Xbox 360: Akai Katana Shin (May 2011)

[Special World]

just to confirm, why this game (arcade PCB) didn't sell enough?

From what I've heard, it was easy to reach the scoring ceiling in the arcade version, thus people didn't really stick with the game.

[Estebang]

Yep, their attempt at making an entry-level scoring shmup to expand the fanbase backfired, and it was probably all the proof they needed that non-smartphone shmups are no longer marketable.

[iconoclast]

just to confirm, why this game (arcade PCB) didn't sell enough?

From what I've heard, it was easy to reach the scoring ceiling in the arcade version, thus people didn't really stick with the game.

That didn't seem to stop Espgaluda. The bigger problem is that the game was clearly rushed and in need of a version 1.5, which basically came in the form of its console port. And all of that unnecessary slowdown couldn't have helped.

[O. Van Bruce]

how well did the 360 port sell?

I've been thinking the other day... that maybe the game wasn't a success due to portraying some left-wing pacifist (COMMIES) trying to overthrow the sacred emperor and stop him in his rightful and natural plan of bringing NIPPON to dominate every nation... you know, the huge chauvinism in japanese society...

[AntiFritz]

how well did the 360 port sell?

I've been thinking the other day... that maybe the game wasn't a success due to portraying some left-wing pacifist (COMMIES) trying to overthrow the sacred emperor and stop him in his rightful and natural plan of bringing NIPPON to dominate every nation... you know, the huge chauvinism in japanese society...

I know it really can't be trusted but vgchartz says it sold 12000 http://gamrreview.vgchartz.com/sales-da ... tana-shin/

[O. Van Bruce]

how well did the 360 port sell?

I've been thinking the other day... that maybe the game wasn't a success due to portraying some left-wing pacifist (COMMIES) trying to overthrow the sacred emperor and stop him in his rightful and natural plan of bringing NIPPON to dominate every nation... you know, the huge chauvinism in japanese society...

I know it really can't be trusted but vgchartz says it sold 12000 http://gamrreview.vgchartz.com/sales-da ... tana-shin/

And those are good or bad numbers?

[Special World]

For what reason are you asking? If you haven't picked up the game yet and are wondering if it's worth your time, it's a very good title.

[AntiFritz]

how well did the 360 port sell?

I've been thinking the other day... that maybe the game wasn't a success due to portraying some left-wing pacifist (COMMIES) trying to overthrow the sacred emperor and stop him in his rightful and natural plan of bringing NIPPON to dominate every nation... you know, the huge chauvinism in japanese society...

I know it really can't be trusted but vgchartz says it sold 12000 http://gamrreview.vgchartz.com/sales-da ... tana-shin/

And those are good or bad numbers?

For a shmup, its not too bad i guess but for example according to vgchartz deathsmiles sold close to 200 000 worldwide (47 000 in japan).

[TrevHead (TVR)]

just to confirm, why this game (arcade PCB) didn't sell enough?

The impression I had from rancor's translation of AK CAVE interview is that the arcade version was a bit of a rush job. Some features that are in the XBOX version didnt make it in the arcade original. I havnt played either version but to me the xbox version seems to be the definative version

Plus if you think about it there isnt that many shmups RSG can localise, given so many of the best examples are region free or like in Raiden Fighters Aces and the 5pB CAVE games in limbo

[AntiFritz]

http://www.risingstargames.com/games/ak ... x-360.html

Looks like their keeping the original name too.

[Special World]

Was this ever confirmed region free?

I know it's probably the 80th time this has been asked.

[AntiFritz]

Was this ever confirmed region free?

I know it's probably the 80th time this has been asked.

It won't be region free, it might be able to be played on us consoles though.

[BPzeBanshee]

Anyone know if the 4:3 zoom bug's been fixed?

[Special World]

Was this ever confirmed region free?

I know it's probably the 80th time this has been asked.

It won't be region free, it might be able to be played on us consoles though.

Well, that's what I meant. I guess nothing's confirmed, then.

[Casper<3]

The game is so awesome and I love the artwork for it.

[Barrakketh]

The game is so awesome and I love the artwork for it.

I <3 the arranged soundtrack. Stage 3 in particular is a huge improvement over the original.

RIP Ryu Umemoto.

[BulletMagnet]

Most of the focus is currently on the upcoming US/PAL versions, but for anyone still interested in picking up the Japanese release there'll be a cheaper reprint coming in mid-June.

[1up]

Went to amazon.co.uk today to preorder and the price has dropped to £20.77

[Skykid]

Most of the focus is currently on the upcoming US/PAL versions, but for anyone still interested in picking up the Japanese release there'll be a cheaper reprint coming in mid-June.

But perhaps not with 4:3 screen fixes.

[Enemy]

Just got my copy in the post this morning, should be working (I work from home) but had to fire it up. Really liking this one a lot. Just got to get my head around the scoring system.

[Skykid]

I hope everyone will make concerted effort to learn Shin (it is the name of the game after all.)
Once you get your head around its scoring there's really no looking back. Arcade mode is a good, but Shin makes it kind of dull.

[Strider77]

But perhaps not with 4:3 screen fixes.

Why bother.... this games best modes are 16x9.

[Klatrymadon]

Played this a bit earlier today. It's great fun, so far! Everything's just starting to click for me - collecting steel and unloading a bunch of katanas into a big enemy is really satisfying. I need to work on my timing, though; I've wasted katanas because I switched back out of Phantom mode before they were actually readied, heh.

You can tell it's not out in the US yet - I was 8th on the leaderboard after a couple of goes. That's not right.

[Skykid]

But perhaps not with 4:3 screen fixes.

Why bother.... this games best modes are 16x9.

That's probably true, although no one's going to turn their nose up at an HD arcade port in the proper dimensions for playing on cabs.

[TonK]

Shin mode is awesome. I think I'm gonna pick it up again. Shin mode on my plasma.

Who sells it in the U.S.?

[burgerkingdiamond]

Shin mode is awesome. I think I'm gonna pick it up again. Shin mode on my plasma.

Who sells it in the U.S.?

I was able to preorder it from gamestop, but amazon has it too

[Klatrymadon]

Is it better to be frequently throwing lots of small amounts of katanas around, or saving them up for the bigger targets? I got to the st5 boss that time, but my score's miniscule compared to the other folks who've done the same (190mil, or thereabouts).

Ed: ah, I'm watching some of Icarus' videos now, and getting a much better idea!

[iconoclast]

Shin is awesome (my favorite mode), but don't sleep on arcade mode. When I first got the game, I only played Zetsu because I figured it was basically Akai Katana 1.5, but arcade has its own nuances that makes it really fun on its own.

Is it better to be frequently throwing lots of small amounts of katanas around, or saving them up for the bigger targets? I got to the st5 boss that time, but my score's miniscule compared to the other folks who've done the same (190mil, or thereabouts).

(Stage 5 is excellent, btw!)

Depends on the situation, but generally speaking, large enemies are the ones that will give you the most score. Some enemies are invincible while they're entering the screen (e.g., the plane at the start of stage 3, giant turrets, tanks, and towers on stage 5), so you can really grind out tons of gold from them. Other times, you'll want to hang back and wait for the screen to be full of bullets and popcorn before letting your katanas go, so you can kill as many enemies as possible.

Also, keep in mind that chaining is important.

[Klatrymadon]

Good stuff. Thanks very much, mate!

[Andypc]

But perhaps not with 4:3 screen fixes.

Why bother.... this games best modes are 16x9.

That's probably true, although no one's going to turn their nose up at an HD arcade port in the proper dimensions for playing on cabs.

Just got the Pal version and there is no 4:3 mode, unless I am missing something.
If you are playing on a 4:3 crt, then a 4:3 option is better than playing 16:9 on a 4:3 crt.