Hands-On: Langrisser Mobile aims to revive the franchise and make it a global strategy hit

The Langrisser series has had something of a spotty track record outside Japan, but it was a long-running series domestically, and its fans have been seeking a worthy follow-up for nearly two decades. 2019 is set to be a big year for the Langrisser, with two big projects pushing the franchise back into the spotlight: a remake of the first two titles and an ambitious mobile installment launching worldwide soon. We’ve spent some significant time with the mobile game before its closed beta starts this week, and we’re ready to tell you all about it!

PS4 Review Vita

Review: Persona 3 Dancing and Persona 5 Dancing re-fuse rhythm with Persona and refuse to quit

By Graham Russell // 11.27.181.8.19

Rather than follow Persona 4: Dancing All Night with a release covering the music of another mainline release in the franchise, Atlus instead opted to make titles for two games simultaneously: Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. What’s more, the games expand from Vita-only origins to PS4 releases that still make one last cameo on the handheld. It’s an ambitious sort of plan, one that seeks to disappoint fewer by pursuing as many possibilities as it can.

! Guide Switch

Nintendo Switch imports guide: the best Japan-only games to play

By Graham Russell // 11.20.1812.12.18

The Nintendo Switch has made it easier than ever for Western Nintendo fans to enjoy import-only games, and it’s a good thing, too, because there’s some fun stuff to check out! (Even if, due to so many localizations about which we will not complain, the options are still a bit slim.) Here’s your guide to what you should be playing that hasn’t made it to Western eShops.

Cool Stuff

Every starter Pokémon ever, ranked (by how much we want to hug them)

By Graham Russell // 11.15.1811.15.18

The Pokémon series has given us lots of great choices for starters over the years, and it’s a long-debated topic about which is the best. We’re here to sort that out once and for all. Here’s a definitive ranking of the series’ introductory creatures!

Oh, and our criteria were entirely based around how much we’d enjoy hugging ’em.

! Interview PS4 Switch

Interview: Kadokawa’s Yuki Watanabe on building RPG Maker MV for consoles

By Graham Russell // 11.13.1811.15.18

The console editions of RPG Maker MV are headed Westward in February 2019, but they’re making their Japanese debut this week! We asked Yuki Watanabe, a Kadokawa veteran and the director of this console release, about what we should expect from this new version of the game.

Michibiku: What is the driving force behind the development of RPG Maker MV? What are you trying to deliver to players that previous games haven’t done, or haven’t done as well as you’d like?
Yuki Watanabe, Director, RPG Maker MV: This is actually the first time we have ported a PC version to console. Usually, the console version is different, because we have to pay attention to memory and things like that, but this time, we could bring nearly the full PC experience to everyone.

Guide PS4 Switch

Taiko no Tatsujin PS4/Switch launch guide

By Graham Russell // 11.1.1812.12.18

This week sees the release of not one but two games in the Taiko no Tatsujin series, after an absence that has spanned a decade and a half. It’s a great time to give it a try! But what is Taiko about, and which should you get?

Yep, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to it!

PS4 Switch

Puyo Puyo eSports is for players in it to win it

By Graham Russell // 10.31.181.8.19

A new Puyo Puyo game is out in Japan, and with easy digital importing and a last-minute launch discount that brings its price down to about five bucks, it’s an enticing proposition. So what’s it all about, then?

Guide PC PS3 PS4 PSP Switch Vita

A beginner’s guide to Valkyria Chronicles

By Graham Russell // 10.22.1812.12.18

The world of Valkyria Chronicles is more accessible than ever, making it a great time to get into the hybrid strategy franchise. But where should you start? Check out our guide for getting the most out of your time in Europa.

SAT Video

Video: Game-Ware Vol. 3 is a Sega Saturn curiosity

By Graham Russell // 10.18.1810.17.18

Game-Ware Vol. 3 is a weird object. A release in a line of “digital magazines” for the Sega Saturn full of demos and videos and ads, it’s… look, it’s just peculiar and sometimes you come to us to check out some peculiar things with us. This is one of those times, probably!