Sequels Up the Yin-Yang

Well, this is quite a surprise. News came earlier this week that Pokemon series director Junichi Masuda would be appearing on Pokemon Smash this week with big news. Speculation went wild, with most people convinced that it'd be the revelation of either the third version "Grey" (especially with the news that Kyurem would be a major player in the upcoming movie), or remakes of Ruby/Sapphire.

Junichi Masuda went in a completely different direction.

Introducing Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2.



Featuring two new forms for Kyurem, one based off of fire (Reshiram), and one based off of electricity (Zekrom). The "2" also implies direct sequel, which means that these could very likely be all new adventures, unlike in the previous generations where the third version was just a repeat of the gen debut games with added content.

I was somewhat hoping for this from the get-go of the generation, but I had disregarded it as unplausible, given the series history. Game Freak has decided to break more ground this gen than others before, and I must say I'm surprised at how they're trying to keep things fresh.

It's on the DS; people are a bit annoyed that it's not on the 3DS, but I can see a few possible reasons behind the decision; 1: These games are likely using the same game system and mechanics as Black/White, and they'd likely have to redo the engine for a 3DS release; 2: The install base for DS is bigger than the 3DS'. Granted, this game on the 3DS would have definitely moved 3DS sales, but I guess they felt that the DS was the best choice for right now. Plus, the DS still has a bit of life left in it, especially with Devil Survivior 2 releasing here in a few days, and Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition coming out in Japan next month (international releases to be determined); 3: Game Freak may not be ready for the 3DS yet. They may be saving their 3DS debut for the 6th Generation games a few years from now.

Speaking of Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition, the game has been in public knowledge for a while now, but Nintendo of America has been mum on the game so far. Meanwhile, Nintendo of Europe has acknowledged the game, and says that a release is in consideration. Also, Nintendo of America has already acknowledged Black/White 2 on the official Pokemon website. What does this say about Pokemon+Nobunaga's chances? Who knows...

Either way, I'm looking forward to learning more from Black/White 2. The games are set to release in Japan this June, much sooner than your usual Pokemon release there (September), and going by previous localization records, we'll likely see an international release about 6 months later (putting the release in December, or even November at the earliest).

Wow... With Xenoblade, The Last Story, Devil Survivor 2, Kid Icarus Uprising, and now this game, this is looking to be a great year for gaming for me. Read more on this entry

That's Two For Three

What a shame. So far, I haven't kept to my resolution to post here more. But the year is still young.

Anyway, looks like the Operation Rainfall movement has another reason to celebrate. Just announced on Nintendo's Direct Conference for today, The Last Story will be coming to North America.



No release date yet, but in an interesting move, the game is being published not by Nintendo themselves, but by XSEED. I guess Nintendo didn't want to risk losing money on this game, while XSEED specializes in localizing niche games.

Well, whatever. As long as it game releases here at all, I'm happy.

Now we just need word on Pandora's Tower, and Operation Rainfall would have been a success. Read more on this entry