Japanese Niche Games Deals Thread: Atlus, NISA, Aksys, XSeed and More!

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The following thread are for niche-based Japanese video games by smaller companies such as Atlus, NIS America, AKSYS, XSEED, D3 Publisher, KOEI/TECMO, SNK Playmore, Ignition, Natsume or any sweet deals for those who are passionate and hardcore about Japanese video games even from the bigger companies like SquareEnix, Sega, Bandai Namco, etc.

But to avoid any messiness of links everywhere, we'll focus on games within the last 2-3 years as opposed to the last five-ten. [although, if you do see older titles on sale, please post them regardless].

The theme of these deals are Japanese video games distributed in the US by the smaller niche companies. The thread is literally for those who love Japanese games. There will be a few Korean games that you may see on this list, such as the "DJ Max" games.

If you see a deal, please post!

NOTE: Please check the most recent page for the latest deals.

And I want to thank many of you in advance who submit their deals and their support!!!
 
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I was fishing around and came across some prototype pictures of the Neptunia Share Discs Complete soundtrack that was mentioned in this thread some time ago. Gives a much better representation than the mock up images that came with the announcement.

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Would anyone recommend the Record of Agarest War series?

They don't seem to get good reviews and I don't know much about them but don't seem like horrible games either.

 
Gershomcz said:
Would anyone recommend the Record of Agarest War series?

They don't seem to get good reviews and I don't know much about them but don't seem like horrible games either.
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Played through Agarest and Agarest Zero and the battle systems have some interesting elements. The dating sim elements are a little over the top at times, but it's worth giving a try.

Some of the specific mechanics I found interesting from a strategy / play perspective:

- All attacks / spells have to be equipped -- different weapons allow different types of attacks to be equipped, so there's a little more planning in advance of battles

- Each character has a number of positions surrounding them where they can link with other character's attacks -- much of the strategy in battles involves figuring out how to position your characters well to chain attacks

 
Gershomcz said:
Would anyone recommend the Record of Agarest War series?

They don't seem to get good reviews and I don't know much about them but don't seem like horrible games either.
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Agarest War 1 is awesome. If you like tactical RPGs then it's all good. I typically don't like "dating-sim" stuff, but in this game, it never really made me feel like I was supposed to be courting the girls. In fact, I wouldn't consider anything in the game a "dating-sim" at all. It was pretty much just standard character interaction between the cast members with some romance and fan-service. There's a lot of customization and tons of party members to play with.

Agarest War 0 is alright. It's basically the exact same game as the first one with two less generations. It's nearly the exact same story with characters that nearly mirror the cast from the first game. They added a "vacation day" mechanic that I hated. That actually felt date-sim-esque. It gives you a chance to score items and stuff, but it's just a pain in the ass to be honest. It's poorly done and, basically, you'll just want to look up online for the best "paths" to get the most items an upgrades. Aside from that, it's still got the fun battle system, upgraded animations and some other stuff that I can't remember.

Agarest War 2 is terrible. They removed the tactical battle engine and replaced it with a more "action oriented" system that has you creating attack strings out of combat and mashing buttons during. They also added these painful J-pop "idol" cinematics. And oh my god, these fucking awful mini-games that have you slathering oil on static images of the girls. That was absolutely horrid. I actually wasn't able to finish this game. It sucks. A lot.

 
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Just a heads-up; Agarest 1 and Zero are both on Steam. I'd expect 2 to show up within the next ~6 months or so as well, since the previous games showed up in about that time frame recently. I'm not sure if you game on PS3 or PC, but the PC base price for 1 is 14.99 or something and has gone on sale for $5 or $7.50 or so. I expect Zero will hit similar sale prices pretty quickly.

 
AugustAPC said:
They also added these painful J-pop "idol" cinematics. And oh my god, these fucking awful mini-games that have you slathering oil on static images of the girls. That was absolutely horrid. I actually wasn't able to finish this game. It sucks. A lot.
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I was interested in this series until I saw the above. Is this a game you can't play unless you're a guy (or a lesbian?)?
 
Equistina said:
I was interested in this series until I saw the above. Is this a game you can't play unless you're a guy (or a lesbian?)?
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Tough to say. I certainly wouldn't play Agarest 2 if I were a guy or a girl.

Agarest 1... it has fan-service, but not a ton. You're going to play as a guy that marries a girl at the end of each generation and births the hero for the next generation. That was actually one of the draws the series, as your children change depending on which female you take as your bride, but I guess it could be a turnoff for a girl. I never felt like the game was making me "court" them women in the game. There was romance, and the characters develop feelings for each other, but it's not unlike any other JRPG where characters fall in love. It's just in this case, you can choose some of the dialogue and effect which character does end up falling for the hero. It's not like you buy stuff for the girls and actively pursue their affections, though.

I guess it all depends how much you can tolerate some fan-service and the idea of playing as a male character who will engage in a lot of dialogue with multiple females. You can pretty much disconnect, because each hero has his own distinct personality. It's more as if you are directing a character rather than actually becoming that character... if that makes any sense.

There are these awkward marriage sequences at the end of each generation where your bride basically speaks intimately and directly to you while telling you she's "ready for you to take her", but I assure you, that is as awkward for any male with a fragment of self-esteem as it would be for you.

The game is a lot of fun, though. There's a lot of strategy in the fights and a there's a lot of cool and interesting characters. There's plenty of customization to keep you busy, too.

If you're gonna play it, play Agarest 1. If you like that, you can give Agarest Zero a go. Stay away from Agarest 2 at all costs.

Hope this helps.

 
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Kenshindono said:
hmm anyone know what the 'free dlc code inside' on my copy of D2 has? I dont recall any pre order dlc characters for that game. I have the collectors edition and a regular version still unopened. The CE doesn't mention anything about it at all. I remember D4 had demon flonne... but really cant recall anything special with this game
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SgtWiggles said:
If i remember there was some free DLC for launch month or something. I think thats what it refers to, it was original costumes from Disgaea 1 or something
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hmm so its nothing on the actual disk/code in the case? just some free dlc at launch that probably isn't even around anymore? Like i said i seem to recall D4 had an alternate flonne i snagged or something

Also i see mention of Sengen Kagura up on gamestop. Did the earlier game ever get a stateside release? I dont think it did. Kinda weird were only getting a sequel

 
Green Card200 said:
I was able to pick up new copies of Flow Sun Rain and Heroes of Mana for about $10 each. Did I make a mistake?
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Well, I know that Flower Sun Rain is almost unplayable without a walkthrough. It's basically a brochure reading simulator.

Of course the story is cool and completely insane. Suda 51 has always been a better writer than gameplay designer.

 
Since Gamestop was on the fritz last night for me and it's working now, humor me - is there a free shipping code for preordering Shinovi Versus or for any preorder?  SAVER didn't work for me the first time.

@Kenshindono - They did release Senran Kagura Burst for the 3DS a little while back (and I'm fairly sure it's the earlier game).  I didn't buy it because of my stupidly big backlog but beware because it's not a small download either and it digital only.

 
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rockykai said:
Since Gamestop was on the fritz last night for me and it's working now, humor me - is there a free shipping code for preordering Shinovi Versus or for any preorder? SAVER didn't work for me the first time.

@Kenshindono - They did release Senran Kagura Burst for the 3DS a little while back (and I'm fairly sure it's the earlier game). I didn't buy it because of my stupidly big backlog but beware because it's not a small download either and it digital only.
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Would have been a day 1 for me if it was physical.
 
rockykai said:
@Kenshindono - They did release Senran Kagura Burst for the 3DS a little while back (and I'm fairly sure it's the earlier game). I didn't buy it because of my stupidly big backlog but beware because it's not a small download either and it digital only.
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$29.99 and something like 1.7GB. I wish I could've imported the UK version but 3DS games are region locked.
 
AugustAPC said:
Tough to say. I certainly wouldn't play Agarest 2 if I were a guy or a girl.

Agarest 1... it has fan-service, but not a ton. You're going to play as a guy that marries a girl at the end of each generation and births the hero for the next generation. That was actually one of the draws the series, as your children change depending on which female you take as your bride, but I guess it could be a turnoff for a girl. I never felt like the game was making me "court" them women in the game. There was romance, and the characters develop feelings for each other, but it's not unlike any other JRPG where characters fall in love. It's just in this case, you can choose some of the dialogue and effect which character does end up falling for the hero. It's not like you buy stuff for the girls and actively pursue their affections, though.

I guess it all depends how much you can tolerate some fan-service and the idea of playing as a male character who will engage in a lot of dialogue with multiple females. You can pretty much disconnect, because each hero has his own distinct personality. It's more as if you are directing a character rather than actually becoming that character... if that makes any sense.

There are these awkward marriage sequences at the end of each generation where your bride basically speaks intimately and directly to you while telling you she's "ready for you to take her", but I assure you, that is as awkward for any male with a fragment of self-esteem as it would be for you.

The game is a lot of fun, though. There's a lot of strategy in the fights and a there's a lot of cool and interesting characters. There's plenty of customization to keep you busy, too.

If you're gonna play it, play Agarest 1. If you like that, you can give Agarest Zero a go. Stay away from Agarest 2 at all costs.

Hope this helps.
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Thank you, it does.

I'm fine with the "courting", I just saw the grease thing and was wondering if that's how the whole game was, but I guess it's just #2, which I'll stay away from.

Thanks again for the help :)
 
Thermopyle said:
Just a heads-up; Agarest 1 and Zero are both on Steam. I'd expect 2 to show up within the next ~6 months or so as well, since the previous games showed up in about that time frame recently. I'm not sure if you game on PS3 or PC, but the PC base price for 1 is 14.99 or something and has gone on sale for $5 or $7.50 or so. I expect Zero will hit similar sale prices pretty quickly.
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unfortunately your expectations are likely going to be crushed... There is a decent chance that 2 never makes it over to steam due to the lack of a 360 version to work with (and thus it would be harder for them to port). Both the first two games were ported using the 360 version, but 2 was a ps3 exclusive and could prove to be more trouble then it's worth. At the very least ghostlight has teased more is coming from them but likely not from agarest.

 
For anyone's who's interested, Play-Asia has Final Fantasy X-2 Asian PS Vita version on sale for $27.99 with free shipping(should restock within 4-5days). http://www.play-asia.com/final-fantasy-x-2-hd-remaster-paOS-13-49-en-70-7g9z.html

This is the only physical version of this game that's all english. US and EU got download codes only for this title.

Since I got my US game for 33 total from GS, and sold my X-2 code for 20 on Ebay, now I have both X & X-2 physical copies for about 40 total. Not bad :D/

 
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chrislaustin said:
For anyone's who's interested, Play-Asia has Final Fantasy X-2 Asian PS Vita version on sale for $27.99 with free shipping(should restock within 4-5days). http://www.play-asia.com/final-fantasy-x-2-hd-remaster-paOS-13-49-en-70-7g9z.html

This is the only physical version of this game that's all english. US and EU got download codes only for this title.

Since I got my US game for 33 total from GS, and sold my X-2 code for 20 on Ebay, now I have both X & X-2 physical copies for about 40 total. Not bad :D/
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Thank you sir! I haven't bought FFX on PSVita cause of the DL copy. Guess I'll do the same as you and sell the code when I finally do.

 
Vigilante said:
Am I alone in thinking it might be less...noticeable to order this one online? :???:
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this is good news for those of you, who might be embrass to order the game at gamestop in person. it might probably coming to other retailers like amazon and maybe bestbuy?

twitter.com/XSEEDGames/status/464801949473579008

Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus is now preorderable for you North American fans @ GameStop. Other retailers soon to follow! (Amazon next week?)

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

 
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The EU Burst cover art cracks me up. Not sure if it's pandering or simple honesty about what they're selling. And I'm saying that as someone who likes the gameplay.
 
salty tbone said:
The EU Burst cover art cracks me up. Not sure if it's pandering or simple honesty about what they're selling. And I'm saying that as someone who likes the gameplay.
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I think Marvelous Europe just decided to have a lot of fun with selling the series in Europe, and did it all for laughs.

 
chrislaustin said:
For anyone's who's interested, Play-Asia has Final Fantasy X-2 Asian PS Vita version on sale for $27.99 with free shipping(should restock within 4-5days). http://www.play-asia.com/final-fantasy-x-2-hd-remaster-paOS-13-49-en-70-7g9z.html

This is the only physical version of this game that's all english. US and EU got download codes only for this title.

Since I got my US game for 33 total from GS, and sold my X-2 code for 20 on Ebay, now I have both X & X-2 physical copies for about 40 total. Not bad :D/
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I had my eyes on this for Vita, but hated being forced into digital only for the second game.

This is super cool. I didn't know about it. Thanks!

What are the dub language options for this release, if you know? English audio only, Japanese audio only, etc?

 
The EU Burst cover art cracks me up. Not sure if it's pandering or simple honesty about what they're selling. And I'm saying that as someone who likes the gameplay.
 
I was actually interested in Argarest War 2. After playing Zero and not exactly enjoying the battle mechanics. After seeing a video on the massage mini-game, it doesn't really freak me out but the gameplay of it seems so boring and simple. Does it happen to be mandatory or can it be skipped?

I'm just not a fan of simple 'thrills'. It actually reminds of of those newground games or something that could find itself on Facebook by how simple it is.

 
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It's good to know that Agarest 2 isn't as good as the rest of the series, as it's the only one I don't have. I'll play the first one and see if I like it as I've mainly played action and turn-based RPGs. I'm not even sure if I would like tactical RPGs as I've never played one, despite owning a few of them.

I actually bought the Limited Edition of the first game when Amazon put it on sale during Black Friday. I didn't open it since I didn't have time, and last I checked it's now very valuable. I'll definitely sell it if I don't enjoy the game, but if I do enjoy it I might have to think about it.

 
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Pheria said:
I had my eyes on this for Vita, but hated being forced into digital only for the second game.

This is super cool. I didn't know about it. Thanks!

What are the dub language options for this release, if you know? English audio only, Japanese audio only, etc?
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I'm actually unsure of any other options in regards to this particular release(English text and vocals was my only concern). Here is the only video I could find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc0k4mGAS4k

If it doesn't show any extra options in the video, maybe you can try the maker of the video, as he may be able to say for sure what options are available.

 


chrislaustin said:
I'm very excited for it. Is the release date still some time this summer?
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Yes its still summer. I wish there was a physical copy as well but then again beggar's can't be choosers

SgtWiggles said:
Wow that game looks awesome. Now I'm hyped damn you
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Haha yea I was hyped from day one! Glad they decided to bring it over honestly!

YBX87 said:
isn't that guy Keiji Inafune, creator of megaman working on it? along with mighty nine?
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Yes he is. He made it though that the people working on mighty nine can't see Azure Gunvolt and vice versa. This is so both games aren't copied over and come with totally unique ideas.


Its a good plan, atleast I think. Cause its really easy to add something you like from one game to another

Reno Takamiya said:
I was actually interested in Argarest War 2. After playing Zero and not exactly enjoying the battle mechanics. After seeing a video on the massage mini-game, it doesn't really freak me out but the gameplay of it seems so boring and simple. Does it happen to be mandatory or can it be skipped?

I'm just not a fan of simple 'thrills'. It actually reminds of of those newground games or something that could find itself on Facebook by how simple it is.
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The massage mini-games can be skipped. However for the true ending of the game which takes some work all heroines heart level need to be maxed. This can be done through battling and answering correct answers.


However when it comes to battling it grows very very slowly and the bath house mini-game is there for it too shoot up more quickly. If your only going for the normal ending then I believe you don't really need to worry but for the true ending you will more than likely want to do it to increase your hearts faster

 
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chrislaustin said:
I'm actually unsure of any other options in regards to this particular release(English text and vocals was my only concern). Here is the only video I could find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc0k4mGAS4k

If it doesn't show any extra options in the video, maybe you can try the maker of the video, as he may be able to say for sure what options are available.
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Sorry if the formatting is all weird; using an iPad.

I actually got the Asian version of FFX-2 off eBay a few weeks ago for about $37ish. Here are the front and back covers. The game has an English dub with and English subtitles according to the box.

And for good measure I popped it into my Vita. Opening scene and first battle were in English dub and subtitles. When they let me run around I checked the CONFIG menu and there is no option to change voice or change sub language.

EDIT: Here are some bad quality videos I took:

http://youtu.be/12uCuQwOcDs

http://youtu.be/99eDI1rzd-s

 
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typeRJ said:
Sorry if the formatting is all weird; using an iPad.
I actually got the Asian version of FFX-2 off eBay a few weeks ago for about $37ish. Here are the front and back covers. The game has an English dub with and English subtitles according to the box.
And for good measure I popped it into my Vita. Opening scene and first battle were in English dub and subtitles. When they let me run around I checked the CONFIG menu and there is no option to change voice or change sub language.
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Neat thanks! I guess if I buy the Asian version of x-2, I may as we'll get the Asian version of x..too. :p since that one is on sale now as well.
 
typeRJ said:
Sorry if the formatting is all weird; using an iPad.

I actually got the Asian version of FFX-2 off eBay a few weeks ago for about $37ish. Here are the front and back covers. The game has an English dub with and English subtitles according to the box.

And for good measure I popped it into my Vita. Opening scene and first battle were in English dub and subtitles. When they let me run around I checked the CONFIG menu and there is no option to change voice or change sub language.
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Thanks a million. I snagged the X-2 from the site and was a little worried about it, though the site said it was in English. I appreciate the extra step in helping us Caggers.

 
stormzone said:
The massage mini-games can be skipped. However for the true ending of the game which takes some work all heroines heart level need to be maxed. This can be done through battling and answering correct answers.

However when it comes to battling it grows very very slowly and the bath house mini-game is there for it too shoot up more quickly. If your only going for the normal ending then I believe you don't really need to worry but for the true ending you will more than likely want to do it to increase your hearts faster
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Thanks for the information.

 
Thanks for the info might try to get the asian x and x2 for vita if I can find them cheap. If not I'll still have my ps3 le.
 
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Pheria said:
Neat thanks! I guess if I buy the Asian version of x-2, I may as we'll get the Asian version of x..too. :p since that one is on sale now as well.
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Thanks for pointing out that "X" is on sale as well. I noticed it originally, but didn't really point it out due to X-2 being the main game everyone needed in physical form.

Cloyd said:
Thanks a million. I snagged the X-2 from the site and was a little worried about it, though the site said it was in English. I appreciate the extra step in helping us Caggers.
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Yeah, I always try to confirm through video's or end users, as I never 100% trust the "English" either.

 
I have a Play-Asia coupon code I don't think I'm going to use before the expiration. It only works on orders $60+ and everything I've been ordering has been under that. Whoever wants it can have it. It's $5 off and expires May 23, 2014

TG-OQC-JOM

 
Pheria said:
I have a Play-Asia coupon code I don't think I'm going to use before the expiration. It only works on orders $60+ and everything I've been ordering has been under that. Whoever wants it can have it. It's $5 off and expires May 23, 2014

TG-OQC-JOM
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Thanks. Used it to order Sen no Kiseki on Vita

 
Edit: Ah you cleaned it up and I had no time to do pre-orders at Gamestop this weekend but have high hopes for this game!

Also Natural Doctrine looks ok....i'll put it the Amazon pre-order for now but really no idea if I'll keep that pre-order.

 
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