Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

shivan128

CAGiversary!
Feedback
163 (100%)
Welcome to the Japanese niche games deals and discussion thread!  Feel free to talk about local and import Japanese games here.  Our goal is to maintain a thread dedicated to active deals on niche games including RPGs, Visual Novels (VN), Shoot'em ups (Shmups), Musou, etc.  Also maintained are pre-orders for standard, limited and collector's edition games with key release dates provided.

I've wikified the thread to make it more friendly and open to others that can actively update with important information. You can find the wiki post directly below this one.

NOTE:  Please, leave the censorship discussion away from this thread.  It's common for japanese games to have questionable content outside of the country.  We want to keep discussions to the game itself and not about cultural/societal tolerance.

A message from Thorbahn:

Our CAG Japanese Niche Games Thread also has a community on PS4, where you can interact and game with other members of the thread.

Our moderators are: Draekon, Las_Hole, and Waffleswanton

You can basically friend any of our members, or any moderator, and you will be able to request to join the community under "Communities friends are in" tab, and a mod will approve your request.

You can also leave your PSN ID in the thread, saying you want to join, and we can invite you directly as well.

As always, have fun and enjoy your stay!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I could see myself buying the Switch version of a multi-platform game (As long as Multiplayer wasn't a huge focus). I will rarely if ever buy the Vita version of a PS4 game unless its on sale or I buy both versions (Only in the case of a game like Toukiden or something where its super lengthy and has cross save/trophies)

 
The Switch has been great for me. It's kinda big, but it works for my use cases.

Sometimes I don't feel like playing a game on the TV when I'm at home, so I just take it to another room and just play in handheld mode. I also take it to work in the case so I can play during my break.

I also really like the region-free aspect of this system. Downloading demos and games from other eShops is so easy now (I would even say easier than PSN)

I look forward to what the future holds for this system.

 
Yeah try to stay away from "since I'm not buying one, the Switch is bad and risky".   The Switch is amazing.  It's hard for other people to fully grasp and realize the potential of the system, even harder to explain and quantify its possibilities to someone, when they haven't had personal home use of the device. 

Having experienced the Switch I can tell you first-hand that Nintendo has matured and come far from its stubborn nature in regards to quality-of-life choices.   Nintendo seems to have come to a realization that this is their last big shot at the home video game market if they don't get this right.  Little things like region-free games, auto-play the int'l game's proper language version based on your system's region settings, access to the JP e-shop, and the simple no-nonsense game hub home screen have proven that their perspective has both matured and shifted towards a customer-friendly, utilization approach.  They made a very adult-oriented gaming console.  Everything from transferring the system from docked mode to switching the joy-cons onto the grip with that 'click' noise is very satisfying as well.

But you either like Nintendo games or you don't.   If you weren't already interested in the flagship titles on the Wii-U and the other amazing games on the 3DS then this system probably isn't going to sway your viewpoint.  On the other hand, the Switch looks like it's going to be the perfect hub for retro style gaming, indies, tv console quality portable gaming, and old-school video game experiences.

The Switch is selling like gangbusters, its gaming execution is phenomenal, and it's here to stay as one of the console giants. I can promise you that.  The failure of the Wii U is a pinhead in the rear-view mirror.  I used to be a huge skeptic too. 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have nothing but good things to say about my switch experience.

Other than the dock which is a downright piece of shit the console/handheld itself is great.

I've been taking it with me to work way more than I ever did with my VITA mostly because Zelda is so damn good.

The games are coming so that's the least of my worries.

As someone who owned a WII U for no longer than 3 months and didn't own a WII this thing is just great. 

 
The Switch is going to start to get a lot of developer and publisher support, yeah. Sales for the system shattered expectations. You're just probably going to have to wait a year and longer for titles to get ported over. Stardew Valley is a lock to happen. However, Falcom games have never been on domestic Nintendo systems (except Ys III SNES), so that would be a first.

It's a really exciting time for the Switch and a lot of people are just starting to come around on the system's potential, customers and developers alike.
I wouldn't say that the Switch's sales have exceeded expectations. A Nintendo sales rep told me that Nintendo was going to have 2 million Switch units available at launch and expected that all of them would sell right away, as is normal during console launches. The Wii U was also sold out at launch, it was the failure to sustain sales in the next 6-8 months and the lack of software support during that time period that started the demise of that system.

I think the Switch is going to do better than the Wii U, just the fact that it will likely be the only portable console around in 3 years almost guarantees that. But I think it's a little bit early to definitively say that it's a commercial success yet, since almost all consoles sell out at launch nowadays.
 
I believe anyone who would buy vita version over PS4 version of a game would opt for the switch version of multiplatform games. The switch is literally console gaming on the go, exactly what the vita was advertised to be. That's a distinct advantage it has for multiplatform games. Sure it'll also have the disadvantage of being weaker graphically but I don't people need 4K graphics on that small screen...

Plus it's the successor to 3ds so it's already guaranteed to get all that japanese third party support.
There's one thing that's different about Vita games vs. Switch games though, and that is price. Whenever I choose a Vita game over the PS4 version, it's primarily because the Vita version is $10-$20 less than the PS4 version. When price is equal, and Switch games generally cost as much as PS4 games, I usually buy the version that is on the more powerful hardware.
 
There's one thing that's different about Vita games vs. Switch games though, and that is price. Whenever I choose a Vita game over the PS4 version, it's primarily because the Vita version is $10-$20 less than the PS4 version. When price is equal, and Switch games generally cost as much as PS4 games, I usually buy the version that is on the more powerful hardware.
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems. It might seem petty, but it's a really big point of enjoyment for me to play a game with a Trophy/Checklist going. Also something like accolades that I can look back on and remember the game by. Also helps with huge games where you aren't sure what the 100% or stopping point is. Like Hitman, where doing all the challenges is insanely difficult, but the getting all the trophies isn't too bad. Same for FFXV. It would be awesome if they added it though (and I'm sure it's crossed their minds), achievements for capturing legendaries in Pokemon or getting all the stars in Mario.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's still way too early to tell if the Switch is going to shape up to anything. Initial hardware sales don't necessarily mean anything even though the reverse would be quite worrying. It's all up to third party support and people actually buying games from those third parties to keep them developing/porting to the Switch. So it's basically a waiting game, however there's no guarantee that the developers you want will even develop/port anything for it.

I believe it's Ys V and Popful Mail on the SNES and that's it. The rest is PC until they switched over to Sony systems.

Anyways, played some Toukiden 2 demo yesterday. It's a decent upgrade from the first game. However after playing Nioh, everything just feels so god damned slow. Pretty much had to switch to daggers just to not feel like I don't take half a year to swing a weapon even though it's generally faster than Monster Hunter if I remember correctly. The graphics were never great with it, but it feels worse than Kiwami did on the PS4. Most likely due to the incorporation of the semi-open world which is an interesting addition. Lots of other changes as well that don't seem bad either. All in all it seems like a decent improvement over the original. Not sure I'll get it anytime soon as I'll be leeching Mass Effect: Andromeda from a friend on the PS4.

Which I guess also brings me to a question for anybody in this thread. Despite all the shit Andromeda is getting, is anybody here still planning on getting it on the PS4 (I know there's an Xbox thread)? Could probably use more people to play with in multiplayer as the combat is actually pretty decent.

I'll probably do a short write-up of Atelier Firis too. It will be some time before I beat it, but I think I've played enough to touch on it. Might write it up today since I'll be playing Andromeda tomorrow.
Actually they released ys origins sp which was on the ds and has the first and second game on there? and according to the internet they did releases on nes, snes and the wii vc.

 
Does anyone think if people buy into the switch and get it, that companies would start putting games on the switch?

Like I would love to play Legend of Heroes on the switch or games like Stardew Valley or Rainbow Moon type games?

I am planning on getting the Switch for my birthday in May and think I would love to play RPG on the console specially the pick up and go feature. Like play on my couch and then on the way to work and on my lunch break and when I get home back on my TV.
Stardew is confirmed, Harvest Moon (now called Story of Seasons) will be coming at some point confirmed. Also Rune Factory better get revived so RF5 is on the Switch. Please Marvelous :p
 
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems. It might seem petty, but it's a really big point of enjoyment for me to play a game with a Trophy/Checklist going. Also something like accolades that I can look back on and remember the game by. Also helps with huge games where you aren't sure what the 100% or stopping point is. Like Hitman, where doing all the challenges is insanely difficult, but the getting all the trophies isn't too bad. Same for FFXV. It would be awesome if they added it though (and I'm sure it's crossed their minds), achievements for capturing legendaries in Pokemon or getting all the stars in Mario.
Yeah, that's just another feature that really only helps them in the end, as those who don't like or use it, can shut it off. I personally think they need every possible advantage they can muster, as that is just another point at retail, where a consumer like yourself might opt for a different version due to more features being offered.

 
My Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Collector's Edition arrived this afternoon, thanks to extremely fast shipping from Amazon.  

The Goku figure really is incredible, but when I first took him out of the box, something looked "off" about the side of his head. Sure enough, his left sideburn wasn't painted. Obviously, a production error. Fortunately, thanks to having tons of paint supplies for my Gundam models, I was able to fix it, making it unnoticeable (took a while to get the right shade of yellow, though). Had I bought the statue without the CE, and for the $100 price, I would have been livid. It's kind of surprising how one unpainted sideburn throws off the whole face. 

This is one of the reason I stay away from Japanese figures, or most figures in general, unless I buy them in person (and they have a display box that allows you to actually see them). I've seen my share of Bandai figures that have rogue paint marks on skin areas (which is the worst) and, as far as US companies go, NECA is notorious for their awful quality control. QC is a recurring nightmare with these things.

 
I wouldn't say that the Switch's sales have exceeded expectations. A Nintendo sales rep told me that Nintendo was going to have 2 million Switch units available at launch and expected that all of them would sell right away, as is normal during console launches. The Wii U was also sold out at launch, it was the failure to sustain sales in the next 6-8 months and the lack of software support during that time period that started the demise of that system.

I think the Switch is going to do better than the Wii U, just the fact that it will likely be the only portable console around in 3 years almost guarantees that. But I think it's a little bit early to definitively say that it's a commercial success yet, since almost all consoles sell out at launch nowadays.
Nintendo actually doubled how many switches they'd manufacture this year following the launch success. From 8 to 16 (!) million. Time will tell but still, impressive and/or bold.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/nintendo_is_doubling_production_of_switch_units
 
Really just depends of they can keep cranking games out. Not having bigger third party titles will hurt. They will  have FIFA and NBA this year at least that will help as well as Mario. System should do well rest of the year tbh. Mario Kart in April, ARMS suppose to be in Spring so should be out before June and if its good that will help the system keep going. Splatoon is Summer so July or August and then Mario likely in November and Xenoblade 2 could be NOV/DEC. Still have E3 so have time to announce some other games this year or ports.

They should have a great 2017 overall baring no delays. Will have to then see how it does going into 2018,

 
Actually they released ys origins sp which was on the ds and has the first and second game on there? and according to the internet they did releases on nes, snes and the wii vc.
It's semantics, but those aren't developed for those systems by Falcom. Quite often those ports aren't the same as the original Falcom developed games and not necessarily for the better. Of course that's purely opinion.

Also you're thinking of Ys Book I & II, not Ys Origin which was released on the PS4 recently and soon the Vita as well. Though he was also right that Ys III was on the SNES, but I'm not sure Falcom actually did that port. The two I mentioned never made it state side though while Ys III did.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems. It might seem petty, but it's a really big point of enjoyment for me to play a game with a Trophy/Checklist going. Also something like accolades that I can look back on and remember the game by. Also helps with huge games where you aren't sure what the 100% or stopping point is. Like Hitman, where doing all the challenges is insanely difficult, but the getting all the trophies isn't too bad. Same for FFXV. It would be awesome if they added it though (and I'm sure it's crossed their minds), achievements for capturing legendaries in Pokemon or getting all the stars in Mario.
Heh yep, I feel the same way, for the same reasons. And that is why I always opt for the playstation version of a game over the nintendo version. I have too much fun getting trophies, looking back on what games I played (also when I played them and what I did in them), and my friends and I will even talk about trophies in games we are playing or looking forward to. I know some people think achievements/trophies are the bane of gaming, but for me they add a lot to the games and get me to experience aspects of the games I would not of otherwise. I also love the trophy cards you guys have in your posts and seeing the crazy, hard trophies/achievements you guys have gotten. I would love to see that with some nintendo games.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems.
This isn't my main reason for abandoning the Nintendo train, but it's certainly one of many.

It'll be interesting to see how the Switch does in the long term, but I'm doubtful that it'll have an extended lifespan. But hopefully I'm wrong and they knock it out of the park. I remember how well the Wii U sold at first too, along with the praise it initially received, before everyone turned against it. Though, seriously, I can't believe Nintendo still thinks 32GB of internal memory in 2017 is acceptable--and also funny to consider that the 2009 PSP Go had 16GB. I'm glad the entire game industry doesn't evolve at Nintendo's pace.

 
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems. It might seem petty, but it's a really big point of enjoyment for me to play a game with a Trophy/Checklist going. Also something like accolades that I can look back on and remember the game by. Also helps with huge games where you aren't sure what the 100% or stopping point is. Like Hitman, where doing all the challenges is insanely difficult, but the getting all the trophies isn't too bad. Same for FFXV. It would be awesome if they added it though (and I'm sure it's crossed their minds), achievements for capturing legendaries in Pokemon or getting all the stars in Mario.
I agree with you about trophies/achievements. I'm getting older now, and I can't remember what I did in games that I've played as well as I used to. Looking at my PSN trophy list or XBL achievements is a quick and easy way for me to remember what games I played and what I did in those games. Definitely for me, all else being equal, I would take the version with achievements/trophies over the version without them.
 
My Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Collector's Edition arrived this afternoon, thanks to extremely fast shipping from Amazon.

The Goku figure really is incredible, but when I first took him out of the box, something looked "off" about the side of his head. Sure enough, his left sideburn wasn't painted. Obviously, a production error. Fortunately, thanks to having tons of paint supplies for my Gundam models, I was able to fix it, making it unnoticeable (took a while to get the right shade of yellow, though). Had I bought the statue without the CE, and for the $100 price, I would have been livid. It's kind of surprising how one unpainted sideburn throws off the whole face.

This is one of the reason I stay away from Japanese figures, or most figures in general, unless I buy them in person (and they have a display box that allows you to actually see them). I've seen my share of Bandai figures that have rogue paint marks on skin areas (which is the worst) and, as far as US companies go, NECA is notorious for their awful quality control. QC is a recurring nightmare with these things.
Wow, that is so sick! I can't even imagine having the supplies to actually fix a figure like that. I haven't unboxed the figure yet since I have no place to put it. But fixing/enhancing figures is something I would love to be able to do. So many figures, especially the Sonico ones, and even the hundreds of dollars ones, always have some kind of mispainted spot, or PVC coming off, or some accessories are broken. I've also never been able to build Gundams, always end up clipping and breaking a piece before I can even take it out of the damn case sheet, let alone paint it. I bet you can make those amazing 1/6 scale figures from the unpainted parts and assemble and paint them to look better than the packaged ones. Writer, artist, sculptor, painter, etc. is there anything you can't do?

Also, looking at the trophy cards from everyone's sigs, Midori is right, a lot of you guys really put time into it. Most of you guys have more Platinums than me but I'm not too shabby myself, level 18 with 20 Plats and counting. As for the Niche thread, Vic_x51 reigns supreme, level 32 and 80 platinums... But for all CAGs, Vigilante's stats are staggering...

 
Wow, that is so sick! I can't even imagine having the supplies to actually fix a figure like that. I haven't unboxed the figure yet since I have no place to put it. But fixing/enhancing figures is something I would love to be able to do. So many figures, especially the Sonico ones, and even the hundreds of dollars ones, always have some kind of mispainted spot, or PVC coming off, or some accessories are broken. I've also never been able to build Gundams, always end up clipping and breaking a piece before I can even take it out of the damn case sheet, let alone paint it. I bet you can make those amazing 1/6 scale figures from the unpainted parts and assemble and paint them to look better than the packaged ones. Writer, artist, sculptor, painter, etc. is there anything you can't do?


Also, looking at the trophy cards from everyone's sigs, Midori is right, a lot of you guys really put time into it. Most of you guys have more Platinums than me but I'm not too shabby myself, level 18 with 20 Plats and counting. As for the Niche thread, Vic_x51 reigns supreme, level 32 and 80 platinums... But for all CAGs, Vigilante's stats are staggering...
I haven't seen Vigilante's trophy card, but I was really impressed with Sgt Wiggles' list. Last I checked he was at almost 90 plats.
 
I think battery life is the worst thing about the Switch. ~2.5 hours portable Zelda is caca. And that's when the battery is fresh. It'll only get shorter.

 
I haven't seen Vigilante's trophy card, but I was really impressed with Sgt Wiggles' list. Last I checked he was at almost 90 plats.
Vig is at 214.

Speaking of which, I really need to get that last trophy for Dungeon Travelers 2, and go back to finishing the trophies for Transformers: Devastation.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think battery life is the worst thing about the Switch. ~2.5 hours portable Zelda is caca. And that's when the battery is fresh. It'll only get shorter.
It's okay. I'm sure they'll eventually release the extended battery for it, and it'll probably only add a whole extra pound to it when you're on the go.

636044940548267311-1664910871_tumblr_msbp1rhtEA1sfisjso1_500.gif


 
I bet you can make those amazing 1/6 scale figures from the unpainted parts and assemble and paint them to look better than the packaged ones. Writer, artist, sculptor, painter, etc. is there anything you can't do?
Ha, thanks, I wish! I've actually been getting back into building and painting both 1/6 and 1/12 scale model kits lately, along with some vinyl and resin Godzilla ones. I can definitely see how people can be turned off by the Gundam models. Clipping and filing down the plastic nubs is a pain, but they've very recently improved with the "Revive" line of G-kits, which require a bit less clipping.

 
I think battery life is the worst thing about the Switch. ~2.5 hours portable Zelda is caca. And that's when the battery is fresh. It'll only get shorter.
Surprising to me was the fact that any portable charger can charge the switch. 2.5 hours ain't bad if you don't need an outlet to charge the machine
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Surprising to me was the fact that any portable charger can charge the switch. 2.5 hours ain't bad if you don't need an outlet to charge the machine
But regular chargers take 3x as long to charge, doesn't it? We tried the Nexus 6P charger and it was draining faster than it was charging, by a little bit. Cause the Switch uses some weird 15V 2A thing for it's fast charge, instead of any existing standards like USB 3.0 or Quickcharge.
 
Also, looking at the trophy cards from everyone's sigs, Midori is right, a lot of you guys really put time into it. Most of you guys have more Platinums than me but I'm not too shabby myself, level 18 with 20 Plats and counting. As for the Niche thread, Vic_x51 reigns supreme, level 32 and 80 platinums... But for all CAGs, Vigilante's stats are staggering...
AAI_Miles_Edgeworth_Bowing.gif


I'm losing my mind over this--Radiant Historia is one of my Top 5 DS games and I would love to play through it again on 3DS.

 
Nintendo still doesn't have a Trophies/Achievements system for it's games yet right? Believe it or not, that's actually my biggest complaint against their systems. It might seem petty, but it's a really big point of enjoyment for me to play a game with a Trophy/Checklist going. Also something like accolades that I can look back on and remember the game by. Also helps with huge games where you aren't sure what the 100% or stopping point is. Like Hitman, where doing all the challenges is insanely difficult, but the getting all the trophies isn't too bad. Same for FFXV. It would be awesome if they added it though (and I'm sure it's crossed their minds), achievements for capturing legendaries in Pokemon or getting all the stars in Mario.
Man, back in my day beating a boss or completing the game WAS the achievement. I didn't need some thing to pop up on the screen to tell me I did well.

 
Fire Emblem Echoes Limited Edition revealed

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/nintendo_of_america_reveals_a_lovely_fire_emblem_echoes_shadows_of_valentia_limited_edition

A bunch of PQube games are now available at Best Buy, too. 

Gal*Gun, Root Letter, Steins;Gate 0, Valkyrie Drive

The PS4 versions of Gal*Gun and Root Letter are incorrectly priced, I think. $29.99 each, same as their vita versions.

Sorry I can't link directly. Best Buy is still like the only website that doesn't load at work for some reason.

 
Man, back in my day beating a boss or completing the game WAS the achievement. I didn't need some thing to pop up on the screen to tell me I did well.
Yeah, I can remember playing games on my Apple computer with the keyboard, due to lack of a joystick, and yeah that was a HUGE achievement as well. That doesn't mean I want to go back to that, or can't appreciate modern advancements.

Once again, it's a feature that several here have already mentioned if given the option, they will buy the game that has it, over the one that doesn't. 3rd parties have already done the work for the features in other games, so it's really no extra cost or effort, past having the system in place.

Just because "N" or certain users don't see the value in something, doesn't mean it's not there. As already stated, it can be turned off for those users, and their gaming experience will be no different than it is now. For those who like the feature, it's an extra feature at retail, that may be the difference between getting a sale, or not.

 
I'll chime in and say I'm glad they don't have external trophies/achievements (lol), too much pressure

I'm going for the Yakuza 0 platinum to prove it's that good of a game to friends and stuff and as a personal goal but in general I like just playing a game for fun and not doing things I wouldn't choose to do normally
 
I'll chime in and say I'm glad they don't have external trophies/achievements (lol), too much pressure

I'm going for the Yakuza 0 platinum to prove it's that good of a game to friends and stuff and as a personal goal but in general I like just playing a game for fun and not doing things I wouldn't choose to do normally
Even before trophies existed I liked to try to 100% everything I played, so getting trophies now isn't too different from that. I find it's pretty rare that I have to go out of my way to get a trophy anyway with my play style, so I actually enjoy them.
 
ME Andromeda came in today.  Thankfully it is the PC ver. or I would've been annoyed when this happens to the case.

[attachment=26002:20170321_112308.jpg]

 
So Best Buy  fuck 'd my order for ME: Andromeda and Anima: Gate of Memories that I ordered during the Visa checkout promo. I received delivery confirmations on both items, and the Fedex tracking says both items were delivered but they are nowhere to be found. Had to call CS and they have to send me a replacement copy of ME: Andromeda. Worst part is I was supposed to get the steelbook version, but it looks like the replacement is just the standard. Also, Anima is sold out so they can only refund me for it  :cry: .

The funniest part was when the CS rep suggested I walk around my neighborhood and ask my neighbors if they know anything about it. Best Buy is a big company and they are responsible for packages reaching their destination. I work a full-time job and I don't have time to play detective for them.  :rofl:

 
bread's done
Back
Top