PlayStation Vita News Category - Siliconera The secret level in the world of video game news. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:47:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://d3la0uqcqx40x5.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-cropped-favicon-new-270x270-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32 PlayStation Vita News Category - Siliconera 32 32 163913089 Steins;Gate Time Machine Replica Will Be at 15th Anniversary Pop-Up https://www.siliconera.com/steinsgate-time-machine-replica-will-be-at-15th-anniversary-pop-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=steinsgate-time-machine-replica-will-be-at-15th-anniversary-pop-up https://www.siliconera.com/steinsgate-time-machine-replica-will-be-at-15th-anniversary-pop-up/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1096165 Steins;Gate Time Machine Replica Will Be at 15th Anniversary Pop-Up

Tohakusha announced it will feature a replica of the time machine from Steins;Gate at a 15th anniversary exhibition at the Akihabara Don Quijote store in Tokyo, Japan. The show will start on Steins;Gate day, which is July 28th, the day Future Gadget Lab’s Time Leap Machine is made and the game’s events begin. The event will include replicas, art, and merchandise to buy when it runs between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025.

Since this announcement is still early, there are no images or exact details about some of the exhibits that will be shown or items that will be sold. Tohakusha specifically mentioned a 1:1 scale version of the the Steins;Gate time machine, and this could refer to the Time Leap Machine or FG204. The latter would be much larger than the former, naturally. 

The actual 15th anniversary of the series took place on October 15, 2024. Mages celebrated with a short video confirming more projects were planned and a Steins;Gate 15th Live: One World event on October 27, 2024.

The Steins;Gate 15th Anniversary Pop-Up will take place at the Akihabara Don Quijote between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025. The original game is on the Switch, PS3, Vita, PC, and mobile devices worldwide, as well as on the PS4, Xbox 360, and mobile devices in Japan. A remake called Steins;Gate Re:Boot is in development. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post Steins;Gate Time Machine Replica Will Be at 15th Anniversary Pop-Up appeared first on Siliconera.

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Steins;Gate Time Machine Replica Will Be at 15th Anniversary Pop-Up

Tohakusha announced it will feature a replica of the time machine from Steins;Gate at a 15th anniversary exhibition at the Akihabara Don Quijote store in Tokyo, Japan. The show will start on Steins;Gate day, which is July 28th, the day Future Gadget Lab’s Time Leap Machine is made and the game’s events begin. The event will include replicas, art, and merchandise to buy when it runs between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025.

Since this announcement is still early, there are no images or exact details about some of the exhibits that will be shown or items that will be sold. Tohakusha specifically mentioned a 1:1 scale version of the the Steins;Gate time machine, and this could refer to the Time Leap Machine or FG204. The latter would be much larger than the former, naturally. 

The actual 15th anniversary of the series took place on October 15, 2024. Mages celebrated with a short video confirming more projects were planned and a Steins;Gate 15th Live: One World event on October 27, 2024.

The Steins;Gate 15th Anniversary Pop-Up will take place at the Akihabara Don Quijote between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025. The original game is on the Switch, PS3, Vita, PC, and mobile devices worldwide, as well as on the PS4, Xbox 360, and mobile devices in Japan. A remake called Steins;Gate Re:Boot is in development. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post Steins;Gate Time Machine Replica Will Be at 15th Anniversary Pop-Up appeared first on Siliconera.

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Adachi, Nanako Among 4 New Persona 4 Golden Keychains https://www.siliconera.com/adachi-nanako-among-4-new-persona-4-golden-keychains/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=adachi-nanako-among-4-new-persona-4-golden-keychains https://www.siliconera.com/adachi-nanako-among-4-new-persona-4-golden-keychains/#respond Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1095851 Adachi, Nanako Among 4 New Persona 4 Golden Keychains

Atlus announced that it is now selling both new Persona 4 Golden plush character keychains, with Tohru Adachi and Nanako Dojima among the designs. These are on Ebten, which ships worldwide through WorldShopping, and stores like AmiAmi are also offering them. These cost 1,760円 (~$12), and they’ll ship in November 2025.

Each of these Persona 4 Golden plush keychains are about 11cm tall (110mm), regardless of how tall characters are in the game, so Nanako is the same size as Adachi. In the case of characters who are old enough to be in school, they wear their uniforms. So that applies to Kanji Tatsumi, Naoto Shirogane, and Rise Kujikawa are all dressed for school. Adachi is in his suit he wears for work, while Nanako wears her trademark red and pink dress. Teddy appears in his bear mascot form. 

As for the returning characters, they’re all wearing their school uniforms. The protagonist, Chie Satonaka, Yukiko Amagi, and Yosuke Hanamura are all ready for class. The last time we saw them was in October 2024.

Here’s a closer look at all the designs:

The Persona 4 Golden Adachi, Kanji, Nanako, Naoto, Rise, and Teddy plush keychains will debut alongside rereleases of the protagonist, Chie, Yukiko, and Yosuke ones in Japan in November 2025. The game is on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The anime adaptation is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post Adachi, Nanako Among 4 New Persona 4 Golden Keychains appeared first on Siliconera.

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Adachi, Nanako Among 4 New Persona 4 Golden Keychains

Atlus announced that it is now selling both new Persona 4 Golden plush character keychains, with Tohru Adachi and Nanako Dojima among the designs. These are on Ebten, which ships worldwide through WorldShopping, and stores like AmiAmi are also offering them. These cost 1,760円 (~$12), and they’ll ship in November 2025.

Each of these Persona 4 Golden plush keychains are about 11cm tall (110mm), regardless of how tall characters are in the game, so Nanako is the same size as Adachi. In the case of characters who are old enough to be in school, they wear their uniforms. So that applies to Kanji Tatsumi, Naoto Shirogane, and Rise Kujikawa are all dressed for school. Adachi is in his suit he wears for work, while Nanako wears her trademark red and pink dress. Teddy appears in his bear mascot form. 

As for the returning characters, they’re all wearing their school uniforms. The protagonist, Chie Satonaka, Yukiko Amagi, and Yosuke Hanamura are all ready for class. The last time we saw them was in October 2024.

Here’s a closer look at all the designs:

The Persona 4 Golden Adachi, Kanji, Nanako, Naoto, Rise, and Teddy plush keychains will debut alongside rereleases of the protagonist, Chie, Yukiko, and Yosuke ones in Japan in November 2025. The game is on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The anime adaptation is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post Adachi, Nanako Among 4 New Persona 4 Golden Keychains appeared first on Siliconera.

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Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Debuts in 2026 https://www.siliconera.com/danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-debuts-in-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-debuts-in-2026 https://www.siliconera.com/danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-debuts-in-2026/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1095549 Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Debuts in 2026

During the June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS showcase, Good Smile Company showed off a nearly-ready Kokichi Oma Danganronpa V3 Nendoroid. Now we know he’ll be here next year. He’ll debut in Japan in January 2026, followed by a US release in Q2 2026. The character will cost ¥7,300/$48.99. Orders from the official storefront include a themed base with the game’s logo and his name on it. 

Since Kokichi Oma comes with a removable hat and cape, the figure doesn’t include any accessories for the character to hold. However, it comes with three face plates as usual. One features a standard, closed-mouth smile. Another is a wider, more enthusiastic smile with bright eyes. The final face plate looks a bit sneaky, as he has a smirk and narrowed eyes in it.

Here’s how the Kokichi Oma Nendoroid looks, and Good Smile Company shared a photo of the Danganronpa V3 stand we can get with it. That stand is only available through the two first-party storefronts, and places like Amazon, AmiAmi, or Crunchyroll won't offer it with a purchase.

The Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Kokichi Oma Nendoroid will debut in Japan in January 2026, followed by a worldwide launch in Q2 2026. Pre-orders close on July 30, 2025. The game is available on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Debuts in 2026 appeared first on Siliconera.

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Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Debuts in 2026

During the June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS showcase, Good Smile Company showed off a nearly-ready Kokichi Oma Danganronpa V3 Nendoroid. Now we know he’ll be here next year. He’ll debut in Japan in January 2026, followed by a US release in Q2 2026. The character will cost ¥7,300/$48.99. Orders from the official storefront include a themed base with the game’s logo and his name on it. 

Since Kokichi Oma comes with a removable hat and cape, the figure doesn’t include any accessories for the character to hold. However, it comes with three face plates as usual. One features a standard, closed-mouth smile. Another is a wider, more enthusiastic smile with bright eyes. The final face plate looks a bit sneaky, as he has a smirk and narrowed eyes in it.

Here’s how the Kokichi Oma Nendoroid looks, and Good Smile Company shared a photo of the Danganronpa V3 stand we can get with it. That stand is only available through the two first-party storefronts, and places like Amazon, AmiAmi, or Crunchyroll won't offer it with a purchase.

The Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Kokichi Oma Nendoroid will debut in Japan in January 2026, followed by a worldwide launch in Q2 2026. Pre-orders close on July 30, 2025. The game is available on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Debuts in 2026 appeared first on Siliconera.

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New Persona 3 and 5 Dancing Hero Figures in Development https://www.siliconera.com/new-persona-3-and-5-dancing-hero-figures-in-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-persona-3-and-5-dancing-hero-figures-in-development https://www.siliconera.com/new-persona-3-and-5-dancing-hero-figures-in-development/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1095181 New Persona 3 and 5 Dancing Hero Figures in Development

During Smile Fest 2025, Good Smile Company shared an update on Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight figures of the heroes Makoto Yuki and Ren “Joker” Amamiya. Both are now in the unpainted prototype stage. Only one photo was shared to show the both of them on the official site. We don’t know when final version will debut.

As this is based on the dancing game, both Makoto and Ren wear casual outfits for these figures. They each feature active poses that make it look as though they are dancing. The bases feature nods to the Moonlight and Starlight subtitles. However, both also feature the generic “Hero” name on the base instead of the canon names for the characters. It is unknown if the two are attached at the bases, or if they’ll be able to be purchased and poses separately.

Here's the first unpainted prototype photo of the two:

A number of other characters from these spin-off games. In the past, Aigis, Ann Tamaki, Makoto Niijima, Morgana, and Rise Kujikawa ones showed up.

This is one of many announcements from Smile Fest 2025. Another one offered a look at the Snow Miku figure that pairs the Vocaloid with the Sanrio mascot Kuromi. That’s a bit further along in development than this figure, however. A painted prototype of it showed up at the event.

The Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight figures of the heroes Makoto Yuki and Ren “Joker” Amamiya are in development, and there’s no release window for either one yet. Both games appeared on the PS4 and Vita worldwide.

The post New Persona 3 and 5 Dancing Hero Figures in Development appeared first on Siliconera.

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New Persona 3 and 5 Dancing Hero Figures in Development

During Smile Fest 2025, Good Smile Company shared an update on Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight figures of the heroes Makoto Yuki and Ren “Joker” Amamiya. Both are now in the unpainted prototype stage. Only one photo was shared to show the both of them on the official site. We don’t know when final version will debut.

As this is based on the dancing game, both Makoto and Ren wear casual outfits for these figures. They each feature active poses that make it look as though they are dancing. The bases feature nods to the Moonlight and Starlight subtitles. However, both also feature the generic “Hero” name on the base instead of the canon names for the characters. It is unknown if the two are attached at the bases, or if they’ll be able to be purchased and poses separately.

Here's the first unpainted prototype photo of the two:

A number of other characters from these spin-off games. In the past, Aigis, Ann Tamaki, Makoto Niijima, Morgana, and Rise Kujikawa ones showed up.

This is one of many announcements from Smile Fest 2025. Another one offered a look at the Snow Miku figure that pairs the Vocaloid with the Sanrio mascot Kuromi. That’s a bit further along in development than this figure, however. A painted prototype of it showed up at the event.

The Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight figures of the heroes Makoto Yuki and Ren “Joker” Amamiya are in development, and there’s no release window for either one yet. Both games appeared on the PS4 and Vita worldwide.

The post New Persona 3 and 5 Dancing Hero Figures in Development appeared first on Siliconera.

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Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Arrives Next https://www.siliconera.com/danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-arrives-next/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-arrives-next https://www.siliconera.com/danganronpa-v3-kokichi-oma-nendoroid-arrives-next/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1094980 Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Arrives Next

During the June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS showcase, Good Smile Company confirmed the next Danganronpa figure we will see will be of Kokichi Oma from Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony. There’s no release window for him yet. His pre-orders could open soon, however, as a painted prototype appeared in the video.

There were three poses highlighted during the showcase. Two featured Kokichi with his hat and cape off, and the third showed him with them on. All three of his face plates appeared, with one being a standard smiling expression, one more excited, and a third that seemed devious. While we do know the hat and cape will be included, none of his other possible accessories showed up in the shots during the showcase.

You can see all three of those poses in the gallery below:

Here’s the full June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS presentation. The Danganronpa announcement came up at about the 12:45 mark. Only Kokichi appeared, and no other figures of characters ended up announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT4BGppOoZM

This is the first Nendoroid of a character from this announcement. However, we have seen scale figures of Kaede Akamatsu before. 

The Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Kokichi Oma Nendoroid is in development, and the game is available on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Arrives Next appeared first on Siliconera.

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Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Arrives Next

During the June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS showcase, Good Smile Company confirmed the next Danganronpa figure we will see will be of Kokichi Oma from Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony. There’s no release window for him yet. His pre-orders could open soon, however, as a painted prototype appeared in the video.

There were three poses highlighted during the showcase. Two featured Kokichi with his hat and cape off, and the third showed him with them on. All three of his face plates appeared, with one being a standard smiling expression, one more excited, and a third that seemed devious. While we do know the hat and cape will be included, none of his other possible accessories showed up in the shots during the showcase.

You can see all three of those poses in the gallery below:

Here’s the full June 2025 Nendoroid FUNS presentation. The Danganronpa announcement came up at about the 12:45 mark. Only Kokichi appeared, and no other figures of characters ended up announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT4BGppOoZM

This is the first Nendoroid of a character from this announcement. However, we have seen scale figures of Kaede Akamatsu before. 

The Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Kokichi Oma Nendoroid is in development, and the game is available on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Danganronpa V3 Kokichi Oma Nendoroid Arrives Next appeared first on Siliconera.

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Chie Satonaka Voice Actress Brings Up Persona 4 Remake https://www.siliconera.com/chie-satonaka-voice-actress-brings-up-persona-4-remake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chie-satonaka-voice-actress-brings-up-persona-4-remake https://www.siliconera.com/chie-satonaka-voice-actress-brings-up-persona-4-remake/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1093849 Chie Satonaka Voice Actress Brings Up Persona 4 Remake

Erin Fitzgerald, the most recent voice actress behind Chie Satonaka, confirmed on Bluesky she hasn’t heard from Atlus regarding voicing the character in any potential Persona 4 remake. This came after Yuri Lowenthal, the original voice of Yosuke Hanamura, stated he would not be returning for any potential updated release of the JRPG.

In Fitzgerald’s statement, she specifically stated she hadn’t ben contacted about possibly playing the character again in a remake. She also expressed her joy at being able to play her in the entries and spin-offs she did. Here’s a screenshot of the Bluesky post I took.

Yuri Lowenthal later removed his statement from social media after making it on May 28, 2025. 

Erin Fitzgerald is the second English voice actress for Chie in the Persona series, and she debuted in Persona 4 Arena. Atlus then had her take over the part for the Persona 4 Golden releases. She also appeared in both the rhythm game and Etrian Odyssey-style spin-offs and anime adaptation. Prior to that, Tracey Rooney played the heroine in the original game. If we do see a Persona 4 remake, that would make the third Chie Satonaka English voice actress for the series.

Atlus didn’t make any remake announcement yet. Summer Game Fest 2025 is upon us, so if any reveal does come up it could be at one of its showcases. So far the only recent remake of a JRPG in the series is Persona 3 Reload. That debuted in 2024. The initial release only included the base game, and the FES content appeared later as DLC. 

Persona 4 is available on the PS2, and Persona 4 Golden showed up on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Persona 3 Reload is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Chie Satonaka Voice Actress Brings Up Persona 4 Remake appeared first on Siliconera.

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Chie Satonaka Voice Actress Brings Up Persona 4 Remake

Erin Fitzgerald, the most recent voice actress behind Chie Satonaka, confirmed on Bluesky she hasn’t heard from Atlus regarding voicing the character in any potential Persona 4 remake. This came after Yuri Lowenthal, the original voice of Yosuke Hanamura, stated he would not be returning for any potential updated release of the JRPG.

In Fitzgerald’s statement, she specifically stated she hadn’t ben contacted about possibly playing the character again in a remake. She also expressed her joy at being able to play her in the entries and spin-offs she did. Here’s a screenshot of the Bluesky post I took.

Yuri Lowenthal later removed his statement from social media after making it on May 28, 2025. 

Erin Fitzgerald is the second English voice actress for Chie in the Persona series, and she debuted in Persona 4 Arena. Atlus then had her take over the part for the Persona 4 Golden releases. She also appeared in both the rhythm game and Etrian Odyssey-style spin-offs and anime adaptation. Prior to that, Tracey Rooney played the heroine in the original game. If we do see a Persona 4 remake, that would make the third Chie Satonaka English voice actress for the series.

Atlus didn’t make any remake announcement yet. Summer Game Fest 2025 is upon us, so if any reveal does come up it could be at one of its showcases. So far the only recent remake of a JRPG in the series is Persona 3 Reload. That debuted in 2024. The initial release only included the base game, and the FES content appeared later as DLC. 

Persona 4 is available on the PS2, and Persona 4 Golden showed up on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Persona 3 Reload is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Chie Satonaka Voice Actress Brings Up Persona 4 Remake appeared first on Siliconera.

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Yuri Lowenthal Discussed Being Yosuke in a Persona 4 Remake https://www.siliconera.com/yuri-lowenthal-discussed-being-yosuke-in-persona-4-remake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yuri-lowenthal-discussed-being-yosuke-in-persona-4-remake https://www.siliconera.com/yuri-lowenthal-discussed-being-yosuke-in-persona-4-remake/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1093793 Yuri Lowenthal Discussed Being Yosuke in Persona 4 Remake

Yuri Lowenthal took to Bluesky to discuss the possibility of him playing Yosuke Hanamura in a possible Persona 4 remake. He definitively said it won’t happen. He also said, “…They don’t want me to come back.” He voiced the character since the original game, which debuted in 2008.

Here is a screenshot of Lowenthal’s statement on Bluesky. In it, he addressed the fact that multiple people apparently brought up the question. He also referenced a possible Persona 4 remake, though Atlus hasn’t announced any revival project for that entry.

Yuri Lowenthal has been the English voice actor for Yosuke for multiple Persona 4 projects and general Persona games. In addition to playing the character in the original game and Golden update, he also played the role in spin-offs like Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4: Dancing All Night

If a Persona 4 remake did happen, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for Atlus to go with an actor other than Yuri Lowenthal to play Yosuke. When the company made the  Persona 3 Reload remake, it went with an entirely new English cast

Persona 4 is available on the PS2, and Persona 4 Golden showed up on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Atlus hasn’t announced a remake of it, but did release a remake of Persona 3 in 2024.

The post Yuri Lowenthal Discussed Being Yosuke in a Persona 4 Remake appeared first on Siliconera.

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Yuri Lowenthal Discussed Being Yosuke in Persona 4 Remake

Yuri Lowenthal took to Bluesky to discuss the possibility of him playing Yosuke Hanamura in a possible Persona 4 remake. He definitively said it won’t happen. He also said, “…They don’t want me to come back.” He voiced the character since the original game, which debuted in 2008.

Here is a screenshot of Lowenthal’s statement on Bluesky. In it, he addressed the fact that multiple people apparently brought up the question. He also referenced a possible Persona 4 remake, though Atlus hasn’t announced any revival project for that entry.

Yuri Lowenthal has been the English voice actor for Yosuke for multiple Persona 4 projects and general Persona games. In addition to playing the character in the original game and Golden update, he also played the role in spin-offs like Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4: Dancing All Night

If a Persona 4 remake did happen, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for Atlus to go with an actor other than Yuri Lowenthal to play Yosuke. When the company made the  Persona 3 Reload remake, it went with an entirely new English cast

Persona 4 is available on the PS2, and Persona 4 Golden showed up on the Switch, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Atlus hasn’t announced a remake of it, but did release a remake of Persona 3 in 2024.

The post Yuri Lowenthal Discussed Being Yosuke in a Persona 4 Remake appeared first on Siliconera.

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Review: 7’scarlet Gets Great When Its Mysteries Are Solved https://www.siliconera.com/review-7scarlet-gets-great-when-its-mysteries-are-solved/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=review-7scarlet-gets-great-when-its-mysteries-are-solved https://www.siliconera.com/review-7scarlet-gets-great-when-its-mysteries-are-solved/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1091502 Review: 7’scarlet Gets Great When Its Mysteries Are Solved

You don’t just forget the loss of a loved one, and that kind of trauma can compel you to head into potentially dangerous situations in search of answers. 7’scarlet is the the sort of otome game that broaches that idea, with a missing person’s case compelling the people left behind to return to a childhood home town in search of answers and insights into a rather mysterious place. What’s remarkable here is, even almost 10 years after its debut in 2016, this otome game still feels fresh upon its Switch debut.  

Years ago, Ichiko Hanamaki and her family used to live in the town of Okunezato. She doesn’t remember much about that time, which makes it even worse when her brother Hanate disappears after returning there for a visit a year before. Since a summer vacation is coming up and her childhood friend and classmate Hino is heading back for a meeting of the Okunezato Supernatural Club, she takes the opportunity to join him and find answers. However, the prospect of a brief job at the Fuurinkan Hotel offers a chance to spend even more time in town investigating and possibly falling in love with a shocking number of men she’s met before and doesn’t remember, and Ichiko seizes it in the hopes of discovering the truth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-mW8lFoREI

7’scarlet always ended up being an otome game that balances both a mystery of sorts with dating sim elements, and that didn’t change for the Switch release. Depending on the guy you’re pursuing, you essentially learn more about a particular mystery or element of the game. Some of them are the most basic and deal with potential threats to Ichiko’s life. Others are more detailed and offer insights into the supernatural urban legend tied to alleged Revenants roaming the streets of Okunezato and murdering the innocent each year. Maybe you’ll also find out what happens to Hanate. Depending on the person you pursue, the possibilities of actual romance and answers may vary. In general, it’s pretty well-written, though Ichiko herself is one of those heroines that suffers from a rather malleable personality that varied based on what type of role Idea Factory needed her to fill in that storyline. 

The art is also generally pretty great, and the UI is quite clear. There are a pretty decent array of CGs scattered throughout most routes, though one of the six doesn’t feel like it gets the same treatment as the others. Most of the storylines do feature moments that showcase a connection gradually growing and forming between Ichiko and the chosen partner, so I didn’t feel like there were too many shocks from a route suddenly being romantic after no signs telegraphed throughout the story. Appropriately enough, there are some possible bad ends and dangerous outcomes, which fits given this is a young woman heading off to try and solve a missing person’s case on her own in a town known for unexplained yearly murders. 

Given this is a very straightforward port, the same problems present in the Vita and PC versions of 7’scarlet remain in the Switch version of the otome game. Primarily, it’s the way the mystery is handled. There are only some routes that fully cover what’s going on in Okunezato and with Ichiko and her brother Hanate. The others are still fulfilling in their own way, but given the mystery of his disappearance, her departing the town as a child, and the rumor about Revenants that return to the village, it’s really a letdown when things don’t cover those mysteries. I feel like the Toa and Yuzuki handle things best. The final route, though it should be most fulfilling, is sort of the worst, even though it does provide all of the answers. 

Honestly, that last route is probably the one I like least because of the execution. It’s a pity, since it feels like all of 7’scarlet’s story is building up to it! But then when you get there, it isn’t as well developed as the other love interests’ storyline. Even the relationship doesn’t feel as authentic as a result, which is especially troublesome given you’d need to get over some of the connotations associated with it.  

While there may be some unfulfilling moments in 7’scarlet, depending on the route, as a whole it’s an enjoyable and often otherworldly otome game. Given how unusual its storyline can get and the twists and revelations that come after chasing after certain love interests, it’s definitely one that stands out among other Aksys, Otomate, and Idea Factory works. I’m glad it’s gotten a Switch release so even more people can experience and appreciate it.

7’scarlet will come to the Nintendo Switch on May 15, 2025, and it is also available on the Vita and PC worldwide. 

The post Review: 7’scarlet Gets Great When Its Mysteries Are Solved appeared first on Siliconera.

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Review: 7’scarlet Gets Great When Its Mysteries Are Solved

You don’t just forget the loss of a loved one, and that kind of trauma can compel you to head into potentially dangerous situations in search of answers. 7’scarlet is the the sort of otome game that broaches that idea, with a missing person’s case compelling the people left behind to return to a childhood home town in search of answers and insights into a rather mysterious place. What’s remarkable here is, even almost 10 years after its debut in 2016, this otome game still feels fresh upon its Switch debut.  

Years ago, Ichiko Hanamaki and her family used to live in the town of Okunezato. She doesn’t remember much about that time, which makes it even worse when her brother Hanate disappears after returning there for a visit a year before. Since a summer vacation is coming up and her childhood friend and classmate Hino is heading back for a meeting of the Okunezato Supernatural Club, she takes the opportunity to join him and find answers. However, the prospect of a brief job at the Fuurinkan Hotel offers a chance to spend even more time in town investigating and possibly falling in love with a shocking number of men she’s met before and doesn’t remember, and Ichiko seizes it in the hopes of discovering the truth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-mW8lFoREI

7’scarlet always ended up being an otome game that balances both a mystery of sorts with dating sim elements, and that didn’t change for the Switch release. Depending on the guy you’re pursuing, you essentially learn more about a particular mystery or element of the game. Some of them are the most basic and deal with potential threats to Ichiko’s life. Others are more detailed and offer insights into the supernatural urban legend tied to alleged Revenants roaming the streets of Okunezato and murdering the innocent each year. Maybe you’ll also find out what happens to Hanate. Depending on the person you pursue, the possibilities of actual romance and answers may vary. In general, it’s pretty well-written, though Ichiko herself is one of those heroines that suffers from a rather malleable personality that varied based on what type of role Idea Factory needed her to fill in that storyline. 

The art is also generally pretty great, and the UI is quite clear. There are a pretty decent array of CGs scattered throughout most routes, though one of the six doesn’t feel like it gets the same treatment as the others. Most of the storylines do feature moments that showcase a connection gradually growing and forming between Ichiko and the chosen partner, so I didn’t feel like there were too many shocks from a route suddenly being romantic after no signs telegraphed throughout the story. Appropriately enough, there are some possible bad ends and dangerous outcomes, which fits given this is a young woman heading off to try and solve a missing person’s case on her own in a town known for unexplained yearly murders. 

Given this is a very straightforward port, the same problems present in the Vita and PC versions of 7’scarlet remain in the Switch version of the otome game. Primarily, it’s the way the mystery is handled. There are only some routes that fully cover what’s going on in Okunezato and with Ichiko and her brother Hanate. The others are still fulfilling in their own way, but given the mystery of his disappearance, her departing the town as a child, and the rumor about Revenants that return to the village, it’s really a letdown when things don’t cover those mysteries. I feel like the Toa and Yuzuki handle things best. The final route, though it should be most fulfilling, is sort of the worst, even though it does provide all of the answers. 

Honestly, that last route is probably the one I like least because of the execution. It’s a pity, since it feels like all of 7’scarlet’s story is building up to it! But then when you get there, it isn’t as well developed as the other love interests’ storyline. Even the relationship doesn’t feel as authentic as a result, which is especially troublesome given you’d need to get over some of the connotations associated with it.  

While there may be some unfulfilling moments in 7’scarlet, depending on the route, as a whole it’s an enjoyable and often otherworldly otome game. Given how unusual its storyline can get and the twists and revelations that come after chasing after certain love interests, it’s definitely one that stands out among other Aksys, Otomate, and Idea Factory works. I’m glad it’s gotten a Switch release so even more people can experience and appreciate it.

7’scarlet will come to the Nintendo Switch on May 15, 2025, and it is also available on the Vita and PC worldwide. 

The post Review: 7’scarlet Gets Great When Its Mysteries Are Solved appeared first on Siliconera.

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PS3, PS4, and Vita PlayStation Network Maintenance Announced https://www.siliconera.com/ps3-ps4-and-vita-playstation-network-maintenance-announced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ps3-ps4-and-vita-playstation-network-maintenance-announced https://www.siliconera.com/ps3-ps4-and-vita-playstation-network-maintenance-announced/#respond Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:30 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1089923 playstation network maintenance

The PlayStation Network will undergo maintenance on April 15, 2025. During this time, some PS3, PS4, and PS Vita games’ online functions may not be available.

The maintenance will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That would convert to 6:00 PM PDT/9:00 PM EDT of April 14 to 1:00 AM PDT/4:00 AM EDT. The English accounts for Sony and PlayStation have not made any announcement for maintenance, so it appears that this is only for Japan. 

Many of the replies and QRTs to the original Tweet are complaining about how long the maintenance will last, as well as how many consoles will be affected. Some are wondering what they should do during this time, even though April 15, 2025 is a Tuesday. As a reminder, the maintenance will only impact online services, which means that games that have an offline mode will still be playable during the above hours.

As of the time of writing, Sony has not mentioned anything about the PS5’s servers going offline for any maintenance. This likely only affects the PS3, PS4, and PS Vita due to the age of the above consoles. For reference, the PS3 came out in 2006, the Vita in 2011, and the PS4 in 2013. All of them are already over a decade old.

The PlayStation Network maintenance for the PS3, PS4, and PS Vita will run from 6:00 PM PDT/9:00 PM EDT of April 14, 2025, to 1:00 AM PDT/4:00 AM EDT of April 15, 2025.

The post PS3, PS4, and Vita PlayStation Network Maintenance Announced appeared first on Siliconera.

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playstation network maintenance

The PlayStation Network will undergo maintenance on April 15, 2025. During this time, some PS3, PS4, and PS Vita games’ online functions may not be available.

The maintenance will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That would convert to 6:00 PM PDT/9:00 PM EDT of April 14 to 1:00 AM PDT/4:00 AM EDT. The English accounts for Sony and PlayStation have not made any announcement for maintenance, so it appears that this is only for Japan. 

Many of the replies and QRTs to the original Tweet are complaining about how long the maintenance will last, as well as how many consoles will be affected. Some are wondering what they should do during this time, even though April 15, 2025 is a Tuesday. As a reminder, the maintenance will only impact online services, which means that games that have an offline mode will still be playable during the above hours.

As of the time of writing, Sony has not mentioned anything about the PS5’s servers going offline for any maintenance. This likely only affects the PS3, PS4, and PS Vita due to the age of the above consoles. For reference, the PS3 came out in 2006, the Vita in 2011, and the PS4 in 2013. All of them are already over a decade old.

The PlayStation Network maintenance for the PS3, PS4, and PS Vita will run from 6:00 PM PDT/9:00 PM EDT of April 14, 2025, to 1:00 AM PDT/4:00 AM EDT of April 15, 2025.

The post PS3, PS4, and Vita PlayStation Network Maintenance Announced appeared first on Siliconera.

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New Steins;Gate Figures Put Characters in Swimsuits  https://www.siliconera.com/new-steinsgate-figures-put-characters-in-swimsuits/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-steinsgate-figures-put-characters-in-swimsuits https://www.siliconera.com/new-steinsgate-figures-put-characters-in-swimsuits/#respond Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1089275 Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha wear swimsuits for three new Steins;Gate figures available alone or in a bundle together.

Good Smile Company announced three figures of Steins;Gate characters Kurisu Makise, Mayuri Shiina, and Suzuha Amane in swimsuits, and they can be purchased separately or together in a bundle. Alone, they cost ¥18,700 / $193.99 each. If you buy all three at once, they are ¥55,000 / $565.99. These will launch in Japan in May 2026, with a worldwide release coming sometime in Q4 2026. All of them are based on their appearances in the games and anime.

All of these are static figures. So you can’t change face plates or arm parts to alter their expressions or poses. However, each one does feature a different position so they can be paired together or showcase various poolside activities. Kurisu is holding an innertube that matches her swimsuit and a soda. She’s also still got her necktie on from her daily attire. Suzuha, given her background, is holding a water pistol. Meanwhile, Mayuri holds a transparent beach ball that resembles the Metal and Fairy Upa from the series.

Each one of these characters is a 1/7 scale figure. That means they’ll all be between 9-11 inches tall. So Kurisu is about nine and a half inches (240mm). Suzuha is slightly taller, since she’s holding her pistol up, but she’s still around 10 inches (260mm). Mayuri is the tallest, since she’s holding the beach ball up over her head, so she beats the other too and reaches for almost 11 and a half inches (290mm). 

Here are two official photos of all three of the Steins;Gate characters together, so you can get a sense of scale for all of the figures.

And here are some close-ups that offer better looks at Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha’s faces.

Finally, there are Good Smile Company Store bonus items available. One is only available if you buy the bundle that includes all three figures. The other three are piecemeal items that come when you buy just one. Collector’s cards of Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha come with the solo figures. If someone buys the collection, they get a 60cm x 40cm tapestry that features the art of all three heroines in their swimsuits.

Here’s how those bonus items look:

The Steins;Gate figures of characters Kurisu Makise, Mayuri Shiina, and Suzuha Amane in swimsuits will come to Japan in May 2026 and launch worldwide in Q4 2026. Pre-orders are open until June 4, 2026. The original game is available on the PS3, Vita, and PC worldwide, and it also appeared on the PS4, PSP, Xbox 360, and mobile devices in Japan. Steins;Gate Elite is available on the Switch, PS4, and PC worldwide, as well as the Vita and mobile devices in Japan. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post New Steins;Gate Figures Put Characters in Swimsuits  appeared first on Siliconera.

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Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha wear swimsuits for three new Steins;Gate figures available alone or in a bundle together.

Good Smile Company announced three figures of Steins;Gate characters Kurisu Makise, Mayuri Shiina, and Suzuha Amane in swimsuits, and they can be purchased separately or together in a bundle. Alone, they cost ¥18,700 / $193.99 each. If you buy all three at once, they are ¥55,000 / $565.99. These will launch in Japan in May 2026, with a worldwide release coming sometime in Q4 2026. All of them are based on their appearances in the games and anime.

All of these are static figures. So you can’t change face plates or arm parts to alter their expressions or poses. However, each one does feature a different position so they can be paired together or showcase various poolside activities. Kurisu is holding an innertube that matches her swimsuit and a soda. She’s also still got her necktie on from her daily attire. Suzuha, given her background, is holding a water pistol. Meanwhile, Mayuri holds a transparent beach ball that resembles the Metal and Fairy Upa from the series.

Each one of these characters is a 1/7 scale figure. That means they’ll all be between 9-11 inches tall. So Kurisu is about nine and a half inches (240mm). Suzuha is slightly taller, since she’s holding her pistol up, but she’s still around 10 inches (260mm). Mayuri is the tallest, since she’s holding the beach ball up over her head, so she beats the other too and reaches for almost 11 and a half inches (290mm). 

Here are two official photos of all three of the Steins;Gate characters together, so you can get a sense of scale for all of the figures.

And here are some close-ups that offer better looks at Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha’s faces.

Finally, there are Good Smile Company Store bonus items available. One is only available if you buy the bundle that includes all three figures. The other three are piecemeal items that come when you buy just one. Collector’s cards of Kurisu, Mayuri, and Suzuha come with the solo figures. If someone buys the collection, they get a 60cm x 40cm tapestry that features the art of all three heroines in their swimsuits.

Here’s how those bonus items look:

The Steins;Gate figures of characters Kurisu Makise, Mayuri Shiina, and Suzuha Amane in swimsuits will come to Japan in May 2026 and launch worldwide in Q4 2026. Pre-orders are open until June 4, 2026. The original game is available on the PS3, Vita, and PC worldwide, and it also appeared on the PS4, PSP, Xbox 360, and mobile devices in Japan. Steins;Gate Elite is available on the Switch, PS4, and PC worldwide, as well as the Vita and mobile devices in Japan. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

The post New Steins;Gate Figures Put Characters in Swimsuits  appeared first on Siliconera.

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Vita Otome La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato Heads to Switch, PC https://www.siliconera.com/vita-otome-la-storia-della-arcana-famiglia-rinato-heads-to-switch-pc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vita-otome-la-storia-della-arcana-famiglia-rinato-heads-to-switch-pc https://www.siliconera.com/vita-otome-la-storia-della-arcana-famiglia-rinato-heads-to-switch-pc/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1085068 Vita Otome La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato Heads to Switch, PC

Dramatic Create and HuneX announced the release date for its Switch port of one of the Comfort Arcana Famiglia otome games that originally appeared on the PSP and Vita in Japan. Arcana Famiglia: La storia della Arcana Famiglia Ancora will appear as La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato on the console on July 24, 2025. The official website noted a PC version is also on the way, but there’s no exact release window for it yet. 

The Arcana Famiglia otome games all deal with mafia stories and more battle-hardened love interests. In many cases, the heroine ends up being head of a gang or part of a “family.” That’s the case here. Your heroine is daughter of the Arcana Tarocco boss, and now that her father is stepping down he is looking for a successor. That could be her or one of his underlings. As you go through the adventure, your avatar can end up romancing Debito, Dante, Jolly, Liberta, Luca, Nova, and Pace. The story may sound familiar, as Sentai Filmworks released the anime adaptation La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia outside Japan.

Here’s the latest trailer for La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato, which does feature some English text as the full game will be available with English, Japanese, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese subtitles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVAZ94abDn4&ab_channel=dramaticcreate%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

And the full list of voice actors is also available. While subtitles are available in multiple languages, only Japanese audio will be available.

  • Dante: Jurota Kosugi
  • Debito: Hiroyuki Yoshino
  • Jolly: Koji Yusa
  • Liberta: Jun Fukuyama
  • Luca: Yoichi Nakamura
  • Nova: Tsubasa Yonaga
  • Pace: Tomokazu Sugita

La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato will appear on the Switch on July 24, 2025, and a PC version of the otome game will be available as well. The title appeared on the PSP and Vita in Japan. The anime adaptation also appeared worldwide, but it doesn’t seem to be currently streaming anywhere.

The post Vita Otome La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato Heads to Switch, PC appeared first on Siliconera.

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Vita Otome La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato Heads to Switch, PC

Dramatic Create and HuneX announced the release date for its Switch port of one of the Comfort Arcana Famiglia otome games that originally appeared on the PSP and Vita in Japan. Arcana Famiglia: La storia della Arcana Famiglia Ancora will appear as La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato on the console on July 24, 2025. The official website noted a PC version is also on the way, but there’s no exact release window for it yet. 

The Arcana Famiglia otome games all deal with mafia stories and more battle-hardened love interests. In many cases, the heroine ends up being head of a gang or part of a “family.” That’s the case here. Your heroine is daughter of the Arcana Tarocco boss, and now that her father is stepping down he is looking for a successor. That could be her or one of his underlings. As you go through the adventure, your avatar can end up romancing Debito, Dante, Jolly, Liberta, Luca, Nova, and Pace. The story may sound familiar, as Sentai Filmworks released the anime adaptation La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia outside Japan.

Here’s the latest trailer for La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato, which does feature some English text as the full game will be available with English, Japanese, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese subtitles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVAZ94abDn4&ab_channel=dramaticcreate%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

And the full list of voice actors is also available. While subtitles are available in multiple languages, only Japanese audio will be available.

  • Dante: Jurota Kosugi
  • Debito: Hiroyuki Yoshino
  • Jolly: Koji Yusa
  • Liberta: Jun Fukuyama
  • Luca: Yoichi Nakamura
  • Nova: Tsubasa Yonaga
  • Pace: Tomokazu Sugita

La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato will appear on the Switch on July 24, 2025, and a PC version of the otome game will be available as well. The title appeared on the PSP and Vita in Japan. The anime adaptation also appeared worldwide, but it doesn’t seem to be currently streaming anywhere.

The post Vita Otome La storia della Arcana Famiglia: Rinato Heads to Switch, PC appeared first on Siliconera.

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God Eater Self Avatar NPC Trick Should Become a Feature https://www.siliconera.com/god-eater-self-avatar-npc-trick-should-become-a-feature/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=god-eater-self-avatar-npc-trick-should-become-a-feature https://www.siliconera.com/god-eater-self-avatar-npc-trick-should-become-a-feature/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1077639 GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST camp scene with self avatar NPC

The God Eater series holds a special place in my gaming memories. As one of the more established competitors to Monster Hunter, Bandai Namco gave a more extensive focus on the characters. It also let players bring NPCs as party members even in single-player sessions, which did not appear as a feature in Capcom's games prior to the 2022 release of Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. However, the God Eater games released on the PSP, PS Vita, and PS4 also had a trick that allowed players to register characters from the same account's saved slots as avatar NPC companions.

To put the trick into perspective, we should first learn how the avatar NPC feature came to be in a genre that thrived with multiple competitor titles around the 2010s. The Monster Hunter games have a Guild Card that records each player's activities. Players can also customize the card before sharing it with others by writing their own messages while choosing a specific pose and title. However, the cards barely serve any gameplay purposes other than recording proof that you have encountered those players in a multiplayer session.

This was where Bandai Namco tried to amp up the competition by adding a meaningful gameplay feature to the cards. In the God Eater games, exchanging these cards would not only let players see each other's records; it also actually let them select the player's avatar as an NPC party member akin to the in-game story characters.

Some of the games' players have even discovered a trick where they can register characters from other save slots in the same account as avatar NPC companions, which also means they can technically add their own created characters as party members. Such a trick has since been known in the community as the "Self Avatar Card."

The trick was made possible by utilizing loopholes in the wireless and online features of the now-legacy consoles, although one would be required to own two copies of the same game and/or console to pull it out. While methods to execute the trick had existed as early as the release of God Eater Burst—the enhanced edition of the first series entry released for PSP in 2010, I had the most profound experiences with God Eater Resurrection and God Eater 2: Rage Burst when Bandai Namco released them for the Vita and PS4.

Sharing avatar cards from same account characters in GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST
Screenshot by Siliconera

There were two methods possible to execute the trick in both games. The first one utilized two Vita consoles—one of them could also be a PlayStation Vita TV. And if one had purchased the game digitally, they could download and access the same game on both consoles and then connect with the local Ad-Hoc mode.

The second method—and the one I actually used—involved purchasing a copy of the game for each of the PS4 and Vita. I still remember how I could connect to a private online room with the same account simultaneously on both platforms. After successfully performing the internal exchange, I could sync the saves with the updated Self Avatar Cards via the cross-save feature. In God Eater Resurrection, that also meant I could add the franchise's anime protagonist Lenka Utsugi besides my own characters to the list of callable allies.

God Eater was not the only series in the hunting action genre to feature the Self Avatar Card trick. When Koei Tecmo launched Toukiden Kiwami around 2014-2015 and Toukiden 2 in 2016, it released both games on the PS4 and Vita. I still fondly remember how I could pull out the same method and have my characters appear in each other's saves.

God Eater 3, unfortunately, does not support the same trick due to the lack of cross-play and cross-save between its PS4, PC, and Switch releases. Technically speaking, players of the Switch and Steam versions could have a similar experience of exchanging avatars between two respective devices. However, both platforms have more stringent account checks so it would necessitate a secondary account. And while there is a way on the Switch to access a single digital copy on two consoles and accounts, both consoles can only connect via online multiplayer, which also requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each of them.

GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST rest menu with self avatar NPC
Screenshot by Siliconera

The experience of having another self-made avatar as an NPC companion in these character-driven hunting games is different from the likes of Freedom Wars' Accessory androids or Dragon's Dogma's Pawns. In the latter games, you could create the secondary avatar right away, but they are more designed to be emotionless servants to your primary character.

The avatar NPCs can appear as callable characters with a more complete personality that can even become indistinguishable from the existing story characters if they are created elaborately enough. I actually felt more motivated to replay God Eater and Toukiden games with secondary and tertiary avatars when I had my previous character(s) appear to help me in the new playthrough.

However, looking at how stringent the user account check has become in more recent platforms, it becomes more crucial that generating self-made NPCs should not be the result of a cross-play trick, but rather should be implemented as an official gameplay feature. Having such a feature can help give more motivation to players who want to get immersed into the game's world but prefer playing in single-player modes, such as myself.

But I am personally hoping that the self-made avatar NPC feature can appear formally in not only a hypothetical God Eater 4 by Bandai Namco or Toukiden 3 by Koei Tecmo but also all other upcoming hunting action games, including Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds which is starting to go all-in on NPC support hunters. Imagine replaying the latter game with a newer character and you spot your first avatar coming to help after you launched the SOS Flare... How cool would that be?

Screenshots for this article were taken from the PlayStation 4 version of God Eater 2: Rage Burst. The game is also available on PlayStation Vita and PC.

The post God Eater Self Avatar NPC Trick Should Become a Feature appeared first on Siliconera.

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GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST camp scene with self avatar NPC

The God Eater series holds a special place in my gaming memories. As one of the more established competitors to Monster Hunter, Bandai Namco gave a more extensive focus on the characters. It also let players bring NPCs as party members even in single-player sessions, which did not appear as a feature in Capcom's games prior to the 2022 release of Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. However, the God Eater games released on the PSP, PS Vita, and PS4 also had a trick that allowed players to register characters from the same account's saved slots as avatar NPC companions.

To put the trick into perspective, we should first learn how the avatar NPC feature came to be in a genre that thrived with multiple competitor titles around the 2010s. The Monster Hunter games have a Guild Card that records each player's activities. Players can also customize the card before sharing it with others by writing their own messages while choosing a specific pose and title. However, the cards barely serve any gameplay purposes other than recording proof that you have encountered those players in a multiplayer session.

This was where Bandai Namco tried to amp up the competition by adding a meaningful gameplay feature to the cards. In the God Eater games, exchanging these cards would not only let players see each other's records; it also actually let them select the player's avatar as an NPC party member akin to the in-game story characters.

Some of the games' players have even discovered a trick where they can register characters from other save slots in the same account as avatar NPC companions, which also means they can technically add their own created characters as party members. Such a trick has since been known in the community as the "Self Avatar Card."

The trick was made possible by utilizing loopholes in the wireless and online features of the now-legacy consoles, although one would be required to own two copies of the same game and/or console to pull it out. While methods to execute the trick had existed as early as the release of God Eater Burst—the enhanced edition of the first series entry released for PSP in 2010, I had the most profound experiences with God Eater Resurrection and God Eater 2: Rage Burst when Bandai Namco released them for the Vita and PS4.

Sharing avatar cards from same account characters in GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST
Screenshot by Siliconera

There were two methods possible to execute the trick in both games. The first one utilized two Vita consoles—one of them could also be a PlayStation Vita TV. And if one had purchased the game digitally, they could download and access the same game on both consoles and then connect with the local Ad-Hoc mode.

The second method—and the one I actually used—involved purchasing a copy of the game for each of the PS4 and Vita. I still remember how I could connect to a private online room with the same account simultaneously on both platforms. After successfully performing the internal exchange, I could sync the saves with the updated Self Avatar Cards via the cross-save feature. In God Eater Resurrection, that also meant I could add the franchise's anime protagonist Lenka Utsugi besides my own characters to the list of callable allies.

God Eater was not the only series in the hunting action genre to feature the Self Avatar Card trick. When Koei Tecmo launched Toukiden Kiwami around 2014-2015 and Toukiden 2 in 2016, it released both games on the PS4 and Vita. I still fondly remember how I could pull out the same method and have my characters appear in each other's saves.

God Eater 3, unfortunately, does not support the same trick due to the lack of cross-play and cross-save between its PS4, PC, and Switch releases. Technically speaking, players of the Switch and Steam versions could have a similar experience of exchanging avatars between two respective devices. However, both platforms have more stringent account checks so it would necessitate a secondary account. And while there is a way on the Switch to access a single digital copy on two consoles and accounts, both consoles can only connect via online multiplayer, which also requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each of them.

GOD EATER 2 RAGE BURST rest menu with self avatar NPC
Screenshot by Siliconera

The experience of having another self-made avatar as an NPC companion in these character-driven hunting games is different from the likes of Freedom Wars' Accessory androids or Dragon's Dogma's Pawns. In the latter games, you could create the secondary avatar right away, but they are more designed to be emotionless servants to your primary character.

The avatar NPCs can appear as callable characters with a more complete personality that can even become indistinguishable from the existing story characters if they are created elaborately enough. I actually felt more motivated to replay God Eater and Toukiden games with secondary and tertiary avatars when I had my previous character(s) appear to help me in the new playthrough.

However, looking at how stringent the user account check has become in more recent platforms, it becomes more crucial that generating self-made NPCs should not be the result of a cross-play trick, but rather should be implemented as an official gameplay feature. Having such a feature can help give more motivation to players who want to get immersed into the game's world but prefer playing in single-player modes, such as myself.

But I am personally hoping that the self-made avatar NPC feature can appear formally in not only a hypothetical God Eater 4 by Bandai Namco or Toukiden 3 by Koei Tecmo but also all other upcoming hunting action games, including Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds which is starting to go all-in on NPC support hunters. Imagine replaying the latter game with a newer character and you spot your first avatar coming to help after you launched the SOS Flare... How cool would that be?

Screenshots for this article were taken from the PlayStation 4 version of God Eater 2: Rage Burst. The game is also available on PlayStation Vita and PC.

The post God Eater Self Avatar NPC Trick Should Become a Feature appeared first on Siliconera.

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Gundam Seed: Battle Destiny Remastered Will Appear This May https://www.siliconera.com/gundam-seed-battle-destiny-remastered-will-appear-this-may/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gundam-seed-battle-destiny-remastered-will-appear-this-may https://www.siliconera.com/gundam-seed-battle-destiny-remastered-will-appear-this-may/#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:00:20 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1078385 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered

Bandai Namco has revealed that it will release Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered worldwide on May 22, 2025. The remaster of the game that originally came out for PlayStation Vita in June 2012 will appear on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. This announcement confirmed speculations that rose up following Bandai Namco's re-registration of the Battle Destiny trademark in October 2024.

The Japanese official site provided more details on the remaster, since the original game appeared exclusively in Japan. The Switch version will have a variable frame rate capped at 30 fps, while the PC version can have an unlimited frame rate with a maximum resolution of 4K by going over the recommended specs. But while the original Vita release had a network menu with ad-hoc multiplayer features, the remastered version will remove all of those and thus become a completely offline single-player game.

Here are the comparison images showing the graphical differences between the original 2012 release on PS Vita and the upcoming 2025 remaster for Switch and PC:

Bandai Namco has also published an official trailer showcasing the new remaster. But even though the English trailer features an English-dubbed narration by Archangel's captain Murrue Ramius, the company has clarified that the full game will only have Japanese voiceovers with additional subtitles in English and Traditional Chinese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX1GfnTWz-w

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be available worldwide on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam on May 22, 2025.

The post Gundam Seed: Battle Destiny Remastered Will Appear This May appeared first on Siliconera.

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Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered

Bandai Namco has revealed that it will release Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered worldwide on May 22, 2025. The remaster of the game that originally came out for PlayStation Vita in June 2012 will appear on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. This announcement confirmed speculations that rose up following Bandai Namco's re-registration of the Battle Destiny trademark in October 2024.

The Japanese official site provided more details on the remaster, since the original game appeared exclusively in Japan. The Switch version will have a variable frame rate capped at 30 fps, while the PC version can have an unlimited frame rate with a maximum resolution of 4K by going over the recommended specs. But while the original Vita release had a network menu with ad-hoc multiplayer features, the remastered version will remove all of those and thus become a completely offline single-player game.

Here are the comparison images showing the graphical differences between the original 2012 release on PS Vita and the upcoming 2025 remaster for Switch and PC:

Bandai Namco has also published an official trailer showcasing the new remaster. But even though the English trailer features an English-dubbed narration by Archangel's captain Murrue Ramius, the company has clarified that the full game will only have Japanese voiceovers with additional subtitles in English and Traditional Chinese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX1GfnTWz-w

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be available worldwide on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam on May 22, 2025.

The post Gundam Seed: Battle Destiny Remastered Will Appear This May appeared first on Siliconera.

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New Bridget Figure Based on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R  https://www.siliconera.com/new-bridget-figure-based-on-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-bridget-figure-based-on-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r https://www.siliconera.com/new-bridget-figure-based-on-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r/#respond Sun, 09 Feb 2025 06:50:21 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1077532 New Bridget Figure Based on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R

Taito featured multiple Spiritale figure reveals at WonFes 2025 Winter, and one of them ended up being a first look at the cute Bridget figure based on her Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R appearance. This is the first time an actual physical version of this product appeared, as the company only previously shared concept and announcement art. 

This figure will be a 1/7 scale model. That means it will probably be between eight and ten inches tall when it is finished. She has her nun’s coif and veil on her head and is wearing her blue and white dress. Her yo-yo is in her left hand. Roger the teddy bear is behind her. Her handcuff is also around her waist, as usual. The design is intended to replicate official art of the character from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R.

Here’s how the Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R figure of the character is looking so far:

Spiritale released another Guilty Gear Bridget figure not too long ago. However, that one was based on her Guilty Gear Strive look. It debuted in March 2024 worldwide. That was also a 1/7 scale figure, and it stood at over 10 inches tall.

There’s no release window for this Spiritale Bridget figure yet, and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R is available on the Switch, PS3, Vita, Xbox 360, and PC. 

The post New Bridget Figure Based on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R  appeared first on Siliconera.

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New Bridget Figure Based on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R

Taito featured multiple Spiritale figure reveals at WonFes 2025 Winter, and one of them ended up being a first look at the cute Bridget figure based on her Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R appearance. This is the first time an actual physical version of this product appeared, as the company only previously shared concept and announcement art. 

This figure will be a 1/7 scale model. That means it will probably be between eight and ten inches tall when it is finished. She has her nun’s coif and veil on her head and is wearing her blue and white dress. Her yo-yo is in her left hand. Roger the teddy bear is behind her. Her handcuff is also around her waist, as usual. The design is intended to replicate official art of the character from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R.

Here’s how the Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R figure of the character is looking so far:

Spiritale released another Guilty Gear Bridget figure not too long ago. However, that one was based on her Guilty Gear Strive look. It debuted in March 2024 worldwide. That was also a 1/7 scale figure, and it stood at over 10 inches tall.

There’s no release window for this Spiritale Bridget figure yet, and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R is available on the Switch, PS3, Vita, Xbox 360, and PC. 

The post New Bridget Figure Based on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R  appeared first on Siliconera.

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Capcom Key Art Catalog Will Cover Over 300 Games https://www.siliconera.com/capcom-key-art-catalog-will-cover-over-300-games/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=capcom-key-art-catalog-will-cover-over-300-games https://www.siliconera.com/capcom-key-art-catalog-will-cover-over-300-games/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1077341 Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023

Capcom revealed that it will sell a new book containing key art from games it released in the up to 40 years since its first release. The book will have the title "Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023," and it will be available on March 20, 2025, at 9,900 yen (~$65.20).

The A4-sized book will have a total of 376 pages. It will cover over 300 games Capcom has released on numerous platforms throughout 40 years since 1984, with explanations in Japanese and English.

The first-ever title Capcom released was the arcade shooting game Vulgus in May 1984. Since 2023 is the cutoff year, the latest games featured in this book should include the Resident Evil 4 remake, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Street Fighter 6, Exoprimal, Mega Man X DiVE Offline, and Monster Hunter Now.

Here are the samples for some of the pages in the upcoming book:

Capcom Key Art Catalog - sample pages
Image courtesy of Capcom

The new catalog book will be available for purchase in Capcom's physical and online storefronts. The company will also sell the book at the Capcom Exhibition, which will take place at Osaka's Nakanoshima Museum of Art from March 20, 2025—the same day as the book's release date—until June 22, 2025.

The "Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023" book will be available for purchase in Japan on March 20, 2025.

The post Capcom Key Art Catalog Will Cover Over 300 Games appeared first on Siliconera.

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Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023

Capcom revealed that it will sell a new book containing key art from games it released in the up to 40 years since its first release. The book will have the title "Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023," and it will be available on March 20, 2025, at 9,900 yen (~$65.20).

The A4-sized book will have a total of 376 pages. It will cover over 300 games Capcom has released on numerous platforms throughout 40 years since 1984, with explanations in Japanese and English.

The first-ever title Capcom released was the arcade shooting game Vulgus in May 1984. Since 2023 is the cutoff year, the latest games featured in this book should include the Resident Evil 4 remake, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Street Fighter 6, Exoprimal, Mega Man X DiVE Offline, and Monster Hunter Now.

Here are the samples for some of the pages in the upcoming book:

Capcom Key Art Catalog - sample pages
Image courtesy of Capcom

The new catalog book will be available for purchase in Capcom's physical and online storefronts. The company will also sell the book at the Capcom Exhibition, which will take place at Osaka's Nakanoshima Museum of Art from March 20, 2025—the same day as the book's release date—until June 22, 2025.

The "Capcom Key Art Catalog since 1984 to 2023" book will be available for purchase in Japan on March 20, 2025.

The post Capcom Key Art Catalog Will Cover Over 300 Games appeared first on Siliconera.

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