The catch-up coffee: Monday, February 8, 2021

FFXIV’s next expansion, PS5 version on the way

Square Enix has Final Fantasy XIV Online’s next expansion, Endwalker, as well as a PlayStation 5 version of the subscription game. Here is the quick information about the PlayStation 5 version of the game: the game is an upgraded version of the PlayStation 4 title that includes mostly graphical upgrades, including 4K; an open beta will begin on April 13; players with their account registered to the PlayStation 5 may play the PlayStation 5 Upgrade version for no cost, new players can play a trial version; and the full PlayStation 5 Upgrade Version will be available post-beta. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the real meat from the announcement – Endwalker. Here’s a teaser trailer:

Set to release in (Northern) fall 2021, Endwalker (Patch 6.0) is the climax of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark storyline. The Warriors of Light will encounter a bigger calamity than they’ve ever seen before while traveling to Hydaelyn and the moon. This story began in A Realm Reborn. There are expansive new areas to explore, such as Garlemald, Thavnair, and the Radz-at-Han. That means new dungeons and threats, too.

The update will include new jobs such as Sage. The level cap will be raised to 90 (from 80). The Arkasodara is a new tribe. A high-difficulty raid will be added, as well as a small-scale PvP mode. Estinien Wyrmblood will become a Trust System ally. As always, expect a good amount of new gear and crafting recipes.

PUSS! is coming to consoles

I’m sorry, but that really is the title: PUSS! Caps and exclamation point and all. At least it makes this bit of new seem super duper exciting! Great, it’s contagious. Developer teamcoil and publisher Samustai describe the game as insane, absurd, and intense avoid ’em up game about a cat, which is pretty darned enticing for this cat-lover. Play as a cat trapped in another dimension, and try to find a way out or the kitty will be there forever. Here’s the console trailer:

The game falls firmly into the bullet hell (or manic shooter) genre of video games. That means it will be relatively difficult and involve dodging an awful lot of bullets before getting to each boss. The levels aren’t as easy as it seems, and to make it worse (better?) they occur in a random order. As you free your future partners, they will be happy to help you fight evil. There is a bit of customisation available with various skins for the lead kitty.

PUSS! was originally launched for PC/Mac/Linux via Steam in mid-2018. It was launched for mobile devices two years later, in August 2020. Its console launch will be on February 19, 2021, and include versions for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.

Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack will be available soon

Developer Gust and publisher Koei Tecmo have announced Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack, which includes the three titles from the series. If you haven’t dived into this series yet, this seems like a perfect opportunity! The three titles are Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey DX, Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX, and Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings DX. It will launch worldwide for PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on April 22. Here’s a trailer:

Each title will include most (note, not all) of the downloadable content from the game’s original release, new content (for example, new episodes and costumes), Photo Mode, digital art book, and double-speed battle mode. More specifically, when it comes to Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX, she has a more mature costume, a bit of new story, and three alchemy pots. Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey DX has four new vehicles (including a submarine), seven new subjugation quests, and a new enhanced boss (Palmyra). Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings DX will include an additional painting that features a scenario with Nelke.

If you’re not entirely familiar with the titles, DDnet is here to help! Our editor-in-chief, Matt S, describes the games as smarter than they appear. Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book was the first game in the series to come to PlayStation 4; Matt’s five-star review can be read here. He describes Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey as a step forward for the series; his review can be read here. Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings concludes the Mysterious trilogy; Matt’s review can be read here.

Action adventure farming RPG Kitaria Fables announced

Yes, this is about another cat title. What can I say? Last week was pretty good in cat-related gaming news! Kitaria Fables is developed by Twin Hearts and published by PQube, and mashes together all those fun genres listed above. It will launch for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch sometime this year. It will also launch for PlayStation and Xbox, although which specific generation(s) of consoles is currently unknown. Here’s the announcement trailer:

As I said, Kitaria Fables brings together action adventure RPGs and framing sims; the developer describes it as a mix of Cat Quest and Rune Factory. Darned if that doesn’t make the game beyond intriguing to me! It is set in a peaceful, harmonious land called Canoidera, but it won’t be that way for long. Wildlife around the village is getting more and more aggressive, and the Empire needs someone (you) to investigate the situation and defend the townspeople. You’ll make friends quickly, fulfilling requests and bonding to receive new awards.

Unlike traditional RPGs, there are no classes to be seen here. The combat tools include melee weapons, spells, and armour; mix them to find your perfect battle combination based on play style. There are loads of resources scattered around the world, although some require killing monsters. These can be used for tasks such as crafting weapons. In the garden, plants seeds and tend to crops.