Arc System Works America announced today the three new fighters joining the BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle line up in the DLC Character Pack 1.
The characters joining in the battle are Platinum the Trinity (BlazBlue), Kanji Tatsumi (Persona 4 Arena), and Orie (Under Night In-Birth).
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle features a dream-team roster of characters that have never before been gathered in a single 2D fighting game. Featuring fighters pulled from the BlazBlue, Persona 4 Ultimate Arena, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH EXE: LATE, and the RWBY universes, Cross Tag Battle‘s 2v2 tag based combat is perfect for fans of the genre. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle will be released on June 5th, 2018 on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam (PC).
Bayonetta – Bayonetta is a butt-kicking, havoc-wreaking witch, and she’ll shoot, whip and slice as she uncovers the truth about her own past. Her weapons and moves are all stylishly over-the-top, but she can also dodge attacks to slow down time, and inflict Torture Attacks on her enemies. Use Wicked Weaves to summon Infernal Demons, dodge enemies’ dangerous attacks to slow down time and punish angels with deadly devices. You can even dress Bayonetta up in four Nintendo-themed costumes: Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Link and Samus Aran. Bayonetta will be available on Feb. 16.
Bayonetta 2 – Bayonetta’s back and more powerful than ever. Wield wild weapons and execute deadly moves – like the powerful Umbran Climax – to take out angels and demons in this breathtaking and critically acclaimed action game. The Bayonetta 2 game also features an online and local wireless two-player cooperative mode in which players bet halos on their performance and work together to amplify their sass, cause destruction and score some riches. (Additional accessories are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.) Bayonetta 2 will be available on Feb. 16.
Get both Bayonetta games for a great price! – Purchase Bayonetta or Bayonetta 2 on Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop and get a discount on your purchase of the other game. Once you purchase Bayonetta or Bayonetta 2 from Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop, any time you purchase the other Bayonetta game from Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop, you’ll get an automatic discount applied at checkout.
Fe – Fe is a new type of platform adventure where the story is up to you to discover, without handholding, told wordlessly through the discoveries you make during gameplay. Run, climb and glide your way through a dark Nordic forest and explore its living, breathing ecosystem filled with secrets and mystical creatures. Fe will be available on Feb. 16.
If aren’t among the 4.9 million who have picked up a copy of Splatoon 2 yet, a great deal is just around the corner.
On March 16th, the Splatoon 2 Starter Edition will launch in stores. The special bundle includes the full game, a 100-page Splatoon 2 strategy guide, and two sheets of Splatoon stickers. The bundle will retail for a suggested retail price of only $59.99 USD. That’s the same price as the stand-alone game, so this new Starter Edition adds even more value.
Splatoon 2 launched for Nintendo Switch last summer and has sold more than 4.9 million units worldwide so far. The action-filled game pits teams of Inklings against each other in a variety of fun and messy modes. Since launch, Nintendo has consistently rolled out new content for the game, including recurring fan-favorite competitions called Splatfests, a new battle mode, as well as new gear and stages, like the just-announced Dark Tetra Dualies weapon and basketball-arena-themed Goby Arena stage.
Also, as we brought you yesterday, Nintendo has announced a brand new 2-pack amiibo of Pearl and Marina, two of the most popular new characters in Splatoon 2. These amiibo figures will launch in stores later this year.
Pearl and Marina, two of the most popular characters in Splatoon 2, are getting their own amiibo figures.
This talented duo forms the group ‘Off the Hook’ and has been burning up the Inkling music charts. First, you’ve got Pearl, the cute and sassy MC with a talent for spitting fire. Then you’ve got Marina, the dazzling DJ genius dropping beats on the wheels of steel. Like Callie and Marie before them, everyone loves them as the broadcasters of Inkopolis News and Splatfest events.
The amiibo figures will launch in stores exclusively as part of a 2-pack later this year. No word on exact date of the releases.
Natsume Inc. and Rising Star Games today announced Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition will be launching on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 for $39.99 USD in May 2018.
Following the successful release of Harvest Moon: Light of Hope on Steam in late 2017, the Special Edition has some brand new features only available on the console versions.
“Harvest Moon fans have been eager to experience the series on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, so we are happy to be able to give them a date to put on their calendar! The Special Edition has new features made specifically for console gamers that we will be unveiling throughout the coming months,” said Hiro Maekawa, President & CEO of Natsume. “We also look forward to sharing some special bonuses to go along with the game. Fans should definitely stay tuned as we lead up to the launch this spring!”
“We are honoured to continue to work in close partnership with Natsume in order to bring Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition to our Harvest Moon fans and to newcomers, across Europe, Australia and the Middle East,” said Martin Defries, Managing Director of Rising Star Games. “The series has delighted game fans for many years; the versions that release this Spring will bring happiness to console gamers across the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch universe”.
InHarvest Moon: Light of Hope, players begin the game as they set out looking for a fresh start and new surroundings. During their voyage, their ship is hit by a monsoon and goes down. As they drift into a small harbor town, now in a shambles from the storm, it will be up to the player to help rebuild the town and save the lighthouse…but it won’t be easy! Nevertheless, with some hard work growing crops, tending livestock, and gathering materials for repairs, players will be able to make new friends, start a family, revive the lighthouse, and save the town!
Penny Punching Princess, an isometric brawler where you can bribe all of your enemies with cash, for the Nintendo Switch will be released on April 4th in North America. Publisher NIS America also confirmed that the game will be coming to Europe for the Switch on March 30th of this year.
Princess, the protagonist of the game is able to bribe enemies to fight for her, instead of say bribe them to stop attacking her. Monsters aren’t the only NPCs that will take Princess’ money but also Flunkies who will allow Princess to equip stronger pieces of armor and weapons.
Below you’ll find the official story synopsis from NIS:
“You besta believe I’m in love with money, Hun! Play as Princess, the main protagonist in this isometric brawler, who loses her family and overall rule of the land from the evil Dragonloan family. Regain Princess’s kingdom as she punches, traps, and bribes her way to victory. Meet a colorful cast, including a zombie freeloader, Isabella, and find out the real truths about her father, the almighty Money God, and how her surroundings became a capitalist society.”
Nippon Ichi Software USA announced today that each of the playable characters in their upcoming fighting title SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy will have three alternate costumes that players will be able to unlock. By using an in-game only currency players will be able to unlock either the Heroines Costume, the Classic Costume or the Alternate costume for their favorite fighter. A range of additional accessories and customization options can also be unlocked to further personalize the in-game characters.
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy is a 2 vs 2 fighting game with a roster of female characters from SNK’s various fighting franchises. Matches don’t end once your opponent’s health reaches zero, instead a winning point must be sealed by performing a special Dream Finish attack.
You’ll be able to get your hands on SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 sometime this summer. It will be available physically in both standard and limited editions, with the standard edition being available on your console’s respective digital store front. SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy will offer Japanese audio only with text options in English, Japanese, Mexican Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
Below are 10 brand new screenshots from NIS America and a new trailer.
Dragon Quest Builders – Gather, craft and build the kingdom of your dreams to restore the ruined world of Alefgard. As the legendary Builder, you’ll construct rooms, towns and defenses while fighting monsters. In Terra Incognita, build freely, share creations online, battle in an arena and access exclusive content to the Nintendo Switch version of the game—gather special materials with the Great Sabrecub to unlock retro customization options, including the Dragon Quest Game Pak (Nintendo Account required. Online services and features, including online gameplay, are free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online Service launches in 2018). Dragon Quest Builders will be available on Feb. 9. A free demo version of the game is available now for download in Nintendo eShop.
Owlboy – Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game in which you can fly and explore a world in the clouds. Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies. Overcome great obstacles and even greater enemies when Owlboy launches on Feb. 13.
Aegis Defenders – Explore, build and defend in this unique mashup of action-platformer and tower-defense-strategy. Play as a team of Ruinhunters searching for the one thing that can save their village: a legendary weapon known as Aegis.
Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack: Wave 1 – The Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack grants immediate access to Avatar items upon purchase and two waves of DLC as they are released. (The full game is required to access the DLC.) The Battle Pack contains two new Battle Pokémon and two new Support Pokémon Sets. With these Pokémon joining the fray, the battle is just getting started.
Wave 1 launched on Jan. 31 and contains Battle Pokémon Aegislash, a new Support Pokémon set featuring Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu, and additional Avatar items.
Wave 2 releases on March 23 and contains Battle Pokémon Blastoise, a new Support Pokémon set featuring Mew and Celebi, and additional Avatar items.
Crypt of the NecroDancer: Nintendo Switch Edition – Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award-winning hardcore rhythm-based dungeon crawling game. Players must move on the beat to navigate randomly generated dungeons and battle dancing skeletons, zombies and dragons, while grooving to the game’s award-winning Danny Baranowsky soundtrack. Players can even team up with a friend in local co-op mode.
Dandara – Welcome to a unique 2D platformer full of mystical creatures and boundless exploration. Defy gravity as you jump across floors, walls and ceilings alike. Discover the mysteries and secrets hidden throughout the world of Salt and its diverse array of characters. Empower Dandara for combat and survival against enemies bent on oppression. Dandara will be available on Feb. 6.
Night in the Woods – Night in the Woods is an adventure game focused on exploration, story and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world. Break stuff, play bass, hang out, walk on powerlines, jump between roofs, and discover strange and amazing and terrible things you never asked for. Come home and waste your life away in Possum Springs.
Nintendo tweeted this evening that their paid online subscription service Nintendo Switch Online, which has been delayed, will finally launch in September 2018. The service is said to cost $20 per year.
This paid service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions in compatible games.
Subscribers will also get to download and play a classic game for free for a month, and will receive discount offers on select digital games.
Please note that online multiplayer gaming will be free until the paid service launches in 2018.
Celeste – Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges in this super-tight platformer, as you help Madeline survive her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. The controls are simple and accessible, but with layers of expressive depth to master, and every death is a lesson. Lightning-fast respawns keep you climbing as you uncover the mysteries of the mountain and brave its many perils.
The original Xenoblade Chronicles was released for the Wii back in 2010 and then surprisingly re-released for the 3DS in 2015. A side game in the franchise, Xenoblade Chronicles X (prounouced Cross, not X) was released for the Wii-U also in 2015. Now, in 2017, a sequel to the first title has been released and thus we have Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by series creators Monolith Soft and published of course, by Nintendo.
For longtime fans this game may have a whole new cast of characters to get acquainted with but what matters is how well those characters are developed and how well written the story is, as well as presented. Does this sequel give us a satisfying return to this world of Alrest or does it leave the player disappointed?
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 takes us back to the Xenoblade world of Alrest, full of titans and god like creatures, only with a fresh set of characters. Shulk is replaced by Rex – a scavenger turned Driver – this go around. As a driver, he is accompanied by his blade, Prya. Prya is very similar to Shulk’s blade Monado, only with a lot more personality, given that she is a fully realized character and not just a weapon. Still, both Pyra’s weapon from and the Monado contain extraordinary power and also grant their drivers the ability to wield extraordinary abilities.
The major difference between the two is that Prya becomes a character with an artificial human appearance and goes through her own story arc, while the Monado was more a standard weapon. I feel this adds an interesting layer to the game and makes the game more immersive. Prya’s journey to find Elysium with Rex is interesting because finding Elysium is essential to saving humanity from extinction. The Titans who have protected humanity are dying off and Elysium, or Paradise, is their last hope. It’s more than just Prya wanting to “go home”.
The only fault I find with Xenoblade Chronicles II is a slight repetition that happens throughout Rex/Pyra’s journey. I say journey, because saying “story” doesn’t seem right. There isn’t much more story than Rex and Prya exploring the world, searching for Elysium, meeting people along the way and saving the world from various evils. There is a pattern of you continuing on your journey, a roadblock stopping you from continuing and you needing to get past it and usually fight a boss battle. While this normally would bore me, I found the gameplay quite addicting and the characters enchanting and fun to get to know. There is also an interesting history to the world and blades you get to learn along the way which became some of my favorite story moments for me. Exploring the world also helps when everything looks as pretty as this game does – this game has stunning scenery and beautiful character / monster animation.
Even though there are interesting story elements, it really was the gameplay that impressed me the most with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. I enjoyed finding out which blades (weapons) were best against which enemy ty[es, which skills I should use at which time and what items I need to collect to unlock an upgrade for my blade. Blade upgrades are obtained using an item called an aux core. You can also provide buffs to individual party members such as ATK Up or DEF up by equipping certain items in their personal pouch, to help out during fights.
I couldn’t wait to level up and see what my blades would learn next – I loved finding new chips and aux cores and seeing what skills or buffs they gave my blades. While other JRPGs have similar elements, there is something a bit different about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in its execution of character progression. It seemed more than just upgrading my weapon, it felt like I was helping to develop a character. Because I was invested in the characters, I had much more of a desire to see them grow and become stronger. It also helped that everything seemed very fluid and easy to figure out.
Now that I had these powerful characters, it was time to dive right into Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s vast combat system. Similar to the original Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii, Rex & Co will automatically perform a basic auto-attack at a set interval. Players are able to equip up to four special arts to augment their damage, provide healing or do massive amounts of damage by partnering up with their blade. Basic arts will only require an individual charge and can be woven into auto attacks seamlessly. As your character progress through their Arts tree they are able to unlock ‘special arts’ which require a bit more time to build via auto-attack. These devastating moves have the Driver and Blade combine their abilities by asking players to perform a quick time event. Successfully pull off the QTE and you’ll be treated to a special arts animation. If one of your A.I party members uses a special art, Rex can follow it up with a supplementary special art based upon one of the elements displayed on the HUD. Chain together 3 complimentary special arts together and you’ve got yourself a Blade Combo, one of the most powerful but complicated maneuvers in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a satisfying contribution to the series. While the story I don’t feel is as strong as the first one, the characters are fun and interesting and the game is stunning to explore and look at and has well executed gameplay. If you liked the first game and have a Switch, give it a try to get immersed in this world again.
LOST SPHEAR – The adventure of LOST SPHEAR begins in a remote town of Elgarthe, where a young boy, Kanata, awakens from a devastating dream to find his hometown disappearing. To stop the world from disappearing forever, Kanata and his comrades set out to rebuild the world, mustering different Memory and crafting the world around them. The LOST SPHEAR game launches on Jan. 23.
Darkest Dungeon – Darkest Dungeon is a challenging, gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Recruit, train and lead a team of flawed heroes against unimaginable horrors, stress, famine, disease and the ever-encroaching dark. Can you keep your heroes together when all hope is lost?
Popular mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Arena of Valor was originally set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch in North America last month, needless to say the scheduled beta Christmas time beta test never materialized.Outlet Comicbook.com got a chance to sit down wth reps from publisher TenCent and get an update on the upcoming Switch port, plans for North American beta testing and obviously quite a few questions about the licensed D.C Comics heroes.
It seems like TenCent will roll the beta version of Arena of Valor in European territories first with North America to follow sometime after. Just as the mobile version on iOS and Android was launched in European territories first, TenCent will start taking applications for Switch Beta testers very soon – with a later, unspecified date, in mind for North America.
“The Nintendo version of Arena of Valor is being handled by a different team at the moment. We’re supporting the Nintendo version with beta testing, branding, and everything company-side. We have the closed beta testing coming up for Europe, and after we have the results from that beta testing, we’ll have a more clear timetable for launches in different regions.”
Comicbook.com also asked a question that I hadn’t considered – would it be possible for mobile players of Arena of Valor to transfer their gold, talent shards and unlocked heroes to the Nintendo Switch version? TenCent says that this is certainly technically feasible but they do have to consider the imbalance that this would create for new players who are just starting out on Switch.From the sound of things there’s still some deliberation going on about the possibility of porting over account progress from one platform to another.
“We had that discussion earlier, internally. The answer is that the decision is still being made. It is technically possible, but having people on the mobile version and Switch version competing with each other may compromise the arena as a “fair” arena, if you see what I mean. Because they’re using different devices, when they compete with each other we feel it could generate complaints of unfair competition, so we’re still balancing it.”
Lastly, the topic of Monetization has of course came up. Naturally with many calling last year – “the year of the loot box” – it is understandable that potential players might be a little skeptical of a free to play title on Nintendo’s latest platform. From my own personal experience, Arena of Valor is filled with blind boxes (loot boxes)– both in the “free” daily variety and those paid for with real currency.
“We haven’t made a decision about that. Monetization has never been the “start.” It’s not the major concern early on, for any version of the game. We will have more information after the beta test in EU.”
Arena of Valor will launch sometime in 2018 in both North America and Europe. The free to play mobile version is currently available in most countries on both Google Android and Apple’s iOS platforms. I’ve played a couple hours here and there on my phone and found it to be a competent M.O.B.A experience, even if I don’t really recognize or resonate with many of the heroes on offer.
The next Party Crash has been confirmed for Nintendo’s wacky fighter ARMS.
The event will take place starting Friday, January 19th in the early morning hours of 4:00am ET and will run thru Monday, January 22nd at 4:00am ET. Featured ARMS fighters for this Party Crash are Lola Pop versus Misango.
Party Crash is a limited-time Party Match event with special rules. By playing these matches you can increase your Lab Level, which then grants you in-game cash and special badges. You can also get bonus multipliers by using featured characters and weapons. We hope you give it a try!
You’ll need to make sure that you have the latest version of the game to participate in Party Crash mode and to receive badges. You can update your game by highlighting the game icon from the Home Menu, pressing the + Button, and selecting Software Update. An internet connection is required.
