Those looking to sample new games before there general release can now do so on the Nintendo eShop (as well as PlayStation Store and Steam where available), as a variety of playable demos for Japanese developed titles have been made available to download. Titles include Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, Fragment’s Note 2+, Silent Hope and Star Ocean: The Second Story R, with each offering a sizable portion of the game to explore.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
Release Date: 1st December 2023
Psaro is cursed and is unable to harm anything with monster blood. Now, he must become a Monster Wrangler to create an army for battle. The hunt for high-ranked monsters takes Psaro through the ever-changing seasons of Nadiria and its unique environments, with rivers of bubbling lava, mysterious ancient ruins, and soaring towers of cake. Along the way, Psaro meets the kind-hearted elf, Rose, who joins his adventure to seek out ever-stronger monsters. The key to Psaro’s success lies with synthesis: the ability to combine two monsters and create a stronger offspring. Each new creation brings Psaro one step closer to his goal of becoming the Master of Monsterkind.
Fragment’s Note 2+
Release Date: 21st September 2023
Kyoichi Akikawa lost his family in a devastating plane crash when he was just a child.
Kyoichi’s stepsister Shizuku Akikawa has supported him all this time, while Yukitsuki Asaka bears a striking resemblance to Kyoichi’s beloved older sister from before the tragedy.As the paths of these three fated individuals converge, a mechanical god appears…
Silent Hope (Demo is also available on Steam)
Release Date: 3rd October 2023
One day, a terrible calamity struck a peaceful kingdom. In the chaos that followed, the people began to deceive and backstab each other. Their King used his powerful magic to steal away people’s ability to speak and hurled himself into the Abyss. His daughter, the Princess, cried an endless flood of tears until they encased her in a giant crystal teardrop. Many years after these events faded to memory, seven rainbow-colored lights flew from the Abyss. These rays of hope appeared before the Princess manifesting themselves as seven heroes, ready to answer the Princess’ call for help. Why did the King abandon his daughter and his people? And why did he steal their ability to speak?
Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Also available on PlayStation Store & Steam)
Release Date: 2nd November 2023
The highly acclaimed second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series, returns as STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R. Brought to life with a unique 2.5D aesthetic, which fuses 2D pixel characters and 3D environments, this remake includes everything that made the original release so great while adding new elements too! Experience new battle mechanics, full Japanese and English voice overs, original and re-arranged music, fast-travel and so much more! Discover the definitive version of a classic but modernized JRPG that’s perfect for newcomers and long-time fans alike.
All the demos listed above are currently available to download and play on the Nintendo eShop (as well as other platforms where available) and will be released within the next three months.
