Let's look a a brief history of the development for Devil's Third, the upcoming Wii U title. Tomonobu Itagaki - of Ninja Gaiden fame - left Tecmo Studios in 2008 to form Valhalla Game Studios with fellow ex-members of Team Ninja. They began working on Devil's Third, a unique hack'n'slash/shooter mashup, and THQ picked up the publishing rights. While it was originally planned for a release on PS3 and Xbox 360, its release status was thrown into jeopardy when THQ went under in 2013. Thought to be cancelled, it was revealed at E3 last year that Nintendo had picked up the publishing rights and that it was to be a Wii U exclusive, due out some time in 2015.
There's still a lot we don't know about Devil's Third, beyond promises of a huge amount of content and a broad, quirky variety of online modes. Nevertheless Itagaki-san has put out a brief update on Facebook to thank fans for their patience regarding the upcoming release. Itagaki-san has said that it's more than just simple shooter and that it “contains a lot of elements well over the volume to be provided by two regular games". He then goes on to say it's the biggest project he's ever tackled, taking six years to develop; two for conception, and four for development. Here's the full post, as it was written:
Hey gamers gathering here.
I know you guys are craving for the latest information on Devil's Third. Devil's Third isn't a simple shooter, but an unprecedented massive shooter to be played by tons of players. So there's many things to set before we release it. The game contains a lot of elements well over the volume to be provided by two regular games.
This game will be the biggest game of life for me and my colleagues, including you guys, not to mention.
It took two years for the concept working and four years for the development. It's not surprising at all. Such amount of time is needed to create a totally new game from scratch. I'm sure you'll dig what I mean if I say we spent four years to develop Ninja Gaiden.
But, I know your mind. Such development matters have nothing to do with gamers. So I and all the members of Valhalla really appreciate that you guys have waited for Devil's Third for a long time.
What Devil's Third is?
Such announcement will be made over time. Thanks for your patiense[sic]. Devil's Third will meet you guys' expectation for sure!
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.
Doubtless we'll be hearing much more about this in the next few months, as it's a key title in diversifying the Wii U library. Is Devil's Third on your wishlist for this year?
[source facebook.com]
Comments (66)
I forgot about this title. Good to know more of it.
I'm not sure what to think of this, but I'm really looking forward to finding out more about it.
If it's anything remotely close to Ninja Gaiden Black, oh boy, that will the good stuff. The VERY good stuff.
Maybe Itagaki would like to provide some new pictures/footage so we can actually see what he's been talking about lately? Not a slight against the game as I'm personally looking forward to it, but words only take you so far when we haven't seen anything since E3.
Devil's third has been on my mind since. Simple tweets isn't enough. I need video proof nd pictures!
I didn't really mind the graphics of the E3 version we were suppose to focus on the gameplay itself. I do hope we see another trailer, it was said to have switched Unreal 3 engine last year but that could have changed
If this game has half the personality Itagaki has it will be a must-play for me. As Jules Winfield says, personality goes a long way. Even if it's flawed, it will be a must-play; with Itagaki's resume I'm sure the game won't be bad, and I'll take soul with flaws over soulless perfection any day.
The current, ongoing and yearly repeating Wii U games drought just makes me want this even more. Can't wait. I will be replaying "Ninja Gaiden" while nothing new comes out.
I'm looking forwards to Devil's Third. When I first saw the trailer on Treehouse Live @ E3, I thought "This game looks ridiculous, over the top and bonkers. Day one!" The multiplayer looks very interesting too.
Still looking forward to this.
I preordered this on eBay many moons ago when it was first listed at a very cheap price (it's since gone up by like $15) and I am eagerly awaiting more information
I'm in wait-and-see mode. If it is good it still will need a good campaign to convince since I rarely play online or offline multiplayer.
Sounds like a quality AND quantity game!
I hope this game turns out to be awesome but for now I am cautiously optimistic.
@AceTrainerBean @DarkCoolEdge Same!
Every badass action game needs a hero who can rip off a wicked drum solo.
Four year is pretty long for working on a game. It'll be interesting to see the final product.
"What Devil's Third is?" Yeh, I wanna play it.
Still don't care about this game, but it is nice to see something a little different coming to Wii U. Hopefully it attracts an audience.
Here's the old 30 min Gameplay vid from E3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ndkwgr5eB8
From interviews and such this is really a meager slice of the final game, but a showcase of the aesthetic and feel of the game is always good!
Looking at that picture it seem to have improved graphically? The last gameplay vid of it still looked pretty meh graphical wise.
I'm all for more mature titles on Wii U, but that main character design is absolutely dreadful, to the point off putting me off the whole game.
All these online modes sound promising but they wont be much use if it flops at retail and going by how badly previous mature titles have sold,it likely will unfortunately.Fingers crossed there is a meaty single player campaign.
This is one of the games I will get my WiiU back for
Is that Duke Nukem in a tattoo shirt?
@EngieBengie This guy gets it. That game is as close to perfection as it gets.
@DarkCoolEdge they have shown some of the campaign at E3. It was Multiplayer we seen less of (aside from vids) Good that this is one of the few shooters today that actually has a decent single player campaign
Having just finished the "Shadow Warrior" re-imagining on PC, I can tell you that a hackn'slash/shooter can and does work when a good developer makes it.
I had fun with Shadow Warrior, and now I'm primed and eager for more with Devil's Third!
I'm not totally sold, but "content for 2 games" is always a good deal.
And that it's an underrepresented genre on our Wii U made by a prominent quality developer.
I can see myself picking this up, the character designs are badass. I only need confirmation that the gameplay is badass too.
Honestly from what I've seen so far this game looks mediocre, but I am slightly interested in the multiplayer.
I'd love to be surprised tho.
@SecondServing - I think some of the issue may be that we saw stuff from an old build geared to PS3/360...and unfortunately, it's going to be a big game with tons of content, so it won't have the level of detail found in a much smaller, more linear game like Call of Duty...so demos and early footage are not going to impress.
I'm optimistic...but like you I'm waiting to see what the final product looks and plays like.
This game gets more and more enigmatic the more I seehear about it.
I'm still thinking about it and am waiting for all details on how multiplayer works.
This man sure knows how to hype me up for a game that I originally wasn't very excited about. I'm really, really interested in this game now.
The visual style of the game really turns me off, yet I remain very interested.
This game seems a lot more up my alley than western shooters do, and the fact it's more of a hybrid shooter is even better. I don't think that's been done before- at least, I don't think I've ever seen it done WELL before. Usually the games focusing on melee combat have second rate shooting mechanics, or visa versa. Sounds like he's aiming for a game with both in equal measure, and I can definitely appreciate that.
I've been looking forward to this for a long time now, even with my general distrust of Itagaki and that his games tend to turn into button-mash nonsense. Chances are, I'm going to give it a shot regardless of reviews as there is nothing else like it on the Wii U.
But then, it's not like this is going to sell well anyway. This is exactly the kind of game core Nintendo fans whine about on other consoles when desperately trying to find ways to badmouth perfectly good machines.
I doubt this will be better than the revival of Shadow Warrior, which did a commendable job of throwing together 90's shooter charm, sword-based melee combat, and shooting in a surprisingly fun and solid package--and for a budget price no less.
Online mode looks to be brilliant catch the e3 treehouse to see the online modes. Can't wait!
The online games massive structure is super intriguing, and it has already sold itself to me.
I just really, Really, REALLY wish they would exclude auto aim and ads snap and include gyro aiming option.
And Wiimote would be rather ideal controller for this kind of game.
Before E3 I may have been interested by the description alone. But this games showing made it look like a broken game with tons of development issues. Consider it was cancelled originally...never a good sign....
I don't even remember what was in the E3 showing of this game. I'd like more details (i.e. footage) before even considering whether I'm interested or not,
Alright now I'm intrigued.
Don't Team Ninja make crappy-games though? Why should we care how long it is if it's not fun.
I have too many games to hold me over, I'm not sweating this one. I'm thankful for the update though. I look forward to hearing more about it.
Yeah, i'm pretty much getting all the nintendo releases and exclusives. Only ones i don't have so far are sonic boom and hyrule warriors...
@minotaurgamer @Captain_Gonru echo.
I love when Nintendo picks up the publishing rights of these great games. Proving to other publishers that the Wii U can run the same games that the other consoles can run. Just have to work a little harder.
The game's presentation and style looks horrible.
The main character in particular looks awful.
Japan needs to grow up.
I hope the development time equates to a quality game. I'm looking for a unique gaming experience and I think the gaming world is ready for that next unique gaming experience.
This game is going to be epic!
It sounds like they're taking their time to make sure this title is well developed, and while I haven't seen enough of it to decide if I'm interested, it's always a good sign when a game isn't rushed.
@SuperVirtualBoy
This game has been in development for something like 4 or 5 years already. If it's anything, it's certainly not rushed.
Can't wait for this-- insta buy. If the single player is even half as good as the first xbox Ninja Gaiden, this will be a classic.
We've been getting variations on the same statement of "you'll have to wait to see more" for quite a while now. It's quite annoying really.
@letsplay
"Proving to other publishers that the Wii U can run the same games that the other consoles can run"
Since this game was originally designed for the PS3 and 360, this statement is correct.
Man, I aint got time to for all these games. Still have Hyrule Warriors to finish, Bayonetta 1&2, than the upcoming 2015 games like Wooly World, Xenoblade, Star Fox, and Zelda in addition to this game that “contains a lot of elements well over the volume to be provided by two regular games."
@LUIGITORNADO I think it looks different. At least it's not another American military shooter...right?
This does look fun, but ever since I saw Shrek the Third and started referring to it as 'the turd', all I ever see when I read about this game is 'Devil's Turd'.
i need this game, so much BETTER THEN COD! Single Player looks fun! Multplayer! suits! gah!
This game sounds like it could be a lot of fun. It would be nice to see the latest screenshots or trailer.
I like.
I'm buying
@AshFoxX
I had a math teacher in high school with an Indian accent who pronounced '2/3rds' as 'two turds'
@TossedLlama
All those games sold rather poorly, especially No More Heroes 2. It's not likely to ever happen, unfortunately.
I simply cannot wait for this to come out.
This game is most certainly on my wishlist. When I first saw the video for this game, I was hesitant to even consider checking more information out about it, but now I have grown to really appreciate what this game is and it is now one of my most anticipated releases for Wii U. Looks like a total blast!
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