I understand that most people reading this article would consider themselves to be “westerners.” As a result, the phrase Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur probably sounds a bit confusing.
In actuality, Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur is a wildly popular video game saga in Japan created by the legendary RPG developer and venerable publisher Square Enix. The series is primarily popular in this hemisphere as a mobile title. However, Million Arthur games are also released on PlayStation hardware such as the PlayStation Vita in Japan. These games are known for fast-paced combat, interesting characters, and colorful visuals.
Today, it is being announced that Square Enix is taking this beloved series and transitioning it into the immersive space. A virtual reality version of the IP is being teased for the first time and the news is breaking that it will be playable on the Vive at this year’s Tokyo Game Show which kicks off on September 15.
Reports from Square Enix indicate that this will not simply be a VR port of the mobile, console, or handheld editions of Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur, but rather an entirely standalone experience. This VR creation will provide full 360 degree visuals for players while they use a card-battling system to take on ferocious bosses and interact with notable characters from the Million Arthur series.
Square Enix is most famous as a developer for its Final Fantasy series of games, of which PS VR support is coming when Final Fantasy XV releases later this year, and is notably one of the most prolific gaming studios of all time. This Million Arthur application may not be the sweeping role playing epic that fans of the genre may want to see on VR systems, but it still represents one of the most substantial RPG offerings for VR to date.
Square Enix also publishes other popular game franchises like Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, and Hitman. When we tried Hitman GO VR on the Oculus Rift, we dubbed it the best version of the spin-off title on the market. It is also always encouraging to see major studios getting involved in this new medium. It will take major players like Square Enix, Ubisoft and others to popularize VR to the masses.
