DATE A LIVE Rio Reincarnation Mini-FAQ

[Nino Nakano]

Thought I would make a short mini-FAQ to attempt to answer some of the questions I keep seeing pop up. This is not an official post in any way, so do not take it as such. The answers below are 100% my own, and to the best of my knowledge.

What is DATE A LIVE Rio Reincarnation?

DATE A LIVE Rio Reincarnation is a collection of 3 visual novels, originally released on PS3 and PS Vita: DATE A LIVE Rinne Utopia*, DATE A LIVE Arusu Install*, and DATE A LIVE Twin Edition Rio Reincarnation, and released in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.

*Fun fact: These were ported to PS Vita twice. Once under Rinne Utopia (which also included Arusu Install), and again under Rio Reincarnation.

Where do these fit in the DATE A LIVE timeline?

Rinne Utopia takes place after Season 1. Arusu Install takes place after Season 2, and Rio Reincarnation takes place after Arusu Install.

Do I need to watch the anime before playing this?

Not really, since they each feature their own stories with original characters, but I would recommend it at least to get familiar with who the characters are.

However, Rinne Utopia does start by summarizing S1 in a nutshell so you could start here if you're new to DAL.

What order should I read these in?

Release order. Rinne Utopia, Arusu Install, and Rio Reincarnation. There IS a Digest you can read that covers Rinne Utopia and Arusu Install that is narrated by Shido (the only time you can hear him speak, by the way) if you want to jump right to Rio Reincarnation, but you'd be missing out on so much content that way that I'd recommend against doing that.

What's the gameplay?

You read and occasionally make selections to determine your route. During free days, you can freely choose who you want to hang out with, kind of like Persona. It's a visual novel/dating sim, what do you expect?

15GB? For a visual novel?

Yes. Like I said, this is a collection of 3 visual novels originally released on PS3 and PS Vita. It's basically a remaster, with voice acting, character art animated with Live2D, and extras not found in the original releases.

What are these extras you speak of?

An in-game artbook and 3 light novels.

Will my PC run this game?

Yes. It's a visual novel, after all; I'm fairly sure a potato can run it if it can handle the cutscenes form the Neptunia Re;birth series, since they're basically the same in terms of presentation.

Can I play as a girl?

No.

Not even Shiori?

Nope!

Is there a Limited Edtion?

Yes, for $85 at Iffy's Online Store[www.iffysonlinestore.com] (EU[store.iffyseurope.com]).

What comes with the Limited Edtion?

The Limited Edition includes the following:

• Codes for the game and Deluxe Pack (NA: delievered by email | EU: on back of box)
  
• Kurumi body pillow cover
  
• Soundtrack
  
• Artbook (same as the in-game artbook) + light novels
  
• Steelbook (yes, even though you don't get a disc)
  
• Collector's box

Did you say light novels? Do these have anything to do with the main series LNs?

Yes, I did! These are the same light novels that originally shipped with each game's respective Limited Edition. Even though the visual and light novels were all written by series creator Koichi Tachibana, these are bonus light novels only and aren't canon to the main series.

Not even the one with Rinne?

Not even the one with Rinne.

Then what was the point of her showing up at one point in Season 3?

I'd like to know that myself.....

When will the movie, Mayuri Judgement, be localized and dubbed?

All up to Funimation, unfortunately. I really want to see this happen myself.

Who is best girl?

All of them to be honest! Well, except for the teacher and Reina.

Is there an R-18 patch?

NO!! Not only was this originally on consoles, but the character designer/illustrator, Tsunako, doesn't do things like that. Ever. Plus, it's based on a popular light novel + anime series......

How do I save?

Game progress can be saved by opening the System Menu and selecting Save. However, System Data (things like viewed CGs, seen text, whether or not you can start Rio Reincarnation, etc.) is only saved when you exit to the title screen.

[Serphs]

Didn't Rinne also make a cameo in the main light novels.

[Bad Hacker]

Not even Shiori?

[Village Idiot]

While these VNs are non-canon, the VN exclusive characters do get re-used later on in the LN.

[Nino Nakano]

Originally posted by Serphs:

Didn't Rinne also make a cameo in the main light novels.

Originally posted by Village Idiot:

While these VNs are non-canon, the VN exclusive characters do get re-used later on in the LN.

Yes, but I think it's basically the same deal as with the anime.

And, fun fact, I had to brief r/Animedubs on who she was since she didn't introduce herself by name, and she was in the OP (don't ask me why; S3 was a mess overall.)

"Oh but what about that other character in the same episode who-" Shut up, IFI hasn't brought her up yet and is most likely RU spoilers.

[Bad Hacker]

Originally posted by Noire (Black Heart):

When will the movie, Mayuri Judgement, be localized and dubbed?

Not sure if you can license a film from a defunct studio. but if they can release it to the western counties, then I will definitely get it. Dub would be a Plus.

[Nino Nakano]

Originally posted by Bad Hacker:

Originally posted by Noire (Black Heart):

When will the movie, Mayuri Judgement, be localized and dubbed?

Not sure if you can license a film from a defunct studio. but if they can release it to the western counties, then I will definitely get it. Dub would be a Plus.

I don't think Production IMS actually had the rights to the anime/distribution, but I would think that the rights holders (namely, the "DATE A LIVE II PARTNERS") have the S2/MJ materials.

[Bad Hacker]

Originally posted by Noire (Black Heart):

Originally posted by Bad Hacker:

Not sure if you can license a film from a defunct studio. but if they can release it to the western counties, then I will definitely get it. Dub would be a Plus.

I don't think Production IMS actually had the rights to the anime/distribution, but I would think that the rights holders (namely, the "DATE A LIVE II PARTNERS") have the S2/MJ materials.

I don't know much about licensing, I would imagine IMS would have to be involved since they animated it. But what you said maybe right.

[Bad Hacker]

I would suggest adding the question "How do I save my game?" as my notifications are filled with them.

[Pay Child Suport]

I've already watched the 3 seasons. should I go straight to Rio?

[Serphs]

Originally posted by Tentacle Grape:

I've already watched the 3 seasons. should I go straight to Rio?

That is not how this works.

These games are standalone. Play in order.

[Pay Child Suport]

Originally posted by Serphs:

Originally posted by Tentacle Grape:

I've already watched the 3 seasons. should I go straight to Rio?

That is not how this works.

These games are standalone. Play in order.

this is gonna be loooooong then.

[Serphs]

Originally posted by Tentacle Grape:

Originally posted by Serphs:

That is not how this works.

These games are standalone. Play in order.

this is gonna be loooooong then.

That's kinda of an odd attitude to have here. It's 3 games, that's a good thing.

But you still gain nothing from skipping straight to the third game.

By god the curse IF brought upon us by marketing this trilogy as Rio Reincarnation

[Nino Nakano]

Originally posted by Serphs:

Originally posted by Tentacle Grape:

this is gonna be loooooong then.

That's kinda of an odd attitude to have here. It's 3 games, that's a good thing.

But you still gain nothing from skipping straight to the third game.

By god the curse IF brought upon us by marketing this trilogy as Rio Reincarnation

Twin Edition Rio Reincarnation was itself a trilogy (I think?) back when it first released on Vita in a similar manner.

[Baalzie]

What I wonder is: Why on earth do i get a message of "to be continued" in the middle of Rinne Utopia? It's not like the story continues from there in the next game. Why haven't I gotten the entire Rinne Utopia?
(It's in the middle of the story, not even halfways through)

[Bad Hacker]

Originally posted by Baalzie:

What I wonder is: Why on earth do i get a message of "to be continued" in the middle of Rinne Utopia? It's not like the story continues from there in the next game. Why haven't I gotten the entire Rinne Utopia?
(It's in the middle of the story, not even halfways through)

Sounds like you might have ran into a bad end. You will need to load your previous save and pick a different option.