Ben-DutkaFor whatever reason, Demon's Souls continues to sell like hotcakes in Japan. We say "for whatever reason" because the reviews have been good but not incredible, and it certainly isn't available in North America, so we can't play it.
Anyway, it appears that the first-day sell-out from a week ago wasn't a fluke. According to PS3Center, first-week sales have now reached 37,000, which is pretty impressive for only seven days in one region. In fact, it's the 4th-best performance for a new IP on the PlayStation 3 in that country, as only White Knight Chronicles , Valkyria Chronicles , and LittleBigPlanet (the latter at only 47k) managed to top Demon's Souls with their first week sales totals. The unfortunate aspect of this scenario is that Sony and From Software don't appear to be meeting the demand, as the game is extremely difficult to find on store shelves. It's always sold out, apparently, which means that nobody really anticipated the demand for this western-style RPG. Perhaps it was advertised well – seems unlikely – or maybe it's just really very good, and Japanese gamers are starved for RPGs on the PS3. Who knows? The worst part is that From Software has yet to confirm that this title is even coming to North America or Europe. But with this kind of response, how could they keep it restricted to Japan…?
Right now, the success of Demon's Souls is a mystery to us, but hopefully, we'll learn of its massive appeal in due time. If it's a western -style RPG, shouldn't we get it?
I am going to import this if I don't hear a date soon. Oh and on a side note it took a total of 7, yes 7 days for my PS3 to get back to me from the day I filled out the online service request to the day I got it back.
Not bad at all. 🙂
Coverton, congrats on getting it back so soon, I have always gotten mine back in less that a weeks time. Let me know if you import it as I will do the same.
Where would one go if they were interested in importing a JPN title?
Ebay
PlayAsia or NCSX!
Yeah I would have to say Play-asia dot com is where I tend to go for that. There is also a great site for older system stuff but I cannot for the life of me remember what it is. I will try to find out later and post back.
EDIT: it is estarland dot com they have old stuff from everywhere and are pretty good about emailing you if they are out of stock when they get more in.
Last edited by coverton341 on 2/12/2009 1:40:39 PM
I am so starved for RPGs on my ps3 that I have been playing through Fallout3 for the 3rd time… even AFTER obtaining all the trophies; that says a lot considering I am kind of a trophy whore.
That and I have been emulating FF1-9 on my computer to get my fixeez. Not that FFOrigins BS either, but straight up 8bit magnificence.
You should play a game called "Super Hydlide" it was for the Genesis and since you seem to know where to go for old system games it shouldn't be to hard for you to track down a copy. In the immortal words of Peter Griffin: It is pretty freakin' sweet
I saw a footage recently of a Boss battle in Daemons Souls and it looks a lot like Monster Hunter but on a medieval setting. Maybe that MH charming is why this game is selling that unexpectedly good in Japan.
so wait a second….47k is great for 1st week sales in Japan?
they should keep the supply of the game low to maintain hype for about 3-4 more weeks. its a great marketing strategy. It promotes word-of-mouth (the best marketing ever!)
I dont think so, this situation could hurt sales. The best word-of-mouth that a game needs is how awesome it is. Monster Hunter -like gameplay is a winner in Japan. I hope it keeps selling great, you never know perhaps this could be a big by-no-one expected hit.
Dammit SCEJ! Start making thousands of copies for this! Meet the demand!
This needs to come out in the US soon! and not this fall, but like at least this Summer.
Might have to import it otherwise…
i cant wait to get my hands on this game:)
Well if you import it (which I probably will from PlayAsia) make sure to get the Asian version and not the Japanese version. The Asian version has English text and menus.
Word is @ neogaf forums that the game is just awsome. This game also boast a unique online mode involving seeing ghost,playing as a ghost in someones game, writing warnings/hint 4 other players. I am gonna blow the trumpet hard 4 this game & hope to see a import preview from Ben or Arnold since the asian release is proven to have english voicework & text.
woah woah woah did you say it has been proven that you can have english dialog and text? Menus and everything? I heard rumors but I didn't know that the rumors had legs. I am definitely importing it now. Just gotta wait til the almighty pay day.
Yeah Coverton, I believe Blinkboy posted about it in the forums.
I'm crossing my fingers. 🙂
Figures another game that i want is taking forever to even get a NA release date. I wanted this game way back last year when some little clip of it was put out.
need… RPGs!!
i just check on Playasia.com…it is confirm the Asian version of Demon's Soul have Chinese and English text……cool….it will be release on the 25 Feb….but not White Knight Chronicle yet….:-(
Maybe they're just starved for rpgs. I know I am.