Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s regular catch-up news feature. With each issue we will bring you the best news that you may have missed. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!
Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure announced for PC, consoles
Set in the world of the Earthlock games, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is an adventure crafting game inspired by games such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. The game starts with the player waking up on a bizarre island full of remnants of the past, magical creatures, and pirates. The creatures are especially intrigued by the player’s arrival, and are a big part of the game’s progression. Here’s a trailer:
The creatures possess unique and interesting abilities to make exploration of the island possible. Aside from tools, the creatures are needed to harvest materials. After that, build workshops that create and assemble resources. The island can be customised using these resources. Over time, the area will go from ruins to a thriving hamlet. Of course, there are mysteries to be uncovered – what’s a sim without a little mystery?!
Developed and published by Snowcastle Games, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Xbox One.
Disgaea 6 Complete launches in the west in June
It’s common for NIS America to release Disgaea games as “complete” versions, and the sixth is no different. Disgaea 6 Complete is set to launch in the west this June. It follows a boastful zombie, Zed, as he must face a God of Destruction. He will meet the denizens of the Netherworld, face challenges, and defy the odds. Here’s the latest trailer, which focuses on the game’s characters:
Disgaea 6 features the same over-the-top tactical combat the series is known for, while also bringing in new gameplay elements. There are customisable settings, such as Auto, Retry, and Replay. If players die in battle, they can use Super Reincarnation to rejoin the fight. Like all Complete editions, the game includes all previously-released character and cosmetic DLC.
Developed by Nippon Ichi and published by NIS America, Disgaea 6 Complete will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe. Players who buy the PlayStation 4 version can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free. The Japanese version, Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny, is already available for PlayStation 4. The PlayStation 5 version will be released on June 15.
Gensou Shojo Wars: Dream at the Stray Dreamer will be released later this month
At least, it will in Japan. Gensou Shoujo Wars: Dream at the Stray Dreamer is a Touhou Project strategy RPG with a simple goal: clear each stage using various party members. Whatever goes down, it goes down in Gensokyo, a place where humans, yokai, and gods all live. The story is interwoven with other Touhou Project games, so fans can experience that backstory; that being said, new players shouldn’t be confused by not playing any of the other games. Here’s the latest trailer:
The battles involve moving party members on the map and attacking enemies until they are all defeated, which unlocks the next stage. There are difficulty options to tailor the gameplay to each player. With over 70 playable characters, the ability to play what how you want is up front. Skills and equipment are customisable. Included with the game is a character encyclopedia and glossary that explain the world of Touhou Project, and a music player with over 200 songs.
Developed by Sanbondo and published by Phoenixx, Gensou Shoujo Wars: Dream at the Stray Dreamer will be released digitally for Nintendo Switch on March 31 in Japan. It will cost 4,950 yen.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley announced for PC, “consoles”
I’ll be honest: half the reason why I’m intrigued with this game is that saying “Moominvalley” is incredibly amusing. Regardless of my weird opinions, the musical adventure game looks positively charming. At least… it should be. In Moominvalley, a series of grotesque parks appear that ruin the valley’s natural balance. The game combines open-world mechanics, with puzzles, stealth elements, and melodic elements. Here’s the announcement trailer:
I probably should have stated that this is, in fact, based on Tove Jansson’s stories; familiar Moomins will often appear. If you’re not familiar with these stories, it really won’t matter as the game is still 100% on its own. The antagonist is the Park Keeper, the jerk behind all the horrible parks. Snufkin will have to help bring the valley back to its beautiful self. They’ll gain musical inspiration by finding secrets and solving puzzles. All they need is their trusty harmonica, some stealthy skills, and friends.
Developed and published by Hyper Games, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley will be released for PC via Steam and consoles in 2023. No specific consoles have been announced.
