Physical Media
OverBlood 2 - Europe
pril 13th).
The game was re-released due to several game ending bugs known to occur on the earlier version during Episode 2 of the game (read more about the on the About page).
Unlike it’s Japanese equivalent, the cover featured an image of a futuristic-looking typewriter, which can also been on the game’s load and save screen.
In addition to several screenshots, the back cover featured some pretty terrible wording. The disc artwork also differs from the Japanese release.
OverBlood 2 - Japan
OverBlood 2 was released in Japan (NTSC) on July 23, 1998. The cover art featured an image of Raz’s flymobile from the game. The back cover art was more refined that it’s EU counterpart.
The manual for this release also differed to the EU version only in the cover artwork and language translation, and the game came with an additional single-sided insert.
OverBlood 2 - Japan Version "PlayStation the Best" variant (Japan)
“PlayStation the Best” is a budget range in Japan and parts of Asia. Similar budget ranges include “Greatest Hits” in North America, “Essentials” in PAL regions and the “BigHit” Series in Korea. As with the original game, OverBlood 2 was released as a title in the “PlayStation the Best” range with a branded cover variant.
The insert manual and back cover are the same as the standard Japan release.
OverBlood 2 - Russia
Russia received an extremely limited amount of officially licensed PS1 titles, therefore pirated games were the primary way for Russian gamers to play. Localisation was also almost always limited to fan translations.
OverBlood 2 saw no official release in Russia, but bootleg copies were distributed – such as the one pictured.
The good news for Russian gamers now is that more thorough and accurate fan translations have been created – which can be downloaded here.
OverBlood 2 - Italy
The Italian regional release features the same cover (with the exception of the ‘Halifax’ publishing logo) and disc artwork as the English version with a translated back cover, seen here.
OverBlood 2 Preview Book [Vol. 1]
The first of 2 printed promotional booklets distributed in Japan to promote the game ahead of it’s release. It contains information about the game including characters, locations, gameplay mechanics and some thoughts from the game’s creators.
There is also an image of main protagonist, Acarno, on page 7 in a different outfit to the one he normally appears wearing in the majority of other promotional material.
OverBlood 2 Preview Book [Vol. 2]
The second of 2 printed promotional booklets distributed in Japan to promote the game ahead of it’s release.
I’m unsure how the public got their hands on these, but would assume it had to be mail order as the one I purchased also came with a branded envelope.
OverBlood 2 Movie CD
This was released prior to the game itself as a promotional item and contains only the into movie from the game (in Japanese).
OverBlood 2 Pre-Order Postcard
This A5 flyer was distributed in Japan prior to the game’s release, along with the “OverBlood 2 Preview Book [Vol. 2]” (shown above).
According to Japanese website ITmedia, gamers were encouraged to pre-order the game via post for 6,800 yen before 9th July 1998 – the first 10,000 of which would receive a copy of the game along with the “East Edge File” (shown below).
The artwork on the back shows Raz Karcy. His illustrated speech is a summary of the game’s plot.
OverBlood 2 - The East Edge File
As mentioned above, by pre-ordering OverBlood 2 in Japan for 6,800 yen, the first 10,000 customers also received the “East Edge File” disc, which came in a sealed black envelope.
Presented in a cardboard cover, the disc features content not in the main game in addition to a fold-out leaflet named “Mission Map 2 plus α”.
Visit the Videos page to see exactly what the East Edge File disc contains.
OverBlood 2: Another Story
オーバーブラッド２ アナザー・ストーリー (translated into English as; “OverBlood 2: Another Story”) – was released in 1998 and is a 288 page novel featuring five short stories that further explore the world, characters and story prior to, during and after the events which take place in the game.
The stories included, and their respective authors, are as follows;
- “Memories of Nina” by Fumi Nishitani
- “Night of Clowns” by Yuichi Ishisa
- “Challenger’s Seat” by Junichi Sugiyama
- “Avenger of the Sadowless Summer” by Nagae Jin
- “Rainbow Rose” by Kazima Shinjo and Suri Kinjo
OverBlood 2 Strategy Guide 1
This 144 page “Playstation Perfect Capture Series” guide was released in Japan around the time of the game’s release and boasts a thorough, in-depth walkthrough with maps.
In addition, there are around 40 pages of various information detailing the story of OverBlood 2, it’s cast of characters and an interviews with some of the game’s key contributors.
OverBlood 2 Strategy Guide 2
Released on 30th August 1998, this guide is from the Japanese “Sony Magazines Deluxe” series (number 243).
It contains 114 pages, the first 66 of which makeup a detailed walkthrough and are presented in full colour. The other 48 pages – presented in black and white – detail the story of OverBlood 2, it’s cast of characters, interviews with some of the game’s key contributors and some original concept sketches for the game’s enemies and environments.
Note there are two cover variants.
OverBlood 2 Strategy Guide 3
The most comprehensive OverBlood 2 strategy guide released was by “The PlayStation Books” in Japan, and features 176 full colour pages.
The book contains (in greater volume) similar content to the other two shown above.
The guide can be viewed in full over on archive.org
OverBlood 2 Japanese Promotional Poster
A promotional poster promoting OverBlood 2’s Japan release on July 23rd, 1998.
OverBlood 2 OST
Released in 1998, this CD is a compilation of all the music from OverBlood 2. The tracks featured are slightly different and of better quality than those included on the game itself.
The songs from OverBlood 2 can be found on the Videos page.
OverBlood 2 VHS
Prior to the game’s release in Japan, a promotional VHS was produced which contains the opening movie with a Japanese voiceover and some other brief information. You can see whats on the tape by visiting the OverBlood2.com YouTube channel or heading over to the Videos page.
TGS, Autumn 97 Flyer
OverBlood 2 had it’s own stand at the 1997 Autumn Tokyo Game Show. Producers Riverhillsoft also gave out promotional flyers at the event showing their up-coming releases which can be seen here thanks to Twitter user @yoshidamasataka.
If you’d like to see a brief look at OB2’s TGC 97 stand, head over to the Videos page.
