Idea Factory International
Idea Factory International business and news from across the web.
Review: Homura: The Crimson Warriors Is Another IFI Historical OtomeHomura: The Crimson Warriors is a historical otome visual novel set in the Sengoku period, featuring romances with figures like Yukimura Sanada and his allies as they face the Tokugawa shogunate. The game offers a similar style to titles like Hakuoki and Birushana, with supernatural elements and a focus on conflict, but maintains its own unique identity. It includes helpful quality-of-life features such as a glossary and chapter summaries, and is available on the Nintendo Switch.- Neptunia Unlimited Dev Interview Explains Long Development, Originating with Sisters VS SistersProducer Hikaru Yasui and artist Tsunako discussed the lengthy development of Neptunia Unlimited, revealing that its predecessor, Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters, began as a mainline sequel. Tsunako's involvement in the early planning stages was a key factor in the direction of Neptunia Unlimited, with the team aiming to update the series' world to reflect modern gaming. Full development for Neptunia Unlimited began in 2023, with an initial concept that leaned towards existing characters before shifting to new CPU goddesses.
Review: Otome Daoshi Leans Into Anime and Manga AestheticsOtome Daoshi: Fighting for Love is a visual novel from Otomate, Idea Factory, and Aksys Games that blends traditional otome gameplay with martial arts themes inspired by anime and manga. While the game features attractive character designs and backgrounds, its narrative and character development feel rushed compared to other titles in the genre, and it lacks some quality-of-life features common in similar releases. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.
Review: Ariana and the Elder Codex Can Be a Magical MetroidvaniaAriana and the Elder Codex offers a magical Metroidvania experience with customizable magical loadouts and solid combat, though it lacks innovation and has a predictable story. While enjoyable for newcomers, experienced players might find it somewhat boring due to its familiar mechanics and easily telegraphed boss patterns. The game is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Metacritic's 2025 Rankings Show A Major Shift In Top PublishersMetacritic's 2025 publisher rankings reveal significant shifts, with Square Enix topping the list followed by Gamirror Games and Capcom. Nintendo saw a notable rise, while Sony dropped from fourth to 21st place. The rankings are based on critical reviews, excluding sales and user scores, and consider factors like average Metascore and the percentage of good and bad reviews.
Review – Ariana and the Elder Codex (PlayStation 5)Ariana and the Elder Codex is a side-scrolling action RPG with light Metroidvania elements where players control Ariana, a magic-user tasked with restoring elemental codices to save a world devoid of magic. While featuring enjoyable boss fights and a visually appealing art style, the game suffers from repetitive enemies and a lack of overall focus, leading to a mediocre experience with limited replayability.- Ariana and the Elder Codex Review - Abscessed UbiquityAriana and the Elder Codex is a surprising standout in the 2D action and metroidvania space, delivering fast, fluid combat and a highly customizable build system that keeps encounters engaging throughout. Its story and characters are more compelling than expected, with strong dialogue and an endearing protagonist, while the structured progression across codex worlds maintains a satisfying sense of momentum. Although limited enemy variety and a slightly short runtime hold it back from true genre dominance, the overall experience is polished, rewarding, and consistently enjoyable, marking it as one of Compile Heart’s most impressive releases in years.
- 9 R.I.P sequel Announced For Nintendo Switch, Launches in 2026Idea Factory has announced 9 R.I.P sequel, the follow-up to the original 9 R.I.P. The game is scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Neptunia Unlimited Includes Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X CPU GoddessesCompile Heart and Idea Factory have revealed Neptunia Unlimited, the latest entry in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series. The game features CPU Goddesses based on current-generation consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. It is scheduled to launch in Japan on August 27, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Horror Otome 9 RIP Sequel Heads to Switch in 2026Idea Factory International announced that 9 RIP Sequel, a follow-up to the horror otome game 9 RIP, will be released on the Nintendo Switch in 2026. The game will feature returning bachelors and new storylines, picking up after specific endings from the first installment. Both standard and limited physical editions will be available.- Otome Visual Novel '9 R.I.P. Sequel' Coming West to Switch Later This Year; Physical Release Confirmed, NewIdea Factory International announced that 9 R.I.P. sequel, a follow-up to its supernatural otome visual novel, will launch physically and digitally on Nintendo Switch in 2026. The game continues directly from the original's endings, featuring nine full routes centered on returning love interests and new conflicts.
- 9 R.I.P. Sequel getting worldwide Nintendo Switch releaseIdea Factory has announced that 9 R.I.P. Sequel, an otome visual novel, will receive a worldwide release on Nintendo Switch in 2026. The game will feature nine full story routes, including continuations of the previous endings.
- 9 R.I.P. sequel coming west in 2026Idea Factory International announced that the otome visual novel sequel 9 R.I.P. will be released in the West for the Nintendo Switch in 2026. Further details about the game's content and specific release date are expected.
- Gamescom 2024 Steam Deck News, Reviews Including Bakeru and SCHiM, New Verified Games, Discounts, and More – TouchArcadeThis week's Steam Deck Weekly covers Gamescom 2024 news, including impressions and reviews of Bakeru, Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, SCHiM, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder, and the Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun expansion. It also highlights new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games, along with ongoing sales and discounts.
- NBA 2K25, ARCO, ODDADA, DATE a LIVE Ren Dystopia, Star Trucker, Skull and Bones, & More Reviews With New Verified Games – TouchArcadeThis article provides Steam Deck reviews and impressions for several games including NBA 2K25, Gimmick! 2, Arco, Skull and Bones, ODDADA, Star Trucker, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, and Pinball FX. It also lists new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games and current discounts.
New Neptunia Game Coming After Over 10 YearsCompile Heart and Idea Factory have announced a new numbered mainline entry in the Neptunia series, with a formal reveal scheduled for March 19, 2026. This marks the first new mainline title since Megadimension Neptunia VII in 2015. The announcement follows a previous mention by Compile Heart's Hikaru Yasui in early 2025 regarding a new mainline entry.
Ariana and the Elder Codex for PC launches April 29Idea Factory International announced that the side-scrolling action RPG Ariana and the Elder Codex will launch for PC via Steam on April 29, one month after its console release. The game previously launched in Japan on August 21, 2025, and will be available physically and digitally for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on March 24 in the west.
Review: Calamity Angels: Special Delivery Is a Sugoroku JRPGCalamity Angels: Special Delivery is a sugoroku JRPG where players guide couriers on delivery missions in the fantasy realm of Orkotris. While the concept of combining board game mechanics with JRPG elements is novel, the game suffers from tedious gameplay, simplistic combat, and a lack of incentive to explore beyond the quickest path. It is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy launches for PC in MarchIdea Factory International announced that the dungeon RPG MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy, developed by Sting, will launch on PC via Steam on March 25th. The game was previously released in Japan in November 2024 and in the West in July 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.