Yearly Archives: 2020

Resident Evil Infinite Darkness Netflix Show Officially Announced

A new Netflix show, Resident Evil Infinite Darkness, has been announced at Tokyo Games Show 2020. As part of the Capcom TGS Live 2020 stream, the show's executive producer, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, announced Resident Evil Infinite Darkness, which is a CGI episodic series coming to Netflix in 2021. REInfiniteDarkness posterThe show features Leon S Kennedy and Claire Redfield as its lead characters, but nothing is known of the story or setting so far. The only things that are not a mystery is that Leon and Claire both have new looks; Mr. Kennedy is sporting a suit, while Claire has a refreshed version of her classic red jacket. Kobayashi announced that the show will be available worldwide on Netflix in 2021. News of the show broke ahead of the official Capcom reveal stream thanks to a video on Netflix Portugal. The tweet announcing the show on Netflix Portugal's account was pulled, presumably because we shouldn't have known about the show until today. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/resident-evil-8-village-gameplay-trailer"] It should be noted that this is not the same show as the Resident Evil Netflix series announced back in August. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Resident Evil Infinite Darkness Netflix Show Officially Announced

A new Netflix show, Resident Evil Infinite Darkness, has been announced at Tokyo Games Show 2020. As part of the Capcom TGS Live 2020 stream, the show's executive producer, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, announced Resident Evil Infinite Darkness, which is a CGI episodic series coming to Netflix in 2021. REInfiniteDarkness posterThe show features Leon S Kennedy and Claire Redfield as its lead characters, but nothing is known of the story or setting so far. The only things that are not a mystery is that Leon and Claire both have new looks; Mr. Kennedy is sporting a suit, while Claire has a refreshed version of her classic red jacket. Kobayashi announced that the show will be available worldwide on Netflix in 2021. News of the show broke ahead of the official Capcom reveal stream thanks to a video on Netflix Portugal. The tweet announcing the show on Netflix Portugal's account was pulled, presumably because we shouldn't have known about the show until today. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/resident-evil-8-village-gameplay-trailer"] It should be noted that this is not the same show as the Resident Evil Netflix series announced back in August. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Vergil Is Coming to Devil May Cry 5 on PS4 and Xbox One via DLC

Capcom has announced that Vergil will be made playable in the current generation versions of Devil May Cry 5 via a paid-for DLC pack. As part of the Capcom TGS Live 2020, producer Matt Walker and DMC5 director Hideaki Itsuno announced the DLC after having discussed the new features coming as part of the next-gen Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition. While many of its new improvements are unable to be added to the PS4 and Xbox One versions due to tech limitations, making Vergil playable is coming via DLC. DMC5VergilDLC“People have been asking to play as Vergil since DMC5 came out, so I’m happy we can finally answer those requests,” said Walker. No date was announced, but the DLC is paid-for, and so current-gen users will need to pay up to add Vergil to their game. Just ten seconds of Vergil gameplay was shown so it’s yet to be confirmed what his move-set is, but we were able to see an ability in which Virgil surrounds himself with spinning blue swords that strike enemies that get close to him. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/devil-may-cry-5-special-edition-ps5-gameplay-trailer"] Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition was announced for next-generation consoles at the latest PS5 livestream event. It will release on the day of launch for both Xbox Series X and PS5; November 10 and November 12 respectively. To see what we thought of the original version, check out our Devil May Cry 5 review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Vergil Is Coming to Devil May Cry 5 on PS4 and Xbox One via DLC

Capcom has announced that Vergil will be made playable in the current generation versions of Devil May Cry 5 via a paid-for DLC pack. As part of the Capcom TGS Live 2020, producer Matt Walker and DMC5 director Hideaki Itsuno announced the DLC after having discussed the new features coming as part of the next-gen Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition. While many of its new improvements are unable to be added to the PS4 and Xbox One versions due to tech limitations, making Vergil playable is coming via DLC. DMC5VergilDLC“People have been asking to play as Vergil since DMC5 came out, so I’m happy we can finally answer those requests,” said Walker. No date was announced, but the DLC is paid-for, and so current-gen users will need to pay up to add Vergil to their game. Just ten seconds of Vergil gameplay was shown so it’s yet to be confirmed what his move-set is, but we were able to see an ability in which Virgil surrounds himself with spinning blue swords that strike enemies that get close to him. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/devil-may-cry-5-special-edition-ps5-gameplay-trailer"] Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition was announced for next-generation consoles at the latest PS5 livestream event. It will release on the day of launch for both Xbox Series X and PS5; November 10 and November 12 respectively. To see what we thought of the original version, check out our Devil May Cry 5 review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster’s New ‘Merciful Mode’ Explained

In an interview with IGN Japan at Tokyo Game Show 2020, Shin Megami Tensei series director Kazuyuki Yamai outlined Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster's new Merciful Mode, which will be available as DLC after the cult RPG is re-released. Earlier this year, Atlus revealed that a remaster of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is coming to the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in 2021. Nocturne was the first main entry in the Megami Tensei series to get a Western release back in 2004 on the PlayStation 2, and helped kickstart a series that has increased in popularity ever since. "I think Atlus as a whole is perceived as its own genre – our fans seem to be Atlus fans as a whole," Yamai said, noting that thanks to the popularity of the Persona series outside Japan, "our fan base has grown a lot more". More fans means more expectations, which the developers are all too aware of. "We felt that we needed a mode that lots of different people can play," Yamai said. He admitted that the game, which was well-received in each territory, had a reputation for being difficult. "When we were developing the original, it was a different era, and with the turn-based battle game system at the time, there had to be a certain extent of difficulty which created tension," he said. Sixteen years later, there are more player motivations to consider. "There are those who enjoy the high difficulty battles, and those who want to finish those parts as quickly as possible and follow the story; there are also multiple endings to the story, so there are people who want to check the different endings," Yamai said. "We wanted to make the difficulty easier so people can play it by being able to clear the story small amounts at a time." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/shin-megami-tensei-3-nocturne-hd-remaster-official-trailer"] Yamai recognizes that tinkering with an old game, particularly one that already has an established following and fans, is not easy. "I feel like many games have an intrinsic feature that makes them unique and attractive which shouldn’t be changed," he said. However, he also knows he cannot treat video games as immovable objects in history and ignore the needs of modern players, adding, "the world is also constantly evolving". Yamai explained that Atlus actively seeks feedback from players, which informed their work on this new version of the fan favorite. "Every year, Atlus holds a survey among our players, and of course we read through all of their responses," he said. All that interest in a remaster meant the team knew they had a challenging balancing act ahead of them. "We wanted the concept to respect the original work and not change so much of the gameplay, but at the same time, ensure that it doesn’t seem out of place, and keep evolving those parts," he said. The optional Merciful Mode isn't the only change coming to Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne; some dialogue has been rewritten, and nearly every character and spirit will now be voiced. Yamai said the remaster project has been in the works for "about two years" and that development has been completed. "It went even bigger than what we had in our minds as we received so many messages about the game," he said. "For these reasons, we might not be able to answer everyone’s wishes, so I’m sorry about that." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/top-5-upcoming-game-remakes-remasters-power-ranking"] Ultimately, despite its nature as a remaster of a title originally released in Japan in 2003, Yamai hopes it will appeal to more than just Atlus fans or retro game enthusiasts. "It really doesn’t feel like an ‘old’ game," he said, "It’s something that never gets old, and because of how difficult our current situation with the world is, the story might feel even more relatable." Yamai closed the interview on a speculative note: "I think it would be very interesting for people to play it as a brand new game, so I hope that you look forward to it." [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster’s New ‘Merciful Mode’ Explained

In an interview with IGN Japan at Tokyo Game Show 2020, Shin Megami Tensei series director Kazuyuki Yamai outlined Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster's new Merciful Mode, which will be available as DLC after the cult RPG is re-released. Earlier this year, Atlus revealed that a remaster of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is coming to the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in 2021. Nocturne was the first main entry in the Megami Tensei series to get a Western release back in 2004 on the PlayStation 2, and helped kickstart a series that has increased in popularity ever since. "I think Atlus as a whole is perceived as its own genre – our fans seem to be Atlus fans as a whole," Yamai said, noting that thanks to the popularity of the Persona series outside Japan, "our fan base has grown a lot more". More fans means more expectations, which the developers are all too aware of. "We felt that we needed a mode that lots of different people can play," Yamai said. He admitted that the game, which was well-received in each territory, had a reputation for being difficult. "When we were developing the original, it was a different era, and with the turn-based battle game system at the time, there had to be a certain extent of difficulty which created tension," he said. Sixteen years later, there are more player motivations to consider. "There are those who enjoy the high difficulty battles, and those who want to finish those parts as quickly as possible and follow the story; there are also multiple endings to the story, so there are people who want to check the different endings," Yamai said. "We wanted to make the difficulty easier so people can play it by being able to clear the story small amounts at a time." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/shin-megami-tensei-3-nocturne-hd-remaster-official-trailer"] Yamai recognizes that tinkering with an old game, particularly one that already has an established following and fans, is not easy. "I feel like many games have an intrinsic feature that makes them unique and attractive which shouldn’t be changed," he said. However, he also knows he cannot treat video games as immovable objects in history and ignore the needs of modern players, adding, "the world is also constantly evolving". Yamai explained that Atlus actively seeks feedback from players, which informed their work on this new version of the fan favorite. "Every year, Atlus holds a survey among our players, and of course we read through all of their responses," he said. All that interest in a remaster meant the team knew they had a challenging balancing act ahead of them. "We wanted the concept to respect the original work and not change so much of the gameplay, but at the same time, ensure that it doesn’t seem out of place, and keep evolving those parts," he said. The optional Merciful Mode isn't the only change coming to Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne; some dialogue has been rewritten, and nearly every character and spirit will now be voiced. Yamai said the remaster project has been in the works for "about two years" and that development has been completed. "It went even bigger than what we had in our minds as we received so many messages about the game," he said. "For these reasons, we might not be able to answer everyone’s wishes, so I’m sorry about that." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/top-5-upcoming-game-remakes-remasters-power-ranking"] Ultimately, despite its nature as a remaster of a title originally released in Japan in 2003, Yamai hopes it will appeal to more than just Atlus fans or retro game enthusiasts. "It really doesn’t feel like an ‘old’ game," he said, "It’s something that never gets old, and because of how difficult our current situation with the world is, the story might feel even more relatable." Yamai closed the interview on a speculative note: "I think it would be very interesting for people to play it as a brand new game, so I hope that you look forward to it." [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Scarlet Nexus Will Have Two Playable Characters, Each With a Different Campaign

Bandai Namco has announced a new playable character for Scarlet Nexus, as well several new members of the Other Suppression Force (OSF), during a livestream broadcast as part of Tokyo Game Show 2020, A new story trailer focusing on previously announced protagonist Yuito Sumeragi was also revealed, showing flashbacks to his childhood when he was saved by the OSF, and his interactions with his present-day teammates in battle. New protagonist Kasane Randall was previously announced but only by name, but today it was revealed she will be playable in addition to Sumeragi. Randall, voiced in Japanese by Asami Seto, has psychokinetic powers just like Sumeragi and is a new recruit to the OSF, fresh from training school. She is a cool, rational and somewhat aloof character; an elite with exceptional fighting skills alongside her special powers, but with questions about her mysterious visions. Rather than controlling both protagonists in one play-through, players choose between Sumeragi and Randall to experience the same story from different viewpoints. More details will be released at a later date. Three new members of the Other Suppression Force were announced during the livestream. Tsugumi Nazar (voiced by Marika Kouno) has been in the OSF for 12 years and is a clairvoyant. She is shy but a determined fighter who keeps her composure in battle. Gemma Garrison (Ryota Takeuchi) is a 38-year veteran of the OSF whose special ability is to make his body impenetrable as a defensive measure. Since extra-sensory powers decline with age, Garrison is being treated with growth suppressants – so while he only looks a little older than the others, this combat expert is in fact nearing retirement. Finally, Luka Travers (Chinatsu Akasaki) is an androgenous male fighter who has been with the OSF for 22 years and is able to teleport. Travers ranks highly in the OSF as one of the Septentrions (the seven most talented members), and is a cool-minded soldier who is able to analyze a fight and make tactical decisions. Scarlet Nexus will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and Steam. No release date has been announced. Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan, and here he is on Twitter.

Scarlet Nexus Will Have Two Playable Characters, Each With a Different Campaign

Bandai Namco has announced a new playable character for Scarlet Nexus, as well several new members of the Other Suppression Force (OSF), during a livestream broadcast as part of Tokyo Game Show 2020, A new story trailer focusing on previously announced protagonist Yuito Sumeragi was also revealed, showing flashbacks to his childhood when he was saved by the OSF, and his interactions with his present-day teammates in battle. New protagonist Kasane Randall was previously announced but only by name, but today it was revealed she will be playable in addition to Sumeragi. Randall, voiced in Japanese by Asami Seto, has psychokinetic powers just like Sumeragi and is a new recruit to the OSF, fresh from training school. She is a cool, rational and somewhat aloof character; an elite with exceptional fighting skills alongside her special powers, but with questions about her mysterious visions. Rather than controlling both protagonists in one play-through, players choose between Sumeragi and Randall to experience the same story from different viewpoints. More details will be released at a later date. Three new members of the Other Suppression Force were announced during the livestream. Tsugumi Nazar (voiced by Marika Kouno) has been in the OSF for 12 years and is a clairvoyant. She is shy but a determined fighter who keeps her composure in battle. Gemma Garrison (Ryota Takeuchi) is a 38-year veteran of the OSF whose special ability is to make his body impenetrable as a defensive measure. Since extra-sensory powers decline with age, Garrison is being treated with growth suppressants – so while he only looks a little older than the others, this combat expert is in fact nearing retirement. Finally, Luka Travers (Chinatsu Akasaki) is an androgenous male fighter who has been with the OSF for 22 years and is able to teleport. Travers ranks highly in the OSF as one of the Septentrions (the seven most talented members), and is a cool-minded soldier who is able to analyze a fight and make tactical decisions. Scarlet Nexus will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and Steam. No release date has been announced. Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan, and here he is on Twitter.