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Today on July 20, Nintendo just released their latest bite-sized game announcements via Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase. As its name suggests, there was no huge reveal of Nintendo’s first-party titles such as Mario, Pokemon, Breath of the Wild 2, Metroid, nor the heavily rumored new F-Zero. Despite that this month’s Nintendo Direct Mini still provides quite a few surprises on its own especially from the Japanese side of the industry.
What are those surprises? Let’s check these three interesting titles Japanese developers have been cooking for the Nintendo Switch — and other platforms– below.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is Ready to Launch on Switch, PS4, and PC
The sequel to the highly popular RPG Atelier Ryza was apparently in development and was silently revealed in the Japanese version of Nintendo Direct Mini. More details (alongside a “special movie” on YouTube) will be revealed later on July 29, 2020, so fans of Ryza might want to keep a close eye on that date!
Although this sneak-peek only shows Ryza’s new look, the return of Klaudia Valentz, and more exploration methods like rope climbing, swimming, and riding animals, Koei Tecmo has confirmed that the game won’t just be released on Nintendo Switch but also PlayStation 4 and PC through Steam. But since the previous title was also available on all three platforms, this news shouldn’t come as a shock.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is Getting Both Switch and PS4 Version
The classic PS2 RPG, Shin Megami Tensei III (also known as Nocturne in U.S. or Lucifer’s Call in Europe) returns! 17 years after the original release, Nintendo Switch will be getting the game in spring 2021. While it was shown in a Nintendo Direct Mini, through its official Japanese Twitter account Atlus promises that Nocturne HD Remaster will also be getting a PlayStation 4 port — at least the Japanese version.
In Japan, Nocturne HD Remaster is getting October 29, 2020 release date along with limited edition bundle of:
- Piano arrangement soundtrack discs
- 106-pages art book
- Amala Network-styled aroma lamp
- and other bonuses for a total of 13,980 yen (around $130)
As another surprise, the trailer shows a glimpse of the main character of Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. series, Raidou Kuzunoha the XIV. This means this remaster is based on the Japan-only Maniax Chronicle rerelease, where instead of Devil May Cry‘s Dante you will meet Raidou instead. A new easier difficulty mode is also being added as a free DLC according to the extended Nintendo Direct Mini trailer.
Considering the PlayStation Vita exclusive Persona 4 Golden eventually released on PC, I think there is a chance the English version of Nocturne HD Remaster might release on PlayStation 4 and PC. And let’s hope the Western release will be getting those limited edition goodies, too.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruins Will Finally be Available This Year on Switch, PS4, and PC
Last but not least, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin. This comes off as a surprise considering since 2018 Sakuna kept getting delayed and went radio silent. This unique agricultural-themed side-scrolling action game will finally launch for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on November 10, 2020. Priced at $39.99 for the standard edition and $59.99 for the Divine Edition, which includes:
- a custom outer box with exclusive artwork.
- 130-pages art book.
- soundtrack CDs.
- and a Japanese omamori charm.
It’s a shame that Shin Megami Tensei V doesn’t seem to follow the multiplatform release of other titles. Even so, these three announcements should give you your Japanese games fix. Whether you play on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4 (or even PC). Between Nocturne nostalgia, Ryza sequel hype, and Sakuna, which one are you the most interested in? Give us your thought on the comments below!
