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Famitsu has announced Kadokawa will end for the Famitsu App. will end on March 31, 2025. However, Famitsu has stated that information shared through the Famitsu App will appear on the website. That said, it did not specify what would or wouldn't make it to the website once for the app ends.

The Famitsu App primarily featured information about various mobile titles available in Japan. This included game guides and other information. That said, Famitsu does host a Famitsu App website, which is where the information will be transferred. It just means that there won't be an ease of access via mobile devices.

Originally launched in April 2011, the Famitsu App, as previously mentioned, served as repository of information for various mobile games. This was primarily in the form of guides, but also included game version updates, merchandise, and even collaboration information for mobile games like Goddess of Victory: NIKKE.

That said, information on these mobile titles can be found on the Famitsu website, and the Famitsu App website. It will just take consumers a little longer to find what they're looking for, and not directly through the app. Kadokawa and Famitsu have not stated a reason as to why the app is being taken offline.

The Famitsu App is available on Android and iOS devices, with to end on March 31, 2025.

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Kadokawa announced that Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has become the most trending game in Japan in 2024. The company based the announcement on the results of a poll taken from 181 people throughout the Japanese gaming industry, which was held by its Weekly Famitsu magazine.

In the same ranking, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Team Asobi's PlayStation 5 exclusive title Astro Bot—which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024—placed second. Atlus' multiplatform RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio rounded up the ranking's top three at third place. The top three titles in the 2023 edition were The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy XVI, and Super Mario Bros Wonder.

In the same press release, the Weekly Famitsu editor-in-chief Hiroko Saga noted that the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3 managed to gain new younger fans in addition to the long-time fans that have been ing the title since its original release on the Family Computer (NES) in 1988. Dragon Quest 3 has been arguably noted as the series' most popular entry in Japan, as it had often ranked the highest in Japanese public polls.

The most trending game poll will be part of the annual end-year coverage for the last Weekly Famitsu issue set to be published in Japan in 2024. The coverage will also include comments from Japanese game creators about their aspirations in 2025. Kadokawa will publish the "January 9-16, 2025" t edition of the magazine on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, the winner of the most trending game poll by Japanese game creators, is available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The post Dragon Quest 3 Remake Voted the Most Trending Game in Japan appeared first on Siliconera.

An Famitsu interview of the development team for the Goddess of Victory: NIKKE will share new insights into the game’s world and characters, responding to 50 fan questions. Notably, marriage between humans and NIKKEs might be possible within the game’s lore, though these unions are hinted to lead to unexpected challenges. [Thanks, ryokutya2089!]

The Famitsu interview may briefly address a common question, why there are no male NIKKEs? While the full answer has not been disclosed, hints suggest that more information on this topic will be detailed at some point. The interview also highlights the team’s fondness for "bunny characters," with eight already in the game and more to potentially appear in the future.

Additional topics include events such as the 2024 Summer Event and Chapter 24, along with character backstories and abilities. The feature will also share player data, indicating that many s have achieved sync levels above 160, with some suring 200.

In related news, for the second anniversary of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE on October 31, 2024, Shift Up has released videos and an anime clip, along with details about new characters Cinderella, Grave Motion, and Rapunzel: Pure Grace.

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE is available on PCs and mobile. The second anniversary launches on October 31, 2024.

The post Famitsu Goddess of Victory: NIKKE Interview Reveals NIKKE Can Get Married  appeared first on Siliconera.

Konami detailed the Japanese limited editions for the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, set to release on March 6, 2025. The remaster, titled Gensou Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, will be available on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, with three special Famitsu DX Packs offered for pre-order through Ebiten. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

The Famitsu DX Packs come in three versions. DX Pack I and DX Pack II include 3D crystal art of the main characters from Suikoden I and II, along with 108 acrylic stands representing the stars of destiny. These packs also feature new artwork by Junko Kono, the original character designer for Suikoden I, and a hero symbol engraved glass that pays homage to the protagonists.

The third version, the "Luka-sama Cheering Set," focuses on the villain Luka Blight from Suikoden II. This set includes a T-shirt with Luka's famous line, "Pigs must die!", a wine glass engraved with the Beast Rune, and a 3D crystal of Luka himself.

In related news, Konami has announced three digital pre-order bonuses for the remaster, including early access to the Fortune Orb and Prosperity Orb, which double experience and in-game currency gains, and a head start with 57,300 potch. These bonuses are available on all platforms where the game will be released.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster and their limited editions will be available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, with the game set to launch on March 6, 2025.

The post Suikoden I and II Remastered Japanese Limited Editions Detailed  appeared first on Siliconera.

The Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes perfect guide book is now available in Japan. You can get it via Amazon, where it is, as of the time of writing, the top best seller in the Computer & Internet Game Strategy Guides category.

In total, there are 528 pages to flip through. The book will also come with a poster, which the official Twitter showed off online. It’s the only official guide book out there for the game, and it has everything you could ever want to know about Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. In it, you can read how to get all of the playable characters in the game, as well as details on combat, mini-games, and enemies. It also provides a flowchart that you can follow if you want the most efficient experience possible. This is because it’ll give you the locations for all of the treasure chests, as well as where you can recruit allies.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes came out in April 2024 as a sort of spiritual successor to the Suikoden series. In fact, Yoshitaka Murayama, who created Suikoden, was the team lead for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. It is a 2.5D JRPG that came to life thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, featuring over a hundred heroes with voice acting and unique backstories. In of gameplay, it features turn-based battle in which alliances and positioning can play a large part in how things go.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is readily available on the PS4, PS5, Xbos One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC. The Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes guide book is available on Amazon for 4400 JPY ($28.60).

The post Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Guide Book is Now Out appeared first on Siliconera.

Even with the most serious games, there will be all sorts of memes and jokes surrounding them. They can involve absurdity of situations, play with the disconnect between an exceptionally silly kind of joke and serious situation, and highlight unintended implications that can arise from certain sorts of characters. What’s wonderful about the Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree gag manga is that it keeps this loving tribute to the game and maintains a similar sort of dramatic artistic direction, while being completely bonkers and playing with what we know about characters. It hits these notes perfectly, without being too over-the-top.

For example, the Elden Ring manga stars a Tarnished named Aseo who would either be picked by an extremely skilled player or someone just going into the game for a laugh: The Wretch. Given the person’s intelligence is quite low, even after Melina dumps points into the stat, it seems like the latter is the case. For almost the entire first volume, he’s running around in a loincloth. Which means there’s a running gag about where he even keeps his potion vials. As some reactions involve dashing in headfirst into danger or just dropping and preparing to die, we’re definitely presented with one of the silliest protagonists who is failing upwards in the funniest ways.

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What helps make his portrayal even better is that Melina and Ranni are portrayed far more seriously. This isn’t to say these characters can’t also be funny. Both make some very good quips in the first volume. They aren’t above stooping to the Tarnished’s level either, though their instances are handled in a way that almost comes across as a more classy or “smarter” version of goofy responses. But their portrayals always look very refined and darkly elegant, with intelligent, reasonable dialogue. So often they react exactly the way you expect they would based on context from the game and their appearances.

However, I liked the manga best when we’d see one of its interpretations of a serious events. During these segments the characters may look as you expect, and sometimes even behave with the same sense of gravity. But then something happens to twist it all. In one chapter, Kale sends the Tarnished off to help Blaidd on a quest to find the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil. We get to see this encounter from another perspective. While it still follows some of the same beats, there are certain personality traits and motives inserted to add more levity to the situation. I really appreciated the way it all ended up handled.

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Especially since while that’s going on, the depictions of Blaidd and Darriwil are so good. But then, that isn’t isolated to just these characters. The same care is lent to everyone who appears in this first volume. Even though the Tarnished is generally the biggest “joke” here, when he isn’t talking or engaging in idiocy, he can look just as refined.

In a way, reading the first volume of the Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree manga feels like watching someone play the game without being too serious about it. You’ll see the Tarnished “die” a lot! You’ll wonder about the nature of characters and think, “Yeah, I would be really suspicious about asking for their help too.” You’ll question people’s decisions in-world and their attitude about things. You can feel the love for the source material while reading, and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree volume one is now available to buy via Yen Press. You can also read it via the Famitsu special site. The game is available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Elden Ring Gag Manga Perfectly Captures the Vibe appeared first on Siliconera.

Renowned game developer Masahiro Sakurai revealed how he landed the Famitsu column he's written for more than 18 years, and it involved Final Fantasy XI. In the latest video on his Youtube channel, he explained that he started writing it because of the game. He also shared his perspective on work ethic and some of his experiences balancing his day job while writing his column.

According to Masahiro Sakurai, he met a Famitsu editor in charge of the columns while playing the MMORPG Final Fantasy XI. Although not having met in person before, the editor invited him to write a new column for the Japanese gaming magazine. This would be the beginning of his interest in sharing his knowledge and perspectives on game development, leading up to his current YouTube channel.

You can check the whole video about his experiences writing his opinion column below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7HadWHTJo&ab_channel=MasahiroSakuraionCreatingGames

He also explained how he managed to keep writing his column for so many years, sharing three main reasons based on performance, time, and attitude. In addition, he advised not to overthink and try to enjoy the job for anyone who has to work on a routine basis.

Sakurai's column in Famitsu has been widely acclaimed among game development enthusiasts and it has been published in book format on several occasions. As for his YouTube channel, there are more than 90 videos of him talking about different elements of video game development for beginners and sharing his opinions on topics such as COVID and the creation of Sora Ltd.

The post Masahiro Sakurai Famitsu Column Started Because of Final Fantasy XI appeared first on Siliconera.

Kenichi Suzumura, the Japanese voice actor for Zack Fair in Final Fantasy VII Remake, teased Zack’s involvement in further entries of the trilogy like the part 2, Rebirth. “Zack will also play a very active role”, Suzumura said in an interview with Famitsu. [Thanks, ryokutya2089!]

The latest issue of Famitsu included some words from Kenichi Suzumura, the Japanese voice actor for Zack Fair.

There is not much I can say about it, but it seems like Zack will be playing a very active role as well (laughs). As an actor, I will be adding color and spice to the performance. As a fan myself, I think I will be having fun.

It is unclear if recordings for part 2 Rebirth started, or how much of the FFVII Rebirth script the voice of Zack is privy to. But after the ending of FFVII Remake and the additional scenes added to FFVII Remake Intergrade, it seems player can expect to see more of the character in the future.

Crisis Core FFVII Reunion, the remaster of the classic PSP title, recently released as a way to bring back a classic entry in the FFVII Compilation. It is also a way to prepare the setting for newcomers that might have started their journey with Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC. FFVII Rebirth will appear on the PS5 in Winter 2023 and might include references to Zack Fair.

The post FFVII Remake Zack Japanese Voice Actor Teases Character’s Future appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu announced physical editions of the .hack 20th anniversary book will release on July 19, 2022. The .hack 20th anniversary book will cost 3,250 yen (or roughly $24), which is close to the price that was previously announced. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

The anniversary book will feature developer interviews, the results of a reader survey, and a special manga. There will also be concept art not limited to the release of the games. Things from the anime will appear too. Pre-orders for the book are still available through the Japanese retailer Ebten.

Additionally, Bandai Namco entertainment released a short video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the .hack series. You can watch it below.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHr2hkhAYU0&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainment[/embed]

The video reveals that a .hack commemorative 20th anniversary artbook will release in December 2022. A price for the artbook has yet to be shared, with more information to appear in the future. It will feature artwork specifically created for the .hack video game series. It will also feature entirely new illustrations. It will include artwork from the following titles:

• .hack//Infection Vol. 1 - Vol.4
• .hack//GU Series
• .hack//GU Trilogy
• .hack//Link
• .hack//Beyond the World + Versus Hybrid Pack
• Guilty Dragon: The Sin Dragon and the Eight Curses
• .hack//New World
• .hack//GU Last Recode

The physical edition of the .hack 20th anniversary book will release on July 19, 2022.

The post .hack 20th Anniversary Book Physical Edition to Release in July appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu is publishing a fan book celebrating the 20th anniversary of the .hack series. The book will release on June 20, 2022, and will include exclusive content such as developer interviews, development documents, and more. Pre-orders are open on Amazon Japan and Ebten starting at ¥3,520 (about $28). [Thanks, Famitsu!]

The first game in the .hack series, .hack//INFECTION, released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan on June 20, 2002. The game later released in the US on February 10, 2003, and Europe on March 24, 2004. Initially a four-part game series, the .hack franchise has since spawned a number of spin-offs, remasters, manga, and anime.

https://twitter.com/famitsu/status/1512354655128662018

The anniversary book cover illustration will prominently feature the main protagonist of the .hack series, Kite. Famitsu notes that the fan book will include a 20-year retrospective on the series, as well as developer interviews and other behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, Famitsu is running a survey asking fans about their favorite .hack characters, games, and media. The survey will be open until April 30, 2022.

Two online retailers will sell the book. First, the Amazon Japan listing shows the .hack 20th anniversary book with a price of ¥3,520 (about $28). Japanese retailer Ebten will also sell a special version of the fan book, which will include an A2-size tapestry of the cover illustration. This version will cost ¥5,940 (about $47).

Pre-orders are currently available for the .hack 20th anniversary book. The book will release on June 20, 2022, the series' 20th anniversary.

The post .hack 20th Anniversary Book to Launch in June 2022 appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu has released its results for a Final Fantasy XIV character popularity poll held for its March 2022 feature, and Emet-Selch has come out on top. The character popularity poll was part of a questionnaire, which also asked readers what some of their favorite moments in the MMORPG were. Additionally, the Famitsu feature contains several developer interviews, which have alluded to the future of Final Fantasy XIV's narrative. That said, the character popularity poll has revealed what Final Fantasy XIV character is most popular among those who answered the questionnaire. [Thanks, aitaikimochi!]

According to the results, Emet-Selch is the most popular Final Fantasy XIV character. Behind him at second place is G'raha Tia, with Haurchefant sitting at third place. Other characters that made it within the top 20 include Alphinaud, Estinien, Ardbert, and Zenos. Again, this only s for those who answered the questionnaire. These results potentially do not reflect international readership.

Final Fantasy XIV Producer Naoki Yoshida briefly spoke about the future of the MMORPG in a Letter from the Producer Live. This also included a roap of content that will appear through future version updates. Concerning Patch 6.1, new main scenario quests will be available for players. Additionally, a new secret dungeon and Trial will appear through the update.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Famitsu Poll Reveals Emet-Selch as Most Popular Character appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu has published its top 30 games for the week of August 2, 2021, revealing that Minecraft and the recently-released Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword remaster are at the top of the charts. More importantly, all 30 of the best selling games for this week in Japan are Nintendo Switch titles, which is reportedly the first time a single console has dominated the charts since 1988. [Thanks, Game Data Library!]

The list reports the best-selling video games in Japan from August 2 to August 8, 2021. At the top of this list is Microsoft Studios' Minecraft at 14,912 units sold, followed by Skyward Sword HD released last month at 13,873 units sold. Coming in at third place is Crayon Shin-Chan: Ora to Hakase no Natsuyasumi - Owaranai Nanokakan no Tabi at 13,798 units sold, which was also released last month.

Below is a list of Famitsu's top 10 best selling games in Japan:

1. Minecraft
2. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
3. Crayon Shin-Chan: Ora to Hakase no Natsuyasumi - Owaranai Nanokakan no Tabi
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
5. RingFit Adventure
6. Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban!
7. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
8. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
9. eBASEBALL Pro Baseball Spirits 2021 Grandslam
10. Game Builder Garage

According to Game Data Library, Famitsu's top 30 best-selling games chart in Japan has not seen a single console dominate the entire list since November 1988, when the list consisted entirely of Famicom titles. It also notes that, while it was common to see a combination of Famicom, Super Famicom, and Game Boy games in the top 30 during the 1990s, this is actually the first time that all 30 games have come from the same system.

Last month, Nintendo also announced its top 30 most ed games, which similarly included titles such as Minecraft, Momotaro Dentetsu, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While Monster Hunter Rise has dropped down to #18 in Famitsu's list, Nintendo's mainstay series such as Smash Bros. and Mario Kart continue to sell consistently years after their initial release.

The post Famitsu’s Top 30 Best Selling Games in Japan Are All Nintendo Switch Titles appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu is conducting a survey ahead of the 20th anniversary of Final Fantasy X. This survey includes questions such as "Who is your favorite character?" and "What is the most memorable moment for you in Final Fantasy X?" An issue of Famitsu could potentially publish these answers. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

Those interested will have until June 30, 2021 to submit their answers. As mentioned previously, the survey includes questions that include favorite character, favorite item, and most memorable moment in Final Fantasy X. A total of thirteen questions are on the survey, with several sub-questions included as well.

In the past Famitsu has conducted surveys about various franchises. This has included surveys for Fate/Grand Order and the Yakuza series. These surveys usually commemorate an anniversary for a series, and the answers are then compiled and published in a weekly issue of Famitsu.

Final Fantasy X originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. In 2015 Final Fantasy X was first re-released for PlayStation 4 as Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster. PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions followed. This re-release comes with both Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2. Additional scenarios that were only available in the international versions of both games are available in this version.

The post Famitsu Launches Final Fantasy X Survey Ahead of 20th Anniversary appeared first on Siliconera.

This July 30, 2021 will mark the 6th anniversary since Fate/Grand Order launched back in 2015. In commemoration for the event, Famitsu has prepared an online survey for the August 5 issue. The Fate/Grand Order survey is available online and Masters who take it do not need to answer every question. Players have until June 26, 2021 to access the questionnaire. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

There is a total of 20 questions, with extra space for you to give more details or reasons for your answers. The questions range from the level of your , your gender, how long you’ve been playing, and why you started. It also asks about your favorite main quest and event quest. Questions that offer spaces for more nuanced answers include ones such as your favorite Spiritron Dress, which Servant you would want to see receive a new Spiritron Dress, and which character from another Type-Moon intellectual property you would like to see appear in the story.

The article does not promise that Delight Works and Type-Moon will use the answers on the survey in their decisions on the game’s future. The answers to the survey seem to be for entertainment purposes only, and they will appear in the August 5 issue of Famitsu.

Fate/Grand Order is readily available on mobile devices. The Japanese version recently launched Lostbelt 6 while Lostbelt 4 went live in the global version earlier this month. The 6th anniversary  Fate/Grand Order survey from Famitsu is available until June 26, 2021.

The post Famitsu Launches Fate/Grand Order Survey For 6th Anniversary appeared first on Siliconera.

Masahiro Sakurai will not choose retirement anytime soon. Now that the full Famitsu column is out, IGN clarified with a translation of its own. The video game director will end his regular column in Famitsu later this year.

Based on some tidbits that came out ahead of the column in the latest issue of Famitsu, it sounded like Masahiro Sakurai was considering retirement. However, now that the entire article is available, we have more context to the legendary game developer's statements. After having the column translated independently, IGN clarified that "he makes very clear that he won't be quitting game development anytime soon." While Sakurai does ponder the question of how long he can keep working in game development, he also says this is normal for someone his age to consider. He made no concrete statement of wanting to quit the industry.

However, Sakurai did confirm that he will stop writing his Famitsu column after an 18-year run. He will continue his regular articles in the publication until after the final DLC characters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate come out. Two fighters are remaining in the brawler's second Fighter . The most recent addition to the enormous roster was the two-in-one combo of Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Masahiro Sakurai is not considering retirement. However, he will end his Famitsu column after 18 years.

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