IrishNinja
Member
damn, congrats again on Bayo y'all! always nice to see port begging rewarded
Anarchy Reigns was initially released as a region-free title in Japan (titled 'Max Anarchy') during the Summer of 2012 and it was in a 'fully translated' state when it debuted then for the HD Twins. Despite having an almost unheard of degree of import friendliness working in its favor, the game's sales were very, very low in Japan.
Then, SEGA announced that the game would be released in the West, but it would be sold at half its initial MSRP... and they even dodged the late 2012 holiday rush by releasing during early January of the following year, like the first Bayonetta did when it came West in January 2010. Despite those factors, Anarchy Reigns still sold very, very poorly... even with added preorder bonuses. It had a $29.99 USD (instead of $59.99) launch day price point. It's a total myth that SEGA didn't "try" with both MadWorld and Anarchy Reigns.
To this day, people associate the team behind Anarchy Reigns/Max Anarchy with Platinum's poorest efforts (of which there are few), namely TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan, The Legend of Korra, etc.
With Anarchy Reigns, a PC port would also open up a situational quagmire. Due to the primary focus being its online component and the general nature of the game, a lot more work would "probably" need to be done, since a degree of continued commitment and investment might be required.
The game was not promoted particularly well in Japan either. For a new fighting game IP with no arcade pedigree released at that time in Japanese console history, ~80,000 copies wasn't too bad. For comparison's sake, Soulcalibur V...
~80,000 copies wasn't too bad.
Soulcalibur V, released the same year, sold 90,000. The bestselling console fighter that year was Street Fighter x Tekken, at 130,000. These were dark days all around.
I beg to differ. The massive, six-month delay hurt sales significantly, and it was released with terrible North American cover art and zero marketing whatsoever. It was an awful window for this type of game. To compare its January release with Bayonetta is a bit silly, also: Bayonetta had marketing.
Associating Anarchy Reigns director Masaki Yamanaka with "poor efforts" is a bit of a stretch. He was a design lead on Resident Evil 4 and God Hand, hardly games that GAF would consider lacking.
The connection between the Anarchy Reigns team and Korra/TMNT baffles me as well. Why is this connection made? And should it not be noted that both were licensed budget releases.
Anarchy Reigns had no dedicated servers and was entirely P2P. This is a non-issue.
Just my ¥2, but I think PC might finally be the place AR had a chance to shine. It was simply over-specced for last gen.
First of all, Anarchy Reigns is not a "traditional" fighting game, nor it is an arcade game. Comparing it to the SoulCalibur, SF, or Tekken series' nearly invalidates everything you stated.
Secondly, there was promotion for the game. There were billboards, promotional videos, individual character trailers, and the game even got its own dedicated website created for it well before it released.
All of those things not only originated in Japan, but most of them -- namely the website, the myriad of pre-release gameplay videos, and individual character trailers -- could be accessed Worldwide, thanks to the existence of the Internet.
There were ads ran for it on 'other sites' with high traffic game forums. Following Bayonetta and Vanquish, there were multiple major online publications covering the game.
There was also a 'meaty' demo of the game that was made available around May 2012 (a few months before the game's Japanese release), which allowed an entire gameplay mode to be played online for an unlimited duration. NA players played on this demo for months prior to the US release.
The notion that 'there was no marketing effort or promotion' is absurd. It had arguably as much as (or more than) Bayonetta did; it just didn't review nearly as well. If anything, we saw the classic case of review scoring doing more to get the masses to 'pass' on a game than a lack of a marketing effort being present. Sadly, a lot of people who see anything below an '8/10' score will balk (especially when it comes to Platinum, a high-pedigree studio). Unfortunately, the masses still think that way today.
May I ask what source you used to cite those numbers? It was widely reported that the game only sold a cumulative amount of around 25,000 units during its Japanese debut week (combined for both consoles), despite being region-free and fully translated. Please enlighten us on your discovery of it finding 'legs' to reach the figure you posted above.
Soul Calibur V went on to ship over 1 million units in its lifetime.
SFxTekken also shipped over 1 million units (disappointment of a game or not).
Anarchy Reigns didn't ship anywhere near those numbers. This is fact.
The 'dark days' you mention for SCV and SFxT must be the equivalent of Armageddon for AR. Unfortunately, the comparison you used holds no relevance.
The six-month delay was offset by SEGA announcing a massive reduction in day one price (only $29.99 USD instead of the full $59.99), some sweet preorder bonuses (including everyone's favorite Umbra Witch), and a move to a wide-open launch window with no competition. Yet, none of those things saved or helped the game catch on. Again, the 'excuse' regarding the marketing is only a myth. SEGA did what they could.
Platinum's staff even played the game with the (then) online communities on both consoles during multiple events, both for the Japanese and NA launches. NA even got a second Anniversary event where they participated. In that respect, the game actually had an advantage working in its favor that none of their other single player games did... yet it still didn't help.
I didn't associate Yamanaka-san with 'poor efforts; you just did. I own and adore just about all of the games he worked on, including some that you probably didn't realize he was a part of. When you quoted the post you were trying to argue against, notice how I used the word 'team'? Please make a note of that.
Furthermore, I was alluding to the general perception that the overall gaming populace has about Anarchy Reigns at this point. The people out there who choose 'to buy or not to buy' a prospective PC port are also comprised of the same ones who spoke negatively about AR when discussing the prospect of buying Korra and TMNT when they were revealed. That effect and word of mouth would present a challenge for any marketing effort to overcome.
It was widely publicized that the lead 'team' of staff (within Platinum) that primarily handled Anarchy Reigns was responsible for both Korra and TMNT... and TMNT was not a budget release on 8th Generation consoles. The Legend of Korra was the budget release, priced at $14.99 USD. Teenage Mutants Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan was $49.99 USD (for current gen).
Oh, but it is most definitely an issue -and a major one- since being P2P is part of why it had such poor, unstable online performance at times. Would SEGA spend the money and use the extra resources to significantly improve this aspect (or even consider dedicated servers) for the game? If so, then that would only add to the cost of the project.
On the other hand, keeping things the way they are (as P2P) would just lead to more people simply choosing to abandon the game due to its poor online stability. Then, on top of that, there would inevitably be demands for patches from all of the people who aren't using to learning how to manage versus the competition... and a need for some type of continued involvement would arise when it comes to eliminating potential 'cheaters'. The bottom line is, it would potentially require further investment to even undertake an AR port to PC compared to other games.
I clearly alluded to some of these things in my initial reply, which you conveniently glossed over.
Specs have nothing to do with why Anarchy Reigns didn't catch on (or maintain a healthy community). Like I said, I have nothing personal against the game whatsoever. As stated previously, I imported the game years ago... and I still own it. This is just the reality of the overall situation. Everyone 'wants' things, but it is crucially important to be mindful of where things stand and take an honest, unbiased look at how they got that way.
Again, there are valid reasons why a good number of us are worried about where our beloved SEGA goes from here with this initiative. We want whatever it is that they do to have the very best chances of success... especially considering the number of options they have.
AR had no print advertisement, no point-of-purchase marketing, nothing that would alert the general gaming public to its existence.
Indeed they did, and they waited...and waited...and waited. This is a matter of opinion, but I believe the enthusiast hype peaked around the time of its Japanese release, and half a year later was largely forgotten.
Bayonetta had magazine covers
print ads
television commercials
and extensive point-of-purchase promotion. AR had none of these.
I'm afraid you'll just have to trust me with regards to Max Anarchy's Japanese numbers. A binding contract prevents me from expounding on that point. Of course, some of those sales did come after it was discounted.
All fact. I was referring only to lifetime Japanese sales. It goes without saying that SCV and SFxT shifted the majority of their copies outside Japan. It's my belief AR would have fared better in the West had it been released in a timely manner and with proper marketing behind it.
I apologize if my original post was unclear; the "dark days" I mentioned applied only to the Japanese console market. I sought to defuse your statement that Max Anarchy had tanked in Japan by providing 2012 numbers from the same market for the only comparable game genre.
If I'm not too mistaken, the NA preorder bonus was a gold skin for Jack's chainsaw. GameStop may have had Bayo, but I'm fairly sure she was paid DLC as in Japan.
Yes, once again PlatinumGames staff doing their damnedest to support the product. All of these events were through platinumgames.com, not Sega.
I would be very, very surprised if that were the case.
Not to sound harsh, but you have no idea what my knowledge of Yamanaka's professional output is.
In any event, the Anarchy "team" as such was reassigned throughout the company onto various other projects. It's not as though Korra and TMNT are "by" a team that existed only during the production of a single game.
I wasn't aware the overall gaming populace had a mostly-negative opinion of Anarchy, which is certainly what you're suggesting.
It is by no means a game for everyone, but I believe it caters to a certain crowd
but I believe it caters to... those who longed for another PowerStone...
If it were ported to PC, and if I were in Sega's marketing department, I would focus my efforts on that niche segment. I believe it could be a viable marketing strategy indeed: The best 16-player competitive brawler you never played. But I digress.
I cannot confirm that the Anarchy "team" was largely responsible for those two games. Of course they shared some staff Platinum isn't a gigantic developer but to make a blanket statement to that effect is disingenuous.
And I apologize regarding TMNT's MSRP. You are correct in that $49.99 does not constitute a "budget" release (even if it is below the $59.99 all previous Platinum games retailed for).
No, I would not expect Sega to alter the netcode in any way, nor set up dedicated servers.
Five years on and with PC gamers being particularly keen on the quality of their connections, I suspect it would play much more smoothly.
I won't address this you're venturing too far into the realm of speculation.
I hope I'm addressing them now.
I believe hardware specs of the time did, in fact, contribute to the decline of Anarchy's online community. In 16-player matches, framerate dips into the 20s and below were constant. A smooth experience would make a world of difference.
And again, it is my honest (if admittedly biased) opinion that a number of deeply unfortunate factors led to this game's failure.
The product itself was not at fault; I'm sure you can agree it deserved to find an audience larger than ~300,000.
So...why not go for the Sega/Platinum PS360 three-game-deal trifecta?
I'm not trying to be belligerent, nor dismiss your opinions. Heck, Anarchy could be the -last- game Platinum ports, and I'd be happy.
I want nothing but the best for Sega's PC initiative, and I simply hope Platinum has the chance to port their entire Sega-published library to PC a desire they recently expressed on Twitter.
Lots o' stuff
do i wanna read those posts?
do i wanna read those posts?
Both would be good, but Vanquish would probably do a lot better than Anarchy Reigns.
Yakuza and Persona would probably be big too, if done right.
The recent Yakuza series would also be fantastic. 0, 1 remake, 3, 4, 5 and 6 would all look quite decent on PC. Unfortunately, 2 would remain stuck in PS2 asset land :/
Edit: And hey why not localize Kenzan! and Ishin while they're at it?? (HIGHLY unlikely, I know.)
The only game that Sony specifically helped with the localization of, was Yakuza 5.Of course, all of this is only possible if Sega doesn't 'owe' Sony exclusivity for their financial assistance with the localizations of 5, 0, Kiwami, and 6.
Hey guys, Sam Mullen here, producer at Atlus USA managing SEGA's JP lineup. I keep seeing this restated and I feel like it's causing a lot of misunderstanding, so I want to just set the record straight once and for all.
Sony has been an amazing partner, and we infinitely appreciate all their help and attention to this series. Without them, Y5 wouldn't have made it.
But their third party production team's involvement was limited to Yakuza 5. They have no involvement with 0, Kiwami, or Yakuza 6. For that, please direct all your love towards Atlus USA and SEGA themselves.
And keep rockin' YakuzaGAF. See you all in the 24th.
Yakuza and Persona would probably be big too, if done right.
Both of these would make a mint, Persona in particular. Waifu stuff really sells on PC. I'd happy rebuy every game I already own.
The only game that Sony specifically helped with the localization of, was Yakuza 5.
Sam Mullen who's a producer at Atlus USA confirmed as much.
well well well...
if the Vanquish buzz is true, could it mean my years of suffering are almost over?
well well well...
if the Vanquish buzz is true, could it mean my years of suffering are almost over?
Puyo Puyo Tetris needs to be part of this campaign.
Anyone know why OutRun 2006 was removed from Steam? It'd be nice to see that back.
I would pay so much for persona 4
3, 4 and 5. I still own 3 and 4 but c t play them ��
Never have thought of Persona 3 port for PC. If Atlus (doubtful this will ever happen) would port Persona 3 to PC, which would they choose. FES but no FeMC or Portable with FeMC but no Answer and VN gameplay for daily life. Sadly, I think they will go with FES.
They should do another Persona 3 with the PS2 gameplay and updated visuals with FeMC.
If we're talking PS2-era Atlus, I'm hoping for Nocturne
It's a logo from the russians in vanquish
Can Sega use this for Resonance of Fate teaser if that happens?
or this?
Just checking...
- Valkyria Chronicles ✓
- Bayonetta ✓
- Vanquish ✓
- Virtua Fighter 5
- Jet Set Radio Future
- Shenmue 1 & 2
- Resonance of FateJust checking...
- Valkyria Chronicles ✓
- Bayonetta ✓
- Vanquish ✓
- Virtua Fighter 5
- Jet Set Radio Future
- Shenmue 1 & 2
Where mah Sonic Heroes yo ;(
Where mah Sonic Heroes yo ;(
At least gimme Sonic Riders. That was the shit when I was a kid.
Where mah Sonic Heroes yo ;(
Surprise Sega release! I heard they saw this thread and decided to release Sonic Heroes and Sonic Riders for PC! New thread worthy!Lol didnt these release on PC a while back? Am surprised they didnt throw it on Steam along when they added SA1 and 2.
I heard they saw this thread and decided to release Sonic Heroes and Sonic Riders for PC! New thread worthy!
Just checking... [updating]
- Valkyria Chronicles ✓
- Bayonetta ✓
- Vanquish ✓
- Virtua Fighter 5
- Jet Set Radio Future
- Shenmue 1 & 2
- Panzer Dragon (all?)
- Skies of Arcadia
- Resonance of Fate
- MadWorld (this shouldn't be left out -- it contains a myriad of references that precede its spiritual successor)
- Anarchy Reigns
When?
That's only TotD Overkill though, isn't it? Technically not a port, because it didn't come out on anything else.I legit thought there was a chance after Typing of the Dead got ported, but I guess it was not meant to be.
List needs Yakuza and Hatsune Miku.Just checking... [updating]
- Valkyria Chronicles ✓
- Bayonetta ✓
- Vanquish ✓
- Virtua Fighter 5
- Jet Set Radio Future
- Shenmue 1 & 2
- Panzer Dragon (all?)
- Skies of Arcadia
- Resonance of Fate
- Anarchy Reigns
Is SEGA related with Vanillaware in any shape or form? Odin Sphere and Muramasa would be great on PC.
Sega acquired Atlus (who published Vanillaware's Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown), but this hasn't helped the distribution of these titles - e.g. Dragon's Crown has been pulled from EU PSN because NISA no longer publishes the Atlus titles in the EU any longer and it's been over a year and the issue hasn't been fixed yet.