to bring anything new and substantial to the Storm formula that has remained largely the same for it’s duration however it at least equals and goes slightly better in the most important areas of the game to provide one of the most definitive Naruto experiences. Story, fighting and presentation are all top notch with the afterthought adventure mode and online being the main issues dragging the game down. Storm 4 doesn’t really raise the bar for the series but it is a worthy ending for the Storm chapter that began 8 years ago.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Review
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Developer: Media Vision
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platforms: Playstation 4 (Reviewed), Playstation Vita
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Price: $59.99 USD – Available Here
Overview
Digimon is a property that has been around for nearly two decades now. Once a rival to Pokemon, the franchise has managed to keep a loyal fanbase and has seen several successful titles land on past platforms. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth breaks the silence from the brand on the console front that has been present for several years now, looking to be this generation’s definitive representation as not only a video game, but an RPG experience. Does the detective work cooked up here equate in a hit for our digital friends, or has time proven to be too much for these monsters of the past? Let’s find out.
Story
Cyber Sleuth in my opinion is the game we have always asked for with Digimon. Unlike past titles, the player takes the role of a young hacker and is quickly whisked into the plot as a disease known as Eden Syndrome infected a portion of the public, landing the main character into hot water as they become hospitalized. This sickness leaves our hero half-digitized, meaning that their digital body can cross between both the digital and physical universe. After a bit of investigating the cause, a woman by the name of Kyoko is encountered, who just happens to be the lead of Kuremi Detective Agency. I think you know where I am going with this, as for the rest of the story – it is up to you to use your abilities and Digimon friends to solve cases for Kyoko, with of course your own problem being at the center of it all.
Sure, this has been done before in both anime and video games, but for a franchise that we have seen little from in this scope, the plot feels like a breath of fresh air. The characters are all interesting and the cases, while generally short each fit in well with the themes of Cyber Sleuth overall. A game like this could have been as thin as a napkin and still stood tall due to the amount of gameplay content and replayability, but Bandai hit this one out of the park – delivering both fan service and a sensible and fluid plot to follow as we visit Digimon yet again.
Gameplay
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is primarily a Japanese RPG in every sense, as the player can explore, level up, and go into a turn-based battle system utilizing familiar mechanics that work fluidly for the entire experience. Of course Digimon are focus, as players do a good portion of their detective work in the digital world, with random battles occurring frequently as you break ground. To partake in these battles, you have to have the monsters – and that you will find a lot of on this journey. Starting out, the player gets the choice of one Digimon out of three to start out with. Once you randomly encounter a Digimon, you then scan it (automatically), with that particular species able to be converted at the nearest Digimon once a 100% scan is complete. Players can actually go up to 200% and get the strongest version of that monster possible, but that is more of an option for those who want a competitive edge – as the main game itself does not really demand perfection in terms of difficulty on a normal playthrough.
Collecting and raising each Digimon is honestly the most addictive and rewarding mechanic in the game. There are over 200 variants to obtain in all, and players are able to both Digivolve and De-Digivolve in order to have their preferred party of three. Yes, you can have more than three Digimon in your squad at one time based on how much “memory” you currently have, but only three can actually do battle at once – with the remainder able to swap in and out without having to visit a terminal. Once a Digimon hits a specific level and meets all given requirements, they can then evolve into a stronger species, which is usually one of five different Digimon. The route you choose is totally up to you and thanks to the wide variety that each Digimon can transform into, you can easily do a few scans and go down other routes during a decent grind session to get stronger. The only catch is that once you do Digivolve that treasured party member, their level is reset at 1 and you must re-level again to increase strength and stats. It really isn’t a chore to do this as older areas can always be revisited at anytime, and I myself spent at least ten hours just going through different combinations due to heavy amount of options provided.
As the story progresses, more areas become unlocked with more cases appearing on Kyoko’s board. Standard progression is also not hard to achieve as Mirei in the lab will be happy to drop hints of where to go next if you’re lost. Those who want more to do will also find the Digimon Farm (or Digi-Farm) handy, as you can leave a Digimon there to train, develop rare items, or uncover new cases – with the farm growing as more time and effort is applied. This is definitely the sub-game that will take up a lot of time in-between quests, as there are several species and items that can only be obtained by visiting the Digi-Farm, enhancing replay value greatly.
The battle mechanics to be honest are standard fare. Think Pokemon, where types and abilities come into play. Add more moves, the turn-based battle system, and a bit of flavor due to the large amount of Digimon and you have the combat system as a whole. It is hard to get wiped out as the battles are fairly easy, but the lack of difficulty actually works in favor for the combat, as players can focus more on progression and grinding, and worry less about having the best three Digimon at all times. I know, some will want more of a challenge, but the game gives that through an arena of sorts as well as local multiplayer battles. You don’t always have to use algebraic equations when making a battle system for hundreds of monsters like Pokemon, and Digimon trades depth for something far more addicting – and that is a sense of growth. There is nothing like seeing a once tiny blob grow into an undefeated beast. That feeling is exactly where Cyber Sleuth sinks its teeth in.
Visuals
Whether you’re playing on the Playstation 4 or Vita, the visuals in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth are really not any different other than a frame difference for the console platform vs the handheld version. The art style translates well here, as the character models look outstanding and with all three Digimon walking behind you with their own little personable struts, its easy to see that a lot of time and love went into make each Digi quite unique. I will say that the environments are a bit bland in the digital world as you will see a lot of blue, but that should be expected due to the theme of the locale. That said, the real world looks amazing and captures areas of Japan very well, with color, detail, and shading coming together to create some wonderful and atmospheric regions to explore.
Audio
The soundtrack is also great. No, the anime styled tunes don’t apply here, but the music within is very fitting and upbeat, capturing the tone for each area. The voice acting is also well done – but this title is purely subbed with no dubs featured, so those wanting a fully localized version of this game might be a little disappointed that no English voice actors were used. There really was some quirky charms with the old English voices of Digimon, but to be honest, I did not mind their absence at all, as Cyber Sleuth feels like a more mature game meant for the same fans that have grew up a great deal since the phenomenon of the original product.
Overall
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is nothing short of fantastic in nearly every way. The gameplay is addictive, the story is superb, and the Digimon themselves are nostalgic icing on what is probably the best entry in the franchise to date. Sure, this title doesn’t pack a punch in difficulty as the simplistic battle system doesn’t offer a lot of challenge, but for where that falters, the main concept of Digimon shines through – which is and has always been raising and micromanaging a team of Digital Monsters. Cyber Sleuth seamlessly captures what we loved about Digimon and adds to it, opening up an old world to a new generation of players.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy and Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia Out Now
The final chapter of the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles trilogy is out today. Set in 1918 in the midst of the Russian Revolution, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia follows the story of Nikolai Orelov and his final mission in Russia. Orelov must rescue Princess Anastasia and Ezio Auditore’s box from the Bolsheviks and the Templars. The game is available now for $13.95 AUD on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.
For those looking to catch up to the series, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy Pack containing Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India, and Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia is also out at retail stores for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One for $39.95. A PS Vita release will follow on April 5th
New Far Cry Primal Trailer Teaches Players to Survive
Ubisoft Montreal released a brand new trailer for their upcoming open world FPS Far Cry Primal today. The new video entitled “101” teaches players how to survive in the brutal Stone Age. Takkar’s weapons and tools are in the spotlight, with plenty of bows, knives, traps, and war clubs at the player’s disposal. The video also gives viewers the lowdown on how the Beastmaster skills will work in the game. Players will be able to tame different animals to fill a variety of support roles, like intelligence gathering, distraction, transportation, and assassination.
Far Cry Primal launches on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on February 23. The PC release lands on March 1st.