Game Pickups 10/17/2015

Decided to hit a few stores today and see what I can find.  Picked up a few Wii titles to add to the collection.  Pretty stoked about finding Radiant Historia complete in box.  Lastly, picked up Ragnarok Odyssey ACE for PS3.  Happy with what I found.

Muv Luv Kickstarter

After watching Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse (check out my post regarding Total Eclipse)I became a fan of Muv-Luv.  About a month after I finished the series they announced a Kickstarter campaign to bring the Muv-Luv visual novel games to the west.  As you can imagine I was pretty excited.  I started following closely after the Prefundia announcement.

The start of the campaign was for Muv-Luv Unlimited and Muv-Luv Alternative for the PC.  This was at the initial pledge amount of $250,000 which has since been shattered.  Surpassing $250,000 took less than 8 hours which is impressive for a visual novel game.  I do not believe the developers knew that this Kickstarter was going to be as successful as it has turned out to be.  The power of a niche audience should never be overlooked.

I backed the project before reaching its first goal of $250,000.  I decided to go with the $150 PC physcial copy (may switch to the physical PSVita $150).  The $150 tier lands you a physical collector's edition of Muv-Luv Unlimited and Muv-Luv Alternative.  The collectors edition is signed by the Muv-Luv Team.   $150 also gets you a digitial copy of the two games, digital OST, and physical and digital art book.

The pot was sweetened for the $150 tier when several stretch goals were achieved. This includes digital copies for either the PSVita or Android versions of Muv-Luv Unlimited and Muv-Luv Alternative.  Also adds a digital version of the Muv-Luv Codex.  The Muv-Luv Codex is a digital browser of Lunatic Dawn and Integral Works translated to English and an official guide put together by the Muv-Luv Team.  Lunatic Dawn and Integral Works are two books that were released that contain supplemental information about the world of Muv-Luv (Lunatic Dawn itself is 300 pages long!).

Muv-Luv Kickstarter $150 Tier Rewards

I have backed a few Kickstarters already and Muv-Luv campaign is by far the most rewarding.  If we reach the last goal of $720,000, $150 tier backers will also receive Photon Melodies and Photon Flowers for free.  These are two side stories to Muv-Luv released in Japan only.

Video games on Kickstarter have had various successes and failures.  Video game development, like most projects, is very expensive.  You take a risk when backing a Kickstarter.  You are handing them money in hopes that they come through so you can enjoy their creation.  Many games that would never have been made are here today thanks to Kickstarter.  Lets rejoice in the successes and enjoy playing games.

VISIT THE MUV-LUV KICKSTARTER!

Monolith Soft Hiring for New Project

I have grown fond of Monolith Soft and their games.  They developed the great Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles X (releasing in NA on Dec. 4th).  Their open world JRPGs offer tons of play time, deep story and awesome combat.  Xenoblade Chronicles X is doing something that I have wanted for a long time!  SEAMLESS MECHA COMBAT!!!  Needless to say I am very excited for this game and can't wait to share my Collector's Edition and impressions with everyone.

With that said, Monolith Soft is currently hiring for a new project.  They currently have a very aggressive recruitment campaign for this new project.  I am hoping we will see another fantastic JRPG from Monolith Soft.  This project could be for Wii U or code name NX.  My money is on a new JRPG for code name NX.

I will keep my eye open for any other updates.

Nintendo's Next Platform, Code Name NX, Software Kits Sent to Developers

After launching the unsuccessful Wii U Nintendo announced that they have already made plans for their next console, code named NX.  Today it has been reported that Nintendo has sent developers software development kits to begin work on new games for the NX.

What is even more interesting is the reports commenting on the NX software kit showing signs that NX will include a home console and some sort of mobile attachment that can be used in conjunction with the console.  I am hoping we see a true collaboration between Nintendo's console and handheld divisions.  Also hoping this means we are going to go back to cartridge based consoles.

Again the combinations for this are endless but (unlike the Wii U) need to be fostered and done correctly.  Nintendoland is about the only game on the Wii U that truly shows what the Wii U could have been.  Don't screw this up again Nintendo.

Pokemon on the go or on the big screen on your couch sounds very appealing!

Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse

Left: Yui Takamura, Right:Cryska Barchenowa

As a fan of mecha anime I am always looking for something new to watch.  Mecha anime tend to have a difficult time developing the characters, creating kickass mecha and having a strong plot.  Muv-Luv: Total Eclipse is not one of those mecha anime.  I added Muv Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse to my watch list some time ago.  Finally decided to give it a shot...o my was I enthralled.

Muv-Luv has had its niche followers for some time, beginning it roots as a visual novel game that is heralded as one of the best in the genre.  Careful with the visual novel games they are adult games. The first part of Muv-Luv, Muv-Luv Extra, is a high school drama visual novel game.  By completing certain objectives in Muv-Luv Extra you get to begin Muv-Luv Unlimited.  Muv-Luv Unlimited is similar to Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse.  It throws the main character into another world where the UN is battling against an invasion of the BETA, aliens from another world.  The sequel game is known as Muv-Luv Alternative and is similar to Muv-Luv Unlimited.  If you want to learn more read the Wikipedia entry for Muv-Luv.

Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse is fashioned after the last half of Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative.  The story follows Yuuya Bridges, a former test pilot for the United States' Raptor TSF.  Yuuya takes a role with the UN as a test pilot.  This is where he meets Yui Takamura who has a strong presence in the first couple of episodes.  Yui was a front line TSF pilot for Japan before joining the UN joint operation.  

The beginning interactions between Yuuya and Yui shift throughout the series.  Yuuya hates the Japanese TSF and Yui hates his attitude toward Japanese Culture (for reasons).  Their relationship is built up so perfectly throughout the 24 episodes.  It is difficult to not like these two characters.  The development is spot on.  This stands true for many of the interactions between the characters throughout the anime.

The plot has a simple overtone of the BETA invading Earth and making quick work of humans.  To fight back the humans build TSFs to fight off the BETA.  However, this is not the meat of the story.  The story has a couple turning points that show that the BETA are not the only enemy.  Even in a world full of death and war there are still humans who wish harm to other humans.  There is still inequality in the world and those who wish to change it.  Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse distinguishes itself from typical mecha anime by having a much deeper story and plot that goes beyond mecha A fighting mecha B.

Last note I want to make regarding Total Eclipse is the mecha design.  It is superb.  My favorite part of the mecha design is the features that differ between nations.  Example, the Japanese TSF is very precise and quick.  Whereas the American TSF, Raptor, is stealthy and a great distance fighter.  This is very reminiscent to how technology stands now.  America is know for its current fighter aircraft that are built with stealth technology and take down targets before showing on radar, exactly like the Raptor TSF in Total Eclipse.

America's Raptor TSF

I want to keep this simple.  The experience is too great to spoiler even a moment.  Overall, I believe this is a must watch series for anyone that loves mecha anime.  If you enjoy military plots, deep character development or need something new to watch give Total Eclipse a go.

NEW PSP3000 Monster Hunter Special Edition!!!

Monster Hunter 3 PSP3000

I have been reading (I mean...playing) The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky.  Purchased the game a long time ago at Gamestop when they were selling PSP games for cheap.  With the announcement of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, I finally decided it was time to play Trails in the Sky.  Maybe I will do a post in the future on my impressions of the game.

Well it turns out that my PSP1000 is beginning to show its age.  Decided that it was time to upgrade to a 2000 or 3000 model.  After a few failed attempts at trying to get it at a reasonable price from Craigslist, I turned to Ebay and purchased a special edition PSP for a few extra bucks.

I have to say that it paid off ten fold.  The seller was from Japan and had great ratings and was selling this boxed Monster Hunter 3 PSP3000 for about $10 below typical asking price on Ebay.  I was nervous because this was posted as used with some wear.  When the package arrived I was extremely pleased with the shape of the PSP3000.  There were no signs of wear.  I believe it was never used or was a store model.  The box has all the paperwork and is in incredible shape.

PSP3000 with Monster Hunter Grip

The best part is the Monster Hunter grip I found at Pink Gorilla in Seattle fits the newer PSP models.  Overall the playing experience has improved, no missing pixels, lighter system (even with the grip), quicker loading, and crisper screen.  Definitely excited to play some other games with the new PSP.

PSP3000 Box

Check out my album with more pictures, link is here!!!

Legend of Legacy and Corpse Party: Blood Drive Unboxings

Received some new collector's editions today.  Legend of Legacy and Corpse Party Blood Drive.  Legend of Legacy brought to the west thanks to Atlus.  Legend of Legacy is developed by Furyu who also developed Unchained Blades on the 3DS (eShop only), a good dungeon crawling JRPG.

Corpse Party: Blood Drive is the first physical Corpse Party release in the west.  The physical edition is only available in the limited edition box, still available on Amazon.  Brought to the west by XSEED Games.  Developed by 5pb.  5pb...I should do a post regarding Muv Luv Kickstarter Campaign.  

First, I would like to "thank" Amazon for shipping my order in a plain "wrap-around" box.  Luckily there was no damage.  

Amazon's Solution to Shipping Two Limited Edition Boxes 

 Now, lets get to the packaging!  Starting with Legend of Legacy.  Obvious focus of the packaging is the characters in the game and the great art work.

Sealed Limited Edition

Content Arrangement

Hardcover Artbook

Simple Cardboard Sleeve Soundtrack

3DS Game

 Overall good packaging.  Nothing to really get excited about.  The artbook is the obvious attraction and I may make another post at a later time looking through the artbook.  About as good as Persona Q or Shin Megami Tensei IV.  About as flimsy as well.

Now changing gears to Corpse Party: Blood Drive.  I love this limited edition packaging.  It feels very sturdy and the box has rigidity to it.  XSEED definitely put some thought and time in this limited edition and I thank them for it.  Embossed title, holographic details and great build make this a great limited edition.  Now some pictures!

Sealed Limited Edition

Content Arrangement

Paperback Artbook

2-Disc Music Collection

PS Vita Game

If these two limited editions were battling each other, Corpse Party: Blood Drive would win.  However, as much as I like the packaging of Corpse Party Blood Drive what matters is the game.  I hope to get to these games in the near future.

Bonus Picture

For a few extra pictures you can use this link.  If there is anything you want to know regarding the limited editions let me know!