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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When it comes to dating simulations, there is one name that often comes up. It is Tokimeki Memorial. This Konami series has offered everyone an opportunity to return to high school and possibly find someone to fall in love with along the way. Unfortunately, it has remained a Japan-exclusive series. Let’s go over what you should know about this dating sim pioneer.
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Plenty of companies make a name for themselves by specializing in certain genres. People may not realize that Sega is responsible for plenty of great rhythm games. It has been musical for years, with plenty of titles that are entirely original properties or giving people an opportunity to tap along with characters or musicians from other iconic series. Let’s look back at some of the many games that can be found either immediately worldwide or easily imported.
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In the years since Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom made its English debut in 2012, otome games have enjoyed a surge of popularity worldwide. The genre went from an unknown to one that received multiple releases on various platforms each year. Sony handhelds have long been a haven for such titles, with people who own a Vita enjoying the fruits of this bevy of releases.
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What could lend itself better to a game than a series about a high school band? Not much, to be fair. K-On! Houkago Live!! is one of Sega’s many rhythm games and is based upon the manga and anime series of the same name. What makes it extra special is the commitment to the cause. While it is primarily about the music, giving people an opportunity to play through 19 songs, it does a fantastic job of maintaining K-On!’s ambiance.
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Hatsune Miku has become an international icon. What began as a singing synthesizer turned into a character recognized around the world that stars in multiple forms of media. In the realm of games, people recognize her as a rhythm game star. But what else do people need to know about her? Let’s go over what you need to know about Miku!
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