Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s regular catch-up news feature. With each issue we will bring you the best news that you may have missed. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!
The Silver Case 2425 coming West for Switch later this year
The Nintendo Switch has been sorely lacking in The Silver Case until now, as neither it nor its sequel has appeared on the platform. It only makes sense that both will be released together. The Silver Case 2425, which includes the remaster of both The Silver Case and The 25th Ward: The Silver Case, will be released for Nintendo Switch on July 6 in North America and Europe. Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by NIS America and Playism, The Silver Case first launched for PlayStation in 1999 and the remaster launched in 2016; The 25th Ward: The Silver Case first launch for mobile devices in 2005 (it was the quickest way to get the game out) with the remake launching in 2018. The Silver Case 2425 is already available for PlayStation 4 worldwide and Nintendo Switch in Japan. Here’s the trailer for this July’s release:
Both titles were created by Goichi Suda, otherwise known at SUDA51. He wrote the entirety of the first game, and one of three scenarios in the second. Both fall solidly into the crime noir genre. The Silver Case has detectives of the 24 Wards Heinous Crimes Unit looking for a serial killer who was dormant for two decades. The problem is, nobody really knows who or what he is, and whether the new killings are by a copycat or the original. Set five years after the first game, The 25th Ward: The Silver Case follows the story of a detective investigating a woman found dead under mysterious circumstances. The music suits each title perfectly; it is composed by Masafumi Takada (Danganronpa, No More Heroes).
For anyone looking for a physical copy, consider the limited edition being sold via the NIS America Online store – it is now available for pre-order here. It includes the game, a hardcover art book, a soundtrack on CD, two comics, a poster, and a collector’s box.
Vet sim Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital also coming West for Switch later this year
A game starring furbabies will always get my attention, and Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital is no different. Released last July in Japan as Wan Nyan Doubutsu Byouin: Pet o Tasukeru Daiji-na Oshigoto, the English-language version will launch in North America and Europe for Nintendo Switch this (Northern) summer. Here’s the announcement trailer:
Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital puts the player in the role of a veterinarian at said animal hospital. When pets don’t feel well, they’ll be coming to the vet for care. Look them over, do whatever tests may be necessary (such as x-rays), and use tools such as a thermometer and a stethoscope. 18 different breeds will need help over the course of the game.
A vet’s entirely life isn’t work, and this game gives them some much-needed time off. On days off, they can shop (there are 184 outfits available), choose a new hairstyle (40 total), go to the movies, visit the amusement park… basically anything anyone else can do on a weekend.
Alchemic Cutie launching first for Xbox
I’m not going to lie: any game with bright, retro-styled graphics will immediately get my attention. And are there ever a lot of them, both released and upcoming. Alchemic Cutie stands out as one of the more interesting titles; it is a wholesome RPG about taming Jellies, making friends, entering contests, and uncovering secrets. It is planned for a PC launch (via Steam), so I just assumed that would be released first or simultaneously with console(s) – and it appears I was wrong. There is no PC launch date in sight, but Alchemic Cuties is set to be released for Xbox Series on July 27. Here’s the Xbox announcement trailer:
Alchemic Cutie is set on Wimba Island. The player has loads of things to do, such as exploring secret locations or discovering new Jellies that can be found across the island. As the seasons change, so does the island’s reachable areas and Jellies available. The bulk of the game lies in the Jelly raising system. Each Jelly has unique stats and traits; there are over 4,000 to find. It’s not just a case of catching and storing them: they can be tamed and bred, creating perfect companions for island adventures.
Wimba Island is so much more than just Jellies, though there are competitions to see whose Jellies are best. The village contains goofy, sometimes complicated characters that need help or someone to just spend time with. They may even be holding some secrets. A flute and some alchemy can create special items, or morph items into something rare and powerful.
Another game coming West this year: Neptunia ReVerse
Yes, this is the third of four stories today about a game already launched in Japan now being planned for North American and European launches. It was a busy week! Part of the reason for this was New Game+ Expo, which featured new glimpses at titles from several developers (and, interestingly enough, the one game talked about today not being localised: Alchemic Cutie!). Neptunia ReVerse developed Compile Heart and publisher Idea Factory International have announced that the game is set to launch in North America and Europe this year. Here’s the latest teaser trailer:
Gamindustry is a distant world that includes four nations. Planeptune, ruled by Neptune, is the Land of Purple Progress. Lastation, ruled by Noire, is the Land of Black Regality. Lowee, ruled by Blanc, is the Land of White Serenity. And Leanbox, rules by Vert, is the Land of Green Pastures. The four leaders, the Goddesses, are fighting for world domination, attempting to strip Neptune of her power. Neptune will have to fight to return to her position of power.
Neptunia ReVerse will be released for PlayStation 5. North Americans can get the game on June 8, while Europeans will have to wait a few extra days to June 11. It is available for pre-order here.
