Operation Backlog Completion 2026
Jul 312024
 

We’ve got a bit of an odd post today.

When we discussed the insane Nintendo Direct that included tons of exciting game announcements, one I only mentioned in passing was Fairy Tail 2.

At the time, I mentioned that I was interested in it because I enjoy Gust’s turn-based RPGs.

So you can imagine how surprised I was today when the latest Fairy Tail 2 screenshots were described by news sites as being from the upcoming action RPG. I thought it was a mistake until I visited Steam and saw its genre listed as both “Action” and “RPG.”

The description also says, “The battle system has been completely redesigned from the previous game, implementing real-time battles that are even more flashy and impactful.”

Now that I look back at the trailer, the narrator does say “engage in real-time battles” when combat is shown, but that section looks like turn-based combat to me. All the enemies are standing still as if it’s the player’s turn!

At the time, I think I just assumed it was a fast-paced ATB system along the lines of the one in Atelier Ryza. For the record, none of the Ryza games have “Action” listed as their genre on Steam. On the other hand, neither does Nights of Azure, despite that being an action RPG.

So in short, I have no idea. It looks like a turn-based RPG to me, it’s being called an action RPG, the specific mention of real-time battles seems to support that, and yet its combat system hasn’t been shown or described in enough detail to make it clear. Of all the “is this upcoming RPG turn-based or action” debates we’ve had, this might be the funniest.

Here’s hoping the next look at Fairy Tail 2 will show enough combat to clear up the confusion!

Jul 242024
 

It’s been four years since Type-Moon announced Fate/Extra Record, a remake of the PSP RPG Fate/Extra.

I’ve been interested in Fate/Extra ever since I played Fate/Extella, which takes place after it, so I was excited to hear it was being remade.

Getting more into the extended universe they all share after I played Witch on the Holy Night just made me more interested.

(I’ve also picked up the Tsukihime remake, although I haven’t played it yet.)

I’m not sure if they ever directly announced an English release of the remake, but the official website has had an English version from the start, so that’s at least a soft confirmation.

They’ve been pretty quiet since the announcement, with only tiny pieces of information here and there, but they recently announced that more information will be coming on August 4 during Fate/Grand Order Fes 2024.

While this might be an announcement of an announcement, I’m happy to know news is coming soon. I’ve got my fingers crossed we’ll get platform confirmations and maybe see some more gameplay.

Are you interested in Fate/Extra Record?

Jul 222024
 

On Saturday night, I saw something that caught my attention right away: Tales of Xillia remaster rumors.

Two Czech retailers and one Slovak retailer had suddenly listed Tales of Xillia Remastered for various modern platforms. The listings have since been taken down.

The box art, pictured here, is pretty basic – the original Tales of Xillia cover art with the “Remastered” logo from the Symphonia remaster added beneath it. That makes it more questionable, but it does have a “not final art” warning on it, so it could be a legitimate listing using placeholder art.

According to the fans who found the listings, they use EANs (European Article Numbers) registered to Bandai Namco, which is a promising sign, although it could be faked.

Still, I hope it’s legitimate.

Tales of Xillia is the game that got me into the Tales series. I loved it, especially its sense of humor and King Gaius. (You can read my old Tales of Xillia review to see my detailed thoughts, along with many embarrassing things I had to say about Gaius.) I’d be delighted to see Xillia get a remaster, especially after the recent Tales PS3 delistings.

I’d be even happier if the remaster included both Xillia games bundled together, since I haven’t played Tales of Xillia 2 yet. It would be nice to play it on a modern platform.

(Since Tales of Symphonia Chronicles on the PS3 included both games, but then every subsequent Symphonia remaster skipped the sequel, I could see it going either way.)

If it’s just the first Tales of Xillia, I might still pick it up… as long as it doesn’t suffer from bugs and other problems like the recent Tales of Symphonia remaster. We’ve gone a while now without news of a new Tales game, and a solid remaster could help fill that gap.

Do you think the Tales of Xillia remaster rumors are true?