Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

shivan128

shivan128

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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!

 
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godofwar7 said:
Tokyo mirage sessions is even better on lunatic mode. It feels even more like a SMT game and you're forced to employ different strategies if you want to survive which is what I wanted from the hardest difficulty mode. I said I was going to play other games but I'm still stuck playing this game. Damn this game is good. Liked it so much I bought the shit Special edition. I should have just bought that from the start since I knew atlus would deliver.
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Such a shame it's on Wii U.

 
I'm just glad they brought 5 over at all. The game hasn't done very well physically over here, so I was happy to grab 4 and 5 digitally as soon as they hit. Luckily the response to those was good enough that they decided to keep bringing the series over.

 
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I see Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters updated is coming September 20th with physical on PS4, and PS3/Vita digital. Well that one has a 0% chance to be bought by me anywhere near release....tired of September release dates. 

 
nitrosmob said:
I see Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters updated is coming September 20th with physical on PS4, and PS3/Vita digital. Well that one has a 0% chance to be bought by me anywhere near release....tired of September release dates.
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I still haven't played through the original release on the Vita, so the chance I'll buy it September is less than zero. I might snag it for PS4 sometime down the line when its sub-$20. September/October has WAY too many releases that I actually want.

 
Nothing371 said:
That'll show 'em.
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If more people had a backbone and didn't just take whatever they're given, series like Yakuza, Ace Attorney, and Fatal Frame would be available physically. If companies can put out niche games at retail that sell <10K copies, there's no excuse for SEGA on Yakuza 5.

 
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notaxation said:
If more people had a backbone and didn't just take whatever they're given, series like Yakuza, Ace Attorney, and Fatal Frame would be available physically. If companies can put out niche games at retail that sell <10K copies, there's no excuse for SEGA on Yakuza 5.
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No. If more people supported those games when they were released physically they still would be. If people were as eager to buy the games for full price or even somewhat near full price as they are eager to spend way above that to import physical versions when they aren't available physically in the US then we wouldn't have this problem.

 
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notaxation said:
If more people had a backbone and didn't just take whatever they're given, series like Yakuza, Ace Attorney, and Fatal Frame would be available physically. If companies can put out niche games at retail that sell <10K copies, there's no excuse for SEGA on Yakuza 5.
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If more people actually bought games then they would have been available physically. Digital only games that have sold well have gone on to have physical editions. There are many examples of this such as Ori and the blond forest. There are no examples of poor sales leading to physical availability of digital games. I fail to see how having no sales would encourage them to take on more expenses and release it physically. They would just not localize it at all at that point.
And I'm someone who doesn't buy digital games unless they're really cheap.
 
Digital Only for expensive titles ($40+) really makes a person think about it. I know I haven't gotten Asterisk War since it's $39.99 Digital, and yes I know there is an Asian physical release, but I don't want to spend like $51.99+shipping for that....that's too much IMHO. 

 
godofwar7 said:
If more people actually bought games then they would have been available physically. Digital only games that have sold well have gone on to have physical editions. There are many examples of this such as Ori and the blond forest. There are no examples of poor sales leading to physical availability of digital games. I fail to see how having no sales would encourage them to take on more expenses and release it physically. They would just not localize it at all at that point.
And I'm someone who doesn't buy digital games unless they're really cheap.
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Another was Hatsune Miku on the Vita. The first one was digital only and the later games were released physical also.
 
godofwar7 said:
If more people actually bought games then they would have been available physically. Digital only games that have sold well have gone on to have physical editions. There are many examples of this such as Ori and the blond forest. There are no examples of poor sales leading to physical availability of digital games. I fail to see how having no sales would encourage them to take on more expenses and release it physically. They would just not localize it at all at that point.
And I'm someone who doesn't buy digital games unless they're really cheap.
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Games like Shovel Knight, Rocket League, and Ori that got physical releases later are for new franchises that released at <$20 prices. There was a reason for the physical releases to only come much later after they were successful.

The Yakuza series has had 5 games released physically here in the US. The Phoenix Wright series/spinoffs has had 6. And the digital releases for both are full priced at $29.99/$39.99.

It's apples and oranges.

 
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notaxation said:
Games like Shovel Knight, Rocket League, and Ori that got physical releases later are for new franchises that released at <$20 prices. There was a reason for the physical releases to only come much later after they were successful.

The Yakuza series has had 5 games released physically here in the US. The Phoenix Wright series/spinoffs has had 6. And the digital releases for both are full priced at $29.99/$39.99.

It's apples and oranges.
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The point is good sales lead to physical copies of which there many examples showing to be true while poor sales actually lead to the inverse of being digital only or not being available at all. There are no examples showing poor sales helping get physical availability for games.
 
Since the Sonic Mania reception has been rather positive in this thread, here's a 10 minute video that talks a little bit about the background of the developers who are working on it if you're curious:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omKGDC4JaMU

 
notaxation said:
If more people had a backbone and didn't just take whatever they're given, series like Yakuza, Ace Attorney, and Fatal Frame would be available physically. If companies can put out niche games at retail that sell <10K copies, there's no excuse for SEGA on Yakuza 5.
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It depends on the games budget. I certainly agree that ace attorneys budget is definitely low enough that they could localize them. But I'm not sure about yakuza since they have voice work among other things and aren't just a visual novel.

 
kickalillas2 said:
The really question is why you don't tHink she's the best girl.
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Thanks to @Qxovo for the artwork.

 
whoknows said:
No. If more people supported those games when they were released physically they still would be. If people were as eager to buy the games for full price or even somewhat near full price as they are eager to spend way above that to import physical versions when they aren't available physically in the US then we wouldn't have this problem.
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godofwar7 said:
If more people actually bought games then they would have been available physically. Digital only games that have sold well have gone on to have physical editions. There are many examples of this such as Ori and the blond forest. There are no examples of poor sales leading to physical availability of digital games. I fail to see how having no sales would encourage them to take on more expenses and release it physically. They would just not localize it at all at that point.
And I'm someone who doesn't buy digital games unless they're really cheap.
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It all boils down to the fact that one person isn't going to make a difference in either scenario. I bought all of the PS3 physical releases of Yakuza at or very close to release. I refused to buy Y5 because I won't pay that much for a digital game. I also haven't bought I Am Setsuna for the same reason, or The Witness, or several others. I will buy & support the thing I want, but I'm not going to buy the thing I *don't* want in the vague hope that it will lead to them putting out what I want.

If someone like LRG puts out a physical version of any of the games I've mentioned, I'll be first in line. But barring that, I'll be picking them up in one of the digital fire sales.

 
Square Enix Teases New “Dramatic RPG” to Be Revealed on August 1st

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbfCL-asgUY

Gravity Rush 2 Shines in 25 Minutes of Charming Gameplay

Gameplay starting at the 16:55 minutes mark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtRj_FybMY4

One Piece: Great Pirate Colosseum demo footage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K54WY83J_j8

Over 2 hours of Etrian Odyssey V demo footage

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

Dragon Ball Fusions ‘Battle’ gameplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfDWSShRv6E

Sengoku Basara: Legend of Sanada Yukimura Footage Shows Off Its Survival Mode

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nePhnM6NMLI

Sengoku Otome: Legend Battle Trailer Shows Its Historical Japanese Gender-Swapped Action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI_6K3W02XQ

Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness Includes Two Anime Episodes

Tokyo Xanadu eX+ details playable Ryouta

Shenmue director returns for Shenmue III

Demon Gaze II opening movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQXYy6Zjo4

 
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Josef said:
Senran Kagura Estival Versus (PS4) had a price drop to $49.99 ($39.99 after GCU) this AM at bestbuy.com:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/senran-kagura-estival-versus-playstation-4/4909100.p?id=bb4909100&skuId=4909100

I'm assuming this is still the Endless Summer Edition? Have any plain game-only versions of this been reported in the wild yet? Are they even releasing a game-only version?
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Only physical version unless you are getting used...than good luck!

Also I played Shiren Vita yesterday for about an hour. The beginner house has way, way, way too many tutorials. I literally spent an hour and a bit and I'm still down about 20 tutorials. Also it keeps giving you more and more free items. Do you have anywhere to store the items right away? I'm just throwing away worthless stuff like grass and will do soon for the bad weapons and such. This game feels old school and the text is small. Also the graphics look a bit fuzzy. It feels very similar to the Super Nintendo version which is saying something, but this one is more advanced. I do like it so far, but these tutorials are tiresome. There is like 54 or so in all, so make time for them. They should teach you everything. Also putting stuff in pots and doing your inventory doesn't feel as clean as it should. I'm liking it enough so far (haven't really started the game yet!), but I can see this turning off many, many people. This game is more advanced than it looks, but some of these tutorials should have been combined.

 
argyle said:
It all boils down to the fact that one person isn't going to make a difference in either scenario. I bought all of the PS3 physical releases of Yakuza at or very close to release. I refused to buy Y5 because I won't pay that much for a digital game. I also haven't bought I Am Setsuna for the same reason, or The Witness, or several others. I will buy & support the thing I want, but I'm not going to buy the thing I *don't* want in the vague hope that it will lead to them putting out what I want.

If someone like LRG puts out a physical version of any of the games I've mentioned, I'll be first in line. But barring that, I'll be picking them up in one of the digital fire sales.
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I bought all the Yakuza games day 1 and I did so with 5 as well. I guess we're different because to me playing it at all is more important than seeing a plastic case sit on my shelf. I think the price being nearly half of what a typical physical release (15% off if you preordered) was a pretty fair price. Apparently Sega/Sony were pretty happy with the pre-order numbers which lead to us getting Yakuza 0 as a physical release. Point is supporting games you like is more helpful than not supporting them at all. They aren't going to look at poor sales and say "let's put more money into the release and release it physically next time!" In fact it'll be the opposite and they'll say "let's not bother at all" hence how we nearly didn't get Yakuza 5 at all after the steep decline in sales from 3 to 4 to Dead Souls. None of which were digital only, so it just shows people weren't supporting the franchise.

 
nitrosmob said:
Only physical version unless you are getting used...than good luck!

Also I played Shiren Vita yesterday for about an hour. The beginner house has way, way, way too many tutorials. I literally spent an hour and a bit and I'm still down about 20 tutorials. Also it keeps giving you more and more free items. Do you have anywhere to store the items right away? I'm just throwing away worthless stuff like grass and will do soon for the bad weapons and such. This game feels old school and the text is small. Also the graphics look a bit fuzzy. It feels very similar to the Super Nintendo version which is saying something, but this one is more advanced. I do like it so far, but these tutorials are tiresome. There is like 54 or so in all, so make time for them. They should teach you everything. Also putting stuff in pots and doing your inventory doesn't feel as clean as it should. I'm liking it enough so far (haven't really started the game yet!), but I can see this turning off many, many people. This game is more advanced than it looks, but some of these tutorials should have been combined.
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Leave the area and continue on to the real town. There is storage there and also an NPC who has a bunch of puzzles that you solve for items, similar to the tutorial NPC. Pretty sure it's at least 25 pages worth of puzzles. You can always go back to the village at any point after you enter the town to finish any tutorial stuff as well.

 
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Draekon said:
Leave the area and continue on to the real town. There is storage there and also an NPC who has a bunch of puzzles that you solve for items, similar to the tutorial NPC. Pretty sure it's at least 25 pages worth of puzzles. You can always go back to the village at any point after you enter the town too.
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That's good cause that first part is boring as heck. It feels somewhat necessary just to get all the nuts and bolts of the gameplay but I want to store all the items first so i'll move on when I play it. The game does feel really antiquated though. I like it but don't love it so far.

 
Looks like Shantae & The Pirate's Curse is getting a physical version released in the US on 3DS. Wayforward retweeted the Rumor from Nintendo Life twitter.

 
I'll occasionally post some Steam deals when I notice them, can be bothered and when the games are worthwhile. I suppose the price point needs to be halfway decent too.

$9.99 (-50%) - Mushihimesama (SHMUP) - Ends Noon Sunday CDT

- Lowest price to date several times now. Considered one of the best bullet hell SHMUPs. Has V1.5 DLC for sale at its lowest price to date that changes things around a bit. Better to buy the Matsuri pack if you're wanting both, which also includes the OST. English version is only on PC (Not that the game really needs English to play).

$0.87 (-75%) - One Way Heroics (Roguelike) - Ends August 5th

- It has been slightly cheaper before but if you're worrying over ~20 cents, you've got bigger issues. Also has an expansion that's for sale at 60% off and it is the lowest price to date it has been several times now. PC only and decently fun/quick.

$3.74 (-75%) - La-Mulana (Metroidvania) - Ends August 5th

- It hasn't really gone lower in over three years. It's also on Vita & Wii (+Linux/Mac). A quite difficult metroidvania platformer that will require you to actually take notes. A guide might replace the note taking, but then where's the fun in that?

 
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More Shiren Vita impressions after about 2 more hours and moving on as suggested:

I recommend everyone to move onto the real village before you start doing the beginner building tasks. You get your storage and can sell junk. I do recommend slogging through the tutorials though as I learned quite a bit. I've been playing the main game now, and the addictiveness is back baby! Pretty challenging and lots of items. Also love that they still have random people walking around you can help and such. I hope they have that ninja girl again in this one...she was a good partner if I remember correctly in the SNES one. I can see rusting is a little less harsh in this, but it seems like polishing is rare. So....go with gold stuff and power it up until you get really cool stuff, like I kept saying. I hate those stupid little slimes that with each hit make your equipment more and more worse, unless it can't rust. I know right now I'm rocking a lizard sword and a gold shield....would have a gold sword but I gave it to the blacksmith lady...and I need to get it back! I really like how this version feels fully featured and is somewhat complicated sometimes, but also helps you a bit. I also like how rusting in this isn't extremely devestating, though it could be if it keeps happening. In the SNES version having your stuff get acid bathed I believe basically destroyed it I believe, so you would be running gold, and in turn diamond since they couldn't be destroyed by that cheap trap. You guys nowadays have it easy with weaker stats, though there is a chance there might be the cheap trap somewhere down the line. It's fun and you get used to it. Don't expect hand holding and know stuff can get pretty hard sometimes. Also trust me with the gold items....plus they look cool. I am not sure how long this game will be, but I can't wait to play it more.

Edit: I realized my talk of the gold and diamond weapons likely came from memories of Azure Dreams. That game was hard as nails haha. It still isn't bad to raise gold weapons/armor, since they can't rust, but they might not have the weapon levels as other weapons. Just confusing rogue type games there haha.

 
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whoknows said:
I bought all the Yakuza games day 1 and I did so with 5 as well. I guess we're different because to me playing it at all is more important than seeing a plastic case sit on my shelf. I think the price being nearly half of what a typical physical release (15% off if you preordered) was a pretty fair price. Apparently Sega/Sony were pretty happy with the pre-order numbers which lead to us getting Yakuza 0 as a physical release. Point is supporting games you like is more helpful than not supporting them at all. They aren't going to look at poor sales and say "let's put more money into the release and release it physically next time!" In fact it'll be the opposite and they'll say "let's not bother at all" hence how we nearly didn't get Yakuza 5 at all after the steep decline in sales from 3 to 4 to Dead Souls. None of which were digital only, so it just shows people weren't supporting the franchise.
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Well again I will play them eventually when they go on sale for cheap enough - it's not like I don't have enough in my backlog anyway. Everyone has their own feelings on digital games, mine are that you never truly own them - at best, you're leasing them. So I won't pay more than about $15 for a digital only game. I have done way more than my fair share of supporting physical releases of niche games, but often the publishers decide to go the digital-only route for future games in series I've been supporting. There is a certain amount of "voting with your wallet" you do as a consumer, but the majority of the reason why most of us buy things is because we want them first & foremost. And I don't want digital-only releases.

 
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