We’re a few weeks away from when PAX West 2023 takes place. As such, XSEED has revealed which games they’ll bring to the event, including Fashion Dream, Silent Hope, Cuisineer, Touhou: New World, and Rune Factory 3 Special. PAX West will be hosted in Seattle, Washington, from September 1 to 4, 2023.
In addition, XSEED has revealed that it is handling the publishing duties for the upcoming Freedom Planet 2, the follow-up to the original Freedom Planet. I know console gamers have been looking forward to playing this title, and it’s been a long time coming, but it’s almost time!
If you’re heading to PAX West 2023, be sure to stop at North Hall #1325 to get some hands-on with all of these titles.
Fashion Dreamer
Fashion Dreamer is a creative-focused game where players can express their unique styles using their avatar, called a Muse. Create iconic looks from cozy casualwear to chic couture, choosing from hundreds of available options that can be customized to be a truly one-of-a-kind look. Once players find their signature style, they can show off their latest outfits across different areas, called Cocoons. There, they can also explore inspiring new fashions from other Muses, whether playing on- or offline or display them in their showroom to garner even more attention and Likes for their brand. Players can also increase their influence by completing design challenges, unlocking even more customization options to elevate their brand. Featuring asynchronous multiplayer, the world of Eve is inhabited by Muses from around the globe, allowing players to find inspiration or earn Likes for their most iconic fit virtually anywhere! Developed by syn Sophia Inc., Fashion Dreamer will be released on the Nintendo Switch system on Nov. 3, 2023
Freedom Planet 2
Return to the world of Avalice to battle an ancient threat in Freedom Planet 2, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2014 action-platformer. In the years since the events of the original game, our three returning heroes have refined their signature abilities, making them more formidable than ever before. Take advantage of Lilac’s speed with her Dragon Boost, reach new heights with Carol’s Jump Disc or motorcycle, or take a more measured approach with Milla’s shield. And the all-new playable character Neera won’t be left out in the cold, as she can use her powerful Frost Arts to punish foes. Like its predecessor, this fast-paced combat-driven platform adventure gives you the flexibility to take on each stage exactly how you want. With a carefully tuned balance of speed and exploration, and gorgeous 2D visuals featuring refined character sprites, Freedom Planet 2 expands on everything that made the original a modern classic for a bigger, better, and more enriching retro experience. Freedom Planet 2 will be published on console platforms in 2023.
Silent Hope
Silent Hope harkens back to the glory days of isometric dungeon-crawlers while infusing them with a modern approach. Players will take the role of seven unlikely heroes, each with their own unique weapons, fighting styles, and non-combat jobs. After diving into The Abyss to battle enemies and collect materials, the heroes return to Base Camp to craft, cook, and prepare for their next adventure. Each journey into The Abyss will be a fresh experience, with randomized layouts ensuring every excursion has the element of chance, with even greater dangers lurking the further the heroes dare to venture. Silent Hope is scheduled for release in North America for the Nintendo Switch system and Windows PC via Steam on Oct. 3, 2023.
Cuisineer
Step into the shoes of Pom, a cook with a taste for adventure, as she returns to her hometown of Paell to find her parents gone and their beloved restaurant abandoned. Now it’s up to her to turn the eatery’s fortunes around! Armed with her trusty spatula and a supply of refreshing boba tea, Pom will need to venture through dangerous and diverse dungeons to harvest all the ingredients she’ll need before returning home to cook up tasty dishes. Serve her loyal patrons, customize her dining hall with the help of local artisans, and watch out for the lunch rush in this roguelite action title! Cuisineer is developed by BattleBrew Productions and will release for Windows PC via Steam in fall 2023.
Rune Factory 3 Special
More than a decade after its original release on Nintendo DS, Rune Factory 3 returns, remade for a new generation on Nintendo Switch. All the classic gameplay returns with improved graphics and redesigned 3D character models, bolstered by brand-new features like “Newlywed Mode,” standalone adventures unlocked after marriage to each of the game’s 11 eligible bachelorettes, and a “Hell” difficulty level to challenge even veteran players! Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning after a long time away, experience the unforgettable story of Rune Factory 3 like never before. Rune Factory 3 Special will launch globally on Windows PC via Steam and in North America on Nintendo Switch on Sept. 5, 2023
Touhou: New World
Touhou: New World returns players to Gensokyo, a supernatural world that both humans and the spirits known as youkai call home. While far from idyllic, life for residents is relatively uneventful; that is, until the mystical barrier protecting it is breached by an outsider harboring an obsession with the supernatural realm, bringing chaos to both Gensokyo and the world beyond. It’s up to shrine maiden Reimu and her magician friend Marisa to uncover the true source of the chaos and restore peace to both worlds, dodging magical bullet barrages and battling a menagerie of mystical creatures along the way! This fan-made title from developer Ankake Spa combines a magical combination of fast-paced action-RPG and bullet-hell elements. Touhou: New World launched for Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam digitally on July 13, and will release digitally for PS4 and PS5 on Sept. 12, 2023.
Sadly, it doesn’t appear that XSEED will be sharing any information on the upcoming title, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, revealed during the Marvelous Game Showcase in May 2023.
