English Title: Hakuouki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi
JP Title: Hakuouki: Bakumatsu Musouroku
Platform: Sony PSP
Release Date: February 26th, 2013
Price: $29.99
In October, Aksys announced the newest addition to the English otome game market, Hakuouki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi. Only one thing could make this better: it could actually be an otome game.
Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi Key Features:-From the Aksys Announcement
Two Major Storylines – Play through events of Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom with each of the six playable characters, or change history in “Shinsengumi Chronicle”!
Shinsengumi Chronicle – Change history as any one of the six main characters in “Shinsengumi Chronicle” mode. Play in an alternate universe where you control the fate of the Shinsengumi!
Shinsengumi Memorial – Step into the shoes of your favorite samurai and play through battles from Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom. Join in on the action as you battle your way through Kyoto in “Shinsengumi Memorial” mode.
Fury Mode – When a character’s life is spent, he will enter Fury Mode, unleashing an inner ferocious killing machine, able to tear down anyone that gets in his way. However, becoming a Fury too many times can unlock a particularly bad ending.
Slash & Slaughter with Furious Attacks – Each character is equipped with several different attacks, allowing players to plow through numerous enemies at once. Keep tabs on how many foes you’ve taken down, pick up dropped items, and level up to achieve even greater strength.
According to what I've read, the new game is going to be a hack-and-slash style fighting game, rather than a true otome game. At first I thought: I'll buy the game because a hack-and-slash Hakuouki sounds pretty interesting! Then, I looked up gameplay and realized I probably won't like this as much as I thought.
I've always thought the anime by Studio DEEN looked strange. Sadly, this is the game's main art style. I know they don't have much choice, but it's not Kazuki Yone's art. The graphics aren't stellar, either. All art related problems aside, I'm not sure if I'm buying it. It looks kind of boring, and just plain repetitive. I have mixed feelings. I just don't want to spend money on it.
While it is a new release in an otome game area, it feels like we've taken one step forward and two steps backwards. This is very bad in terms of otome game releases. Aksys is trying to broaden their market and make profit in an unknown field. If the game doesn't sell well, then it's a sign they can't make as large a profit as they wanted. Whether or not they would continue localizing games is questionable.
I want to support English releases as much as I can, in hopes other companies will catch on. If I do buy the game, I'll let you guys know and do a review.
I'm pretty sure they're releasing this game because of the fact that it is, indeed, a hack and slash game. It appeals to the male fanbase as well because let's face it, guys like hack and slash games. Not saying girls don't either, I love hack and slash games but really? Aksys made a pretty bad move with this one in my opinion. The controls aren't very good either, from what I hear. I didn't bother playing this but it looks like the overall system isn't great on top of the derpy Studio Deen artwork lol. I don't know if it'll do well, I have a feeling some otome gamers who are serious about the localizations will buy the game just to support Aksys. I know Hakuouki did amazing when it was first released, but couldn't they have skipped this game and gone for a different Hakuouki game? Or even, oh I don't know, an otome game from a different company? Aghhh lol oh well. I guess I shouldn't be too upset because in a way this means "yay another localization of an 'otome' game!" but I guess I can't help but feel a little disappointed :(
ReplyDeleteIt is disappointing. I wouldn't have minded if the hack-and-slash game was... better. It's one thing to support the company, but it's not a very good feeling when you think, "Oh well, maybe the next one." ;n;
Deletei just got the game, i didnt start playing it yet but while reading the instructions they mention a second part to the game which caught me by surprise. The game has two story modes & one of them said shinsegumi memorial, and underneath it it briefly descirbes why chizuru is with the shinsegumi & how they intend to find her father. Im just guessing for now before i start the game that its a second part to the game which is otome.
ReplyDeleteYep. The second part should be otome. It seems to be the storyline from the original game with stills and scenes from the anime.
DeleteAlso, when you finish playing, tell me what you think of the game. It would be nice to have some personal feedback. ^^
Sure i'd luv to tell you bout it when im finished =D
Deleteyes, by the way i am the anonymous above ur reply =D
Delete