Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

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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Made some minor progress in legend of dragoon, vesperia ps4 and flame marking trois chateaus golden dawn route(fire emblem 3 houses)

For dragoon I made it to Deningrad or however the cities name is spelled. I've always loved the bgm for there ever since I heard it long ago in a video game music discussion.  Yggdrasil like tree is giving me tales of symphonia flashbacks only this thing looked significantly more creepy.  Had a number of major plot stuff just drop during this section which I never would have suspected.  The giant divine dragon is certainly terrifying.  Far more presence than the water dragon or felbrandt sp? the green dragon had.  I find it a little too convenient that any character that joins the party can become a power ranger basically.  

Vesperia I just made it to the weasand of cados cave which connects nordopolica to the desert.  So far the new content has been minimal.  I did love that you can control your boat in this version vs being stuck on a fixed route from the port to nordopolica after the ghost ship. You can't do much of anything but it's the thought that counts. Patty rejoined again and I don't really see why they didn't just have her stay in the party instead of leaving for 20 minutes for no reason.  She plays interestingly enough.  I had no idea Alvins Variable trigger arte in tox was from vesperia though.  I feel like it works faster in this than xillia.  I have to say that the localization is somewhat embarrassingly poor quality.  Having 2 voice actors for some characters really throws things off.  I cannot tell if Judiths va just had her voice change in the last 10 years since vesperia or if they have a different va voicing her new lines. But they are somewhat noticeable.  As the new stuff is somewhat close to the original at times much like troy bakers replacement but still different.  Sodia and Leblancs replacements are quite grating.  Leblancs is reminiscent of 60's-80's generic cartoon villains which is a shame since his original va was relatively good.  I wish they had left some of the original voice work in vs redubbing random bits and pieces of troys lines for no reason at times.  As they only needed to voice the new scenes and altered ones not remove original stuff.  Clint I can't recall if his va ever spoke in the original much.  But it is certainly weird to hear him talk more in this one.

fire emblem I just got the characters back together for the deer route after the story split section.  I was quite surprised Seteth joins the party as I had assumed he was like hilda, dedue and hubert and was locked to the church route like they are their own routes.  Minus Hilda apparently being recruitable in the church route anyway.  It was interesting that you get a second holy relic weapon for the gloucester house on the deer route as I had thought there was only one of each saints relics, and heroes relics.  So far that seems to be the only route exclusive one besides the lord units I have encountered as all the others you obtained during their individual special maps pre route split.

So far Lysithea remains the best unit bar none in the game for me.  I'm surprised at how flexible she is.  I don't think there's ever been a mage that could also work as myrm before.  Her 61 damage from combat attack skill is impressive.  After her Hildas been no slouch herself. After them my Mercedes Benz is a fricken monster with 42 magic attack and that's without the + from her abilities, crests and accessory.  She averages around 51 damage per hit.  And let men add to the fact that she is my lowest level unit to boot and only just hit lv30 when everyone else is around 35. Ignatz definitely is in the running for worst unit in the game for me.  He was hit with the bad growths curse and has under 20 for both physical attack and magic.  Only usage would be for physic and you already have numerous better options for that in dorothea linhardt and Marianne as it is.

 
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So far Lysithea remains the best unit bar none in the game for me.
She's definitely one of them. Especially if you coddle her to keep spd stat high. I gave marianne dancer during my second GD playthough and it seemed to be a perfect fit.. more so than dorothea from my 1st edelgard playthrough.

Question for you guys about Mary Skelter 2 (eshop). I'm on the fence just because I know I won't play it right away. Is the inclusion of the first full game a permanent thing or a preorder bonus only?

 
it's a permanent part of the game not a separate dlc.

There's also a physical version coming for preorder in November if that interests you.
 
She's definitely one of them. Especially if you coddle her to keep spd stat high. I gave marianne dancer during my second GD playthough and it seemed to be a perfect fit.. more so than dorothea from my 1st edelgard playthrough.

Question for you guys about Mary Skelter 2 (eshop). I'm on the fence just because I know I won't play it right away. Is the inclusion of the first full game a permanent thing or a preorder bonus only?
Dancer just seems pretty worthless in this one. Anyone you would make a dancer would be a unit that isn't doing anything more useful with their turn. Marianne and other such mages are far more useful killing things from 3-5 spaces away (or more if they get the long range spells) healing or silencing something. And since stride can be cast on nearly all your units and gives them +5 movement it's far more useful than the dancer class is. They should have made dancers at least dance for 1-4 units surrounding them depending on affinity for the class and skill/s learned. Even better if they had just made them like the Herons from path of radiance and radiant dawn. Between stride and warp/rescue those are prettymuch better options than what the dancer can provide.

There was one or two maps where I used a piggyback via 2 warps and a rescue to send a unit to the far side of the map to get a chest or rescue an npc.

 
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Dancer just seems pretty worthless in this one. Anyone you would make a dancer would be a unit that isn't doing anything more useful with their turn. Marianne and other such mages are far more useful killing things from 3-5 spaces away (or more if they get the long range spells) healing or silencing something. And since stride can be cast on nearly all your units and gives them +5 movement it's far more useful than the dancer class is. They should have made dancers at least dance for 1-4 units surrounding them depending on affinity for the class and skill/s learned. Even better if they had just made them like the Herons from path of radiance and radiant dawn. Between stride and warp/rescue those are prettymuch better options than what the dancer can provide.

There was one or two maps where I used a piggyback via 2 warps and a rescue to send a unit to the far side of the map to get a chest or rescue an npc.
Blue Lions have access to a dance battalion, can grant up to 4 units an extra turn. But requires lots of prep and thought to use efficiently. Whereas yeah, stride just works everywhere.
 
Has anybody else's Trails of Cold Steel III Thors Academy Edition shipped from NISA yet? Release date is tomorrow and it's looking more and more like it's not going to arrive on time. :???:

 
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Has anybody else's Trails of Cold Steel III Thors Academy Edition shipped from NISA yet? Release date is tomorrow and it's looking more and more like it's not going to arrive on time :/
Mine hasn't shipped, either. I'm getting the same feeling--thanks a lot, NISA. :bomb:

EDIT: According to this thread on GFAQs, people are getting their CEs in the mail without ever having received a shipping confirmation. Here's hoping we all get them today or tomorrow. :pray:

 
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Mine hasn't shipped, either. I'm getting the same feeling--thanks a lot, NISA. :bomb:

EDIT: According to this thread on GFAQs, people are getting their CEs in the mail without ever having received a shipping confirmation. Here's hoping we all get them today or tomorrow. :pray:
Yeah, NISA is notorious for not sending a shipping notification until after it arrives. I also got my copy today.
 
Neat, I found the Thors Academy Edition on my front porch when I stopped at home for lunch. Based on how NISA set up the product page, I wasn't sure if the Cold Steel III disc would be inside the steelbook case, so I'm happy they included a standard game case, too.

 
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I'm so glad that you guys mentioned it.  My Thor's Academy Edition was sitting on the front porch, doused in rain.  The shipping box was completely soaked through and I wouldn't have checked on it for a couple more hours.

 
The charge from Play-Asia for DQ I/II/III went through this weekend.  So it's looking good they are working on getting them ready to ship.  The ship date on the site says the 24th.

This is my first PA purchase.  If I want to get an import I'd usually just wait till someone sold it on Amazon.  Anyway, do they require a signature every time?

 
The charge from Play-Asia for DQ I/II/III went through this weekend. So it's looking good they are working on getting them ready to ship. The ship date on the site says the 24th.

This is my first PA purchase. If I want to get an import I'd usually just wait till someone sold it on Amazon. Anyway, do they require a signature every time?
I've never had to do a signature and ordered from them a few times. Only ones I had to sign for usually are KPOP orders from Ktown4u (have to sign for all the time or pick up later), or when I used to buy from Amiami years ago.

 
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Neat, I found the Thors Academy Edition on my front porch when I stopped at home for lunch. Based on how NISA set up the product page, I wasn't sure if the Cold Steel III disc would be inside the steelbook case, so I'm happy they included a standard game case, too.
Yes, mine arrived today as well. Installing now.

Didnt' get any kind of shipping update or tracking. But happy to have it. Was packaged well.

A sealed Early Enrollment edition is in the box. So the extra game case is nice. The soundtrack sampler cd is redundant since those 5 tracks are also on the soundtrack, but that's fine with me.

 
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I can't seem to get a straight answer in the CE thread.

I've got a fairly complicated question.  So say these new Pokemon Sword & Shield games have an online multiplayer feature and I purchase these EU versions with the steelbooks.   Would I be unable to link up with any friends that bought the NA version?  Isn't that the way it works sometimes when you buy EU PS4 disc games? (I'm aware that all Switch carts and PS4 discs are region-free)

As a follow-up question, isn't that why people sometimes buy the EU or ASIA version of PS4 games in order to get uncensored versions?

 
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Isn't that the way it works sometimes when you buy EU PS4 disc games?
Yes, always. PSN treats them as separate games. Separate player base, trophy lists, etc.

But from what I understand switch carts work differently. I haven't tried this myself but I believe different games handle dlc and online features differently. Some have dlc and online features locked to region while others do not. Could be wrong on this part through.

 
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I can't seem to get a straight answer in the CE thread.

I've got a fairly complicated question. So say these new Pokemon Sword & Shield games have an online multiplayer feature and I purchase these EU versions with the steelbooks. Would I be unable to link up with any friends that bought the NA version? Isn't that the way it works sometimes when you buy EU PS4 disc games? (I'm aware that all Switch carts and PS4 discs are region-free)

As a follow-up question, isn't that why people sometimes buy the EU or ASIA version of PS4 games in order to get uncensored versions?
Prior Pokemon games haven't been region locked for online connectivity. I've not spent enough time with multiplayer games on the Switch to have an intimate knowledge of how things normally work. But every Pokemon game since X/Y (when I first started using the online features) had a very big focus on global connectivity.

Further, there are some hard and fast rules for Sony stuff (which really shouldn't be used to speculate for Nintendo, as they're different)--such as saves and DLC being region locked. But online connectivity is definitely a game by game basis. I'd assume the same is true here, and I'd be beyond shocked if the MP features were region locked in Pokemon. They can't really afford any more outrage regarding this game, and it would be a stupid and regressive decision.

Hopefully that helps, even if it isn't 100% concrete.

 
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This is my first PA purchase. If I want to get an import I'd usually just wait till someone sold it on Amazon. Anyway, do they require a signature every time?
Mine are supposed to be signed for, but my new postman is to lazy to walk to my door, so he marks it "left with recipient" and puts it in my box. Before he took over, my old postman had me sign for each one, unless he called me and asked permission to leave it in my box with out having my signature. My last PA order was awhile back, but up to that point, that's how it worked each time.

 
Mine are supposed to be signed for, but my new postman is to lazy to walk to my door, so he marks it "left with recipient" and puts it in my box. Before he took over, my old postman had me sign for each one, unless he called me and asked permission to leave it in my box with out having my signature. My last PA order was awhile back, but up to that point, that's how it worked each time.
Do you go with the free/cheapest shipping options? I don't think I've ever had to sign for one of those with PA.

 
Yes, always. PSN treats them as separate games. Separate player base, trophy lists, etc.

But from what I understand switch carts work differently. I haven't tried this myself but I believe different games handle dlc and online features differently. Some have dlc and online features locked to region while others do not. Could be wrong on this part through.
Prior Pokemon games haven't been region locked for online connectivity. I've not spent enough time with multiplayer games on the Switch to have an intimate knowledge of how things normally work. But every Pokemon game since X/Y (when I first started using the online features) had a very big focus on global connectivity.

Further, there are some hard and fast rules for Sony stuff (which really shouldn't be used to speculate for Nintendo, as they're different)--such as saves and DLC being region locked. But online connectivity is definitely a game by game basis. I'd assume the same is true here, and I'd be beyond shocked if the MP features were region locked in Pokemon. They can't really afford any more outrage regarding this game, and it would be a stupid and regressive decision.

Hopefully that helps, even if it isn't 100% concrete.
Right so...If you bought something like the EU disc for Monster Hunter World on PS4 you wouldn't be able to join gameplay sessions with your NA friends, right?

But if you bought EU version of Pokemon Sword/Shield it would probably have no problem matching you with everyone, right?

So even though both systems are region free, the PS4 and Switch ecosystems each have separate, different ways of handling the multiplayer matching with people who don't own matching regional software.

 
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Right so...If you bought something like the EU disc for Monster Hunter World on PS4 you wouldn't be able to join gameplay sessions with your NA friends, right?

But if you bought EU version of Pokemon Sword/Shield it would probably have no problem matching you with everyone, right?
It's a game-by-game basis. I 'believe' that MHW does not have region locked multiplayer. I played it on PC, though--where I know it doesn't--so I'm not 100% sure for PS4. One of my best friends lives in Scotland, and we've played an enormous amount of games together over the past 10 years on numerous consoles (including PS3 and PS4). Region locked multiplayer/co-op is really not very common. Also, loads and loads of Sony titles have unified regional trophy lists. It's also a game by game basis. I typically use Playstationtrophies.org to check for trophy list variants.

Every Pokemon game from X/Y on have allowed you to partake in all forms of Multiplayer shenanigans with players from all over the world. You'll even get Pokemon with names and details in other languages (and get those added to your pokedex, if memory serves). I really wouldn't worry about it for these titles. Nintendo also definitely doesn't region lock Switch MP across the board--just two nights ago I played Smash with an Australian. It was a laggy, awful time, but it still happened.

 
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It's a game-by-game basis. I 'believe' that MHW does not have region locked multiplayer. I played it on PC, though--where I know it doesn't--so I'm not 100% sure for PS4. One of my best friends lives in Scotland, and we've played an enormous amount of games together over the past 10 years on numerous consoles (including PS3 and PS4). Region locked multiplayer/co-op is really not very common. Also, loads and loads of Sony titles have unified regional trophy lists. It's also a game by game basis. I typically use Playstationtrophies.org to check for trophy list variants.

Every Pokemon game from X/Y on have allowed you to partake in all forms on Multiplayer shenanigans with players from all over the world. You'll even get Pokemon with names and details in other languages (and get those added to your pokedex, if memory serves). I really wouldn't worry about it for these titles. Nintendo also definitely doesn't region lock Switch MP across the board--just two nights ago I played Smash with an Australian. It was a laggy, awful time, but it still happened.
Ok great. Thank you for the detailed explanation Zaku.

So I suppose there is a chance that you could have a pair of identically titled games with different SKUs, separate trophy lists, differing gameplay segments (one is censored), but still it might let you cross-region matchmake. Case-by-case basis. I think I understand it now.

Time to buy those EU steelbook versions of the Pokemon games then!

 
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Returning Songs from Future Tone DX Tracklist

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvD9KPCVFlw[/media]
trash, its great a world wide release is close but nothing about anything phsyical for the west or if its jp only with subs, for a 95% rehashed game with gimmicks no news or facts for the west why pay less for the same songs plus future dx selective expensive overpriced dlc, would be nice if they provided more facts and less rehash jp fandom

 
Right so...If you bought something like the EU disc for Monster Hunter World on PS4 you wouldn't be able to join gameplay sessions with your NA friends, right?

But if you bought EU version of Pokemon Sword/Shield it would probably have no problem matching you with everyone, right?

So even though both systems are region free, the PS4 and Switch ecosystems each have separate, different ways of handling the multiplayer matching with people who don't own matching regional software.
For example Call of Duty on PS4 is region-free in terms of multiplayer connectivity, but it's not guaranteed for every other game series out there.

Pokemon will definitely work so go for it!

 
Mine are supposed to be signed for, but my new postman is to lazy to walk to my door, so he marks it "left with recipient" and puts it in my box. Before he took over, my old postman had me sign for each one, unless he called me and asked permission to leave it in my box with out having my signature. My last PA order was awhile back, but up to that point, that's how it worked each time.
That's what I'm hoping will happen with mine. It just had me a little concerned when I ordered that it said signature required.

My last serious out of country purchases were back in the days of Liksang when the Dreamcast had it's last run of unofficial releases. Even back then I'd lean more towards NCSX.com to be 100% sure what I was buying was legit. These days I mostly lean towards Amazon for imports (from US resellers) or on the rare occasion Ebay.

 
Do you go with the free/cheapest shipping options? I don't think I've ever had to sign for one of those with PA.
There was a time when PA allowed for shipping options, and the cheapest one never used to ask for a signature. At some point, they begin to have delays and a big amount of missing packages. So once they begin to include "free" shipping by their own accord, that's when I believe they started having a signature for that option. I think they started having to many charge backs and issues with not having signatures, so now it's mandatory.

As I stated, this appears to be left to the whims of the postal person delivering said package, as mine show "signature required". That's why when ever those are left, the postman has to put "left with individual", even though he leaves it in the box. Because if there's ever an issue, he can't claim I signed for it, if it was labeled "left in box/or at the door". Of course I've never signed, so if it came to that, it's his ass, but it's on him and that's the risk he takes to save a few minutes.

That's what I'm hoping will happen with mine. It just had me a little concerned when I ordered that it said signature required.

My last serious out of country purchases were back in the days of Liksang when the Dreamcast had it's last run of unofficial releases. Even back then I'd lean more towards NCSX.com to be 100% sure what I was buying was legit. These days I mostly lean towards Amazon for imports (from US resellers) or on the rare occasion Ebay.
Damn, hearing Lik-Sang takes me back, that place was the BOMB! And NCSX was my go to spot back in my crazy "N" import days, as I was on a first name basis with girl who took phone orders at the time, so that should tell anyone how bad my addiction was. LOL

 
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Yes, mine arrived today as well. Installing now.

Didnt' get any kind of shipping update or tracking. But happy to have it. Was packaged well.

A sealed Early Enrollment edition is in the box. So the extra game case is nice. The soundtrack sampler cd is redundant since those 5 tracks are also on the soundtrack, but that's fine with me.
Yep, mine was on my doorstep when I got home yesterday. I was very confused when I got an email saying my order was fulfilled even though I never got any sort of shipping confirmation. Ah well, happy to have it before release!

 
A deal, probably not deal, but if anyone is interested, a seller on eBay has World of Final Fantasy Maxima Switch listed for, EUR 12.50 Approximately US $13.93 with shipping at EUR 3.00 (approx. US $3.34).

New seller just made account recently, and selling another item way underpriced, so most likely won't go through, and will need to file a claim, but if it does work, it could be worth it, assuming you have the time and patience to file if and when it doesn't work out. ;D

 
Persona 5 Scramble releases February 20th in Japan PS4/Switch

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKEKHvJJ5Mg[/media]

 
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Koei is gauging interest for Physical copies of Atelier Dusk/Arland DX Trilogies in USA/EUROPE.

Worth voting if you're still interested.

[media]https://twitter.com/KoeiTecmoUS/status/1187820797282283520?s=20[/media]

 
Happy Halloween!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6HYZMZh_Hc

With that said for anyone who doesn't know this weeks challenge for Overwatch's Halloween Terror event features the legendary skin Demon Hunter Sombra.

RHGPMSZQWA3G1536707779612.jpg

This skin was only available during last years BlizzCon e-ticket pass which cost you $50. Now you can get this skin for the whopping price of zero dollars, the catch is you just need to win 9 matches. This challenge will only last until November 4th when the Halloween Terror event ends, so good luck.

Also Ashe's Warlock skin all day everyday.

0x0250000000002795.jpg

 
Koei is gauging interest for Physical copies of Atelier Dusk/Arland DX Trilogies in USA/EUROPE.

Worth voting if you're still interested.
I'd be mighty tempted to get them on Switch if physical copies happened, even though I bought Arland digitally already(on PS4 since space on Switch is more of a concern).

Dusk would be a sure purchase though, so I voted yes of course.

 
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Little Witch Academia was delisted from Steam. You can't buy it directly on steam anymore but you can probably still get a steam key from places like humble bundle, fanatical, and greenmangaming. Better get it while you can.

Playing Atelier Ryza. It definitely has a level of polish above previous titles. It's quite enjoyable learning the new systems.

 
Overwatch players rejoice as Overwatch 2 was announced and unless you only care about the PVP aspect of the game then you won't have to worry about spending any money as all the new content being added to the game such as new maps and new heroes waifus will be compatible with the original game. However if you're interested in some lore and storzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz oh? what? Sorry, I fell asleep. A PVE mode will be available for Overwatch 2 which will let you co-op with 3 other friends (that's 4 people total, I'm a math genius) to go on exclusive missions and explore the untold story of what comes next in the Phase 2 Overwatch Cinematic Universe.

Overwatch 2 Website

Overwatch 2 Gameplay Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZl1yGUetjI

Overwatch 2 Animated Short "Zero Hour"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXS_YA9s7E

Overwatch 2 Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynNZAhBZ7rg

Overwatch 2 PVE - Rio de Janeiro Gameplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0K9oY74QqQ

Overwatch 2 will also come with a brand new PVP mode called Push which is pretty much Tower Control from Splatoon.

Overwatch 2 New Push Mode - Toronto Gameplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-yQaZDkqnI

All 31 characters currently available will be getting a new design which you can see some concept art below.

kKfv1lJ.jpg


Bastion now with new hat!

giphy.gif

Sadly there is no new hero announced for the original Overwatch but there will be multiple new heroes coming to Overwatch 2 such as Sojourn and Echo, but all I ask for is D.Mon so this filthy D.Va main can finally have a 2nd tank worth playing.

tumblr_pdwfx4nszi1uo2avg_640.jpg


For anyone concerned about all your cosmetics and achievements in the current game don't worry as it is confirmed that they will carry over to Overwatch 2. So Pink Mercy buyers fear not you will still be able to use those lovely twin-tails.

27192a6b08e0f008a0ef98283c8206832274cd36_00.jpg


Finally they confirmed that current game will still get updates such as allowing players to have more freedom while waiting 10 hours to find a match on Role Queue for DPS characters. They'll allow you to access Training, custom games / work shop games, or even a new Deathmatch mode specifically made for waiting. Honestly they just need to add this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y6hogKehZE

That's all the Overwatch 2 news that came out today, there will be another panel tomorrow talking about the new character designs in Overwatch 2 so we may see more character designs. Also, sorry I don't post as much news as I did back then but I still love all of you. UwU

 
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Look, I get that there’s a lot of crossover between the audience for this thread and OW players, but can we please accept that there is literally nothing Japanese or niche about that game?
 
You don't get the full game - looked through the reddit thread where it was originally posted and a poster confirmed you only get the season pass.
Yeah, the fine print does state that "Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately."

But the title is very misleading.

 
Look, I get that there’s a lot of crossover between the audience for this thread and OW players, but can we please accept that there is literally nothing Japanese or niche about that game?
I see your logic and counter with: but there's 2 Japanese characters in the game. Not to mention a fairly diverse cast of Asian characters

Just skip it if you don't want to read it my friend.
 
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