As announced last summer on Twitterdeveloper Sting is still working on a remaster of Riviera: The Promised Land on Nintendo Switch. Like other games “Dept. Heaven” which were also entitled to a remastered version recently on the hybrid console, Knights in the Nightmare last year and Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone in 2020.
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine revealed (see here) that Sting will be released Riviera: The Promised Land on Nintendo Switch on February 28, 2024. The title is currently only indicated for Japan, and those interested can pick it up for ¥2,860.
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The game will offer the following improvements:
- Mini Update #1: Remaster based on the PSP version, but with the good elements of the WonderSwan and Game Boy Advance versions (and improvements)
- Mini Update #2: Switching between three background music sound sources
- Mini Update #3: Two more background music sound sources added
- Mini Update #4: Most UI screens adjusted
- Mini Update #5: Event dialog screen redone
- Mini Update #6: Battlescreen UI and Tempo Adjustments
- Mini Update #7: Can save at any time outside of event scenes
- Mini Update #8: Some sound effects may be changed for the Game Boy Advance version
- Mini Update #9: More difficulty options at the start
- Mini Update #10: Introduction of “Original” and “Standard” modes
- Mini Update #11: “Lots of EXP” Mode Adjustments
- Mini Update #12: “Return” function added to battles
- Mini Update #13: Hint display added for event and battle items
- Mini Update #14: Event Scene Preview
- Mini Update #15: Semi-transparent feature added for terrain screen triggers
- Mini Update #16: Pixel effects feature added
- Mini Update #17: Pixel color changing feature added
- Mini Update #18: Battle Screen Adjustments
- Mini Update #19: Item Screen Adjustments
- Mini Update #20: Colorful Enemy Illustrations
- Mini Update #21: “Standard” Mode Effect Details
- Mini Update #22: Introduction of the additional content screen
- Mini Update #23: Action trigger scene adjustments
- Mini Update #24: Introduction of background music sound sources
- Mini Update #25: “Easy” and “Hard” difficulties added
- Mini Update #26: Item Synthesis Function Added
- Mini Update #27: Battle Preparation Screen Adjustments
Riviera: The Promised Land is a Japanese role-playing game originally released for WonderSwan Color in 2002, and later ported to several other platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, PlayStation Portable (PSP), and mobile. It was developed by Sting Entertainment and published by Atlus.
The story of Riviera: The Promised Land takes place in a fantasy world where the gods have abandoned the land. Players follow the adventures of two main characters, Ein and her battle partner, Ledah, as they explore the kingdom of Riviera in search of powerful relics called “Vessels of God.” These sacred objects are believed to contain the power of the gods and can be used to shape the fate of the world.
The gameplay of Riviera: The Promised Land is a combination of role-playing game and visual novel. Players move through predefined environments and interact with non-player characters, solve puzzles, and participate in turn-based combat. Combat is based on a grid system where players must choose their actions wisely based on enemy locations and weaknesses. The game also emphasizes relationships between characters and moral choices that can affect the story and relationships with other protagonists.
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The visual aesthetic of Riviera: The Promised Land is characterized by detailed and colorful 2D graphics, with animated sprites and beautiful illustrations. The game's soundtrack is also acclaimed for its memorable melodies.
Riviera: The Promised Land was well received by critics and players alike for its gripping storyline, strategic combat system, and unique art style. The game has been considered a rare gem and a solid example of a portable role-playing game. It was followed by a sequel entitled “Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone” and is part of the “Dept. Heaven” from Sting Entertainment, which includes several games sharing the same universe.
