Funny, I got a tracking number in the email but it doesn't work. USPS says it's not a valid tracking number.
Then it’s probably shipped via mail innovations or something like that.
#36634
Trash Tier
Posted 25 March 2023 - 02:36 PM
Thanks for pointing this out. I plan to play, but not immediately - still haven't beaten 2 yet.
There are swimsuits too, but you have to pay up for those unfortunately ($21.99 for the whole set): https://store.playst...DDCOSTUME000007
- Covnam likes this
#36636
Trash Tier
Posted 26 March 2023 - 06:39 PM
The Target Buy 1 Get 1 50% off (or buy 2, cancel one for ~25% off) sale is back this week, unfortunately maybe this is what they do now instead of Buy 2 Get 1 Free which was a better deal.
There are a lot of exclusions, especially for Switch games. Octopath Traveler II at $57.99, (or ~$44 after canceling one) and Dragon Quest Treasures at $39.99 (~$30) are okay. (Dragon Quest Treasures is also $35.99 digitally on the eShop atm)
Some preorders work, I placed one for Crymachina PS5 to decide later.
I'm not sure how they decide which versions of what are eligible. Grim Guardians (renamed to Gal Guardians, but not on Target yet) only have the PS4 version eligible, with PS5 and Switch not eligible.
Dragon Quest Treasures Switch: https://www.target.c...ch/-/A-87431812
Octopath Traveler II Switch (PS4 also available): https://www.target.c...ch/-/A-87657530
Crymachina PS5 (offer doesn't apply to Switch version): https://www.target.c...-5/-/A-88853535
#36638
Bang, bang... pew...
Posted 26 March 2023 - 11:39 PM
The Target Buy 1 Get 1 50% off (or buy 2, cancel one for ~25% off) sale is back this week, unfortunately maybe this is what they do now instead of Buy 2 Get 1 Free which was a better deal.
There are a lot of exclusions, especially for Switch games. Octopath Traveler II at $57.99, (or ~$44 after canceling one) and Dragon Quest Treasures at $39.99 (~$30) are okay. (Dragon Quest Treasures is also $35.99 digitally on the eShop atm)
Some preorders work, I placed one for Crymachina PS5 to decide later.
I'm not sure how they decide which versions of what are eligible. Grim Guardians (renamed to Gal Guardians, but not on Target yet) only have the PS4 version eligible, with PS5 and Switch not eligible.
Dragon Quest Treasures Switch: https://www.target.c...ch/-/A-87431812
Octopath Traveler II Switch (PS4 also available): https://www.target.c...ch/-/A-87657530
Crymachina PS5 (offer doesn't apply to Switch version): https://www.target.c...-5/-/A-88853535
Picked up Stranger of Paradise last week for $20... and now i'm picking it up again for this sale to save $5.LOL
I have few dozen common/old games I want but Target doesn't have any of them... kinda nuts.
#36640
CAG Veteran
Posted 30 March 2023 - 08:37 PM
LIVE A LIVE coming to PS5, PS4, and PC on April 27
Hoping for a physical Asian version from Play-Asia, otherwise I'm waiting for a good discount.
I played through this game on switch after playing the demo for a while. It's pretty creative but also very short (which at the time was appealing to me). I'm glad I played it on the switch, but for anyone that hasn't... just don't go in expecting long individual stories. It's very condensed, but it shines on how creative it is with each story.. the setting.. and and the overall ending. The battle system I found enjoyable and I'm pretty damned picky about this stuff.
On sale digital this would be well wroth it. I'm not sure if it's something I'll hold onto long term, though it ended up VERY memorable.
#36641
CAGiversary!
Posted 01 April 2023 - 06:02 AM
For the likely very few who were waiting for another ninetail RPG/VN (Venusblood fans pretty much), The Alchemist of Ars Magna is out. This is an RPG/VN longer game coming at the premium end of VN prices. I've heard it's not as good as those games, but it's pretty new and has an 18+ patch for the Steam version, and a 20% launch discount. I will likely get it, but not sure if I'll play immediately. If you don't want to deal with the patch, JAST is likely the way to go.
Steam 18+ NSFW Patch (on an itch.io page. You can also just get the game there)
#36642
Bang, bang... pew...
Posted 01 April 2023 - 01:09 PM
I played through this game on switch after playing the demo for a while. It's pretty creative but also very short (which at the time was appealing to me). I'm glad I played it on the switch, but for anyone that hasn't... just don't go in expecting long individual stories. It's very condensed, but it shines on how creative it is with each story.. the setting.. and and the overall ending. The battle system I found enjoyable and I'm pretty damned picky about this stuff.
On sale digital this would be well wroth it. I'm not sure if it's something I'll hold onto long term, though it ended up VERY memorable.
Glad to hear it's relatively short. RPGS really need to stop being 30+ hours long... it was like standard back in the PS1 days for RPGs to last 40 hours but these days, I don't have time for that shit. Only reason why I cannot commit to any of the Personas since I heard they're 70+ hours minimum.
- Josef, thelonepig and nitrosmob like this
#36644
Henshin A Go-Go Baby!
Posted 01 April 2023 - 02:21 PM
If I'm looking at something on PA, is there a way to tell if it's an Asian release with English packaging (as in, all the info text in the back of the case)? I can't tell by the pictures on some items.
Not that I'm aware of. Try searching for the game you want on ebay. May be someone there has photos of the back.
#36645
Posted 01 April 2023 - 03:05 PM
If I'm looking at something on PA, is there a way to tell if it's an Asian release with English packaging (as in, all the info text in the back of the case)? I can't tell by the pictures on some items.
Ratings board logos are probably the best indicator - if it's CERO, it Japanese and not SEA. Beyond that, packaging is kinda up in the air. Even if the images show English or Japanese on the cover sometimes they use placeholder images.
#36647
Guess I'll just stumble on home to my cats
Posted 01 April 2023 - 07:13 PM
I played through this game on switch after playing the demo for a while. It's pretty creative but also very short (which at the time was appealing to me). I'm glad I played it on the switch, but for anyone that hasn't... just don't go in expecting long individual stories. It's very condensed, but it shines on how creative it is with each story.. the setting.. and and the overall ending. The battle system I found enjoyable and I'm pretty damned picky about this stuff.
On sale digital this would be well wroth it. I'm not sure if it's something I'll hold onto long term, though it ended up VERY memorable.
I wouldn't call it "very short" it's like 25-30 hours to complete. Short compared to old school JRPG's sure. I mentioned it before but I was pretty underwhelmed by the game. Out of the 50 or so games I completed last year it was probably my least favorite of all of them.
#36648
Cjenvy I'm ready for you awd this time I'm wearing pants
Posted 02 April 2023 - 12:02 AM
3 is closer to 56 for a regular playthrough. Less if you do fewer s links and sidequests since a lot of the bloat is tied to them.Glad to hear it's relatively short. RPGS really need to stop being 30+ hours long... it was like standard back in the PS1 days for RPGs to last 40 hours but these days, I don't have time for that shit. Only reason why I cannot commit to any of the Personas since I heard they're 70+ hours minimum.
#36649
CAG Veteran
Posted 02 April 2023 - 04:43 PM
I wouldn't call it "very short" it's like 25-30 hours to complete. Short compared to old school JRPG's sure. I mentioned it before but I was pretty underwhelmed by the game. Out of the 50 or so games I completed last year it was probably my least favorite of all of them.
I finished maybe two games last year. It was a rough year but I’m hoping to get back to serious gaming in a few weeks after I’m done cleaning out my attic and reorganizing.
I checked my switch and it showed “25 hours or more”. Checked my save… 28h20min. That was me finishing all the core stories for each character and two overall endings. I grinded like old school on any that allowed it, explored every nook, did anything possible, and started over on the ninja story because I felt lost from where the demo left off. Then I played it a third time on the ninja story to make some different decisions. While there were more overall things I left on the table, I feel like 28 hours is pretty reasonable and quite short compared to other rpgs in this retail price range. Plus when you divide that out among each character it’s only a few hours to finish a characters core story.
I can see why it wouldn’t be for everyone. I based my purchase on the demo being fun. Some of what I loved, like the caveman, others didn’t. But it felt like a very unique experience for each character.. while maintaining some common elements in the fighting strategy. Super memorable experience. I’d highly suggest the demo to anyone curious… especially since progress carries over. I redownloaded the demo as I occasionally delete my play history… put just 1hr20min in.
- heavy liquid likes this
#36650
Cjenvy I'm ready for you awd this time I'm wearing pants
Posted 06 April 2023 - 04:06 AM
finished chapter 1 of trails from zero (escape)
probably the greatest crime committed in that chapter was I didn't get to pet the dog.
trophy percentage says 52% so we are already close to half of players dropping out before the first chapter of the game. 12% drop from the prologue trophy. my guess is that the final percentage will hover under 20.
- nitrosmob likes this
#36651
μ's Music Start!
Posted 06 April 2023 - 03:07 PM
Since when is it becoming impossible to pick up niche Japanese games on release date in stores? I used to preorder on Best Buy all the time and they'd be ready to pick up on release when the store opens at 10AM. Nowadays preorder is by shipping only, not just Best Buy but other retailers like GameStop, Target, WalMart etc. By shipping, I'd be lucky to have it delivered on release day—the retailers themselves can't guarantee it, maybe a day late or a week late, who knows. Amazon is especially notorious for this. I wonder if publishers have stopped supplying these stores, relying more on digital sales, but then again what's the point of preorders? Isn't to have the physical copy available where they're wanted?
- nitrosmob likes this
#36652
FakeyBro™, Esq.
Posted 06 April 2023 - 03:18 PM
Since when is it becoming impossible to pick up niche Japanese games on release date in stores? I used to preorder on Best Buy all the time and they'd be ready to pick up on release when the store opens at 10AM. Nowadays preorder is by shipping only, not just Best Buy but other retailers like GameStop, Target, WalMart etc. By shipping, I'd be lucky to have it delivered on release day—the retailers themselves can't guarantee it, maybe a day late or a week late, who knows. Amazon is especially notorious for this. I wonder if publishers have stopped supplying these stores, relying more on digital sales, but then again what's the point of preorders? Isn't to have the physical copy available where they're wanted?
We're past peak "niche gamer" time. We're sliding back into the days of the PS2, where stores may or may not get a physical copy of stuff we want.
Digital is consuming the market; it's obvious that many publishers are not meeting demand when third parties have to order reprints and current gen games blow past their MSRP on the aftermarket within a year or two after release.
Which means we are getting relegated to online only, or worse, limited print releases (see even Square with FF Pixel Remasters...).
If you want to remain a physical game collector, you're likely going to be paying more and/or waiting longer for stuff. I see it only getting worse as time goes along. If I cannot get a game physically on Switch (or it runs like butt on Switch), I get it on Steam as my best hedge against becoming unplayable in the future.
I'm here wondering if I want to wait for a potential sale on GrimGrimoire remaster or buy it now...
- Tothoro likes this
#36653
Trash Tier
Posted 06 April 2023 - 03:53 PM
Yeah it's all kind of crappy now. Almost nothing ships by release date anymore. GameStop used to be the most reliable 6-10 years ago, the past few times I've ordered a niche game they just let it sit there never fulfilling it (not every time, but also more than once). I eventually have to call their support to cancel it weeks later. If I hadn't had these experiences, I'd be tempted to say order in person at GameStop might be your best bet but I avoid them.
I didn't know that you couldn't order online for store pickup anymore though, that is odd. Stores were really pushing that to avoid shipping things and get you in the store for a while.
More and more physical releases seem to be coming out later, and sometimes costing more. Kinda sucks.
From the consumer perspective, yeah the sell on pre-orders was always to guarantee a copy day one but publishers have turned it into a tool for estimated sales for a while now. You can preorder free to play digital only games now. lol
The one digital game I'm glad I preordered digitally is Duel Princess is though, and that's only because it was delisted and never returned (on Switch/Steam anyway, it is still available on PC via GOG and some others). Which is really a downside of digital only in the first place, so I wouldn't really consider that much of an advantage.
Best Buy seems to be the most reliable to be sure of getting a copy, for me, but it almost never arrives on release day.
#36654
CAGiversary!
Posted 06 April 2023 - 04:44 PM
finished chapter 1 of trails from zero (escape)
probably the greatest crime committed in that chapter was I didn't get to pet the dog.
trophy percentage says 52% so we are already close to half of players dropping out before the first chapter of the game. 12% drop from the prologue trophy. my guess is that the final percentage will hover under 20.
What about those of us who bought it knowing full well it wouldn’t ever leave the box, because of too many other games to play? I won’t even be in the trophy percent
#36656
CAG Veteran
Posted 06 April 2023 - 07:47 PM
Best Buy seems to be the most reliable to be sure of getting a copy, for me, but it almost never arrives on release day.
I've had pretty good luck with BB. Sometimes things arrive a day or two early, but sometimes it's also a day later. The fact that I don't have to drive to a store (which the nearest one is pretty much a solid hour drive) is a major plus for me. Not that I'm buying a lot these days. The only preorder I currently have is just the next Zelda game and while I could have just picked it up at Walmart, I figure I'll give BB my business as they have been solid.
Something people might want to consider is GameFly for new releases. They seem to be getting niche games and they have discounts already on them. It's not much, but a few bucks off is still a few bucks off.
#36657
Trash Tier
Posted 06 April 2023 - 08:31 PM
I've had pretty good luck with BB. Sometimes things arrive a day or two early, but sometimes it's also a day later. The fact that I don't have to drive to a store (which the nearest one is pretty much a solid hour drive) is a major plus for me. Not that I'm buying a lot these days. The only preorder I currently have is just the next Zelda game and while I could have just picked it up at Walmart, I figure I'll give BB my business as they have been solid.
Something people might want to consider is GameFly for new releases. They seem to be getting niche games and they have discounts already on them. It's not much, but a few bucks off is still a few bucks off.
That's an interesting suggestion. I've never considered pre-ordering from GameFly.
I've had good luck with Target and Best Buy myself. They both usually arrive a day, or a few days late, but I've always gotten the product. GameStop is just the one that bothers me lately. I know some others have had issues with Target canceling orders, too, though.
I'm reluctantly switching to digital myself. I really just wish they'd fix the "oops, you can't buy that anymore" problems around delistings, licensing, and store shutdowns. Giving money for a product you can digitally copy and deliver shouldn't be difficult, but it is.
#36659
Kill the Batman
Posted 06 April 2023 - 10:11 PM
Anyone got a pending charge for regular edition of Final Fantasy I-VI Collection from the Square Enix store yet? I got an email that they couldn't charge my card because my credit card flagged it as fraud. I authorized the charge the next day but haven't seen them reprocess the order yet.
#36660
Cjenvy I'm ready for you awd this time I'm wearing pants
Posted 06 April 2023 - 10:32 PM
I'll probably end up giving gamefly a try for preorders at some point. Seems like every preorder is somewhere between $4 and $8 off. Pretty sure that you still get free shipping.
And occasionally there's coupons for gamefly gift cards. I got Pokémon snap and paper Mario origami King through them for 20$ off and 15$ off the 25$ gift card I believe.
