What Ero-games are your favorites at the moment? [Archive] - Page 4

Sushi-Y

2006-12-10, 01:47

In other news, Tomo kataoka just announced on the stage nana bbs that the scenario for narcissu 2nd is now complete. Now it’s only a matter of getting the recording done before the C71. *excited* :heh:

http://stage-nana.telnet.or.jp/wcs2/easywcs.cgi?DIR=2
I was more amused by the fact that New York gaijin Randy was the first person to reply to his post. :heh:

Still, 2nd side has been in the making for almost a year now, it's good to know the wait is almost over.

=======================
Here are some ef information from Nitro Yusenshiki (http://homepage2.nifty.com/aozaki/) that was revealed during the minori trial version distribution/talk event tour, some of which I found to be interesting.

- Most of the profits from Wind, Haru no Ashioto, and ANGEL TYPE are being poured into ef.
- It took about 40 million yen just to press the first fan disk and the maxi single disk (of the OP/ED theme).
- They ran out of funds, so they went and made a 50 million yen (About 430,000 USD) loan.
- The game's scenario is not all that long.
- In exchange for a large number of artworks, they cut the scenario volume down. The idea is to aim for a movie-like experience.
- ef's total CG number is about 400~500.
- The length of the scenario shouldn't determine a game's quality, it's all about how much the completed product entertains you. A game that can be completed within 16~18 hours is also far friendlier for the working-class people.
- They have gotten mails such as "please sell me an instruction manual and user leaflet" or "please sell me the game box", even moronic ones like "tell me how to get the game to install from a disk image". That's when they began working with ISPs and police in Japan to stop P2P distributions.
- There has been a number of offers for an anime adaptation of ef, but they were all turned down.
- They don't dislike any soft houses in particular.
- If any, then probably TYPE-MOON for having so much money it's irritating.
- Envious of KID for being able to borrow 500 million yen. :heh:
- Mikage's (scenario writer, also director of ef) material gathering trip to Germany through Moscow costed 58,000 yen + various expenses for a total of 100 thousand yen.
- Stood helplessly at Moscow airport.
- Doesn't understand German, so he stayed at the same hotel throughout all the location shoots.
- A chicken who escapes back to the hotel as soon as he got the photos he needed.
- Slept on a bench in Moscow airport for 20 hours waiting for the return flight.
Not a lot of good memories of Moscow airport, it seems. :heh:

=======================
Haruka ni Aogi, Uruwashi no (http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=7402)

Raking in some impressive ratings. I'm intrigued at the constant mentioning of just how cool the main character is. The trial version was quite pleasant. The scenario appears to be a good mix of light and heavy developments. Miyabi is quite dangerously moe too. ( ・ω・ )

Maybe I'll give it a try...

shadowplay

2006-12-10, 05:40

Haruka ni Aogi, Uruwashi no (http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=7402)

Raking in some impressive ratings. I'm intrigued at the constant mentioning of just how cool the main character is. The trial version was quite pleasant. The scenario appears to be a good mix of light and heavy developments. Miyabi is quite dangerously moe too. ( ・ω・ )

Maybe I'll give it a try...I got fooled by erogamescape scores again and started playing the game, and well after first branch (Miyabi/Shino/Tonoko) it's kinda nice enough but again totally not my cup of tea, I mean it's just kinda too ordinary (read boring). I started playing branch with other 3 girls (Sumika...) which I might like bit better since there are some hints at fantasy elements in the story, and teacher hero doesnt act goody-goody all the time, and Sumika herself is best girl in the game afterall... so we'll see in the end.

Benoit

2006-12-10, 08:43

Nobody should take erogamescape seriously. It's just a popularity contest.

Spuffy

2006-12-10, 10:15

Depends on how you use it. I really don't care about scores and comments, but it's database is useful.

luckyovermind

2006-12-10, 10:32

- They don't dislike any soft houses in particular.
- If any, then probably TYPE-MOON for having so much money it's irritating.
- Envious of KID for being able to borrow 500 million yen. :heh:
- Mikage's trip ...

I couldn't stop laughing at some of the comments, poor mikage-san :D

And I assume everybody here knows that the demo for Natsumegu (cotton-soft's new game) is out?

http://cotton-soft.com/

Quite a busy server, it is now. :D

Sushi-Y

2006-12-10, 13:49

Nobody should take erogamescape seriously. It's just a popularity contest.
That's the whole point. Games don't get popular unless there's a reason for it. Of course, scores should always be taken with a grain of salt, since everyone's taste is different. But personally, I think "other's recommendations" + "your own rating after the trial version" reduces your chance of buying a landmine the most. All eroges own much of their sales to kuchikomi (word of the mouth), after all. In the end, it's all about popularity.
I don't know about the others here, but I buy my games legally, so I certainly don't have the courage or money to buy games just because they look interesting or pretty. H2O, for example, was a landmine for me. To be realistic (financially), I'd rather let good games slip by due to bad reviews than to trust my senses and step on a landmine.

And I assume everybody here knows that the demo for Natsumegu (cotton-soft's new game) is out?

http://cotton-soft.com/

Quite a busy server, it is now. :D
It's not a demo (as in trial version), but a 13-minute game introduction movie featuring Celes and Madoka.

shadowplay

2006-12-10, 20:38

I started playing branch with other 3 girls (Sumika...) which I might like bit better since there are some hints at fantasy elements in the story...Ok I was wrong, there are no fantasy elements after all, and this branch is not much more interesting to me anyways... oh well.

It might've been mentioned before but I only now noticed that Nitro+ is having possibly interesting new non-BL game called Carnevale of Moonlight (http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/into_12/index.php) set for late Jan, no demo yet or at least I don't see it. Looks mighty cool anyway.

http://www.getchu.com/brandnew/306925/c306925package.jpg

Benoit

2006-12-11, 14:06

That's the whole point. Games don't get popular unless there's a reason for it.
Just because everyone else does something, doesn't mean you should too. The same reasoning applies here.

There are plenty of great games that go unnoticed, and there are a batch of games that are hyped and thus popular, but aren't that great. You see it all the time.

People also give different rating to different greatness. I know you have to take it with a grain of salt, but with all the popularity stuff, that's not enough.

Fuck game scores. Read the damn reviews and go from there. You can't put a number on a game.

Sushi-Y

2006-12-11, 15:32

Just because everyone else does something, doesn't mean you should too. The same reasoning applies here.

There are plenty of great games that go unnoticed, and there are a batch of games that are hyped and thus popular, but aren't that great. You see it all the time.

People also give different rating to different greatness. I know you have to take it with a grain of salt, but with all the popularity stuff, that's not enough.

Fuck game scores. Read the damn reviews and go from there. You can't put a number on a game.
Since when did this devolve into an argument about "hyped crappy games vs hidden gems"?
For the record, the game I'm talking about was not hyped in any sense before it was released. Hyped ones would be along the lines of ef or that new Rance game coming out soon.

And of course scores don't mean everything, nobody's stupid enough to buy something simply because of some pretty numbers, that's why there are comments attached to every score. And if people from personal sites that I frequent also spoke well of the game (MOON PHASE (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/moonphase/20061204)'s cyan-san, for example), then I don't see why that can't became a reason for me to buy the game and try it out myself.

And just because a game got generally good scores doesn't mean everyone thinks the same. There are plenty of comments from Erogamescape similar to shadowplay's, who didn't find the game all that interesting. I take those into consideration as well.

If I downloaded my games illegally, then yeah, screw what others have to say, I'll just download every single game that looks interesting or cool and see for myself, and then nod or shake my head at other's comments afterwards. Unfortunately, I want to support the industry, but I also want to play good games, so I buy my games based on impressions from others, as well as my own. It's a personal choice, not an argument.

G005

2006-12-11, 18:09

I don't think it's really fair to refer to Erogamescape as a popularity contest. After all, there're plenty of hyped bestsellers that haven't scored well (the Shuffle! series, for instance), not to mention unknown titles that are rated highly by the five or so people who vote in.

It's the same with many game review sites like PSMK2 or Amazon Japan. Again, some of the blockbuster hits don't rate well, while several niche ones do. As with all things, you have to take the data with a grain of salt since tastes differ (and the sampling isn't entirely indicative of the big picture. For instance, PSMK2 tends to attract hardcore gamers whereas Amazon reviewers tend to be mainstream consumers). Nonetheless, there's always some degree of merit to the info being presented.

I know some English-speaking fans are put off by the low scores that many domestic releases get -> i.e. Peach Princess, G-Collections, or Hirameki International releases. For that reason, Western fans are inclined to downplay Erogamescape since they personally like many of those poorly rated games.

In truth, many of those games aren't gems in the eyes of Japanese consumers either because they're genuinely mediocre or because they're too ordinary to be interesting (technically solid, but nothing that hasn't been done better in other works). It's kinda like the American console RPG market. Initially, many solid but bland/unextraordinary games were highly loved by genre fans. However, similar products were later viewed with indifference once the variety of available titles increased. Suddenly, a run-of-the-mill game wasn't good enough, and more hooks were needed to keep players interested.

Benoit

2006-12-12, 15:41

Since when did this devolve into an argument about "hyped crappy games vs hidden gems"?
Ever since popularity came into play, obviously.
And of course scores don't mean everything, nobody's stupid enough to buy something simply because of some pretty numbers, that's why there are comments attached to every score.
You'd be surprised how many people do that. I even read some angry mails from people that their favorite magazine became useless because they removed the scores from their reviews.

Generally on haeleth's message board, when you want to talk about a game, one of the first responses you'll get is either
"Score of [high number] on erogamescape. Looks good."
or
"Score of [lower number] on erogamescape. Eh, don't think it's that good."
I know some English-speaking fans are put off by the low scores that many domestic releases get -> i.e. Peach Princess, G-Collections, or Hirameki International releases. For that reason, Western fans are inclined to downplay Erogamescape since they personally like many of those poorly rated games.
My interest in the English bishoujo game market doesn't relate to this. I simply read up once on what Erogamescape is, and that's what I'm repeating here.
In truth, many of those games aren't gems in the eyes of Japanese consumers either because they're genuinely mediocre or because they're too ordinary to be interesting (technically solid, but nothing that hasn't been done better in other works).
Well, we're not spoiled. And just because another game is superior doesn't mean the lesser game is suddenly "ordinary" or "average". Twisted logic.

Sushi-Y

2006-12-12, 23:27

Ever since popularity came into play, obviously.
Er, yeah well, I have no intention to talk about that, so no more argument there.

You'd be surprised how many people do that. I even read some angry mails from people that their favorite magazine became useless because they removed the scores from their reviews.

Generally on haeleth's message board, when you want to talk about a game, one of the first responses you'll get is either
"Score of [high number] on erogamescape. Looks good."
or
"Score of [lower number] on erogamescape. Eh, don't think it's that good."
I don't really care about what other people think about scores. The ratings and comments on Erogamescape are personal feedbacks and insights from people who have played the game, nothing more, and nothing less. I will admit that positive comments on Erogamescape is an incentive for me to check out a game, and if I liked what I see from the official site contents (trial version, for example), I buy the full game, and pass on my own judgements after completing it myself.

There's a difference between "it looks good" and "it is good". There's nothing wrong with saying a game "looks good" if you liked what you saw after learning more about the game + good scores from Erogamescape. And even if some people are basing their impressions entirely on scores from a review site, that's still their choice, the best you can do is say "maybe you should try out the game yourself before saying that". Arguing with them and saying "don't trust scores so blindly you idiot" won't get you anywhere.

Well, we're not spoiled. And just because another game is superior doesn't mean the lesser game is suddenly "ordinary" or "average". Twisted logic.
That's true, although not everyone thinks that way. Those "ordinary" or "average" ratings are purely subjective. To the English community, the translated games may be refreshing and great, but for the Japanese community, those games may just be a part of a big crowd of similar, "seen-it-done-that" games (hence bad scores on review sites).

GundamZZ

2006-12-13, 00:04

My eyes are setting on elf's Dragon Knight 4 remake. The progress is 35% right now. I have the old version, but I can never get it to work on Windows 98. Oh well.

kct

2006-12-13, 00:06

I feel like saying 'balme it on globalization', but that would not make sense.

Well, thing is that there is too many cliches these days >.> .

I try to get round on information about Tenshi no Inai 12-gatsu (the only game I can remember off my head without searching >.>), although I know it's emo <.< .

I can't seem to remember the names of the artists of Leaf-AQUAPLUS >.> .

luckyovermind

2006-12-13, 07:30

Ever since popularity came into play, obviously.

To put it simply: We don't have the money nor the time to dig up the hidden gems, we just check out the popular ones with a high score because it will have a smaller chance of being a landmine. Good games that don't get recognised? Well that's just too bad.

Everybody is different, yes, but not TOO different afterall.

Anyway, if you are in this genre long enough, you will form a solid reason before buying each game (along the lines of: oh, another navel game, must be short and boring and moe~). The scores won't matter much anymore.

MMK, RRR and SSS permanent member, 'honorary' member of KKK

Let me guess, KKK stands for Key Kid Kogado, that correct? :heh:

Question

2006-12-13, 11:00

TSUKIHIME.

The story is just fantastic. The endings are almost perfect as well.

kct

2006-12-13, 17:24

Let me guess, KKK stands for Key Kid Kogado, that correct? :heh:
Nah, it means "I can't be bothered to update my sig".

DingoEnderZOE2

2006-12-13, 19:27

My eyes are setting on elf's Dragon Knight 4 remake. The progress is 35% right now. I have the old version, but I can never get it to work on Windows 98. Oh well.

Good call. I'm looking forward to that as well and I'm currently re-playing the old version to prepare for it. I wonder how they're gonna re-do the battle system.

shinobiknight0

2006-12-13, 21:27

So far, I have only been able to obtain Tsukihime, with the English patch, it's my first ero game. Or non ero since I turned it off because I have a little brother and attentive parents. T_T

Amethyst

2006-12-13, 23:26

Wow, it must've been hard obtaining that Tsukihime copy. I can't imagine for how much the copy of the game sells these days, especially when its status is close to the holy grail itself.

kct

2006-12-14, 00:01

IT WAS some kind of holy grail, given that it is more doujin-based in nature (which makes it even harder).

Spuffy

2006-12-14, 10:51

I can't imagine for how much the copy of the game sells these days
28 000 (http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d69481641) to 35 000 (http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b72235333) JPY for a Tsukibako box. (~240 to 300 USD)

martino

2006-12-15, 16:47

That's a bit insane...

fto

2006-12-15, 23:32

Sushi-Y

2006-12-16, 01:21

A bit??? that is just plain insane!!! No offence to those rich people who might buy them, but WHO THE **** JUST BUYS GAME THAT EXPENSIVE???

i mean even for a box, that is a bit way too much(sorry for caps)
Most doujin softs are produced only in limited quantities and go out of print fast, and Tsukibako was no different. Considering it's a complete compilation of every game in the Tsukihime series (Tsukihime, Tsukihime Plus+ Disk, Kagetsu Tohya), which also represented pretty much everything Type-Moon amounted to as a doujin circle, it's incredibly valuable to Type-Moon fans. It also served as somewhat of a symbol that proved you were there when Type-Moon was only a doujin circle on the way to becoming the famous softhouse it is today.

The auction price has been like that for the past couple of years now. And it's probably not going to change anytime soon, as it doesn't look like Type-Moon has any intention to rerelease Tsukihime for now.

Amethyst

2006-12-16, 11:16

A bit??? that is just plain insane!!! No offence to those rich people who might buy them, but WHO THE **** JUST BUYS GAME THAT EXPENSIVE???As Sushi-Y already explained, these games run a very high sentimental value with some people. Who buys such games, you ask? Rich people? You don't need to be rich to buy it. You can just skip shopping here and there and afford it in a month or two, even if you don't have a lot of money. And otaku do shop. Some of them are just willing to go that extra mile, because, well, that's what makes a true hardcore fan, and those who are are proud to be.
I originally made the sarcastically flavored comment about the price of the game because the fans who actually own Tsukihime didn't obtain it as easily as 99,9% of gaijin ota who pirated it. I know this was a bit evil because an original copy of the game really is hard to obtain, still, the light usage of words like obtain, get and own really does irk me as someone who buys, imports and plays all of his visual novels legally.

fto

2006-12-16, 15:30

Most doujin softs are produced only in limited quantities and go out of print fast, and Tsukibako was no different. Considering it's a complete compilation of every game in the Tsukihime series (Tsukihime, Tsukihime Plus+ Disk, Kagetsu Tohya), which also represented pretty much everything Type-Moon amounted to as a doujin circle, it's incredibly valuable to Type-Moon fans. It also served as somewhat of a symbol that proved you were there when Type-Moon was only a doujin circle on the way to becoming the famous softhouse it is today.

The auction price has been like that for the past couple of years now. And it's probably not going to change anytime soon, as it doesn't look like Type-Moon has any intention to rerelease Tsukihime for now.

Well i understand that, but im saying it because my friend was able to obtain a doujin soft with a couple series like Tsukihime series (unsure of exact # of series) but was able to get it for around 15000 yen to 20000 yen..... (That is the range of price my friend gets game from a certain site, sadly i dont know the exact name of site since im not as rich as him so i cant buy as much)

martino

2006-12-16, 17:13

I know that I have seen a H-game from a normal online shop for something around $100, which was apparently supposed to have been a rather usual price and I don't blame them. There surely aren't that many people playing these kinds of games, but the price on the auction as you said more correctly was "plain insane".

Someone must know that the game will be in very high demand since the patch was released. And I would like to buy it as well, but I can't imagine myself paying more than $60 for it...

However this makes me wonder as to how much do other H/B-games games cost on auction...

Amethyst

2006-12-16, 18:43

It's all about supply vs. demand. Most ero games (H-game isn't a correct term) you can buy pretty much everywhere, meaning in specialized stores that carry otaku and adult goods (they sell those even on Amazon), since they are commercial games. So their prices range from ￥5000~ to ￥9600~. Most of the old commercial ones (except for the classics) aren't even worth the purchase. But then you have the whole doujinshi "market" where any release is a limited release. Now, considering Tsukihime has a high demand, is a classic and was released in limited quantities, then you have to understand that the high price is actually quite right. It's the same with Higurashi no naku koro ni sound novels (the separate non-bundled releases).

Sushi-Y

2006-12-16, 20:15

Someone must know that the game will be in very high demand since the patch was released. And I would like to buy it as well, but I can't imagine myself paying more than $60 for it...
Like I mentioned earlier, the auction price has been at that level for years (ever since Tsukibako went out of print and Type-Moon made it big with Fate/stay night, to be exact).

A full fledged eroge nowadays is usually priced for ￥8,800 (before tax). That's simply the market standard that everyone settled on after taking production expenses and expected sales into consideration. If you lived in Japan, you can usually get these games for a cheaper price than the MSRP (a 8,800 yen game for about 6,500, for example) at various local specialized retailers. But for international sales, the MSRP price is usually what you'll have to settle with, if not higher.

Yes, they can be expensive. Another reason why they're not for people under 18, I guess. :heh:
=============================
Got my Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/gp06/index.htm) delivered today (despite good/bad comments). Silly number of disks :heh: (Game DVD, 2 soundtrack CDs, 2 drama CDs).

Miyama-zero-san's Miyabi in the booklet = lolitrap

Benoit

2006-12-17, 08:43

However, if it's in high demand, it would only be proper to print more copies of it. Type-Moon seems to like to create an elitist atmosphere.

Amethyst

2006-12-17, 09:22

There is also high demand for cheaper Ferrari cars that are produced in limited quantities, but their production numbers are staying low and their price tag is staying insanely high or rising. They have created their own elitist i.e. wealthy customer base and they wish to keep that certain ring to their name.

TYPE-MOON, on the other hand, or many other companies in the otaku industry, limits pressing of special releases. Those limited edition, first pressing releases are called so with a reason. Keeping rare things rare and elitist is the best fanservice any company can give. That's how companies keep the trust of their long term customers. They send out a message to them, saying "We haven't sold ourselves yet, even though we're popular and famous. You're valuable to us." In any case, it's a good investment for the future.

MakubeX2

2006-12-17, 09:48

Here's a perfect sample of a profit driven software house :-

Electronic Arts.

Ask yourself, are they setting up a good example ?

kct

2006-12-17, 19:17

EA? Look at the NFS series (or any of their sports games in that matter) and you got a good example of milking. In a bad way (yes, I'm still not too happy with what they do after the Underground games). HOWEVER, these releases serve to be improvements though (also, NFS comes to the picture).

Then again, it is important not to overdo it.

luckyovermind

2006-12-18, 20:10

stage-nana gets another update!

However, the english site isn't updated so I don't know the exact news. Meanwhile, here's an eye candy for ya :p

http://i12.tinypic.com/4dwda8z.jpg

Sushi-Y

2006-12-18, 20:51

stage-nana gets another update!

However, the english site isn't updated so I don't know the exact news. Meanwhile, here's an eye candy for ya :p

http://i12.tinypic.com/4dwda8z.jpg
Kataoka-san mentioned in the BBS earlier that he was preparing something for the Winter Comiket (since side 2nd wasn't going to be in time due to time constraint for the voice recordings). So this is it, a side 2nd Drama CD. The content is similar to that of a prologue to the game.

As for the cast, Gotou Yuuko = Chihiro = guaranteed ponkotsu? (check c71.wav in the c71 info page) :heh: I'm looking forward to Yanase-san and Ayakawa-san's performance again. ^^

The Setsumi/Nozomi-sensei tea cup looks nice too, I'm sure it'll sell well since you don't get Stage Nana goods often.

======================
Trial version for Melty Blood Act Cadenza Version B (arcade) has been released:
http://www.e56.info/mbac/

Similar to the PS2 version, with the addition of White Ren and a bunch of color variations (30 for each character).
Kind of a tease to release a demo of an arcade game on PC though. ^^;

luckyovermind

2006-12-18, 21:42

Kataoka-san mentioned in the BBS earlier that he was preparing something for the Winter Comiket (since side 2nd wasn't going to be in time due to time constraint for the voice recordings). So this is it, a side 2nd Drama CD. The content is similar to that of a prologue to the game.

As for the cast, Gotou Yuuko = Chihiro = guaranteed ponkotsu? (check c71.wav in the c71 info page) :heh: I'm looking forward to Yanase-san and Ayakawa-san's performance again. ^^

A pity... :(

What is ponkotsu though? I've seen this word used quite often in mizuiro (hiyori of course :D ) but don't know what it means:heh:

kct

2006-12-18, 23:55

IIRC some style of speech...Sushi-Y mentioned this before somewhere else (IIRC it is also this thing that propel Gotou Yuuko to 'stardom').

G005

2006-12-19, 02:52

Keeping rare things rare and elitist is the best fanservice any company can give. That's how companies keep the trust of their long term customers. They send out a message to them, saying "We haven't sold ourselves yet, even though we're popular and famous. You're valuable to us." In any case, it's a good investment for the future.

Fan service? The business model employed by these companies is quite well discussed. Basically, you create a sense of scarcity as incentive for the biggest fans to continually plunk down the money demanded for limited edition releases and special merchandise. Given how small the market is relative to other entertainment industries, companies rely on this to maximize their profits.

While I'm sure certain customers probably get some kind of warm and fuzzy feeling out of this, it's primarily intended as a crafty (and commonly referenced) business strategy. Even within the mainstream game industry, the same tactic has begun to be employed (starting with niche developers, but the big companies are now doing the same for select products) due to drastically decreasing sales.

However, if it's in high demand, it would only be proper to print more copies of it. Type-Moon seems to like to create an elitist atmosphere.

It's impossible to say why Type-Moon hasn't reprinted Tsukihime. Given the group's transition from a doujin developer to a professional company, I'd guess that Tsukihime's presentation may not reflect how Type-Moon would like to be viewed as a studio today. After all, they've been toying with the idea of a Tsukihime remake for some time now.

kct

2006-12-19, 03:00

Yes, considering the quality of everything in Tsukihime back then. Basically, when something goes big, expectations increase.

Sushi-Y

2006-12-19, 21:07

IIRC some style of speech...Sushi-Y mentioned this before somewhere else (IIRC it is also this thing that propel Gotou Yuuko to 'stardom').
Ponkotsu can refer to two things:

1. A term originated from Nekoneko Soft's own "brand" of tennen boke (天然ボケ, naturally dopey?) characters (Hiyori and Nanami, for example), who are also somewhat absent minded and slow. In other words, slow and dopey (Nekoneko) heroine = ponkotsu.

2. The voice of the ponkotsu characters, voiced by Gotou Yuuko (all the Nekoneko ponkotsu characters were voiced by her for the consumer releases). That unique cute/squeaky voice became an instant hit, soon unofficially named by the fans as the "ponkotsu voice" (for example, the voice Gotou-san used for Mikuru was ponkotsu).

=========================
Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/gp06/index.htm) comment:

Sumika route complete.
．．．栖香．．．恐ろしいエロい子w
As a character, Sumika's tsundere-ness is top notch, I really enjoyed her personality.

The story, however, is a little... :heh: The concept was good, and even the conclusion was nicely done. But it felt as if every advancement in the plot existed simply to take the "physical love" with Sumika to the "next level" (sexually driven story? :heh: ), even though it's really the other way around.

On one hand, the serious Sumika during the day → ecchi Sumika at night gap is amusing (that is, moe), but on the other hand, the escalating foreplay scenes that continue throughout the story (until they finally "do it" late in the game) can be really distracting.

Then again, secretly ecchi tsundere Sumika = win? :heh:
Since she's kind of a pair with Sumika, Misaki will be next. Then I'll probably jump over to the home school camp, which garnered most of the praises from the players...

=========================
minori uploaded an 8-second sample of the HD quality ef OP movie that is included in the "Tech Gian Super Prelude" book featuring ef - the first tale (released today), on their website.

http://www.minori.ph/index_02.html
(hot linking is bad etiquette, so check "ef_HD_sample.wmv" under the 2006/12/19 news entry)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6262/efhdsamplewmv000000958em8.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=efhdsamplewmv000000958em8.jpg) http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3026/efhdsamplewmv000002291nf6.th.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=efhdsamplewmv000002291nf6.jpg) http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3477/efhdsamplewmv000006458fo7.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=efhdsamplewmv000006458fo7.jpg)
As if the game isn't going to sell enough. :heh:

edit: oops, it's not the magazine, but a special collection book.

kct

2006-12-19, 21:28

2. The voice of the ponkotsu characters, voiced by Gotou Yuuko (all the Nekoneko ponkotsu characters were voiced by her for the consumer releases). That unique cute/squeaky voice became an instant hit, soon unofficially named by the fans as the "ponkotsu voice" (for example, the voice Gotou-san used for Mikuru was ponkotsu).

Yes, that is what I meant.

ayyo

2006-12-22, 15:44

Back to topic of the thread-

What Ero-games are your favorites at the moment....

SENGOKU RANCE
戦国ランス (http://www.alicesoft.com/rance7/index.html)

God, can't believe no one mentioned this work of art here after a week yet. This beast manages to exceed all expectations and crush its own hype; with a more complicated board and scenarioS to play around with than Kichikuou Rance, an improved mix of the Kichikuou Rance and Dai combat system while leaning towards Kichikuou Rance's, and a difficulty that shouts out to Alicesoft's old skool challenging as hell instead of their newer easy-as-pie, this got to be Alicesoft's best-est game.

Sushi-Y

2006-12-23, 02:32

SENGOKU RANCE
戦国ランス (http://www.alicesoft.com/rance7/index.html)

God, can't believe no one mentioned this work of art here after a week yet. This beast manages to exceed all expectations and crush its own hype; with a more complicated board and scenarioS to play around with than Kichikuou Rance, an improved mix of the Kichikuou Rance and Dai combat system while leaning towards Kichikuou Rance's, and a difficulty that shouts out to Alicesoft's old skool challenging as hell instead of their newer easy-as-pie, this got to be Alicesoft's best-est game.
The game's getting a lot of praises for living up to its hype, so I'm sure it's a good game in many ways. Personally, I'm not much of a fan for kichiku games though. ^^;

===========================
Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/gp06/index.htm) comment:

Misaki route complete.
滝沢司、まさに淫乱教師．．．

In various ways, the scenario itself was better constructed than Sumika's route, although it feels like there's less of a punch (whereas Sumika's story left a really strong sense of tension and crisis), maybe because Misaki is such a bright character, it diluted what sense of conflict there was. I can see why reviews warned people against playing Misaki's route before Sumika's route as well, considering the spoilers from Misaki's story would've ruined Sumika's story. Overall, Misaki was a nice character, although Sumika still ranks higher for me. On the other hand, Misaki's scenario was nicely paced and laid out. The ending was pretty satisfying as well.

The problem really lies with our main character, Takizawa Tsukasa. This guy is your typical nice guy teacher who's a little timid.... on the surface. Once he gets close to a girl, though, a flurry of lewd thoughts begin to invade his head (which is still acceptable, since his reasonings are still sound). The worst part though, is how this guy is a total perv in bed. If only there was a selection point, I would've let Misaki's papa shoot this guy in the head. :heh:

Really, it's not that bad, but Tsukasa's almost 180 degree change in, er, attitude between regular daily life and H scenes was a little too hard to swallow.
Leaving branch school camp for now. I think I'll try out a home school route next. Shino sounds like a good candidate (I'm saving Miyabi~ for last ^^).

===========================
Oh yeah, ef was released yesterday... I don't think I'll be getting it until I can finish Kanishino first though. ^^;

minori is tossing out quite a bit of ef stuff for C71 as well:
http://www.minori.ph/c71.html

The calendar looks nice~
I don't get the reference behind the MJ-12 shirt, but it looks cool too ^^;

===========================
Edit: Finished trail version of 月光のカルネヴァーレ (http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=306925) - Carnevale Della Luce Della Luna
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4528/c306925packagemg2.jpg

First impression: What the hell is Kyon doing in a goth noir eroge? :heh:
Really, everything from Romeo's ironic tone of voice, attitude, to his tendency to complain in paragraphs, they're practically twins. :heh: Although it really has nothing to do with the game itself, a must listen if you're interested. ^^;

I find Anna-chan adorable as well,
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7770/g3pg1.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=g3pg1.jpg)
as I'm weak against natural bokes, I guess. ^^; Especially if I know there's more to their story than meets the eye.

The trial version itself was quite nice as well, as the story revolved around one specific suspense and managed to keep the tension up all the way to the end.

Romeo's overwhelming coolness in the end there made me laugh out loud though. :heh:

Normally, I'd avoid overly hard-boiled games such as this, but so far, I find the characters and the story itself to be quite enjoyable. Besides, with Kyo, I mean Romeo around as the main character, I don't think I'll get too bored. :heh:

Dagger

2006-12-24, 10:44

My copy of -ef- just arrived. Color me stunned! I won't be able to play the actual game until after the Christmas craziness has ended in my house, but the packaging is absolutely ravishing. I had no idea that it was going to come with a box for both the first tale and the latter tale. (even my little sister, who isn't into anime or games at all, agrees that the box is gorgeous!) The packaging for the game disc is sturdy and attractive as well. Just looking at this thing would be enough to make anyone with collector's instincts drool. :eyespin:

Varion

2006-12-24, 12:54

Amethyst

2006-12-24, 13:03

Ugh, I envy you guys. A friend from Japan is shipping ef - the first tale out to me tomorrow. Bless him. Meaning I'll be playing ef after new year. :) I also decided to finally buy a copy of Kanon ~Standard Edition~. January is going to be a lot of fun, I can tell.

EDIT: Sushi-Y: You're evil. Just ordered that TECH GIAN issue too. ;__;

Dagger

2006-12-24, 14:16

Do you have a camera by any chance? :p I was going to save ordering it until after christmas (too busy with Ys Origin right now, then a few christmas games) buuut...
I'll see if I can take some pictures tomorrow... they might not come out so hot, but I'll try. :heh:

Anyway, I managed to squeeze in some time today after wrapping presents, and of course I had trouble getting the game to work. :rolleyes: It installs fine, but I get an error message when I try to run it--it says something about the game being unable to operate in this environment. I was going to try installing it again with AppLocale, but AppLocale doesn't do anything since I already have JP set as the language for non-unicode programs. Also, being technologically incapable, I don't really know what I'm talking about. :heh: I guess I'll look up solutions online when I have more free time or something.

luckyovermind

2006-12-24, 22:24

If the message you are getting is: この環境では動作できません。

Try change the time zone to GMT+09:00 Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo, then run the game :D,

Not sure if it will work though, since I don't have the game yet :p

Sushi-Y

2006-12-24, 22:43

ef's game package? Something like this, I guess:
http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/3061/20061222204901nw2.png
I haven't ordered the game myself, but I believe the preorder extra is the collector's box (the one with Yuuko and Himura on it) that lets you store the first/latter tales together. Most online retailers will send you the collectors box as well when you buy the game from them.

On the other hand, the game itself has no first or limited press editions, unlike most other games. And I don't think it comes with any extra booklets or soundtrack/drama CDs, which is a common bonus for most first edition games. Still, for a game that's only 2/3 the price of regular eroges, it's not all that bad.

Maybe the latter tale game release will feature some other bonus items when it's released next year.

============================
It installs fine, but I get an error message when I try to run it--it says something about the game being unable to operate in this environment.
As a basic check, just make sure you have both system language and region set to Japanese.

I believe minori added their own copy protections/security checks onto ef, just like they did with the first fan disk, to fight against pirating and illegal copies. This might be the cause of your errors.

Also, according to ef's home page, only Windows 2000 SP4 and XP SP2 are officially supported. If your computer was able to run the trial version though, then this shouldn't be the problem.

Worst comes to worst, you can always e-mail minori's customer support. ^^; Sometimes the problem is caused by disk check errors, you can get a patch from them that let's you skip that.

============================
Today's Melty Blood AC Ver.B trial:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5501/mbacxmasiy2.th.jpg (http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mbacxmasiy2.jpg)

martino

2006-12-25, 12:43

Do you get Japanese subtitles in ef?

Dagger

2006-12-25, 14:20

If the message you are getting is: この環境では動作できません。

Try change the time zone to GMT+09:00 Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo, then run the game :D
OMG, it worked! Thank you so much!! :bow:

I haven't ordered the game myself, but I believe the preorder extra is the collector's box (the one with Yuuko and Himura on it) that lets you store the first/latter tales together. Most online retailers will send you the collectors box as well when you buy the game from them.

Yeah, it's just like the image you posted. I didn't realize I'd be getting the collector's box as well, so it was pretty thrilling to open the package and discover it. (btw, I ordered from Palet Web because one of your earlier posts in this thread recommended them, and I couldn't have been more happy with their service. :))

Anyway, I'm off to play the game~! Hopefully I'll manage to get something out of the story, with my limited JP comprehension. :heh:

i2k

2006-12-27, 03:59

humm...It's too difficult.
My top 3 - :heh:

hateshinaku-aoi-kono-sora-no-sitade
http://www.topcat.tc/product/bsky/index.htm

Muv-Luv ALTERNATIVE
http://www.muvluv.com/alternative/index.htm

CROSS†CHANNEL
http://www.kid-game.co.jp/kid/game/cross/

donthuang

2006-12-27, 07:43

I don't normally play ero-games because my computer probably can't handle the huge size.

But the one game that caught my eye was Atlach=Nacha (I've been reading the Cthulhu Mythos at the time)
I just listened to a few music tracks and now I want to take a look at it. I can't believe I took the trouble of downloading it. :/

Others that highly interest me are Mamatoto and Pastel Chime (is that ero?)

Dai Akuji kind of sparked some kind of interest but I'm a bit skeptical since the themes in the sypnosis don't sit well with me.

Can someone tell me more about this Dai Bancho I keep hearing about?

About Atlach=Nacha, the bgm "Red Tint" really amazing.....

And the story is as sad as the oldschool "AliceSoft"

donthuang

2006-12-27, 07:49

So, nobodies here play sengoku RanCe?

I think this game is my 2006 best one......

shadowplay

2006-12-27, 13:24

Finally started playing ef, and well yeah after an hour or so, this game does feel like something special, like playing Air or Kanon for the first time (I'm comparing the atmosphere and feelings here, not actual content), and overall production values are second to something like School/Summer Days I guess...though ef's current erogescape score (around 70) kinda worries, either something goes totally wrong about the game later on, or everyone's just pissed about game's shortness.

G005

2006-12-27, 14:14

either something goes totally wrong about the game later on, or everyone's just pissed about game's shortness.

That seems to be one complaint. Supposedly, the game is really short and is incapable of standing alone as an individual story. However, the biggest complaint is that the game is style over substance. The scenario isn't particularly special, while the interactivity has really suffered (there're still choices, but users complain that they're mostly inconsequential, with no influence on how the story plays out).

Naturally, players love the production values. On the whole, it sounds as if minori tried to buy a hit (by dazzling gamers with a big-budget presentation. Considering the meager sales of Wind and Haruoto, I can understand why they chose a do or die approach this time). At the same time, compromises had to be made due to the amount of work required for each scene.

Sushi-Y

2006-12-27, 17:15

That seems to be one complaint. Supposedly, the game is really short and is incapable of standing alone as an individual story. However, the biggest complaint is that the game is style over substance. The scenario isn't particularly special, while the interactivity has really suffered (there're still choices, but users complain that they're mostly inconsequential, with no influence on how the story plays out).
I still haven't played the game myself yet, so this is just my guess, but I'm guessing minori succeeded in achieving that "movie" feel that they wanted. Presentation wise, ef probably raised a few bars in graphics and screenplay, but just like nbkz-san said during the talk show tour, they had to sacrifice scenario length in exchange. Although it's true that story length doesn't determine the greatness of a game, it's important to know that "the shorter the game is going to be, the more important it is for the scenario to be good" (Saya no Uta and Planetarian comes to mind here).

Most players managed to finish the first tale in 6~10 hours. Of course, don't forget we're only talking about half the story here. The latter tale is supposed to be connected to the first tale, and only then will the story be complete.

==============
They're going overboard with their C71 goods though. :heh:
http://www.minori.ph/c71.html

drama CDs, phone cards, towels, cell straps, screen blocks, calendars, mufflers, gloves, T-shirts, beer mugs(lol), glass cups, donburi bowls ^^;...

==============
Natsumegu (http://cotton-soft.com/main.html) is doing well on the reservation charts, even though the release date has been pushed back a week into Februrary.

That Christmas expedition in 100% Diary made me laugh. :heh:

bluemist

2006-12-28, 04:55

It's vacation time! Time for Da Capo II!

I'll go have a look at -ef- too. Looks like a hot item nowadays.

luckyovermind

2006-12-28, 06:22

Somehow I get this feeling that Rance VII is actually hotter than EF nowadays :heh:

I haven't played EF either. But from what I've heard, nothing went wrong later on, it's more like nothing really is going on. People are expecting another suika, or DC, or something even better, consider the hype it's getting. But it turned out to be just a little fairy tale, nothing more.

Now let just hope that mikage-san can give us an "EF ALTERNATIVE" when the latter tale is released next year. :D

Dagger

2006-12-30, 01:38

I finished the first chapter of ef today. For me, it's probably a good thing that the game as a whole isn't particularly long, since it takes me long enough to get through each scene as things stand. :heh: Looking at the memories section, it seems like there might only be two chapters, though. And are they not going to play the OP video until the very end!? At first I just kept reading mindlessly because I was waiting for my Shinkai goodness... orz.

Not much to say about the first chapter, really. The framework of the story was typical, but within that framework, I thought the writing was quite strong.

In particular, they did a good job of making my feelings about the girls change along with Hirono. For such a simple story, I was surprised at how much my opinion of Kei and Miyako evolved as it progressed. At first I found both of them to be kind of annoying, but the writing brings out other sides of their personalities in a skillful, natural way. So yeah--a simple story, but with powerful characterization. It helps that Hirono himself is a pretty cool hero--both cool and clumsy. He also gets huge points for being a shoujo manga-ka, haha. Awesome!

The voice acting in ef is superb, by the way. Every single female voice is a delight to listen to. <3

At first I was a little worried about the first chapter, since initially I didn't like any of the female characters in it as much as Yuuko (who instantly won my heart). In that sense, it definitely exceeded my expectations. I do have to question what the choices in the game really do, though... it seems like the creators need the individual stories to end a particular way in order for overarching story to be coherent. So what's the point of having choices at all? I guess I find it to be somewhat misleading.

luckyovermind

2006-12-30, 02:10

I did remember someone mentioned that the OP was actually ED... or something like that, so yeah :p

Choices are just there to put you off (gin'iro style? :heh:). Look at plantarian, it's not even treated as a game anymore without choices.

donthuang

2007-01-01, 23:18

Sorry for Japanese
2006 sales data form 2ch (till 11/30)

1.マブラヴオルタネイティヴ(muvluv alt) 61,927　
2.D.C.II 61,306
3.Really？Really！ 41,740
4.Scarlett 36,719
5.PIA.GO 36,510
6.tumashibori 28,759
7.yukubarisapoten　 27,098
8.Boy meets Girl 27,002
9.Happiness FANDISK 26,787
10.FULLANIME 26,653
11.BALDR BULLET REVELLION 24,484　
12.Canvas2 DVD EDITION 24,400
13.Summer Days 23,351
14.TAYU UTA　 23,297
15.KONO AOZORA NI YAKUSOKU WO　 22,622
16.FATE/ STAY NIGHT 22,276
17.PRINCESS WALTZ 21,400
18.H2O FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND 20,675
19.ELF ALLSTARS MAJOUNG 3 20,257
20.MAN AT WORK 4 20,203　　　　　　　　　　　　
I think SENGOKU RANCE & EF'S Sale is above 60K

MeganeShounen

2007-01-02, 00:14

Wow. All the heavyweights are still raking in the sales, even after their release dates, like F/sn. Though seeing Yokubari Saboten got me curious...

Lesee... Happiness Re:Lucks is still in the Top 10, along with the other previously-anticipated titles like Scarlett, Really?Really! and D.C. II. But I didn't expet Summer Days to perform not that well compared to the others.

D.C. II went neck to neck with MuvLuv Alternative... while Sengoku Rance and ef are in the Top 1-5 range. I wonder which shops did this countoff take its data from?

donthuang

2007-01-02, 07:06

I wonder which shops did this countoff take its data from?

Form the magazine "PC-NEWS"
http://www.peakspub.co.jp/

MeganeShounen

2007-01-02, 09:15

I see. Thanks donthuang. You don't post much here, do you? :D

BTW, just dropped by to post something I managed to hear from someone else...
Eien no Aselia Sequel Official Site up (http://www.xuse.co.jp/product/narukana/index.html)... or something.

luckyovermind

2007-01-04, 09:30

This is probably not news, but I just learned that the full english patch for Gadget Trial (trial does not stand for trial version) was completed some time last month. Seeing it's a bishoujo game more or less, I'd toss it here:

http://yu-ri.is.moelicious.be/

The name of this website ... is ... interesting :heh:

>>>>>>

Well, I gotta finish symphonic rain first. (obsessed with lolis :heh:)

martino

2007-01-05, 09:09

^^ It was posted in the Guilty Gear thread some ago ago, but thanks for reminding us.

Ajikan-aoi

2007-01-07, 13:30

For me it has to be the Operation Sanctuary series.Very moe.

Varion

2007-01-09, 20:55

While we're (sort of... very sort of) on the subject, does anyone know what's up with this Muvluv Alternative Renewal Package on Himeya (http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/3154) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000EWQ0WQ)? Judging by the release date it looks like it's no different (and it's the only version I can seem to find), which is fine, I'm not expecting any extras... but is that what it is? My only concern is it's had the anti-guro patch Age released added to it really :heh:

Cloudnine

2007-01-11, 02:11

It's just a re-release of the original DVD version with nothing changed, afaik.

Alternative is one of those handful of titles every eroge player must experience once in their life~ グッドラック! ^^b

Ah.. and don't forget to play the original Muvluv first~ (completing the unlimited scenario is a given!:x)

Varion

2007-01-11, 08:21

But of course! Extra has Sumika in it, and Virtual On references! I used to love that game back on the Saturn. Nah, Alt gets saved until last.

Thanks though :) Just didn't want the experience dampened by unnecessary patching, will pick that up next time I get a chance then. Now as for Muvluv itself - widescreen or sex... widescreen or sex... tough choice :heh: I can't tell whether it's sad or not that I'm more tempted by the widescreen.

shadowplay

2007-01-11, 20:13

Finally found the time to finish ef's first tale, and well...guess it wasn't total masterpiece, but I liked it anyway and thought it was good game. Miyako's chapter wasn't that remarkable though, but Kei's one saved the day for me. Guess people got disappointed by the linearity and the lack of big emotional twists, but I thought atmosphere, production and everything else was top notch and made it up for that. And it's also only first half, we'll see how second one fairs. Can't wait for Chihiro's chapter muahahaha..ha.
Ok, now I'm onto Inspire's Edelweiss, which looks to be another game for acquired tastes, will try to finish that one before great rush of new eroge at the end of January.

Cloudnine

2007-01-12, 02:41

A non ' Ef ' related post ~ :P

Well, I got through another stack of titles this winter break, finally finishing a majority of games from 2006. While it has been a pretty slow year, there were a few titles that was well worth the paycheck (though most were returned back into the wait pile... ^^; )

:Recommended titles:

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1379/c220613packagewb9.jpg
青空の見える丘 (Aozora no Mieru Oka)
http://www.feng.jp/aozora/
One of the sleeper hits of 2006 and top ten games of 2006 on my list. The character designs really shine here with an excellent VA cast and superbly written scenarios to showcase that talent. Along with the cast of beautiful heroines and comedic support cast, the protagonist Hideki is extremely likable and does not suffer from the usual 'spineless' gene found in most male heros.

Speaking of scenarios, along with the normal male perspective, you also have the option of viewing through the heroines point of view. This really helped in fleshing out the character's personalities and adding considerably depth to the dialogue and events that occur. At times, I found myself replaying the female POV as it is just so wonderfully written and gives much insight into the relationship between the characters. If I were to find a fault with this game, it would be the lack of voicing during the female POV. I just wish they would have utilized the A+ cast to the fullest and included voicing over the narration.

Score: 91/100 (A must have on the list~!)

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5673/c268385packageqa9.jpg
ぽっと -Rondo for Dears- (Potto -Rondo for Dears-)
http://www.ankh-soft.com/
If you're looking for another famiresu experience, Potto would be a good choice. I picked this one up entirely based on the fact that I love the artwork ^^; Having played Ankh's titles before, I wasn't expecting much. However, I was pleasantly suprised at how I was pulled into the storyline once I started playing. While it isn't entirely original in terms of story, I found many of the characters to be very endearing and full of personality, especially the Kimika her little sisters <3

Like Aozora no Mieru Oka, there is also a female POV to the story. However, it is fully voiced which was a very interesting experience altogether.

Score: 73/100 (This would be considerably higher if the BGM arrangement had more variety)

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8193/c324325packagepl2.jpg
キミの声がきこえる (Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru)
http://www.axl-soft.jp/products/02/index.html
Originally, I was put off by the character design and animation. They were fairly generic and lacked style. You have the usual niistuma, your tsundere bishoujo friend, and a giri-imouto with twin tails. Nothing really stood out, that is until you play the game. While the characters are fairly generic, the storyline isn't. There is a somewhat complicated branching storyline with 3 seperate endings for two of the main heroines. Without question, I played through all three endings for Sakura (god... I am weak against the tsundere type..) The comedic value is pretty high as the game rarely takes a serious tone, so this would be a good title to consider if you're looking for a simple love comedy.

Score: 69/100

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2889/c310145packagekv1.jpg
tan. (タンジェント)
http://www.hook-net.jp/tjr/
Review... [coming soon?]

Score: 87/100

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6546/c263305packagekp6.jpg
カラフルアクアリウム (Colorful Aquarium)
http://www.eufonie.jp/
Review... [coming soon?]

Score 81/100

shadowplay

2007-01-13, 20:12

Well since we're listing things, here's something related to that late January rush of new eroge (releases of 26th of Jan to be more precise), think it's lot more promising than the one we had at the end of 2006, there are maybe 4-5 games I'm possibly interested in playing;

http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/into_12/img/title.jpg
Gekkou no Carnevale (Nitro+) (http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/into_12/index.php)
- great art, promising demo, I'm always sucker for more darker games with european settings, hope this won't disappoint

http://www.littlewitch.jp/products/rondo/img/bannar/bbanner01.gif
Rondo Leafleat (LittleWitch) (http://www.littlewitch.jp/products/rondo/index.html)
- victorian eroge from LW, what else to say, good that they're back to pure ADV format after Romanesque

http://tarte.deal.co.jp/products/katahane/images/img/katahane_bns02.jpg
Katehane (Tarte) (http://tarte.deal.co.jp/products/katahane/index.html)
- well this game was already hyped as hell in this very thread, though I'm not fully convinced yet, art and especially soundtrack are quite good. Notice how this is yet another new game with european background, a trend?

http://www.lumpofsugar.co.jp/product/images/02_itsusora.jpg
Itsuka Todoku Anosora ni (Lump of Sugar) (http://www.lumpofsugar.co.jp/product/itsusora/index.html)
- thought this would be another generic moe game, but demo was quite good and occasionally moody, leaving you asking for more, wondering what'll happen next. Will probably get 110/100 from Cloudnine in the end ;)

http://www.light.gr.jp/light/products/siokaze/img/siokaze_ban_l.jpg
Shiokaze no Kieru Umi ni (Light) (http://www.light.gr.jp/light/products/siokaze/index.htm)
- short (and cheap) new ADV from the writer who did Light's best game imo (Gunjou no Sora...), and Akio Watanabe (Popotan, Komugi-chan) as an artist. Should be great. It will be possible to buy and download game from the official page I think.

http://www.acaciasoft.jp/natsumero/ban/ban_natsu_180x180.jpg
Natsumero - summer melody (AcaciaSoft) (http://www.acaciasoft.jp/natsumero/)
- in a way this is kinda shocking; Symphonic Rain artist going fully ero...nooooooooo :heh: Too bad company behind the game probably hints at a mediocre product somehow.

There are also new games from Giga, PurpleSoft, CottonSoft, Siesta and Sharin no Kuni FD being released on same date, but not much interested in those, there's too much stuff already anyway.

velocity7

2007-01-14, 20:58

Cloudnine

2007-01-14, 21:29

geh... I've completely fallen to the moe trend! *insert shocking self realization*

( まああ。。いや。)

Nursery Rhyme was an excellent debut title for Lump of Sugar, so I was really looking forward to their next work Itsuka Todoku Anosora ni. From a peek at their demo, they've put a lot of effort into art production. The CG's and character designs simply shine with detail and color. The story still remains a bit foggy, but I see much potential as I have faith in the scenario writer this time around. 朱門優 is the same scenario writer who produced one of my favorite Caramel-box titles, めぐり、ひとひら (http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=3014). So in a way, this game has the potential for a very high score.

http://www.lumpofsugar.co.jp/product/itsusora/images/sample/sample03.jpg
The art and character design's are simply fantastic~!

Ahh.. I can't wait till the 26th~! (ワクワク)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4352/topue2xu1.jpg

Also looking forward to Primitive Link (プリミティブリンク), Purple-soft's newest title coming out on the 26th. The first thing that came to mind was "Majipuri 2?", but from the overall design, it's quite different. The game has a sort of Shuffle!-like storyline with parallel worlds, magic, and a hint of Japanese folklore. Maybe this can lend to some interesting plot twists (hopefully original ones...) Like with all of Purple-soft's titles, the animated OP will likely be on par with Shinkai level animation so that will be nice treat when it is released. (off topic: hurry up and release 秒速5センチメートル!!)

Sushi-Y

2007-01-14, 22:34

Done in the same light as the Summer of Bishoujo (http://bluemist.animeblogger.net/summer-of-bishoujo/) series of summary articles, I decided to post...

Clannad - Furukawa Nagisa's Arc (before After Story) (http://naomi.thewafflehouse.net/blog/2007/01/14/clannad-furukawa-nagisa-spoilers/)

Spoilers abound if you read! Please enjoy, and if there are any mistakes, feel free to point them out! :)

I plan to be covering After Story as well... if anyone has translations of the End of the World chapters, that'd be great as well.
It's a nice summary (certainly more succinct than any summary I'm capable of writing ^^; ), but I just want to say something in response to your "I’ll write down my full review of the game after the After Story has been posted" comment.

Nagisa's route during the school life arc is really quite short compared to the After Story (if you think about it, Nagisa's school arc route was really nothing more than an intro to her main story in the "After" Story).

But to speak of the After Story (especially the true ending), it would be important to talk about the light orbs, which would involve all the other characters' routes (what they're about/how the orbs were obtained).

After all, the scenario flow for CLANNAD goes like this (you might know this already, but I'm listing it just as reference):

===========================
New Game

School life arc:
- Kyou's route: recover 1 light orb
- Tomoyo's route: recover 1 light orb
- Kotomi's route: recover 1 light orb
- Yukine's route: recover 1 light orb
- Hiiragi's route: recover 1 light orb
- Sunohara/Mei's route: recover 1 light orb
- Koumura-sensei's route: recover1 light orb
- Misae-san's route: recover 1 light orb
- Fuuko's route
- Nagisa's route: lose 1 light orb if Fuuko's scenario was completed first (The English wikipedia article only covered this)

After Story (only available after completing all 10 routes from the school life arc and have collected 8 light orbs (7 if Nagisa's route was completed after Fuuko's))

Cohabitation arc:
- Sanae-san's side route: recover 1 light orb
- Yoshino-san's side route: recover 1 light orb
- Naoyuki's (Tomoya's father) side route: recover 1 light orb
↓
Marriage/Childbirth arc
↓
Ushio's arc
- Recover Fuuko and Kouko's light orbs (Kouko's orb only if you finishd school life arc with 8 orbs)
↓
After Story Normal End
↓
- Return to Cohabitation arc and recover Akio's light orb from his side route.
↓
Begin Marriage/Childbirth arc again after having collected all 13 light orbs in order for the "miracle" to occur
↓
After Story True End
===========================
As you can see, an important aspect of the After Story is about how the light orbs (the consciousness of the people within the town, as well as of the town itself) came together to create a single miracle. In the end, CLANNAD is one of those games that you can't complete unless you complete EVERYTHING. So even if you were to only write a summary of Nagisa's school life route + After Story, I hope you can find the time to touch up on the importance of all the other routes and how they relate to the main story. After all, it wouldn't be fair to such an epic story to write a "full review" that left out significant portions of the game, right? :heh:

Then again, that's just me speaking as an arrogant CLANNAD fan/Kagikko. I'm happy to see someone reviewing the game and help making it more well-known in the English community. ^^

kct

2007-01-14, 23:35

Any news from Leaf? They seem to be rather quiet or something, although to my knowledge they got something coming up.

velocity7

2007-01-14, 23:55

Sushi-Y: I guess I should re-word that as a review over Nagisa's arc really, but thanks for covering that part. On that note I may do as you suggest. :)

Cloudnine

2007-01-15, 02:43

Any news from Leaf? They seem to be rather quiet or something, although to my knowledge they got something coming up.

They're working on a spin-off of To Heart2, called To Heart2 ~Another Days~

http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/images/title/tpb.gif

The main heroines this time around will be:

Marian, a support character who appears in Sasara's route. (激萌え~)
Yocchi and Charu, Konomi's best friends. (I didn't find them very interesting though...)
Nanako, the dangerously loli character that appears in Ruuko's route
Harumi, an entirely new character. (幼なじみ?)

I can post some magazine scans I have if anyone wants to see the characters. Leaf/aquaplus still haven't even bothered to update their page (http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/product/th2ad/index.html) with new info.

Potatochobit

2007-01-15, 04:47

is there a projected release date? this is like the last one of like four games i have been waiting for since last year.

MeganeShounen

2007-01-15, 09:05

They're working on a spin-off of To Heart2, called To Heart2 ~Another Days~

The main heroines this time around will be:

Marian, a support character who appears in Sasara's route. (激萌え~)
Yocchi and Charu, Konomi's best friends. (I didn't find them very interesting though...)
Nanako, the dangerously loli character that appears in Ruuko's route
Harumi, an entirely new character. (幼なじみ?)

I can post some magazine scans I have if anyone wants to see the characters. Leaf/aquaplus still haven't even bothered to update their page (http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/product/th2ad/index.html) with new info.
You forgot:
Silfa, the other twin "sister" of HMX-17 Ilfa. Blonde.
Ikuno, the paraplegic and seemingly-sarcastic sister of Manaka-iinchou.

Did I forget to mention that Harumi seems to be related (in name) with Takaaki (and looks awfully like Milfa with her pink hair)?

And with those aside, I've heard Konomi and Tama-nee would be getting new scenarios themselves. Lucky them. And hey, more Tama-nee is always welcome. www

(Oh darn, they didn't put in Tama-nee's yuri-ish groupies... secret characters perhaps?)

-------------

/me hears someone shouting "Old news!" from behind him

Sole

2007-01-16, 09:32

I've only completed 2 ero game ever I think, I'm not really sure I like the genre, but that's a totally different topic and not appropriate for this thread.

Kana little sister and I forgot what was the other one, were the only ero games I've finished, and yes I liked Kana little sister, I enjoyed the story. :) Can't really or didn't really find another ero game as good storywise though, if someone would recommend any translated ones, I'd give it a try.

G005

2007-01-16, 12:08

They're working on a spin-off of To Heart2, called To Heart2 ~Another Days~

Supposedly, they've also been pouring much of their resources into a big 3D RPG. Lately, Leaf/Aquaplus has been aiming for a broader audience than before (with their console plans being a big focus, hence the interest in RPG hybrids).

velocity7

2007-01-16, 23:16

Regarding Clannad, I never understood だんご大家族. Besides knowing what it looks like, what does it translate to, and where does the origin of the だんご and 大家族 come from?

Sushi-Y

2007-01-17, 03:57

Regarding Clannad, I never understood だんご大家族. Besides knowing what it looks like, what does it translate to, and where does the origin of the だんご and 大家族 come from?
They're just common words though...?
だんご(団子) = Dango (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dango)
大家族 = Big Family

==============
Managed to squeeze some time in for a little bit more Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/).

Halfway through Shino's route now.

But what's with this huge difference? :heh: I know the game's scenario was written by two different writers (Kensoku for the main school routes, Maruya for the branch school routes), but it's almost as if they're not even trying to accomodate each other one bit. :heh: Fortunately, characters from one camp don't show up much while you're in the other camp (ie. main school students don't show up a lot while you're playing though a branch school character's scenario), so the heroines' personalities managed to stay pretty constant.

But the main character is a different story. Tsukasa from the branch school routes, as far as I have experienced (Sumika's route, Misaki's route), is a pretty mild and timid guy from start to end (+ being a total perv in bed). Tsukasa in the main school route, on the other hand, is just a straight out cool guy who knows how to lay down the rule when its needed.

The scenarios themselves have noticible differences too. For one, every now and then during the home school route, the viewpoint actually switches over to the heroine, allowing you to understand what's going on with "the other side". This is something that never happened during the branch school routes.

I'm beginning to see why people made their preferences so clear when they reviewed the game. Of course, everyone has their own preferences, but personally, I'll have to agree with the others and say the home school camp is clicking much better with me.

Hopefully I can get more time to finish Shino's story soon. I'm quite curious about how the story will unfold next. ^^

There's still Tonoko and Miyabi- too... Well, I'm getting my money's worth out of the game, that's for sure :heh:

nani

2007-01-17, 11:44

Regarding Clannad, I never understood だんご大家族. Besides knowing what it looks like, what does it translate to, and where does the origin of the だんご and 大家族 come from?

団子大家族 is a set of fictional characters within Clannad. It was supposed to be very popular a few years before the current timeline of Clannad, but its popularity had dwindled ever since. In the game, it is mentioned that most of the shops do not sell 団子大家族-related goods anymore.

Every member of 団子大家族 belongs to the same family and they always love/care for each others. In a way, they represent the main theme of Clannad (family members should be closely-tied and supportive of each other).

Their decline in popularity can be interpreted as the decline of family values (as witnessed in most character’s story) in the recent years. This decline of family values has a profound effect on the 幻想世界(fantasy world).
IMO, the real world inspiration for 団子大家族 is probably 団子三兄弟, which is mentioned in Sushi-Y’s Wiki link above.

Sushi-Y

2007-01-17, 15:06

団子大家族
うわなんか違和感が-

Dango was deliberately written in hiragana for that children's mascot feel, it feels kinda odd if you write them in kanji. :heh:

As for your interpretation of the dango family's meaning, I'd say you got it spot on.
In the end of Nagisa's route, it was mentioned that the dango family represented all the people living inside the town (and in a sense, their values)
It's the perfect explanation for Nagisa's affection towards the dangos.

Interesting tidbit: there's a file called "dango.wav" in the game's wav folder. The melody is the same as the opening of "Nagisa". Some say it might be the melody for that infamous dango song in the game.

While we're on the topic, it looks like they're planning to release some CLANNAD drama CDs this year:
http://shop.frontierworks.jp/sakuhin.asp?workid=2691&feature_cls=3

Flame-X

2007-01-17, 15:44

Utawarerumono - The thing i love about this game is the RPG battles, its the only h-game i never cared about the h-scenes.

School Days - This is is the most extreme h-game i've played by far. There are ton of different endings from love story to murder. I like how everything is all animated instead of stills. Some endings are really twisted that its sickening..

kct

2007-01-17, 16:11

Of course, the twisted endings is WHAT made School Days famous.

nani

2007-01-18, 11:17

うわなんか違和感が-

Dango was deliberately written in hiragana for that children's mascot feel, it feels kinda odd if you write them in kanji. :heh:

My Japanese reading skill is still very rudimentary, hence I am playing the game with the Chinese patch and do not notice dango is written in hiragana .... :heh:

While we're on the topic, it looks like they're planning to release some CLANNAD drama CDs this year:
http://shop.frontierworks.jp/sakuhin.asp?workid=2691&feature_cls=3

Drama CD for Clannad, together with original materials?!! If they are going to cover the whole story, I think there will be 20+ CDs in total..... :eek:

If this is true, can I begin to expect a Clannad TV series anytime soon? :D

Steelia

2007-01-23, 19:26

My favorite... would have to be Nocturnal Illusion. I found the plot very addictive (if you can get past the running around and clicking until the next scene shows up parts, which I think really bring more into the game... as it makes you feel "trapped" and it somehow gets you closer to the characters, as you begin to grow on them because of your "out-of-sync" part in the game). Strangely enough, I also found the game moving... Ah, what a world it is. The torment of it all.
I'm not a big fan of the H-scenes, though. Never really was. It was the characters I loved, not the scenes. They just dampened their personalities... Just wasn't their character.

I'm still hooked on it, actually. Never really played it for a long time, but I've managed to respark my old spirit with... a supposed sequel to the game with much better CG graphics, "orchestrated music", and the like... Not that I'm interested in the scenes, I just want to see how it was remodeled (if at all).

Just my rant on this... Probably my favorite H-game, as I have no interest in any others. It was my first -- and my last.

luckyovermind

2007-01-23, 23:59

Wow, a 1995 game, it's nice to hear praise on an old game though :D

------------------------------------------------------------

Just to make this post less pointless :heh: - Tomo Kataoka mentioned on the stage-nana bbs that a new character is possible and some sort of movie is under construction. When will narci2 be done? No one really knows :p

MeganeShounen

2007-01-24, 08:51

Hmm... I was browsing a certain imageboard and came across a certain wallpaper that seems to be from Leaf/Aquaplus. Oddly enough, I don't know which game it came from, since it doesn't look like any of Leaf's past games (but it does have the copyrights on the bottom).

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2276/2007012411695787995645vb.jpg
I can't even read the title on the top left.. >.<Help, anyone?

endofuniverse

2007-01-24, 09:12

Help, anyone?http://www.insertcredit.com/archives/001354.html

Sushi-Y

2007-01-24, 13:49

Hmm... I was browsing a certain imageboard and came across a certain wallpaper that seems to be from Leaf/Aquaplus. Oddly enough, I don't know which game it came from, since it doesn't look like any of Leaf's past games (but it does have the copyrights on the bottom).
I made a mention of it like a billion pages ago (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=712305#post712305). :heh:

The wallpaper is from a set that was included in Tech Gian's December DVD.
It's quite rare to see so many artists working on the same game (especially with all of them being character illustrators), because it's usually difficult for the artists to accomodate each other's art styles.

In this case though, I think they gave up trying to do that a long time ago. Unlike the To Heart series, each of Leaf's illustrators really showed off their personal styles here.

Buddy's illustrator is Kawata Hisashi (http://www012.upp.so-net.ne.jp/abura-ya/), by the way.

luckyovermind

2007-01-24, 21:24

I remember in C71, 鈴平ひろ or 西又葵 did a telephone card featuring her... or something. :heh:

MeganeShounen

2007-01-25, 10:08

I made a mention of it like a billion pages ago (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=712305#post712305). :heh:Aha... got pwned by Sushi-Y again...
:heh:
I really need to pay more attention.
(And I was also off the loop on Leaf's latter games, since I was thinking that FullAni and ~Another Days~ were the latest ones.)

That reminds me... Fate/stay night [Realta Nua]'s been bothering me for a bit on the plot (change) details, and Koihime Musou (yet another attempt on fusing oooodles of fanservice with ancient Chinese history, See: Ikkitousen) seems to be coming along nicely. It might not be as indepth as... say, Sengoku Rance, but the art alone seems enough. :heh:

Kroni

2007-01-27, 20:56

ayyo

2007-01-28, 01:06

Well, if you think that the term 'straight pornfest' is associated with the term 'visual novel', I think you're too early to try one. Two years too early in fact. がき.

Benoit

2007-01-28, 10:25

Easy. Here's the story-centered ones:

Kana - Little Sister
Crescendo
Figures of Happiness
Hourglass of Summer
Ever17

Varion

2007-01-28, 16:28

So I've recently gotten interested in visual novels, but I don't speak japanese (yet). I've had Ever17 and Planetarian reccommended, although I've been hearing E17 is overhyped. I'm a bit... no VERY picky about games, so I'd like to stick to the story heavy stuff rather than straight pornfests. Anyone have some suggestions? I'd like to see if anything can beat V for Vendetta for best visual based novel thing. :3
Ever17 is good, though not quite as good as some would say, yeah. I'd definitely recommend reading it though, just don't go into it thinking it's going to be the best thing ever.

As for my favourite VN in English, that would be Tsukihime, if you can get hold of it. It's in Japanese, but there's a patch to translate the whole thing into English on Mirror Moon's site (http://mirrormoon.org/), and it's more than worth it. I've heard good things about Phantom of Inferno, too - there's a review of that here (http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/archives/phantom_of_inferno_dvd_game_review.html) that Mentar wrote a while back. I still have to find time to read that. But judging from a couple of your posts about liking action and dark stuff, these two're probably your best bets.

Kroni

2007-01-28, 18:44

Thanks for the suggestions. Mentar's review of Phantom of Inferno got me interested and Kana is also great from what I've heard. I'll look up the other games too.

Cloudnine

2007-01-28, 22:21

Seems like the dust has settled since Friday. Lot's of new titles out, but sadly only Yukichi-san can get two titles now. Consider the fact that there are more than 8 titles I've been anticipating since December and two more weeks till my next check... ;_; (確実に絶望ピンチ!)

To buy some time, I got these two during the weekend~

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5509/c341605packagewi0.jpg
F&C・FC01 - Akai Canvas Series Nadeshiko ~Spiral Red~
(赤いCanvasシリーズなでしこ ~朱色のらせん~)

Another shoot-off of the Canvas series. At least this one has more promise than the Canvas DVD edition. (Let's just forget that even existed... すまん!ともこちゃん!)

The story takes place half a year before the events in Canvas2 with new main character. Unlike Hiroki, the hero is set in wealth, fame, and social standing. This simple setting creates promise for a dramatically different and darker storyline, especially since the running theme in the game has the main character throwing everything away to obtain happiness. Still playing through the common route and am fairly happy with it so far~ ^^

http://fandc.co.jp/nadeshiko/images/imari_cg_s01.jpg
Imari~~~! メイド <3

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3239/c297285packagepx9.jpg
Lump of Sugar - Itsuka, Todoku, Ano sora ni.
いつか、届く、あの空に。

I don't think this needs much of a introduction *reads previous posts* ^^;

Varion

2007-01-28, 23:34

Bah, this is so typical...

Has anyone here managed to get Muvluv working properly with AGTH? As in so it doesn't dump off half the line, sometimes in completely random places? Heck it's even taking from the next line at some points here. Any help would be very much appreciated seen as my paper dictionary kanji lookup speed is... not even worth talking about, really.

Edit: And yeah, I have the /H code. It doesn't work though, with that in the command line Muvluv itself refuses to load.

Kaioshin Sama

2007-01-29, 03:31

Whew.... Hmmmmm let's see. I'm working on the Rance series (All of them). Tayu Uta, Meisoyoku No Reiki, Genrin No Hime, Kuutei Senki, and Alicesoft's sidescrolling strategy sim series of Mamatoto, Kurenen Panyon, 20th Century Alicesoft, but not Mamanyonyo because I can't find it.

donthuang

2007-01-30, 07:48

2006 sales data form 2ch (till 12/30)

1.SENGOKU RANCE 63,634　
2.マブラヴオルタネイティヴ(muvluv alt) 62,546　
3.D.C.II 61,306
4.Really?Really! 42,280
5.ef - the first tale 40,843　
6.Scarlett 37,453
7.PIA.GO 36,510
8.tumashibori 30,335
9.Circus Disk - Christmas Days 29,452　
10.MINI KISS 28,519　

MeganeShounen

2007-01-30, 08:33

As expected, Really?Really!'s on the top 10 last year..
And C.D.C.D.'s comparatively high on the chart for a fandisk..

Plus a 40K gap between the 10th and the 1st. Woah. :P

Kaioshin Sama

2007-01-30, 13:21

kct

2007-01-30, 19:14

Looking at the field, the biggest jump must be between D.C.II and Really? Really!...

luckyovermind

2007-01-31, 08:21

Little busters! gets a release date, 27th of July (flat tone)

It's an all age game!

http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/image/lb_bunner02r.jpg

Spuffy

2007-01-31, 10:06

Little busters! gets a release date, 27th of July (flat tone)

It's an all age game!

That's like one year earlier than expected.

I got my Gekkou no Carnevale the other day.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/4884/gekkoufrontui4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After a couple of hours this is without doubt the best game I got my hands on since MuvLuv Alt (not that the rest of 2006 was *that* great). I grew really fond of Shinya Ohsakis artwork in Unknown's Abandoner, but he has gotten that much better since then and is definately among my favourites. I also like games taking place at different locations like, in this case, an italian inspired city rather than your average japanese smalltown. Throw in a werewolf lead, living dolls (automatae), music by Zizz (who also improve every time) and you get a pretty, so far, interesting product. Nitro+ has a nice habbit of having a male lead that stands out by being shown and also is voiced. And Romeo is really interesting, being voiced by Tomokazu Sugita an all. His conversations (http://nekomimi.se/gekkou6.mp4) with Anna are a hit each time.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7753/romeo1zy7.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=romeo1zy7.jpg)http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2994/romeo2ze7.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=romeo2ze7.jpg)

Anna is totally adoreable:
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8894/anna1kh6.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anna1kh6.jpg)http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/851/anna2ui4.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anna2ui4.jpg)http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3618/anna3rw2.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anna3rw2.jpg)

I'm pretty sure I'll have a good time with this one.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6534/g1bl1.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=g1bl1.jpg)http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7513/g2zb4.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=g2zb4.jpg)http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9402/g3dc9.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=g3dc9.jpg)http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3479/g4ll1.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=g4ll1.jpg)

nani

2007-01-31, 10:28

That's like one year earlier than expected.

Well, the release date of Clannad was initially announced to be 2002...... Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed. :heh:

Enerccio

2007-01-31, 14:58

Yin Yang X-change alternative

Varion

2007-01-31, 20:26

Little busters! gets a release date, 27th of July (flat tone)

It's an all age game!
Wow, that's surprising... would've thought they'd go for ero again. Oh well, I'm not complaining, but I may be in the minority :D

MORE motivation to get back to studying!

Spuffy

2007-01-31, 20:30

It gives them a "reason" to bring out a fandisc with pornographic content later on.
But, in my opinion, Key's games are better off without it.

Cloudnine

2007-01-31, 22:20

*dreams of a portable version for DSlite* I could do without voice so it could be possible...

I've only played the demo version of Gekkou no Carnavale, it's really nice to see Tomokazu Sugita take on darker hero roles. His narration voice is excellent, sadly though it didn't seem like he uses it much in the game since it's in the 3rd POV~

The tsukkomi-boke between Anna and Romeo is just to die for ^^

Sushi-Y

2007-01-31, 23:17

And Romeo is really interesting, being voiced by Tomokazu Sugita an all.
So it IS him. That tsukkomi voice and that 「いや待って」 just screamed Sugita-san to me during the demo. :heh:
So he uses the name "Kayama Michinobu" for 18+ games, huh.

Maybe I'll buy it, I'm interested in his ero voice. :heh:

Little busters! gets a release date, 27th of July (flat tone)

It's an all age game!
You people and your lightning-speed news. :heh:

I gave out a sigh of relief at the all ages rating. I think something in me would break if I had to watch Kudo (http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/chara_kudo.htm) in an ero scene. :heh:

Besides, seeing the Dengeki G's 4-coma comics, you can tell Riki is not exactly fit to be an eroge male lead anyway, with that kind of personality (in a good way).

The game's info page has been updated with a new top illust and 1 screenshot as well:
http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/index.htm

6 more months!
I mean, 6 more months + α (delays)!

luckyovermind

2007-02-01, 06:35

Speaking of news, the newest (oh god) deadline for narci2 is the end of feburary, fingers crossed for this one as well :heh:

Spuffy

2007-02-01, 12:25

Maybe I'll buy it, I'm interested in his ero voice. :heh:

You just want a complete Kyon-styled narration of the event, don't you? :heh:

How interesting and different that would be...

JarOfMayo

2007-02-04, 22:04

Sushi-Y

2007-02-04, 23:23

lol sushi when I checked the LB's site and I saw at the bottom "...screenshots.. update!" I was OMG OMG OMG.. :D

then it was just one picture... :heh: But I'm exciitttttttttttedddddddddddddddddddddddddd :p and glad with the all-age thing. :D
I said "1 screenshot" didn't I? ^^;

I'm was able to get my little buster fix by buying Dengeki G's every month and reading those official little buster SS and comics.... although the SS series came to an end with the latest issue. :( Understandable though, since there's a release date now, there's a lot more pressure on the staff to complete the game in time.

========
Don't really have much free time to play anything recently, but still managing to work through Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/main/) little by little (haven't touched it for the past week though). I wonder how many more months it'll take to finish it. :heh:

Currently working through Tonoko's story...

Just some general comments after finishing Shino's story,
Personally, I believe this game (the home school routes anyway) really deserves the praises/high scores it received. One of the things that has made the home school routes so much more enjoyable is the portrayal of the story from the heroine's viewpoint alongside the traditional male main character perspective. Shino's route was a perfect example of this. To be able to see and understand the feelings and doubts Tsukasa and Shino had about each other throughout the whole story only made things so much more powerful when all the feelings finally came out into the open, be they positive or negative feelings. This would've been impossible to do if the story was only told through Tsukasa's view, like how the branch school routes were written.

Besides that, the home school routes are nicely written themselves to begin with. Although there are some developments which felt somewhat convenient, they didn't really detract from the characters or story itself. Shinoshino's marathon scene almost made me cry, among others. ^^;

Anyway, once Tonoko finishes, it'll finally be down to Miyabi-. Now, if I could only shake away all these annoying real-life works... :heh:Speaking of which, the official site is holding a popularity contest (http://www.pulltop.com/vote06/index.cgi).
とりあえず票をひたすら栖香にw

donthuang

2007-02-09, 09:00

fto

2007-02-11, 21:53

Wanted to ask, anyone know any Ero game with some action??

Example
Dai Ban Cho -Big Bang Age-
Dungeon Crusaders
恋姫†無双 (Although leaning toward more towards ero,i love sangokushi so i liked this game)
峰深き瀬にたゆたう唄

MeganeShounen

2007-02-11, 22:35

Uhh, I know it's been said before...

Dai Akuji (The game that went before Dai Banchou)
Sengoku Rance

And for something less ero, try out Gadget Trial.

Cheerio~

fto

2007-02-17, 13:59

Hmmm.... any other?

Rin_Tohsaka

2007-02-18, 22:06

currently its Fate/Hollow Ataraxia

Sushi-Y

2007-02-18, 23:15

Info on Cotton Soft's next game came out a few days ago...

Reconquista (http://cotton-soft.com/gameproducts/02_recon/index.htm)

Talk about a 180 degree turn from their last game. ^^;
Personally, I like suspense/mystery dramas more than the all-too-common "school love ADV" genre, so this one piques my interests some.

-----
It appears the release for Narcissu (http://stage-nana.sakura.ne.jp/) 2 is getting pushed back again, due to some new content additions. Now it's looking like a mid~late March release.

-----
Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/main/)'s popularity contest (http://www.pulltop.com/vote06/index.cgi) is over.
Sumika, who got my votes, ended up in 3rd place... She did well for a branch school heroine, I guess. ^^

Interestingly, 1st and 2nd place were taken by the only characters (Tonoko and Miyabi) whose routes I haven't had the chance to complete yet. Must, find, time...

----
Not an eroge, but I came across this one a while ago from a news site, and the premise of another doujin visual novel with a mystery/suspense theme immediately got my attention.

Omegaの視界 (http://www.nekobanana.com/)
Opening Movie (http://peevee.tv/viewvideo.jspx?Movie=48015690/48015690peevee7087.flv)

For what it's worth, the current release is really nothing more than an intro to the full story, therefore, it might be lacking in contents for some.

My first impression of the game (as I recall it now) was "...geez, this thing is hard to read ^^;".
On top of the scenario writer's rather unique writing style, the game is also filled with many difficult story-specific vocabularies. You'd need a guide (http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~lainliesahead/games/omega01.html) just to be able to pronounce most of the character/location names . The result is something that borderlines on being denpa (incomprehensivle) at various points.

Still, as a whole, I'm very intrigued at where Nekobanana will go with this game. I'm looking forward to Spring for a more complete release.

MeganeShounen

2007-02-19, 10:57

I was randomly surfing around, when I found this video.

Dai Banchou -Big Bang Beat- (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ2F4DuHS3s)

Seems like the Melty Blood treatment went nicely on this one.. looks pretty polished for a doujin fighting game.

Spuffy

2007-02-19, 17:43

Still spending my time with Gekkou. Likely one of the most awesome games so far.
One of the longest as well. the first run was about as long as MLA, but here I'still have three scenarios left. Just about everything has been done right with this one. Also, having a setting in a european town (Florence) with older characters rather than your typical highschoolers is more than refreshing.

It is a shame though that Romeo isn't that talktive during certain events.

shadowplay

2007-02-19, 18:54

I'm playing Gekkou aswell, and yeah it is long, haven't had my first good ending yet ;P. Though I shouldn't complain since there's hardly any boring moment in the game so far.

-Nyu-

2007-02-22, 04:13

Hey, didn't know there is a thread like that on Animesuki, lucky me *G*
I'm playing Wind -a breath of heart- and working on a review for it atm, once that is done Strawberry Panic! (PS2) is my next^^
Anybody who also played a visual novel on a PS2?

Cloudnine

2007-02-22, 06:43

Anybody who also played a visual novel on a PS2?
Umu, my PS2 has been gathering dust lately (lost much interest in playing video games) and most of the softhouses I like publish only in the PC format.

There are a few titles that catch my eye though like Fate/Stay Night レアルタ･ヌア, ななついろ★ドロップス Pure!!, and 夜明け前より瑠璃色な. Even though I've played them already, the new content added is something a fan will have a hard time passing up, FSN especially~ (the PS2 is the perfect platform to milk popular franchises....mooOoo)

It goes without saying... all three will probably find their way into growing list of titles I have yet to complete. *sweat*

-Nyu-

2007-02-22, 07:28

I like PS2 cause there is always more content and no h-scenes. I just don't need them always, and if there are some, not too much. I.e. I like Really? Really! (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=29) but Tick! Tack! (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=119&Itemid=29) is pure hentai.
I have a few visual novels for PS2, all limited editions *G*
As for F/S.N., I thought of getting it, but I have 11 games here I have to finish and to review plus a few titles which are on my list already. As for Fate/ Stay Night and Fate/ Hollow Ataraxia we have already a staff member working on the reviews.
Ah, my PS2 game list:
- Gift Prism
- We Are
- Crecent Love
- Utawarerumono
- Strawberry Panic!
- Canvas2
- Planetarian

Maybe I'll order (http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/5029) Fate/ Stay Night in a few months, we'll see^^
I was also looking forward to Simoun (http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-j/section-games/pid-1004511295/), but they moved the release date until the end of this year, 1 year later! >.<

-Nyu-

2007-02-23, 17:20

Clannad is getting a movie!^^
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=247&Itemid=2

shadowplay

2007-02-23, 19:01

Clannad is getting a movie!^^
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=247&Itemid=2With Toei Animation totally missing the point with their Air movie, can't say I'm looking forward to this. And if I were Key fan I'd be slightly annoyed by the recent 'whoring out' of the company, do they need the money that desperately. *rant, rant*
Also, wrong thread. ;)

-Nyu-

2007-02-24, 01:49

Well, Nyah^^ At least it's based on a visual novel :) Found the thread..
Btw, new favourite: "We Are" by KID. Someone who played one of KID's visual novels (like Ever 17)?

velocity7

2007-02-24, 01:54

The site's off; we're 25% now. :)

luckyovermind

2007-02-24, 06:27

Originally Posted by rednaxela
And Hiro Suzuhira left Navel today, claiming it's caused by health reasons.
http://www.project-navel.com/

Well, haven't played any of navel's game actually, since many people around me were basically bad mouthing them :heh:

kct

2007-02-24, 08:58

Well, they're a bit too overrated in some ways -_-;;; .

luckyovermind: When was that said (pardon my lack of Japanese...)? If that happens that would be a pity...

Cloudnine

2007-02-24, 10:40

Read the spoiler for Hiro-san's blog entry on her reasons to leave Navel. Taken from Nishimata Aoi's hompage. (http://j-type.on.arena.ne.jp/)

2007. 2. 24. Sat お騒がせしてすみません
と、いう事でNavelにて正式に発表があったように、　
私、鈴平ひろは体調不良でNavelを退社致しました。　
突然の発表に驚かれた方も多いかと思います。　
　
言葉が足らず各方面で混乱や誤解が発生しているようなので　
長くなりますが一つ一つ説明させてもらいます。　
　
先ず、体調に関してですが別に大病という訳でも無い為、私自身とても悩みました。　
ですが、お医者様に、連日の通勤は控えた方が良いとの診断をされてしまった上　
辛いというのも抗いようのない事実だった為、思い切って昨年末、　
西又とアッチョリケに相談してみました。　
　
勿論、休職とかも案は出ましたが生活もありますし、仕事しないというのも　
不可能ですし、自宅勤務という案もありました。　
しかし、そのような特別待遇ともいえる状況となると　
社員全員に示しがつくのかどうかとか、私自身も居た堪れないし、とか。　
　
営業部の人も交えて色々話して、結果的に外注というカタチで今後はやっていけば　
自宅で療養しつつ仕事量もセーブしてやっていけるだろう。という結論に至った訳です。　
　
フリーになれば生活する為にイラスト仕事や同人や、他社からの依頼があった場合そこでの原画を受ける　
可能性等も全部理解し、納得しあった上で西又や会社の皆は今回の退社を決めてくれました。　
　
私の体調を最優先に考えてくれたからだと思いますし、本当に感謝しています。　
　
そして二月一杯で公開停止になる日記についてですが、これも私が日記更新などを　
定期的にできるタイプでは無い上、休養を優先したいと考えた為、暫くWEB活動を控えたいという　
私側の個人的な希望を昨日一緒にゴハン食べながら話した結果決めた事で　
決して西又が勝手に削除するとか、そういう事ではありません。　
　
　
私の退社発表にあたり、ファンの人に余計な心配をかけたり、　
西又にも迷惑がかかってしまって本当に申し訳ない気持ちで一杯です。　
本当にごめんなさい。　
　
今後もNavelからの仕事も外注として受けていく予定もありますし、　
COMIC1でも合同スペースで合同誌や合同グッズの予定も立ててるので、　
西又ともども、よろしくお願いいたします。
To sum it up, complications between work and Hiro-san's own physical health arose. Between the two, she chose her own health (thank you) and left Navel. There were talks of some type of work at home/rehabiliation program, but she declined them stating that 'it isn't fair for only her to recieve special treatment'.

While it is sad news, it's a good decision on her part. You only have one body to live in, best take care of it as well as you can. Hiro-san's career is still alive as she plans to take in sub-contracts with Navel in the later future.

This news doesn't mean the end of Navel (seems like quite a few people have jumped the gun here.) Aoi Nishimata is still there. Her work on Oretsuba is still continuing (though no concrete release date is up yet ;_; )

umu... since when did this thread become daily news thread?
ミステリです。

Skeithis

2007-02-24, 13:06

Just finished Muvluv Alternative. The Story was amazing although some of the main characteres were annoying (like tama, thats too much of loli =( ). And I was also disappointed because there were no H-Scenes, not even at the End. I'll try Muvluv and hope there won't be any shotacon stuff if I chose Mikoto x__x

Sushi-Y

2007-02-24, 14:14

umu... since when did this thread become daily news thread?
Makes it a more useful thread though. ^^;

But, well, I was more shocked to learn that Purple Software's Iwazaki Kouji has passed away (http://www.purplesoftware.jp/main.html) on the 21st due to a stroke. He was only 28 years old. Iwazaki-san was one of Purple Software's main illustrator, he was responsible for character arts of games such as Majipuri and Aruto.

Majipuri was one of the few games I enjoyed years go, so it's really saddening to hear this.

May he rest in peace.

Cloudnine

2007-02-24, 17:02

Makes it a more useful thread though. ^^;

But, well, I was more shocked to learn that Purple Software's Iwazaki Kouji has passed away (http://www.purplesoftware.jp/main.html) on the 21st due to a stroke.

I just found that out today. Very sad news, especially for those who loved his beautiful artwork. ・゜・(つД`)・゜・ May he rest in peace.

While this isn't much of a commemeration, I just want to share some of my favorite artwork by Iwazaki-san. 本当に, 優しい描きです。

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5692/aruto2qw2.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aruto2qw2.jpg) http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7884/arutosb7.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arutosb7.jpg)

-Nyu-

2007-02-24, 17:16

Makes it a more useful thread though. ^^;

But, well, I was more shocked to learn that Purple Software's Iwazaki Kouji has passed away (http://www.purplesoftware.jp/main.html) on the 21st due to a stroke. He was only 28 years old. Iwazaki-san was one of Purple Software's main illustrator, he was responsible for character arts of games such as Majipuri and Aruto.

Majipuri was one of the few games I enjoyed years go, so it's really saddening to hear this.

May he rest in peace.
Oh no! Iwazaki Kouji had a stroke? With 28years???! Someone tell me Japanese have a healthy life..
May he rest in peace.

Purple software is one of the less companies I want to have all titles from.

-Nyu-

2007-02-24, 17:23

Double post due server error, please delete.

donthuang

2007-02-25, 08:53

FINISH "KATAHANE"

The "CoCo route"really good, and i cant stop my tear in this route

Spuffy

2007-02-25, 13:14

I finally finished Gekkou. In my opinion it's easily one of the best titles I've ever bought. A pretty unpredictable story where all branches were top notch, excellent artwork (allthough the use of photos might not be something for everyone - but Florence and Venice are beautiful cities), memorable characters and a solid soundtrack.
Not the mention the cute reward image (http://pici.se/pictures/1o32bj.jpg) after seeing the last ending. Looking forward to the soundtrack that will be out next month, and hope there will be an art/guide book.

Just finished Muvluv Alternative... And I was also disappointed because there were no H-Scenes, not even at the End. I'll try Muvluv...
That's what you get when playing an AA version. Then I'm a bit curious about why you play the third and final part before the two prequels?

-Nyu-

2007-02-25, 14:54

Wasn't it in that order?
Muvluv:
http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/388

Muvluv Supplement:
http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/1136

Muvluv Alternative
http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/3154

Cloudnine

2007-02-25, 15:54

Extra > Unlimited > Supplement (fandisc) > Alternative

Adding in Age's upcoming projects you get:

Extra > Total Eclipse (http://www.total-eclipse.jp/te/index.html) > Unlimited > Supplement > Alternative > Altered Fable (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/マブラヴ_オルタネイティヴ) (Fandisc)

Playing Alternative first is like only watching the last 5 ending episodes, basically spoiling 90% of story beforehand.

-------

Finally finished Itsusora. I have only one thing to say to the Yuu-san, the scenario writer.

説明ながすぎ。

*goes to sleep* z_z

-Nyu-

2007-02-25, 16:07

Wtf?!
That's a long series! And I thought Green Green or the Infinity series (Remember 11, Ever 17 etc.) have already a good story line, nyahh~

Cloudnine

2007-02-25, 16:22

Wtf?!
That's a long series! And I thought Green Green or the Infinity series (Remember 11, Ever 17 etc.) have already a good story line, nyahh~

I forgot to mention that Extra/Unlimited is basically the first game (2 part scenario). Supplement is a fandisc of the Extra scenario. If you consider that, there is only 2 full games in all with the rest being side stories and fan material.

donthuang

2007-02-26, 10:02

BAD NEWS for N+ FAN

2007 1/15~1/31 sales

> > 4. 01下　カタハネ　Tarte　11,855
> > 7. 01下　月光のカルネヴァーレ　ニトロプラス　7,337

.......omg

Sushi-Y

2007-02-26, 22:17

BAD NEWS for N+ FAN

2007 1/15~1/31 sales

> > 4. 01下　カタハネ　Tarte　11,855
> > 7. 01下　月光のカルネヴァーレ　ニトロプラス　7,337

.......omgSince both games were released on the 26th, there's still room for the number to change, but I'm surprised at Gekkou's low number too, since it appears to be generally well accepted and popular in the community.

Oh the other hand, Katahane is actually a really nice game too, I don't see anything wrong with it ranking above Gekkou.

-------
Some Little Busters! (http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/index.htm) news were posted on MOON PHASE.

In point form:
- Scenario is almost complete
- Art is also on track, with only a few pieces left.
- As an experiment, the soundtrack is centered around Kawai Minato(PMMK)-san's music this time.
- Various extras (mini-games?) are included this time, making for a much more game-like experience.
- Although comedy is a big part, the trademark surrealistic plot elements are still present. At the beginning of the game, a cat bringing with it a mysterious message "there are secrets in this world", will be the central focus. Note the cat with a message paper tied onto its tail in the game's title logo.

I'll skip the character scenario descriptions, since it doesn't really help to spoil those.

Regarding the scenario writers, there quite a few newcomers this time around: 2 of the 4 writers are first-timers (Suzumoto Yuuichi-san's name is nowhere to be seen though... unfortunately) (For those who don't know, Planetarian was written by him). Out of the 6 heroines, only 2 are being handled by familar names (Rin's scenario by Maeda-san, Mio's scenario by Kashida Leo-san). Here's hoping the newbies can live up to the fans' expectations.
The music department is seeing some new faces too, although the old vets are all still around.

Anyway, knowing that Maeda-san will still be covering the male characters is a relief. With 4 guys around this time, will we get 4 times the fun we had with Sunohara? :heh:

donthuang

2007-02-26, 23:58

Since both games were released on the 26th, there's still room for the number to change, but I'm surprised at Gekkou's low number too, since it appears to be generally well accepted and popular in the community.

Oh the other hand, Katahane is actually a really nice game too, I don't see anything wrong with it ranking above Gekkou.

I know katahene is a good game....but what i can't accept is this -_-

1. 01下　恋姫+無双~ドキッ★乙女だらけの三国志演義~　BaseSon　27,543

Cloudnine

2007-02-27, 02:01

sangokushi + moe + srpg. It would be weird if it didn't sell. (;´ω`)

-------------

Kaioshin Sama

2007-02-27, 02:19

I know katahene is a good game....but what i can't accept is this -_-

1. 01下　恋姫+無双~ドキッ★乙女だらけの三国志演義~　BaseSon　27,543

Am I too understand that means Koihime Musou won this... what is it quarter? What's the frequency of these rankings? The last two rankings I saw were topped by games with gameplay. (The other one was Sengoku Rance amusingly enough) Would someone mind posting the website or source they are getting the rankings from?

Narumi

2007-02-27, 02:58

It just means that Koihime Musou had the highest sales during that period.

rg4619

2007-02-27, 03:50

Regarding the scenario writers, there quite a few newcomers this time around: 2 of the 4 writers are first-timers (Suzumoto Yuuichi-san's name is nowhere to be seen though... unfortunately) (For those who don't know, Planetarian was written by him). Out of the 6 heroines, only 2 are being handled by familar names (Rin's scenario by Maeda-san, Mio's scenario by Kashida Leo-san). Here's hoping the newbies can live up to the fans' expectations.

Yeah, it seems that there was some major writer turnover after Clannad. I guess people must've burned out after participating on such a lengthy project.

As for Suzumoto (who's employed at Aquaplus anyway), I doubt there'll be a working relationship between him and Jun Maeda anytime soon. In addition to some minor mudslinging between the two parties, they even denied his request for a Limited Edition Planetarian ('sorry, it's a limited print so we can't spare even one copy' :heh: ).

Sailor Enlil

2007-02-27, 04:03

Just came across this game whose romanji is "Hoshitsuguyo". Quite interesting because in some way it reminds me of Wind ~A Breath of Heart~ in terms of premise (i.e. some mysterious force is abound in a small town, and it will affect the lives of certain people). But what got my attention were two of the girls who were tsundere's :)
including one swordswoman who looks like a tanned and sexier/more voluptious version of Negima's Setsuna Sakurazaki (down to the fact that she addresses another girl, the one she's assigned to protect, as "ojyousama"), and one childhood friend who despite her cute looks and small stature is quite well endowed (you should check her out in her tubetop), not to mention very hot tempered (eg at the start of the game she rings your doorbell to pick you up on your way to school, if you chose to ignore it, she'll come crashing in all the way to your room and chew you out)

donthuang

2007-02-28, 10:37

the Song for whose finish Gekko.....:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFR-DmUQq8&mode=related&search=

-Nyu-

2007-03-01, 16:11

Koihime Musou is almost pure hentai. So we know what the Japanese like most :P

Orrin

2007-03-02, 22:52

I don't know how many will be interested in this but Black Cyc recently announced their latest game Gun Katana. The most interesting part about it is that it's going to be a AVG + FPS and since it's Black Cyc it means that Metawo is involved.

There's a promotion video available at their webpage, it doesn't contain anything from the FPS parts but it's still well worth a look.

As a friendly warning for anyone who doesn't know about Black Cyc, it contains some rather brutal scenes.

http://www.cyc-soft.com/b-cyc/b-cyc-main.htm

Thany

2007-03-03, 16:41

Koihime Musou is almost pure hentai. So we know what the Japanese like most :P
You obviously didn't play that game. It's far away from being pure H. It just happens to not have much non H CG, but it doesn't change the fact that there is lots of text and that you don't necessary fall randomly into many h-scenes while playing the main storyline.

-Nyu-

2007-03-03, 18:25

You are right, I didn't play it (have enough other games to finish first and visual novels are expensive >.>).
That's interesting to hear with the h-content and the story. Of maybe 50 CGs I've seen from the game over 40 contained hentai stuff.
The pics on Himeya (http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/5966) also give you a rather wrong image.
Out of curiosity, where did you order the game?

Ah, some news regarding Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Fate/ Zero on my site when you are interested.

Thany

2007-03-03, 23:37

You are right, I didn't play it (have enough other games to finish first and visual novels are expensive >.>).
That's interesting to hear with the h-content and the story. Of maybe 50 CGs I've seen from the game over 40 contained hentai stuff.
The pics on Himeya (http://www.himeyashop.com/product_info.php/products_id/5966) also give you a rather wrong image.
Out of curiosity, where did you order the game?

CGs aren't always 99% parts of a game. If I'm not mistaken, most HCGs happen when you have "choices" to make in the game.
The itself is on 2 DVDs -__-
Your last question you answered yourself in the previous sentence.

-Nyu-

2007-03-04, 09:00

CGs aren't always 99% parts of a game. If I'm not mistaken, most HCGs happen when you have "choices" to make in the game.
The itself is on 2 DVDs -__-
Your last question you answered yourself in the previous sentence.

Ah so, completely forgot about that, you are right^^
2 DVDs?? Holla, that's hell of a game. The longest game for me is Strawberry Panic!, more than 20 endings... *which girl which girl which girl* <- gets crazy
Hmm, I'd be happy if Himeya would be like Yesasia. When I order sth from Yesasia I never pay customs and shipping since they ship from England. When I order from Himeya.. customs say 19% tax on full price (article+shipping) and shipping..
So lets count together: 105$ for the game + 19$ shipping= 124$. + 19% for customs = 147,56$ = 111.92€
Visual Novels should be definetely cheaper..

Sushi-Y

2007-03-04, 14:26

-Nyu-

2007-03-04, 15:33

I'd buy from Paletweb (http://www.paletweb.com/) if possible, their price tends to be much more reasonable. They also marked my package as gifts so I don't get charged for tax half the time (Canadian customs work in strange ways).

No time to play games... uuu.

I heard of Paletweb but didn't try them yet. Guess I should do so on my next order.

"No time to play games" You are not alone ;) To think of that I spent the whole weekend for just working on the menu layout of my site and still not finished >.>
Grrr, and tomorrow again to work @ 6am

cyth

2007-03-05, 17:54

I'm *still* playing ef; I'm over stretching it, I know. But I've been busy hyping up this upcoming fizz (http://www.fizzsoftware.jp) game called Mashiro Botan (its release is scheduled on 2007/03/23). What I really like about it so far is ave;new's opening song awayuki, and that was really the only reason I started looking into it. The trial version is already out and for the grabs on their site.

Anyway, at Froth-Bite we subbed the opening video, in case one of you wants it with karaoke and all the translations. Torrent link here (http://www.froth-bite.com/torrent/%5BFroth-Bite%5DMashiro_Botan_Game_OP%5B61E3AAC4%5D.mp4.tor rent).

DiMenezes

2007-03-06, 10:58

My favorite H game is an insanely old one, the name of it is True Love

A friend of mine kept saying the game was fun and everything and I thought why not ?
The visuals are of course dated, I thought they were dated at the time I played (a looong time ago) so know they should be even more but nevertheless a good game.

One I played and remember liking was Tokimeki Chek In.
I got one that's in 3D lately but I can't remember the name, all I remeber is that the game is from that company named Illusion.

-Nyu-

2007-03-06, 14:29

Illusion? Check this list:
http://www.himeyashop.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=illusion&x=0&y=0
True Love.. could it be this one?
http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-j/section-games/pid-1002851081/

Sushi-Y

2007-03-06, 22:47

From MOON PHASE news, it seems that information has just been released about several game production companies that have declared themselves bankrupt recently. Companies mentioned included Carriere (http://www.carriere.jp/), as well as Deal, who is the parent company of brands such as Tarte (http://tarte.deal.co.jp/) (Katahane...), Plastic (http://www.deal.co.jp/plastic/), Raccoon (http://deal.co.jp/raccoon/), Ankh (http://www.ankh-soft.com/), and Talisman (http://www.talisman-soft.com/).

Unfortunate news, but I'm hoping the remaining staffs will find new homes in other companies.

========================
This month's Dengeki G's just arrived... filled with Little Buster news! ^^ Besides new CGs for each heroine (クドかわいいよクド), there's also the interview featuring Maeda-san, Ayanokawa-san, and Na-Ga-san, which I touched up on in a previous post.

Some points of interest from the interview:
- Like reported earlier, the scenario is almost 100% complete. The art and music are both close to completion as well.
- The music is also taking a new turn, with music from PMMK-san, a first timer to Key games, being the center focus this time around. Of course, sounds from familiar composers such as Maeda-san and Orito-san are still around as well.
- Maeda-san himself has composed at least 10 tracks.
- The staff appears very pleased with the overall soundtrack. The theme song has gotten a lot of praises as well.
- The game will be fully voiced, including all main and sub characters.
- Casting is also 70~80% determined.
- This time, an emphasis has been placed on making the game fun, in the form of various omake features.
- Info on individual characters' scenarios... which I'll skip here
- Mio is missing a certain "something" that others have.
- Keigo is a tsundere. :heh:
- Like I mentioned in a previous post, Maeda-san is responsible for Rin's scenario, as well as all male characters. The guys will appear in every heroine's route and take up the comedy role. Rest assured, there will be lots of laughs any way you go.
- Many male character CGs as well (おほほっ？(^ω^))

========================
Not an eroge, but from an interview with Ryukishi-san, it seems that "Umineko no Naku Koroni", planned to be released at this year's Summer Comiket, will be a story that takes place in the past, just like Higurashi. This time around, the setting is October of Showa year 58 (1983).

-Nyu-

2007-03-07, 12:17

Maeda-san's role remembers me of Midoriba Itsuki from Shuffle!.
A pity so many companies went bankrupt, however I don't wonder, the manufacturers' competition is big. 75% of all games sold in Japan are visual novels/ eroges.

Benoit

2007-03-07, 12:21

True Love.. could it be this one?
http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept...id-1002851081/
No. Shame on you for not knowing the game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Love_%28game%29

rg4619

2007-03-07, 13:05

A pity so many companies went bankrupt, however I don't wonder, the manufacturers' competition is big. 75% of all games sold in Japan are visual novels/ eroges.

In general, it seems that sales are quickly declining. Of course, some big winners like Type-Moon have emerged. Their games have had incredible staying power, which is quite an anomaly. Nonetheless, most softhouses seem to be struggling more.

Rising production costs don't help matters either. The success of visual novels provided manufacturers with a window of opportunity (bad business strategies naturally follow). However, risks are going to increase as developers push higher production values to gain an upper hand on the competition (minori would be a prime example here).

-Nyu-

2007-03-07, 13:22

No. Shame on you for not knowing the game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Love_%28game%29

Thanks for the info. For me it's not a shame to not know this game, it's quite old and I'm playing visual novels since one year now ;)

@ rg4619
Agreed. Bad business strategy was also the main reason of KID's bankrupt.
I think there's one BIG problem with visual novels: Continous improvement.
A normal computer game get better cause the hardware is getting better. You have a better a.i., better graphics, more realistic physics and so on.

In art there's a border somewhere. People always expect the next title to be better: Better story, better art, better soundtrack. No problem with a pc game: Here comes Direct X 10, there is a new graphics card generation etc.

And in a visual novel?..

Spuffy

2007-03-07, 18:26

75% of all games sold in Japan are visual novels/ eroges.
Would you mind telling where you got that one from?

In art there's a border somewhere. People always expect the next title to be better: Better story, better art, better soundtrack. No problem with a pc game: Here comes Direct X 10, there is a new graphics card generation etc.

And in a visual novel?..

I don't think you can apply that kind of thinking on games like these. Rather than technical aspects it's more important coming up with content like strong characters and an interesting story, which is something that can be done over and over as long as there is creativity. I'm content with the technical standard today, allthough I wouldn't mind more soft houses trying out widescreen as seen in MLA.

Once in a while there are some interesting attempts working more or less good. Lost Child had some RPGish battles being a pretty entertaining extra feature. Then there is Black Cyc trying to mix in FPS in it's latest game, Gun-Katana, causing rather skeptical reactions in various message boards ("they neither have enough resources to develop it's own engine nor enough funds to license a decent one"). Despite these attempts the traditional way is likely to stay.

Modern books are based on 17th century technology, yet being _quite_ successful at this day since content is what matters here, which to a good extent goes for vis novels as well.

cyth

2007-03-07, 18:47

However, risks are going to increase as developers push higher production values to gain an upper hand on the competition (minori would be a prime example here).Well, in minori's case, I believe the risks have paid off as seen from the sales numbers. Hype was key with the sales of ef - the first tale., and there's a pretty good chance that we'll see an anime adaptation of it sometime in the future.
All in all, nbkz Sakai already proved with his work that solely a good scenario doesn't equal success. Combine hype and good marketing, character and story introduction before the sales date, and you got yourself a winner.

luckyovermind

2007-03-07, 19:05

There *could* be a clannad anime coming up, I'm hoping for 52 episodes! :D
http://www.bs-i.co.jp/main/game/show.php?0033

pic uploaded by astcd2
http://ls.mysticsoftware.net/astcd2/kura.jpg

Sushi-Y

2007-03-07, 22:13

There *could* be a clannad anime coming up, I'm hoping for 52 episodes! :D
http://www.bs-i.co.jp/main/game/show.php?0033
Looks like the entry was removed. It seems a little early for a CLANNAD TV anime to be announced if it's going to be done by Kyoani. But maybe we'll hear something about it soon?

Updated news should probably go into the CLANNAD movie/anime thread though.

=========================
Stage Nana (http://stage-nana.sakura.ne.jp/) has been updated with more Narcissu news. After the long wait, Kataoka-san has finally completed the game.....'s opening movie (http://stage-nana.sakura.ne.jp/down.htm). :heh:

Even though Kataoka-san himself was humble about his movie making skills, the OP movie was still a treat to watch.
Now this is one game I would love to see adapted into a movie. I feel like crying just thinking about it. :heh:

A new music sample has been uploaded as well. This time it's "15cm" by KAKO-san. A soothing and beautiful song, as expected.

The game itself is now looking at a late March release. But I don't think any of us fans really mind delays anymore now. 焦らずにゆっくりいきましょう ( ・ω・ )

Kataoka-san's explanation in the readme file for the driverless Miata gave me a laugh. ^^

Cloudnine

2007-03-08, 00:15

-Nyu-

2007-03-08, 10:19

@ Spuffy. I agree with your arguments, but there has to be a reason that the sales figures went down.
For your first quote, I heard it from a reliable source, that's all I can tell you.
Ah, as for Narcissu 2nd you can also download the op from our server (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=26).

endofuniverse

2007-03-08, 14:58

Ero and gal games may sell 75% of all (or more) PC games in Japan, but in the context of entire videogames market over there they probably don't make even 5% of sales...and this topic turned into chat. ;)

Kaioshin Sama

2007-03-09, 03:27

Sushi-Y

2007-03-09, 13:31

You know the thing with Key games is it's like they are directed by Yoshiyuki "Kill-Em All" Tomino. I mean we all know what's coming, they commit the same crime as the companies that always need to have a happy ending, only they do the opposite. There's only so many time you can have a tragic ending before it gets old and you know I've followed their stuff in translations of the games plot points and I can say it's getting a tad predictable. I feel like Air, Clannad and Kanon are practically interchangeable. My friend put it quite well actually, "They follow the usual trends of Visual Novels, The Sick Girl, The Childhood Friend, The Tomboy, The Quiet Girl, only they make it so depressing in the end that people don't seem to notice its the same as it ever was with the genre". They helped to redefine the genre somewhat and pave the road for Visual Novels with deeper plots so they deserve some credit, but I can't help feeling they've become what they despised so to speak. I'm not saying they're bad they just seem to have lost any sort of inspiration, while other companies are pulling ahead of them.
Generalizations tend to lead to conclusions like that, but Key games are popular, they make people laugh and cry, they stand out, and those are the simple facts. I fully disagree with the notion that the games are "interchangable" in any way. It's true that some of the settings can come off as stereotypical, but the thought that "I've seen this before" has never crossed my mind when I was playing any of their games.

Then again, it seems like most people immediately think "tragic sob stories" when they hear the names of Key games, which is a valid, but gross generalization in my opinion. Sure, everytime a new Key game comes out, the fans praised "omg that was so sad/touching I bawled a million times", but that doesn't make the games "unoriginal" or "predictable" in any way. In fact, it should prove the opposite.

Maybe it's just the Kagikko effect, where Key fans have "programmed" themselves to unconditionally cry at and love every new game Maeda-san and the gang puts out. I won't deny that, since I'm a Kagikko myself. On the other hand, if one cannot shake his or her preconceptions before starting something, then he can't blame anyone but himself for not being able to enjoy it. Everything is generalizable to a certain extent, but if you become fixated on them, then it's no surprise if everything begins to look the same to you.

Kaioshin Sama

2007-03-09, 16:06

Generalizations tend to lead to conclusions like that, but Key games are popular, they make people laugh and cry, they stand out, and those are the simple facts. I fully disagree with the notion that the games are "interchangable" in any way. It's true that some of the settings can come off as stereotypical, but the thought that "I've seen this before" has never crossed my mind when I was playing any of their games.

Then again, it seems like most people immediately think "tragic sob stories" when they hear the names of Key games, which is a valid, but gross generalization in my opinion. Sure, everytime a new Key game comes out, the fans praised "omg that was so sad/touching I bawled a million times", but that doesn't make the games "unoriginal" or "predictable" in any way. In fact, it should prove the opposite.

Maybe it's just the Kagikko effect, where Key fans have "programmed" themselves to unconditionally cry at and love every new game Maeda-san and the gang puts out. I won't deny that, since I'm a Kagikko myself. On the other hand, if one cannot shake his or her preconceptions before starting something, then he can't blame anyone but himself for not being able to enjoy it. Everything is generalizable to a certain extent, but if you become fixated on them, then it's no surprise if everything begins to look the same to you.

So what your saying is the plot summaries I read probably give a skewed view of what happens in the games towards the depressing side rather than the more light-hearted stuff, this is very very likely.

I can't shake this feeling that people automatically equate anything sad or depressing with deep and meaningful regardless of the context and they fail to notice that isn't always the case. Preprogramming is indeed something I've noticed among certain groups including Kyoto Animation fans, Key fans, Gainax fans and Aya Hirano fans and its something thats beginnning to chaff at me lately, because its not fair that other companies will have to struggle to earn respect and prestige, while certain groups have it far to easy. I'm really huge on fair competition from a political standpoint so that opinion is coming into play as well. It's not that everybody isn't putting in the effort its just clearly some companies would need far less effort to remain profitable and Key is one of them.

I'm sure that there are most defininetely deeper aspects to a lot of these things, but the preprogramming will cause these things to be irrelevant in favour of whatever trait the company is most identified with that people liked in the past be it Haruhi for Kyoto, Depressing stuff in a market of happy for Key, Anno and Eva for Gainax and the voicing of Haruhi for Aya. I see it all the time when I'll notice something particularly poignant in a show like Code Geass, which is overlooked in favour of CC's butt or something that reminds them of Gundam Seed. I've only been message boarding for a while and picking the brains of fellow anime fans for a short time so I'm not sure if it's always been like this or if its the internet that's causing it or what, but its really disconcerting that its that easy for companies to work their fans over and over in a similar manner once they've discovered their weak point and it certainly doesn't bode well for the future of a number of genres.

CTFFMike

2007-03-09, 20:09

This month's Dengeki G's just arrived... filled with Little Buster news! ^^ Besides new CGs for each heroine (クドかわいいよクド), there's also the interview featuring Maeda-san, Ayanokawa-san, and Na-Ga-san, which I touched up on in a previous post.

Some points of interest from the interview:
- Like reported earlier, the scenario is almost 100% complete. The art and music are both close to completion as well.
- The music is also taking a new turn, with music from PMMK-san, a first timer to Key games, being the center focus this time around. Of course, sounds from familiar composers such as Maeda-san and Orito-san are still around as well.
- Maeda-san himself has composed at least 10 tracks.
- The staff appears very pleased with the overall soundtrack. The theme song has gotten a lot of praises as well.
- The game will be fully voiced, including all main and sub characters.
- Casting is also 70~80% determined.
- This time, an emphasis has been placed on making the game fun, in the form of various omake features.
- Info on individual characters' scenarios... which I'll skip here
- Mio is missing a certain "something" that others have.
- Keigo is a tsundere. :heh:
- Like I mentioned in a previous post, Maeda-san is responsible for Rin's scenario, as well as all male characters. The guys will appear in every heroine's route and take up the comedy role. Rest assured, there will be lots of laughs any way you go.
- Many male character CGs as well (おほほっ？(^ω^))

That better be true or I am holding you personally responsible :) j/k
Seriously, Clannad without voice just isn't the same. Hope they hire the same caliber of seiyuus as they did for the PS2 version.

luckyovermind

2007-03-09, 21:21

Really? Probably because I played the unvoiced version first, I heard a few samples and the voice over doesn't match well with my imagination. So I never cared about the PS2 version :heh:

Sushi-Y

2007-03-10, 01:48

So what your saying is the plot summaries I read probably give a skewed view of what happens in the games towards the depressing side rather than the more light-hearted stuff, this is very very likely. Ask anyone who played CLANNAD and they'll tell you the game was as funny as it was touching. Maeda-san's sense of humor (especially when it comes to male character gags) has always been highly praised. Pretty much every conversation that involved Sunohara in CLANNAD managed to made me laugh, sometimes for minutes. Unfortunately, a lot of the comedy (especially the "pointless" kind) had to be sacrificed when adapted into anime, with Kyoani's AIR coming into mind right away.

As for the bias thing. I agree that Key (or any other successful company, for that matter) has an advantage over other lesser known companies since Key games are guaranteed to sell and become popular no matter what, whereas it'll take a true masterpiece for a small softhouse's game to become well-known. The truth is, there are a lot of games out there by smaller companies that are just as great as the big shot games. People just don't know about them, that's all.

Still, I don't think that makes Key games any less significant: they're still some of the best visual novels I have ever played. Whether there are other great games out there or not doesn't change that.

The truth is, fans in this field are not as forgiving as you might think: if their expectations were betrayed, they'll slam the game no matter how popular the company is. So when you see over 1000 reviews of CLANNAD, all indicating something positive, you'll have to admit that there must be something about it that makes people like it.

As for Code Geass, unfortunately, the show is shadowed by the fact that I am a big fan of the light novel Owari no Chronicle (The Ending Chronicle), which shares some common elements with Code Geass (such as a "cool guy" male lead), but is simply "awesomer" than Code Geass in every way. I'll keep my OwaKuro avatars until the day an anime adaptation is announced. :heh:

Really? Probably because I played the unvoiced version first, I heard a few samples and the voice over doesn't match well with my imagination. So I never cared about the PS2 version :heh:
I agree with CTFFMike. Although some might say that unvoiced + your own imagination beats any voiced game, I cannot imagine playing through CLANNAD without voice, ESPECIALLY for Sunohara and Akio-san (くぅぅ、僕も注入されてぇーーっ！ would NOT be the same without Sakaguchi-san's voice :heh: )

djmaca

2007-03-10, 23:37

Can anyone tell me who has played Rance here?
I am in need of serious spoilers.

Cruzz

2007-03-11, 03:07

Can anyone tell me who has played Rance here?
I am in need of serious spoilers.

Well, that's certainly vague. I guess we should assume that you're talking about 戦国ランス as you don't specify anything else, but you do realize that there are 10 Rance games?

I've only played 鬼畜王ランス & ゼス崩壊, so can't really help you with 戦国 if that's indeed the one you're talking about.

Nvis

2007-03-11, 04:14

Well, that's certainly vague. I guess we should assume that you're talking about 戦国ランス as you don't specify anything else, but you do realize that there are 10 Rance games?

I've only played 鬼畜王ランス & ゼス崩壊, so can't really help you with 戦国 if that's indeed the one you're talking about.

Just beat the historical route of 戦国ランス, but you can find 98+ pages worth of spoilers here (http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54917)

I see why this game is so popular :D

Sushi-Y

2007-03-11, 21:04

Nothing big, but Kanishino (http://www.pulltop.com/main/)'s download page has been updated with downloadable character system voices:

http://www.pulltop.com/gp06/06_download.html#systemvoice

Miyabi's OS boot voice... BEST EVER. :heh:

kct

2007-03-12, 20:41

You know the thing with Key games is it's like they are directed by Yoshiyuki "Kill-Em All" Tomino.

I know what you are trying to tell about comparison between Tomino and Key games in terms of depression, but there is a significant difference in here :heh: .

While Tomino was largely driven by his depression (except for Ideoon, in which he claimed he doesn't know why he made the anime end up that way) after all the politics he have (vs. Nagano because of differring opinions over directions of animes (Nagano wants everything in the post-Zeta animes to be at least FSS-level grand (shown by his concepts), while Tomino wanted something more realistic...especially after binning Nagano's proposal for the ZZ), disliking the merger between Sunrise and Bandai). This is a stark contrast to everything he did after Victory, in which everything was more upbeat (like Turn A and the Zeta movies). Of course, the times changed, and the man himself changed (the Gundam Evolve about the Nu Gundam was directed by him, and he personally wanted to give a happy ending to some of his works).

As for Key's case, it's more of the desire to give a plot to the game...otherwise it might end up being typical. In the rather crazy world of visual novels, innovation is something one must do to at least survive...well, if you think Kanon is bad enough, Planetarian is bound to make you cry. Leaf tried the depressing path with Tenshi no Inai Juunigatsu (something I got round to playing recently, but my schedule...), and it worked very well with the direction (albeit a little short), although they are more known for more upbeat fare like ComiPa and ToHeart. It just takes effort to pull something off (and different, and actually worked), and not many companies will dare to step off what they are known for.

Heck, even more well-known companies are known to at least suffer (well, some here have said that Really? Really! have not been doing exactly that well as expected, compared to the rest).

Heck, as for KyoAni, they are already known for Full Metal Panic! animes, and even their rendition of Air before that, but MoSH is just their big break to be truly well-known.

Of course, as the rest have said, it takes something really good to make a break. Look at TYPE-MOON and you know it.

Sushi-Y: Good that you don't get into Code Geass, otherwise you will be talking about Pizza Hut here...

MakubeX2

2007-03-12, 20:58

Innovation is one thing.

There's another thing that's in common with all the big companies that have survive the strings of bankruptcy recently. The merchandise spin off that keeps them sustainable till the next big thing.

Let's not talk about good stuffs from Key and TM here. TH2 was mediocre and not very big, but what keeps Leaf going ? The merchandises of figures, books, anime, etc.

kct

2007-03-12, 21:05

And in some cases, the big break into television.

I don't know about TH2 though (storyline-wise I got the 'overly typical' vibe, maybe I have not got round getting it yet), but the way the first-day launch was reported seems to show how people have waited for it...and it's a PS2 version of the game.

rg4619

2007-03-13, 00:48

Both PS2 (~86k copies, iirc) and PC (~110k) versions of To Heart 2 sold very well - considerably better than Clannad, on the whole.

In terms of reception, the game didn't make a huge splash, but it seems to be generally well received. I think Clannad can be described in a similar fashion (strong initial sales, but much less post-release enthusiasm than with Kanon or Air), although that game is better liked.

cyth

2007-03-14, 10:47

Juliette's (http://www.will-game.net/juliette/) site is closing on March 30th; users were asked to remove external links without further instructions. Could this be one more from the string of softhouse closures, or are they just relocating the site?

EDIT: Looks like will-game.net is shutting down and many sites are affected by this, so I'm guessing it's just a site relocation for now.

-Nyu-

2007-03-15, 11:57

Hmm, Haurhi is getting a game, maybe..
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=277&Itemid=2#jc_allComments
I try to imagine that as eroge *-*
@ Toua: As far as I get you are right, no closing (thank god..) There are enough companies which went bankrupt.. :(

donthuang

2007-03-15, 12:08

OMG

http://www.bs-i.co.jp:8080/clannad/

-Nyu-

2007-03-15, 14:49

Yay, KyoAni will do a Clannad series!^^

djmaca

2007-03-15, 19:15

I said in the kurogane blog that they WILL do it since Kanon is done!
Prediction : 100% accurate.

kct

2007-03-15, 20:19

Pretty much everyone is looking forward to a CLANNAD anime right now, it would prove to be the next big thing.

I wonder why Toei is still allowed to do the CLANNAD movie though (as rumoured).

relentlessflame

2007-03-15, 20:23

I wonder why Toei is still allowed to do the CLANNAD movie though (as rumoured).Well, it's no rumour -- that's just the precident that's been set. They're doing two adaptations for all the major Key properties: one by Toei, and one by Kyoto Animation. It could be argued that this is way of appealing to an even broader audience.

Cloudnine

2007-03-16, 05:03

Hurrah~ I found a bit of time to digest one new game lately (ノ´∀`*)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9939/kissykissytopzw8.jpg

Kissy Kissy ~Watashi no Tamago~ (http://www.qmax.co.nz/mini/kissykissy/kissy_top.html) is one of the more lesser known titles released this year. Unpopular as it may be though, it still is an excellent game with a simple, yet heartwarming story of 'creating memories' and 'finding the place where one belongs'.

The first words that came out of my mouth when I saw the boxart was, "買う!!" The artwork in Kissy Kissy's is simply beautiful. The stylized sketchiness, watercolor themes is a step away from the general idea of CG art, a welcome change, especially when it is done this well. While there are some notable differences, the general idea of pastelish/watercolor touches are notably taken from the manga style of Honey and Clover.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5673/untitled1ve9.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5237/untitled1up7.jpg)http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5001/untitled1fo3.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4497/untitled1nk8.jpg)
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9739/46715931sc4.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8762/39559439ha0.jpg)http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2801/untitled1ga0.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5749/untitled1oy6.jpg)

(The asthetic design of the game deserves some praise as well. The minimalistic menu design and text system is simple and very elegant. I really wish more softhouses would follow this trend.

The story centers around Junichi, a student and convenience store clerk. Upon his way back from work, his peaceful life takes a sudden stop as he finds an unconscious girl on the beach. Being the nice guy that he is, Junichi rescues her and brings her to his house. After waking up, the girl draws a blank in her memory. Who she is, where she came from, things that we usually take for granted was lost to her. Still, even with all that she has lost, she has one strong desire. That desire was to stay here, with Junichi.

The setting has been done many times before. It's not original, but I couldn't help being attracted to what the game really shines in, which is the athmosphere created from the game's unique asthetic style, and the athmosphere created by the characters and their dialogue. The focus of the story is generally fixed on the love triangle between Junichi, Minao, and Yu, so there's very little sidestory or extra characters to throw off the flow of the story.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7338/c238945chara1hm8.jpg

Playing the game, I've long lost count on how many times I wanted to glomp Minao. Her lovable personality and slightly 'どじこ' nature really works wonders in putting a smile on my face. Being voiced by Kimura Ayaka (木村あやか) was BIG points for me, especially since she is one of my favorite seiyuus.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3104/c238945chara2jh8.jpg

Yu is Junichi's childhood friend. Before the events in the story, their relationship was fairly distant. However, after meeting Minao and learning her circumstances she and Junichi slowly begin to return to how they were before. Her character is slightly つん toward Junichi for obvious reasons.

--------

Overall, Kissy Kissy brings in several elements that work together to create refreshing and polished game. From the relaxing music to the summer athmosphere, the game overflows with artistic style and personality. The replay value is lesser than most bishoujo games since it has only two main endings, but the scenario length is more than enough to engage the player into the story.

Score 85/100

shadowplay

2007-03-16, 05:33

Studio Miris (http://www.studio-miris.com/contents.htm) (すたじおみりすと) is also dissolving. I remember their work from 月陽炎. It was a good game when it was released several years ago. In memoriam I'm playing 月陽炎 aka Tsukikagerou atm, since I never did before, though maybe I shouldn't since I realized this was made by same people who did Clover's Hearts (which bored me to death). Doesn't have bad start though, Mitsuki must be a blueprint for all those short tsundere characters (Hazuki etc.) that came afterwards.

And finally finished Gekkou no Carnevale last week, it was a good game but again no masterpiece, got annoyed by all the long action scenes all the time, wasn't overly impressed by any of the endings either.
Though seeing grown-up Noel was a good pay-off in the end ;)

Flame-X

2007-03-16, 17:28

somewhat off topic so sew me..

anyways, can anyone find out artist and song title for the OP of this game? ^^;
http://www.xuse.co.jp/product/ui/index.html

Orrin

2007-03-16, 20:41

Couldn't find any information on the title song (not even in the OP movie) maybe someone else has better luck then me, but the artist is called Masaharu (http://www.cross-stf.com/).

dont

2007-03-19, 01:49

Really Funny News

http://news4vip.livedoor.biz/archives/50921849.html

http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/news4vip2/imgs/c/2/c24f7d32.jpg

cyth

2007-03-19, 04:26

somewhat off topic so sew me..

anyways, can anyone find out artist and song title for the OP of this game? ^^;
http://www.xuse.co.jp/product/ui/index.html
It's called Marijji (まりっじ) and was done by Yoshida Naoko.

Flame-X

2007-03-19, 09:47

It's called Marijji (まりっじ) and was done by Yoshida Naoko.
zomg thanks! now the real trouble is finding the song lol

kiba122

2007-03-21, 15:26

what is a ero game i am guessing it is a porn game what to you do in one

-Nyu-

2007-03-21, 17:27

Ahhh, it's not that easy ;)
Read this description (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=259&Itemid=47), I also recommend Wikipedia.

WanderingKnight

2007-03-21, 19:06

Really Funny News

http://news4vip.livedoor.biz/archives/50921849.html

http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/news4v...2/c24f7d32.jpg

Wow, reading those lines in the game makes me feel good about understanding Japanese. The fun of a heartwarming ero-game gets terribly spoiled by phrases like "Dude, they're checking you out!" and "Be cool", &c.

And the artwork sucks hell, too. I'm guessing they're expecting that to be successful?

fto

2007-03-22, 00:32

Just beat the historical route of 戦国ランス, but you can find 98+ pages worth of spoilers here (http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54917)

I see why this game is so popular :D

Only problem about the game is NO VOICE!!!!! my god. I enjoyed playing this one (also playing dai bancho) but as the game went on it kinda sad that there is no voice in it.

Kaioshin Sama

2007-03-22, 01:30

Only problem about the game is NO VOICE!!!!! my god. I enjoyed playing this one (also playing dai bancho) but as the game went on it kinda sad that there is no voice in it.

Whoa what's this, people here other than me play games that aren't straight dating sims. Oh Man count me in on this discussion. I am actually playing the rance saga in order and am about halfway through Rance 3 for the Commodore 386 equivalent they have over their, PC-98 emulated or whatnot. The game is old and kind of easy, but the puzzles are adventure game confusing. which can be both fun and frustrating at the same time. The satisfaction of beating them is a huge pay-off though. Now, the battle system is sort of like a basic strategy type where you go into a random encounter, move around a small grid and attack, use skills, items and conserve stamina. I haven't really hit a hard battle yet since the games always start Rance off at a ridiculously high level, but I also don't think Rance or Sill is allowed to lose in combat. I also have Dai Bancho on my computer. I tried it once before, but got trapped on the national stage with no way to raise funds and balance my treasury resulting in inevitable gameover. Now armed with knowledge on how to win I will be trying again.

Yes Alicesoft is a good company indeed, I'd take them over any other company for actually having fun gameplay, but I tie them with Eushully, Kogado, Studio E.Go and Pajamasoft, also masters of deceptively hot looking girls who are actually unbelievably strong and RPG and Strategy gameplay. Anyone who has played Eushully's Battle Goddess II will know the teror of the one loli character (http://www.eukleia.co.jp/eushully/eu04/cs12a.jpg) that can kill your party in one AoE attack unless you grind 30 levels and then face her. And the first time you fight her you can't even win you just have to try and survive her wrath for a certain amount of Frame. Interestingly she joins your party as your most powerful member immediately after the second battle, but takes a hit in HP of about 15000 less HP. Why one little girl is so terrifyingly strong I could never figure out. Scarred me for life this one character, yep yep.

fto

2007-03-22, 12:31

For Dai bancho, i also had money problems, since i had a lot of people, yet i had to gett rid of so many because of funds, but i solved that problem by buying one thing. After a couple turns, you will be meeting "hunny or what ever" after a couple turns after that, it makes it possible to build a couple building of this hunny company. For each area you conquer, build this building which only cost 10, and it really helps you. By the time i conquered over half of the teritory, i was making some big buck.

Kaioshin Sama

2007-03-22, 16:39

fto

2007-03-22, 17:47

Ah no.. wait a second let me check...

Its For Dai Bancho... not Sengoku Rance by the way lol

Ok... After a couple turns at the National lvl, You will be able to go to 伊我　to visit a certain lady... After a couple turns after you meet her, and get something (forgot since i havent played a while after i beat the game with 3 different ending) You will be able to Make ハニー土木　when you click the 建造メニュー　on the 地城フェイズ
　

Dagger

2007-03-24, 22:26

Kaioshin Sama

2007-03-25, 00:49

After taking a loooooong break, I completed the second chapter of ef. It was good stuff... although the game kind of died right before it should have cut to the OP movie (I think). Do I need to have the disc in to see the OP? Well, I can check that out later.

I enjoyed the eye-candy and the story as well--Kyousuke was a great hero who put up with a lot IMO. As a character, Miyako is much more to my tastes than Kei, who was way too tsun-tsun. At least she had some nice dere moments, though.

I played all five routes of Wind in a very short period of time right before going back to ef, and one thing that made an impression on me was how much better the writing and pacing in ef is. The thing is, this could be due to any number of factors outside of the actual game. I played Wind in English and ef in Japanese, so I was literally forced to savor every line of ef. Also, ef might have a big advantage due to being a one-route game. (I was amused that they almost gave up on offering choices in the second chapter). The romances in both parts were quite heartfelt and convincing and did a great job of making me root for them. It left me with a very different feeling from, "Man, how many choices do I have to make until I get to Girl Y's endgame?"

I've had similar things happen to me when I try to play certain games. Make absolutely certain there's nothing that could be capturing the code such as a disc in the Disc-Drive or any video software using rendering technology. What happened is when a game went to use particle effects, it tried to access the disc drive first before checking my hard drive and their was a game in their so poof it exploded. The other one will simply cause both the crash usually kicking you to desktop. If you don't want the disc in and its because the opening is on the disc, copy the OP (usually MPG) to the hard drive and edit the .ini file so it points to the video on the drive instead of to the cd. You might need to research how to do that though and make a backup if you do.

-Nyu-

2007-03-25, 04:30

Cloudnine

2007-03-25, 05:38

I enjoyed the eye-candy and the story as well--Kyousuke was a great hero who put up with a lot IMO. As a character, Miyako is much more to my tastes than Kei, who was way too tsun-tsun. At least she had some nice dere moments, though.
I guess I'm the opposite, I couldn't find Kyosuke interesting enough to place him as the protagonist in the latter half. He felt more like a support/buddy character, probably due to my strong attachment to Hirono (I was shocked to find that we had so much in common).

Still though, I enjoyed Ef quite a bit. Technically, it is one of the most beautiful games I've played. Definately looking forward for the latter tale later this year~ ( ^ω^)ﾉ

Dagger

2007-03-25, 20:48

If you still have problems, you can also download the OP from our server (we have also widescreen version) here (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid=26).
Thank you!

In any case, putting the disc in didn't seem to do anything. It does what Kaoshin described (just cuts back to my desktop without any other ill effects), but I'm fairly clueless about technical stuff, so I don't think I have much of a chance of coaxing it to play on. :uhoh:

Hm... is there any more actual content after the OP (ED? :heh:) plays? If not, I guess it's not too big of a loss or anything.

JarOfMayo

2007-03-26, 19:55

Been awhile...

I'm pleased yet scared to see Clannad finally making it to a new medium but asides from that.

I'm finally finishing DC II after sooo very long. :heh:

Perhaps not the place but I played some old-schoolish games over the past months or so. Mainly the Tokimeki Drama Series (yes.. serious). For being one of those folk whos small introduction to the sort of genre of ero-renai-shojo-etc was tokimeki it was really enjoyable. Its almost impossible to find the original series now, but the 3 Dramas are very visually pleasing for their age and more or less a trio of fun stories. Lots of mini-games and such. Its really nice if you liked the original tokimeki, but besides that its probably crud to people now. lol :heh: Fully voiced as well!

Sushi, I finally got to read the column+4koma for Little Busters that have been out for awhile in dengeki editions. They are so funny and cute :eyespin: I can't wait for the main game to come out... :heh: Komari~!! :D

Sushi-Y

2007-03-27, 00:26

Sushi, I finally got to read the column+4koma for Little Busters that have been out for awhile in dengeki editions. They are so funny and cute :eyespin: I can't wait for the main game to come out... :heh: Komari~!! :D
でしょ～？^^ Doruji is simply adorable.

No time to play any games recently at all (except short sessions of Luminous Arc (http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/game/ds/Luminous/) here and there. Aya-chan's Rushia is 99% Haruhi and 1% broom maniac :heh: ). So nothing to write this time.

Narcissu... Tomo-san, done yet?
Geh, the web release date is changed to Summer ever so discreetly. :heh:

kct

2007-03-27, 00:55

I know this might be old...but started on Tenshi no Inai 12-Gatsu days (actually, weeks) ago...been playing here and there, but unfortunately assignments takes up most of the computer time.

Well, for a start, the storyline of the game is vastly different from a typical Lead offering, as the game takes on the lives of teenagers who are suffering from numerous forms of depressions. For a start, the main protagonist is a smoking high-school student, and happens to meet a gil named Touko Kurihara (name in Western order), a shy-looking girl who have basically lose aim in life. Fate has it that they will meet and know each other, and decided to 'do it' (sex, and it's unavoidable), later branching out to numerous storylines involving the other girls.

One thing about the game is, sex plays a very central element of the game (different girls have different reasons for it). In fact, as I mentioned above, the first sex scene is unavoidable, since it plays a central part in the storyline, especially how it will branch out into the others.
Alright, some of those people from V-N.net might have seen this, now to my own opinion about the game.

Seeing the H-scenes from the start might be a little shocking (at least for me), but some of us who might have played it knew that it is part of the story element. Starts out pretty linear, except for the lead knowing Touko in one of the most unconventional (and improper ways) >.< . The visuals of the game is great, as expected from a Leaf offering (despite this being my first Leaf game). BGMs? Definitely on the sombre side (to fit the tone of the game), although it is a nice change from the sometimes cheery tones I've heard in some of the other games. And some of the more annoying charactes (like Maho and Emiri 'the annoying imouto') seems to grow into as being passable later on, as soon as you know more about them.

Of course, still trying to get out of the Touko route, I badly need my fix of Shin-chan D: .

I need to find time to continue playing this (after finishing this semester's assignments + exams + Gunpla work (3 to build, 2 for detail work))

That does not mean I will stop though, will try to see how ef will interest me in any way.

Cloudnine

2007-03-27, 04:09

Of course, still trying to get out of the Touko route, I badly need my fix of Shin-chan D: .
Walkthrough - http://eternity-space.jp/HP-game/tensi-0menu.htm

I highly recommend Yukio's route. Her scenario is really well written (Emiri also plays a part). The climax scene is one of the strongest impressions I got out of the game~ (^ω^)

Dark Lord Zenigame

2007-03-27, 20:30

No time to play any games recently at all (except short sessions of Luminous Arc (http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/game/ds/Luminous/) here and there. Aya-chan's Rushia is 99% Haruhi and 1% broom maniac :heh: ).

I finished Luminous Arc a few weeks ago, the later chapters were especially good. And Lucia... yeah.

Brooms o/

As for my game exploits, I've been put off from finishing Alicematic and Colorful Aquarium by the fact that my computer sounds like it's going to explode every time I start a game up. ._.;;

My Gospel has forsaken me... ;0;

So I finally had a serious go at To Heart 2 instead, which I've had since the release date but hadn't really played until a few days ago.

Commence the beating... I deserve it.

Doing Tama-nee's path first, and I have to say that she's scary. x_x;;

Still love her, though. :>

MeganeShounen

2007-03-27, 22:41

So I finally had a serious go at To Heart 2 instead, which I've had since the release date but hadn't really played until a few days ago.

Commence the beating... I deserve it.

Doing Tama-nee's path first, and I have to say that she's scary. x_x;;

Still love her, though. :>
Hmm? Wasn't that the same date as the JAP release for the XBOX 360?
I can still remember the comparison of the camp-out lines in Akihabara... :D

Tama-nee's pretty protective of her childhood friends. That's Takaaki, Konomi and her otouto. Though, for Takaaki's case, it sorta leveled-up in a sense. :heh:

Oh, and her Kousaka-ryuu Iron Palm-to-Face Grip is to be feared.

*raises fist to Aquaplus for not updating the ToHeart 2 ~Another Days~ website*

kct

2007-03-28, 01:13

Just don't raise the fist in front of me, who knows you might be looking at the front of the barrel of the High Mega Launcher -_-;;; .

EDIT: Or Unlimited GM Works >.< .

EDIT 1: Scrath that, the Titans Test Team will hunt you down >.> .

EDIT 2:

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/3906/cap04jv3.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cap04jv3.jpg)

Shinobu-chan, don't kill me...

donthuang

2007-03-29, 12:01

my best scene of 天いな

http://2-cat.twbbs.org/~twocat/5d/src/1175187644014.png

luckyovermind

2007-03-30, 03:25

Looks like another delay of narcissu 2nd. Its play time is estimated to be 2 hours.

Sushi-Y

2007-03-30, 20:46

Looks like another delay of narcissu 2nd. Its play time is estimated to be 2 hours.
It'll probably last a bit longer than that, since the scenario text file size is about 1.5 times than that of the first game. Plus, with voice, the reading speed generally drops.

And it's really not a delay, since the voice recording schedule was never really clearly set in the first place. In any case, it's looking like a mid April completion, but I wouldn't expect it to be out until May if I were you.

Preordering of Little Buster! began a few days ago, it easily topped the software sales ranking at Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/KEY-%E3%83%AA%E3%83%88%E3%83%AB%E3%83%90%E3%82%B9%E3%8 2%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%EF%BC%81-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88/dp/B000OPT7VE/ref=pd_rhf_p_1/250-6241244-5630655).
(lol at the product summary)

-Nyu-

2007-03-31, 12:29

Lol for running on Vista (it should do it without a certificate, stupid Microsoft!)
Anyways, have preordered it @ Himeya together with a game character telephone card, a gadget you get for extra 5$ if you preorder until the 20th of July.
Btw, which description? O_o

Sushi-Y

2007-03-31, 14:30

lol at Type-Moon's home page:
http://www.typemoon.com/

as usual, they're really putting an effort into this april thing. :heh:
I laughed so hard at the story synopsis:
"A terrifying demon has come to the peaceful country of wonderland. Everybody tried to run away in a panick, but since nobody is used to running they all die one after another, while those who survive were all forced into hard labor, but since nobody is used to doing that either they still all end up dying like rabbits anyway"

"What's this? A missile from the North?"
"How rude! We're not that low on budget!"

From the "World" section, "Magic World After":
"If you look carefully, you can see Spawn or Ghostrider or Constantine walking around, it's truly like hell."

And they killed the heroine by blowing up her house. :heh:

Overflow is announcing oversea expansion of their games + new product:
http://www.0verflow.com/
Chainsaw's Kotonoha-sama's "Don't you upload this movie without permission! AHAHAHAHAHAHA" in the usage warning video got me good.

New game: Magical Heart Kokoro-chan
http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/439/29305225776528112510124ma5.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29305225776528112510124ma5.jpg)
MAGICAL BERETTA!

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6480/29305225776528112510124vp2.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29305225776528112510124vp2.jpg) http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2476/29305225776528112510124pv6.th.jpg (http://img443.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29305225776528112510124pv6.jpg)
Kotonoha-sama's real job: killing pathetic high school guys, one at a time

Someone can check what the multi language trial versions contain, too big of a file for me. :heh:

minori's selling itself:
http://www.minori.ph/index_02.html

Cotton Soft is... I don't know wtf is going on with Cotton Soft:
http://cotton-soft.com/

Even French Bread announced a new game:
http://www13.plala.or.jp/french/uso.htm

Lol at the commands (puny punch, weak punch, normal punch, strong punch, super punch, ultimate punch, sure-kill punch, Takizawa Kokuden punch, turn around)
(get back to work, Narita-san)

Nitroplus is...
http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/into_13/index.php
....Paula Zahn? That's the first name that popped into my mind. :heh: