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    Grasshopper Manufacture and Suda51 Tease Announcements for 2025

    Shadows of the Damned Hella Remastered from Grasshopper Manufacture

    Grasshopper Manufacture CEO Goichi “Suda51” Suda and Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered lead concept artist Tadayuki Nomaru tease that multiple announcements could be on the way in 2025, according to the 4Gamer year-end feature. In typical Suda51 fashion, he notes that the new game will “probably” or “hopefully” be announced.

    Final Weapon staff writer Ryuji translated the following excerpts from the 4Gamer feature:

    Suda51

    “Next year, I’ll announce a new title. Probably. Hopefully.”

    Tadayuki Nomaru

    “My primary goal for 2025 is to present the projects I am currently involved in in a better form. We are doing our utmost to ensure that you will experience Grasshopper Manufacture at a much higher level, while maintaining the characteristics that the company is known for.”

    Grasshopper Manufacture’s most recent release is Shadows of the Damned Hella Remastered, which launched on October 31 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Final Weapon reviewed Shadows of the Damned Hella Remastered and gave it a 4/5 score, stating the following: 

    Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a fun look back at the seventh console generation. It sometimes feels dated, has a narrative I skipped over, and can be clunky. But I can’t deny how much fun I had with it. It has a world full of creativity I wanted to see more of. Gameplay elements that elevate the core loop are a lot of fun. And some creative set pieces and bosses I greatly adored. At its best, it feels like playing a horror movie, and I’m already on my next playthrough.

    CyberConnect2 Teases Announcements Leading into 30th Anniversary

    CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama teased various announcements for 2025, which will lead up to the company’s 30th anniversary in February 2026, according to his excerpt from the year-end 4Gamer feature. Along with these announcements in 2025, CyberConnect2 will release both Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2.

    Final Weapon staff writer Ryuji translated the excerpt from the feature below:

    Hiroshi Matsuyama
    Hiroshi Matsuyama

    “In 2025, two titles are scheduled to be released: Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 and Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Hinokami Chronicles 2. Both of these titles are masterpieces in the making, so please look forward to them. [CyberConnect2] will celebrate its 30th anniversary in February 2026, making 2025 a countdown year leading up to this milestone. We have various announcements planned, so please stay tuned and look forward for what’s to come!”

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 will launch worldwide in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The sequel builds on the original Hinokami Chronicles and continues from where the game’s story mode left off.

    Players will be able to relive the Entertainment District Arc, the Swordsmith Village Arc, and the Hashira Training Arc. It features all characters from the previous game, including DLC characters, for a total of 40 playable characters.

    For those interested in more Demon Slayer games, check out Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board. This title is a party game, much like Mario Party. However, instead of collecting stars as your favorite Mario character, you are hunting demons as your favorite Demon Slayer from the anime series. This game is available worldwide for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. 

    Spike Chunsoft Teases New Game Announcements for 2025

    Spike Chunsoft general manager and producer Shohei Sakakibara confirms that several new games will be announced in 2025, according to the year-end 4Gamer feature. He also noted that 2025 will be the 15th anniversary of the Danganronpa series, and Spike Chunsoft looks forward to celebrating it in “many ways.”

    Final Weapon staff writer Ryuji translated the relevant excerpt from the feature below:

    Shohei Sakakibara

    “Last year, we successfully released Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus, and the large-scale “Broadcast over Sunset” DLC for Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid. We are very happy to report that both titles have been well received. In 2025, we will be able to announce several new titles that are yet to be announced. 2025 will also mark the 15th anniversary of Danganronpa. We are looking forward to celebrating such a moment in many ways, so please continue to keep an eye on Spike Chunsoft!”

    In case you missed it, we wrote an impressions piece for Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus, describing it as a “Must-Play for Danganronpa Fans.” The game is available for a discount during the Spike Chunsoft Countdown Sale on Xbox until January 3.

    The Steam page describes it as follows:

    A city of rain is gripped by innumerable unsolved mysteries, under the complete control of a megacorporation. Master Detectives from around the world, each possessing unique powers, must rise to the challenge of uncovering the truth. With Shinigami by his side, Yuma joins the investigation as a trainee of the detective agency.

    The story progresses through investigation in the “real world” to collect clues needed to solve a case, then conquering the “Mystery Labyrinth” with the clues gathered.
    Uncover the truth by making full use of your evidence in the Mystery Labyrinth.

    ANTONBLAST Switch Performance Patch Available Now

    Antonblast Switch Performance Patch Available Now

    Summitsphere has released a performance patch for ANTONBLAST on the Nintendo Switch. The patch includes a 60 fps framerate boost, bug fixes, and more. The game is available on both Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam for $19.99. Additionally, a free demo is available right now in the Nintendo Switch eShop. Check out the announcement post for the latest ANTONBLAST patch below:

    Final Weapon’s review of ANTONBLAST notes that it’s “an incredibly fun time. The premise is unique, the gameplay is incredibly addicting, and the visuals are beautiful. Further, the inspirations that led to its creation are honored respectfully and are used, not to create a cheap nostalgic response, but to create an experience fun for all players. While the game has some bugs, difficulty spikes, and control issues, I highly recommend it, regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the genre.”

    The Nintendo eShop describes ANTONBLAST as follows:

    ANTONBLAST is available now on PC. Lastly, here’s an overview of ANTONBLAST, via the Nintendo Switch eShop:

    It’s Happy Hour!

    ANTONBLAST is a fast-paced explosive action platformer that’s all about destruction. Play as the enraged Dynamite Anton (or his cranked-out coworker Annie) and use your Mighty F’n Hammer to demolish bizarre worlds, tussle with screen-filling bosses, and steal your Spirits back from Satan!

    That’s right: Satan himself has stolen Anton’s prized Spirit collection, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it back. Thankfully, the local disgraced casino owner, Brulo, has his own beef with Satan, and he’s willing to put aside his differences with Anton to make that devil pay.

    Your mission in every level is simple: SET Brulo’s Detonators, FIND Anton’s Spirit, and ESCAPE before Happy Hour ends!

    DanMachi Season 5 Continues in Spring 2025 With Episode 12

    DanMachi Season 5 Continuing in Spring 2025

    The official website for DanMachi has announced that season 5 will continue with the twelfth episode in Spring 2025. Initially, episode 12 would’ve premiered on December 20. It has been delayed due to “production reasons.” The cast of the fifth season of DanMachi, also known as Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In a Dungeon?, includes the following:

    • Bryson Baugus as Bell Cranel
    • Luci Christian as Hestia
    • Juliet Simmons as Syr
    • Hilary Haag as Liliruca Arde
    • David Wald as Welf Crozzo 
    • Margaret Lewis as Yamato Mikoto
    • Allison Sumrall as Haruhime
    • Patricia Duran as Freya
    • John Gremillion as Ottarl
    • Joe Daniels as Allen Fromel
    • Antonio Lasanta as Hedin
    • Kyle Colby Jones as Hogni
    • Molly Searcy as Horn
    • James Marler as the Gulliver Brothers
    • Elissa Cuellar as Daphne Lauros
    • Alicia Beard as Cassandra Ilion
    • Brenda Valdivia as Mia Grand
    • Genevieve Simmons as Ryu Lion
    • Carolyn Medrano as Anya Fromel
    • Kara Greenberg as Lunor Faust
    • Kelly Manison as Chloe Rollo

    Recently, Fujino Ōmori announced that DanMachi will enter its final arc with its 21st volume of the light novel series. The most recent volume launched on December 15. Fujino Ōmori will likely confirm more details about the final arc of DanMachi in the coming weeks. The full anime adaptation is available on both Crunchyroll, Hulu, and HIDIVE. The full light novel series is available in its entirety on Yen Press. They describe it as follows:

    About DanMachi

    In Orario, fearless adventurers band together in search of fame and fortune within the monstrous underground labyrinth known as Dungeon. But while riches and renown are incentive enough for most, Bell Cranel, would-be hero extraordinaire, has bigger plans. He wants to pick up girls.

    Is it wrong to face the perils of Dungeon alone, in a single-member guild blessed by a failed goddess? Maybe. Is it wrong to dream of playing hero to hapless maidens in Dungeon? Maybe not. After one misguided adventure, Bell quickly discovers that anything can happen in the labyrinth–even chance encounters with beautiful women. The only problem? He’s the one who winds up the damsel in distress!

    Square Enix’s Yosuke Saito Teases NieR 15th Anniversary Plans for 2025

    NieR Automata key art

    Square Enix executive producer and NieR series producer Yosuke Saito commented on NieR 15th anniversary plans for 2025 in the 4Gamer year-end feature. According to Saito, Square Enix would like to do something for the NieR 15th anniversary, which could potentially involve a sequel title.

    Final Weapon staff writer Ryuji translated Saito’s comments on the NieR series, which can be read below:

    Yosuke Saito

    “2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the NieR series, so we would like to do something! But what should we do? Maybe a sequel title? Or maybe something like this… well, I can already hear you all saying it, but this is a tough decision…. However, I hope you will be patient with me, because I will not be able to be directly involved as a producer for much longer.”

    It’s worth noting that this doesn’t confirm that a new NieR game is in development, however. At the very least, Saito’s comments show that the NieR franchise is still on the minds of those at Square Enix, so it remains to be seen what’s next.

    This week, Square Enix announced that NieR: Automata surpassed 9 million copies sold worldwide. The sales update includes digital copies sold and physical shipments across multiple platforms worldwide. The previous sales update for NieR: Automata came in February 2024, with 8 million copies sold at the time. One million copies were sold between February and December this year.

    NieR: Automata is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. All 24 episodes of the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime series are available now to stream on Crunchyroll.

    Koei Tecmo and Gust Have Multiple New Titles and Announcements for 2025

    Developers from Koei Tecmo shared their aspirations for 2025 in the year-end 4Gamer feature, confirming that multiple titles from Kou Shibusawa, Gust, and Omega Force are in development. Some of these titles from Koei Tecmo will likely be announced in 2025.

    Final Weapon staff writer Ryuji translated the most notable excerpts from Koei Tecmo, Gust, and other KT studios below:

    Yukinori Ito

    Credited titles: Romance of the Three Kingdoms series

    “We are in the process of preparing a variety of projects for the Kou Shibusawa brand, some of which we will be able to announce soon, and others that may take a while to be announced. We hope to subvert everyone’s expectations, but in a good way.”

    Tomohiko Sho

    Tomohiko Sho

    Credited titles: Dynasty Warriors 2-5, Dynasty Warriors Origins, Dragon Quest Heroes I and II, Dragon Quest Champions, and Fate/Samurai Remnant

    [He starts by mentioning Dynasty Warriors Origins, and how a demo is currently available.

    “However, that is not all for Omega Force in 2025. We will continue to work on the development of various titles so that we can deliver the best games for the future, and we also hope to make some interesting announcements before long (he mentions Spring 2025). We hope for your continued support of Omega Force!”

    Yosuke Hayashi

    Rise of the Ronin Producer

    “The year 2025 should be a year in which I will be able to announce and deliver a variety of titles, including AAA studio titles that I am in charge of! I hope to make it a year that will further boost the entertainment industry of games.”

    Junzo Hosoi

    Head of Gust

    His message mostly talks about the Atelier Yumia game and the Atelier Resleriana game they announced. However, at the end, he says that Gust is also working on some new titles, and to look forward to them.

    Fumihiko Yasuda

    Credited titles: Rise of the Ronin, Nioh, and Ninja Gaiden

    “We are grateful that Rise of the Ronin was enjoyed by players in 2024, especially in Japan. In 2025, Team NINJA will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we would like to announce and release appropriate titles.”

    Falcom Teases Unannounced Ys and Trails Games, New PS5 Port

    Nihon Falcom updated its release schedule in its investor presentation, confirming that unannounced Ys and Trails games are coming soon, along with a new PlayStation 5 port (via Nikkei). 

    Firstly, the release schedule includes the previously released The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-, Trails through Daybreak and Trails through Daybreak II for Nintendo Switch, and Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in Japan. 

    Currently, Falcom is developing Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC for a worldwide fall 2025 release. Falcom also confirmed that Ys X: Nordics is getting an enhanced re-release with new content, titled Ys X: Proud Nordics. Ys Memories of Celceta is also coming to Nintendo Switch in spring 2025 in Japan.

    Moreover, there are five new titles in development at Falcom, including the unannounced PS5 port for 2025. Tokyo Xanadu New Project is in development alongside unannounced Trails and Ys series games at Falcom and another unannounced title. Further details were not announced, and it’s unclear when these games will be released. 

    Falcom’s next release is the worldwide release of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on January 7, 2025. XSEED Games and Marvelous USA are bringing this title over and distributing it physically. Fans in the west can also look forward to the English release of Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga.

    Thus far, The Legend of Heroes: Trails series has sold 8.5 million copies worldwide. The Trails series reached this milestone just one month after reaching eight million copies sold on August 9. The sales momentum is due in part to the western release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak.

    ATLUS Teases Announcement from Shin Megami Tensei Team and More for 2025

    ATLUS 1st Creative Department manager Shinjiro Takada, Persona director Naoya Maeda, and chief director Kazuhisa Wada shared their aspirations for 2025 in a new 4Gamer year-end feature, revealing that an announcement from the Shin Megami Tensei team may be coming in 2025. In addition, the Persona team is working on a “new experience.” 

    Thanks to staff writer Ryuji, Final Weapon has translated the most notable excerpts from the ATLUS staff below: 

    Shinjiro Takada

    Producer (Devil Survivor series, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance)

    “I hope to announce a title as soon as possible. Currently, our team is working as hard as we can to develop a title that will bring as much enjoyment as possible to our fans.”

    Naoya Maeda

    Director (Persona 5, Persona Q series, Persona 5 Tactica)

    “It has already been a year since the release of Persona 5 Tactica. It pains me to not be able to share more details about the title I am currently working on, but I am confident that [4Gamer’s readers] will enjoy this new experience. Thank you for your continued support of the Persona team!”

    Kazuhisa Wada

    Chief Director/Producer (Persona 4 Arena, Persona 5 Royal, Persona 3 Reload)

    Kazuhisa Wada

    “2025 will be a year in which we will carefully steer and control several large vessels that are on track and moving forward so that they do not shift direction. It will be our turn to make various preparations at the same time, and we will move forward with great care, looking forward to bringing you them in due course. The mass of the ship is so large that the cost of correcting the course when it deviates is not half as much as it should be. We will be consistently on our guard.

    We will continue to do our best to deliver more memorable games to you this year, so please continue to support us.”

    Puzzle & Dragons and Digimon Adventure Collaboration Announced

    Puzzle & Dragons and Digimon Adventure Collaboration Announced

    GungHo Entertainment has announced a collaboration between Puzzle & Dragons and Digimon Adventure. The collaboration will be available until January 13. It will allow players to collect their favorite characters and Digimon such as Omnimon, Diaboromon, and Taichi Yagami & Agumon. GungHo describes the collab as follows:

    Digimon Adventure Quest: Head to the Event Quest and try out the Digimon Adventure Quest! Players who clear a Quest Level (total of 10 Quest Levels) will receive 1 Magic Stone, with the chance to earn up to 10 Magic Stones total. P&D Pass subscribers can earn additional Quest Level Rewards! For each Quest Level, players will be given missions for select dungeons listed below, where they can receive Quest Rewards including a Digimon Adventure Egg Machine for clearing missions.

    Select dungeons: Digimon Adventure-Novice; Digimon Adventure-Expert; Apocalymon Descended!; Digimon Adventure Colosseum!; and [Agumon] Title Challenge!

    Digimon Adventure-Novice / Digimon Adventure-Expert: The Digimon Adventure-Novice and Digimon Adventure-Expert dungeons can now be explored at Special Dungeons. Collect Digimon Collab Medals here and exchange them for limited-time characters at the Monster Exchange.

    Digimon Adventure-Novice: Earn various Quest Rewards for each floor cleared as missions, including 1 billion Coins and 1,000 + Points. By completing all floors, players will receive Omnimon (Reward) as a Quest Reward.

    Digimon Adventure-Expert: Earn various Quest Rewards for each floor cleared as missions including 5x Rainbowpy and 1x Event Medal – Rainbow. By completing all floors, players will receive one pull from the Digimon Adventure Egg Machine as a Quest Reward. Digimon Adventure-Expert will be available starting 12/31 at 18:00 (PST).

    Lastly, Puzzle & Dragons is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, and iOS, and the collaboration with Digimon Adventure will last until January 13.