Since 2003, NIS has been giving people a way to help groups of antiheroes accomplish goals of varying degrees of morality. With new versions and iterations arriving every few years, someone might wonder how they could hop into these strategic scenarios. Well, if you check out our guide, you might find a way to make the Netherworld your new second home.
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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.
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Steins;Gate has really exploded in popularity over the years. What once was an Xbox 360-exclusive visual novel has seen worldwide success. Even its sequels and other media projects are available outside of Japan. It is a big deal. But, you also have to consider how many platforms it is or will soon be available on. Which release might be best for you? How should you be playing it? Well, let’s look through the different versions and help you decide.
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Adventure games and visual novels have been gradually gaining popularity outside of Japan. Thanks to series like Ace Attorney and visual novels like Hakuoki, people seem to be more comfortable with doing a lot of reading while sitting in front of their favorite console. It also means now might finally be a good time for Jake Hunter Detective Story to make its mark. This established adventure series is well established in Japan, and it might just be poised to find a place for itself in other regions after 2018.
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There are certain recurring themes people can expect from video games intended to build ambiance, especially in RPGs. No sooner do you enter a new area or attend a new academy, then someone lets slip there are seven unsolved mysteries to discover. Inevitably, the main story or an extended series of sidequests sends you looking after each one. However, people may not realize exactly how extensive this story element is and why it is such a valuable inclusion in games.
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For a game that has been largely lost to the ages, Princess Crown has remarkable influence on the industry. This Atlus RPG was ahead of its time, in terms of art, gameplay and story, and the effect it has had can not be discounted. It helped shape a company and its games. While it never left Japan, it impacted the world.
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2D games are great, right? If there is one Japanese developer that has embraced the idea of them and ran with it, it is Vanillaware. The company is committed to the idea of games that are incredibly artistic and totally flat. Just recently, Dragon’s Crown came back into the spotlight with a PlayStation 4 release. But what do you need to know about this developer? Let’s go over some of the more important details.
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There is a name people caught up in the otome game craze should know: Otomate. This is the branch of Idea Factory that devotes itself to making games for women. These tend to be visual novels with dating sim elements, though Library Cross is a mobile RPG and I Will Protect You was an Otomate Forte Metroidvania. Lots of Otomate games have been released in English for people to enjoy! Depending on the system you own, you could have at least one title to try.
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The Hakuoki series has always been one that offered an opportunity to enjoy alternate histories. Adding supernatural creatures to retellings of historical events is going to do that. As is adding in romance elements, since the players falling for these warriors will want happy endings with the men they love. Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms takes this concept to new heights. These new and expanded storylines offer even more alternate takes, some of which play with the course of fictional events.
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