Demon Gaze#Sequel
{{Short description|2013 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Demon Gaze
| image = Demon Gaze cover art.jpeg
| caption =
| developer = {{ubl|Kadokawa Games|Experience Inc.}}
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Kadokawa Games|WW|NIS America{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2013/07/demon-gaze-coming-west-in-early-2014 |title=Demon Gaze coming west in early 2014 |publisher=Gematsu |date=6 July 2013 |accessdate=2013-10-06 |archive-date=2013-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006064333/http://gematsu.com/2013/07/demon-gaze-coming-west-in-early-2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2013/07/07/dungeon-crawling-rpg-demon-gaze-coming-to-vita-in-2014/ |title=Dungeon-Crawling RPG Demon Gaze Coming to Vita in 2014 |publisher=IGN |date=2013-07-06 |accessdate=2013-10-06 |archive-date=2013-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028125831/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/07/dungeon-crawling-rpg-demon-gaze-coming-to-vita-in-2014 |url-status=live }}|WW|Clouded Leopard Entertainment (Demon Gaze EXTRA)}}
| director = Motoya Ataka
| producer = Hajima Chikami
| designer =
| programmer =
| artist =
| writer =
| composer = Naoaki Jimbo
| engine =
| platforms = {{ubl|PlayStation Vita|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 4|Microsoft Windows}}
| released = PlayStation Vita{{vgrelease|JP|January 24, 2013|NA|April 22, 20142014-01-23, [http://gematsu.com/2014/01/demon-gaze-release-date-set Demon Gaze release date set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909235648/http://gematsu.com/2014/01/demon-gaze-release-date-set |date=2016-09-09 }}, Gematsu|EU|April 25, 2014}}Nintendo Switch, PS4{{vgrelease|JP|September 2, 2021|WW|January 6, 2022}}Microsoft Windows{{vgrelease|WW|April 26, 2022}}
| genre = Role-playing, dungeon crawler
| modes = Single-player
}}
{{Nihongo|Demon Gaze|デモンゲイズ|Demon Geizu|lead=yes}} is a dungeon crawl video game developed by Kadokawa Games and Experience Inc. for the PlayStation Vita.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/24/demon-gaze-has-half-robot-demons-a-little-bit-of-dating-sim-in-it/|title=Demon Gaze Has Half-Robot Demons, A Little Bit Of Dating Sim In It|work=Siliconera|publisher=Game Revolution|last=Yip|first=Spencer|date=24 October 2012|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=29 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929124426/https://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/24/demon-gaze-has-half-robot-demons-a-little-bit-of-dating-sim-in-it/|url-status=live}} Released in Japan on January 24, 2013,{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/28/gaze-at-demon-gazes-character-making-system/|title=Gaze At Demon Gaze{{'}}s Character Making System|work=Siliconera|publisher=Game Revolution|last=Yip|first=Spencer|date=29 November 2012|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=20 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020051621/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/28/gaze-at-demon-gazes-character-making-system/|url-status=live}} it was published in North America and Europe by NIS America in April 2014. The game takes place thousands of years after the events of its predecessor, Students of the Round, which was created by the same developer.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/12/dive-in-to-dungeon-rpg-demon-gaze/|title=Dive In To Dungeon RPG Demon Gaze|work=Siliconera|publisher=Game Revolution|last=Yip|first=Spencer|date=12 November 2012|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134346/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/12/dive-in-to-dungeon-rpg-demon-gaze/|url-status=live}}
In Demon Gaze, the player controls Oz, a young man that possess the power of a magic eye capable of sealing demons. The gameplay is split between venturing into dungeons and spending time at the inn where players can build relationships with non-player characters or spend the money they have earned in the dungeons. A manga adaptation for Demon Gaze illustrated by Kurono began serialisation in Dengeki Maoh in December 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/04/demon-gaze-adapted-manga/ |title=Demon Gaze Is Being Adapted Into A Manga |publisher=Siliconera |date=2013-10-04 |accessdate=2013-10-06 |archive-date=2013-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007022634/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/04/demon-gaze-adapted-manga/ |url-status=live }} An international version of the game was released in Japan as Demon Gaze: Global Edition on July 3, 2014.2014-07-01, [http://www.famitsu.com/news/201407/01056402.html 『デモンゲイズ グローバル エディション』冒険を有利に＆楽しく進める“夏休み限定3大キャンペーン”の実施が決定【動画あり】] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165111/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201407/01056402.html |date=2014-07-14 }}, Famitsu An enhanced version of the game titled Demon Gaze EXTRA was released in September 2021 for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in Japan with a western release in January 2022. Upon the new changes HD graphics, the retry system, and the promise of future DLC that expands the post-game of Demon Gaze.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/demon-gaze-extra-game-delayed-in-the-west-to-january-6/.180225|title=Demon Gaze Extra Game Delayed in the West to January 6|date=December 2, 2021|website=Anime News Network|access-date=2021-12-03|archive-date=2021-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203021640/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/demon-gaze-extra-game-delayed-in-the-west-to-january-6/.180225|url-status=live}} The enhanced version was made available on Microsoft Windows via Steam in April 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-04-08/demon-gaze-extra-game-gets-pc-release/.184474|title=Demon Gaze Extra Game Gets PC Release|website=Anime News Network|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408190051/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-04-08/demon-gaze-extra-game-gets-pc-release/.184474|url-status=live}}
Gameplay
The game takes place thousands of years after the events in Students of the Round. Players assume the role of the protagonist Oz, a mysterious young man with the power of a magic eye that grants him the ability to seal demons. The game allows players to create secondary characters that join him on his quest, with seven character classes and five different character races. There are 45 character illustrations altogether, which may be changed by "taking a bath". The demons in the game are part machine, and some of them can transform when they go on a rampage. After demons are defeated, the player is able to summon them to battle.
Oz journeys into the dungeons of Mislid to kill the demons and gather treasure before returning to town with his loot. Loot can then be used to pay rent at the local Dragon Princess inn or it can be spent to improve the player's party. Although battles take part in dungeons, the game's hub is set in a town where the player can rest and strengthen their party.{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201210/25023172.html|title=『デモンゲイズ』エクスペリエンスが手掛ける新作ダンジョンRPGがPS Vitaに|date=25 October 2012|publisher=Famitsu|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=29 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829025040/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201210/25023172.html|url-status=live}} While at the inn, players can rest or converse with the other non-player characters at the inn, including the manager Fran Pendor, who has a secret mission to offer the player. Certain conversations with non-player characters result in "heart pounding" cutscenes. Throughout the game, it is also possible to change the difficulty level, either in certain Dungeon Rooms or by talking with particular characters.{{cite web|url=http://www.eirgames.com/2109/demons-gaze-movie-mappa-del-mondo/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130720231302/http://www.eirgames.com/2109/demons-gaze-movie-mappa-del-mondo/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2013|title=Demon Gaze Opening Movie and World Map|publisher=EIR Games|accessdate=11 September 2016}}
Setting
Development
The game was released in Japan on January 24, 2013.{{cite magazine|title=Demon Gaze Promotional Trailer Release. Introducing a New Character or Demon.|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201211/12024191.html|date=Nov 12, 2012|magazine=Famitsu|accessdate=Dec 9, 2012|language=Japanese|archive-date=December 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217202553/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201211/12024191.html|url-status=live}} Some of the monsters and items from the prequel, Students of the Round, are included in Demon Gaze, but the game features new dungeons and new half-machine demons as well. The game features many prominent Japanese voice actors including Saori Hayami, Atsuko Tanaka, and Yukari Tamura.{{cite magazine|title=Demon Gaze Website Publishes Voice Sample from Fran (Saori Hayami) and Lancelona (Atsuko Tanaka)|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201211/19024626.html|date=Nov 19, 2012|magazine=Famitsu|accessdate=Dec 9, 2012|language=Japanese|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127201825/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201211/19024626.html|url-status=live}}
=Sequel=
Development of a sequel title began in mid-2014.2014-07-05, [http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025483/20140704039/ 「デモンゲイズ2（仮）」の開発がスタート。前作の大きな壁に続編でどう立ち向かうのか，角川ゲームスとエクスペリエンスのキーパーソンに聞いた] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706234229/http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025483/20140704039/ |date=2014-07-06 }}, 4gamer Demon Gaze II was released in Japan September 29, 2016. A Western release has been announced for and released in fall 2017 on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4.2014-07-04, [http://gematsu.com/2014/07/demon-gaze-2-development-experience Demon Gaze 2 in development at Experience] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708002900/http://gematsu.com/2014/07/demon-gaze-2-development-experience |date=2014-07-08 }}, Gematsu
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| rev1 = Hardcore Gamer
| rev2 = The Guardian
}}
Demon Gaze currently holds a score of 70.66% at GameRankings,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/688105-demon-gaze/index.html|title=Demon Gaze|publisher=GameRankings|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=6 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106180035/http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/688105-demon-gaze/index.html|url-status=live}} and 70/100 at Metacritic.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/demon-gaze/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita|title=Demon Gaze|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=11 September 2016|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240203021354/https://www.metacritic.com/game/demon-gaze/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita|url-status=live}} Four Famitsu reviewers scored Demon Gaze 9, 9, 8 and 8 out of 10, for a total score of 34/40.{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2013/01/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1257 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1257 |publisher=Gematsu |date=16 January 2013 |accessdate=2014-06-09 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714170119/http://gematsu.com/2013/01/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1257 |url-status=live }} The game sold 25,316 physical retail copies within the first week of release in Japan,2013-01-30, [http://gematsu.com/2013/01/media-create-sales-12113-12713 Media Create Sales: 1/21/13 – 1/27/13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211191638/http://gematsu.com/2013/01/media-create-sales-12113-12713 |date=2014-02-11 }}, Gematsu and retail sales reached 47,993 by mid-February 2013.2013-02-20, [http://gematsu.com/2013/02/media-create-sales-21113-21713 Media Create Sales: 2/11/13 – 2/17/13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012033816/http://gematsu.com/2013/02/media-create-sales-21113-21713 |date=2013-10-12 }}, Gematsu The game ranked as the sixth most purchased digital Vita game on the Japanese PlayStation Network in 2013.[http://www.jp.playstation.com/psn/store/sp/131227storerank2013/ 2013年にPS Storeで販売されたゲームの人気ランキングを各部門ごとに発表します！] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064539/http://www.jp.playstation.com/psn/store/sp/131227storerank2013/ |date=2016-03-04 }}, PlayStation Japan By April 2014, it was announced by Kadokawa Games that Demon Gaze shipped 180,000 copies worldwide, including both physical and download copies.2014-04-25, [http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/25/demon-gaze-ships-180000-units-worldwide/ Demon Gaze Ships 180,000 Units Worldwide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426004300/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/25/demon-gaze-ships-180000-units-worldwide/ |date=2014-04-26 }}, Siliconera A July 2014 announcement by Kadokawa later confirmed a global shipment figure of 200,000 copies.
Dale North of Destructoid also gave the game 7/10, claiming Demon Gaze to be "a solid game that definitely has an audience. Might lack replay value, could be too short or there are some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun." Brittany Vincent of GamesRadar rewarded the game three stars out of five, summarising the game up as "colorful, brash, and spunky, but it's little more than a wonky journey through dungeon after forgettable dungeon. If it's a grind you're looking for, you can do far better than the mediocrity of becoming a Demon Gazer." Heidi Kemps of GameSpot scored the game 7/10, finding the battles, dungeons and characters to be enjoyable, though the story, visual style and the heavy amount of fan service was criticised. Josiah Renaudin of IGN rated the game a 7.2/10, praising the combat and characters, but criticising the uninspired visuals and "cookie-cutter premise."
Marcus Estrada of Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 4/5, calling it "a very mechanically sound dungeon crawler," and that "the biggest hurdle to enjoying the game is simply your tastes for (or tolerance of) copious displays of fan service."{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/04/21/review-demon-gaze/81680/|title=Review: Demon Gaze|work=Hardcore Gamer|first=Marcus|last=Estrada|date=21 April 2014|accessdate=11 May 2014|archive-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513001945/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/04/21/review-demon-gaze/81680/|url-status=live}} James Stephanie Sterling of The Escapist gave Demon Gaze a more positive review, as well as recommending the game, stating "this is easily one of the more addictive ones I've enjoyed for a while, and it's perfect on Vita", and scoring it 4.5/5.{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/11337-Demon-Gaze-Review-Grinding-My-Business.2 |title=Demon Gaze Review - Grinding My Business |publisher=Escapistmagazine.com |date= |accessdate=2014-05-25 |archive-date=2014-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509172644/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/11337-Demon-Gaze-Review-Grinding-My-Business.2 |url-status=live }} Nevertheless, Matt Kamen of The Guardian rated Demon Gaze much lower, giving the game only 2 stars out of 5, as "Demon Gaze does make nice use of the Vita's online functions, allowing for notes left between players advising of secrets or dangers, but it's not enough to make up for a resoundingly lacklustre package."
References
{{Reflist|2}}
Further reading
- {{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/12/03/new-demon-gaze-artwork-shows-off-the-character-classes/|title=New Demon Gaze Artwork Shows Off The Character Classes|work=Siliconera|publisher=Game Revolution|last=Yip|first=Spencer|date=3 December 2012 |accessdate=11 September 2016}}
External links
- [http://demongaze.jp/ Official Japanese website], [https://archive.today/20121210172829/http://demongaze.jp/ Archived] on December 10, 2012
- [http://nisamerica.com/games/demongaze/ Official North American website]
Category:Clouded Leopard Entertainment games
Category:Experience Inc. games
Category:First-person party-based dungeon crawler video games
Category:Kadokawa Corporation franchises
Category:Kadokawa Shoten games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:PlayStation Vita games
Category:Role-playing video games
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Video games about demons