絶体絶命都市4 - do you recognize these kanji?
If you don’t recognize these kanji you better: it is very probable that the newly announced PS3 sequel for the cult-series, known as Disaster Report in the great U.S., might never be released outside Japanese borders. There’s a perfectly sane reason for this, however: here in the west, we don’t seem to think much of these games, which reflects in poor sales of both PS2 episodes together with some of the worst review results from those lost years.
Personally, I’ve been mystified by this series from the first episode, named SOS The Final Escape in European territories; its sequel having reached the zenith of the genre, with a narrative so ingenious and well structured it brought shame to many a western RPG adventure. The third episode, a PSP exclusive widely covered here if virtually nowhere else, returned to a comfortable linearity and simplicity that brought the series’ debut to mind. The fourth episode points to another earthquake scenario, even if the development studio is working on numerous new features and improvements.
Other than that, the game will feature a new hygiene meter (the substitute for the thirst/temperature/stress meters used in this precise order throughout the series) as well as more character customization than before. Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4: Summer Memories will also be PS Move compliant, although the precise features are still very much unknown - using the control to point the flashlight is a reasonable supposition. Finally, it is also said that the character will now be able to use crotches to move around when hurt. In effect, this first wallpaper from the game seems to illustrate as much - click for a larger size. Future updates will no doubt be discussed in this space in a timely fashion.
