On April 1, SEGA Sammy intends to rebrand Index Digital Media as Atlus U.S.A., Inc. Atlus Co. will continue to handle a majority of game development.
Additionally, SEGA will split off a non-consumer game operation of Index into a new subsidiary known as “Index Corporation”. The company will be responsible for overseeing contents and solution businesses like internet marketing and systems development.
The new division, SEGA says, will “ensure synergy” across the SEGA and SEGA Sammy Group businesses. It will also increase growth of “transferring company’s business and to encourage the development of new” ones.
Hey everyone, how was your Valentine’s Day? Maybe you spent the day with your loved ones; maybe you spent it devouring chocolate. Personally I spent the day slaving over a Word document, trying my hardest to convey my true feelings on a truly bizarre romance. No, I wasn’t writing some kind of love letter – I was musing on Konami’s hella heteronormative “girlfriend simulator”, LovePlus. Games tend to stay away from handling romantic relationships, especially when compared to other mediums, so I was curious to see if this Nintendo DS title was really as original (and weird) as I’d heard. So can love truly blossom between a grown man and a DS cartridge?
The answer to that question is no. Absolutely not. But as someone who is fascinated in the potential of games to blend narrative and gameplay in developing fictional relationships, LovePlus is an incredibly interesting, albeit flawed take on interactive romance.
This week’s Famitsu review scores are as follows:
Bakumatsu Rock (PSP) – 9/9/8/9
Deception IV: Blood Ties (PSV) – 8/9/9/8
Geten no Hana: Yume Akari (PSP) – 9/8/9/8
Fossil Fighters: Infinite Gear (3DS) – 9/8/8/8
Harvest Moon: Connect to a New Land (3DS) – 8/8/8/8
Valhalla Knights 3 Gold (PSV) – 8/8/7/7
Shiei no Sona-Nyl Refrain: What a Beautiful Memories (360/PSP) – 8/7/7/8
Satomi Hakkenden Hachitama no Ki (PSP) – 8/7/7/7
Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts (PS3/PSV) – 7/7/7/7
Taisho Mebiusline Portable (PSP) – 7/7/7/7
Iza, Shutsujin! Koisen Dai-ni-maku – Echigo Hen (PSP) – 7/7/6/7
Iza, Shutsujin! Koisen Dai-ni-maku – Kai Hen (PSP) – 7/7/6/7
Not only will the crowdfunded remake of this Sega Genesis RPG be hitting the Wii U in just a few months, it looks like a 3DS version of the game could be on the cards. In an interview with Nintendo Enthusiast, WaterMelon President Tulio Goncalves said that the company was hoping to release the Wii U version of the 90’s-JRPG-inspired title in April. Of course, the game was originally intended to release in December of last year, and then in “Q1 2014” so we’ll see. The Wii U version will make use of the console’s second screen, a feature that will be exclusive to Nintendo’s console – although Goncalves teased that it wouldn’t be exclusive for long if the game eventually made the jump to the 3DS. It might be a while before we see a 3DS version, though, as the game is already being ported to the Wii U, PS3, PS4, PC, Mac, Linux, Android, Xbox One, Ouya and Dreamcast. Phew.
Along with this image of Super Smash Bros.’ new bottle item, director Masahiro Sakurai posted the following message on Miiverse:
Hey look, a bottle!! This is a special item that can even heal fighters who have accumulated over 100% damage.
What is it with Bowser and fairies trapped in bottles lately?
This week’s 3DS eShop charts are as follows:
Software
1. Bravely Default
2. Retro City Rampage: DX
3. Pokemon Dream Radar
4. Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
5. Super Mario Bros.
6. Donkey Kong Jr.
7. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
8. Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale
9. Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
10. EDGE
11. Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
12. Liberation Maiden
13. Inazuma Eleven
14. Super Mario Bros. 2
15. The Legend of Zelda
16. Pokemon Y
17. Zelda: Oracle of Ages
18. Pokemon X
19. Witch & Hero
20. Gunman Clive
Videos
1. The LEGO Movie Videogame Trailer
2. Super Smash Bros. Champion of the Ring
3. Nintendo Direct: 2/13/14
4. Mario Kart 8 – Koopalings Trailer
5. Super Smash Bros. – Rosalina Reveal Trailer
6. Inazuma Eleven – Episode 1
7. Mario Kart 8 Trailer
8. Retro City Rampage: DX Video
9. Hyrule Warriors Teaser Trailer
10. One Piece: Romance Dawn Trailer
11. Kirby Triple Deluxe Trailer
12. Bravely Default – Gameplay Trailer
13. Yoshi’s New Island – Egg-otic Locales Trailer
14. Pokemon Battle Trozei – Announcement Trailer
15. Mario Kart 7 Video
16. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 3
17. Yoshi’s New Island Trailer 6/11/13
18. Retro City Rampage: DX Trailer
19. Steel Diver – Announcement Trailer
20. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
Source: 3DS eShop
This week’s video additions to the Wii U/3DS eShops are as follows:
Wii U
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze – Accolades Trailer
Just Dance 2014 Video 9
The Legend of Zelda Stage 8: Defeat Dodongo!
Spin the Bottle: Bumpie’s Party Video 5
Disney Infinity Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Trailer
Bayonetta 2 – Did you miss me?
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
Super C Trailer
Mario Kart 8 Koopalings Trailer
Steel Diver – Announcement Trailer
Kirby Triple Deluxe Trailer
Yoshi’s New Island Egg-otic Locales Trailer
Pokemon Battle Trozei – Announcement Trailer
Mario Golf: World Tour Teaser Trailer
Nintendo Direct: 2/13/14
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy – Emmy’s Story
Weapon Shop de Omasse Trailer
Inazuma Eleven – Episodes 1-3
3DS
Kung Fu Rabbit Trailer
Retro City Rampage: DX Video 3
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze – Accolades Trailer
Pokemon Bank Trailer
The Legend of Zelda Stage 8: Defeat Dodongo!
Disney Infinity Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Trailer
Bayonetta 2 – Did you miss me?
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
Super Smash Bros. Champion of the Ring
Mario Kart 8 Koopalings Trailer
Inazuma Eleven Trailer
Spot the Differences! Trailer
Steel Diver – Announcement Trailer
Kirby Triple Deluxe Trailer
Yoshi’s New Island Egg-otic Locales Trailer
Pokemon Battle Trozei – Announcement Trailer
Mario Golf: World Tour Teaser Trailer
Nintendo Direct: 2/13/14
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy – Emmy’s Story
Weapon Shop de Omasse Trailer
Inazuma Eleven – Episodes 1-3
Source: Wii U/3DS eShops
This week’s Wii U eShop charts are as follows:
Software
1. Zelda: Wind Waker HD
2. Zelda: A Link to the Past
3. Super Mario World
4. NES Remix
5. Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
6. Super Mario Bros.
7. Super Mario 3D World
8. The LEGO Movie Videogame
9. EarthBound
10. Art Academy: SketchPad
11. The Legend of Zelda
12. Dr. Luigi
13. Super Metroid
14. Super Mario Bros. 2
15. Pokemon Rumble U
16. Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games
17. Unepic
18. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams
19. Super C
20. Mega Man X2
Videos
1. The LEGO Movie Videogame Trailer
2. Deluxe Digital Promotion Video
3. Nintendo Direct: 2/13/14
4. Mario Kart 8 – Koopalings Trailer
5. Super Smash Bros. Champion of the Ring
6. Super Mario 3D World Trailer
7. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
8. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 2
9. Super Mario 3D World Accolades Trailer
10. Zelda: A Link to the Past Trailer
11. Mario & Sonic Trailer
12. Mario & Sonic: Sochi 2012 Launch Trailer
13. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Trailer 6/11/13
14. Remix I Stage 17: Go and Rescue Mario!
15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
16. Mario & Sonic: Sochi 2014 Gameplay Trailer
17. Mario Golf: World Tour – Teaser Trailer
18. New Super Mario Bros. U Video
19. Yoshi’s New Island – Egg-otic Locales Trailer
20. Dr. Luigi Trailer
Source: Wii U eShop
Nintendo is planning a special retail release of the NES Remix compilations in Japan. On April 24, the two collections will be available in a unique, packaged bundle. Similar plans haven’t been announced for the west at this time.
Thanks to PattonFiend for the tip.
Bravely Default is inspired by a lot of things… including American TV dramas, interestingly enough. Director Tomoya Asano cited the older Beverly Hills 90210 show and even Glee while answering a fan question on Twitter.
Asano’s comments in full:
