What surprises does IFI have for us on Thursday? Let’s take a few guesses!”
This Thursday is Idea Factory International’s annual press event. One of the main draws of these events are the updates and new announcements that are revealed. Which means there’s room for some healthy speculation as to what IFI will be announcing at the event. So, without further delay, here are five predictions for IFI’s Press Event.
An Update on Super Neptunia RPG
Super Neptunia RPG is a title that’s seen its fair share of ups-and-downs this year. While the game was playable at both E3 and Anime Expo the response from people was mixed, to say the least. Eventually, the game was delayed first in the US and then in Japan for quality concerns. This left a lot of people worried about what the finished game will eventually look like. This event would be a good chance for IFI to soothe our worries. That said, I’m wouldn’t expect a lot of new info.
At the least, I think IFI will put out a new trailer for the Super Neptunia RPG to showcase how much further along the game has come since E3 and Anime Expo. However, I’m unsure if they would allow hands-on with the game since we’re so close to the Japanese release date. Still, an updated Western release window would be good information. Especially since it’s going to be debuting on the Switch here in the West. Speaking of which…
More Switch Releases
While Super Neptunia RPG was supposed to be the first Switch title that IFI would release, that honor now will go to Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force when it releases later this Fall. This would indicate that IFI is preparing to port some of its older titles to Nintendo’s newest console. But that leaves the question as to what titles?
Personally, I think anything from 2016 and on would be on the table since Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force was released in that year. In addition to several Neptunia games, this would mean Dark Rose Valkyrie, MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death, Trillion, and Mary Skelter: Nightmares would be possible candidates. While I don’t think all these titles will make the jump to Switch, it’s still possible we’ll see a few of them in the future. And if you think I forgot about Hakuoki, well…
Hakuoki Shinkai: Fuukaden
Released in Japan in 2017 on the PS4 and ported to the Switch earlier this year. This version of the game combines Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms into one title. Which is how this game was meant to be played in the first place. I reviewed both titles for Operation Rainfall during my tenure there and one of my major issues was that both Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms were one game for the price of two. Thankfully, this updated release fixes that issue. In addition, I think Hakuoki Shinkai: Fuukaden is a safe bet for localization.
For the last two years, IFI has hosted a Hakuoki event in the spring for its otome fans. While these do coincide with the release of the game it also indicates something else to me. This is a passion project for IFI. Hakuoki is something that they’ve poured a lot of time into as a localization company. I don’t see them passing up on the chance to bring over this game. I just hope they take the time to go over the script one more time and clear up the various text bugs that were in Edo Blossoms. Speaking of bugs…
Death end re;Quest
Death end re;Quest is a title that was announced at Anime Expo this year and we haven’t heard all that much about since. Starring Arata Mizunashi and Shina Ninomiya, this title has you trying to help Shina survive in a buggy virtual world where death is a 99% certainty. Since it’s slated for an early 2019 release according to IFI’s website it would make sense that we’d seem some update during the event. Possibly even a narrowed down release window. What I’d like to see though is some gameplay that shows the combat system in action.
One of the main draws of Death end re;Quest is that you can change the combat system to your advantage. For example, you can change it from an RPG to a fighting game or an FPS depending on the situation. While it’s an interesting idea, its also one that’s better communicated by seeing it in action. Hopefully, IFI will stream the game in the future to show us just what this title is capable of. That said, we all need a few surprises at every press event. So, let’s end on what I think is a possibility, but also a longshot.
Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation HD
Date A Live is a series that I’ve heard a lot of people want to be localized. Unfortunately with Date A Live: Twin Edition Rio Reincarnation being released in 2015 on the Vita chances were getting slimmer with each passing year. Plus, now, with the end of the Vita drawing closer many thought that ship had sailed. However, there was a release of Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation HD that came out on the PS4 late last year. So, it’s not an impossibility. However, I still find it sadly unlikely.
Localizing visual novels is never easy. The sheer amount of text means that translators and localization editors must spend a great deal of time pouring over tens-of-thousands of lines. It’s not an easy task, nor is it an economic one. Which sadly is the death knell for many games. Still, I think the popularity of Date A Live might just make this one possible. I’ll be crossing my fingers that we see an announcement for Rio Reincarnation someday.
And that my friends are five predictions for IFI’s press event. Be sure to check back on later in the week for our thoughts on what IFI’s actual announcements are. Also, please be sure to follow Hey Poor Player on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube if you haven’t done so already.
Until next time!
