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)!
New trailer, console announcements for Martha Is Dead
Developer LKA and publisher Wired Productions have announced that Martha Is Dead will launch for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 alongside the consoles already announced (PC via Steam, Xbox Series, Xbox One). The psychological horror game is still set for release “later” in 2021, so I wouldn’t expect it for at least another six months. There’s also a new trailer, available in resolutions up to 4K to get a good feel of what the game will be on newer systems, so take a look:
The game is from the developer that made Town Of Light, which I truly loved because the atmosphere was so detailed and heavy. Martha Is Dead is set in 1944 Tuscany, smack in the middle of the second world war. A woman has been found, drowned and dead. Her name is Martha, and her twin sister must deal with the extreme loss. I know that losing someone during an international pandemic is really awful, more so than usual, and I can only imagine that is amplified is the international issue is war. The narrative explores loss and relationships while also uncovering what happened to poor Martha.
Both the developer and the publisher seem excited for LKA’s next step. Wired Productions managing director Leo Zullo states, “The game builds upon developer LKA’s signature style of deep, multi-layered narratives and was always intended to be a multi-platform release that raises expectations of what can be achieved by an indie studio on next-generation hardware and PC.” And LKA founder /director Luca Dalco believes, “Martha is Dead is an evolution in psychological storytelling, and we’re driven to build a compelling, gripping world Full of twists and turns for players to explore in 2021.”
Corpse Party rerelease set for PS4
I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get very confused with all the Corpse Party renames and rereleases – yet nearly not so confused I’ve stopped paying attention! The latest news is that Corpse Party Blood covered: …Repeated fear will launch in Japan for the PlayStation 4 in addition to the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation 4 version has no launch date attached as of now, while the Nintendo Switch version should be released this year. The news of the PlayStation 4 release was announced via Twitter:
なんと！『コープスパーティーBR』がSwitchに続いて“PS4”にも移植が決定しました✨
詳細は後日発表いたしますので、楽しみにお待ちくださいませ🕯👻オフィシャルグッズも好評販売中👻
各種【在庫限りの販売】となりますのでお早めに・・・https://t.co/t4dDwssfT5#コープスパーティー #コープス pic.twitter.com/ySlHXD8u3F— コープスパーティー公式＠BR Nintendo Switch版発売決定✨ (@corpse5pb) November 26, 2020
So let’s take a look at the Corpse Party timeline, as baffling as it seems. Corpse Party: Blood Covered was originally released for PSP and iOS in 2008. Time flies, doesn’t it? It was re-released as an enhanced port for 3DS in Japan in 2015. It also launched for the first time in North America, under the simplified name of Corpse Party. Corpse Party Blood covered: …Repeated fear is basically an enhanced port of the enhanced port.
New features for both the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions include new voice acting in the Extra Chapters as well as any scenarios that were not voiced in the 3DS version. The game systems are also being rebuilt, although honestly, I have very little idea of what that means at this point.
Varying editions of Clockwork Aquario announced
Clockwork Aquario, as previously announced is finally being released. The game began development in 1992 as the last arcade game developed by Westone (Wonder Boy, Monster World series). Essentially, it’s the company’s swan song that hasn’t been seen until now. It will be released for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in early 2021, digitally and via physical limited editions produced by Strictly Limited Games.
The Limited Edition is a physical version of the game; it is limited to 1,800 copies for PlayStation 4 and 3,500 for Nintendo Switch. The Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,300 copies for PlayStation 4 and 2,500 copies for Nintendo Switch. It includes a physical copy of the game, retro box, collector’s box, art book, acrylic diorama, original soundtrack, remix soundtrack, arcade coin, character cards, large reversible poster, arcade sticker, arcade flyer, and sticker sheet. The Ultra Collector’s Edition is limited to 499 copies for PlayStation 4 and 999 copies for the Nintendo Switch. It includes all of what is in the Collector’s edition, plus a figurine, pin, Shikishi, and certificate of authenticity.
Clockwork Aquario is a side-scrolling action game (think Super Mario Bros. or Wonder Boy III), playable solo or with a friend via co-op. There are three players to choose from, and each has their own skills. Huck Londo is a daring ghost hunter, Elle Moon is a brave adventurer, and Gush is a warmhearted giant robot. Each stage features a sub-boss that must be defeated to get the key to the boss’ lair.
It’s about time for SaGa Frontier to get a remaster!
Originally launching for PlayStation in 1997 (Japan) and 1998 (North America), Square Enix’s SaGa Frontier is quite beloved. Now the developer/publisher has announced that SaGa Frontier Remastered will be launched digitally worldwide in mid-2021 for iOS/Android, PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Basically, unless you’re strictly limited to an Xbox console, you’ll be able to (and should!) play. Here’s the English trailer:
The game features eight characters, each with their own goals and endings: there are the seven originally available, and once those stories are complete the eighth, Fuse, will be available. Fuse earned his nickname because, when he loses his temper, he also loses control. Problematic, yes, but he has a strong sense of duty, and good perception and decisiveness. Choices can be made during the game that effect future events thanks to a Free-Form Scenario System. There are also new skills available; the example given is the ability to fire consecutive special attacks from multiple team members.
Apparently, there were some story elements missing during the original release, but now Asellus’ story is complete thanks to the addition of new events. The game is remastered, so the graphics are basically the same but enhanced. Characters, monsters, and backgrounds are all remade in high resolution, and menus are revamped. For anyone who finds the game a bit slow or too east, there will be a 2x speed option available.
– Lindsay M.
News Editor
