New Yo-Kai Watch Project Teased for 2024+ Level-5 Game Delays.

As they say, the more things change; the more they stay the same. Yesterday, a Level-5 Vision presentation which had a number of announcements streamed online. While one is going to have more announced come this April; the rest have all been delayed out of this year. Let’s get to them all.

Let’s address what’s arguably the most notable one first- the next Yo-Kai Watch game. While it’s still not clear whether or not this game is a spinoff or a fifth main title, a new yokai variant is shown off with more news coming at the next presentation in 2024… which should make a good transition to the next point of this post.

While I was open to the company returning to Western markets; it hasn’t exactly gone as planned. As I type this, every single title they announced has been delayed to 2024 and beyond. Let’s rundown the list, going by new release date to keep things as objective as I can. I also cannot say if any of these delays correspond to new console hardware; so let’s begin.

Starting with the newest IP, let’s talk about DECA Police. After a brief period of confusion, this detective game will now see release in 2024. As this game has a lot of potential; I am actually glad they’re taking more time with it; which is my feelings toward all but one game discussed here.

Next, we have a delay that was already confirmed before the presentation: Fantasy Life- The Girl Who Steals Time. Originally slated for this holiday season, the game is now slated for mid-2024. Given the banner season this year has had; I don’t blame them.

In a more clear release date, Megaton Musashi (under the Wired subtitle) will finally see release outside Japan on April 25 of next year. I have been keeping an eye on this one, as I think there’s a market for it after the success and acclaim of Armored Core VI.

Next, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam has been pushed to 2025; which suggests that they need the extra year (and that it happens to mark the 20th anniversary of the franchise even).

Lastly, is the game I’m most concerned about: Inazuma Eleven- Victory Road. This game was first announced in 2016 for release in 2018; meaning that its new 2024 release date will mean eight years of development hell. Let’s hope the lengthy development is the only thing it ends up sharing with Duke Nukem Forever. Honestly not a huge fan of the franchise (or sports anime as a whole), but at this point; I half expect a placeholder date of “when it’s done.” That will be all for now, and I will see you in December. Take care.

Peter Spellos dies at age 69.

It is with great sadness I report the death of voice actor Peter Spellos, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer earlier this month at age 69. He had been in hospice for some time prior; but this nonetheless comes as a somber note. The news was announced online by his friend Fred Olen.

Spellos had a variety of anime roles in his life; including fan favorites such as Whamon on Digimon Adventure, Gilliam on Outlaw Star and Sky Byte on the 2001 version of Transformers: Robots in Disguise.

As his family plans a memorial for him, I wish the best for his colleagues and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) First Viewing Thoughts- A Netflix Anime That Gets It Together.

Hey everyone- I know it’s been a bit since I last posted anything big; but Thanksgiving hit me harder than expected. Rest assured, even if I have to bump stuff further; I will post stuff I have queued up when it’s done. In the meantime, I might as well talk about an anime that I have seen and been fascinated by this month. Here are my first viewing thoughts on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Courtesy: Netflix/Science Saru

As a longtime fan of the graphic novels and their previous adaptations (chiefly the 2010 film by Edgar Wright and the video game from the same year); I can say that this is an excellent adaptation of the material that also serves as a sort of remix. Not only did the cast and creatives behind the previous material return; but given how much influence anime and manga had in said material; this was a natural move. Science Saru captured the energy of the source perfectly; and although those in charge have denied rumors of a second season, I am open to the idea.

I did find amusement in many of the jokes and smaller pragmatic changes. Notably, rather than delivering for Amazon.ca like in the comic and movie; Ramona delivers DVD rentals for Netflix (amusing as the two are rivals, and a bit wistful as they shipped out their last DVDs earlier this year). The little odd quirks of this anime and the source never feel that way after all this time. Rather, they’re intrinsic to the plot.

If you aren’t familiar with Scott Pilgrim, now is a good time to start. If you are like I am, then this will be a wild ride. Just thought I would get you all something to let you all know I’m not just watching One Piece and playing the new Super Mario RPG (which is also true). That’s all for now, take care.

#PokémonScarletViolet #TheIndigoDisk Coming December 14 and More.

I would have liked to post this sooner, but there have been intermittent connection problems on my end. Rest assured, here is a small update in between bigger projects I’m working on.

Let’s start with the most notable piece of information I’m addressing. After much speculation, the second chapter of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will go live on December 14: The Indigo Disk. The DLC will focus on Terapagos and the neighboring Blueberry Academy in Unova. I intend to complete the Teal Mask chapter before it goes live. A full review will follow once both chapters are cleared.

I have also picked up Detective Pikachu Returns, which I have been playing and enjoying since its release on October 6 of this year. The game builds on what was established in the first title on 3DS and the hit 2019 film adaptation. On top of focusing more on humor and puzzle-solving than the battles of the main series; there’s also new gameplay features such as stealth sections and getting help from other Pokémon to solve cases. Need to track a scent? Have Growlithe sniff it out. Need to see through a wall? Have Luxray use its sonar.

Lastly, let’s address things on the anime front. Though a US airdate remains elusive for Pokémon Horizons (understandable, given the circumstances); the series will begin its run in the UK via the CBBC feed of the BBC iPlayer on December 1. I still have no formal plans to address the anime before an official release stateside.

I will say that I have enjoyed two relatively recent pieces of web animation. These include a CGI short based on Detective Pikachu: “Mystery of the Missing Flan,” which is from Polygon Pictures (“Sonic Prime,” “Transformers Prime,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) and the second part of the OVA “Paldean Winds.” Entitled “Breathe In,” the short focuses on Aliquis facing a crisis of confidence in his battles with Nemona; and whether or not he should keep his Meowscarada as a partner. I honestly consider it to be more interesting than Horizons; and I am looking forward to the third and final segment later this year. That will be all for now, and I will see you all again soon, take care.