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"Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale" (3DS) coming to NA by XSEED

H

Hero of Legend

Member
CGwIr8HW8AAnZmz.png:orig
Click to expand...

https://twitter.com/XSEEDGames/status/606869601570418688

That's a mouthful of a title, the SoS logo is a bit tacked on IMO.
 
W

wyrdwad

XSEED Localization Specialist
Hero of Legend said:
https://twitter.com/XSEEDGames/status/606869601570418688

That's a mouthful of a title, the SoS logo is a bit tacked on IMO.
Click to expand...

Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
 
H

Hero of Legend

Member
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...

Hey it's the man of the hour! So happy for you! :D

I was expecting it to be called PoPoLoCrois Story of Seasons as the IP is called PoPoLoCrois Story in Japan so yeah, why not that?
 
K

Kintaro

Worships the porcelain goddess
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...

All I'm waiting for it for it to show up to pre-order or if there is a special edition coming. I don't even know why you're talking. Why aren't you taking my money yet?
 
D

dallow_bg

nods at old men
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...


Guaranteed purchase now. I thought it'd be simply a farming game with Popo characters.

Congrats on all the announcements, what a big year.
 
R

RPG_Fanatic

Member
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...

Don't worry, next to Blood Drive this is the game I'm looking forward the most from you guys this year.
 
W

wyrdwad

XSEED Localization Specialist
Hero of Legend said:
Hey it's the man of the hour! So happy for you! :D

I was expecting it to be called PoPoLoCrois Story of Seasons as the IP is called PoPoLoCrois Story in Japan so yeah, why not that?
Click to expand...

We wanted to make it clear to people that this isn't just a cash-grab crossover, nor a remake of some other game that's come before it, so we expanded the title a little more than what was in the Japanese. "Return to PopoloCrois" is actually thematically appropriate to the game's story, too (since the main crux of it involves Prince Pietro getting trapped in another world and being forced to take up residence there and make a living farming until he can find a way to, quite literally, return to PopoloCrois), so it seemed like a nice moniker to use for that purpose.

-Tom
 
S

Salsa

Member
I loved PSP popolocrois

didnt look too much into this when it first came out in JP but im kinda already sold
 
K

Kirie

Member
As a RPG enthusiast and a huge SoS fan, this is a day one purchase for me even though I've never played the PoPoLoCrois series before. It looks so charming!

You were so excited on the XSEED forums a few months ago about this title, so I'm really happy that you guys were able to bring it on over :D Must be so exciting for you!
 
R

rexor0717

Member
Wow, wasn't expecting to see more from this series. I loved the PSP game, it was so charming. I'll definitely be getting this.

Wait, Story of Seasons is Harvest Moon? Fuuuuuuuuuuck now I really need this. It sounds like everything I want.
 
B

Booker Dewitt

Member
Loved the PSP Popolocrois despite the loading being obnoxiously bad. Definitely interested in giving this a shot, haven't touched my 3DS for a while.
 
A

Aru

Member
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...

Nice. I really liked the PSP version of Popolocrois a lot, so I'll be keeping an eye on this game.
 
T

The Yo Tornado

Member
I've always wanted to play a Popolocrois game and Harvest Moon/SoS has been one of my favorite series since I was a kid so this is definitely a day 1. Of all of the recent XSeed announcements this is easily the one I'm most excited about.
 
E

EmptySpace

Banned
i have yet to play the psp popolocrois. should i play it?


my gosh. i want to buy a ps4 or build a pc yet i still have my psp and psp games. right now i just started valkyria chronicles 2 (never finished vc1 on ps3. yes, damn that chapter 7). i also still have jeanne d'arc and a bunch of other rpgs/jrpgs.
 
H

hawk2025

Member
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...


Oh, silly Xseed.

Don't worry, I'm buying all your stuff.
 
W

wyrdwad

XSEED Localization Specialist
EmptySpace said:
i have yet to play the psp popolocrois. should i play it?
Click to expand...

Go into it knowing that it has some technical flaws and is not as good as the older Japan-only titles, and that it doesn't really get good until chapter 2, and you should be fine.

But I can't stress enough that it's not representative of the series as a whole, and not even really representative of the two Japan-only games it's based on. It's ALMOST there... but not quite. There's too much missing or changed.

Still plenty of charm to be had, though.

As far as other titles based on the PopoloCrois IP that you can enjoy in English go, there are also the two anime series. I fansubbed both the 25-episode 1998 series and the 26-episode 2003 series way back in the day, long before joining XSEED, and they're both great shows (though disclaimer: my translation abilities have gotten significantly less "keikaku means plan" over the years, so please don't think that anything you see there represents anything I'll be doing today. I'm a much better translator today than I was 10+ years ago!).

-Tom
 
Hikami

Hikami

Member
PopoloCrois
Click to expand...
how do you pronounce this

wyrdwad said:
Despite the fact that it's the Italian "Popolo" and the French "Crois" stuck together, you pronounce it phonetically (i.e. the 'murrican way) as "POH-poh-loh-croyce."

-Tom
Click to expand...

Ah cool, so I was saying it right.

Game definitely has my interest, will be checking it out for sure.
 
V

Ventara

Member
I am incredibly hyped for this. Probably my most anticipated game from XSEED's announcements. I love farming games, but after a while, I feel they become too deep/overbearing with the finer points. If what wyrdwad says about them is true (balancing a traditional RPG and farming elements), then this sounds like a perfect game for me.
 
H

Hero of Legend

Member
wyrdwad said:
Despite the fact that it's the Italian "Popolo" and the French "Crois" stuck together, you pronounce it phonetically (i.e. the 'murrican way) as "POH-poh-loh-croyce."

-Tom
Click to expand...

Or type it as "Poh-Poh-Low-Crow-Is". I always try to simplify typed pronunciations as much as possible. XD
 
B

Bytes

Member
That title name should be labelled a choking hazard for children.

I have no idea what PoPoLoCrois is, but I do like me some Story of Seasons (and Harvest Moon, yes I am treating them as two different series) and JRPGs so color me interested.
 
R

randomkid

Member
I had totally forgotten how pretty the original Popolocrois is on PSX. The animation and attention to detail is really wonderful.

I'm keeping my eye on this one.
 
bengraven

bengraven

Member
wyrdwad said:
Yeah, there was only so much we could do with both names and both logos, but I think it turned out OK.

Anyway, THIS IS THE GAME YOU SHOULD ALL BE MOST HYPED FOR. Seriously. It's freaking amazing. A perfect blending of PopoloCrois and Story of Seasons, so if anyone was worried about buying it because they're not fans of farming sims, there's no need for concern: it's a '90s-era-style turn-based JRPG first and foremost, with a very nostalgic feel, a great cast of characters, a lovely and well-written story with a lot of heart and a lot of tearjerking moments, and a great, well-developed world full of charming (and kind of goofy) NPCs. It's the perfect feel-good JRPG, and hearkens back to the golden era of the genre in just about every way.

It also really does blend the two IPs together beautifully, with a LOT of Story of Seasons elements, but they're all gradually and very naturally integrated into the game, and are just as important thematically they are to the gameplay. If you're into Bokujo titles, it has plenty to keep you busy for a LONG time, but if you're not, all the Bokujo elements will just feel like side-quests and minigames from the RPGs of yore instead -- they're pretty much optional, but don't feel tacked-on or out of place, and can easily be focused on if you want them to be.

This game is going to get overshadowed by other announcements, I'm sure (Sen no Kiseki most notably), but I urge you guys to put it on your radar, as it really is a wonderful, charming, wholesome JRPG that'll totally make you feel like a kid again.

-Tom
Click to expand...

Damn you sold me on this game man. I could use a good old fashioned JRPG with some great story and I love Harvest Moon. I wanted the PSP version of PoPo and kept putting it off so I'm glad it's going to to 3DS. Seriously sounds awe...

wyrdwad
XSEED Localization Specialist
Click to expand...

HEY...

(just kidding, seriously)
 
ArtHands

ArtHands

Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
I am actually surprise that Xseed is doing something for the 3DS.
 
J

jdevil99

Member
I'm equally excited for this and Trails of Cold Steel surprisingly. As much as I fell in love with the world while playing through TitS, the first RPG I finished on PSP was Popolocrois. Bought it on a whim and even though it was flawed,it was charming as hell and I have nothing but fond memories. This is a day one purchase,fingers crossed for some kind of collectors edition. With all the announcements today, E3 has yet to begin and I can easily say it'll be the best in years with stuff like this being shown. Bless you based XSeed.
 
R

RPG_Fanatic

Member
wyrdwad said:
As far as other titles based on the PopoloCrois IP that you can enjoy in English go, there are also the two anime series. I fansubbed both the 25-episode 1998 series and the 26-episode 2003 series way back in the day, long before joining XSEED, and they're both great shows (though disclaimer: my translation abilities have gotten significantly less "keikaku means plan" over the years, so please don't think that anything you see there represents anything I'll be doing today. I'm a much better translator today than I was 10+ years ago!).

-Tom
Click to expand...

Well you convinced me to take a look at the anime.
 
B

batbeg

Member
Buying this for sure. Probably going to look into the anime now too lol. I remember checking it out when Tom said he fansubbed it before but I forgot to watch it all lol.
 
O

Overside

Banned
I am familiar with the series seperately... More popo than harvest moon though, but not the cross... Does this make it akin to rune factory?

Is there an overworld to explore?
 
W

wyrdwad

XSEED Localization Specialist
ArtHands said:
I am actually surprise that Xseed is doing something for the 3DS.
Click to expand...

Er, we just released Lord of Magna on 3DS last week, and Story of Seasons on 3DS wasn't too long ago either. And two of our popular titles from a little while back are Rune Factory 4 and Senran Kagura Burst on 3DS. And we also have another 3DS title in our upcoming lineup (Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson). So we're no strangers to 3DS, my friend! ;)

jdevil99 said:
I'm equally excited for this and Trails of Cold Steel surprisingly. As much as I fell in love with the world while playing through TitS, the first RPG I finished on PSP was Popolocrois. Bought it on a whim and even though it was flawed,it was charming as hell and I have nothing but fond memories.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was probably being a little hard on the PSP game in my previous comments. It is deeply flawed, to be sure, but enough of the charm of the Japanese PS1 titles comes through that if you haven't played its forebears, it's still a really nice experience. It's hard for me to recommend it due to the slow start, all the missing content, and the wonky technical issues, but I can definitely understand falling in love with it, and I think anyone who enjoyed it is absolutely certain to enjoy this game as well.

Overside said:
I am familiar with the series seperately... More popo than harvest moon though, but not the cross... Does this make it akin to rune factory?
Click to expand...

Kind of, but with tactical turn-based random battles (albeit very simple and quick ones) as opposed to action RPG fighting.

Also, it has a lot more of an emphasis on the JRPG side of things than Rune Factory, with there being a singular driving quest, progression through the world, multiple towns, story events, etc.

The best way to think of it is as a classically-styled JRPG (like something from the '90s, as I said), but with Bokujo/Story of Seasons elements used for virtually all the side-quests, minigames and bonus content.

If you go into it expecting farm sim from the outset, you might be slightly disappointed, as you really don't even get to START farming for a good 3 hours or so -- it's all story progression up to that point. And even when you do get to start farming, you're pretty restricted in where and what you can farm for another 3 hours or so. Only after all that does the world open up and do the Story of Seasons elements really begin to shine -- and there's a definite payoff when they do, as the Story of Seasons elements are fantastic and a lot of fun.

But honestly, it's the Popolo elements I love most here, as they really are well-honed. This is a great old-school JRPG with wonderful characters, an engaging story, and great writing.

Is there an overworld to explore?
Click to expand...

Oh, yeah, for sure. You slowly unlock the four regions of the overworld over the course of the game, with each one containing one farm and at least one town (the first two each have two). It's not enormous or anything, but it's sizable enough, and quite varied in its settings (especially since each region is vaguely modeled after one of the four seasons).

-Tom
 
H

Hubb

Member
A game I never thought would be on my radar is now on my radar. Might not be day 1 depending on when it releases, but I'm interested in seeing more of this game.
 
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