Vakyria Chronicles 4 received a Demo this week on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, and these are my impressions of the game, given my time with the demo. So far, almost everything about this game is excellent... But it has a small problem.
It's finally happening! After years of rumors and speculation, Square Enix has announced that they're releasing a Final Fantasy Pixel REMASTER for both PS4 and Nintendo Switch consoles!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SJ4labcQ8o
RPG News from last week! The JRPG Weekly Update, June 18 2018. News items include Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, Super Neptunia RPG and more!
Four Job Fiesta Charity: http://fourjobfiesta.com/
Skyrim: Very Special Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Zenimax-Media-Inc-Special-Edition/dp/B07D6STSX8
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuperDerekRPGs
Support the musicians!
Earmake
https://soundcloud.com/earmake
The Abyss
radioabyss.bandcamp.com
Show Notes:
At E3 this year, Nintendo finally broke their silence regarding the new Fire Emblem game for Switch. The game is called Fire Emblem: Three Houses. This tactical RPG will feature formations of troops supporting individual units on the battlefield, and features three protagonists. The game is expected to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch in Spring of 2019.
At E3, crowd favorite CD Project Red announced that their upcoming project, Cyberpunk 2077 will in fact be a first-person RPG. The game is based on the pen and paper role playing game Cyberpunk 2020, which also inspired games like Shadowrun. The game will take place in a retro-futuristic cyberpunk setting in the year 2077. Cyberpunk 2077 is schedule for release in June of 2019 for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Octopath Traveler is still slated for July 13th, and with the release less than one month away Square Enix has released an updated demo of the game. The new demo allows players access to each of the 8 protagonists, and one can play for up to three hours before being returned to the title screen. At that point you can begin another save file for another 3 hours. When the full game releases, you will be allowed to carry over your existing save-data to the full release of the game. Octopath traveller is a Nintendo Switch exclusive, developed by Square Enix and Acquire.
The Steam release of Chrono Trigger received an update on June 6th. The User Interface was updated to look much better on computer screens. This comes on the heels of massive fan outcry after the game’s release on Steam, which was criticized for its poor optimization for computer displays and apparent lack of effort. More updates are planned, with another update expected later this month.
Over the course of E3 several games were revealed, and others still that we alerady knew about were announced to be coming to the United States. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye.
In Japan, Namco Bandai announced at a Tales of Festival, that they are beginning work on a new Tales game. This comes on the heels of their reveal that Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition is coming to the West. This version contains previously missing content and many other extras that fans have been longing for since it's original release 10 years ago. This is currently available for preorder on A
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEwHGJ7MhUA
SuperDerek Reviews Shining Force with Daria Plays RPGs!
Subscribe to Daria's channel: https://www.youtube.com/DariaPlaysRPGs
In this Shining Force review, Daria and SuperDerek examine the history of Sonic Software Planning and the Shining Series, starting with Shining Force, the strategy-RPG that's perfect for beginners!
Welcome back to The Game Collection! Today I’d like to show some love to a special Square RPG that doesn’t always get the appreciation it deserves, Final Fantasy Mystic Quest!
What? No, not that crap. Review something good. Something, Sega.
Wait, Daria? But where are you?
It’s doesn’t matter. Just review Shining Force.
But-
NOW!
Ok, ok. The Sega Genesis doesn’t tend to get much love on my channel, which is a real shame! The console isn’t usually the first console people think of when talking about RPGs but it’s actually a very competent system! I also haven’t given much love to Strategy RPGs either, which is another problem. And lastly, Daria is an awesome YouTuber that you should check out, so I guess we’re killing 3 birds with one stone and doing a collaborative review of Shining Force?
Damn skippy we are.
In ages long forgotten, Sega first party developer Sonic! Software Planning (who, despite the name, never actually software planned any Sonic titles) teamed up with Climax Entertainment to produce an almost Saturday morning cartoon take on the Wizardry school of Dungeon crawling RPGs. Shining in the Darkness was a success and they immediately followed it up with the similarly styled tactical RPG, Shining Force. Thus the concept of the Shining series was born, a slew of RPGs with different mechanics united by a single universe and cohesive art style. However the project fell apart during production of the action RPG, Shining Rogue in which Climax essentially grabbed their developmental ball and went home. Shining Rogue was rebranded LandStalker and Sonic! Software Planning took complete creative control of the Shining series with Shining Force 2 and onwards. Later they’d change their name to Camelot Software and develop five more Shining RPGs for the Sega Saturn before they ditched Sega for Nintendo and became “that company who makes those Mario sports games and oh. GoldenSun.” And Climax? They too left Sega to develop the Stalker series before disbanding and rebranding as Matrix Software and developing the best darn Zelda clone in existence, Alundra. But that’s another- where was I? Oh. Right. RIP Shining Force, your light burned bright but short.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdbkq9ov9A0
Welcome back to The Game Collection. I am SuperDerek, and after years of hearing about the Trails series, I finally decided to dive in. I’d heard a lot of things from a lot of people, but never expected that when I played Trails in the Sky, that I might just find a worthy spiritual successor to Grandia. I am SuperDerek, and this is Legend of Heroes, Trails in the Sky FC!
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky FC, (or First Chapter,) is the first entry in the Trails in the Sky series, which is the first set of games in the larger overarching “Trails” or “Kiseki” series. This series is in itself subset of games in the Legend of Heroes series, a series of games dating back to the 80’s when Nihon Falcom released Dragon Slayer on the PC 8801. I mean, we’re talking about the really old magic here. But despite the overarching series’ of series’ deep roots, Trails in the Sky is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get into the series. And with the waves the series is making in the more recent Trails of Cold Steel series, I’m betting there are plenty of people who looking for this exact entry point.
Trails in the Sky FC was released originally on PC in 2004. The game later was ported by Falcom over the Sony PSP in 2006. However, in the West we wouldn’t get the game until it’s Western debut in late 2011. The game sold poorly overall so copies can be hard to find. But in Summer of 2014 XSEED published a PC release in the West where the series slowly and gradually started gaining a cult following. Huge emphasis on the “cult” part. And after my playthrough, I may have just become their newest convert. So enough with the history lesson and the hype, what exactly is this thing all about anyway?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZTJrf2KAxk
✩ Audio Version ✩
► https://superderekrpgs.com/hitpoint/
SOCIAL LINKS
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✩ Derek ✩
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuperDerekRPGs
►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/SuperDerekRPGs
►Discord: https://discord.me/superderek
✩ Baku ✩
►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BakusanJRPG
►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/BakusanJRPG
►Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/weebsauce
►Discord: https://discord.me/ABC
UPCOMING RELEASES
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►Crimson Tactics: The Rise of the White Banner 07/25/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naOmCa_rT48
►WrestleQuest 08/08/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3vrN2oAbQ0
GAME ANNOUNCEMENTS
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►Ratatan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okG0R8r_G8Q
EXTERNAL LINKS
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►Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes delayed to 2024
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/posts/3871052
►Ratatan Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ratata-arts/ratatan
►Fantasian PC Listing Appears on Steam DB
https://steamdb.info/app/2524970/info/
►New Atelier title announcement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsyitgd5UpE
►VGC: PLATINUM EXPLAINS WHY THE WONDERFUL ONE NEEDED TO GO SOLO
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interview-platinum-explains-why-the-wonderful-one-needed-to-go-solo/
►Square Enix Moving Towards More AAA Games(?)
https://twitter.com/Genki_JPN/status/1688366397678862337
►Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering Collaboration is On the Way
https://twitter.com/wizards_magic/status/1687910510656708608
►Inverse: The King of Final Fantasy reveals why the series is “struggling”
https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-naoki-yoshida-luminaries-2022
►New Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Mio Figure Revealed
https://twitter.com/_saitomasatsugu/status/1685543522513113089
TIMESTAMPS
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#hitpoint #jrpg #podcast
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQdiBwNzyCg
Social Links:
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Item Shop: https://teespring.com/stores/superdereks-item-shop
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Affiliate Links to Support the Show:
Atelier Dusk Deluxe Pack: https://www.play-asia.com/atelier-dusk-trilogy-deluxe-pack-english-subs/13/70d5hx?tagid=3926751
Dragon Quest 1+2+3: https://www.play-asia.com/dragon-quest-123-collection-multi-language/13/70d0en?tagid=3926751
Final Fantasy 7/8 Twin-Pack: https://www.play-asia.com/final-fantasy-vii-final-fantasy-viii-remastered-twin-pack-multi/13/70cs9p?tagid=3926751
Resonance of Fate HD: https://www.play-asia.com/end-of-eternity-4khd-edition-multi-language/13/70d47t?tagid=3926751
Romancing SaGa 3: https://www.play-asia.com/romancing-saga-3-remaster-multi-language-english-cover/13/70csbv?tagid=3926751
JRPG Weekly Update Show Notes:
• PathFinder: Wrath of Righteousness announced! Kingdom Hearts ReMinds us that the DLC is coming, Crystalis and BoF2 coming to Swith Online!
New Game & Port Announcements
• Pathfinder: Wrath of Righteousness announced by Owlcat Games
o CRPG Follow-up to Pathfinder Kingmaker
o Writer Chris Avellone, CRPG writer & design veteran returning from kingmaker as part of the narrative team
o Confirmed coming to PC, console ports are also in the works
• Nintendo Switch Online announced 2 new under-rated RPGs coming to the service on December 12th
o Crystalis, the super-fun NES action RPG
o Breath of Fire 2, the super fun turn-based RPG with huge translation problems
• I have reviewed both of these games and recommend them both. Be sure to check out my reviews of each to find out which one you ought to play first!
Release Date & Localization Updates:
• Kingdom Hearts ReMind details Revealed (Leaked?)
o Launching Feb 25th 2019
o Provides an extended post-game for KH3 and will also offer additional difficulty options
• The Dark Crystal Tactical RPG is launching on February 4th 2019
o The game is coming to PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, XB1 and PC
• The Fairy Tale RPG currently in development is launching March 19th 2019 in Europe and Japan, and on the 20th in the United States
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBa9tF9z86E
• The Atelier Dusk Deluxe Pack is coming to Nintendo Switch in physical form with dual audio and English Subtitles to PlayAsia.
o The triple-pack isn’t exactly cheap at $90, but contains 3 complete games
o The pack contains DX versions of Atelier Ayesha, Escha & Logi, and Shallie
o The Deluxe Pack will be shipping in mid-January and be limited to 5000 copies, pre-order yours using to link in the video description to help support the show in a massive way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EootyVqKj_o
SuperDerek News:
• Speaking of which, after several years I’ve upgraded my computer to a new platform, this new computer ought to be able to handle editing 4k footage, which is an important first step toward overhauling the show!
o Next up I hope to upgrade my capture card, camera and microphone!
o This is thanks entirely to you guys, your support in following those affiliate links to order games, buying SuperDerek merch, and putting up with sponsor spots.
o It’s going to take a bit longer before I’m totally satisfied with the way everything looks, but hopefully you’ll be seeing some of the fruits of my hustle soon as increased production quality. So again, thank you!
• Last week I finally finished Shadow Hearts Covenant on Twitch, today we’ll be picking up Super Mario RPG. I’ve never finished the game before but I hear good things! It’s time to finally mark that one off the bucket list!
o If you want to hang with us, be sure to check me out on Twitch.tv/SuperDerekRPGs. We run a chill ship over there, and we’re all good friends. I hope to see you there!
• The review of Shadow Hearts Covenant will probably take a little while, but to hold you over I should have another review out soon, I’m hoping to have it out on Friday so make sure you set aside time to watch that!
JRPG Weekly Forecast: Not Much
• Ashen, Action RPG by developer A44
o coming to Switch PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Today
• Path of Exile: Conquerors of the Atlas, CRPG by Grinding Gear Games
o Coming to PS4, Switch and Xbox One
Question of the Week:
• What’s your favorite song from any RPG?
o I can’t help but go straight to “Star Stealing Girl” from Chrono Cross. It’s sort of a sad and innocent sounding song, its juxtaposition against Kidd’s tough demeanor helps players better understand where she’s coming from. Sort of like character development through song. It’s fantastic. And I think one of Yasunori Mitsuda’s best works.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob0Ys2PQR3E
Social Links:
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/superderekrpgs
Item Shop: https://teespring.com/stores/superdereks-item-shop
Discord: https://www.discord.me/superderek
Support Eiyuden Chronicle on Kickstarter here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes
JRPG Weekly Update Show Notes:
0:00 Drum Solo
0:14 Intro
01:07 New Games & Ports
• The side-scrolling Action RPG Minoria coming to consoles
o The game is a successor to the Momodora series and will feature similar gameplay
o The game is currently available on Steam
o Launching for all current consoles on Sept 10th for $20
• Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm is getting a port to Nintendo Switch
o The game is currently on Apple Arcade
o Oceanhorn 1 was a very Wind Waker-inspired Action Adventure game, and the sequel looks pretty awesome!
Launching in Fall of 2020
2:16 Release Date Updates:
• Chinese developer MiHoYo have announced a release date for Genshin Impact
o This is the controversial open-world RPG which borrows heavily from the aesthetic style of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Last year at a Sony conference, an attendee smashed their PS4 in protest of the blatant copying of that iconic aesthetic
The game is coming to PC, iOS and Android on September 28th.
Console versions are to follow in Fall.
• Indie Strategy RPG Tears of Avia coming to Xbox One and Steam
o Originally expected to launch in late 2019 it has a new date
o Releasing September 24th
• Mortal Shell is launched last week digitally,
o However the game is getting physical releases on October 2nd
o Mortal Shell has been generally well received by most as a new contender in the Souls-like genre
o The physical releases will only cost $30 and comes with a poster and softback artbook.
The physical release for PC though will not contain a disc, just a download code for the Epic Games Store.
• Dungeon of Naheulbeuk delayed
o Pushed back from it’s expected launch on the 27th to September 17th
o Publishers cited additional polish as the reason for the delay.
Currently slated to launch on the 17th on Steam, Epic, and GOG
5:42 SuperDerek News:
• Last week I released my first “visual audiobook” covering Carnelia, the collectable books in Trails in the Sky FC
o For those curious, it doesn’t contain spoilers for Trails in the Sky so you can listen without fear of having anything ruined for you
o It’s a little over an hour long, covering all 11 chapters of the books.
o It tells a noire-style mystery story with some pretty fun action scenes.
Originally this was just a little “thank you” to the supporters of this channel, but they voted to make it public for everyone to enjoy.
o Depending on how well the video is received I may do more covering books from other RPGs. So far though people seem to dig it!
7:50 Eiyuden Update
• Eiyuden Chronicle is entering their final week on Kickstarter
o This is that spiritual successor to the Suikoden Series that is being helmed by all of the former writers and directors of each of the mainline Suikoden titles
o As of the day of this video going live there are just 4 days left to go
o The kickstarter has raised nearly 3.5 million dollars of their initial $500,000 goal.
So far they have hit several stretch goals including various language options, several additional heroes over the initial 100 planned and loads of minigames.
o If you haven’t already done so, go pledge on kickstarter to help make this game as awesome as it can be.
9:58 JRPG Weekly Forecast:
• August 25th
o No Straight Roads, an Action Adventure Rhythm game where a rock duo fight against EDM for the freedom of music
Coming to all current-gen consoles
o Death End Re;Quest 2, RPG from Compile Heart
Coming to PS4 and PC
• August 27th
o Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered
Coming to Switch, PS4 and iOS
o Moon Remix RPG Adventure, “The Anti-RPG”
Coming to Nintendo Switch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI75VAN1_bE
• August 28th
o Nexomon: Extinction, a monster-catching game with 300 monsters to catch and train
Coming to Switch, PS4 and Xbox One and PC
o Wasteland 3, the latest entry in the Western CRPG series that inspired the Fallout series
Coming to PS4, PC and Xbox One
o Windbound, an Action Adventure game that appears to be inspired by Breath of the Wild and Zelda Wind Waker
coming to PS4, Switch and Xbox One
o Liege Dragon, a Kemco RPG
Coming to Xbox One
12:03 Question of the Week:
• Soon, I may have an opportunity to ask the developers behind Eiyuden Chronicle some questions. If you could ask the developers anything, about Suikoden, Eiyuden Chronicle or otherwise, what would it be?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGa_DGr9FTA