Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

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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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kevers7290 said:
So Best Buy fuck 'd my order for ME: Andromeda and Anima: Gate of Memories that I ordered during the Visa checkout promo. I received delivery confirmations on both items, and the Fedex tracking says both items were delivered but they are nowhere to be found. Had to call CS and they have to send me a replacement copy of ME: Andromeda. Worst part is I was supposed to get the steelbook version, but it looks like the replacement is just the standard. Also, Anima is sold out so they can only refund me for it :cry: .

The funniest part was when the CS rep suggested I walk around my neighborhood and ask my neighbors if they know anything about it. Best Buy is a big company and they are responsible for packages reaching their destination. I work a full-time job and I don't have time to play detective for them. :rofl:
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Pretty sure it's fedex who fucked your order. Yes Best Buy is responsible for the order reaching you which is why they ate the loss and replaced mass effect and refunded anima.
 
Souffrir said:
Ah, Kickstarter indies. Screwing console backers but good is all part of a day's work.
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The option for a refund is there. So no one is being screwed unless they really wanted a Wii U version. Even then they won't be out any money because they can get a refund or switch to a different version.
Give hate when it's deserved, not where a proper recourse is provided for unfortunate decisions
 
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godofwar7 said:
Pretty sure it's fedex who fucked your order. Yes Best Buy is responsible for the order reaching you which is why they ate the loss and replaced mass effect and refunded anima.
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You're right. I didn't mean to come off sounding like a jerk there, so apologies. Mass Effect is no big deal as it's an EA game, I'm just disappointed that I'm not getting Anima just yet as I was really looking forward to that collector's edition.

 
TooPoor said:
Well, at least I can play it on the Switch if they cancel the Vita version. Stay adamant, Vita version.
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They brought in an entire new team just to work on the Vita version as a separate version, and not just a port.

We're more than likely safe on that front...or at least stands to reason we should be. @_@

 
kevers7290 said:
So Best Buy fuck 'd my order for ME: Andromeda and Anima: Gate of Memories that I ordered during the Visa checkout promo. I received delivery confirmations on both items, and the Fedex tracking says both items were delivered but they are nowhere to be found. Had to call CS and they have to send me a replacement copy of ME: Andromeda. Worst part is I was supposed to get the steelbook version, but it looks like the replacement is just the standard. Also, Anima is sold out so they can only refund me for it :cry: .

The funniest part was when the CS rep suggested I walk around my neighborhood and ask my neighbors if they know anything about it. Best Buy is a big company and they are responsible for packages reaching their destination. I work a full-time job and I don't have time to play detective for them. :rofl:
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Ouch. Had that happen to me once where USPS deliver it to the wrong house 2 doors down. Luckily he knew my hobbies so he came by and said "Is this yours?" O:)

 
srocky26 said:
Why are you so upset about losing the Wii U copy? There is no reason to be so upset.
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A lot of people don't have a Switch but have a WiiU.

I was counting on this game to be the last physical release for the WiiU. I wonder what the last physical WiiU release will be now.

 
srocky26 said:
Why are you so upset about losing the Wii U copy? There is no reason to be so upset.
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When you support a Kickstarter financially, you tend to get invested in it beyond a mere monetary level. You back it not only because you want to own the end product in some fashion, but because you want the developers to succeed, you want to see the product made, and you want to be able to play the game.

Even ignoring the non-financial investment, there are bound to be a few backers whose only means of playing the game is a specific platform. We're talking about people who were so dedicated to the game they threw money in with zero guarantee of any kind of return; in effect, the game's staunchest supporters.

And when a developer drops a platform that had been promised during the original Kickstarter campaign, a few backers are inevitably left out. Some devs perform the bare minimum "service" of returning the money that helped them finish the product, but those backers? Some of them still don't have any other way to play the game, and those refunds aren't going to help them reach a point from which they can play the game once that rug has been pulled out from under them.

Basically the end result is that for the backers affected—no matter what tiny percentage they may comprise—their support isn't being returned or reciprocated. Cutting platforms may sometimes be a sound financial decision, but it's also a slap in the face to some of the developers' biggest fans.

Personally, I've chosen not to do business with developers that treat their fans in that fashion.
 
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Souffrir said:
Personally, I've chosen not to do business with developers that treat their fans in that fashion.
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Your post was very well stated, and while I agree with most of it, I can't personally fault a developer for dropping a platform. Maybe they could be a little more transparent early on, by stating, it's a good chance system "X" may or may not happen, and we will allow for a transfer or a refund if it happens to come to that.

In the end, KS is an "investment" system, and not a "preorder" one. As an investment, sometimes things work out, and often times they don't. When this project was first started, I'm sure they had the best intentions of the Wii U game happening and delivering on it, but from a financial stand point, why should they be held to a higher standard the company who created the Wii U, and have left it for greener pastures after getting whatever amount they could from buyers of the system itself?

At least this team is offering several good options for a persons time and efforts. I see no such love from "N" for leaving buyers high and dry with a system they left rather early on for the NS.

 
Souffrir said:
When you support a Kickstarter financially, you tend to get invested in it beyond a mere monetary level. You back it not only because you want to own the end product in some fashion, but because you want the developers to succeed, you want to see the product made, and you want to be able to play the game.

Even ignoring the non-financial investment, there are bound to be a few backers whose only means of playing the game is a specific platform. We're talking about people who were so dedicated to the game they threw money in with zero guarantee of any kind of return; in effect, the game's staunchest supporters.

And when a developer drops a platform that had been promised during the original Kickstarter campaign, a few backers are inevitably left out. Some devs perform the bare minimum "service" of returning the money that helped them finish the product, but those backers? Some of them still don't have any other way to play the game, and those refunds aren't going to help them reach a point from which they can play the game once that rug has been pulled out from under them.

Basically the end result is that for the backers affected—no matter what tiny percentage they may comprise—their support isn't being returned or reciprocated. Cutting platforms may sometimes be a sound financial decision, but it's also a slap in the face to some of the developers' biggest fans.

Personally, I've chosen not to do business with developers that treat their fans in that fashion.
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Blame Nintendo for making a shitty system.

 
Souffrir said:
When you support a Kickstarter financially, you tend to get invested in it beyond a mere monetary level. You back it not only because you want to own the end product in some fashion, but because you want the developers to succeed, you want to see the product made, and you want to be able to play the game.

Even ignoring the non-financial investment, there are bound to be a few backers whose only means of playing the game is a specific platform. We're talking about people who were so dedicated to the game they threw money in with zero guarantee of any kind of return; in effect, the game's staunchest supporters.

And when a developer drops a platform that had been promised during the original Kickstarter campaign, a few backers are inevitably left out. Some devs perform the bare minimum "service" of returning the money that helped them finish the product, but those backers? Some of them still don't have any other way to play the game, and those refunds aren't going to help them reach a point from which they can play the game once that rug has been pulled out from under them.

Basically the end result is that for the backers affected—no matter what tiny percentage they may comprise—their support isn't being returned or reciprocated. Cutting platforms may sometimes be a sound financial decision, but it's also a slap in the face to some of the developers' biggest fans.

Personally, I've chosen not to do business with developers that treat their fans in that fashion.
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This is ridiculous. Financially and emotionally attached to backing a video Game? Ok.
 
Kickstarters blow.  They're not worth the multiple avenues of anguish they can cost.    They're not worth becoming emotionally invested in because of the perpetual threat of disappointment. 

It's like dating a shitbag guy.  Sure things might go okay for awhile.   But eventually he's going show you that he's a shitbag.  And you aren't allowed to be surprised when that happens because you consciously decided to date a shitty guy.  You knew better, you did it anyways; you can't get upset about it now. 

 
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I know i'm still waiting for some Kickstarter games....they may come and they may not....I really don't use it anymore unless someone really needs help.

 
chrislaustin said:
Your post was very well stated, and while I agree with most of it, I can't personally fault a developer for dropping a platform. Maybe they could be a little more transparent early on, by stating, it's a good chance system "X" may or may not happen, and we will allow for a transfer or a refund if it happens to come to that.

In the end, KS is an "investment" system, and not a "preorder" one. As an investment, sometimes things work out, and often times they don't. When this project was first started, I'm sure they had the best intentions of the Wii U game happening and delivering on it, but from a financial stand point, why should they be held to a higher standard the company who created the Wii U, and have left it for greener pastures after getting whatever amount they could from buyers of the system itself?

At least this team is offering several good options for a persons time and efforts. I see no such love from "N" for leaving buyers high and dry with a system they left rather early on for the NS.
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I'm also hearing that Nintendo is no longer supporting third party development on the Wii U, and hearing that that's part of the reason why the Wii U version of Bloodstained was dropped. If that's the case, Nintendo deserves as much of the blame as Iga does IMO.
 
nitrosmob said:
I know i'm still waiting for some Kickstarter games....they may come and they may not....I really don't use it anymore unless someone really needs help.
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My current rule (started after Mighty No. 9) with Kickstarter is to pledge only $1 on the ones that allow that pledge level. That way I can get updates about the project emailed to me instead of having to seek it out, and if nothing comes from the project, I'm not out much. I've broken that rule a few times, I'll admit, but I haven't been burned yet.
 
I only pledged to Grisaia and Muv Luv. 

I'm okay with Muv Luv. But Grisaia. Ugh. Waiting on more console news, specifically a physical vita release.

I'm probably going to back the Indivisible Kickstarter eventually

 
Nothing371 said:
Kickstarters blow. They're not worth the multiple avenues of anguish they can cost. They're not worth becoming emotionally invested in because of the perpetual threat of disappointment.

It's like dating a shitbag guy. Sure things might go okay for awhile. But eventually he's going show you that he's a shitbag. And you aren't allowed to be surprised when that happens because you consciously decided to date a shitty guy. You knew better, you did it anyways; you can't get upset about it now.
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It's just a preorder paid in advance to me *shrug*
I only use it for exclusive stuff anyway since I'm forgoing gcu discount.
 
My Touhou Gensour Wanderer limited edition came in from Amazon today. Absolutely no protection and the box is beat to shit. Gonna see if they'll offer me any sort of compensation.

 
godofwar7 said:
It's just a preorder paid in advance to me *shrug*
I only use it for exclusive stuff anyway since I'm forgoing gcu discount.
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It's not guaranteed delivery though. If the project is not completed, the developer is under no legal obligation to reimburse you for your pledge. At least according to the rules on Kickstarter that I read. And by the time it becomes apparent that a project isn't going to b completed, it's usually too late to file a chargeback with your CC company too.
 
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Commodore Wheeler said:
It's not guaranteed delivery though. If the project is not completed, the developer is under no legal obligation to reimburse you for your pledge. At least according to the rules on Kickstarter that I read. And by the time it becomes apparent that a project isn't going to b completed, it's usually too late to file a chargeback with your CC company too.
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As with all things in life, having good judgement is important. Support only those you trust to deliver.
Iga is refunding those affected, which opposed to what the other guy said, I would say is the maximum responsibility he has on the matter. There is nothing more he can other than continue to make the Wii U version which would be a poor financial decision and thus a waste of funds and betrayal of his fiduciary reponsibility to other investors.
 
AugustAPC said:
My Touhou Gensour Wanderer limited edition came in from Amazon today. Absolutely no protection and the box is beat to shit. Gonna see if they'll offer me any sort of compensation.
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Same. They shipped mine a bubble mailer and there's a hole punched through the bubble mailer to my game box. I know I've said this before but I've got to stop being cheap. It's so not worth the 20% off anymore to keep dealing with this every time I order a limited edition. I've got to learn because my last 5 limited editions have been damaged in some way. Definition of insanity I know but sometimes I can't get a preorder with another retailer. Anyway I should probably support NIS by buying from them, They always ship everything well packed.

 
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Kickstarter brings us many great things, just look at the Ouya or Mighty No. 9 so many great memories between the wild ride each gave us.

Also watching Vic and Midori-chan playing Paladins which first I didn't realize was out on PS4 and second I didn't realize had so many waifus that I now have an interest in getting it. I need to convince BRW to get it as well who recently got tired of Overwatch so what a perfect time to play another multiplayer game with so many unique characters like the guy with the giant shield, or the waifu with the bow, or the edge lord with the mask, or the soldier... wait a minute...

The King of Fighters XIV character DLC Whip vs. Ralf gameplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy8WtJE9RE4

 
Commodore Wheeler said:
I'm also hearing that Nintendo is no longer supporting third party development on the Wii U, and hearing that that's part of the reason why the Wii U version of Bloodstained was dropped. If that's the case, Nintendo deserves as much of the blame as Iga does IMO.
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Yeah, they haven't updated the Wii U FW in forever based on what I've been reading, so what you mention makes perfect sense, as they seemed to have stopped support a long while ago(just not officially)

In the end, the issues really comes down to the console specifics of it all, like most discussions on most forums. Every person has their favorite system, or 1st party developer and then when a KS drops a specific system in favor of another, or just ends a version in general, that person feels betrayed for whatever reason. Like most conversations, when problems or issues are pointed out, some don't want to hear the "truth".

But if any true "investor" for any company looks at a situation from a financial stand point(which is the only way an investment should ever be looked at), there would be no issues at all. Lets just say a campaign doesn't allow you to pledge for a game, but you are strictly pledging as an investment. And based on the total amount of games sold(across all systems), is when and where you will get a return in cash.

Then you look at the Wii U version of this game, and then you see if it is released, you may loose your investment because the game is going to cost more to make, than can possible be taken in for it, if ever released. As a sound "logical" investor, anyone who has money on the line, would vote to scrap that version ASAP.

Sadly, with KS, you have a system where as was stated, there is an emotional aspect to it, based on what I stated before, favorite system or 1st parties and when a certain version is scrapped, it becomes personal. Instead of it being the best choice for the business to make money. Which in the end, is really the only concern anyone should have as an "investor".

I would recommend anyone who can't separate themselves from the best choice for a developer on the whole, should not pledge to KS ever, as it is never personal, it's just business.

 
godofwar7 said:
As with all things in life, having good judgement is important. Support only those you trust to deliver.
Iga is refunding those affected, which opposed to what the other guy said, I would say is the maximum responsibility he has on the matter. There is nothing more he can other than continue to make the Wii U version which would be a poor financial decision and thus a waste of funds and betrayal of his fiduciary reponsibility to other investors.
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For the record, I have no problems with how Iga is handling things on Bloodstained. I think he's been more above board than most. My previous comment was directed more at some of the other, less trustworthy as its turned out Kickstarters I've backed in the past, and at Kickstarter in general.
 
EdJericho said:
Kickstarter brings us many great things, just look at the Ouya or Mighty No. 9 so many great memories between the wild ride each gave us.
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How about divinity original sin, shovel knight, and pillars of eternity?

You know, actual good, some could argue great, games brought to us by kickstarter. These are just off the top of my head.

 
godofwar7 said:
How about divinity original sin, shovel knight, and pillars of eternity?

You know, actual good, some could argue great, games brought to us by kickstarter. These are just off the top of my head.
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Shantae Half Genie Hero is another.

EDIT: Although I'm still waiting on my physical rewards fir it. I need to look in to that actually, as it's been awhile since the game was released.

 
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It's not an investment. You don't share in their profits, so looking at their finances isn't in the equation. Kickstarter is an avenue to fund what people want directly, usually passion projects. You literally gave them money to make something that they back out on. There is no other incentive like profit sharing, so it's all going to be emotion-based.
 
VagrantFate said:
Same. They shipped mine a bubble mailer and there's a hole punched through the bubble mailer to my game box. I know I've said this before but I've got to stop being cheap. It's so not worth the 20% off anymore to keep dealing with this every time I order a limited edition. I've got to learn because my last 5 limited editions have been damaged in some way. Definition of insanity I know but sometimes I can't get a preorder with another retailer. Anyway I should probably support NIS by buying from them, They always ship everything well packed.
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Sorry to hear Amazon went with bubble mailers, again...Yeah, that 20% discount is my CAG Kryptonite and I was *this* close to ordering TouHou through Amazon, even though I had secured one through NISA. I thought better of it when I looked at my damaged Tales of Berseria and Bravely Second LEs. But like you say, sometimes they're the only available option for securing a preorder, at least I can return it easy and often enough to finally get an undamaged copy (even that is starting to be not worth the time and effort).

Look at the FE: Echoes LE, that is gonna be shipped in a bubble mailer from Amazon, guaranteed. 20% discount is nice, but not good enough if it arrives wrecked...*sigh* who am I kidding, that's probably where I'm gonna end up getting my copy...

 
godofwar7 said:
How about divinity original sin, shovel knight, and pillars of eternity?

You know, actual good, some could argue great, games brought to us by kickstarter. These are just off the top of my head.
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All games you could easily buy for $10-20 at retail. There was no need to fund any of them. You can let other people do that, wait for review scores proper, and buy the game when its at an attractive price point.

 
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ARsignal11 said:
So it's basically the same exact game, with the addition of a third timeline and voice acting. I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. Loved the game, but I hate how they're essentially repackaging the game with additional DLC-like content added in. Meh.

Sad thing is I'll probably still get it. :wall:
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1150716935580679825.png


 
chrislaustin said:
Yeah, they haven't updated the Wii U FW in forever based on what I've been reading, so what you mention makes perfect sense, as they seemed to have stopped support a long while ago(just not officially)

In the end, the issues really comes down to the console specifics of it all, like most discussions on most forums. Every person has their favorite system, or 1st party developer and then when a KS drops a specific system in favor of another, or just ends a version in general, that person feels betrayed for whatever reason. Like most conversations, when problems or issues are pointed out, some don't want to hear the "truth".

But if any true "investor" for any company looks at a situation from a financial stand point(which is the only way an investment should ever be looked at), there would be no issues at all. Lets just say a campaign doesn't allow you to pledge for a game, but you are strictly pledging as an investment. And based on the total amount of games sold(across all systems), is when and where you will get a return in cash.

Then you look at the Wii U version of this game, and then you see if it is released, you may loose your investment because the game is going to cost more to make, than can possible be taken in for it, if ever released. As a sound "logical" investor, anyone who has money on the line, would vote to scrap that version ASAP.

Sadly, with KS, you have a system where as was stated, there is an emotional aspect to it, based on what I stated before, favorite system or 1st parties and when a certain version is scrapped, it becomes personal. Instead of it being the best choice for the business to make money. Which in the end, is really the only concern anyone should have as an "investor".

I would recommend anyone who can't separate themselves from the best choice for a developer on the whole, should not pledge to KS ever, as it is never personal, it's just business.
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That's the thing, though: backers aren't investors. Even ignoring the fact that most successful video game Kickstarters prey on emotions--mostly nostalgia--, investors are in the game to win. They want a return on their investment that exceeds what they put in. Backer rewards are never, financially speaking, a greater return on your investment than what you've put into it. Even taking tiers that give you a digital copy of the game for less than they'll be selling day one into account, we're talking about a commodity the perceived value of which is only going to plummet within a couple of years--frequently within months. If we're talking about a purely business-based point of view, the wise move is not to invest at all and just wait until the game is released--so you can't lose money--, and wait a while after release for the game to go on a deep discount, assuming you even want the product once the reviews are out.

It's also not a simple transaction, as there's a decent chance, regardless of the developers' track records, that nothing will ever come of your "purchase."

It's really just a bad system when it comes right down to it, and one I actively encourage people to avoid.

chrislaustin said:
Shantae Half Genie Hero is another.

EDIT: Although I'm still waiting on my physical rewards fir it. I need to look in to that actually, as it's been awhile since the game was released.
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Don't even get me started on Shantae. My attempts to communicate with WayForward about that game have made companies like Dell and EA look positively consumer-centric, and quite frankly I found HGH to be the worst Shantae game yet.

WayForward, in my experience, had zero respect for their backers as fans, as investors, or even as customers. I'm happy for the people who didn't have issues, but trying to work through their support has been like pulling teeth--for the better part of a year.
 
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Nothing371 said:
All games you could easily buy for $10-20 at retail. There was no need to fund any of them. You can let other people do that, wait for review scores proper, and buy the game when its at an attractive price point.
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The fact that the games can be purchased for cheap now is irrelevant. It's a whole different argument really. Something along the lines of why buy games at full price when they will definitely be cheaper later. Not a discussion I want to get into now because that is besides the point. The point being, we're treating kickstarter like the devil, but it has helped to fund actual good games that may not have existed without being kickstarter.
 
ordered FE at Amazon, but lord do I have little to no faith on them after having my last couple LE's cancelled.

Anyone happen to have a Play Asia coupon handy that works?

 
Yeah, it's not an investment in the typical sense, but it is an investment none the less, as you are giving money for something that may or may not arrive as promised. https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter+basics?ref=faq_nav#Acco

People are looking at KS like GS, where you put money down for an item, and you get it on release. That is not the way KS works, or has it ever. There are many KS that offer exclusive items, or covers that are only offered through KS. If people don't want to take the "risk", why are they pledging to KS? 

When you "invest" in the typical sense, you are looking for more back than you put in. Here, you are putting in for an item of monetary value, and it may not arrive for weeks, months, or years. Has anyone on CAG not seen tons of stories posted here where a game gets cancelled, or pushed back, or isn't as it was promised to be once released(mighty No.9).

Anyone here saying they didn't know, or that this doesn't happen on the regular is rather dim in regards to KS and once again, should avoid it, as it is apparently not what a lot of users are hoping are expecting it to be. KS hasn't changed since it started, and none of these stories are new. It is up to every person pledging to look at the project, and the people involved and see if it may be to their liking.

If it's not an investment, and they are offering a refund, or a different game of one's liking, then what is the problem? No one is out of anything, and if your not getting the game, then you have lost nothing, as you didn't "invest" for anything. 

 
godofwar7 said:
The fact that the games can be purchased for cheap now is irrelevant. It's a whole different argument really. Something along the lines of why buy games at full price when they will definitely be cheaper later. Not a discussion I want to get into now because that is besides the point. The point being, we're treating kickstarter like the devil, but it has helped to fund actual good games that may not have existed without being kickstarter.
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Kickstarter as an entity is fine. That doesn't mean that it is good or beneficial for a person to donate to one. I'm not sure what your point is. No one else here is talking about ideals.

Every kickstarter I've ever seen is either going to get funded or not, regardless of whether or not I back it. My funds don't matter. This is not a voter idealism discussion.

 
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