This past Friday night, I was invited to NIS America’s showcase of their games for 2019. Let’s take a look at what you could be playing this year. I could try and pitch each game at you, but that’s why the kind people at NIS were able to do with this showcase and announcement video, followed by streamed playing.
Not all games in the showcase were available for demo, but there was plenty to get time with. So here are my thoughts and experiences with each of what was available.
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection (PS4)
This collection from the legendary company’s history features various classic titles from Ikari Warriors to Psycho Soldier. Nearly all games have the option to be played in their original Japanese or various international versions, as well as the ability to play their home console ports. Certain games from the arcade utilized a unique control stick where you rotated the top of the stick to control aim while tilting for movement. That feature has been transformed for the home console market to make some games like Ikari Warriors into twin-stick shooters. Honestly, the only complaint I could have is how the popular Neo Geo games weren’t included.
Neo Atlas 1469 (Nintendo Switch)
The game places you into control of various admirals and fleets leaving Portugal to explore the new world. Just pick admiral, decide on resources and send them out into the world. The interesting part is when they return. You can decide whether to approve or disapprove of their findings. This can lead to the creation of new islands and treasures, as well as reshaping the world.
RPG Maker MV (PS4 and Switch)
I’m not going to lie, this may be one of the most intimidating games I’ve ever played, and that’s just from how many options there are. Apparently, these console versions have twice as many assets for creating your own RPGs. I spent ten minutes on character creation alone, which not only affects portrait art, but sprite appearance as well. And with the additional ability to even create your own cutscenes, this game is going to give fledgling designers a crash course in game creation. And you will be able to upload your creations on the RPG maker forum for others to play.
The Princess Guide (PS4 and Switch)
In this top-down action RPG, you play a warrior tasked with training a princess to lead and fight. The fun comes from picking your princess (one of four initial options, with wildly different personalities and fighting styles) and guiding them. During combat you can praise or scold said princess for various effects. And with each princess reportedly having 3 endings, you’re going to have to work hard to see them all. Very fun pick and play game with a lot of options.
Lapis X Labyrinth (PS4 and Switch)
Last time I played an action platform game from NIS America, it was the addictive-yet-difficult Prinny series on the PSP. Lapis X Labryinth isn’t as difficult, but it does have an interesting learning curve. You create your character at the beginning of the story from one of several classes. Then you get more party members from the different classes, and they stack on top of you. I’m not remotely joking. You then explore floors of the titular labyrinth, jumping and fighting with your main character while able to call on your party for support moves. Lots of exploration, treasure hunting and RPG elements could make this one a future flagship title in the same way Disgaea did.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose (PS4 and Switch)
In this strategy RPG, you play a character who realizes they’re not in the real world. You then join a group of allies in your high school to deal with the issue at hand. Of course, I barely scratched the surface of the story in one hands-on, but I did get a good sense of the combat system, which is really interesting. You can see how your actions will play out, followed by how opponents will react, then plan an additional set of actions to respond. As a result, I was able to one-strike an opponent, see that his friend would hit me from behind, then was able to move out of the way and hit him after he missed. All in one combat turn. This system isn’t guaranteed to keep you from getting hit, and battles go on, the predictions will become less accurate. In addition to the combat, the game asks you various psychological questions, which can affect how the game treats you.
NIS America once again put on a great show, and showed a lot of unique gaming experiences. If I had to pick one that impressed me the most, I’d have to say it’s a toss-up between Lapis X Labryinth or Caligula Effect. But you can be sure we’ll be watching each of these games as they come out. Some of our writers will be reviewing this games listed above during this year.
