The Gaming News Corner

TGS 2017 Trailers: Left Alive and more

Left Alive:

A new intellectual property (IP) from Square-Enix. The details and directing staff have hyped up many fans of Mech games. Set in Novo Slava, Russia in the future, humanity has apparently not learned about allowing something to live or die. The trailer doesn’t show much but there are actual gameplay and in-game cutscenes. Surprisingly, it shows 3rd person shooting aspects against the Wazers (mechs). If you’re interested in more of the game, click here.

Hokuto Ga Gotoku:

Yakuza developers are working on a new Fist of the North Star game. Based off the hit classic manga, you play as Kenshiro, master of the assassination art: “Hokuto Shinken.” Although the trailer doesn’t reveal much, it is a free roaming game similar to the Yakuza series. You’ll explore the towns and fight random thugs, bandits, and thieves and murder anybody in your way. Many of the kills are censored for the Japanese audience. Similar to the Yakuza series, you’ll also do random side jobs that will seem out of character such as work in bars and mingle with people. It is set for Japan in 2018.

More updates coming soon

Best of TGS 2017

Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2017 was a great show for PlayStation. This show is directed towards Japan’s audience and many Japanese RPG games were shown. Standout winner for TGS is Square-Enix. Here are the highlight games from the show:

Left Alive:

A new Role-Playing Game from Square-Enix is a Dystopia Mech Robot game. Fans of Japanese mecha series will be excited as the game is being produced by Front Mission series’ Shinji Hashimoto, directed by the Armored Core series’ Toshifumi Nabeshima, and featuring character designs by the Metal Gear series’ Yoji Shinkawa. Some Wanzer (mecha) designs will be done by Mobile Suit Gundam 00‘s Takayuki Yanase.

You’ll play and switch between three protagonists. Left Alive is a survival based shooters revolving around gunplay and traps. The world setting is actually between Front Mission 5 and Front Mission Evolved. Progression in the story is determined by the player and there are several different outcomes that can affect the one main ending. You won’t be able to customize your Wazer but you can customize weapons with materials. It is stated to be an offline experience with some online experience that hasn’t been explained yet. If you’re a fan of the Front Mission series, Producer Shinji Hashimoto: “We wanted to make a Front Mission with a new lineup. We started this new title to see Front Mission in a slightly different perspective. Square Enix wanted to convey the feeling that we cherish Front Mission.” Left Alive is planned for a 2018 release.

Monster Hunter: World

Fans of Monster Hunter will finally have their mainstream console hunting game. Set for January 26th, 2018 release. The game will obviously include new monsters and environments. Pukei-Pukei and Nergigante, as well as the Coral Highlands stage and Astera, the base of operations for the Research Commission, are new areas show in the trailer.

For $69.99, the Deluxe Digital edition will come with the game, Samurai Set skin, three gestures, two sticker sets, plus an extra face paint and hairstyle option for the hunter. The PS4 deluxe edition will also come with 14 Weapon Avatars. The Physical Edition is $149.99 and comes with everything above and 32 hard page art book, monster statue, and a digital soundtrack.

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain

You’ve probably heard of the Earth Defense Force series before and may have found a few copies at random game stores. There are currently 4 main releases and a 5th one coming this December in Japan. Iron Rain is set to release in 2018 which features a dark tone for the series although it still revolves around humans fighting giant ants, robots, and aliens with guns and mechas.

Final Fantasy IX:

Final Fantasy IX has been released for the PlayStation 4 today worldwide. It is a higher resolution version with improved cutscenes and character models, trophy support, and cheats that allow you to skip random battles, high-speed mode, and master all abilities for armors and weapons, and give you max levels, magic stones for summons, and gil. The cheat options are great for players who’ve finished FF9 (like myself). There is currently a deal for US PlayStation store for the game. The price is $16.79 and includes several avatars and a PlayStation Theme until September 26th.

Sources:

Gematsu 2
Polygon 2

TLDW: Nintendo Direct 9.13.2017 for Nintendo Switch

This article will cover all Nintendo Switch games shown during the Nintendo Direct. To check out the 3DS news, click here!

Quick Jumps
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Splatoon 2
Fire Emblem Warriors
Snipperclips
Morphies Law
Rocket League
Bethesda
Arcade Archives Mario Bros
Pokken Fighter DX
Square-Enix
Arms
Kirby Star Allies
Sonic Forces
L.A. Noire
Mario Odyssey

Xenoblade Chronicles 2:

Release date: December 1, 2017. The world of Alrest is covered in a sea of clouds (San Francisco?) which contains Titans. People have created towns on these Titans and there’s a World Tree. The World Tree’s top is the perfect “world” where land and resources are plentiful. Each land has their specific trope: Militaristic, Religious, Nature-based, traders, and obvious evil group. There is an uneasy war over the Xenoblade and a being known as Aegis. Each faction is against one another and has different interest.

You play as Rex, a scavenger, who agrees to take Pyra, a mysterious girl, to her goal. You’ll traverse the different Titans and fight with Drivers (frontline fighters) and Blades (Staunch Support). The battle system is a 3D free fight base. You can move around the environment and can equip different Blades who will provide different abilities and equipment. You’ll have to find cores and release them to find new ones and you won’t know which Blade you’ll get until you break it open. Blades are split into 3 types: Attack, Defender, and Healer. You can swap them accordingly but you can only bring 3 into battle. The special edition of the game will come with a CD soundtrack, a metal case, and a 220-page art book!

Splatoon 2 Update:

Kelp Dome, Snapper Canal, and a new weapon: Tenta Brella which acts as a shield before launching out and shooting ink. Kelp Dome releases September 15th.

Fire Emblem Warriors:

Release date: October 20th, 2017. Lynn from Fire Emblem: The Blading Blade will make her appearance. A special edition will come with a premium character card set, 3 CD tracks, and a dual sided poster. Plus there are two new Amiibos.

Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out Together:

Release date: November 10th, 2017. A physical edition of the Snipperclips game. It will come with all the same stages of the original game plus 30 new puzzles. There will be two new worlds: a comic and toy store world. They also included a new game mode where you have to solve the original stages but you are forced with a random starting shape. Snipperclips was a cult classic and a surprisingly fun new entry. If you’ve missed it before I recommend waiting for this version. If you own the original game, don’t worry. All these content is DLC so you won’t have to buy the new version.

Morphies Law:

Release date: Winter 2017. A team based 3rd person shooter but the unique aspect is the changing size of your characters. Your parts will enlarge when shooting enemies and you’ll shrink if you’re shot. Size affects the way your character moves around. You can even shoot your teammates to shrink them down as a strategy. Plus you get a grappling hook. Your goal is to have the biggest avatar. A unique concept but it is only multiplayer.

Rocket League:

Release date: Holiday 2017. The Switch version will come with wireless multiplayer so you can play it on the go and bring it to a friend’s house. There will be unique Nintendo cars and top hats. It’ll come with all the game modes currently out. If you haven’t played it yet, it is a fun party game but can also be intense versus game.

Bethesda:

The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

Release date: November 17th. Its Skyrim but on the go. You can wear Breath of the Wild clothes. There is no mod support so I recommend playing on any other console.

Doom and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus:

The release date for Doom: Holiday 2017. All the DLC will be free but will not include the SnapMap feature. If you buy the physical version, you’ll need to download the multiplayer for free. The release date for Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus: 2018. Wow, a super hard rated M game for Nintendo. This is a great step for making Nintendo look like more than a children’s game console since the launch of the Wii.

Arcade Archives Mario Bros:

Release Date: September 27th, 2017. Old school Nintendo games that will include some easter eggs that are unique to this version. If you missed playing some old school classic arcade games, then this is an interesting buy.

Pokken Fighter DX:

Release date: September 22nd, 2017. It’ll come with all the arcade exclusive characters that were only in Japan. A Pokemon fighting game. If you missed it on the Wii U, now you can pick it up for the Switch.

Square Enix:

Project Octopath Traveler (Pending title name):

A new Square-Enix RPG exclusively for the Switch. You play as 8 characters where you explore the world openly and each has a unique story. Each character has a unique talent that can affect certain characters. For example, the warrior can challenge other warriors and the dancer can allure people. Each character has the talent to push the story forward. The art style is 8-bit characters with beautiful CGI backgrounds. They named is HD-2D. The fighting style is similar to Bravely Default, another JRPG by Square-Enix since it is made by the same developers. It is turn based but comes with a new Boost system. Building the Boost Points allow you to spend them on attacks, healing, and the ability to hit weak points or chain attacks. You can download the demo now and please fill out the survey if you want to give feedback on the game. This is important to improve the future release.

Dragon Quest Builders:

Release date: Spring 2018. A Dragon Quest game that focuses on building around the land and fighting monsters. Originally released for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4, Dragon Quest Builders for the Switch will give you a Saber Tooth cub to ride and gather material by killing monsters.

Lost Sphear:

Release date: January 23rd, 2018. A new Square-Enix JRPG. Made by their JRPG studio. It plays similar to Chrono Trigger where you can combine your allies moves and placement of the enemies matter!

Arms V3:

Release date: Now! A new update will have the new clown ARMS fighter: Lola Pop. Her arms are trick oriented and have unique properties compared to the older Arms characters. It’ll also come with a new stage! You can also switch the controls based on how you like it.

Kirby Star Allies:

Release date: Spring 2018. A new Kirby game for the Switch. Rather than just absorbing enemies, you can befriend them with your hearts. They will fight along side you and Kirby can combine their powers to create unique power ups such as ice swords or even a hot air bomb! Also, King Dedede is buff so that’s a selling point. You can play cooperatively with a friend.

Sonic Forces:

Release date: November 7th, 2017. A new 3D Sonic game. You can play as Sonic, his friends, or even create your own. Despite being a “3D” Sonic game, the majority of it is played in 2D just like the classic games.

L.A. Noire

Release date: November 14th, 2017. This version will come with all the DLC, new camera angles, a Joy-con mode, and touch screen feature. It’s pretty much a port of the original game. If you’ve missed it before, now is your chance to doubt those scummy criminals and discover the truth.

Super Mario Odyssey:

Release date: October 27th, 2017. Joined by Cappy from the Capworld, Mario must save Princess Peach and Cappy’s sister Tiara. Cappy can become a platform, clear environments, and capture enemies! Mario can take over enemies, animals, and objects.

You’ll travel new worlds such as New Donk City in the Metro Kingdom, Tostarena in the Sand Kingdom, Mount Volbono in the Luncheon Kingdom, Steam Garden in the Wooden Kingdom, Bonneton in the Cap Kingdom, Fossil Falls in the Cascade Kingdom, Shiveria in the Snow Kingdom and Bubblaine in the Seaside Kingdom. You’ll travel in a big hat called the Odyssey which is powered by Power Moons which you’ll need to gather around the kingdoms. If you enjoy collecting, then this is definitely a key feature for you. You can find them hidden away or even during boss fights. There will be mini games scattered around the worlds and you can earn Power Moons through there and even compare high scores around the world!

A store in the game called Crazy Caps allows you to change your outfit depending on how many coins you earn. You can even decorate your Odyssey ship! Of course, with the ability to customize your look, you can even take snapshots in the game. You can even customize and edit your photos and upload it online.

Source:

Nintendo

TLDW: Nintendo Direct 9.13.2017 for Nintendo 3DS

Because this conference is so long, I am splitting this article into two portions. The 3DS and the Switch

Quick Jump:
Pokemon
Mario and Luigi: Super Star+Bowser’s Minion
Kirby: Battle Royale
Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters
Layton’s Mysterious Journey: Katrielle and Millionaires’ Conspiracy
Minecraft New Nintendo 3DS Edition
Mario Party The Top 100
Metroid: Samus Returns
Atlus
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Fire Emblem Warriors
New Nintendo 2DS

Pokemon:

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon:

Release date: November 17th, 2017. Necrozma, the mysterious legendary Pokemon that steals light, absorbs Solgaleo or Lunala to form Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma. The legendaries still retain their signature move. There will be new areas, a Valley of Pikachu, and a new encounter for your starter Pokemon. If you purchase the game before January 10, you’ll receive a limited edition Rockruff that can evolve into the unique dusk Lyncaroc. There will also be a new Z-move. There will be two new Ultra Beast: UB Burst for Ultra Sun and UB Assembly for Ultra Moon.

Pokemon Gold and Silver:

Release date: September 22nd, 2017. You can download the original Gold and Silver version on the Nintendo 3DS e-shop. If you buy it, you can get a Celebi on your US&UM.

Mario and Luigi: Super Star+Bowser’s Minion:

Release date: October 6th, 2017. A remake of the GBA game but with a new minion mode! It’ll be a new experience where you play as Bowser’s Minions (Goombas, Koopa Troopers, Shy Guys, Etc.) trying to find their master. Amibo will add stamps to give you free items and equipment for the game.

Kirby: Battle Royale:

Release date: January 19, 2018. A Kirby party game. It comes with a variety of different game modes. Kirby Battle Arena: Fight with special powers until you’re the last Kirby left. Horde Chest Mode where you try and grab as much treasure as you can. A team boss battle was shown and more is to be announced. There is a single player story mode and Online and Ranked Matches.

Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters:

Release date: September 29th, 2017. One of the biggest games in Japan at the moment, a new improved version of Yokai Watch 2 which comes with new monsters and areas. Think of it like the Yellow Version of Yokai Watch 2.

People who have the original Yo-kai Watch 2, you’ll be able to download a free Oni evolution tomorrow. You’ll also get the opportunity to befriend an S tier Jibanyan. There’s a new buster game mode and you can even transfer your save from Yo-kai Watch 2 and continue the story in Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Spectres. They do everything Pokemon games should do when releasing a 3rd “complete” version of their games.

Layton’s Mysterious Journey: Katrielle and Millionaires’ Conspiracy:

Release date: October 6, 2017. Play a new Layton game! But now you play as his daughter in the 7th installment of the Professor Layton series. Plus you have new allies and an adorable dog.

Minecraft New Nintendo 3DS Edition:

Release date: September 13th, 2017 (Today) digitally. The Physical edition will release at a later date. Another way to play Minecraft on the go. It’ll come with texture packs, skins, and survival and creative mode. Their main selling point is that there is a touch screen. If for whatever reason you wanted a portable Minecraft besides the iPhone or PlayStation Vita, here it is.

Mario Party: The Top 100:

Release date: November 10th, 2017. The top 100 Mario Party mini games from all 10 main console games. It comes with download play, so your friends can play with you without even owning the game if they own a Nintendo 3DS. Personally, the fun part was screwing over your friends and taking their stars. While the mini-games were fun for a bit, the real fun of Mario Party was the intense pressure to win the overall board.

Metroid: Samus Returns

Release date: September 15th, 2017. Finally a real Metroid game. It’ll come with new weapons, melee attacks, and even new bosses that aren’t Ridley! But that winged jerk is totally back. The new armors look amazing and more than just a recolor in this game.

Atlus:

The Alliance Alive:

Release date: Early 2018. An old school RPG where you play as 9 different characters. It’ll have a new gameplay style so don’t worry about falling into the tropes of old JRPGs. Each character will have their own story and start at different parts of the story. Eventually, all 9 will meet up to combine the story into 1. It was released early this year in Japan. The reviews were fairly average.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux

Release date: Early 2018. An updated, better-looking version of SMT: Strange Journey. If you haven’t played it; it is hard. Just like the classic SMT games. There will be more demons to join your party and a mysterious new ally named Alex. She is involved with the new ending.

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology:

Release date: Early 2018. A cult classic JRPG that was released late in the DS life cycle. It’s an amazing game that revolves around time travel. The gameplay is really unique and it involves heavy thinking. The beginning is a bit slow but once the story starts rolling, Radiant Historia becomes a blast to play. It will come with a new subplot: Sub-History which revolves around a new character: Nemesia.

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth

Release date: October 17th, 2017. You can download the demo today. If you’re a fan of the series, the sequels to continue to receive rave reviews. It is a separate story so for new players, it’ll be a fresh experience and you don’t need to play the older games.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

Release date: November 2017. An update, hi-res version of the original DS game. You can switch between American and Japanese audio dialogue. But how will I know if I’m eating hamburgers or sushi…

Fire Emblem Warriors

Release date: October 20, 2017. The Dynasty Warriors/Musou of Fire Emblem. Fight hordes of enemies to uncover why all these characters from different time period join together to fight evil. It will also release for the Nintendo Switch

New Nintendo 2DS:

Orange and White set for October 6th. Just in time for Halloween.

Sources:

Nintendo