Typographical Connection Between YoRHa & Accord

Could there be a connection between YoRHa—the group who performed the vocal tracks for all the boss battles and whose characters seem to be androids from the distant future—and Accord?

I’m still pretty skeptical that there is any intentional connection between them, but this is a thought that made me gasp a little bit today. There have been many kanji quiz shows on TV in Japan, and some are puzzles in which you take the parts of the kanji and rearrange them to create a new word or phrase. I was looking at the stylized writing that was used to create YoRHa’s name… and it’s a bit different from normal Katakana. Maybe it’s simply to look “cool” or to be “different”… or what if it could mean something else…? What if it could be rearranged like on the quiz shows to form a new word…? What if this could be subtilely connecting YoRHa and Accord?

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First of all, the number of line strokes for both “YoRHa” and “Accord” is 7, which you can see in the Pieces section in the photo above.  Each stroke is viewed separately.

Then I moved strokes around, flipped them, rotated them, and skewed the shape of them to create these names.  I like how the first letter in the first two styles looks like a scythe. Can you imagine Accord putting down her huge suitcase and picking up a scythe!?  xD

So, what do you think?  Funky connection?  Mere coincidence?  I don’t know if I quite believe anything more because of this, but I have to admit it was an interesting thing to spot.  ;P

Soon to Come! Utahime Sisters’ Story DLC!

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According to Dengeki PlayStation Vol. 560, which was just published today (February 13th), we have learned that story DLCs involving all of the Utahime Sisters will soon be released.

Although he couldn’t reveal much at this time, in a brief interview with Producer Shiba Takamasa, we have learned that we will be able to play as each of the Utahime Sisters in a new story chapter for each of them.

He was asked if they would have another NicoNico Live Broadcast featuring this news, and he responded lively saying that he would like to do it again if the fans would be interested in watching, but only after the new DLC contents have been released.

So, hopefully these new DLCs will further develop the Utahime Sisters and give them a little more depth that the initial run through the game lacked.

EDIT:  Here’s the translation of the short interview with Shiba Takamasa.

DLCs are all set! The world of DOD3 is about to get much larger!

Dengeki: Previously in a live broadcast on NicoNico, you talked about future DLCs that would eventually become available. Could you tell us anything more about this?

Shiba: Yes. I came here simply to talk about this…although I can’t talk about the details just yet. I believe I also touched briefly on this in a previous broadcast on NicoNico, but we’re about ready to release some new Story DLCs. We’ll make an official announcement about this in a few days, so please hang in there until then. In any case, we’d like to add onto the game with these contents without making you wait too long to play with them. As far as what these contents will entail, you will be able to play as each of the Utautai sisters as they play the main role in a new story. These stories will fit into the beginning portion of the game, like a prequel. Please look forward to it!

Dengeki: Wow, that does sound pretty awesome!! Then, will you put on another NicoNico live broadcast before this release?

Shiba: I knew you would bring this up. There are a lot of factors–and courage–involved with doing a broadcast after a game’s release…… But if it’s for the gamers, I’ll try my best! In the end, I hope to announce more information about these extra contents soon! To all the fans, I really appreciate your support!

Dengeki: Thank you very much!

Translation by Rekka Alexiel.

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Drakengard 3: Official Release Date is May 20th

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We have official news on the NA release of DOD3!  And they will release a special edition box with a bunch of goodies, although, it’s lacking some of the best goodies from the 10th anniversary box like the art books and scripts.  Here’s some more information:

Pre-Order Drakengard 3 today exclusively at the SQUARE ENIX ONLINE STORE!

Street Date: 05/20/14

SHIPS EARLY FOR LAUNCH DAY DELIVERY

Only 5,000 copies of this exclusive item will be produced, so pre-order now to reserve your copy while supplies last! Pre-ordering this version also locks you in for three free bonus items:

1.) Japanese VO DLC
2.) Revealed on March 4th!
3.) Revealed on April 9th!

The Collector’s Edition also contains:

• Premium Packaging, featuring the Japanese Product Art
• The Complete Prequel Novella
• Soundtrack Sampler Disc
• Double-sided Collectible Poster
• DLC Code for the Caim Costume, based on the protagonist of Drakengard
• DLC Code for a prequel stage featuring Zero’s sister, One as a playable character
• DLC Code for the Giant Baby Hat

A prequel to the original Drakengard, Drakengard 3 transports players to a medieval world where six sisters wield special magical abilities as the “Intoners.” These sisters have brought peace to the earth with their power to manipulate magic through song. Harmony is disrupted, however, when the eldest sister, Zero, attempts to murder her younger sisters with the help of her dragon companion, Mikhail. As the story progresses, players find themselves in a battle to unravel the mystery of Zero and learn her true intentions.
————–
*Launch day delivery not guaranteed. Final product may vary

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http://store.na.square-enix.com/store/sqenixus/en_US/pd/ThemeID.29853700/productID.296956900#.UvJP0UKSzB8

The Official Complete Guide Book + Settings

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The release of the Official Complete Guide Book and Setting Designs will be released on February 28th. Have you pre-ordered your copy yet? Do so, here!

Anyway, Dengeki Online has just published a short reminder about the guidebook and reminded us what goodies we can find within it. I believe I’ve posted about its contents before, but here’s one interesting thing they’ve added: The settings for “DOD1.3“.

What is DOD1.3? Well, if you’ve played through DOD3, you will know that [SP: time is not a single, flowing entity. It is like a tree which may brach out from its original path to create a new “future”. It’s the classic Back to the Future idea: Change the past to create a better future.] So, what if events in DOD3 effectively alter the events which now may or may not occur in DOD1? That is where the idea of DOD1.3 comes from; It’s the same general idea, with both small and very vital aspects changed, melded into a new timeline.

For example, the guide book will talk about various possibilities with DOD1.3 like this:

  • Since there is no such thing as contracts between humans and dragons, Caim and Angel have merely a symbiotic relationship.
  • Perhaps there is a parting of ways between Caim and his younger sister Furiae.
  • Many other unpredictable yet exciting new twists and turns!

**EDIT**
Looks like I never updated this post with more information on the guidebook.  ^^;;

More information on the Complete Official Guide Book!

Pre-orders for the Complete Official Guide Book have been underway for a while now!  Have you ordered yours yet?  Here’s what you can expect:

The only Complete Guide and Settings book

*  A ton of data and information on how to reach each of the endings

*  A ton of setting designs and information, especially previously forbidden information on various things that many fans have been wondering about

 

Must read information for fans from the developer on story and world of DOD3

* Featured story by Yoko Taro, series creator

*  Highly detailed information on the world view, development terms and materials to enjoy the game even more

 

The book is jam-packed full of maniac-level articles by the Dengeki staff that brought you the legendary “DOD2” and “Nier” guide books

*  An extensive view of the DOD3 world from the perspective of the Dengeki staff

*  In the fan book-like corner of the guide, you will find a character popularity poll and much more

 

Beautiful illustrations and character designs, especially from fans

*  Rough illustrations by character designer Fujisaka Kimihiko, including other design materials and notes that can only be found here

*  Rough images that eventually were cut in the development process

*  Various tribute illustrations from the illustrating team:  Ayakura Juu, Tanno Shinobu, pako, Fukahire, MAYA, Morii Shizuki, and Yaegashi Nan

Dengeki Online – News Release
http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/765/765612/

Amazon – Pre-order the Complete Official Guide Book here!
http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4048660861/dengekionline-22