If you follow me on Twitter, you know I got huge into Dark Souls 3. You probably also know that I then got huge into Berserk as a result. Running off and on since 1989, “Berserk” is hailed by many as the epitome of dark fantasy. Written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, the series follows Guts, a swordsman out to slay his former best friend turned demon God. It arguably reached peak popularity in the late 90s, thanks to the release of the 1997 anime, which covered the series second major story arc, “The Golden Age”.
After nearly 20 years, Berserk returned to anime this year to mixed results. But most notably was the announcement of a Berserk Musou title from Koei Tecmo and Omega Force, the team behind the Dynaster/Samurai/Orochi Warriors series, as well as the recent Attack on Titan game.
Though details have been scarce, a number of promotional videos and footage have since been released. The game’s shaping up pretty nice, with a fairly robust character line-up. Guts, Griffith, Casca, Nosferatu Zodd and others are playable. And numerous stages have been confirmed, including the gorgeous imagery of the Hill of Swords.
Today, I’m told Berserk finally got a European release date of February 24, 2017. It’s also looking like the full title is Berserk and the Band of the Hawk. An interesting title, considering Band of the Hawk is technically mistranslated (Griffith’s raider band are the Band of the Falcon in the original Japanese. There’s no confirmation yet of an American release date, though the February date is likely close. The initial launch trailer said PS4 and Steam, but nothing since then. Personally, I’m holding out for a Steam release, but you all know of my issues with Sony.
I’m genuinely excited for this title. Though I’ve only recently stumbled into it, Berserk may be one of the best examples of dark fantasy I can find. I’ll try to write more about why it’s great in the future, but for now we’ll update as soon as we get a release date. Until then, here’s a bunch of renders and screenshots and the official press release, courtesy of Koei Tecmo. If you’re interested in more Berserk, you can pick up the official English translated Manga from Dark Horse. The 12th and (for now) final episode of Berserk (2016) airs Friday at 1030 on CrunchyRoll.
Update: We replaced the original teaser trailer with the new English TGS trailer, which became available after this article was published.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE DETAILS WESTERN RELEASE FOR OMEGA FORCE’S ‘BERSERK AND THE BAND OF THE HAWK’Follow the Daring and Heroic Life of Guts and Crew From The Renowned Manga and Anime Series’ Popular ‘Golden Age’ Arc Through To The Gripping ‘Falcon of The Millennium’ Arc
Hertfordshire, 15th September 2015– KOEI TECMO Europe is thrilled to reveal new information regarding the European release of developer Omega Force’s most brutal Warriors title to date alongside a batch of new assets featuring characters from the series’ universe. Based on the iconic manga and anime series Berserk, by Kentarou Miura, the game will be released in Europe as ‘Berserk and the Band of the Hawk’ on the 24th February 2016, for thePlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, as well as digitally on thePlayStation®Vita handheld system and on PC via Steam®.
A brand new trailer alongside a selection of new screenshots and artwork released today introduce Guts’ companions Casca, Judeau, Serpico and Schierke – all of whom will be playable characters within Berserk and the Band of the Hawk.
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk follows the compelling tale of the famed mercenary group The Band of the Hawk, focusing on its diverse cast of characters and their struggles as they fight to achieve their dream of owning a kingdom. Berserk fans and newcomers alike will experience the series’ popular Golden Age story arc, which depicts the meeting between the leader of The Band of the Hawk, Griffith, and the legendary Black Swordsman, Guts, through to the gripping Falcon of the Millennium Empire arc, in which players will experience the group’s most brutal and devastating battles against humans and demons alike.
To stay in touch with all the Berserk and the Band of the Hawk news please visit the official site at www.koeitecmoeurope.com/berserk , likewww.facebook.com/koeitecmogames , and follow us on Twitter@koeitecmoeurope
About Berserk and the Band of the Hawk
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is based on the world-renowned series ‘Berserk’ by Kentarou Miura, and blends the signature ‘one versus thousands’ style action from the long-running Warriors franchise with the grim and gruesome atmosphere of ‘Berserk’. Following the daring and heroic life of Guts, Griffith, Casca and the Band of the Hawk as they cut their way through a sinister realm of magical and demonic fiends, players will slash and smash through hordes of human and demonic enemies.ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden®series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com©KENTAROU MIURA（STUDIO GAGA） HAKUSENSHA/BERSERK PARTNERSHIP
©2016 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a registered trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
