Story game order?

[unspunreality]

I know one set of stories is apart from the other, but whats the order? I own all the games across 3ds/pc/ps4 yet Ive not played them cause Im a scrub. So which should I start with to keep the right order?

[Jackkel Dragon]

In general, it's probably best to play them in release order, because that's how a lot of the characterization seems to be presented in. (For instance, knowledge from Shinovi Versus makes understanding some elements of Deep Crimson easier, despite being in different continuities. And some of the SV/BA/EV side story missions are direct sequels to that character's missions in the previous games.) So that would be Burst (Hanzo->Hebijo)->Shinovi Versus->Bon Appetit->Deep Crimson->Estival Versus.

If you want to play them in chronological order, that gets a lot harder since each game is essentially its own continuity (which becomes a plot point in EV). Technically Burst happens first, but the two different versions of Burst don't directly agree with later games. A rough outline of chronology for each game (after Burst) would be:

Shinovi Versus: Hanzo and Gessen stories take place 6 months after something similar to the Hanzo story of Burst. Hebijo and Crimson Squad stories take place 6 months after something similar to the Hebijo story of Burst.

Bon Appetit: Each story seems to have its own continuity, but some share plot points from side stories from Shinovi Versus.

Deep Crimson: Opens with an alternate version of the Hanzo ending from Burst, continues directly from there.

Estival Versus: Elements from all four Shinovi Versus storylines took place, creating a fifth SV worldline that partially contradicts the ones shown in that game. Takes place a few weeks/months later.

If that sounds confusing (and it probably should, since it's a mess of alternate continuities), I'd return to my original suggestion to play them in release order. Each game tends to build on characterization and plot points introduced in previous games without adhering to a strict, unified continuity of events. This means that playing them out of release order risks missing out on things that you're expected to know. (The one game that can probably be skipped is Bon Appetit, since it mostly informs the character side missions in EV and doesn't add directly to the story.)

[unspunreality]

Originally posted by Jackkel Dragon:

In general, it's probably best to play them in release order, because that's how a lot of the characterization seems to be presented in. (For instance, knowledge from Shinovi Versus makes understanding some elements of Deep Crimson easier, despite being in different continuities. And some of the SV/BA/EV side story missions are direct sequels to that character's missions in the previous games.) So that would be Burst (Hanzo->Hebijo)->Shinovi Versus->Bon Appetit->Deep Crimson->Estival Versus.

If you want to play them in chronological order, that gets a lot harder since each game is essentially its own continuity (which becomes a plot point in EV). Technically Burst happens first, but the two different versions of Burst don't directly agree with later games. A rough outline of chronology for each game (after Burst) would be:

Shinovi Versus: Hanzo and Gessen stories take place 6 months after something similar to the Hanzo story of Burst. Hebijo and Crimson Squad stories take place 6 months after something similar to the Hebijo story of Burst.

Bon Appetit: Each story seems to have its own continuity, but some share plot points from side stories from Shinovi Versus.

Deep Crimson: Opens with an alternate version of the Hanzo ending from Burst, continues directly from there.

Estival Versus: Elements from all four Shinovi Versus storylines took place, creating a fifth SV worldline that partially contradicts the ones shown in that game. Takes place a few weeks/months later.

If that sounds confusing (and it probably should, since it's a mess of alternate continuities), I'd return to my original suggestion to play them in release order. Each game tends to build on characterization and plot points introduced in previous games without adhering to a strict, unified continuity of events. This means that playing them out of release order risks missing out on things that you're expected to know. (The one game that can probably be skipped is Bon Appetit, since it mostly informs the character side missions in EV and doesn't add directly to the story.)

Which is release order? SV, DC, EV?

[Baka Ranger]

burst, SV, BA, DC, EV

[unspunreality]

Originally posted by ShadowManga:

burst, SV, BA, DC, EV

No wonder I couldnt find Burst, its digital only, I had to check in my 3ds. I went loco looking first in my cartridge case then in my box of 3ds cases. @.@ Kay. So Ill make sure I play release order then.
Just scared myself with Bon Appetit too but apparently that I also bought digitally. Gonna be weird going from 3ds > PC > Vita > 3DS > PC tho.