Why Demon's Souls?

[Nostromo]

Ok now I have nothing against this game.... but out all the cool Japan-only games out there (Yakuza 3 anyone?) out there, Atlus had to choose (probably) the only one which already has English language (hence who ever wants to play this, can import the Asian version).

:devil:

[Mooglepies]

Not every japan only game receives rave reviews from across the globe, not all games require a minimum of fuss to localise and crucially, are a hit in both their countries of origin and with importers.

Looks like a canny business decision to me.

[Nostromo]

Well exactly, there was nothing to localise - whoever wanted this game would have imported anyway - you said it, its been a hit with importers. Why not bring something else?

I mean, I imported this game months ago (just like many, many other people) - I would have preferred some other game which makes no sense to import otherwise because of the language barrier.

[Ephidel]

It may have been a hit with the importers, but not everyone is an importer. I would go so far as to assume that a majority of gamers are not importers (and in the US I'd imagine especially not of english language games... as after all, they'd be used to getting those games before anyone else and wouldn't normally need to look elsewhere :P)
By getting a hit game into the shops, it will be available to a much wider audience that may not have seen it otherwise, and to another audience that may not have been comfortable with importing. That audience, so far untapped, could make the game an even bigger hit, which for a game this good is surely a good thing.
In addition it will have US based servers which will mean you face far less lag when playing online.

Why is that a bad thing in your books?

[Nostromo]

Dont get me wrong, I am not saying its a bad thing. Its just that from my point of view (Ok I'm being egoistic here), it has not added anything to my collection. There are like three games out in Asia/Japan only which have English language and these are Demon's Souls, Afrika and Aquanaut's Holiday and I own all three.

If Atlus released a game here that is not one out of those three, I would have bought that as well. That's about it :)

[Enzeru]

Hmm...I think it's good. The reason is, well, because it expands the audience. For example, let's take DJMAX. Every game in the series is available in English. However, PM Studios decided to mix all the PSP games into one, creating DJMAX Fever in the process, and releasing it only in NA. I had no idea DJMAX existed until then, and now I'm addicted to the games. Were it not for PM Studios making DJMAX Fever, I would never know about DJMAX, despite it being it English.

[Nostromo]

Of course releasing Demons Souls to stateside is good :) - But releasing some other Japan only game which does not have English language would have been even better :) - my two cents of course.

[Kesseki]

I think it's pretty smart to release this stateside. Localization must have been a bit easier than most games.

Anyway, outside of Yakuza and Tales of Vesperia I can't even think of many PS3 games I want to play that haven't been localized. For something like Yakuza or ToV there's always the change that the cost of buying the rights to release the game in English are prohibitively high. In Namco Bandai's case I heard they block other companies from releasing Tales games, "just in case" they ever do decide they want to do it themselves. There's no doubt we'll be seeing more PS3 releases by Atlus, I just don't think there's a whole lot out there right now.

[Nostromo]

"Localization must have been a bit easier than most games."

I dont think they had to localize anything with this one, except a manual.

[Kesseki]

"Localization must have been a bit easier than most games."

I dont think they had to localize anything with this one, except a manual.
I know they made some changes/corrections to descriptions, and the book that comes with the deluxe version is like a translated version of the original Japanese guidebook. I just didn't want to give the translation staff too little credit. :D

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

I don't import games unless I'm relatively certain no one's going to bring them over, so I was happy to hear Atlus was going to save me some money on this one. There aren't a lot of games coming out that I'm really excited to see come over here, so I'm happy that one of my favorite NA publishers picked up one of the games I am excited about, no matter how importable it may have been in its Asian releases.

In other words, I'd rather they bring over a game I was considering importing than bring over a game I don't care about just because the game I was considering importing is already in English.

[Nostromo]

Well I live in Europe, so from Atlus, or elsewhere, its still an import for me :)

No one has announced this game for a PAL release, and lets face it, no one will.

[beastxjason]

Nostromo I could not agree with you more. I to own it and cant see what is in need of changing. about the only thing is exp? as it reflects to when leveling up has nothing to do with gaining more exp but being able to take better falls w/out damage . Manual isnt even a must as game has a solid tutorial. Im glad somebody else sees it the same way. Haveing to re-purchase the game to help buddys out was not the best thing in the world for me(servers,still confused on this one). In the end I get a guide which if its lacking in the weapon departmeant i wont bother reading, a Steel case which will look pretty on my shelf, and an artbook to get tattoo ideas from. Soundtrack ill throw in my drawer, after logging hrs upon hrs I dont care to hear the tunes anymore lol
In the end its a good thing its coming out stateside, but locking out servers just ruffles my feathers. :seesaw:

[Senku]

For Yakuza, Sega already said that they didn't want to bring it out of Japan. And I think that also applies to licensing the game to somebody else to translate and release.

But like the majority, I don't import games unless 1) I know 95% that it will never get translated AND 2) Not text heavy/Easily playable no matter what.

Maybe it's just me, but I always felt that this game would be picked up sooner or later for a NA release. So that's the main reason I didn't import this. I get to save some money, and support the company that DOES release this game in NA. (ATLUS)

[sarshelyam]

I wouldn't dare wager that ATLUS has taken the cheap route here because I'm almost certain the licensing, localizing (whatever is left) as well as all associated production costs for this region AND the ATLUS Spoils bonuses we're seeing cost them an arm and a leg. It's not like they simply say:

"Hey, that game is exactly what our company is known for publishing AND it's in English so we'll just code it over to another region and call it a day!"

There is far more exchange of currency in the deal to really consider this an easy decision, and likely one that would have cost GOBS more than say, porting Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan/3. Translation is a whole separate sum to consider.

[Quig]

Atlus has to take into consideration what games can cross over into the American market and be successful. Because a game is successful in another country does not mean that it will be a hit in America.

[pharos33]

Hmm...I think it's good. The reason is, well, because it expands the audience.

Yes, by isolating the servers from a great community of Asian players. Oh wait...

Its not about "expanding the audience"...what that boils down to is a Western gamer seeing it on a shelf and buying it at Gamestop (or whatever). That's really all it is. The audience is not expanded, other than the fact that people in different countries both own the same game, yet can't play with each other.

Saves not being compatible I can understand, because that's always been the case in cross-region releases. But the servers? The "FFXI effect"? Please. There's already a level cap in place (just as there was in FFXI, a game with no random PvP....). New players will not be mauled by high level players, its physically impossible. And even if they did because some Asian player is waiting for October with a level 35 PvP character ready to go? Big deal, its a game. New players who buy Call of Duty 4 and play online today are going to get absolutely CREAMED by people who have had that game memorized for two years. What happens next? The player sucks it up and learns to play with the big boys. This same thing will happen when people buy Demon's Souls for the first time next year, and have to deal with people who buy it in October. Are those new players gonna get their own server too? Theiw vewy own babey survuh? :very_sad:

So why not bring a different game over? I actually agree with Nostromo's point. Maybe there's just no other games Atlus would bring over right now. Out of the games he mentioned, Yakuza 3 is practically lost in a black hole, Aquanaut's Holiday is way too metaphysical/occult for a Western market (and most people would think its "boring" anyway... shame on anyone with the attention span of a fly), Afrika is already picked up (and safe for kids: no metaphysics/occult), what else is there these days? I don't follow the import scene anymore. Demon's Souls is right up Atlus' alley so good for them, I'm glad they're releasing it for others to enjoy. If I didn't break down and buy it early, I'd definitely buy it in October. I disagree with isolating the servers but whatever (and I've read all the arguments and counter-arguments so save yourself a post).

I don't know if I'll be rebuying it when the version I have is basically fine as it is. I bought it a month ago and don't feel like buying it again... but we'll see. I still love Atlus though.

[Umbasa]

Two big reasons for there being separate servers:

1. Having the server in North America, closer to the people actually buying it, means people can have a less laggy, less frustrating experience online. Since this is an action game it's important that it runs as smooth as possible. I can tell you it's not fun being magically back stabbed by a player that appeared to be nowhere near you.

2. When it's released, people playing for the first time won't have their game spoiled by notes written by people who have already been playing the game for months. They'll be able to figure out the game together and use the notes the way they were meant to be used. What would be the point of being able to leave notes if every note that actually revealed something useful was already written down?

I hope people who have already played the game don't go overboard revealing every secret in the game with the notes, though. I'm going to have to write notes that'll get people killed just to keep things balanced.

[Manly Biceps]

Personally, being a standard guy who plays video games, I don't honestly listen to any of the notes until I've been killed a couple times. :)

[Syra]

1. Having the server in North America, closer to the people actually buying it, means people can have a less laggy, less frustrating experience online. Since this is an action game it's important that it runs as smooth as possible. I can tell you it's not fun being magically back stabbed by a player that appeared to be nowhere near you.

While you'd think that, if you've experienced the Asia version of the game, you'll notice there is next to zero lag. The way the game is designed, keeping the various online elements as unobtrusive as possible, lets it run really smoothly in most any situation, at least it seems that way.

The notes argument holds more water, but honestly, you don't have to read them. It isn't like they fly off the floor and lunge at you, blocking your view until you accept their advice. So really, it doesn't matter, plus they are not permanent. They disappear after a time, depending on their rating. I can understand your wish to avoid spoiling the level beforehand, but it isn't really effected by the community, as much as your decision to hit "view" or not.

Personally, I wanted them to use the same servers because several of my friends have the Asia version, but in the end it's not a big deal. Some of those friends will probably rebuy it anyway, and the nature of the online means that whether you have friends or not, you'll still have people to co-op with. On the plus side, new servers will probably mean more equally clueless people to die with.

[kevanko]

i would hope that Atlus would publish it in europe , as has been said , not everyone imports (and sony actively punishes importers if caught doing so ) but everyone who owns a ps3 should experience this truly awsome piece of software .

i have several friends who have regularly experienced lag when invaded by a black phantom, so european servers would be very welcome.

if i had a wish list of improvments , the main one would be the option of a friends mode ( be able to meet up in the nexus , swap items in there and removal of the + - 10 co op rule ) . apart from that i think the game is close to perfection .

[Mooglepies]

Atlus don't publish in Europe unless I am greatly mistaken (possible).

Hoping Sony bite the bullet and release it here.

[GamerSam]

Ok now I have nothing against this game.... but out all the cool Japan-only games out there (Yakuza 3 anyone?) out there, Atlus had to choose (probably) the only one which already has English language (hence who ever wants to play this, can import the Asian version).

:devil:

Importers are a very small percentage of the gamers. And sure there are other games out there that are contrary to this game unplayable without knowing how to read Japanese.

And while I want Yakuza 3, it is not as simple as just picking out any game and localizing it. They would need publishing rights, and Yakuza is a huge game to localize = costs money = game needs to sell. And all the previous games flopped in the west, so it does not take a genius to realize the risk. It is simple as that, they are running a business and not a charity after all.

[Kalissian]

1. Having the server in North America, closer to the people actually buying it, means people can have a less laggy, less frustrating experience online. Since this is an action game it's important that it runs as smooth as possible. I can tell you it's not fun being magically back stabbed by a player that appeared to be nowhere near you.

While you'd think that, if you've experienced the Asia version of the game, you'll notice there is next to zero lag.


It's hit and miss.
From my experiences on the Gamefaqs board, there are only a small percentage of players from the US who do not get lagged to hell when entering another player's game. The rest get a ton of lag. If you don't actively invade or do co-op in another person's world, then you're not going to notice it. From experience, I've had my fair share of long-ranged backstabs, frontal backstabs, and have had many of my direct hits not register.

The US servers will not only allow North American gamers to have a smoother experience, but it will be a fresh starting ground. New players will be able to get listed on the Pantheon (which the Asian pantheon is pretty much set in stone due to early exploits). Speaking of exploits, those with the Asian version would be able to unpatch and make use of a deleveling trick that would give them the stats of a level 200+ character whilst only being considered a low level (25-100). The NA version will most likely be pre-patched so that none of that will be going on.

[Syra]

It's hit and miss.
From my experiences on the Gamefaqs board, there are only a small percentage of players from the US who do not get lagged to hell when entering another player's game. The rest get a ton of lag. If you don't actively invade or do co-op in another person's world, then you're not going to notice it. From experience, I've had my fair share of long-ranged backstabs, frontal backstabs, and have had many of my direct hits not register.

Really? Granted, I only get to play my friend's game on occasion as I don't own it myself, but I've never actually experienced any serious lag. Guess he's one of the lucky few, heh. Well then, I suppose that is a pretty decent argument for new servers.

Well, like I said, it isn't that big of a deal anyway. I generally like world-wide servers, and was one of the few who actually praised that part of FFXI, but I can understand their choice in not doing so. Especially in this case, since there isn't really a big to-do about meeting up with previously known characters.

[Pibbman]

Well I live in Europe, so from Atlus, or elsewhere, its still an import for me :)

No one has announced this game for a PAL release, and lets face it, no one will.

You do, Square-enix. SE is usually the one that will take Atlus translated games and publish in europe.



I hope people who have already played the game don't go overboard revealing every secret in the game with the notes, though. I'm going to have to write notes that'll get people killed just to keep things balanced.

That might not work, since people can rate notes, I doubt your "kill you notes" will work much once there are a few bad ratings on it.

Atlus don't publish in Europe unless I am greatly mistaken (possible).

Hoping Sony bite the bullet and release it here.

Yep, Atlus USA nor Japan publishes in Europe. Europeans have to rely on a publisher there to do it.

[Karkarov]

Remember this game is being released in the North America region by Atlus. Atlus coincidentally had nothing to do with the Asia regions version of the game, or the servers that the original release uses. So it is possible that there are also legal issues behind the scenes as well. Lets be honest, do we even know who runs the servers in Asia? Is it From Software? Is it Sony? For that matter who is running the US servers?

[Jorlen]

I think it was a smart move on Atlus's part. They chose a game with great reviews, already localized for the most part (bit of engrish here and there and bad translations). Yes of course you can import it, but as a previous poster said, most typical gamers do not import or even know import-only games exist.

Playstation 3 needs an exlcusive mind-blowing RPG experience that's available IN STORES in North America.

Demon's souls is it.

[fame_Mcswagg]

well I don't import and a lot of people I know don't import so it would be smart to import this game. Opening up this game to the masses is what needed to happen. If sega seen Yakuza to be profitable in the states they would release it here. There is still a chance they might they haven't ruled it out.

[Eskol]

I have never even heard of importing, didn't know it was possible...Honestly I thought if I wanted a Jap game I would have to go to ebay and buy it since I cannot read jap to use the jap websites...not saying I would get a jap game since I couldn't read or understand it anyways lol

[Jamesmond]

I have the Asian version of this game. So far I've spent about 14 hours playing. It is fun, but the difficulty makes it too time consuming for people with normal lives. In short, it's ridiculous and it ruins what could have been a great game. Allow me to explain...

Because you have no option to save your game coupled with all the enemies you've killed coming alive again after you die, it's just asking too much from players time-wise. For example, I'm on the 2nd part of the game and I've spent about 10 hours killing my way up to the boss, dying, then doing it all over again only to die once more. All the 10 hours I've spent doing this is mostly in vain. Most of the souls you get from killing enemies will be spent on herbs you'll buy to replenish your health.

If you are unemployed and want to spend most of the day dying, and redying, and doing the same thing over and over again on the same level, then this game is for you! From Software, are you really serious??

To the posts on the board saying that this game is not too difficult, it's simply not true. This could have been a great game, but it's simply ridiculous and retarded, quite frankly, to expect players to invest an insane amount of time dying, redying, and killing the same enemies over and over again. This truly does take the fun out of the game. You can progress in this game, but the cost is simply too high time-wise. Stay clear away from this game. Hopefully From Software will learn their lesson.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GAME TO ANYONE. I WOULD ONLY BUY IT WHEN/IF A PATCH, MOD, OR CHEAT IS AVAILABLE THAT WOULD ALLOW PLAYERS TO SAVE THEIR GAME, OR SOMEHOW NOT BRING FORMERLY KILLED ENEMIES BACK TO LIFE.

[Pibbman]

I have the Asian version of this game. So far I've spent about 14 hours playing. It is fun, but the difficulty makes it too time consuming for people with normal lives. In short, it's ridiculous and it ruins what could have been a great game. Allow me to explain...

Because you have no option to save your game coupled with all the enemies you've killed coming alive again after you die, it's just asking too much from players time-wise. For example, I'm on the 2nd part of the game and I've spent about 10 hours killing my way up to the boss, dying, then doing it all over again only to die once more. All the 10 hours I've spent doing this is mostly in vain. Most of the souls you get from killing enemies will be spent on herbs you'll buy to replenish your health.

If you are unemployed and want to spend most of the day dying, and redying, and doing the same thing over and over again on the same level, then this game is for you! From Software, are you really serious??

To the posts on the board saying that this game is not too difficult, it's simply not true. This could have been a great game, but it's simply ridiculous and retarded, quite frankly, to expect players to invest an insane amount of time dying, redying, and killing the same enemies over and over again. This truly does take the fun out of the game. You can progress in this game, but the cost is simply too high time-wise. Stay clear away from this game. Hopefully From Software will learn their lesson.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GAME TO ANYONE. I WOULD ONLY BUY IT WHEN/IF A PATCH, MOD, OR CHEAT IS AVAILABLE THAT WOULD ALLOW PLAYERS TO SAVE THEIR GAME, OR SOMEHOW NOT BRING FORMERLY KILLED ENEMIES BACK TO LIFE.

Good GOD man! Four times you posted this! The irony of your post, when you go making a statement about "this game is too time consuming for people with normal lives", and yet you're wasting your time posting this multiple times.

[Jamesmond]

Wasting time? mmm, doesn't actually take too long to copy and paste there guy...

And you're assuming it's not worth my time to warn people about this game. To the contrary my friend!

:)

[GamerSam]

Jamesmond congratulations on having a life trolling forums. I guess that means that you have gratuated from playing any RPG's. Because all good RPG's will and should be time consuming. Seriously that is the most ridiculous complaint I have ever seen. :p

" From Software, are you really serious?? " yes they are, if you knew anything about them, you would have known how the King's Field games played.