Sony Computer Entertainment Japan is either really brave or very stupid. The publisher has announced the Japanese release date for PlayStation Vita exclusive Soul Sacrifice – and it just so happens to fall in the same month as its main competitor Monster Hunter 4.
The title's set to release on 7th March domestically, prompting a clash of the titans in the portable space. Ever since its announcement earlier in the year, Sony has billed Soul Sacrifice as a Monster Hunter slayer. The title – which is being developed by former Capcom employee Keiji Inafune – shares many similarities with the unbeatable brand, such as four-player action and enormous foes.
As such, we’re not sure that this is the best decision from Sony’s perspective. Even if Soul Sacrifice ends up being the better game, Monster Hunter 4 is going to stomp all over it. Still, you’ve got to give the platform holder credit – this is a ballsy move.
[source allgamesbeta.com]
Comments 21
This is both insane... and exciting!
This is going to backfire so badly on Sony that you wonder which moron is in charge of release dates in the company :/
@rastamadeus I agree that it's probably going to backfire — but this is clearly intentional. This is Sony raising a middle finger to Capcom without a doubt.
Brave. Possibly stupid move.
For my money they should've aimed for a month before. MH4 is pretty much gauranteed sales, being 'first to market' would've helped shift a few Vitas.
Wow:D i am so hyped for this!
@KALofKRYPTON I completely agree. They're going to need an outrageous amount of marketing money just to get the title noticed over the inevitable Monster Hunter 4 store promotions, etc.
I really like the artwork in this game. Is this a single-player game with multiplayer option or the other way around?
@fchinaski From what I understand, you can play it with AI controlled characters. But like Monster Hunter, it appears to be designed with co-op in mind.
Omg now we will never see monster hunter on vita liao
The limited edition console for this game looks nice...
@JavierYHL I'm just writing about that now!
@get2sammyb I see. Too bad co-op is not my cup of tea...
I've updated this article. Originally I noted that Monster Hunter 4 was set to release on 7th March too. Actually, the game just has a confirmed release date of "early March". As such, it's possible that these two titles may still avoid each other. Either way, they'll both be releasing in the same month, so the point still stands.
Apologies for the confusion.
Soul Sacrifice seems interesting and I expect the game will at least be very good. But no matter when it releases it won't reach the sales numbers MH 4 will. Best thing Sony could've done was work a deal with Capcom to get MH on the Vita, that doesn't seem like it'll ever happen though.
In japan the vita was stucked in the toilet... with this move i think the plumber just came in and completed the flushing of the Vita. Monster Hunter is an established franchised hence the name Monster Hunter 4...For a new game to compete against a monster like this is suicidal. Monster Hunter is almost as big as Pokemon in Japan. Sony Sony you need to re-evaluate your strategy.
Yea I think it goes without saying that they should have aimed to beat Monster Hunter to market. Or wait until after people have gotten their fill. Oh well.
Sony pls dont suicide.
How can good AAA raid game from Keiji Inafune and Sony kill Sony or Vita? Are you crazy or what. And to tell you the truth Monster Hunter 4 isn't so big game to kill anything. It's more like beta version.
Limited edition for this game looks awesome, but I still want the White model much more.
@Gemuarto
Pffttt
Monster Hunter 1-2-3 were worse than Monster Hunter Freedom 1-2-3. I'll wait for 4G or Freedom 4.
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