Best Acquire Corp Games

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Summary

  • Acquire is known for stealth games like Tenchu but has expanded into other genres and settings.
  • Rain , a unique adventure game, features invisible characters only revealed by the rain.
  • Mario & Luigi: Brothership by Acquire maintains critical and commercial success previously achieved in the series.

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for JRPGs, I must say that 2024 has been a remarkable year for me, especially when it comes to games developed by Acquire. The studio has truly outdone themselves with their latest creations, and I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the worlds they’ve brought to life.

From their initial release of “Tenchu: Stealth Assassins,” Acquire has built a reputation for creating stealth games that take place during various eras in Japanese history. They have gained additional recognition through subsequent Tenchu games and Way of the Samurai. Notably, they often collaborate with other companies, such as Square Enix, on projects like the Octopath Traveler series.

In 2024, Kadowaka Corporation took over ownership, but they continued collaborating with Nintendo on “Mario & Luigi: Brothership” and other projects. Expanding into various game genres, artistic styles, and environments, the company boasts an impressive collection of highly recommended games from their past productions. Here, these games are listed based on their general popularity and impact.

10. Rain

Visible When Wet

  • Platform: PlayStation 3
  • Released: 2013-10-01
  • Developer: Acquire Corp., Japan Studio
  • Genre: Adventure

In the realm of exclusive games for PlayStation 3, there lies a captivating adventure titled “Rain“. This game offers a distinctive gaming experience where players assume the role of a boy on a quest to find an enigmatic girl. The twist is that the boy and the girl are invisible to the naked eye, but their presence can be detected by following the trail they leave behind in the rain.

As a captivated player, I’ve found an intriguing aspect in this game: the adversaries in town remain elusive, only revealing themselves due to the rain that gives them shape. The ambiance and overall melancholic essence of the game have been praised by critics, evoking deep emotions from players. However, with a playtime of less than five hours and straightforward mechanics, it might not cater to everyone’s preferences.

9. Way Of The Samurai

The Wandering Ronin

In the year 1878, set at the fictional Rokkotsu Pass, players assume control over a solitary ronin named Kenji. The game offers six distinct conclusions based on the choices made, and these critical decisions affect the gameplay right from the start. This engaging title is known as “The Path of the Samurai.

In this game, fighting plays a significant role, and there are more than forty distinct sword options for players to use, although they can carry only three at once. Important characteristics like sharpness and durability influence these swords. The Way of the Samurai series has achieved success over time, but it’s often said that the initial game remains the best among them all.

8. Orgarhythm

Heavenly Rhythm

  • Platform: PlayStation Vita
  • Released: 2012-08-09
  • Developer: Acquire
  • Genre: Rhythm game, real-time strategy

This exclusive game for PlayStation Vita presents a rather unusual concept, blending god simulation, rhythmic gameplay, and real-time strategy. In this game, you assume the role of the God of Light, directing your elemental soldiers – fire, earth, and water warriors. Your objective is to vanquish the “Dark Tribe,” an enemy faction led by your brother, the God of Light.

Each element possesses unique advantages and disadvantages when facing others, while synchronizing with the beat of the music amplifies the power of the warriors. For those who persist in uncovering this hidden treasure, the journey promises an engaging experience, particularly the thrilling encounters against epic bosses.

7. What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord!?

Holy Cult Classic, Badman!

  • Platform: PlayStation Portable
  • Released: 2007-12-06
  • Developer: Acquire
  • Genre: Real-time strategy

An obscure gem primarily appreciated outside of Japan, “What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!?” is a unique title exclusive to the PSP system. It spawned two follow-ups. In essence, it’s a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game where your mission is to safeguard the malevolent demon Lord Badman from a relentless hero. You achieve this by excavating tunnels and strategically positioning monsters to obstruct his path.

In this game, players are given a certain amount of “Dig Power” with their pickaxe, which they can utilize for upgrading monsters, thereby increasing the hero’s challenges. Additionally, they have the option to rescue Lord Badman while the hero is fleeing. This humorous title offers a challenging experience that isn’t overly frustrating.

6. Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

A Pioneer In Stealth

Back in the day, I stumbled upon a gem of a game called “Tenchu: Stealth Assassins,” my very first introduction to the world of stealth gaming. This beauty was Acquire’s debut creation, transporting players straight into Sengoku-era Japan. As a member of the Azuma clan, either Rikimaru or Ayame, I found myself tasked with maintaining a low profile and silently taking out my foes.

Spread over eleven sandbox stages, players can choose different items in their equipment, leading to distinct experiences every time they play. Similar to “Metal Gear Solid” and “Thief: The Dark Project”, “Tenchu: Stealth Assassins” pioneered the stealth genre and left a lasting impact on game developers in the years that followed.

5. Tenchu 2: Birth Of The Stealth Assassins

Young Ninjas

Players who were eager for more stealth-based action didn’t have to wait long before they could get their hands on it, as the sequel to the original, titled “Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins“, was released only two years later. Set as a prequel, this game focuses on the young characters Rikimaru and Ayame as they confront the sinister “Burning Dawn” organization.

The focus has shifted back towards stealth and avoiding detection as you neutralize opponents without making a sound. Many people think it’s an upgrade over its previous version, and the addition of a Scenario Editor lets players design their unique missions and settings to explore.

4. Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Teamwork And Solidarity

Ever since AlphaDream, the creators of the beloved Mario & Luigi series, shut down, there was much buzz among us gamers about who would step up to develop the next game. To our delight, Nintendo tapped Acquire for the task, and they knocked it out of the park! The result is none other than “Mario & Luigi: Brothership,” a game that has been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, solidifying its place as one of the best in the series.

They chose to make some adjustments to the game, transforming it completely into a 3D version, with an increased focus on exploration and teamwork. The eye-catching design and changes in the battle system were highly appreciated, and remarkably, the story is quite captivating considering it features mustachioed brothers.

3. Kamiwaza: Way Of The Thief

Honor Among Thieves

  • Platform: PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch
  • Released: 2022-10-11
  • Developer: Acquire
  • Genre: Action

Previously only available in Japan on PlayStation 2, the game titled “Kamiwaza: The Path of the Burglar” eventually reached Western waters in 2022. Situated during the Edo era and revolving around a burglar with Robin Hood-esque tendencies named Ebizo, gamers must navigate maps undetected and pilfer items to purchase medicine for Ebizo’s adopted daughter.

Similar to “Way of the Samurai”, this game features multiple storylines that branch out based on player choices, with significant consequences later in the game. The stealth aspects are akin to those found in “Tenchu”. Occasionally, the game’s difficulty may feel unbalanced, but overall it offers an enjoyable, diverse, and oddball experience.

2. Octopath Traveler

The HD-2D Era Begins

The pioneering game styled as HD-2D, called Octopath Traveler, is a role-playing game set in the imaginary land of Orsterra. You can pick from among eight main characters and gather additional ones at their initial locations. To progress, you must finish the four story arcs for each character.

The combat system is remarkably inventive, featuring a turn-based setup along with the introduction of “Break” and “Boost” points that influence the damage dealt to enemies or cause them to skip their turns. However, some criticism was levied regarding the portrayal of female characters, while a few reviewers found Primrose’s narrative appealing.

1. Octopath Traveler 2

Acquire’s Finest Work

The outstanding work of Acquire is showcased in the sequel titled Octopath Traveler 2. This new game preserves the enchanting qualities of its predecessor, while enhancing them further. Although the combat and graphics remain similar to before, they were already exceptional, making the inclusion of unique day-and-night interactions all the more refreshing.

In the fresh realm of Solistia, this installment offers eight diverse playable characters, marking a shift towards an era characterized by industry. Compared to the initial release, the representation of female characters has significantly improved, and many critics have praised it as a superior addition to the series.

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2024-12-19 06:34