As well as receiving goodies like an exclusive clear file, IC card sticker and Sengoku Basara 4 bag, the attendees had access to a lengthy demo of the full version of the game and given a presentation by producer Kobayashi 'KobaP' Hiroyuki and director Yamamoto 'YamamotoD' Makoto. Please note that even though the demo was of the full game they used fresh save files, so the players were limited to the starting characters and stages; there won't be much brand new information from attendees other than their gameplay impressions.
There was also a Shinagawa War battle between the fans after they were split into two teams and asked to pick three players to represent each side. They had to pick any character they wanted and kill enemies on the two Sekigahara stages for five minutes; whichever player got the highest number of kills was considered the winner of each round. In the end the Ishida army was triumphant.
Round 1: Masamune (Date army) versus Sakon (Ishida army). The Ishida army won.
Round 2: Katsuie (Date army) versus Sakon (Ishida army). The Date army won.
Round 3: Naotora (Date army) versus Katsuie (Ishida army). The Ishida army won.
The Gamer article reported that they were responsible for the Date's loss as the final player was Mr Hosoyamada, one of their representatives. He usually played as Magoichi, but wanting to show off one of the new characters this time he picked Naotora and lost by just five kills (933 vs 938). Dengeki Online's kjb was playing Katsuie in round 2 so the media were getting very involved. Participants were able to win mugs signed by the Sengoku Basara 4 staff.
I've written this report based on the early press coverage by Dengeki, Gamer and Famitsu. Checking all of the links is recommended as they each have a different selection of amazing photographs.
Gameplay demonstration: Yamanaka Shikanosuke
It was Shikanosuke's turn to be highlighted in an official demonstration today, and from the screenshots it looks as though his element is light (edit: I originally mistakenly said that it was ice). They used a level 50 Shikanosuke so people could see his move set in its full glory. Keiji was selected as his battle comrade.
The level they picked was the Satsuma: Inner Castle stage we've seen a number of times. It seems to have a few gimmicks including a cannon (which I'm not looking at properly so I don't ruin the game for myself!). It was reported that the game can differ in between plays from the very first round this time.
New CD release: Sengoku Basara 4 EP
As suspected, the Count ZERO/Runners high ~Sengoku Basara 4 EP~ CD release was highlighted during the presentation. It will be released on 12th February 2014. There will be two versions of the EP: a CD-only release (ESCL 4158 costing ¥1,165) and a CD+DVD (ESCL 4156-7 costing ¥1,714). The first press of the CD-only edition will include two stickers featuring the performers, while the DVD will contain a Sengoku Basara 4 video and some other goodies.
T.M.Revolution and SCANDAL had prepared video messages which were shown to the guests at the event. The CD's website is now online.
The original soundtrack was also mentioned again with a note that it would include more than 60 tracks. I've already talked about the soundtrack a few times since it's been up for preorder for a while, but to recap it's going to be a two-disc set costing ¥3,360 and the release date is 29th January 2014.
New tie-in: Oedo Onsen Monogatari will host a Sengoku Basara 4 collaboration event
This isn't the first time that the Oedo Onsen Monogatari spa theme park in Odaiba has run a tie-in with the series. Between 18th January and 11th February 2014, fans can visit the spa to see a variety of exclusive Sengoku Basara 4 merchandise and displays.
The exclusive merchandise is all spa-themed and it includes traditional bathing buckets (Masamune and Masamune designs), mittens (Masamune, Yukimura and Mitsunari designs), a reversible spa pouch/bag and short-sleeved happi coats (Masamune, Yukimura and Mitsunari designs). There's also a Sasuke-themed poncho and cap, a Yukimura hairband and a ¥500 stamp rally for visitors to try. Sengoku Basara 4 food and stickers have been promised to make a visit even more perfect.
Sengoku Basara 4 will be available on PSN (in Japan)
From 9th January until 19th January 2014, fans can preorder a download edition of Sengoku Basara 4 from the Playstation Store for a price of ¥6,990. If you happen to have that much PSN credit on your Japanese account, this is a great way to get the jump on other importers and be able to play straight away the moment it's released on 23rd January 2014! Naturally the downloadable version won't come with all of the extras included in the physical editions and you'll have to buy the DLC separately when it's available.
Merchandise samples were on display
Most of the samples shown in the press reports were for items we've already seen, but there were displays of the fully painted Mame Sengoku Basara trading figures, Ichiban Kuji figures and a few completely new items such as event-exclusive Ishida army mineral water and a Sengoku Basara 4 'Dezaegg' PS3 skin set which you can use to decorate a PS3 and controller. The skin will be released on 23rd January 2014.
Two new videos were shown at the event
Lastly, the event attendees were treated to two brand new videos today. As well as the game's full opening movie, there was a brand new promotional video (PV4) with cutscenes from Sengoku Basara 4 (including some moments from individual ending videos, apparently). I'm hoping we'll at least get to see the second video in a website update this week.
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Other notes from Twitter and forums...
- The creators said that all of the previously-dead characters, or those who didn't appear last time - like Itsuki - are alive somewhere (this doesn't necessarily mean they're going to crop up in the game).
- At the start of Shikanosuke's stage, he tries to imitate Amago Haruhisa from Sengoku Basara 3 by coming out of the sand and speaking his signature line.
- Oyassan isn't a battle comrade so he can't be controlled in that way.
- They joked that Oyassan was the main character and Shikanosuke was optional.
- Yoshihiro mentioned that he thought he had seen Shikanosuke's master somewhere.
- Yet again, the creators wouldn't say which of the Sengoku Basara voice actors provided Oyassan's deer noises.
- @yuit_cherry, @goomanimiya and @mononoke_cat posted pictures of some of the goodies the attendees got their hands on.
"YamamotoD said that all of the previously-dead characters like Itsuki are alive again somewhere (this doesn't necessarily mean they're going to crop up in the game)."
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I hope this means they will eventually get added in the expansion or as DLC.
Whoops, I have now slightly changed the wording as I made it sound like Itsuki was definitely dead before in my sleepy update :D
DeleteIf he specifically mentioned here it's a good sign; I hope they can bring everyone back eventually so they're ready for any sequels. Either as DLC or an expansion - either is fine by me!
Ah makes more sense ;)
DeleteEither is fine by me too!
This gives me a little relief. Hopefully Yoshimoto and Xavi will make a glorious return in the future.
DeleteThis seems to be very interesting event. I hope we will see the opening movie soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd finally, digital release confirmed. I'm really pleased for their decision about that.
Ps. This is some joke from the event twit report, During the playing battle
YamamotoD「Let's annihilate them ！！＼(^o^)／」
石田チーム 「You have the permission！！＼(^o^)／」
Though you might already saw this but I cannot help posting it anyway, Our Director and Ishida Team 're so hilarious and funny. As Mitsunari fan, I really want to see the real atmosphere there. xD
Hehe, YamamotoD is so cute. Most of the people I follow seem to have been on the Date team since I'm a big Masamune fan :D
DeleteI love how the staff get so excited about the characters!