adversesolutions
Member
Welcome to the official Neogaf Grev thread, your source for obscurantist news on the one and only G Revolution, one of the last Japanese shooter devs, with a taste for colorful characters and bizarre scoring systems. Composed mostly of ex-Taito employees, Grev made a name for themselves with their Dreamcast-era hits Border Down and Under Defeat, as well as their programming collaboration on Ikaruga, which became a milestone in the shooting genre.
Grev has distinguished themselves in the shooting space by their willingness to try their hand at new game styles, and in 2005 the company launched their space mech fighter, Senko no Ronde, into arcades. Senko no Ronde was released in English as Wartech: Senko no Ronde by Ubisoft in the US. With a passable game balance, Senko built up a fan base with tournaments in arcades. A more manic sequel, Senko no Ronde DUO was released in 2009, and ported to Xbox360 in 2010, included MvC2 style assists and more tweaked game mechanics. Grev have built on a small but loyal fanbase, and are still putting out original games for console platforms as well as the occasional arcade (NESSiCA) release. Recently they released the impressive XBLA shooter "Strania: the Stellar Machine", and their recruitment of Ikaruga director Hiroshi Iuchi hopefully bodes well for upcoming projects despite their shaky financial state.
This thread will be the spot to get the latest news on Grev games and products. Subscribe to this baby because it won't be on page 1 for long!
----------Grev has distinguished themselves in the shooting space by their willingness to try their hand at new game styles, and in 2005 the company launched their space mech fighter, Senko no Ronde, into arcades. Senko no Ronde was released in English as Wartech: Senko no Ronde by Ubisoft in the US. With a passable game balance, Senko built up a fan base with tournaments in arcades. A more manic sequel, Senko no Ronde DUO was released in 2009, and ported to Xbox360 in 2010, included MvC2 style assists and more tweaked game mechanics. Grev have built on a small but loyal fanbase, and are still putting out original games for console platforms as well as the occasional arcade (NESSiCA) release. Recently they released the impressive XBLA shooter "Strania: the Stellar Machine", and their recruitment of Ikaruga director Hiroshi Iuchi hopefully bodes well for upcoming projects despite their shaky financial state.
This thread will be the spot to get the latest news on Grev games and products. Subscribe to this baby because it won't be on page 1 for long!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY INFO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Grev Facebook - The only spot on the internet besides this thread with dedicated news about Grev in English. Check it out!
Grev Blog - Regularly updated by Maruyama with news about their latest projects, this page is only in Japanese. Located here.
Official Homepage - Overall info on the company.
Grev Shop - Not open to overseas orders unfortunately...
Ustream Channel - Recently Grev has taken to Ustream to promote their games. Cool if you understand Japanese.
Grev Blog - Regularly updated by Maruyama with news about their latest projects, this page is only in Japanese. Located here.
Official Homepage - Overall info on the company.
Grev Shop - Not open to overseas orders unfortunately...
Ustream Channel - Recently Grev has taken to Ustream to promote their games. Cool if you understand Japanese.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVELOPERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hiroyuki Maruyama - CEO and game designer for Grev, Maruyama has overseen the Senko no Ronde series and acted as director for most of Grev's games. Maruyama originally worked at Taito, and worked on G. Darius among other games.
Hiroshi Iuchi - A recent transplant to Grev, Iuchi was a co-founder of Treasure and has worked as a graphic artist on titles like Yu-yu Hakusho, Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier. He served as director and chief planner for Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V.
Hiroshi Iuchi - A recent transplant to Grev, Iuchi was a co-founder of Treasure and has worked as a graphic artist on titles like Yu-yu Hakusho, Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier. He served as director and chief planner for Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT INTERVIEWS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMING SOON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of February 2013, Grev only has Under Defeat for Sega's All.net plus Multi scheduled for release this Spring.
In terms of their future plans, Senko no Ronde for Vita was officially announced about a year ago, but there has been almost no information on the game and some Japanese users are speculating on whether it will actually come out given the dismal state of the Vita.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUT NOW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNDER DEFEAT HD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Under Defeat HD
GENRE: Vertical Scrolling Shooter
PLATFORMS: Xbox360, PS3 Disc Release
DEVELOPER: Grev
PUBLISHER: Grev
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
RATING: Cero A
PRICE: 7,980 yen (LE)
5,600 yen (SE)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELEASE DATE: February 23rd, 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT UNDER DEFEAT HD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A vertical-scrolling helicopter shooter which was originally released for the Dreamcast in 2005, Under Defeat became a collector's item due in part to its compelling 3D Naomi 2 graphics and the simplicity of its gameplay which was a return to the "shoot and destroy" shooters of yesteryear. In the HD version, available for both Xbox360 and PS3, the original game lives on in Arcade Mode, where players navigate military-themed levels while taking out enemies with their shot and bomb. However, like any shooter, Under Defeat has a scoring system under the veneer of simplicity. Similar to the Raiden series, a certain amount of patience is encouraged: holding off on the shot button will charge your option gauge, and hitting shot once it's full will release your option attack: either Vulcan, Cannon or Rocket. Enemies killed with your option attack will give a 2x bonus.
The HD remaster also features a "New Order Mode", which is a full 16:9 expansion of the game where each stage is much larger on-screen. Whether other parts of the game system differ from the original arcade release remains to be seen.
More thoughts on the Dreamcast release from 1CCBlog:
On their February 17th USTREAM broadcast, Grev announced that there would be extra DLC available for Under Defeat in the near future.
What we know at the moment:
The HD remaster also features a "New Order Mode", which is a full 16:9 expansion of the game where each stage is much larger on-screen. Whether other parts of the game system differ from the original arcade release remains to be seen.
More thoughts on the Dreamcast release from 1CCBlog:
On their February 17th USTREAM broadcast, Grev announced that there would be extra DLC available for Under Defeat in the near future.
What we know at the moment:
- Gamer Icons
- New Playable Helicopter - Beginner-oriented, probably much stronger than the normal ship like the DLC character "Nowa" for Mamorukun wa Norowaretteshimatta.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIDEOS AND SCREENSHOTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the first promotional video for Under Defeat HD here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITED EDITION BOX ART AND CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The limited edition of UDHD comes with a reproduction of the original Dreamcast packaging inside the box, which houses the game DVD.
Also packed in is a "New Order Soundtrack CD" by composer Yosuke Yasui, known for his retro soundtrack on minimalist shooter Eschatos.
Also packed in is a "New Order Soundtrack CD" by composer Yosuke Yasui, known for his retro soundtrack on minimalist shooter Eschatos.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAME MODES, SCORING SYSTEM AND ACHIEVEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A translation of the achievements can be found here.
Shmups also has a breakdown of the scoring system here.
Shmups also has a breakdown of the scoring system here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOKUGA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Kokuga
GENRE: Arena Shooter
PLATFORMS: 3DS Download
DEVELOPER: Grev
PUBLISHER: Grev
PLAYERS: 1 to 4 people (Compatible with Local Wi-fi and Download Play, i.e. if one person has a copy, several others may play)
RATING: TBD
PRICE: TBD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELEASE DATE: March, 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grev president Maruyama hinted that Kokuga would release in March on their Ustream broadcast of 2/17. So far the release date has been "Spring" only.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT KOKUGA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hiroshi Iuchi's first directorial project at Grev, Kokuga is also Grev's first 3DS release.
Kokuga's game design consists of four main points:
Kokuga's game design consists of four main points:
- 1 shot on screen
Commanding your mobile ship, you will have to maneuver into position with the slide pad and aim with the shoulder buttons. Fire with the A button to take out enemies. Only one shot can remain on screen at time so you will have to pick your angles.
- Cards
Cards are randomly dealt at the start of each stage, and can be used to recover life, help out your friends or deal massive damage to enemies.
- Play time and difficulty
You can choose how you want to play Kokuga depending on how much time you have. You progress through the game along a route of your choosing, towards one of the Final stages below. If you're playing with your friends, you could for instance choose the shortest route to the Final stage, and take a longer route when you're playing on your own.
As you beat stages, their difficulty transforms from Normal -> Hard, Hard -> Ultimate.
- Multiplayer
Play co-op with up to four players. Kokuga is compatible with "download play" meaning that you can play with friends even if they don't have a copy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIDEOS AND SCREENSHOTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First promotional video.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAME MODES, SCORING SYSTEM AND ACHIEVEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three difficulties: normal, hard and ultimate. Scores are recorded for each mode, and for each stage.
Scoring essentially involves destroying as many enemies as possible in the stage, while using the multiplier that you get with your cards as best you can. You'll notice a x2, x3 etc. on the cards on the bottom screen, this is the multiplier applied to any enemy when you destroy it.
Clearing a stage will earn you a medal. The more medals you collect, the higher the game's internal rank climbs, making enemies fire more bullets, change their attack patterns, and become harder to kill.
Kokuga is a straight-forward clear-based game so there is not much to the scoring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRANIA, THE STELLAR MACHINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Strania - The Stellar Machine
GENRE: 16:9 Vertical Scrolling Shooter
PLATFORMS: XBLA
DEVELOPER: Grev
PUBLISHER: Microsoft
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
RATING: E10+
PRICE: 800 MSP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELEASED: March 30th, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demo and full game are available on Xbox LIVE. The demo version features first two stages.
Download Strania on Xbox.com here.
Download Strania on Xbox.com here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT STRANIA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strania is Grev's first original title for XBLA, and is playable in arcades via the NESiCAxLive system.
Built around a weapon-swapping scoring mechanic that encourages players to use the myriad of weapons found in the game as often as possible, if Players can make it to the end of Strania, they will be rewarded massively for each weapon they raised above rank 10, meaning that high score runs will focus on constant weapon switching and safe play.
In place of the "bomb" mechanic found in other shooters, Strania has an "O.D. Gauge" which builds up as you destroy enemies and can give you up to a 2.0x bonus on bosses. Visually, the game is very dynamic and has a cinematic sci-fi feel to it.
Built around a weapon-swapping scoring mechanic that encourages players to use the myriad of weapons found in the game as often as possible, if Players can make it to the end of Strania, they will be rewarded massively for each weapon they raised above rank 10, meaning that high score runs will focus on constant weapon switching and safe play.
In place of the "bomb" mechanic found in other shooters, Strania has an "O.D. Gauge" which builds up as you destroy enemies and can give you up to a 2.0x bonus on bosses. Visually, the game is very dynamic and has a cinematic sci-fi feel to it.
Story
April 23, 392 PD
Operation "Stella Shooter"
More story information here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCREENSHOTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCORING SYSTEM AND GAME MODES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See this thread for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DLC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIDE VOWER
PRICE: 400 MSP
A tale does not become an epic without multiple twists and storylines, and the epic of Strania is not limited to the chapters detailing the Stranian forces’ attempt to defend the planet they call home. In the DLC package SIDE VOWER, gamers assume the role of the intergalactic travelers who have come to Strania with a mission – to recapture the land that they hold sacred.
Work your way into the heart of the planet as you fight through newly arranged stages each capped with a Stranian boss. New music tracks accompany you as you duel with the elite Stella Machina. Break through Stranian defenses and lead the Vower army to fulfill their destiny.
PRICE: 400 MSP
A tale does not become an epic without multiple twists and storylines, and the epic of Strania is not limited to the chapters detailing the Stranian forces’ attempt to defend the planet they call home. In the DLC package SIDE VOWER, gamers assume the role of the intergalactic travelers who have come to Strania with a mission – to recapture the land that they hold sacred.
Work your way into the heart of the planet as you fight through newly arranged stages each capped with a Stranian boss. New music tracks accompany you as you duel with the elite Stella Machina. Break through Stranian defenses and lead the Vower army to fulfill their destiny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAMORU-KUN WA NOROWARETTE SHIMATTA!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Mamoru-kun Wa Norowarette Shimatta! (Little Mamoru got cursed!)
GENRE: 16:9 Vertical Scrolling Shooter
PLATFORMS: PS3
DEVELOPER: Grev
PUBLISHER: Cyberfront
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
RATING: B 12+
PRICE: 8925 Yen (LE)
6279 Yen (SE)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELEASED: March 31st, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
■■■There is a free demo with two stages of the new Meikai Gekijou Mode available on JP PSN.■■■
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT MAMORU-KUN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamoru-kun was a quirky game released for Arcade and later Xbox 360. Players control one of six characters in this vertical-scrolling style shoot-em-up with a scoring system built around "cursing enemies" with your special attack, turning their bullets into colorful stars, and building long combo chains. The Xbox360 release featured a Story Mode along with Arcade Mode.
The PS3 release reworks the game into full 16:9 and gives a wider playfield to maneuver in. It also adds a new objective-based challenge mode with over 60 missions, a new soundtrack and new downloadable costumes.
This game is the first packaged release for a shooter on the PS3, despite being several years into the system's life-cycle.
The PS3 release reworks the game into full 16:9 and gives a wider playfield to maneuver in. It also adds a new objective-based challenge mode with over 60 missions, a new soundtrack and new downloadable costumes.
This game is the first packaged release for a shooter on the PS3, despite being several years into the system's life-cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCREENSHOTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITED EDITION BOX ART AND CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from the art book:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAME MODES, SCORING SYSTEM, ACHIEVEMENTS AND COSTUMES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See this thread for more information.
Always nice to see G Rev get some attention!
