Scalebound looks like the most interesting big-budget Japanese RPG in a while [RPG Site]

RPG Site gets a demo from Hideki Kamiya himself and writes their impressions, plus some interview snippets.

The site writes: "Scalebound is an RPG, then - and not just another Action RPG, but a contender for quite possibly the most interesting and different big-budget RPG to come out of Japan in a generation. Between this and Sony's Horizon: Zero Dawn, 2016 looks to be a hell of a year for new big-name RPG properties. Okay, Platinum. You have our attention - we can't wait to see more."

[mafia_pc]

2016 gonna be crazy, this is one of my most anticipated games !

[4Sh0w]

Yeah 2016 is a packed year for gamers, specifically speaking of Scalebound it looked great, its set in a beautiful world, you fight alongside and fly with Dragons, the dragons are customizable, its got a leveling system, its got *ACTION RPG combat made by one of the best in the biz in Kamiya, plus *4 player co-op to team up with other dragon fighters. I mean whats not to love? Microsoft has had a great E3 and awesome Gamescom back to back.

[StrawberryDiesel420]

I love Platinum Games but Scalebound looks so unpolished and the combat looked terrible. I was interested until I saw that awful gameplay reveal. Were we watching the same footage? What I saw looked like crap. I'm ten times more excited for Crackdown 3 and Gears or War Remaster. Scalebound may indeed be a great game when it's finally released so I will hold out hope, but the gameplay was not very promising.

[Reibooi]

@StrawberryDiesel420

Truth be told I had a somewhat similar reaction to the footage. At first I was excited and hyped to see what the game was and thought wow that looks awesome. Then the battles happened and it had a terrible framerate, awkward animations(like Drew running over to the chest) and the combat looked far to simplistic for something coming from Platinum.

It kinda reminded me of Monster Hunter. But with all that said this game is so amazingly filled with potential that I hope to see it knock one out of the park. I am sure alot of the technical issues will be ironed out by the time it comes out and there is probably more to the combat then what they were willing to show. I mean this really was our first in depth look at it and no game reveals all it's cards so early.

[beans]

I agree with you both. It seems he wasn't really ready to show footage which may be why he made certain comments a few weeks ago. I just want platinum to take there time and make it right. Also I feel it's better to give them realistic opinions instead of just saying you love it because consumer input is very important for end products.

[Spenok]

I think the game looks interesting, but THE most interesting? I don't quite agree. I was honestly expecting/hoping for more from it. I was more pleased with Crackdown 3. (Although that's obviously not a JRPG.)

[Exari]

about the title, "the most interesting big-budget Japanese RPG in a while" i think the writer forgot about Bloodborne.

[grumpygamr]

Game looks pretty cool. But I am not as excited for it as many other games. We will see

[slate91]

Like mafia said, 2016 will be historic games-wise. Both sony and ms will have excellent line ups.

[Toiletsteak]

Like mafia and slate said, 2016 will be amazing. I can't wait to play games like Quantum Break, Scalebound and Horizon.

[joab777]

2015 has been amzinging too, bit 2016 looks like it's gonna be the beginning of this gen's new IP push.

[nowitzki2004]

I agree. Might be the best year in gaming. Star Citizen, No Mans Sky, UC4, etc.. WOW. Will def be adding a Xbox One before 2016 to my entertainment center.

[slappy508]

like Mafia, Slate and Toiletsteak said 2016 is going to be awesome. I'm going to get broke quickly

[sammarshall102]

Scalebound is gonna be crazy from the looks of it and I like how the dragons will have different abilities

This is my most anticipated after Quantum Break for 2016

[Spotie]

C-c-c-combo breaker!

I dunno. Games like this are a reason for me to get consoles. Keep it up.

[Kal0psia]

Gears 4 was at the top of my list for most anticipated, Scalebound replaced that. Not a bad thing by the way. ;D

[chrisx]

i love dragons and the concept of this game is insane

[Spid3r6]

We are going to be drooling next E3 when they show incredible improvements on Scalebound along with 4 player Co-op Gampeplay.

[andydalum]

Am i the only one that when i see gameplay of this game it reminds them of monster hunter except with a real plot and better gameplay.
This is not meant as a dis i liked monster hunter just wish it was bigger and more of a plot . . . . kinda like scalebound lol. I know scalebound has many elements that make it unique just every time i see it reminds me of monster hunter.

[Yetter]

I actually get more of a monster hunter vibe from Horizon just because of the traps and stategy required to bring down the dinobots. In scalebound it looks like ya take em down with brute force.

Both look awesome

[Whitey2k]

They missed out FF15

[NoctisPendragon]

They 100% did https://www.youtube.com/wat... , anyone disagreeing with you doesn't know how big that game is i think .

[AP]

The return of the JRPG?

[Ricegum]

While this game looks good, that will go to Star Ocean, FFXV and Dragon Quest.

[AP]

True. Old franchises, though, some of them looking a bit tired in recent entries. Exciting to see big-money new IP.

[StrayaKNT]

Comparing tired old franchises to a new ip is stupid,

[Kal0psia]

@AP

Exactly!

Those games are great in their time and are great nostalgia factor. But we need big budget JRPGs with big design to reinvigorate the genre.

[DarXyde]

There's also Kingdom Hearts III, the new Nier project, and (if you'd consider it big budget) Persona 5. Gotta understand, it's the first new numbered Persona since PS2.

Scalebound does look promising and I'm sure it'll deliver. Kamiya simply doesn't make bad games. The only thing is I expect it to not be terribly long. But I would definitely say I'm more worried about Final Fantasy XV. Duscae was beautiful. Arguably the best looking game I've ever seen but the combat needs some streamlining.

All things considered though, I totally agree with Star Ocean or Dragon Quest. Those are huge with the dedicated JRPG crowd. If Final Fantasy XV makes waves though, then that would do it. More than any of the other games because Final Fantasy is essentially the go-to JRPG that everyone knows. If that comes back strong, I think it'll boost morale for future RPG projects.

[DarXyde]

@kal0psia,

I have to disagree with you on needing big budget to reinvigorate the genre.

Some of the greatest and most memorable JRPGs I've ever played didn't really need or have extensive budgets. What matters first in this genre is how fun the game is, how well done the storytelling is, and if there's enough to do. You'd be surprised how much you can make out of a game on a controlled budget.

Though still expensive, The Witcher III has a very controlled budget, made much more impressive by the fact that it's on three platforms. I know it's not a JRPG, but the point still stands that you can make games pretty expansive with a lot to do without going crazy with budgets.

Of course, "big budget" itself is a pretty subjective value.

[poppinslops]

@DarXyde - Actually, Kamiya suggested the game will take a while to finish... apparently the world has been built for exploration and side-questing, with villages and NPCs and such.

But yeah, I don't expect it'll be as long or as 'hardcore' an RPG as a Final Fantasy... speaking of which, XV is the first I've ever considered buying (never liked the idea of riding giant chickens), it's got an epic anime vibe, sort of like 'Code Geass' with monsters.

And Persona 5 looks great... it too reminds me of 'Geass' (with a dash of 'Darker than Black'), and it will probably be the game that sells me a PS4 (unless the PS3 version looks just as good).

I also think 'Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness' deserves an honourable mention - sure, it isn't technically a JRPG, but it is getting a Western release, which is great for fans of the show... I'm waiting to play it before I watch the 2nd season.

[Segata]

Xenoblade

[Iluvtrim]

More and more reasons to get that Xbox One baby.

[BigGamersSmallTalk]

I'm not big on traditional JRPG games, but since this isn't turn based and it has co-op I'm thinking it looks fantastic. can't wait for it to release next year.

[Spectre_StatusN7]

Lol I bet being an Xbox exclusive influenced your opinion a lot as well

[BigGamersSmallTalk]

Not really, I haven't even played staple JRPGs like Final Fantasy. Action RPGs are definitely more my thing, with the exception of South Park The Stick Of Truth, which was a fine turn based RPG.

[theshredded]

is it even confirmed to be a JRPG? it looks like an Action RPG with little RPG elements like the Souls series AND what about Bloodborne? too hardcore for u? then how come u miss the most obvious and mother of all JRPGS, FFXV?! and budget my a$$, Persona 5 and Atlus will screw all the JRPGS once again

[AP]

It... it's an RPG by the definition of the developer... and, er... it's made in Japan. It's a JRPG.

That aside, if you read the article they talk in some fair detail about what makes it a 'full' JRPG. It has action combat, but that doesn't necessarily diminish it.

[keenBlade]

Okay, here's my question then.

If these elements would make it an jrpg (which it absolutely is), what would you make out of Devil may Cry then? :)

[keenBlade]

Without wanting to offend anybody, i would rather say that Persona is a niche title. Of course I'm aware that it will sell a lot of copies, but I have to say that it's not appealing to the masses.

As much I loved FF7, I have to admit that FF XV has a kinda too much of a j-pop boy group vibe to me personally, to make me wanna go out and buy it.

Scalebound is way more appealing to me, and I would say that it matches perfectly besides Horizon Zero Dawn and seemingly start off a new generation of Rpgs in the upcoming year.
With their wonderful futuristic setting, lovely bright colors and by focusing on a single main character (yes the witcher kinda does that too, but that's the same old medieval setting) these two games are reviving the whole genre, and making it more appealing to the masses.

Good Job Mr Kamija and Guerilla Games.

[LoveSpuds]

Cannot wait to play this game, one of the main reasons that I picked up an XB1 as I knew I would want to play it as soon as the developer was anounced.

Having seen the new trailer from GC I am completely sold, it looks ridiculous, over the top, bonkers but most of all, fun!

[candystop]

This game is going to be awesome.

[ChrisW]

Well, hopefully the story will be without the typical JRPG cheese. You know, the typical ditsy, annoying, hapless female protagonist and the convoluted manga style story telling... But, that's really all they know over there and obviously that stuff sells.

[Spotie]

That's pretty much ignoring every big franchise. FF, Persona, SMT, and Dragon Quest, Tales, and plenty of others don't have "ditsy, annoying, hapless female protagonists."

And what the hell is convoluted manga style storytelling? That's not typical, but stereotypical, with pretty much NO root in reality.

Dark games like Nier and Drakengard also sell over there, to say nothing of the Shin Megami Tensei titles.

Why do people say things like that?

[timeisnigh]

You instantly lost validity when you started your list with Final Fantasy. Do a Google search.

[kangolkyle]

Don't forget about Xenoblade Chronicles X!

[DigitalRaptor]

They already did, which is sad. Xeno looks way more interesting to be honest.

And does this author not know the difference between a JRPG, and an ACTION-RPG? Doesn't seem so.

[Godmars290]

Isn't this more an action game?

[Irishguy95]

You say that and see Souls games and FFXV and all that? Action RPGs ahah

Its actually quite hard to find a difference these days. All action games have RPG elements, some heavier than others. Most RPGS now have action elements...some heavier than others.

We don't know the extent of loot and stats in this game. We just gotta take their word for it.

[Bigpappy]

The demo makes it seem that way. But if you read or listen to the developer's interview, they are talking about a deep leveling and customizable, open RPG.

[Godmars290]

Where you *walk* almost everywhere with a flying dragon...

(Game better have some controllable flying segments is all I'm saying.)

[Relientk77]

Author clearly doesnt know what a JRPG is

[StrayaKNT]

Like mafia, slate, toiletstake and Sloppy said 2016 is going to be awsome. Scalebound looks beautiful :)

[S2Killinit]

ummmmmmmm How about Dragon Quest XI???....

[Relientk77]

That's a real JRPG

don't think the author understands

[Ipunchbabiesforfun]

I just don't get it lol, this game looks so boring and generic and the graphics are downright awful in comparison to this gen games.

[Spectre_StatusN7]

Dragon Quest XI, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XV, Star Ocean 5, Bloodborne Dark Souls 3....There have been plenty of unique JRPG's that have come out recently and have been announced

[TeamLeaptrade]

Game looks great and I expect it to be a massive hit.

[Deathdeliverer]

The hype for this game misses me. It looks mediocre as hell. I'd say dragons dogma looks a lot more fun. Even dragons dogma online. The combat looks boring as hell thus far, and the grappling hook mechanic looks rough to say the least. Looks great graphics wise though. There's plenty of time before release and who knows what "lvl" the demo character was at. Maybe skills were not equipped. Many maybes. Usually though they show a buffed up character to show how badass you can be, then you get the game and you start off like a new born. It takes time to get to badass status. I'm praying that's what it was. As it is now, it looks like a mindless hack and slash with a big NPC pet. Not terrible but far from great.

[urwifeminder]

Certainly don't like dragons if it was not for the co op my interest would be minimal.

[Meatyboy]

You have to be a 12 year old or a cunt to like this game. Japanese games are getting so embarrassing these days it's pretty awkward. Bring on halo 5!

[BobBelcher]

... Soooo you're saying you like the game then?

[Meatyboy]

Zing! Very good sir ;) it is pretty insulting telling someone they like scalebound so you got me

[rhap]

Looks cool. I won't play it since I don't own a X1, but I grew up playing RPGs like Azure Dreams, Valkyrie Profile, Rudra, Bahamut Lagoon, Live-a-Live, SaGa series, Star Ocean and stuff like that. When I see an action game being called RPG because of a few elements borrowed from the old RPG games it's kinda weird.

Gotta wait and see.

[Relientk77]

I'm a JRPG fan.

... JRPG? Really? Give me a break

Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest THOSE are JRPGs

[FoxyGotGame]

Scalebound looked phenomenally good! It's early in development so is sure to get even better!

Scalebound, ReCore, FF 15, FF 7 R, KH3, MGS V ...along with tons of other Japanese big budget titles on multiple platforms have renewed my faith in that market. I thought they were lost to Mobile, yet here are the incredible games coming to the West!

If you can afford the time/money, it really is best to go Multi-platform this Gen, more so than last.

[PistolsAtDawn]

Agreed, not being multi-plat is dumb this gen. I admit X1 has made itself my lead platform this gen, but there's NO WAY in hell that I'd say don't get a PS4 and Wii U (BTW out of all the consoles I actually like Wii U's Netflix app the best, X1's used to be great until for some reason the update got rid of snap, maybe that will come back with the UI update).

[PistolsAtDawn]

This game looks amazing, I can't stop watching the gameplay trailers for this game, QB, and Crackdown 3 over and over. They all look incredible. Watching how detailed this game is though, and the fact that it's open world, I won't be surprised if this game ships 900p 60fps (or 30fps) or 1080p 30fps. There's a TON of particle effects going on, the game looks gorgeous, and with 4 player co-op (each player with a dragon that can do world destruction damage). I hope they don't worry too much about the res and instead go for a solid FPS...60 if they can get there or locked 30 if they can do that....the game already looks gorgeous running on an X1, and it's still in Alpha....EASILY one of my most anticipated games.

[noksucow73]

Looks promising. I didn't like the main characters cheesy, somewhat stereotypical attitude. Game looks to be a good exclusive for Microsofts lineup though, and I'll be getting it once it drops. I love Platinum games, so I'm in even if it s just because of their track record.

[pelenow]

Can't wait for this one!

[Segata]

I love PG games and buy everything they make. That said I am excited for Scalebound even tho no XBO yet. I just do not think it's more interesting a as JRPG than Xenoblade X.