Idea Factory isn't the biggest name when it comes to RPGs, but that doesn't mean they haven't given us several enjoyable titles. Recently Hardcore Gamer had the opportunity to sit down with some of the fine folks over at Idea Factory to get a run down of what we can be on the look out for from them.
Super Neptunia RPG
Hyperdimension Neptunia is a long-running series of games that are synonymous with Idea Factory and Compile Heart. The mainline titles have traditionally been JRPGs whereas the spin offs have gone into some different directions, such as collectible card battles or idol raising simulators. The upcoming Super Neptunia RPG, well upcoming for us westerners since it's already out in Japan, is the latest in spin offs that doesn't fit into the same mold as the mainline titles. A certain game console from 1991 had a tendency to to insert the word Super before many of their titles, and given that Super Neptunia RPG is known for referencing older consoles, it's probably not a coincidence that Hyperdimension has been swapped for two dimensional side-scrolling gameplay.
Super Neptunia RPG portrays the familiar goddesses as hand-drawn 2D sprites, which actually look pretty amazing. What we've seen so far of Super Neptunia RPG is a mix of platforming and turn based RPG combat. What's interesting about the combat is the character party formation will impact the available actions the player can take, with the lead character determining which commands will be available adding another layer of strategy. Super Neptunia RPG is scheduled for a June 30 release for PC, PlayStation 4 and Switch.
Dragon Star Varnir
Zephy is a heroic Requiem Knight and one of the duties in which he excels is killing witches, who in this game are people who are afflicted with giving birth to dragons. During a mission gone awry, he is critically wounded and nearly dies. Fortunately, two witches revive him with the blood of dragons, turning him into a man-witch. With his new man-witch status, Zephy now is made into sloppy joes has new found powers and finds himself in an uneasy alliance fighting against dragon hunters in the empire he once served.
Battles will be found in the air, where witches ride on broomsticks in the traditional manner while Zephy surfs on his oversized sword. Using aerial combat adds another level of complexity to battle formation in that players will be able to take high, middle and low positions, and some bosses are so huge they will take up all three layers. Battles are won with a mix of different skills that would be typical for most RPGs, but players will be able to gain additional power by devouring dragons in combat. Dragon Star Varnir is scheduled for a June 11 release for PlayStation 4.
Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation
Based on the popular light novel series by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko, Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation is finally becoming available to western audiences. Thirty years ago there were some disastrous spacequakes that were caused by Spirits. Shido Itsuka has the unique ability to see and communicate with Spirits, which after he meets a Spirit who hates humanity, learns that his power can cause Spirits to fall in love with him, which leads to an interesting dating life for him. This visual novel will span three seasons with each season introducing a new character. Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation is coming to PC and PlayStation 4 this June.
Arc of Alchemist
Japanese players have been enjoying Arc of Alchemist since February and this tactical action RPG is coming Stateside this summer. Arc of Alchemist has players step into the shoes of Quinn Bravesford, a warrior who must venture into the Desert of Beginnings in order to find the four orbs. Once these orbs are acquired they can be placed in a device called the Lunagear, which through the magic of alchemy can save humanity. Arc of Alchemist combines action combat with base building to bring a tactical element to the experience. The standard four RPG elements, Earth, Fire, Water and Wind, will play a role in the story, making Arc of Alchemist appear to be familiar to fans of classic JRPGs in terms of content but adding a new tacts and action feel to the gameplay.
Idea Factory and Compile Heart games are known among their fans as quirky games that often deal with dark themes generously seasoned with levity. These games on the horizon vary enough where there is something to accommodate a few varying tastes, but all of them seem like they are worth looking into for fans of the genre.