Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

[shivan128]

Welcome to the Japanese niche games deals and discussion thread!  Feel free to talk about local and import Japanese games here.  Our goal is to maintain a thread dedicated to active deals on niche games including RPGs, Visual Novels (VN), Shoot'em ups (Shmups), Musou, etc.  Also maintained are pre-orders for standard, limited and collector's edition games with key release dates provided.

I've wikified the thread to make it more friendly and open to others that can actively update with important information. You can find the wiki post directly below this one.

NOTE:  Please, leave the censorship discussion away from this thread.  It's common for japanese games to have questionable content outside of the country.  We want to keep discussions to the game itself and not about cultural/societal tolerance.

A message from Thorbahn:

Our CAG Japanese Niche Games Thread also has a community on PS4, where you can interact and game with other members of the thread.

Our moderators are: Draekon, Las_Hole, and Waffleswanton

You can basically friend any of our members, or any moderator, and you will be able to request to join the community under "Communities friends are in" tab, and a mod will approve your request.

You can also leave your PSN ID in the thread, saying you want to join, and we can invite you directly as well.

As always, have fun and enjoy your stay!

 

[vic_x51]

I hear Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale 2 is getting announced at E3.

that was a fun game, i hope it gets more obscure characters and makes a % KO thing like smash

 

[Kaiser499]

Well supposedly it's going to have 30+ characters, 20+ stages and supers won't be the only way to KO your opponent this time. Cloud Strife, Lara Croft & Crash Bandicoot are in it too.

 

[chrislaustin]

I have an even bigger problem than you, I preordered Cold Steel 3 in Japanese even though I know very little of the language. I'm curious to see how much of it I can actually get through.

Yeah, I haven't imported a standard text heavy Japanese game in ages, as the effort required was to much in the non digital age. LOL Now with so many guides and faqs, you should be able to manage, but it will be work, but doable if your up to it.

Now I just wait on standard or fan translated games, as I just no longer have the time(or desire for that matter), to tackle Japanese imports anymore. But now, it's so much easier than it once was for those who are willing, you just have to be willing to put in the time.

 

[SinisterTaco]

Zwei II Plus is getting localized? Holy shit. I'm glad to see it. This summer too. Day one purchase for me.

Also Nick at XSeed seems to not be discounting the original for a potential release as well:

Direct Twitter Link
https://twitter.com/ittoujuu/status/870736346783952896

Looks like they bought the fan translation and overhauled it.

[customspoiler='Get hyped']
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05EWMvLI80s[/customspoiler]

EDIT: For those unfamiliar with the Zwei series is that it's like a cross between Gurumin and Ys.

I definitely need to get this.

 

[Cloyd]

I have an even bigger problem than you, I preordered Cold Steel 3 in Japanese even though I know very little of the language. I'm curious to see how much of it I can actually get through.

I tip my hat at you for that, lol. Best of luck with the heavy Japanese dialog. I thought about doing the same, but I still need to complete TitS SC, and 3rd. Plus I have son that will be born at any time now, so I can hold off on the game until the NA release. I can say for 100% I'll be getting a CE/LE if they release one. Something tells me my gaming will be reduced to handheld for awhile, even then, in small bursts.

 

[BlackRockWaifu]

You need to make a folder with all of these already BlackRockWaifu.

that was a fun game, i hope it gets more obscure characters and makes a % KO thing like smash

Yeah, the cast in the 1st one was boring af. I can see the same thing happening with MVC:I, where we see a roster composed of 90% mainstream characters that already have their own games. Not to mention most of those flagship characters make for boring fighting game archetypes, like Sackboy, Nathan Drake, Parapa, etc.

Any 1 character from this list is enough to get me to buy it: Neptunia, Atelier, Senran Kagura, Persona, Female FFXV cast.

Any 2 from this list will do as well: Blazblue, Guilty Gear, Male FFXV cast, Valkyria Chronicles, Overwatch.

A few awesome additions to the roster imo would be: Quiet (MGSV), Aloy (Horizon), Morgana (P5), Neptune/Noire, Aranea (FFXV), Tracer, Fetch (Infamous 1st light), Asuna (SAO), Black Rock Shooter, Asuka/Homura, Saber, Too Booty, Kazama (Yakuza), Raven (Gravity Rush), Mikasa (AOT).

Actually, that roster would be incredibly kick-ass.

 

[vic_x51]

I think the only character from that list that would have a shot would be Quiet or a final fantasy character.

A create a character feature would be great i think !

 

[itzd4n]

I think the only character from that list that would have a shot would be Quiet or a final fantasy character.

A create a character feature would be great i think !

I have to disagree, based off that list, the highest chances would probably go to Fetch or Aloy. Fetch for obvious reasons that she was well liked enough to receive a full dlc game and Aloy because she's a new, popular, and newer company who would more be likely to give their characters exposure.

With Quiet, you'd have to go through Konami and who knows how well that would go.

 

[vic_x51]

oh ya you're right, I glossed over those.
I feel like quiet would be easy because since konami doesn't care any more, it'd be a quick buck for them with no work involved.

 

[elessar123]

Aloy because she's a new, popular, and newer company who would more be likely to give their characters exposure.

Um... They're nowhere near new.

 

[RoxyWahine03]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

 

[itzd4n]

Um... They're nowhere near new.

you're right, that's my bad. but I think it helps make my point. Outside killzone, it doesn't seem like they have much recognition for other games until Horizon came along. I for one never played the killzone games, so thats why they were unfamiliar to me. Not a great excuse, but yea..

But still, they had a killzone character in the last battle royale game, so they already have dealt with Sony regarding lending their characters for this. So chances would be even higher now that Aloy could likely be a prospective character to join the roster for BR2.

 

[BlackRockWaifu]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

Senran Kagura Estival/Shinovi Versus, Neptunia U, Neptune + Blanc vs Zombies, Muramasa Rebirth, Fate: Extella, Valkyrie Drive, Sword Art Online games.

All that comes to mind for now, I'll add more as I think about it.

I think you mentioned you didn't like the Senran Kagura and Neptunia games before since they were fanservicey type of games for guys and not games for girls.

 

[Supplice]

Dragon Quest XI Gets Spectacular PS4 and 3DS Gameplay Videos; Show Bosses, Villages, Dungeons and More

Joetsu’s PS Vita Accessory with R2 and L2 Triggers for PS4 Remote Play Coming to the U.S. Via Amazon

 

[BlackRockWaifu]

Joetsu’s PS Vita Accessory with R2 and L2 Triggers for PS4 Remote Play Coming to the U.S. Via Amazon

There's no picture in the article, but I hope its the one with the clips on the bottom and not the original ones where they grip on to your Vita one-way. The new ones are much easier to take on and off. Never used the original ones again since they seem so fragile when trying to take them off.

 

[ar4757]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

Have you played all the RF games? If not I'd recommend getting one you haven't played

I'm actually playing through RF2 right now, just started yesterday. I played it back when it released but decided I should play through the series again from its origins (beat RF1 a few months ago) considering RF3 and 4 are some of my favorite games ever!

 

[shadowysea07]

I'm asking for a friend who needs help finding cheaper places to import games.  Besides these 

amazon jpn/ect

Videogamesplusca

yesasia

ncsx

japanvideogames

carinso @ bonanza

ami ami english

solaris japan

tenso 

and rakuten

Are there any other places worth noting?  Or did I get them all?

 

[Olengie]

I bought a good amount of imports from Ebay and Amazon US.

 

[ar4757]

I think you didn't list Nippon Yasan. I remember buying some vita stuff from there

 

[RoxyWahine03]

Senran Kagura Estival/Shinovi Versus, Neptunia U, Neptune + Blanc vs Zombies, Muramasa Rebirth, Fate: Extella, Valkyrie Drive, Sword Art Online games.

All that comes to mind for now, I'll add more as I think about it.

I think you mentioned you didn't like the Senran Kagura and Neptunia games before since they were fanservicey type of games for guys and not games for girls.

lol ya that was me... Senran Kagura is too fanservicey shōnen/seinen-ish imo, I love cute shōjo-ish type of games instead ... hmm I thought all of Neptunia games were turn-based instead of hack 'n slash? it seems like almost all the cute ones I see recently end up being turnbased or tactical grid based instead of hack 'n slash lol I'll check out the ones u listed tho, hopefully GS has stock here lol

Have you played all the RF games? If not I'd recommend getting one you haven't played

I'm actually playing through RF2 right now, just started yesterday. I played it back when it released but decided I should play through the series again from its origins (beat RF1 a few months ago) considering RF3 and 4 are some of my favorite games ever!

I haven't played them all lol, already own the cheapest Rune Factory game Tides of Destiny, if I have left over coupons I'll probably spend them on RF tho coz it's soo cute

 

[An actual noob]

Finally beat p5...what an amazing game. Masterpiece level honestly. The credits music had me feeling some type of way too. Definitely gonna take a much needed break after clocking over 180 hours with probably 40 being idled. Can't wait to NG+ soon. Gonna miss the gang

Oh yeah and that final boss kicked my ass multiple times until I realized you could travel back to the entrance and heal...definitely a derp moment there.

 

[Tothoro]

I'm asking for a friend who needs help finding cheaper places to import games. Besides these

amazon jpn/ect

Videogamesplusca

yesasia

ncsx

japanvideogames

carinso @ bonanza

ami ami english

solaris japan

tenso

and rakuten

Are there any other places worth noting? Or did I get them all?

Heavy-Arm and Play-Asia can be a bit pricier, but they're good as well. Heavy-Arm especially has been getting stock of Asian-English titles that were thought to be OoP lately.

 

[tsoul]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

Different variety of hack n' slash with similar style graphics:
Nights of Azure
Dragon quest heroes 1 or 2
Dragon's Crown
Dark Cloud 2

 

[Ram & Rem]

2Booty's game is on sale this week at Best Buy and the offer is 2Goody to pass up if you have GCU.

Nier: Automata Day One Edition - $31.99 GCU

Also for my fellow Star Wars Battlefront comrades this coming Saturday will show off the first game play of Battlefront 2 during EA Play which will feature 2 teams playing as both the Clone Troopers and the Separatists Droid Army in the city Theed on the planet Naboo. It's also confirmed the playable heroes featured will be Rey and Darth Maul.

Well supposedly it's going to have 30+ characters, 20+ stages and supers won't be the only way to KO your opponent this time. Cloud Strife, Lara Croft & Crash Bandicoot are in it too.

There's been rumors of a PlayStation All-Stars Round 2 for the past 2 years or so and I honestly would like to see a sequel (even tho I've yet to play the first one which is sitting in my backlog) as long as they actually try to make it a Smash Bros clone and not a Smash Bros clone with a twist. Like BlackRockWaifu suggested adding some 3rd party series like Neptunia, Senran Kagura, Persona, Yakuza, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Nier: Automata would help out gain a bigger interest with the Eastern market since almost every 3rd party character in the first game was more what the Western market would care for. That's not to say the West should be ignored since Crash, Lara Croft, and even Spyro all deserve a spot in the game as well.

 

[JCAll]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

How far back are you willing to go?

Shining Force EXA was a masterpiece, but that was on the PS2 for example.

 

[RoxyWahine03]

How far back are you willing to go?

Shining Force EXA was a masterpiece, but that was on the PS2 for example.

My local GameStop stores don't carry games that old, tho I think vintage games are only sold at their website? The $5 off GameStop coupons are for in-store use only =( Was thinking of ordering online for games not available anywhere here and return them here & rebuy in order to use coupons, but no idea when games get here and those coupons expire end of this month...

So just far back as last gen sadly.

 

[Draekon]

Nothing new this week that's particularly exciting. ClaDun Returns holds some interest with me as does Dark Rose Valkyrie based on a couple people who worked on it, but since it's a Compile Heart game I'm not keeping my hopes up.

Other stuff that released without warning last week (Assume PC unless otherwise noted):
- Silver (Action RPG)
- ShineG In The Bullethell (SHMUP / Early Access)
- DEEP SPACE WAIFU (SHMUP / Wat)

Weekly Releases (June 4th - June 10th)

Anime Workshop
- Platform(s): 3DS eShop
- Genre: Art
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: I can't think of the correct genre to stick this in.

ClaDun Returns: This is Sengoku!
- Platform(s): PS4, Vita, PC
- Genre: 8-Bit / Action RPG
- Demo: Yes.
- Online: Yes.
- Comments: This one will feature both competitive and co-op modes.

Dark Rose Valkyrie
- Platform(s): PS4
- Genre: RPG
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A

SUPERBEAT: XONiC
- Platform(s): PS4, XB1
- Genre: Music / Rhythm
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Previously released on Vita.

Deemo: The Last Recital (LRG Release)
- Platform(s): Vita
- Genre: Music / Rhythm
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Released two months ago digitally.

WILL: A Wonderful World / WILL：美好世界
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre: Adventure / Visual Novel?
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Chinese language only.

Amber's Magic Shop
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre: Visual Novel / Simulation
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Winter Wolves developed. Not Japanese.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre: Action Platformer / Lite RPG
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Kickster game. Previously released on Switch, PS4 & XB1.

Dragon Essence - Color My World -
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre: Visual Novel
- Demo: N/A
- Online: N/A
- Comments: Not Japanese.

Past Releases
May 28th - June 3rd
May 21st - May 27th
May 14th - May 20th
May 7th - May 13th
April 30th - May 6th

 

[Draekon]

Any hack 'n slash games that has cute art like Eternal Sonata/Rune Factory/Atelier series?? Trying to think of things to spend my GameStop coupons on lol... so something that GS would carry?

Fantasy Life on the 3DS? It's action oriented and has a bit of story to it, but it's not a mindless hack'n'slash.

 

[ar4757]

How far back are you willing to go?

Shining Force EXA was a masterpiece, but that was on the PS2 for example.

My local GameStop stores don't carry games that old, tho I think vintage games are only sold at their website? The $5 off GameStop coupons are for in-store use only =( Was thinking of ordering online for games not available anywhere here and return them here & rebuy in order to use coupons, but no idea when games get here and those coupons expire end of this month...

So just far back as last gen sadly.

Never played a Shining Force game but funny enough EXA was made by the Rune Factory devs, kinda random

 

[reaperztoll]

Both shining force exa and neo were fun games. I dumped a ton of hours into each.

 

[nitrosmob]

Need to try Cladun Sengoku demo I downloaded. I like those games enough for quick bursts of gameplay on the go (yes I would buy the Vita version sigh).

 

[NeoMonk]

Finally beat p5...what an amazing game. Masterpiece level honestly.

Wish I could feel that way about it, Been playing I am Setsuna, FFX & even started Cold Steel 2 just to avoid going back to P5. Feels like a drag to even play. :???:

 

[SolidSnake86]

Also for my fellow Star Wars Battlefront comrades this coming Saturday will show off the first game play of Battlefront 2 during EA Play which will feature 2 teams playing as both the Clone Troopers and the Separatists Droid Army in the city Theed on the planet Naboo. It's also confirmed the playable heroes featured will be Rey and Darth Maul.

Glad to see Darth Maul's in the game. Hopefully Count Dooku and General Grievous will be playable as well. I'd rather see prequel characters than the ones in the more recent movies.

 

[Olengie]

I'm asking for a friend who needs help finding cheaper places to import games. Besides these

Another good place to import is https://mariio128.com

 

[Supplice]

Fire Emblem dev has interest in featuring full voice acting again in the future

Dragon Quest XI – Homura Village, Senya and Veronica screenshots

Omega Labyrinth Z Gets Naughty Opening Showing Heroines

Spoiler

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

Compile Heart Teases New Game With a Tsundere Golden Egg

Inti Creates was able to bring Blaster Master Zero to Switch in just a couple of months

Frontwing Opens Preorders For Grisaia: Phantom Trigger Vol. 3 With Plenty of Extras and Add-Ons

The Alliance Alive devs on how the RPG is different from The Legend of Legacy, game features, more

-

Mystereet F: The Detectives’ Curtain Call latest trailer, platform changed from Xbox One to PS4 and PS Vita

Monster Hunter XX Switch footage

Final Fantasy XIV still a possibility for Switch, discussions with Nintendo may take awhile

Pokemon Nintendo Direct set for June 6

 

[dsman3717]

Pokemon Nintendo Direct set for June 6

Pokemon Switch, please.

Even if it's a Sun/Moon port, I'd be ok with it since I would like some Lusamine in HD! lol

 

[Supplice]

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 Coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on August 8th

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iamiA3ki4-o

Sony teases “big announcements” for Japanese games at E3 2017

 

[NeoMonk]

Pokemon Switch, please.

I don't want to believe but I'm believing

 

[ar4757]

I bet it's Pokemon Stars for Switch, maybe also a 3ds version depending on if Stars is a straight port of Sun/Moon or an enhanced 3rd version. I personally just can't wait for Sinnoh remakes sometime soon!

Also sweet for Megaman Legacy Collection 2, we're that much closer to Megaman X Collection haha, I already played 9 and 10 but I'll probably buy this on sale so I can't play 7 and 8 and have all the classic games on 1 console

 

[nitrosmob]

I played the Sengoku Cladun game demo on the Vita.

It's...well Cladun. Pretty similar to Cladun x2. I still don't quite get the magic circle system. Story is mainly about you finding lost souls and setting them free. I still don't really get the gameplay systems of these. It's pretty fun for pick up and play and i'm sure will be good. I'm not really sure how much content there will be, but i'm sure you can replay it a bunch with many different character classes. I noticed a bit of not so smooth gameplay at the beginning when I was first exploring the village, but after the first mission and during the missions the gameplay is very smooth. I will maybe buy on release Tuesday. 

 

[Olengie]

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 Coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on August 8th

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iamiA3ki4-o

Aww yiss.

Dat sweet retail release. I want that X Collection too. >< Maybe the next one they'll also throw in the Zero Collection. Wishful thinking

 

[An actual noob]

IMAGINE if they somehow pulled Pokémon switch out for release this holiday!!!

I wish they would've made it so you could play 3ds games on the switch, now that would be amazing.

 

[Pheria]

http://gematsu.com/2017/06/sony-teases-big-announcements-japanese-games-e3-2017

"Sony teases “big announcements” for Japanese games at E3 2017"

Shawn Layden talking dirty to me

 

[SinisterTaco]

I just want a sequel to Gale of Darkness.

 

[dgwillia006]

White Knight Chronicles 3 or some sort of spiritual successor please

I want something on par with Xenoblade X on PS4

 

[smokiebear]

White Knight Chronicles 3 or some sort of spiritual successor please

I want something on par with Xenoblade X on PS4

Dude i loved WK1/2. I wasnt expecting much initially when WK1 came out but Im glad i picked it up.

Xenoblade X game similiar for ps4 would be awesome. Be cool if same devs made one.

 

[elessar123]

Something from Mistwalker would be sweet. They also need a Souls game that satisfies both defensive and offensive players.

As for Pokemon, I -really- doubt it'll be on the Switch. I can picture a Mystery Dungeon on the Switch before Stars.

(And where's my Etrian Odyssey V, AtlusSega?)

 

[reaperztoll]

Something from Mistwalker would be sweet. They also need a Souls game that satisfies both defensive and offensive players.

As for Pokemon, I -really- doubt it'll be on the Switch. I can picture a Mystery Dungeon on the Switch before Stars.

(And where's my Etrian Odyssey V, AtlusSega?)

I'm on board with all of this. Mistwalker putting out another full featured console title would be amazing.

 

[Cloyd]

Something from Mistwalker would be sweet. They also need a Souls game that satisfies both defensive and offensive players.

As for Pokemon, I -really- doubt it'll be on the Switch. I can picture a Mystery Dungeon on the Switch before Stars.

(And where's my Etrian Odyssey V, AtlusSega?)

I'm on board with all of this. Mistwalker putting out another full featured console title would be amazing.

I absolutely loved Lost Odyssey. I own Last Story, but never really played it. I would love another Lost Odyssey-esque port from them. Preferably on PS4.

 

[elessar123]

Honestly, even their mobile game, Terra Battle, is pretty good. If they had something like that for console (without the mobile aspect), I'd be more than content.