I always look forward to eastasiasoft’s showcases, which are held on a pretty regular basis and always include some absolute gems. The publisher is back with its New Year/Early 2024 showcase, which begins with huge news: Hakuoki is back! Two of the games in the classic otomte visual novel series are being packaged together and will release this year. This showcase is also packed to the brim with other interesting games; it was actually difficult to choose only a handful to feature. So definitely watch the entire video if you can; it’s only 12 minutes long!
Game highlights
Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom
Two beloved otome visual novels are back in Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom – Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds (2015) and Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms (2016). Step into the shoes of young Chizuru as she is surrounded by handsome Shinsengumi warriors. A battle ensues, but who will be victorious and who will win their way to Chizuru’s heart? The game features the political and interpersonal drama of feudalism, but also navigates romantic scenarios and shows events inspired by Japanese history. Each visual novel has multiple story routes. These updated versions of the titles do include revised text. Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom will be released digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch in 2024; physical versions of the game will be available through Playasia.
GENIE Reprise
This is not your typical first-person game! GENIE Reprise is an atmospheric fantasy adventure told through fully-voiced poetry. Video games and poetry don’t go together terribly often, which is why this game is exciting to me. Take on the role of Lula as she explores a vibrant fantasy world on her path to discover the meaning of the Genie. Explore mystical towns and the surrounding countryside while collecting shards to reveal the next part of the poem. Each part of the poem adds to the Genie’s lore, which is 15 chapters long and span multiple eras. It also transforms the environment around Lula. GENIE Reprise will be released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on February 14.
Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS
Sorry not sorry, but I can’t get enough of the Pretty Girls series of puzzle games. Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS is the Klondike Solitaire you know, this time with a whopping 11 female challengers. There are multiple difficulties, hints, assists, and deck draw options available. Keeping in line with the more current titles in the series, the game includes a place to make dioramas featuring characters, clothing, and background earned while playing. Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS will be released for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on February 15.
Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament
A long time ago, the Jade Emperor opened the gates of heaven. Mortals could then appear to him and be given divine powers to look for the emperor’s lost daughter. Humans though, being what we are, abused this gift and brought chaos to the mortal realm. The gates of heaven were re-sealed. Led by Sikong Yu, a small group of heroes in the mortal realm have to bridge the realms before peace is gone… forever. This enhanced version of Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament features improved loading times, higher-resolution graphics, and all prior DLC. This standalone title has 3D presentation and real-time combat, but also retains and evolves elements from the series. Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament will be released digitally and physically for PlayStation 5 in 2024.
Full list of featured games
- Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom (launching digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch in 2024)
- Xuan Yuan Sword 7 (launching for Nintendo Switch in 2024)
- Fallen City Brawl (launching for PC in early 2024; consoles TBA)
- Nephenthesys (launching for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on January 17)
- Turret Rampage (launching for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on January 31)
- Dungeonoid 2 Awakening (launching for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on February 7)
- GENIE Reprise (launching for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on February 14)
- Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS (launching for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on February 15)
- Froggie – A Retro Platformer (launching for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on February 21)
- Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament (launching for PlayStation 5 in 2024)
- Violet Wisteria (launching for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in March 2024)
- 10 Seconds to Win! (launching for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in March 2024)
- Roxy Raccoon’s Pinball Panic (launching for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in early 2024)
- Sunny Café (launching for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in March 2024; and English update will launch for the PC version at the same time)
- Richman 11 (launching for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in March 2024)
Watch the showcase
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