• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward ("Good People Die") - US 3DS/Vita release, fall

VLR OST's track list :) (happens to be in English ;) )

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120312_518295.html


Make sure to pick it up when it comes out in Japan on 4/19! :D

Do want. I wonder if any of those tracks is a remix of Morphogenetic Sorrow.

By the way, Askel, I've been curious: about when were you guys able to get the ball rolling on localization? I know you spent months saying you hoped some nice publisher would pick it up, but about when were you guys actually able to get in touch with Chunsoft and start discussing the idea? Totally understand if you can't answer, just wondering.
 
CE would be great. But I do wish for something other than Art/CD sampler since I'm buying the art book and soundtrack anyway...

I thought the watch was a really neat thing for 999.
 
Do want. I wonder if any of those tracks is a remix of Morphogenetic Sorrow.

By the way, Askel, I've been curious: about when were you guys able to get the ball rolling on localization? I know you spent months saying you hoped some nice publisher would pick it up, but about when were you guys actually able to get in touch with Chunsoft and start discussing the idea? Totally understand if you can't answer, just wondering.

I don't think I can comment on that in any official capacity, but
I'll just say, we were extremely on the ball :)

And yeah, as much as I wanted to shout from the roof tops that we were doing it, we had to wait until our official announcement, so the best I could offer
was playing coy :)
 
Siliconera put up an article by our very own editor, Ben Bateman, who you may remember from such fine titles as 999 and VLR
for those of you who hail from the future~
, explaining the meaning behind the naming of Virtue's Last Reward :D


http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/14/the-thinking-behind-the-title-zero-escape-virtues-last-reward/


Also, interesting 1st track name on the official Japanese VLR OST ;)


http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120312_518295.html
Are any of those sections spoiler-free? =)
 
Are any of those sections spoiler-free? =)


If you mean the links themselves, the Siliconera link is spoiler free, unless the reasons behind the name you'd consider as spoilers :)

The Game Watch article has the track names for the OST, all in English, but none of them are particularly spoilery, unless you don't want to know about location names for the most part ;)
 
Siliconera put up an article by our very own editor, Ben Bateman, who you may remember from such fine titles as 999 and VLR
for those of you who hail from the future~
, explaining the meaning behind the naming of Virtue's Last Reward :D


http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/14/the-thinking-behind-the-title-zero-escape-virtues-last-reward/
Pretty cool that it came from the cat's meow. Did the Siliconera guys e-mail him, asking about the thought process? I'm used to seeing interviews--which I thought this would be--not an actual employee writing about it. I was "???" when I read "We" the first time :P And then it made sense when I looked at the name right after.
 
Oh boy, are those 'VLR is a stupid name' haters gonna love this.

We told you Uchikoshi loved the name ;)

Most likely that track was originally called "Zennin Shiboudesu", but since all the other tracks are in English, they needed an English name for that as well :)

That would be my guess anyway~
 
We told you Uchikoshi loved the name ;)

I do too, sooo

UwUYV.gif
 
Getting the
Safe
end in 999 after experiencing three bad ends was amazing. The way that the smaller pieces of information came together to slowly reveal a larger story was very satisfying. Not to mention the icing on the cake where
the knockout gas is administered to Junpei in the room with the two 9 doors. It makes me wonder how long he's been on the ship....
.

Great job.

VLR is now a Day 1 buy. Aksys if you make a CE ,day 1 CE. Thank you for helping to wash the bad taste out of my mouth that came from the Mass Effect 3 ending.
 
I love the name "Virtues Last Reward" and that's a great article with explanation on Siliconera. The first time I saw the name I thought "how cool!" and immediately recognized the double meanings although not so much how it was derived from the Japanese title.

To say I'm really psyched for VLR would be putting it very mildly. This is going to be my "Dark Souls" of 2012. And by that I mean the game I look forward to all year that puts that perfect end to the year and takes me weeks to beat. And I can't wait!
 
I'm just getting started with Zero Escape 1: 999 and so far I'm liking this a lot!!
I wonder what kind of surprises lie down the road :) can't stop playing!
If the whole game is good as its first 2 hours I'll be taking Zero Escape 2 for sure!

I like how it's making a use of the double screen to split the narrative scope, so I think I'll be getting this for 3DS.... IF it gets a PAL release (or if someone manages to disable the region lock)... else I'll get a retail Vita version that is completely region free! That would have to wait though... I'm not getting a Vita until the Ceramic White one gets released!
 
I'm just getting started with Zero Escape 1: 999 and so far I'm liking this a lot!!
I wonder what kind of surprises lie down the road :) can't stop playing!
If the whole game is good as its first 2 hours I'll be taking Zero Escape 2 for sure!

I like how it's making a use of the double screen to split the narrative scope, so I think I'll be getting this for 3DS.... IF it gets a PAL release (or if someone manages to disable the region lock)... else I'll get a retail Vita version that is completely region free! That would have to wait though... I'm not getting a Vita until the Ceramic White one gets released!

Buckle up because you are in for a seriously cool ride. =)
 
I'm just getting started with Zero Escape 1: 999 and so far I'm liking this a lot!!
I wonder what kind of surprises lie down the road :) can't stop playing!
If the whole game is good as its first 2 hours I'll be taking Zero Escape 2 for sure!

I like how it's making a use of the double screen to split the narrative scope, so I think I'll be getting this for 3DS.... IF it gets a PAL release (or if someone manages to disable the region lock)... else I'll get a retail Vita version that is completely region free! That would have to wait though... I'm not getting a Vita until the Ceramic White one gets released!


Just a heads up that just because 999 did it doesn't mean VLR does. These are different games. =)
 
Just a heads up that just because 999 did it doesn't mean VLR does. These are different games. =)

You mean about the dual screen usage? I'd still prefer 3DS considering I like to have all games in a series for the same console (or generation "siblings" like in this case), we'll see however, nothing has been decided yet...
 
Tried VLR (demo) on my vita this week-end ...

I'm loving the graphics even if i prefer 2d ( but this method is excellent )
I have not many things to say except that it reinforced my desire to get the localised version at the end of the year

( i know enough japanese to play and finish many rpgs without faqs but i'm not confindent in my skill for games like these where every detail might be important )

The fact that it's correctly localised helps my mind for the wait too.
I'll probably finish this demo because it's taunting me...
 
I'm just getting started with Zero Escape 1: 999 and so far I'm liking this a lot!!
I wonder what kind of surprises lie down the road :) can't stop playing!
If the whole game is good as its first 2 hours I'll be taking Zero Escape 2 for sure!
It does, although the twist(s) at the end of the game can be a bit... divisive amongst people who've played the game. Others love it all, others almost retroactively hate the game because of it (personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the ending, but I still enjoyed the ride so much that I didn't care that the ending wasn't quite to my liking).

Just a bit of an advice to prepare for some things that are perhaps not everyone's cup of tea.
 
It was a cool ride indeed!!!

Unfortunately I got a bad ending, everybody died :p
The electric chair scene was heart bumping!!

I really liked the game, unfortunately the current LAW prevents me to replay games until I've cleared another good chunk of my backlog, so replays will have to wait (
if I got it correctly subsequent playthroughs should be shorter, right?
).

EDIT:
Finally managed to get the spoiler tag working :p I did a flash edit, hope I didn't inconvenience anybody...
 
It was a cool ride indeed!!!

Unfortunately I got a bad ending, everybody died :p
The electric chair scene was heart bumping!!

I really liked the game, unfortunately the current LAW prevents me to replay games until I've cleared another good chunk of my backlog, so replays will have to wait (
if I got it correctly subsequent playthroughs should be shorter, right?
).

EDIT:
Finally managed to get the spoiler tag working :p I did a flash edit, hope I didn't inconvenience anybody...

I understand your backlog dilemma, as I have a similar situation, but you really haven't beaten 999 until you've seen the true ending. You've barely just scratched the surface.

This game uses the multiple ending mechanic in a way that no other game has. If you want the true 999 experience, I'd strongly suggest following it through to completion.

It does, although the twist(s) at the end of the game can be a bit... divisive amongst people who've played the game. Others love it all, others almost retroactively hate the game because of it (personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the ending, but I still enjoyed the ride so much that I didn't care that the ending wasn't quite to my liking).

Just a bit of an advice to prepare for some things that are perhaps not everyone's cup of tea.
While there are certainly people that don't really care for the ending, I think the majority of the fan reaction has been quite positive. I haven't really seen it to be that divisive.
 
It was a cool ride indeed!!!

Unfortunately I got a bad ending, everybody died :p
The electric chair scene was heart bumping!!

I really liked the game, unfortunately the current LAW prevents me to replay games until I've cleared another good chunk of my backlog, so replays will have to wait (
if I got it correctly subsequent playthroughs should be shorter, right?
).

EDIT:
Finally managed to get the spoiler tag working :p I did a flash edit, hope I didn't inconvenience anybody...

Oh wait, wait wait. You have to, must, no question, keep playing until you get the real ending. Just trust us on this one. Use a guide for knowing which doors to pick if you think you need it but you can't stop now. You've only read a little bit of this book and there's so much more to go!
 
Don't let 9,9,9 go untill you've seen the true ending ( i may be the third person saying this but this is important ) .. reaching the true ending is beating the game.

i can't believe you've got any answer anyway in the ending you've got ...
 
It was a cool ride indeed!!!

Unfortunately I got a bad ending, everybody died :p
The electric chair scene was heart bumping!!

I really liked the game, unfortunately the current LAW prevents me to replay games until I've cleared another good chunk of my backlog, so replays will have to wait (
if I got it correctly subsequent playthroughs should be shorter, right?
).

EDIT:
Finally managed to get the spoiler tag working :p I did a flash edit, hope I didn't inconvenience anybody...

You haven't beaten it. Like literally. You're only 1/5 done. The true ending isn't some special neat extra for completionists, it's actually what you're working towards from the beginning.
 
Siliconera put up an article by our very own editor, Ben Bateman, who you may remember from such fine titles as 999 and VLR
for those of you who hail from the future~
, explaining the meaning behind the naming of Virtue's Last Reward :D

http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/14/the-thinking-behind-the-title-zero-escape-virtues-last-reward/

Also, interesting 1st track name on the official Japanese VLR OST ;)

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120312_518295.html
I wants that OST.

Also, I never really found the English localized name problematic. It sounds better than "Good People Die" (even if that is rather quirky, it seems rather laughable in terms of marketing and the second meaning of the original title was lost in context).

Article was a good read. I think "Deliberate Betrayal" would've been silly, though. It sounds like a title of those novels you see at Walmart or the drugstore, or the name of a cheesy action flick. :P

It was a cool ride indeed!!!

Unfortunately I got a bad ending, everybody died :p
The electric chair scene was heart bumping!!

I really liked the game, unfortunately the current LAW prevents me to replay games until I've cleared another good chunk of my backlog, so replays will have to wait (
if I got it correctly subsequent playthroughs should be shorter, right?
).
Like everyone said, keep playing. You truly haven't finished the game yet. ;)
 
What's the cheapest/best way for an Aussie to get 999? I've found a used like-new copy on eBay for $35 incl. postage, but unless it's ultra rare that seems a bit steep for a used DS game..?
 
I'm just getting started with Zero Escape 1: 999 and so far I'm liking this a lot!!
I wonder what kind of surprises lie down the road :) can't stop playing!
If the whole game is good as its first 2 hours I'll be taking Zero Escape 2 for sure!

I like how it's making a use of the double screen to split the narrative scope, so I think I'll be getting this for 3DS.... IF it gets a PAL release (or if someone manages to disable the region lock)... else I'll get a retail Vita version that is completely region free! That would have to wait though... I'm not getting a Vita until the Ceramic White one gets released!

Just wanted to point out that if you get a bad ending, keep replaying till you get the proper, good ending. The payoff was damn entertaining. It's one hell of an awesome ride.
 
I understand your backlog dilemma, as I have a similar situation, but you really haven't beaten 999 until you've seen the true ending. You've barely just scratched the surface.

This game uses the multiple ending mechanic in a way that no other game has. If you want the true 999 experience, I'd strongly suggest following it through to completion.


While there are certainly people that don't really care for the ending, I think the majority of the fan reaction has been quite positive. I haven't really seen it to be that divisive.

Oh wait, wait wait. You have to, must, no question, keep playing until you get the real ending. Just trust us on this one. Use a guide for knowing which doors to pick if you think you need it but you can't stop now. You've only read a little bit of this book and there's so much more to go!

Don't let 9,9,9 go untill you've seen the true ending ( i may be the third person saying this but this is important ) .. reaching the true ending is beating the game.

i can't believe you've got any answer anyway in the ending you've got ...

The only ending in 999 is the true ending, the other 'endings' just pave the way for the real end

You haven't beaten it. Like literally. You're only 1/5 done. The true ending isn't some special neat extra for completionists, it's actually what you're working towards from the beginning.

Like everyone said, keep playing. You truly haven't finished the game yet. ;)

Just wanted to point out that if you get a bad ending, keep replaying till you get the proper, good ending. The payoff was damn entertaining. It's one hell of an awesome ride.


How could I refuse after this? :)

Ok, I'll go on. And I think I've found the perfect compromise between my backlog burning and continuing this game. Judging by my schedule I think I'll do something like this:

- Castlevania Chronicles
<-- 999 Attempt #2
- The World Ends With You
<-- 999 Attempt #3
- Policenauts
<-- 999 Attempt #4
- Nostalgia
<-- 999 Attempt #5
- Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy
<-- 999 Attempt #6
- Xenoblade
- The Last Story

Seems perfect!

Also please note that it's not that I didn't want to complete this game, it's just that when I play games I usually "speedrun" through a first time to complete them at a later date during a second playthrough. This way the games last longer! So I thought of getting to a first ending and then resuming it later, however thinking about it my plan had a flaw. With games like RPGs or action/adventure it's not a problem since I'm starting them from the beginning, however with 999 after a while I'd have forgotten the plot details! While this usuallly works to my advantage because it allows me to relive certain moments as it were the first time, with 999 it would have not!

So thanks for convincing me to complete this! I'll keep you informed as I progress!
 
How could I refuse after this? :)

Ok, I'll go on. And I think I've found the perfect compromise between my backlog burning and continuing this game. Judging by my schedule I think I'll do something like this:

- Castlevania Chronicles
<-- 999 Attempt #2
- The World Ends With You
<-- 999 Attempt #3
- Policenauts
<-- 999 Attempt #4
- Nostalgia
<-- 999 Attempt #5
- Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy
<-- 999 Attempt #6
- Xenoblade
- The Last Story

Seems perfect!

Also please note that it's not that I didn't want to complete this game, it's just that when I play games I usually "speedrun" through a first time to complete them at a later date during a second playthrough. This way the games last longer! So I thought of getting to a first ending and then resuming it later, however thinking about it my plan had a flaw. With games like RPGs or action/adventure it's not a problem since I'm starting them from the beginning, however with 999 after a while I'd have forgotten the plot details! While this usuallly works to my advantage because it allows me to relive certain moments as it were the first time, with 999 it would have not!

So thanks for convincing me to complete this! I'll keep you informed as I progress!
I was in the same situation as you, planning to just rush through 999 to clear it out of my backlog - but people on another forum begged me not to do that, and to play through the 5 important endings. They, and everyone here are absolutely correct - don't see it as 6 endings, see it as one game split into 6 chapters.

One quick thing to note, do not bother with the Coffin ending at all. It's very hard to explain without giving away spoilers, but basically the Coffin ending is simply the True ending path, but with a "To be continued" message long before the end. It only exists because you must see the Safe ending to view the True ending, without doing that it cuts off at a certain point. It's pointless going for it because there isn't even a single line of unique dialogue.
 
Does this game (Zero Escape) have multiple save files (on both versions?)? Had to buy 999 twice just because of the single save file.
 
One quick thing to note, do not bother with the Coffin ending at all. It's very hard to explain without giving away spoilers, but basically the Coffin ending is simply the True ending path, but with a "To be continued" message long before the end. It only exists because you must see the Safe ending to view the True ending, without doing that it cuts off at a certain point. It's pointless going for it because there isn't even a single line of unique dialogue.
To be honest, I wound up getting the coffin ending first, and the hype from the preview trailer that played after it was worth it to me. But, that's how I looked at it. Either way, I would encourage saving the safe ending as the last to view before the true ending, rather than going for it right away.
 
Does this game (Zero Escape) have multiple save files (on both versions?)? Had to buy 999 twice just because of the single save file.

You mean VLR, I assume XD? (Zero Escape is the series name :D)

The 3DS version only has 1 file, the VITA version I'm not positive, though Ryouga would know since he just finished the VITA version :D

Luckily having only a single save file this time around isn't nearly as bad for various reasons.


Now sell it to Australians you skeezy mask-wearing hobos!

For those that live down under, the quickest and easiest way to obtain such a rare gem as VLR would be to snatch it off of VITA PSN ;D

But physical product FTW!
 
The 3DS version only has 1 file, the VITA version I'm not positive, though Ryouga would know since he just finished the VITA version :D

Luckily having only a single save file this time around isn't nearly as bad for various reasons.


Vita version has more than one save slot. I only ever used two, but I recall there being at LEAST 3, maybe more if you scroll down (never bothered to check).

I can guarantee at least 3 slots though.

And yeah, only having a single save file doesn't really matter in this game. At all.
 
You mean VLR, I assume XD? (Zero Escape is the series name :D)
Pff...nitpicking. It's not like you named any other game "Zero Escape" yet....I think.

The 3DS version only has 1 file, the VITA version I'm not positive, though Ryouga would know since he just finished the VITA version :D

Luckily having only a single save file this time around isn't nearly as bad for various reasons.
Still sucks if there are two people playing the game.

Edit:
I can guarantee at least 3 slots though.

Thanks. Vita version it is.
 
CE would be great. But I do wish for something other than Art/CD sampler since I'm buying the art book and soundtrack anyway...

I thought the watch was a really neat thing for 999.

Yes! Pretty much exactly this. I still weep about not snatching that watch while the getting was good.
 
Top Bottom