Tales of Zestiria screenshots released

Namco Bandai released some fresh screenshots for Tales of Zestiria earlier. Not really much to go on judging from the screenshots, but they do show large open fields which may point to the protracted 'open' environments that were promised during the reveal. Some commentators though have stipulated previous Tales games have looked like this but still had the areas broken into smaller zones. If anything, things do look quite similar to previous entries (Xillia especially) so we'll have to wait for more information on mechanics etc before making assumptions. These new screenshots have you excited? Will the promises made at the reveal come to fruition? Who knows. Theres plenty of time yet for more information. Heres a few screenshots:

 More screenshots available over at Siliconera

Senran Kagura 3DS/Vita/PsP news!

 

This weeks issue of Famitsu has teased & confirmed some Senran Kagura goodies for both the 3DS & Vita

It seems the 3DS will be getting the next instalment of the series, while the Vita gets a spin-off. Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is being developed by the same studio as the original release (Tamsoft) and will see a release on August 7th in Japan. Gameplay is said to be be the same as Burst, so very much in the same vein as a side-scrolling brawler. Notable differences so far come in the form of Boss encounters now playing out on a 3D plane & also the inclusion of 2 male characters added to the roster (Named as Kagura & Naraku with Murasame added if you import saved data from Burst) The biggest inclusion though stems from the addition of Co-op & Tag-Team modes, although little information is shared for how they work just yet. With Burst receiving a western release, this could also make its way to our shores depending on how the EU launch fares in February I guess.

and.....

....the Vita spin-off release entitled Dekamori Senran Kagura, has been categorised by Famitsu as a “hyper big-breasted cooking-rhythm game” A bonkers Vita spin-off, what a surprise! While the game does focus on the rhythm game mechanics for gameplay, characters still manage to 'lose' clothes somehow (probably dependant on your performance) in true Senran Kagura fashion. Its still a little early to to gather my thoughts on the game, but I do enjoy rhythm games (loving K-ON for the PsP at the moment) so my mind is open to tying this. Dekamori Senran Kagura is slated for a release on 20th March in Japan. With Shinovi Versus not making its way west on Vita, We probably wont be seeing this one.

Theres also Seran Kagura EV, related somehow to Shinovi Versus, that is rumoured to be launching on an unspecified Sony platform. No more news yet released for that one though.

My Tribute: Ys Seven

Introduction to Ys Seven

The Playstation vita came out in Europe at 22th of February 2012. After 3 weeks i was a proud owner of the Playstation vita.  My launch games were Uncharted golden abyss, Escape plan, Rayman Origins and Super stardust delta. Other launch games failed to attract my interest. Since the moment i had my Playstation vita i was in desperate need for a good JRPG because the novelty of my new handheld console wore of fast. Since i never owned a Playstation Portable ( Shame on me!) i missed a lot of great games. The Vita at that moment had no JRPG at all. After some research i came to the conclusion there where enough awesome JRPG's on the Playstation store although PSP games. The one game that caught my eye was Ys Seven. Well, till this day i am happy that i downloaded Ys Seven because it's one of the best games i ever played.

A Pleasant surprise
What a pleasant surprise was this game. The first thing what i love about it are the soundtracks. I never thought a PSP game was so well polished in the sound department. Every time you come in a new area you will hear the most awesome tunes you will hear in any game. Even the opening video is one of my most listened soundtracks till this day. Ladies and Gentleman it's that good.

I'm not done yet. There is more soundtracks that will give you goose bumps. The first song i heard was Mother Earth Altago. This song starts when you enter the plains of Altago. No game make me feel like I'm exploring another world better than this one ( Yes, you can keep you Skyrim in my opinion some games are much better without all that freedom).

This is how every game should make you feel. Like you exploring the world without thinking of the real world. When you don't have the feeling you are leaving the real word the game fails to get my attention. Falcom has done an excellent job with this game soundtracks and i wished i came earlier in touch with this amazing game.

Adol Christin
Adol is a adventurer and swordsman with redhair. He has the ability to arrive at the right time at the wrong time. He is always there to help but always comes in to trouble. The thing i like about Adol is because he is a real ladykiller. Everywhere he goes girls fall for him. What has this to do with me? Well, i love Harem themed animes ^_^

Action Action Action!

Well, i confess i love action and by that i mean action RPG. I'm not a guy with a lot of patience. I tend to enjoy turn based RPG's. However, i did notice i sometimes don't want to fight in turn based RPG's. You get pulled out of the world transported to a static screen where the enemy is waiting for it's turn to attack you. I want freedom, i want to explore the world without being pulled from the world and if there is an enemy trying to come across me i will defeat it in order to go explore some more.

Ys Seven uses a simple mechanic how to deal with monsters in the world of Altago. Most of you who have played Ys seven or Ys Memories of Celceta know this mechanic. Slash attacks are effective against monster with low armor, while punch attacks are effective against monsters with a lot of armor ( There is also thrust attack but that is not relevant at the moment). I like this mechanic because  it helps to make the game feel fast paced but also let's you think which character is the best for that particular situation. Furthermore, there are special attacks that may come in handy when you are facing the more challenging titan monsters and boss fights.

Freedom! Sandbox?

As i mentioned before this game made me feel like exploring a world ( Still better than Skyrim / Grand Theft Auto. Some of you guys may love it but it becomes boring after some hours). It felt like i had freedom to explore every corner of the world of Altago and that was what i did. This game let you backtrack every area thanks to new abilities you unlock during the story.Furthermore, you can visit every town after it's been unlocked in the story. Most of the times i was exploring those towns, visiting houses, talking to inhabitants for side quests to earn some moolah for improving your party's weapon or armor. Yes, you heard it backtrakking in this game isn't as tedious as in most games. I never felt bored when i revisited an area because there was always something new things to do. Furthermore, the game rewards you when you are exploring. It wasn't uncommon for me to explore every corner of the map because the rewards where superb. Treasure chests where everywhere if you put some effort into it. This is way this game felt like an open world to me. This game is an example for many games how to grasp my attention and never lose it.

Rada Manj

The bossbattles are the highlight of this game, and showoff why this game is so amazing. In the beginning of the game the bosses aren't that difficult. However, further down in the game you will notice how much stronger the bosses have become. You will have to grind sometimes in this game but thanks to the fast paced action this never felt boring.However, they never become to difficult that it seems unfair. As i written above with some grinding the bosses aren't that difficult but are challenging enough to keep your attention. Furthermore, you will notice how much effort Falcom has taken to design the enemies. Most of the time i was evading the attacks to observe the beauty of designs. Behold the awesome Earth dragon boss Rada Manj.

Conclusion 
Ys seven is a gem i noticed to late. However i am still happy that i came a cross this game. This game is an example how many developers should do their soundtracks. Every time i listen to the music it feels i can take on the whole world. The music isn't from this world! Ys seven made me an addict to the action RPG. The gameplay is fast paced and fun. The world feels alive and like a sandbox game. It even exceeds a more open world feel than a game like GTA V or Skyrim.The bossfights are the highlight of the game, and show off how awesome this game is. Guys, this was my tribute to Ys seven. I'm more than ever looking forward to reviewing Ys Memories of Celceta.

If you have a Playstation Vita or a Playstation Portable get this game! It's €9,99 on the PSN store

Latest FFX/X-2 Remaster Revelation

When Siliconera spoke to Final Fantasy producer Yoshinori Kitase he said Square Enix partnered with an outside developer to create Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster. The company that handled the enhanced port was Virtuos, a Shanghai studio that worked on a couple of Ben 10 Ultimate Alien games and Wii ports of 2K sports games. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster was the studio’s biggest project to date.

Now that is a suprising revelation as some of you will already be aware of since Siliconera wrote about the story earlier today. Not only myself, but many people have been under the assumption that the FFX/X-2 remaster was an internal job. With recent horror stories regarding out-sourcing (Aliens: Colonial Marines is one that still cuts deep) of games, its no wonder some are left worrying. To be honest though this is looking like a really well done remaster and with how long it has taken, it should be safe to assume it will be fine.

It does beg the question though - with most assuming they've been working on this remaster themselves, what have Square really been working on? Just lightning Returns & FFV? I guess we'll see

Sohei Niikawa Talks 2014 for Nippon Ichi

It looks like Nippon Ichi Software are getting busy already in 2014. Not only are they currently working on a brand new title for release this year, but two titles, and maybe even three according to company president Sohei Niikawa!

“2013 was the 20th anniversary of our company’s establishment, and also the 10-year anniversary of Disgaea,” Niikawa said in an interview with 4Gamer. “The challenge is now for us to come up with two or three new masterpiece titles.”

“In that sense, in the year 2013, I felt that it was huge that we were able to release The Guided Fate Paradox and The Witch and the Hundred Knight,”  “We intend to take on various challenges in the year 2014. As for myself, personally, I’m presently overseeing two current titles.”

“I apologize for not being able to share more details for now, but we’re currently preparing so we can release one title this summer and another this winter. Please look forward to it,” Niikawa concludes.

So what could these titles be? What platform will see there release? When will they be released? Only time will tell but its good to know a few new titles will be announced by Nippon Ichi at some point this year.

INAZUMA Coming to US

A link on Nintendo's US site shows Inazuma Eleven under 3DS with the text saying coming soon. Hopefully this means the US will get a new Inazuma title, though nothing is announced it's most likely to be Inazuma 3.

This title launched a couple of months ago in Europe and has an enhanced version coming out this year.

As an Inazuma fan I hope you will enjoy the title as much as I did and hopefully we will see the GO! Series out soon 

Andi

Remy's 2013

You've already seen Geof and Andi's post on their titles of 2013, so now it's my turn. 

This is my year round up, my game of the year and my looking forward releases. I will also give you some insight of the projects i have in the pipeline for 2014.

First and foremost i want to thank Geoff and Andi for the possibility they gave me to join this blog. I have always been an avid gamer but my gaming taste isn't in line with most of my friends. After joining this blog i really felt like i finally had a place to talk about my favourite hobby. 

Secondly, i am happy to be your self proclaimed Sony/Vita editor. Since i was little i always felt at home at the Playstation side of gaming. My first console ever was a SNES and i was really into Nintendo. However, in 1995 Christmas eve my parents bought me a Playstation. It was love at first sight and till this day I'm turned in a fan of the playstation brand. However, i will always have a special place for Nintendo because it delivered the perfect handheld experience since the gameboy.

The projects i have in the pipeline for 2014 are :

I will do an article about the fantastic YS seven. I am currently playing YS memories of Celceta and want to spark some interest in this awesome series. Furthermore, i will review YS memories of Celceta. For people who can't wait for my review i can tell you all this game is a gem. 

Alongside that i will keep reviewing niche titles for the Playstation vita. 

My Final announcement is that I'm buying a Nintendo 3DS XL. After reading some reviews of our own Nintendo editor Andi my interest is sparked enough to justify a purchase. However, i will not review any game for this platform because that is Andi's territory.

My game of the year: YS Memories of Celceta

The Otaku team already knows i adore the YS series. Ys Memories of Celceta is action RPG featuring real time combat. YS Memories of celceta has an fantastic lore around it which connect this game with other YS games in a perfect way. Furthermore, it's a real fast past game with the most awesome gaming music you will ever hear in a game. Slashing through legions of monsters with some rock in the background can't be beaten by any game currently on the vita. It will keep you entertained for a lot of hours. For more information about this game you will have to wait till i drop my review.

Persona 4 Golden

For people wondering why i haven't put this game as my game of the year is because it's a re-release of the playstation 2's persona 4. However, the game has proven to be one of the best RPG ever. What i enjoyed the most in this game are the Social links. Every day i was looking forward to playing Persona 4 golden to increase my Social links. This game felt like i had second life and i really cared about the characters in this game. Furthermore, in addition to others on this blog i really liked the story. It's not as dark as Persona 3. I'm more into happy endings anyway.

For our readers we have something in the pipeline that will surprise you! 

Ni No Kuni

Just like Andi i have chosen Ni No Kuni. However, my feelings for this game are super positive. The game sparked interest for the JRPG genre in the west. Furthermore, i really enjoy playing this game. I'm 60 hours in and still not finished. The writing is good and i enjoy the combat a lot which combines turn based and real life action. I have the same complaint as Andi. The familiar capture is a real pain and tends to ruin the joy of catching new familiars and fulfilling side quests.

The Last of Us

The Last of us was a present given by my girlfriend for my birthday ( 26th of June). It was a game that was a complete surprise. After i have played Uncharted golden abyss and Uncharted drake's deception this game couldn't be more of a surprise. Where the Uncharted games felt great to play the story felt cheesy. Well, the Last of Us is the complete opposite of that. I felt like an emotional rollercoaster and it was something that you have to experience because it is the swan song of the playstation 3.

Tear Away

As i already mentioned in my review Tear Away is one of those games you will have to play to understand the hype around it. Media Molecule has made a game where You and Iota feel connected. You are the one who is holding this magnificent paper world in the palm of your hands. You are the godly being ! All of this makes this game a experience that is more than a simple 3D platformer.  The only negative is that the game really felt short. I was very sad when the game ended because it was such a wonderful experience.

Killzone Mercenary

Killzone mercenary deserves a place in my top games of this year. It was the first Playstation vita title that has realised a first person shooter on the go. I felt awesome to have a shooter that works in the palm of your hands. The multiplayer is fun and the singleplayer tells a story where a mercenary sees the dark face of war. The conclusion is that there is no good guys in war. The negative about Killzone mercenary is the whole money is our motivation part. This was a major pain because the story sometimes felt really bland.

Honourable mentions! 

Soul Sacrifice

After the PSP title Monster Hunter Freedom Unite i thought there never would be a hunting title that would interest me. Well, i was wrong. Soul sacrifice combines fast paced spell casting with an interesting save/sacrafice mechanic. Furthermore, the singleplayer tells a story of a wizard imprisoned by the dark wizard called Magusar. After discovering a book made out of flesh that can talk the imprisoned wizard could re-life events that happened in the past. The multiplayer is where the game flourish. With 4 people defeating a monster is something that takes team work. Without proper team work you will die fast.

The good news for 2014 is that a sequel is in the works. Soul sacrifice Delta will release this year in march in Japan. Western release has to be announced.

Muramasa Rebirth

Muramasa Rebirth was a real surprise for me. I never played the original wii version. After reading some information about the game i was intrigued. I bought the game and it was a blast to play. The Japanese lore and the gameplay where superb.  The graphics are the best you will have ever seen on the playstation vita. From wheat-laden fields and rural villages to dark cityscape's and eerie forests this game has it all. This game has better boss battles than most games in the dude bro society of gaming. The story is interesting and will keep your attention right from the start. The negative about the game was the repetitiveness in backtracking, and enemies. Furthermore, the game isn't that difficult. Sometimes i felt like a super ninja and that wasn't supposed to happen.

Looking Forward To

Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth:

I'm a die hard Persona fan so it is no surprise that I'm looking forward to playing this title. This is also one of the major reasons I'm buying a Nintendo 3DS ( Also thanks to Andi persuading talks about how much awesomeness is on the 3DS. He is a honest guy and no fanboy so i thrust his words more than any one else). Furthermore, to revisit the characters of Persona 4 Golden is a dream for me. I hope the social links return. The combat mechanics are interesting because it's more a crossover with Etrian Odyssey. I hope the gameplay will feel the same way as before. 

Freedom Wars

Monster hunter left an enormous gap for other publishers to fill . Sony Japan has done a really good job feeling that gap. First they made soul sacrifice which is an enormous success and now they are developing Freedom wars. Earth is over populated and destroyed. Abductors are kidnapping people and it is your task to save them from the abductors. The interesting thing about this title that this is the first hunting game with up to 8 people playing together. It will be interesting to see how this combines with online play. For me? It is a dream come true. I always dreamed of a multiplayer hunting game with up to 8 people.

Other Titles I'm looking forward to

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Conception II (Vita, also coming to 3DS)

Demon Gaze

Toukiden: Age of Demons

Borderlands 2 (Vita)

Final Fantasy X & X2

Soul Sacrifice Delta

Gravity Rush 2

Import

Swort Art Online : Hollow Fragment

To Love-Ru Trouble Darkness: Battle Ecstasy

In Conclusion

2014 is looking like a good year. The titles above aren't the only games I'm looking forward to. I'm buying a 3DS XL so i will buy other 3DS games for it like Bravely Default ( See Andi's Review) and will buy a game i never played: Project Diva F( See Geoffrey's Review). Furthermore, I'm buying a Playstation 4 and will be covering some news and releases for that too.  That's it guys ! Thank you loyal readers and new readers who are helping this blog. I also wanted to thank Geoffrey and Andi for having such an awesome time as friends and as gamers.

Remy- Sony/Vita ( Self- proclaimed) Editor

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