Mobile Friday - Dynasty Warriors M - Well Designed For Mobile, But 4.5GB Download First!

For Mobile Friday this week is i tried out Dynasty Warriors M on my iPhone 14 Pro. This game from Nexon is also out on Android.

Going in i was a little unsure about this game. it has a small file size, which made me worry there would be an additional download, and there were a lot of things you could buy for it, so i was concerned it would push me towards the shop and/or be full of ads. In the end, it was only the file size i had to worry about as in my time with the game, it never pushed any shop stuff or adverts on to me.

But the additional download at the beginning is a let down in more ways than one. it's not great that a mobile game needs an additional 4.5GB of data. at the very least the game warns you about it and your data limits. it took over 7 minutes to download that data and all i had was the same looping video and music. some other games have longer similar sequences, whilst others use this time to introduce backstory, characters, or even a glossary. it's a wasted opportunity and a waste of my time to sit through it.

That additional install might be the only big complaint i have with the game. there are a couple of small ones like poorly implemented controller support, and on occasion it felt like i had to press things a couple of times before they would register. but on the whole, for a game that recently came out, Dynasty Warriors M felt quite polished. 

Once it became clear what type of game it was, i was eager to see if the game would have framerate issues when there were a large amount of enemies on screen but i never noticed any. the switching between characters also felt very smooth and seamless. i particularly enjoyed the auto battle option. as someone who uses trains and busses to commute, there are times on my journey when i need to put my phone away or use it. so having an auto battle is great.

There are a few little touches like that that make the game feel like it was designed for mobile first. another i liked was how the game tried to tie in it's gacha mechanic into the game's story. it's a bit tenuous, but i appreciated the effort. 

The only confusing thing for me was that we weren't playing as the characters on screen. it took a little while to understand that the story on screen wasn't exactly being represented by the characters we were battling as. to me, it made following the story more difficult than it needed to be. There is a chance that things will be made clear further into the game. but that coupled with the additional download probably means it's not making the top of my game of the year list, but it might've done enough to get on there!

(Version 1.2.3 Played)

Tecmo Koei Reveal Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky, Coming 8th March For PS3

Tecmo Koei have revealed the latest game in the Atelier franchise. coming to the PS3 on 7th of March, Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky will feature two protagonists, players have the choice of which one they want to play as. Escha's story focuses on the traditional alchemy RPG whilst Logy's story focuses more on world exploration.

Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Features:

• Two protagonists, two stories, more gameplay. Depending on which protagonist a player selects, the story and events will unfold from different perspectives. For players who enjoy the traditional Atelier series, Escha’s story will fulfill their alchemy RPG needs! For players who enjoy a classic RPG, or are newcomers to the series, they can choose Logy’s story to begin their journey in the Atelier universe!

• Battle with more teammates! Traditionally, in the Atelier series, only 3 characters could join the battle party, but in Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky, players can have a maximum of 6 characters in battle to allow for more strategy and faster-paced fights!

• Streamlined synthesis welcomes newcomers and long-time series fans! The synthesis system and interface have been streamlined to make item creation more approachable and enjoyable. As their Synthesis level goes up, players will be able to access more items for synthesis.Fast-paced, turn-based combat system! 

• Battles are fought using a turn-based combat system, but character actions and command inputs are optimized for fast-paced fights. During battle, players can use support attacks, in which allied characters hop in and appear one after another in an effort to execute impressive follow-up attacks! Utilize the assist attack system to rule the battlefield!

• Alchemist-exclusive attack, Double Draw! As Alchemists, Escha and Logy can use the various items they create through synthesis during battle. Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky has expounded on that concept and created a new alchemist-exclusive command, “Double Draw,” which allows consecutive item use while also increasing their effects!

• Gorgeous graphics with lively characters! Characters’ faces are meticulously animated and show a wide range of expressions. With the newly implemented engine, the characters in Atelier Escha And Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky really come to life!  

Screenshots

Press Release

Dark Horse Comics Announce Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Digital Comic

Dark Horse Comics have announced they are partnering with Team Ninja in creating a Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z digital comic. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z will have 3 vignettes by writers Tim Seeley and Josh Eamons and art from Rafael Ortiz. each of the comics will be free to download or you can wait for a colour print to be released in 2014 when the game comes out.

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Is Now Coming To Steam, Release New Trailer And Screenshots

Tecmo Koei have announced Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is coming out on PC's via Steam. this PC version will launch at the same time as the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions in early 2014. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is a project lead by Keji Inafune, from Comcept, and Team Ninja's Ysuke Hayashi with the aim of creating a new experience for Ninja Gaiden fans. Yaiba is the new main character and he is a cyborg ninja out to kill the undead and get revenge on the one who killed him.

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Have Released A New Trailer For Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate, Reveal New Information

Tecmo Koei have released a new trailer for Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate, showing many different fighters, alternative costumes and stage interactions.



Tecmo Koei have also revealed Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate features Survival Mode Items that can heal fighters or add bonus points., improved training modes, 1000 unlockable titles and Team Fight Mode. the training modes now feature challenges, like a combo challenge. the move list from Dead Or Alive 5 Plus has been added to Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate.

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce The EU Release Of Dynasty Warriors 8 Has Been Pushed Back A Week To 19th July

Tecmo Koei have announced the EU release date for Dynasty Warriors 8 has been pushed back a week. Dynasty Warriors 8 will now come out on 19th July on both PS3 and Xbox 360. Tecmo Koei have also detailed pre-order bonuses:

• Game - limited edition smartphone pouch, in 1 of 4 exclusive designs
• Other retailers - DLC pack, featuring Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, Cao Cao, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu’s outfits from Dynasty Warriors 1
• Independent Retailers - DLC pack that brings outfits for Zhao Yun and Sun Shangxiang from Romance of the Three Kingdoms 12

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice of Arland From Gust Comes To PS Vita This September

Tecmo Koei have announced the PS Vita game by Gust, Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice of Arland, is set to come out across the West on 3rd September. Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice of Arland is set one year after Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, which is also out on Vita, and features all the DLC content released on PS3 as well as some new costumes and new endings.

FEATURES

• Deep Gameplay: RPG and simulation gameplay with new land development options for added depth.
• New Content: Costumes not included in the PS3 version, new ending, new Gallery illustrations, touch pad and zoom features, and all DLC from the PS3 version including three party characters and additional stages.
• Powered Up Boss Battles: Previously defeated bosses will reappear, stronger than before!
• Bonus for Returning Players: Import save data from Atelier Totori Plus to get bonus items!
• Choose your Language: Select English or Japanese voice localization.

Screenshots


Press Release

Tecmo Koei Reveal Toukiden, Coming This Year To The PS Vita

Tecmo Koei have revealed a new PS Vita game coming out this Year. Toukiden is a historically themed game set in Japan. it's being developed by Omega Force, the team behind the Dynasty Warriors Series, and supports up to 4 players. you play as a demon slayer (a Oni slayer) who takes on roles from your Utakata Village Headquarters before venturing out to slay the Oni before they destroy humanity.

FEATURES

• Hunt for Adventure: Action adventure gameplay with a hunting theme and fantasy-themed historical Japanese setting.

• Slash! Pierce! Destroy!: Skillfully defeat monstrous and powerful Oni using the Targeted Destruction System to protect the human race from annihilation.

• Choose your Weapon: Take on monsters with a sword, bow, Kusari-gama, or other weapons.

• Customize your Character: Select from a variety of features to create a unique Slayer.

• Slay in a Pack: Up to 4 players can play together in Infrastructure Mode or through ad-hoc multiplayer gameplay.

• Build your own Party: Select party members from a supporting cast of characters—or team up with friends for multiplayer sessions.

Screenshots


Press Release

Tecmo Koei Reveal Their E3 2013 Line-up, 5 Games Across PS3, Xbox 360 And PS Vita

Tecmo Koei have revealed their E3 2013 Line-up:

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / Early 2014]

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / September 6, 2013]

DYNASTY WARRIORS 8

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / July 12, 2013]

ATELIER MERURU PLUS: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND

[PlayStation® Vita / September 3, 2013]

TOUKIDEN

[PlayStation® Vita / Q4 2013]

 
Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce 2 New Characters In Dynasty Warriors 8 And Release New Screenshots

Tecmo Koei have announced 2 new characters in Dynasty Warriors 8. these characters are Lu Su, a Governor General, and Han Dang, a skilled veteran who fights for Wu. Tecmo Koei have also released 47 new screenshots for the game. Dynasty Warriors 8 is set to come to PS3 and Xbox 360 on 12th July.

Character Art


Screenshots


Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce Dynasty Warriors 8, Coming 12th July To PlayStation 3 And Xbox 360

Tecmo Koei have announced Dynasty Warriors 8. coming 12th July to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Dynasty Warriors 8 continues the story fo Wei, Wu, Shu and Jin as they try to gain control over the Three Kingdoms of China.

Dynasty Warriors 8 features more than 70 playable characters, 40 new stages, a story mode with new What If scenarios and several multiple endings.

Screenshots


Character Art


Boxart


Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland Is Out Now On PS Vita, Reveal Bonus DLC

Tecmo Koei have announced Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland for the PlayStation Vita. This PSN Exclusive title is out now across the EU and USA and it is a PS Vita version of the PS3 game Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland that came out in 2011. this PS Vita will include the PS3 DLC Characters Ceci, Iksel and Cordelia as well as a new powerful weapon, new costumes and accessories.

Game Features

• Travel and map the Republic of Arland over several years, exploring dozens of unique locales, battling monsters and searching for treasures and ingredients for alchemy.
• Create hundreds of items: clothing, weaponsand explosives to help you on your journey. Even the most basic ingredients like rocks and water can be harvested to synthesize impressive items.
• Experience 10 unique endings to Totori’s story
• Use the PlayStation®Vita touchscreen and rear touch pad to toggle with the map or flick through the Art Gallery!

Screenshots


Tecmo Koei have also announced that those who buy the game from the PSN before 20th April will get Bonus DLC, a Angel and Imp Swimming costume for Totori.

Bonus DLC Screenshots


Press Release

Namco Bandai Have Released A New One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 Trailer And Revealed The Collectors Edition

Namco Bandai have released a new trailer for One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2. this trailer starts by revealing more of the games story before moving to show many of the characters fighting. Namco Bandai have also announced this PS3 exclusive will have a Collectors Edition. this edition will include a 14cm figurine of Luffy. they have also teased a further pre-order bonus that will be revealed at a later date.



Press Release

Tecmo Koei Have Released A Launch Trailer For Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk

Tecmo Koei have released a launch trailer for Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk, their upcoming PS3 Exclusive game. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk is out this friday across Europe.

Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk game features include:

• New story and cast of characters: Ayesha’s mission is to find her younger sister, Nio, who went missing after she left home to gather medicinal ingredients, and Ayesha will be supported and helped by those already close to her, as well as new friends she'll meet along the way. This new setting will embrace all the Japanese RPG fans who are looking for a new kind of alchemy RPG!

• Keep a diary to delve deeper into the story: The new Diary System allows the player to keep a log of Ayesha’s activities. Keeping up with the diary, Ayesha will be able to gain more recipes, bonus stats, and items. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk does not have any time restriction on each mission; instead, every mission will be connected and will help determine your success in finding Ayesha’s younger sister.

• Turn-based battle system: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk features a turn-based battle system that emphasizes the importance of character positioning and distance from the enemies. Support and Assist attacks among your party will play a big role in each battle. Place your party members wisely and strategize your way to victory!

• Back Attacks and unique character skills: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk has an updated battle system that allows players to move behind the enemy; attack them from the rear to score critical hits! Get familiar with the special skills and abilities of each character to maximize your battle experience!

• Alchemy gets even more exciting by focusing on the process: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk features an updated synthesis system where Ayesha will learn special alchemy skills that she can use to fine-tune the details of the items that she synthesizes for more desirable results!

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Have Released A Launch Trailer And Screenshots For Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus On The PS Vita

Tecmo Koei have released a launch trailer and screenshots for Team Ninja's PS Vita game Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus 2. coming out this Friday, 1st March, across the EU, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus 2 features new PS Vita modes including Ninja Race and a single player co-op tag mission. the game also features touch controls and a new mode called Hero Mode which helps players when their health gets low.



Screenshots


Press Release

Namco Bandai Have Released A New Trailer For One Piece Pirate Warriors 2 Showing Fighting

Namco Bandai have released a new trailer for the PS3 exclusive One Piece Pirate Warriors 2. this game, developed by Tecmo Koei, is coming to the PS3 this summer and this trailer uses in-game action to show each of the main characters fighting, showing their individual skills.

Tecmo Koei Detail PS3 Dead Or Alive 5 Cross Platform Support With PS Vita Dead Or Alive 5 Plus

Tecmo Koei have detailed the Cross Platform support between Dead Or Alive 5 on the PS3 and Dead Or Alive 5 Plus on The PS Vita. the PS Vita version comes out on 22nd March and the cross Platform support includes:

CROSS-PLATFORM PLAY

§  Hardware icons will appear next to player names in cross-platform battles to indicate whether they are playing on PS3 or PS Vita

§  Cross-platform battles will run at 60fps on both platforms so there will be no lag or slowdown even when playing on different devices

§  All characters that have been unlocked on PS3 can be used on PS Vita—and vice versa

§  In-game rankings will show whether players are on PS Vita or PS3

 CROSS-PLATFORM DLC

§  Using the PS Store, DLC purchases will be shared across both platforms so players can pay a single price while getting dual platform use

§  Over 100 costumes have been delivered to date as DLC, and the cross-platform transfer allows players to preserve their collection while getting new gameplay options with DEAD OR ALIVE 5 PLUS on PS Vita

 CROSS-PLATFORM GAME SAVES AND UNLOCKED CONTENT

§  Saved games on PS Vita or PS3 can be used on the other platform, so gamers can play on the go and then bring their progress back to the console (or vice versa)

§  All unlocked content on one platform is available on the other platform; for instance, Tina’s Legend Swimsuit earned by completing Legend mode in Arcade mode without continuing will be available on PS3 if earned on PS Vita

§  “Any new stages for DOA5 on PS3, will also be available on DEAD OR ALIVE 5 PLUS for PS Vita”

Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce They Are Bringing Atelier Ayesha: The Alcemist Of Dusk On PS3 To Europe On 8th March

Tecmo Koei have announced they are bringing Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk to Europe. this PS3 exclusive is set to come out on 8th March. after release, Tecmo Koei have confirmed that there will be DLC for the game that will include new Costumes, Characters and additional areas.

Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk game features include:

New story and cast of characters: Ayesha’s mission is to find her younger sister, Nio, who went missing after she left home to gather medicinal ingredients, and Ayesha will be supported and helped by those already close to her, as well as new friends she'll meet along the way. This new setting will embrace all the Japanese RPG fans who are looking for a new kind of alchemy RPG!

Keep a diary to delve deeper into the story: The new Diary System allows the player to keep a log of Ayesha’s activities. Keeping up with the diary, Ayesha will be able to gain more recipes, bonus stats, and items. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk does not have any time restriction on each mission; instead, every mission will be connected and will help determine your success in finding Ayesha’s younger sister.

Turn-based battle system: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk features a turn-based battle system that emphasizes the importance of character positioning and distance from the enemies. Support and Assist attacks among your party will play a big role in each battle. Place your party members wisely and strategize your way to victory!

Back Attacks and unique character skills: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk has an updated battle system that allows players to move behind the enemy; attack them from the rear to score critical hits! Get familiar with the special skills and abilities of each character to maximize your battle experience!

Alchemy gets even more exciting by focusing on the process: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk features an updated synthesis system where Ayesha will learn special alchemy skills that she can use to fine-tune the details of the items that she synthesizes for more desirable results!

Screenshots


Press Release

Tecmo Koei Announce Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 Comes Out Across The EU From 7th February, Release 19 Gameplay Videos

Tecmo Koei have revealed the release date for Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 on Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3. the Wii U gets the game first on 7th February via the Wii U eShop, there will not be a retail release of this game. the PS3 and Xbox 360 will then get the game on 8th February.

Tecmo Koei have also released 19 new gameplay videos for characters in the game, all 19 videos can be seen either in this post from the Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 playlist or you can head to the playlist on Youtube and what them individually. ( i also included the recently released gameplay video for Kenshiro.)



Press Release

Namco Bandai Have Released The Debut Trailer For One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 On PS3

Namco Bandai and Tecmo Koei have released the debut trailer for One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 on PS3. this trailer shows in-game action, mostly of Luffy and other crew members fighting. the game comes out only on PS3 this Summer.