While domain registrations uncovered earlier this year hinted at the prospects of an English localization, XSEED Games have this morning confirmed their plans to release Corpse Party: Blood Drive internationally. Following on from Corpse Party (PSP) and Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (PSP), this is set to be the final chapter in the Heavenly Host Elementary School Arc, once again developed by Team GrisGris and 5pb.
For the first and potentially only time, players will be able to explore Heavenly Host Elementary School in full 3D, following previous games adopting 2D sprites or a first-person “investigation” viewpoint. This is in addition to other visual improvements including a dynamic lighting system (requiring an in-game flashlight) and the “Darkening System”. Binaural 3D Japanese audio, which provides a more immersive experience when wearing headphones (and sitting in a dark room if possible), is also set to return.
Corpse Party: Blood Drive is split into 11 story chapters, and complemented by eight supplemental “Extra Chapters” which provide a bit more depth into the story and its characters. The story itself is set to take place a few months after the events of Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, with Ayumi Shinozaki taking on the role of lead character.
Available exclusively on the PlayStation Vita, Corpse Party: Blood Drive is set for release internationally beginning “Fall” 2015. The game will receive a limited physical “Everafter Edition” release (Which includes a two-disc compilation of songs and a “Dying Art” artbook) and a digital PlayStation Store release. PAL region distribution has yet to be confirmed.
Although I have yet to post up a review for Blood Drive, I have previously written up reviews of the PlayStation Portable games: Corpse Party and Corpse Party: Book of Shadows. As both games have scored quite well in my reviews of them (A/B), I personally look forward to seeing how well the trilogy concludes.
