Today Idea Factory International released another large batch of screenshots of its upcoming shipgirl-focused game Azur Lane: Crosswave.
We get to see six more shipgirls, all of whom are in the game only as secretaries and members of the support fleet, so they’re not directly playable.
More precisely, they’re Shiranui, Souryuu, Downes, Ning Hai, Norfolk, and Hamakaze.
On top of that, we take a look at the story mode and photo mode.
You can check all the images below.
The press release also included official descriptions for all the screenshots and modes mentioned above.
In Story Mode, Commanders can take the high seas through the lens of two Azur Lane newcomers, Shimakaze and Suruga. Here, Commanders can battle, find hidden treasures, and unlock CGs through special event areas!
In Photo Mode, Commanders can choose 3 of the 29+ characters to pose for the camera. Pick from a variety of backgrounds and pose your favorite characters just the way you like it. Change their facial expressions and poses with premade templates that will create a memory that will last for a lifetime! Photo Mode also features two unexpected characters that you can also pose!
Shiranui
A member of the Sakura Empire who sells various armaments and items. Her ability to sell items and generally conduct business often places her at odds with Akashi, but they do get along. Shiranui has an eerie, ghostly aura, but she is quite compassionate, and is always thinking of others. She is assisting the Joint Military Exercise by selling items to all the attendees.
Souryuu
A member of the Sakura Empire who supports Akagi and Kaga. No one equals her in terms of handling operations. She enjoys playing hanafuda and has a good sense of humor, but her serious nature often works against her and causes her to be worried all the time. She was on a vacation with her younger sisters and friends, but upon hearing that Akagi was holding the Joint Military Exercise, she packed her bags and headed right back to the Sakura Empire to attend.
Downes
A very energetic member of Eagle Union who has a taste for explosions. Anything she does is always at full force, and her words bring energy to those around her. She is aware of her vessel’s history, which doesn’t sit well with her, but she does her best to be the catalyst to all those around her. She seems to have found a new pastime which she indulges in during the Joint Military Exercise.
Ning Hai
A member of the Dragon Empery and older sister to Ping Hai. She places others first before thinking about herself. Her vessel’s history seems to have made her a bit frugal, and despite not being a person in need, she insists on cutting costs whenever possible. Watching Ning Hai’s frugal ways have made Ping Hai aware of spending and becoming courteous… or, at least that’s what Ning Hai hopes Ping Hai will be in the distant future. Ning Hai saw the Joint Military Exercise as a valuable opportunity for Ping Hai to experience, so she sends Ping Hai instead of participating herself.
Norfolk
A timid and shy Royal Navy heavy cruiser. She possesses the powers of the vessel she represents, but her personality is holding her back as she constantly hides her face with her red hood every time she’s stressed or in trouble. She’s also slightly disturbed by her younger sister who treats her like some goddess. She makes a brave decision to join… no, support the Joint Military Exercise, but even then she’s feeling a lot of pressure.
Hamakaze
Sakura Empire’s Kagerou-class destroyer. She is always trying to become better, and is more of a hard-worker than a genius. She studies everything she can from magazines and books, but always makes time to associate with friends with a bright and energetic smile. She is supporting the Joint Military Exercise handling drab and dull jobs such as directing traffic. Then again, as long as Hamakaze is there, it’s safe to say there should be no major accidents.
If you want to learn more about Azur Lane: Crosswave, you should definitely read the interview we pubished a few weeks ago, in which Compile Heart President Norihisa Kochiwa talks in depth about the project. You can also check out more screenshots of shipgirls revealed a few weeks ago,  a second batch, a third one, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, and an eighth, on top of the upcoming DLC shipgirls.
The game releases on February 13 on Steam both in North America and Europe, while the PS4 version will have staggered releases by regions: North America will get it on February 13 as well, while European players will have to wait for February 21.
For the moment, we don’t have specific release dates for the DLC either in Japan or in the west.
If you’re unfamiliar with Azur Lane, it’s is a free-to-play mobile horizontal scrolling shooter/RPG hybrid currently available for iOS and Android.
If you’re curious about the franchise’s popularity in Japan, you can check out my report about the recent anniversary event that pretty much literally invaded Akihabara.
Published: Feb 3, 2020 09:37 pm