Is Guild01 Being Split Up And Sold Separately?
Level-5 generally treats its non-Japanese fans well. Its big titles may not always get localized quickly, but the ones that people care about will eventually get a release. The future of Guild01 is a bit more uncertain. It’s a compilation of games by Suda51 (No More Heroes), Yoshiyuki Hirai (a Japanese comedian), Yoot Saito (Seaman), and Yasumi Matsuno (Final Fantasy Tactics) for 3DS. There’s some indication that the game may be making its way across the pond, but possibly not in the same form.
There have been trademarks filed by Level-5 in the US for Liberation Maiden and Crimson Shroud, the games made by Suda51 and Yasumi Matsuno respectively, as well as trademarks for Guild01 and Guild02. In addition, Australia has given an OFLC rating to Liberation Maiden. These individual ratings may indicate that the games will be released separately as eShop downloads instead of together on a game card for retail.
Going digital in the US is quickly becoming a strategy for smaller Japanese games. Given a choice between a digital release and no release at all, any interested fans would surely take a digital release. However, it’s disappointing to hear no mention of Weapon Rental Shop de Omasse or Aero Porter, the contributions from Yoshiyuki Hirai and Yoot Saito. Perhaps they don’t carry the name recognition of Suda or Matsuno? Or maybe a weapon-crafting rhythm RPG and an airport baggage sim don’t seem as popular as a shooter and a traditional RPG?
Source: Siliconera