@dropper:
The translation inaccuracy that people are talking about doesn't really bother me, I already know the events in the series, what counts is how enjoyable the game is after all.
I'd say it matters. Not having a dub is alienating enough for new people coming into this (possibly through the game) but throwing in a bunch pointless Japanese words all over the place isn't going to help in the slightest.
which makes me think, did they cut or compress down more than just Episode 2?
No, just shoddy work
So as you start the game, it notes about your saved data for transferring to Episode 2. Could there be a Nintendo eShop download in the works? I mean, I assume 70% of the content is in this game, surely no one would purchase a cart with the remaining 30%?
I wouldn't hold out for it as DLC man. I wouldn't look to far into it at all. Is that same message box in the same place in the Japanese version at all? It's probably just a straight up translation.
The other thing that I find a bummer is that the game isn't a fighting game, nor is it a adventure game, it just sort of an unrefined mix of those two genres.
Have you not played an Unlimited game before? I'll admit, Marineford Mode is a pretty shitty way to express the games mechanics but it words damn well in the Wii iterations. For me, it pretty much nailed down exactly the feeling and gameplay that a One Piece game should have. That said, I've never been particularly keen on the changes made for Cruise. Unlimited Adventure is a much much better game all round. Perhaps they'd release UA with UC2? Though I'd really doubt it.
It's great that UCSP seen some advertising of sites such as Destructoid (though the video was in French?) and is published by Nintendo. But in my opinion there are better One Piece titles such as Gigant Battle which didn't get the attention. Hopefully the game sells well enough to give Musou more attention, I'm pretty sure that Musou will be a great game for both fans and those unfamiliar with the franchise. It will more than likely hit the states.
Like the Wii versions of Cruise sales wont really mean shit. It's, for the most part only getting a limited release online from most retailers. GAME aren't stocking it and as far as I know, neither are HMV. I got my copy from a local retailer who only ordered 3. I wouldn't necessarily call Gigant Battle "better" than UCSP, if anything it was just as disappointing but hell, that had even less of release than anything else. It didn't get attention because no bugger would have bought it other than the core fans anyway. Can't blame them.
Most likely, the only reason that the games are coming to the UK at all are because the series is so huge in Germany and France and they could flog a few extra copies if they stuck on a cheap set of english subtitles. One Piece has absolutely fuck all presence over here apart from the manga. No DVDs, no dub, no SJA. Nothing.
One Piece Unlimited Cruise SP should have been released in Japan 10 months ago
It was.
and within those 10 months it has been cut down severely with no signs of improvement before reaching European shores.
What "improvements" were you expecting? If anything it does have an improvement. I can read it.
Maybe I just haven't really played enough of it yet to find it enjoyable.
You really should have started with the first one on the Wii.
