Hello from Rising Star Games!

[BrianC]

I'm extremely disappointed with this news and would like to see more shmups on 360 in the US.

In this particular case the "US release" might be the problem. One could speculate:

1. The "Akai Katana" experience showed that a minimum-size MS print run is too costly in the NTSC-U region. This is what lead to the selection of the PS3 release which allowed a release with a more modest up front investment.
2. Aksys requested a single region lock for the PAL Xbox 360 release to avoid (further) sales cannibalization by imports for gamers that happen to own both systems. They are trying to capture the residual market that did not spend the money already on the original Japanese PS3 release.

Going by the same reasoning a potential NTSC-U digital release for the XBox 360 would have to wait for some time until Aksys is satisfied that the market has been saturated - and nobody would admit that it was in the works for that reason. On the other hand the sale figures of Strania may be taken to indicate that a digital release isn't even worth while.

So oddly enough I suspect that NO NTSC-U release but a localized dual-region XBox 360 and PS3 release in the PAL region would have been the better solution. I doubt that the brick-and-mortar sales in NA of Under Defeat HD will amount to much.

I'm more interested in other games aside from the 360 UD (if I had PS3 I would go for it since the 360 one doesn't have the patch), but I'm just sick of games not being released due to sales (getting tired of games and patches getting delayed or cancelled due to MS policies and wish more was being done to change this). I have no plans to import a j360 since plenty of the shmups are playable on US systems and only a few other imports interest me (and one, Virtual On Force is not region locked). A PS3 isn't viable for me right now since systems cost money and many games I like are on both, not to mention that there is other stuff on the horizon like iPod Touch 5 that mean I have to wait for PS3. Modding is not an option since I want to keep xbox live. I wish the DC UD was cheaper. That's the version I really want.

I know it's a catch 22, but I don't remember the US being THIS stubborn about releases years ago. More great stuff, including DVD releases are not being released due to worries about sales, even from larger companies like WB or Nintendo (cool that Pac-Man got a release, even if it's for WB's DVD-R service, though). I don't want companies to lose money, but I'm getting tired of good stuff not coming out.

I have the US Akai Katana and I'm loving it so far. I was hoping to have Saidaijouou and Mushihimesama HD playable on US systems and I find this news disappointing. I'm aware of the issues, but this doesn't change the fact that this is very bad for people who just want to play good games. On a better note, at least we still got plenty of stuff, despite disappointing sales. At Death Smiles, Raiden 4 and Fighters Aces (though I hope EU will finally get them), Otomedius Excellent, Akai Katana, Strania, Guwange, Radiant Silvergun, and Trouble Witches Neo came here and games like Mushihimesama Futari, Eschatos, and Espgaluda are region free. Cool that DDPR is playable on US systems too (main reason I want US release is for black label dlc with a legit account).

[RSG_Spoonparty]

I really do apologizes for the disappointing news and I know its super frustrating when games are not released for your chosen platform. I appreciate the understanding on this forum and wanted to let you know we do try our best to get our games to as many players as possible however as a small publishers we need to be careful with the risks we take. Sometimes it just isn't possible to cater as widely as we would like.

To those asking, the PAL 360 copy will not work on a US Xbox 360, you would need to get the PS3 version.

Thanks for mentioning Akai Katana, @finisherr. I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

[Eaglet]

MESSAGE:
Will i be able to buy UD HD in stores in Sweden?
OVER.

[trap15]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

I think having these games available as digital download is pretty universally a good thing. However, having them exclusively digital download tends to make people angry.

[bcass]

Correction - it tends to make a very tiny (and I mean tiny) minority of people obsessed with tacky plastic boxes angry.

[lemonhead]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

I've bought all of your cave releases in box (they look nice on shelf) and then via GoD, because I don't want to get up from chair when I want to play another game

[hwl]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Games on demand, i.e. downloadable games, don't appeal to me and I rarely buy them. However, I'm going to buy a Under Defeat HD copy to support shmups/RSG even though I'm not really interested in the game.

[Necronom]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

'Games on Demand' are fine in my book IF a). it's a title that can't be published on disc or b). the digital download is significantely cheaper than the disc version. I would gladly buy Mushihime-sama HD via 'Games on Demand'

[DJ Incompetent]

Thanks for mentioning Akai Katana, @finisherr. I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

I prefer physical versions because one day support is gonna be pulled for any download format and the DRM will cause terrible problems for timeless games.

However, I would prefer a digital version in my NA region instead of nothing at all.

For 360, when I go back to something older, I prefer the disc games over my old downloads because the 360 interface is the worst experience in the world. Finding and loading a disc is actually faster than navigating 360's file structure nowadays. It takes minutes to navigate to Guwange, Deathsmiles, Triggerheart, and Radiant Silvergun so I never play them.

[Koyomi92]

Hello,

How are you all?

To confirm in USA it's just the PS3 version we are releasing. The EU Xbox 360 is unfortunately going to be region locked. I apologise for the inconvenience.

Samuel

Hi Samuel, Ive been great thanks, im really really excited about Under Defeat HD


How u been ?

[Tokyo-J]

Thanks for mentioning Akai Katana, @finisherr. I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

I prefer physical versions because one day support is gonna be pulled for any download format and the DRM will cause terrible problems for timeless games.

However, I would prefer a digital version in my NA region instead of nothing at all.

For 360, when I go back to something older, I prefer the disc games over my old downloads because the 360 interface is the worst experience in the world. Finding and loading a disc is actually faster than navigating 360's file structure nowadays. It takes minutes to navigate to Guwange, Deathsmiles, Triggerheart, and Radiant Silvergun so I never play them.

I jump in and out of XBLA games wit no issues. Never takes minutes to find a game. Just a few menu switches and you're there.

[hoopy]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

I prefer physical versions because one day support is gonna be pulled for any download format and the DRM will cause terrible problems for timeless games.

I totally concur with DJ Incompetent. I can't imagine digital downloads having any value or support in the long term.

Personally I really enjoy owning and playing my old games, even if most of them spend too much time in the loft these days.

The games collector in me has always stopped me from purchasing digital downloads, and as much as I'd love to add Dodonpachi Saidaioujou to my collection, that would only happen if it finds it's way to the PAL market place in a shrink wrapper, preferable with some stylish Japanese artwork and a full colour manual.

[Iori Branford]

I prefer physical versions because one day support is gonna be pulled for any download format and the DRM will cause terrible problems for timeless games.

However, I would prefer a digital version in my NA region instead of nothing at all.

All this, but even if and when the online service falls, that leaves the hacking and file-sharing scene as the only means to recover my purchased goods, and I can and will use them in clean conscience.

[BulletMagnet]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

I'm personally not big on digital downloads, as I much prefer to have a physical product in hand that takes more than a publisher's whim to permanently disable (not to mention that, as at least one other person has alluded, too little of the much-ballyhooed cost savings of digital distribution seems to be trickling down to consumers). That said, I don't mind if others think differently and are marketed to accordingly, so long as those like myself aren't totally left in the lurch.

[98PaceCar]

No physical release means no purchase from me. I get the concepts behind digital distribution, but I'm a collector as much as a player and I want to know that what I've purchased, I will have forever (or at least a reasonable idea that it will last forever).

[HydrogLox]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

1. I don't like to rely on a service that will ultimately vanish or seize to support the device/console that I own. I like to exercise the rights to my license in (at least) a serial fashion without the need to reference an external service on any number of devices/consoles (of the type that the license applies to) which I may own over time. So yes, I prefer distribution via physical removable media like cartridges, disc, etc.
2. I also prefer to pay more up front rather than having to deal with DLC purchases later.
3. I am more than willing to pay more to also get a physical copy of the OST included in the game.
4. I have no problem with other extra's being on pdf or to have the manual on the media. In fact I prefer space saving, compact packaging.
5. I have no problem with purchasing a physical copy from a global on-line retailer - even though it incurs additional shipping and handling charges.

Correction - it tends to make a very tiny (and I mean tiny) minority of people obsessed with tacky plastic boxes angry.

Tiny with reference to what? With reference to a mainstream audience which demands and buys a new version of "Call of Duty", "Madden NFL", etc. every year? To that audience games are as disposable as that pointless movie that they just watched in the cinema and they never care to see again. That same audience mostly thinks that "newer" means "better". While "gaming" may have become more mainstream, the STG/Shmups genre has not. And making it more disposable won't make it any more appealing to the mainstream. A lot of the current "Games of Excellence" of the genre are only available on arcade PCBs, retro-platforms or via PC-based emulation (which can be a bit of a gray area). So given how much time and practice it takes to get any good at these games it makes sense to want a physical, removable (i.e. transferable) medium. So its more about those "shiny discs" rather than "tacky plastic boxes". Also:

• Using physical media Qute was able to make Eschatos available to a global audience. I doubt they would have ever entertained the possibility of hosting a downloadable version on all of the globally available XBox Live services - the cost would have been prohibitive.
• Rising Star Games made DoDonpachi Resurrection Deluxe available to the NTSC-U region through similar means - the only issue was with the DLC. It costs money to host DLC so it is only available on the European XBox Live service. This would have never been an issue if the downloadable content was automatically included on the disc (potentially increasing the purchase price). This time around DLC and patches are included on the UD HD Deluxe disc!
• Apart from having to rely on the hosting service, digital distribution also increases the opportunities for implementing region locking/protection and other such ilk.

Basically most of digital distribution will go one of two extremes:

• You still pay "full price" but only have rights to a "rental of indeterminate duration".
• "Freemium" gaming which amounts to having to buy the Arcade Cabinet (your device/console) but still having to continuously feed it quarters - never to be seen again.

The digital download is significantely cheaper than the disc version.

It would be interesting to find out when it actually becomes "cheaper" to distribute digitally. Large volume movers will be cheaper because no physical assets have to be created for each additional license sold. However given the hosting fees and commissions that are charged by the digital stores there may be a number of "physical licenses" that is cheaper than digital distribution.

[Ganelon]

I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

I would not purchase a digital-only version of a game that also exists on disc. I'll already have owned the Japanese versions of any games you localize. I generally just buy the localized physical games to support the game and for the translation. If a game is no longer on disc, then I wouldn't feel compelled to support the game. For an RPG, a translation may be enough to win me over, but for a shooter, a translation holds little appeal.

Also,
-A digital version's price is almost inconsequential for me. Even if the digital version were $5, I couldn't justify spending the additional money in such an ephemeral platform on a game I already owned.
-I don't care if you include any of the Japanese version's physical bonuses since I'll already own them, but I will buy your collector's edition anyway out of support.
-I purchase almost all games through online vendors such as Amazon so I'm perfectly happy if you choose to distribute solely through online retailers.
-Out of consistency, I won't buy a European region-free version of a game. I will only buy Japanese and US releases in the current generation.

[EmperorIng]

Most of the reasons I support physical retail have been stated in the preceding posts.

It's not like I'm averse to digital download services, but I like the extra security of physical retail, as well as great bonuses (like soundtrack cds) that can be added along to the deal.

I'm not the type to buy items twice so I tend to hold out for localized products when they come around.

[Chaos Phoenixma]

I like knowing that I actually own a game, so physical releases are the way to go.

Though I would still buy Mushi HD either way, I just don't want to be stuck with a DD Only release like I am with Deathsmiles II X. Of course, that's assuming Mushihimesama HD is even going to happen. But I'd love to see that come to US and PAL. Everyone should have the chance to play it.

[CDexWard]

MCM expo in london later this month

Is this the same expo where you announced Akai Katana last year? I really hope you will be making good use of this anniversary and bless us with an announcement of Mushihimesama HD.
Otherwise I'll have to spend christmas crying into my pillow and we wouldn't want that to happen...

[CoolgyFurlough]

I'm fine with digital distribution. Even if some places like Steam only let you buy licenses to a product, it is a trade off for convenience. Digital distribution also usually means I get the games I want on the only current-gen platform that I own (PC). I'm never able to pick up your releases even though I want to because I simply don't have enough money for a PS3 or Xbox 360, nor do I want one of these sub-par consoles.

And for the people who are worried about the whole licensing thing, there are some digital distribution retailers like GOG who are all about DRM-free games. Selling games on a platform like GOG would also give the title a lot more visibility causing it to get more purchases and allow for more people to get interested in the product. When you sell only brick-and-mortar copies of games, it is a lot harder to advertise said games. The digital distributor usually puts new releases front-and-center on their service. There is also the version of digital distribution where the publisher directly sells the product, which allows for DRM-free games and total control of sales, but this route also means that the game is harder to advertise.

I think digital distribution (at least on the PC) would get a lot more people into the genre, meaning that more money is made all around and that more games of this genre would be made, and more things would be able to get localized because the Japanese developers would see that there is a market in these other countries.

I think that the concerns pitched by the people in this thread are perfectly valid, if a bit short sighted. Ultimately, I think we all want this genre to do well as it means that everybody gets more high-quality releases. I think that the devs of these games (and the localization companies as well) should get with the times and at least try digital distribution. It might fail, but when you aren't paying for so many thousands of discs failures hurt a lot less.

(Also it isn't too hard to port at least Xbox games to PC as they both run Direct X.)

[MR_Soren]

Thanks for mentioning Akai Katana, @finisherr. I wanted to ask what all your opinions are on having games like AK on 'Games on Demand' and digital downloads generally. Is it something you'd like to see more RSG games on or does it just not appeal to you?

Sam

I'm fine with a digital version of a game coming out, but only after a disc release. I have not bought Deathsmiles IIX because it was GoD only in the US.

[Elaphe]

I'd like a PAL release of Mushihimesama HD.

[Matskat]

Again, I'd like a "world" release of Mushihimesama HD. A Region free PAL copy would suffice....

I just want that game.

On my 360 that is....

[RSG_Spoonparty]

Hello,

How are you all?

To confirm in USA it's just the PS3 version we are releasing. The EU Xbox 360 is unfortunately going to be region locked. I apologise for the inconvenience.

Samuel

Hi Samuel, Ive been great thanks, im really really excited about Under Defeat HD


How u been ?

Thanks for asking! Been very well, super busy trying to keep on top of everything but having a great time working here and can't wait to get out and meet some of the community at events and meet-ups. Some really cool people online and I just want to go play some games and hang out with them all IRL. So if anything happens around the London - UK area lemme know and I'll be there!

So much feeeeedback about digital download, you guys rock! Much appreciated. I'm in a rush right now so I've only skimmed it. Heading into London soon so I've whacked it all in a word document and I'm going to have a more in depth look soon. If you have anything more to say please pipe up as it will all be well received here at Rising Star Games.

Thanks again! Talk soon. PS I'm going to get round to doing the Under Defeat HD DE Gameplay video soon! I promise! Does anyone actually fancy watching my terrible shmup skills on youtube lol???

[fraggore]

well if you could bring raiden 4 to the uk I would love you forever.

show them skills son.

[Strider77]

You don't need Raiden 4.... trust me. You need Raiden Fighters.

[Elaphe]

I can play Raiden IV as well as Raiden Fighters in PC. I can also play Mushihimesama, but Mushihimesama HD is high res and it's only for japanese XBOX 360, which is a shame.

[BPzeBanshee]

You don't need Raiden 4.... trust me. You need Raiden Fighters.

RFA PAL by Rising Star Games, whether it be physical or digital distributed (whichever gets the fucking thing out of limbo easiest), would be AMAZING.

Just putting it out there. On the subject of digital distribution, I like it both ways.

On one hand I prefer to get actual discs that are in my hands. On the other hand, it isn't always possible to get such and getting it from GoD is the easier option (and in the past has been the only option for me). By having both you're getting a larger audience from it because people that otherwise wouldn't make it worth their while to get the physical copy (or can't) can get it digitally, and those that can get it physically will do so.

[lemonhead]

I'd like DDP DOJ BLEX, but it looks like I am alone now