The FamiKatsu | December 17, 2023

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Mid-December brings about more holly jeers and those ever-tiring nostalgic Christmas tunes in malls across the world. Even here in Japan, trying to escape from another repeated George Michael or Mariah Carey tune anywhere outside can also turn into a complicated affair. However, illuminations across Japan are a joy to experience. Anyway, last week saw the ever-popular collaborations expanding into new fields, so how about this week?

This week on The FamiKatsu, the week of December 10 to December 16, here are what Famitsu readers read the most, in a 10-to-1 list order!

Disclaimer: Unless stated otherwise, all Famitsu article-related pictures are property of Famitsu. Also, as this is an overview, unfortunately full translations of articles will not be provided. Furthermore, if there are any erroneous translations in this article, feel free to submit a comment outlining said error. I will be happy to find out where I fell short!

#10 - Final Fantasy XVI First DLC Announcement

News - Home Console Game - PS5

Coming in at number 10 is the announcement of Final Fantasy XVI’s first DLC, titled “Echoes of the Fallen,” was announced at The Game Awards and was immediately available after the trailer was showcased at the event. Further information about the next following story DLC, “The Rising Tide,” was also announced. Read the full article on Famitsu over here.

#9 - Dialga and Palka Raids Coming

News - Home Console Game - Switch

Coming to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the Dialga and Palka raids start from December 8 and last until December 22. As with previous Pokémon raids, Famitsu has once again compiled their guide on how to raid these Pokémon, detailing ideal attacks, Pokémon types, and how to approach the raid in both single- and multiplayer sessions. Check out their guide over on their site here.

#8 - Chiikawa Coca-Cola Calendar Campaign

Entertainment

Our first collaboration of this week! This time The Coca-Cola Company has teamed up with the popular Japanese mascot character, Chiikawa. The result? A 2024 desktop calendar that comes in four styles! On sale from December 11, check out all four designs in Famitsu’s article over here.

#7 - Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary Collaboration

Entertainment - Press Release

Why, hello there next collaboration! In celebration of Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty, a collaboration with McDonalds Japan sees a spread of 50 unique Hello Kitty designs, all available through McDonalds’ Happy Meal sets. As seen above, the designs range from Monochrome, to past favorite designs of a hibiscus bow, and even has some McDonalds uniform Hello Kittys. Check out the full article over on Famitsu here.

#6 - Announcements at The Game Awards 2023

Coverage / Report

Famitsu readers were definitely keeping a close eye on the vast array of new trailers and game announcements that were scattered throughout the presentation, and Famitsu compiled a list right here. I don’t think I need to go over the announcements, but Famitsu was mostly excited for the announcements of Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, as well as the Final Fantasy XVI DLC.

#5 - Sword Art Online Movie Trilogy Planned for Broadcast Airing

Anime - Press Release

The anime series-turned-movie Sword Art Online had a serialized three-part movie trilogy a few years ago. Now, a recent Fuji Television agreement has secured the rights to broadcast the trilogy over the air on local networks! A repeat-airing of the first movie in the series, the latter two movies are seeing their first terrestrial-airing in Japan thanks for Fuji TV. Famitsu informs readers the broadcast date on their site for domestic citizens, with Part 1 being broadcasted January 10, 2024 at 10:00 p.m., Part 2 broadcasting January 19 after midnight at 12:55 a.m., then Part 3 airing closely after the following day at 2:15 a.m. Check out Famitsu’s full article over here for the full run down.

#4 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift Codes

Special / Project Article - Home Console Game - Switch

Another week where the Pokémon Mystery Gift Codes are appearing on the list. If you are a Japanese-region player who hasn't taken advantage of this yet, check out Famitsu's article here for the codes.

#3 - Darkrai Pokémon Mystery Gift

News - Home Console Game - Switch

Earlier in the list we have the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Japan Region) Mystery Gift codes listed. But what happens when a new gift comes out that has serious clout? The Famitsu readers are super interested in how to acquire this new gift! This results in a 3rd-ranked article, telling said-Famitsu readers the code they need to receive this gift of Darkrai. What to know the code and residing in the region? Check out Famitsu’s article over here!

#2 - Unofficial Suika Game Goods

News - Home Console Game - Switch

Sadly announced through their official Twitter/X Handle, the makers of Suika Game have found unofficial goods circulating in Japanese Game Centers / Arcades. Mentioning their strikingly similar appearance, the makers have said they have no affiliation with them whatsoever. With possible goods planned in the future from them, as-of now all similar Suika Game goods found in arcades are said to be unaffiliated. Read the full article on Famitsu over here.

#1 - New Monster Hunter Wilds Announcement

News - Home Console Game

Announced at The Game Awards 2023, the next installment in the Monster Hunter franchise is planned to be released in 2025, on Playstation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as on PC. Famitsu quickly explains what was shown in the trailer, providing both the trailer and screenshots in their article. Check it out.

Holy Saint Francis! What a change is here! From the mounting amount of collaborations both last week and this week, we definitely saw a complete 180-flip with apparent counterfeit goods appearing with absolutely no association with the official maker this week! Is it to take advantage of the popularity of the game? Or the holiday season is upon us? Hopefully everything is resolved in the near future.

How were the rankings this week? Did anything surprise you? Will FamiKatsu see you just before Christmas next week? Perhaps! Otherwise, FamiKatsu will be back after Christmas. Merry Christmas!