GungHo Online Entertainment America has got six more Japanese PSOne import Classics coming your way this spring! I’d like to discuss the three titles we’re releasing today, and also get you pumped for the three we will unleash on May 7th, 2013.
4/9/13 Releases
Evergreen Avenue
A unique blend of visual novel, schedule management, and puzzle, this game will have you competing with your rival for the coveted slot of emissary to the great spirits from beyond. Evergreen Avenue takes place in a world that was once governed by magic – where spirits and men once peacefully coexisted. The spirits eventually lost their influence over the realm and left humanity to its own devices. The king of the spirits has recently decided to return to this plane and bond with the common folk once more.
Players will choose between a male or female protagonist, each with their own unique backstory and traits, as they set out to impress the seven spirits who have come to judge them. The unselected character will become your rival, and you will have to outperform him/her to win! It’s crucial to manage each day carefully as you only have so much time to meet with the spirits and perform various tasks to gain their favor. At the end of each period, your success will be weighed against that of your rival to determine which of you will have the honor of ushering in the new age of spirits.
The story and event scenes are quite text heavy, but the menus and mini-games are relatively simple.
Favorite Dear ~Jyunpaku no Yogensha~
While not a direct story sequel, ~Jyunpaku no Yogensha~ is the next game in the Favorite Dear series that was discussed last time we spoke. The game continues with the hybrid RPG/dating simulation gameplay, but this time allows players to choose between a male or female angel as they raise and train the Braves and Faeries that defend the realm.
As with any RPG, a great deal of reading will be required to enjoy the story. Surprisingly enough, a lot of the menus and character stats are actually displayed in English. The battle system is relatively straightforward, and players shouldn’t have too much difficulty unleashing their attacks.
Zero Kara no Mahjong ~Mahjong Youchien Tamago-gumi~
While our last Mahjong game was for more experienced players looking for the chance to compete against adorable opponents and have their fortunes told, this one is geared toward easing beginners into the game. Zero Kara no Mahjong ~Mahjong Youchien Tamago-gumi~ features an extensive “Tamago Class” mode which includes numerous Mahjong tutorials. These lessons are all in Japanese, so English-speaking players may want to skip them and opt to find the rules online.
Filled with cute cartoonish graphics and sound, this Mahjong game is oozing with undeniable charm!
5/7/13 Releases
While March and April had their share of RPGs and dating sims, May will be all about the traditional board/card game experience.
Motto Trump Shiyouyo!
Motto Trump Shiyouyo! is the sequel to the previously released Trump Shiyouyo!, but this time around there are even motto (more) games! These include the following: Daifugo, Shichinarabe, Seven Bridge, Dobon, Page One, Shinkeisuijyaku, Poker, Blackjack, Napoleon, Klondike, Free Cell, and Speed.
Once again, these games are relatively text-light, and players shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding the rules online. If you feel lucky, it’s time to put your skills to the test against a bevy of sassy cartoon animals!
Zero Kara no Shogi ~Shogi Youchien Ayumi-gumi~
From the makers of the Zero Kara no Mahjong, this game eases players into the fascinating world of Shogi. Take lessons, read classic motivational proverbs, and take on all crazy cartoon challengers as you become the ultimate Shogi master!
While the lessons are all in Japanese, the game itself is relatively text light. Like the other traditional games, it would likely be easier to find the rules online and jump directly into a match.
Zero Kara no Mahjong ~Mahjong Youchien Tamago-gumi 2~
The sequel to Zero Kara no Mahjong ~Mahjong Youchien Tamago-gumi~ (see above), this game has players facing colorful cartoon characters in no-holds-barred Mahjong! The lessons that help ease players into the game are still around, but this time they go even further to help teach players proper Mahjong manners that can be applied in real-life situations.
Like last time, if you can’t read Japanese, I suggest you seek out Mahjong tutorials online so you can beat the pants off your challengers!
We hope you enjoy this month’s selection and invite you to come back in May for the rest. While our variety of imports may seem odd, it’s our goal to please those fans who have been hoping for eclectic titles that otherwise have no chance for a western release!
Like our other Classics, these are priced at $5.99 each. We are also working on brief walkthrough videos to help players navigate the Japanese menus and better understand these games. Our first one has already been posted on our Facebook page, and the rest are on the way!
Any chance of posting the videos outside of Facebook? Namely, YouTube?
We will definitely post these to YouTube as well!
By noon today both Favorite Dear: Jyunpaku no Yogensha and Zero Kara no Mahjong: Mahjong Yochien Tamago-Gumi will have videos go live.
By mid May, we hope to have videos for all of our PSone classics – including the 9 previously released ones.
Ah correction, I meant the 12 previously released ones!
My math has failed me once again…