That said, a small part of me is wondering if maybe, just maybe, the limited edition release of this upcoming 3DS otome game is worth nearly 60 bones. After all, who doesn't need a folding fan branded with Hakuoki artwork, a Japanese-style towel featuring more of the same and a "Men of Hakuoki Art Book"?
Seriously, though, I'm looking forward to Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi's release, which is scheduled for Aug. 3 here in North America. On that date, Hakuoki fans will be able to pick up a regular edition of the game for $29.99 or the aforementioned limited edition for twice the price.
Will any of you be adding either version of this hunk-filled adventure title to your burgeoning collection of 3DS carts?
(Via siliconera.com)
I'd say it depends on the towel. If it's small enough to fit inside a 3DS box I'm gonna have to go with "no." ;)
ReplyDelete(I won't be buying it either way, but seriously, why can't I find any pictures/details on the towel? This is IMPORTANT.)
I have to agree with you there, Michael. I mean, I'm GUESSING this will be shipped in a larger-than-usual box/package, but how much larger than usual will it be? That's the question.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's sad that absolutely NO images of any of the things that will be included with this LE can be found online--or at least I've yet to find them. If anyone can help with that, please let me/us know :)
I agree as well, in this case size definitely matters. ;>
ReplyDeleteHee hee! So are the three of us admitting we're size queens? ;)
ReplyDeleteI like to joke about how I like them big (especially with my close friends, since they instantly get the irony), but to be completely honest? I prefer them normal-sized (they just tend to fit better, you know ;>) and I find it sad that so many (especially younger) men feel like they'd need more in their pants while what they have is completely fine. In the end it all really comes down to trial & error plus mutual trust, imo.
ReplyDeleteBut as for my hot bishonen merchandise... that just can't be big enough. ;)
Ha! I love it, miruki--the last bit especially :)
ReplyDeleteMy wife will be thrilled. xD
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Yes, I'll bet!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think with these sorts of things it may be to their advantage to let us imagine the LE goodies instead of showing them. I preordered Code of Princess specifically because of the LE art book but without realizing that the book would be only slightly larger than the instruction manual and with considerably fewer pages. I couldn't take the chance on missing out on it if it were cool! (I didn't realize that I wasn't going to like the game very much either--whoops!)
ReplyDeleteHmm, I don't think a handheld game should be $60 unless you get some sort of item with it. Like a statue or something.
ReplyDeleteWell, it may be to their advantage, but it sucks for those of us who are considering buying it :| Of course, I was more than likely going for the regular edition anyway, so I guess it's not too big of a deal.
ReplyDeleteWell, technically, you *do* get some "items" with this LE, Tom--such as a fan and a towel. I agree, though, that a statue or model or something would be far better.
ReplyDeleteYep. :|
ReplyDeleteI'm just thinking maybe they won't be revealing pictures at all, or at least not until it's too late!
I have a feeling you're right. BOO!!!
ReplyDeleteI doubt that fan and towel is worth the $30 swing from the regular edition though. Kind of odd items to give as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm guessing you're right. The towel's likely tiny, and thin, and the fan? Cheap, I'm sure. So, yeah, I can't imagine these things are worth $30--unless the art book is thick and is a thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't think I'm gay enough for Hakuoki. I did play a bit of one of the Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side games, and I'll admit to finding it amusing, but Hakuoki's art is too unappealing for me to be interested. None of the men are good enough for my samurai lady.
ReplyDeleteAlso, while, from a story perspective, I'm glad that the female protagonist is an actual character and not just an empty avatar, it makes it difficult to take on the player's role as I'm not female.
I'm looking forward to Sweet Fuze though, and I'm glad otome games are coming over even if I'm not their audience.
Huh. I personally don't think you have to be a girl or a gay man to enjoy this game, Matt. That said, I can't fault you for not being interested in it--or worrying that it just isn't your cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI will agree with you, though, that the art is only likely to appeal to a certain subset of gamers--whether they're female or gay men or whomever.
Personally, I wasn't attracted to any of the men included in the PSP version of this game--well, aside from one character in particular, who sadly wasn't woo-able--but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
Oh, and playing as a girl didn't bother me at all. You barely see her, so it's pretty easy to imagine yourself in her place.
Even if you can't do that, though, I personally don't have a problem putting myself into her shoes. I mean, it's what we do all the time in other games, right? Or do you avoid other games with female protagonists because you can't take on such a role?
As for Sweet Fuze: I'm looking forward to that one, too, although I haven't pre-ordered it yet. In the end, I may have to pre-order that one and not this one, as I've already played through the PSP version and really don't NEED a second copy.
Or do I? ;)
Ah, the first remark was more of a poor joke than anything.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an issue with playing female characters in general, only in games that incorporate player choice and relationships as central mechanics. Outside of a gameplay perspective, I didn't have any interest in my Shepard wooing his female crewmates in the first two Mass Effects, because the plot was reflecting my decisions and personality, and Shepard's sudden attraction to women didn't fit. Similarly, a game like Hakuoki gives me control over who the protagonist will choose to pursue, and in a game where my decisions and are instrumental, I'd like for the person I'm playing and deciding for to represent me, so that I feel like a part of the story, rather than a third-party pulling the strings. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but it's the difference between inserting myself into the game (as games that allow a great degree of choice aim to do) and role-playing as somebody whose desires don't match my own.
You need to preorder Hakuoki if only to take photos of the towel. I can't help but feel it'll be little more than a washcloth, but I'd love to learn that it's a full-body beach towel with a random character on it.
Thanks for the explanation, Matt. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the 'towel' that'll be included in this game's LE package: yes, I have to imagine it'll be little more than a washcloth.
That said, if I learned tomorrow that it'll be a full-body beach towel with one of the characters on it, I'll pre-order this LE so fast it'll make your head spin!
I'm totally getting the regular version, but the limited edition goods don't sound all that great to me. I already have piles of random videogame junk (literally: piles sitting on the floor of the closets) and I never seem to touch any of it. So I guess my answer to your question is "no" but thank goodness for regular editions!
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of surprised to hear you're even interested in this title, Zigfried. Why is that, if you don't mind me asking? Also, did you play the PSP version?
ReplyDeleteRegardless, yes, you're right, of course, that the LE isn't really worth it for those of us who aren't completely gaga over Hakuoki. I'm glad it exists, but it probably isn't for me--unless, of course, the towel is full-sized and features a naked or semi-naked Isami Kondou on it ;)
Asking why I'm interested in a game -- such a dangerous question, as there are usually so many reasons!
ReplyDelete1) Fan of that period of history, and always interested in seeing how important figures (like the Shinsengumi) are reimagined.
2) Although I don't buy all the "otome" games (the Japanese PSP is getting a lot of them), I enjoy playing them occasionally for a different perspective. I've also found that they tend to be of a higher quality than the average dating sim (could speculate on a lot of reasons for this, but a comment box isn't the place for that).
3) Love the Hakuoki anime series.
I have not played the PSP games yet, even though I own them. Should probably go through at least one of them before spending more money... but knowing me, I won't. Too many other games to play!
Thanks for the explanation, Zigfried--which certainly makes sense to me, by the way!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more of your thoughts on why otome games may be of higher quality than your average dating sim some day, by the way.
Maybe it could serve as the subject for a post (or two) on your blog?
I'll probably go for the limited edition to support Aksys. I usually stay clear of junk filled LE's especially the ones for big games with plastic models I don't need, want or have room for but if it gives a little extra money to support my favourite small developers then I'm all in. Anyway $60 is less than a new game costs in Europe.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's actually pretty cool, retr0gamer! I'm not sure I could take the same stance myself. Hell, at this point I'm only thinking of picking up the regular edition--and that's only a maybe!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I look forward to hearing what you think of the LE--especially the non-game contents :)
Well this is the first time I will be purchasing a otome game. I've played Starry Sky (love it~ as well as yojinbo. I played quite a few yaoi titles *o*)
ReplyDeleteI think NO. It's not worth 60 bucks yet at the same time this is groundbreaking XD Otome in english and publicly yes <3 So worth my money. I've never heard of the game but I can not pass up the opportunity to have merch + otome in one convenient package :D I haven't been this excited since the release of Animal Crossing New Leaf :P
Hey there, One Girl! I'll be interested to hear what you think of the game once you get to play it. I really liked the PSP version, and this is just an expanded version of that, so it should be pretty great, too. I still haven't pre-ordered either version, sadly, but I am planning to pick up the regular edition at some point.
ReplyDeleteOk I let you know once I get my hands on it :)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing your thoughts, One Girl!
ReplyDelete