Strania: The Stella Machina EX coming to Switch

[EmperorIng]

A modified version of the EXA arcade release, minus some arcade-exclusive features, is coming to console. Exciting news for a game that has been sadly forgotten about!



4gamer Announcement Article
EXA Attract demo
Official Release Trailer

Maruyama left a message explaining the new release, as well as pointing out that this a self-published port (so hopefully this means all profits goes to them):

[Ms. Tea]

Wow, is this the first exA game to get any kind of home port? Now *that's* exciting. I've never played Strania, how is it?

[CStarFlare]

ShouTime mentioned on Discord that it will lack some of the QoL improvements Exa usually adds, specifically lower lag. He also mentioned it missing the new English translation, extra voices, and videos remaining Exa exclusive.

But, Hell mode is (maybe) the most interesting feature, and that seems to be coming over. So, it's nice to see that happen.

[hamfighterx]

This is great news, and nice to see that the Side Vower DLC campaign from the 360 version is also included.

Have to say though, this almost feels like it borders on trolling (pun intended). Under Defeat just released for current consoles, Mamoro-kun is coming this year, and now Strania announced... and poor old Border Down, probably the least accessible of G.Rev's shooters and what sure feels like the most requested port, is nowhere to be seen. Fingers crossed. I'll definitely be doing my part by buying Strania again

EDIT: And wow, didn't realize Strania EX is coming to Switch so soon! January 23.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Will G.Rev release Strania: The Stella Machina EX on the USA region eShop as well? This will certainly be the first Exa-Arcadia stg ported to a home gaming console like fellow shmupper Ms. Tea has previously mentioned. I still have S:TSM on my Xbox 360 as a digital d/l. The listed 1/23/2025 release date is only just a mere 15 days down the road, indeed.

I do recall that when G.Rev announced the "Side Vower DLC" on the Xbox 360 gaming platform, it was considered a big deal at the current time back in 2012. I'd have to assume that the upcoming S:TSM-EX port will be a Switch eShop game digital d/l (unless a physical cart release is planned in the nearby future).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[jandrogo]

Considering City Connection published the Under Defeat retail version a month ago, who knows if it will get a physical release also.

Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage was also published in Steam adding some features included in the EXA version, upgrading the previous Shikhondo: Soul Eater version released in Steam.

ShouTime mentioned on Discord

Would you link this Discord thread? Or give info?

[soupbones]

Oh man - this is awesome news! Wish it was coming to PS4/5 tbh, but I'll take what I can get!

Now if we can just get Outrun, Daytona, and Omega Five off the platform, I can finally put my 360 to rest.

[CStarFlare]

Considering City Connection published the Under Defeat retail version a month ago, who knows if it will get a physical release also.

Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage was also published in Steam adding some features included in the EXA version, upgrading the previous Shikhondo: Soul Eater version released in Steam.

ShouTime mentioned on Discord

Would you link this Discord thread? Or give info?

Here you go:
https://discord.com/channels/6323972478 ... 3302766592

[DenimDemon]

Oh man - this is awesome news! Wish it was coming to PS4/5 tbh, but I'll take what I can get!

Now if we can just get Outrun, Daytona, and Omega Five off the platform, I can finally put my 360 to rest.

And After Burner Climax

[NeoStrayCat]

Well, finally, but yeah, except of the low input lag, obviously with the Switch's hardware, lol. (Considering that's more of an Exa feature) But new English script? I dunno if I remembered seeing any revisional script changes between the original and the EX (Exa) version, but I probably missed out and see. As for extra voices, I don't remember that happening in the EX version as Strania is more of a voiceless game (yes, there are pilots under the mech, but there is no voice dialogue/text or anything at all, lol).

Will G.Rev release Strania: The Stella Machina EX on the USA region eShop as well? This will certainly be the first Exa-Arcadia stg ported to a home gaming console like fellow shmupper Ms. Tea has previously mentioned. I still have S:TSM on my Xbox 360 as a digital d/l. The listed 1/23/2025 release date is only just a mere 15 days down the road, indeed.

I do recall that when G.Rev announced the "Side Vower DLC" on the Xbox 360 gaming platform, it was considered a big deal at the current time back in 2012. I'd have to assume that the upcoming S:TSM-EX port will be a Switch eShop game digital d/l (unless a physical cart release is planned in the nearby future).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Well, its more or less that they will, besides the digital Switch port of Saidaioujou having a surpirse overseas release, but untranslated (similar to DS2X digitally overseas back on the X360 days). The original version (and EX Exa version) already has existing English text for the menus and when nessecary in-game. At the moment, their tweet mentions its digital only, but it would be nice if a physical version would be possible in the future. Unless hoping they can ask their publishing partners to do so. (The only physical release currently is the Exa Arcadia version sold as a kit.)

This is great news, and nice to see that the Side Vower DLC campaign from the 360 version is also included.

Have to say though, this almost feels like it borders on trolling (pun intended). Under Defeat just released for current consoles, Mamoro-kun is coming this year, and now Strania announced... and poor old Border Down, probably the least accessible of G.Rev's shooters and what sure feels like the most requested port, is nowhere to be seen. Fingers crossed. I'll definitely be doing my part by buying Strania again

EDIT: And wow, didn't realize Strania EX is coming to Switch so soon! January 23.

Yeah, the only thing left mostly is for them to have Border Down for modern platforms one day. Basically one of the remaining DC STG's left that doesn't have a modern release yet. (That and the same for Qute for a possible chance, unless they're waiting on the Switch successor, to hopefully bring out both Ginga Force and Natsuki Chronicles on it. Since Eschatos does have a Switch port.)

Either way, I've already brought up how the EX version was when Round 1 had them location tested a while back so that I can check out how different it was. Its more or less going to be like this, minus some of the things already mentioned in this topic. (The only things kept is the new difficulty, the new enemy routes, and the added arrange soundtrack.) I'm also hoping the Switch version of EX will have online leaderboards, cause some of the Switch port STG's that I've got lately are a 50/50 chance if they do or don't have it. (That and I don't see it also getting the online co-op that the X360 version only had.)

Also, while unrelated, but still on topic with Strania, it got a permanent price drop for its PC/Steam release after its decade release. (Originally $15 US, now $12 US). And as for that post from Maruyama, the X360 version can still be bought as its still backwards compatible for the X1/Series (though the Side Vower DLC is sold separately), its not discontinued, I assume he meant the X360 store closing. And yeah, also understandable about the arcade version(s) considering you'd have to go out of the way to even find one if anyone has it (either the Nesica-X-Live or Exa-Arcadia versions in very specific places).

And that hopefully one day that it can be available on other platforms too outside the Switch version.

[dai jou bu]

Maruyama left a message explaining the new release, as well as pointing out that this a self-published port (so hopefully this means all profits goes to them):

Here’s hoping that if they’re doing switch ports directly they’ll also bring the first Senko no ronde to it with the subtitle “rev. NX” and pretend DUO/2 never happened.

[Mortificator]

Wow, is this the first exA game to get any kind of home port? Now *that's* exciting. I've never played Strania, how is it?

Like Musha and Cybattler showed up at Under Defeat's house party, got drunk, and did it on a backroom table.

[mojilove]

Here's the youtube trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv00C2vvUJE

the description mentions the adjusted difficulty levels, the new "Hell" difficulty, the arranged soundtrack, and the side vower dlc - nice to have confirmation of those things being included.

I tried the steam version a long time ago and it didn't really click with me then, but I had a good time with it after giving it another go yesterday. It takes a little bit of time to get used to the stages and plan the weapons that work best in each part. The arranged soundtrack is the big pull for me with this new version - would be nice if they brought it to steam as well

[NeoStrayCat]

I tried the steam version a long time ago and it didn't really click with me then, but I had a good time with it after giving it another go yesterday. It takes a little bit of time to get used to the stages and plan the weapons that work best in each part. The arranged soundtrack is the big pull for me with this new version - would be nice if they brought it to steam as well.

Yeah, it starts out slow trying to figure out how the game works, but you need to use all your weapons advantegously to score big with its score ranking system along with the game mechanics. This is necessary to gain extra lives and to get your end game bonus points. (A 1-dan or higher on any weapon you get is a 1 million point bonus, for a total of 9M for all 9 weapons.)

And yes, it would be nice if hopefully one day the PC/Steam version gets upgraded/updated/etc. to the EX version as well.

[Tokyo-J]

Oh man - this is awesome news! Wish it was coming to PS4/5 tbh, but I'll take what I can get!

Now if we can just get Outrun, Daytona, and Omega Five off the platform, I can finally put my 360 to rest.

And After Burner Climax

Teknoparrot has you covered.

[CerealPT]

Oh man - this is awesome news! Wish it was coming to PS4/5 tbh, but I'll take what I can get!

Now if we can just get Outrun, Daytona, and Omega Five off the platform, I can finally put my 360 to rest.

And After Burner Climax

Teknoparrot has you covered.

you can play Daytona and outrun from Yakuza games, Daytona is a good port.

[DenimDemon]

They dropped a trailer

https://youtu.be/fv00C2vvUJE?si=DUuSFeSo_bc417bD

[Necronom]

Oh man - this is awesome news! Wish it was coming to PS4/5 tbh, but I'll take what I can get!

Now if we can just get Outrun, Daytona, and Omega Five off the platform, I can finally put my 360 to rest.

And After Burner Climax

Teknoparrot has you covered.

Not really Climax on the 360 has a lot of extras is a graphically enhanced port. Only thing it lacks is flightstick support.
They should make a VR sequel for modern systems, with flightstick support

[m.sniffles.esq]

"Timeless Masterpiece"

Don't fear hyperbole, guys...

[sunnshiner]

And After Burner Climax

Teknoparrot has you covered.

Not really Climax on the 360 has a lot of extras is a graphically enhanced port. Only thing it lacks is flightstick support.
They should make a VR sequel for modern systems, with flightstick support

I think the Brook Wingman XB2 lets you use flightsticks from other systems on the 360 using different firmware. That said, Afterburner Climax plays pretty well using a Madcatz SF4 TE stick with the stick set to mimic the left analogue input- it allows you to reach the extreme corners of the screen with diagonals whereas a pad's circular gate won't let you.

"Timeless Masterpiece"

Don't fear hyperbole, guys...

Oh, was that describing Strania? It's pretty good but it's nowhere near 'timeless masterpiece'!

[m.sniffles.esq]

Oh, was that describing Strania?

That's how it's described in the trailer linked above. (sorry, I should have clarified that, but coffee had yet to start fully working at that moment)

[Necronom]

I think the Brook Wingman XB2 lets you use flightsticks from other systems on the 360 using different firmware. That said, Afterburner Climax plays pretty well using a Madcatz SF4 TE stick with the stick set to mimic the left analogue input- it allows you to reach the extreme corners of the screen with diagonals whereas a pad's circular gate won't let you.

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. I remember that there was also an official pretty cool looking WW2-style flight stick for the 360, the Pacific AV8R.

[Lemnear]

But why only on Switch? Is it really that expensive to do a multi-platform port? There are indies that are multiplatform without problems .

[Jeneki]

Strania is great, well at least I enjoyed it more than my local friends. Lots of weapon variety, and different enemy attack vectors to make them useful.

Also this is a good sign of things to come. At least we now know that not every Exa version is forever locked away. Aka to Blue playable with a controller at home when?

But why only on Switch?

So Exa can brag about how much less input lag their version has. I kid I kid

[m.sniffles.esq]

But why only on Switch? Is it really that expensive to do a multi-platform port?

I have no 'inside baseball' info. But from the numerous statements that have come out of the company over the years, one thing keeps getting repeated, they exist as a vendor. Vendors generally do what they're paid to do. Like, exactly.

Therefore, I've always assumed any "why don't they put 'x' on platform 'y'?" questions can probably answered with "because nobody paid them to do such a thing"

[Tokyo-J]

But why only on Switch? Is it really that expensive to do a multi-platform port?

I have no 'inside baseball' info. But from the numerous statements that have come out of the company over the years, one thing keeps getting repeated, they exist as a vendor. Vendors generally do what they're paid to do. Like, exactly.

Therefore, I've always assumed any "why don't they put 'x' on platform 'y'?" questions can probably answered with "because nobody paid them to do such a thing"

I would pay them if they answered my emails. I used to have a direct line to them. They seem to only be active on Twitter now. Will shoot them a PM and see what the deal is.

[dai jou bu]

But why only on Switch?

Because G.Rev is handling this entire project by themselves, so expect them to remain focused on a single console (ie- xbox 360 exclusive for 7th gen) unless someone hands them a bag of money to do a multiport.

And if it’s extremely trivial to do a multi platform port, you’d be surprised how bad some brand-name rhythm games are on PC compared to their console/mobile counterparts. Like, Senko 2 on PC seems to be using the original arcade code, which would randomly frame skip at trivial scenes of the match because it was loading BOSS assets or something, a phenomenon the console versions don’t seem to have problems with.

[Hero of Legend]

NA confirmed at least and in English! $15 USD/$20 CDN!

https://www.dekudeals.com/items/strania ... machina-ex

Doesn't seem to be up in EU yet?

[dai jou bu]

I’ll wait for the physical release of the game. Still have my 360 copy so I’m in no rush.

Have a hunch that LRG’s going to handle that if it ever happens since G.Rev’s past projects were picked up by them in the past.

There’s also a really good chance they’ll just publish the physical release in Japan as well with multilanguage support.

[hamfighterx]

For a mere $15 to support the homies at G.Rev self-publishing this, I'll buy it on eshop and just buy it again if it ends up getting a later physical cart release. I want them to make enough money to do Border Down too!