Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumor: Sakaguchi working on Xbox 360 MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mistwalker founder Hironobu Sakaguchi has revealed that he is working on a new Xbox 360 title that is "50% MMO and 50% RPG," according to Total Video Games. Speaking at an anime event in Paris, France, Sakaguchi reportedly said that the project is not previously-announced titles Blue Dragon sequel or Cry On. (Though there has been talk about Blue Dragon 2 going online.)

The announcement has not been confirmed and we have no other details, so consider this a rumor for now. Should the news end up being true, we just hope the 50% MMO and 50% RPG comment doesn't equate to twice the level grinding and only half the story of most genre-oriented games.

JoystiqRumor: Sakaguchi working on Xbox 360 MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragoncry onCryOnhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiXbox-360Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon demo set for July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-set-for-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-set-for-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-set-for-july-20/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've been on the fence about Blue Dragon, then we have some good news for you. According to Dengeki Online (helpfully translated by Siliconera), an international Blue Dragon demo is slated for July 20. Weighing an impressive 1.1GB, the demo will apparently contain a whopping 2 hours of available gameplay. We hope you've grown accustomed to the English voice-overs though, as Japanese will not be an option in the demo. There may be a few different subtitle options, depending on the language settings of your Xbox. Finally, be sure to grab the demo as soon as you can, as it will fly away from Marketplace on August 3rd, giving just over three weeks to save up for the real thing.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqBlue Dragon demo set for July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioThu, 05 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red, White & Blue Dragon: Celebrating Japanese games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/red-white-and-blue-dragon-celebrating-japanese-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/red-white-and-blue-dragon-celebrating-japanese-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/red-white-and-blue-dragon-celebrating-japanese-games/#commentsFiled under:

The United States of America's birthday is just around the corner and Xbox.com thought of no better way to celebrate July 4th than by playing ... Japanese games? Well, we don't quite see the correlation here other than a Blue Dragon name tie-in, but we'll go with it. And even though we prefer to celebrate the Fourth of July with explosive fireworks, grilled food and family we just might pop in some Dead Rising, Tenchu Z, Street Fighter or Castlevania come Wednesday.

See Japan, the Xbox 360 loves you so much it's willing to incorporate your gaming culture in a marketing campaign aimed at Americans on their country's birthday. Don't you think you owe the 360 some love now?

JoystiqRed, White & Blue Dragon: Celebrating Japanese games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragoncapcomeventsnamcored white and blue dragonRedWhiteAndBlueDragonMon, 02 Jul 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon officially lands on August 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-officially-lands-on-august-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-officially-lands-on-august-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-officially-lands-on-august-28/#commentsFiled under:


It was confirmed during GDC this year that Blue Dragon would be hitting the U.S. sometime this August. We've received official word from Microsoft this morning that the game will ship on August 28. Yes, in just 61 days, U.S. games will finally be able to play Mistwalker's first opus. In celebration of Blue Dragon, Microsoft plans to make a fan site kit available from the official Blue Dragon page on Xbox.com (it's not available right now, despite the press release's protestations to the contrary). Xbox.com will also be hosting a feature article about the game, though it still hasn't gone live as of this posting. For those of you still unfamiliar with the game, we suggest you check out the recent preview from Eurogamer.

JoystiqBlue Dragon officially lands on August 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioThu, 28 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurogamer takes Blue Dragon for a spin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under:


Eurogamer got its hands on the English version of Blue Dragon and took the time to write up some impressions. Overall, the gist of the preview is that Blue Dragon tries to recreate classic Japanese role playing game design without reinventing it. As noted by the preview, everything seems as though it was pulled from classic RPGs and made to mesh with modern console aesthetics. The graphics look like old school 2D characters and worlds come to life, the characters are broadly drawn, and the combat is solidly turn-based. About the only concession the game makes to modern game design (or "progress" as Eurogamer calls it) is that battles are not random. In the end, it seems that Blue Dragon was meant as a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a new coat of paint. The only problem, according to Eurogamer, is that such nostalgia may be in limited supply outside of Japan. We'll find out when Blue Dragon hits North America this August.

JoystiqEurogamer takes Blue Dragon for a spin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioWed, 27 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon's BIG SHADOW wins award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/blue-dragons-big-shadow-wins-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/blue-dragons-big-shadow-wins-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/blue-dragons-big-shadow-wins-award/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft's 360 sales in Japan may be borderline sad and depressing, but at least their ad campaigns are winning awards. Blue Dragon's marketing campaign BIG SHADOW won a coveted Canneslion award for best outdoor advertisement. The BIG SHADOW campaign can be seen here and took place in Japan where they projected people's shadows on a nearby building that morph into Blue Dragon creatures. The campaign also went online featuring a live feed of the fun and interaction with the shadows. It's quite the creative experience and well worth an award. Now only if Microsoft could translate an advertising award into Xbox 360 hardware sales then we think things would be good in Japan.

[Thanks Jonah Falcon, Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBlue Dragon's BIG SHADOW wins award originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adblue dragonBlueDragoncanneslionjapanmarketingmicrosoftSun, 24 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon now available in English, sort of]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/blue-dragon-now-available-in-english-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/blue-dragon-now-available-in-english-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/blue-dragon-now-available-in-english-sort-of/#commentsFiled under:

If you've been waiting for a version of Blue Dragon with English subtitles and you happen to live in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, or Singapore, then you are in luck! Siliconera reports that Microsoft has officially released Blue Dragon to Asian territories outside of Japan. This version of Blue Dragon features Japanese or Korean voice acting and both Chinese and English subtitles. Before you start getting your importing hopes up though, we must inform you that the game is region locked, unlike many Asian Xbox 360 games. However, if you just so happen to have a Japanese Xbox 360, more power to you.

The rest of us, unfortunately, will be waiting until the English version's official August release.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBlue Dragon now available in English, sort of originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studiomistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudioMistwalkerStudiosThu, 24 May 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[English-subtitled Blue Dragon released in Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/english-subtitled-blue-dragon-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/english-subtitled-blue-dragon-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/english-subtitled-blue-dragon-released/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has released a version of Blue Dragon with English subtitles ... in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. That's not exactly helpful for US and European Xbox 360 owners who are yearning for the role-playing game from Mistwalker.

According to Siliconera, this release of the game features Japanese and Korean voice acting alongside English and Chinese subtitles. And though you might be thinking of importing the title, we should warn you that it's region locked, requiring a console from the area. We're not quite sure how Microsoft has defined (and subsequently locked) the regions, but Siliconera suggests that a Japanese Xbox 360 would work.

If you can wait, Blue Dragon will arrive in August for the US and September for Europe.

Gallery: Blue Dragon

JoystiqEnglish-subtitled Blue Dragon released in Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiablue dragonBlueDragonjapanmist walkerMistWalkerXbox-360Wed, 23 May 2007 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon 2 could be online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/blue-dragon-2-could-be-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/blue-dragon-2-could-be-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/blue-dragon-2-could-be-online/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Japanese website, Gpara.com, Mistwalker head, Hironobu Sakaguchi, expressed interest in taking the inevitable sequel to Blue Dragon online. Sakaguchi told the website (translated by Eurogamer), "Specifics aren't finalised, but there's a possibility that it will be produced as an online title." Granted, it's possible that something was lost in translation, but it sounds as though Sakaguchi wants to make online functionality central to Blue Dragon 2. Of course, it's just as likely that the online functionality could be limited to simple things like item trading or the Mechat shooting segments. Given the original title's relative success in Japan, adding online functionality could be a good way to get more Japanese gamers on Xbox Live.

American gamers will finally get their shot at Blue Dragon in August.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBlue Dragon 2 could be online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonblue dragon 2BlueDragonBlueDragon2hironobue sakaguchiHironobueSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studiomistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudioMistwalkerStudiosThu, 26 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon sequel may go online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/blue-dragon-sequel-may-go-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The sequel to the Xbox 360 Japanese RPG Blue Dragon may include online play. Speaking to Japanese website Gpara.com (translated by Eurogamer), Mistwalker producer Hironobu Sakaguchi said that they are in talks with Microsoft about developing a sequel and that, "specifics aren't finalised, but there's a possibility that it will be produced as an online title."

To what extent Sakaguchi is considering integrating online play is unknown; it could be anywhere from online trading to a full-blown MMO. It is pretty much assured Microsoft, with a minimal-at-best library of RPGs for the Xbox 360, will greenlight a sequel to the one title that has so far proven to be successful in Japan.

Blue Dragon will be arriving in North America August 15 and Europe in September.

Gallery: Blue Dragon

JoystiqBlue Dragon sequel may go online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmist walkerMistWalkersakaguchiXbox-360Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mass Effect 'delayed', due in September [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/rumor-mass-effect-delayed-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/rumor-mass-effect-delayed-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/rumor-mass-effect-delayed-due-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A CVG report asserts that the Xbox 360's role-playing space opera, Mass Effect, has been "delayed" until the horrifyingly distant month of September. Of course, having never had an official release date to begin with, it seems exceedingly impatient to consider the game delayed just as its first potential release window is revealed. Though there have been hints pointing towards a May or June release, September would be the first month Microsoft and BioWare have openly committed to -- if indeed the report is wholly accurate.

We'd prefer a month that was sooner (like April), but it seems the utterly blinding level of light bouncing off all the shiny spaceships, futuristic weapons and revoltingly moist aliens in the game just isn't enough for BioWare to stop polishing. The only worrying aspect of such a September release is that it would be awfully close to the August arrival of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Blue Dragon. Having access to both time-consuming RPGs within 30 days could prove socially, economically and hygienically disastrous for fans of the genre.

Curiously, when asked for comment on the September date (which could specifically be for Europe), the Mass Effect publisher only offered, "Microsoft has not announced a release date for Mass Effect."

Update: "We have not made any official announcements regarding release timing for Mass Effect," adds Microsoft. "At this time, any information about the game's release date is purely rumor and speculation."

Joystiq contacted CVG for clarification. We were politely informed that the information originated from a Microsoft employee and that it has yet to be "officially" announced. In other words, we're waiting on that official announcement letting us know we have to wait until September for the game -- point being, we're waiting.

JoystiqRumor: Mass Effect 'delayed', due in September [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBlue DragonBlueDragonMass EffectMassEffectMicrosoftMSFTRPGSpace OperaSpaceOperaXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveMon, 23 Apr 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon's first premium DLC: random dungeon generator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/blue-dragons-first-premium-dlc-random-dungeon-generator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/blue-dragons-first-premium-dlc-random-dungeon-generator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/blue-dragons-first-premium-dlc-random-dungeon-generator/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Having already released extra downloadable difficulty settings, Mistwalker and Microsoft have announced plans to release a random dungeon generator for Blue Dragon on April 27. The downloadable content is available in Japan only (no surprise, seeing as the full game is only available in Japan) and, according to a translation by Siliconera, will cost 300 MS points (¥444, US $3.75).

The value of the random dungeon generator is tantamount to its construction, and we don't know how well Mistwalker implemented the feature. For all we know, a faulty algorithm may lead to an entire wing of the dungeon being blocked off by an impassable Sarlacc Pit! Blue Dragon will be available August 15 in North America and September in Europe.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqBlue Dragon's first premium DLC: random dungeon generator originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue dragonBlueDragonjapanMist WalkerMistWalkerXBLMXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 20 Apr 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold! BD's random dungeon creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/behold-bds-random-dungeon-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/behold-bds-random-dungeon-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/behold-bds-random-dungeon-creator/#commentsFiled under: ,


Today, Microsoft announced a sparkly new piece of Blue Dragon downloadable content that will be available for Japanese Xbox 360 gamers April 27th. For 300 Microsoft points (444 yen) you too can get your very own Random Dungeon Creator. That is if you live in Japan and have a copy of Blue Dragon. And excuse us if this is common knowledge, but what in the world is a Random Dungeon Creator? Does it create post-modern dungeons in a random fashion to explore and wander about? Seriously, a Random Dungeon Creator ... it just sounds silly to us.

JoystiqBehold! BD's random dungeon creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonjapanmarketplacerandom dungeon generatorRandomDungeonGeneratorxblmThu, 19 Apr 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-15/#commentsFiled under:

PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.

Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.)


Manhunt 2
Download MP4 (6.8MB) | Download JPG

The following videos are featured after the break: Blue Dragon, Gene Simmons - Guitar Hero II Tournament, God of War II: Mythology, Guitar Hero II [360]

Continue reading PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 15

JoystiqPSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragongene simmonsGeneSimmonsgod of wargod of war iiGodOfWarGodOfWarIiguitar hero iiGuitarHeroIimanhuntmanhunt 2Manhunt2theatreSat, 14 Apr 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kim "realistic" on 360's performance in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking to Gamasutra, Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, says that Microsoft is "very realistic" about its prospects in Japan. Kim notes that Microsoft's approach was never to "win" Japan, but rather to do better than the original Xbox. Part of this strategy, of course, means recruiting Japanese talent like Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is creating both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey for the console. Kim says the importance of Japan is motivated by more than financial numbers, but also by the amount of talent in the Japanese development community. Titles like Dead Rising and Lost Planet, says Kim, are illustrating to Japanese developers that Japanese titles can be financially successful in the west. Finally, Kim asserts that Microsoft's aims in Japan remain "realistic," and while Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey will be moderately successful in Japan, they will be successful in the west as well.

JoystiqKim "realistic" on 360's performance in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchijapanlost odysseyLostOdysseyshane kimShaneKimWed, 28 Mar 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fancast Xtra -- Q&A with Hironobu Sakaguchi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fancast-xtra-qanda-with-hironobu-sakaguchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fancast-xtra-qanda-with-hironobu-sakaguchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fancast-xtra-qanda-with-hironobu-sakaguchi/#commentsFiled under: ,


During our preview of Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey on Tuesday, we were lucky enough to score a little question and answer time with RPG luminary, Hironobu Sakaguchi (and his translator). We learned a few things about Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and the differences between them. We learned about the downloadable content in store for Blue Dragon, too. We also got to ask him about what its like to have his own company now (Mistwalker), what's next after Lost Odyssey, the 360's performance in Japan, and Sakaguchi-san's love for Gears of War.

We captured all the audio and now present it for download on MP3 (Fancast subscribers will get it automatically). As an added bonus, we also threw in a bit of the music from Lost Odyssey. Download and enjoy.

JoystiqFancast Xtra -- Q&A with Hironobu Sakaguchi originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonfancastfeelplusGDC-2007gdc07lost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioRPGsakaguchiThu, 08 Mar 2007 20:45:00 ESTFancast Xtra: Q&A with Hironobu SakaguchiRichard Mitchell19:55xbox, 360, fancast, fanboy, hironobu, sakaguchi, gdc07, gdc<![CDATA[Microsoft's GDC information blowout!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/microsofts-gdc-information-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/microsofts-gdc-information-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/microsofts-gdc-information-blowout/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For those of you looking to find information on some of your favorite upcoming Microsoft Game Studios or XBLA games, just take a look at what Xbox.com has to offer. Over on the GDC section of Xbox.com you'll find a bunch of downloads for games like Forza 2, Blue Dragon, Mass Effect and Shadowrun. You can download fact sheets, press releases, and screenshots for those games including XBLA games like Schizoid, Eets Chowdown, and Jetpac Refuelled. So much information, so little time ... but get downloading because everyone knows you care.

JoystiqMicrosoft's GDC information blowout! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragoneets chowdownEetsChowdownforza 2forza motorsport 2Forza2ForzaMotorsport2GDC-2007jetpac refuelledJetpac-RefuelledJetpacRefuelledmass effectMassEffectmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMicrosoftGameStudiosRareschizoidshadowrunxblaxbox live arcadeXbox-Live-Arcadexbox.comXboxLiveArcadeWed, 07 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Sakaguchi part one: Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-one-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-one-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-sakaguchi-part-one-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under: ,


A jet-lagged but amiable Hironobu Sakaguchi gave us a first look at the English localized version of Blue Dragon. As luck would have it, we also got a firsthand look at the localized version of Lost Odyssey. That statement is actually a little misleading, as Sakaguchi informed us that Lost Oddyssey will launch simultaneously around the world this holiday. That's right, this holiday, not holiday 2008. But, back to the preview. The first game up was Blue Dragon.

Continue reading GDC 07: Sakaguchi part one: Blue Dragon

JoystiqGDC 07: Sakaguchi part one: Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonGDC-2007gdc07microsoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkerTue, 06 Mar 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon gets rough North America release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-gets-rough-north-america-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-gets-rough-north-america-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-gets-rough-north-america-release-date/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blue Dragon, the only Xbox 360 game Japan cares about, will be coming to the Americas later this year. Microsoft just announced that Blue Dragon will see a North America release sometime in August. We also learned that upcoming RPG Lost Odyssey will have a worldwide release sometime this Fall. And remember kids, our culture isn't as familiar with blue dragons, but it is common knowledge in other parts of the world that they are indeed calm creatures. That is until they are cornered, told they are bad Japanese games, and that the color blue is so last year ... then they will hurt you.

[Thanks, dpcough]

JoystiqBlue Dragon gets rough North America release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragongdcgdc 07GDC-2007Gdc07lost oddysseylost odysseyLostOddysseyLostOdysseyTue, 06 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon anime coming to TV Tokyo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/blue-dragon-anime-coming-to-tv-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blue Dragon's universe is expanding rapidly, and Famitsu reports that an animated TV series is scheduled to air on Japan's TV Tokyo station in April. The Blue Dragon anime is in production at Studio Pierrot -- which has worked on the animated series of such hot properties as Power Stone, Naruto and Bleach -- and is directed by Yukihiro Matsushita, who previously directed the Star Ocean EX animation. Kluke, the female lead in Blue Dragon's main trio of adventurers, is voiced by Erino Hazuki (pictured), while Keiko Nemoto and Daisuke Namikawa provide the voices of group leader Shu and quiet boy Zero (respectively). Now how about some hype for the English-language release of Blue Dragon, Microsoft? We're dying out here.

JoystiqBlue Dragon anime coming to TV Tokyo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeBlue DragonBlueDragonMistwalkerTV TokyoTvTokyoXbox-360Sat, 17 Feb 2007 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Blue Dragon content hits Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/free-blue-dragon-content-hits-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


The first wave of Xbox Live content for Mistwalker's wonderful Blue Dragon is set for Marketplace distribution as of 8pm tomorrow, Japanese time. The good news for Japanese Xbox Live users is that said content is free (¥0, US$0). The size of the downloads hasn't been confirmed as yet, but the downloadable data offers plenty of extra fun for Blue Dragon experts, providing Hard and Super modes of play for those who have already completed the game on its standard difficulty setting. Further content is expected in the weeks and months to come.

JoystiqFree Blue Dragon content hits Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonMarketplaceMistwalkerXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 15 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon paraphernalia arrives in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/blue-dragon-paraphernalia-arrives-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After its relative success in Japan, Mistwalker is hoping to expand Blue Dragon's potential in any/every direction possible while it moves forward with work on Blue Dragon 2. The smokers in the audience will be especially pleased to find a Blue Dragon Zippo lighter on sale via Bandai's LaLaBit Market net store during February and March, with the items scheduled for delivery in April. The lighters cost ¥10,500 (US$87) each -- a bit pricey, but then, they are going to become rare Zippos.

And there's other Mistwalker swag soon to go on sale at LaLaBit, as well, including snazzy Blue Dragon t-shirts and mugs. What we'd really like, though, is a genuine Blue Dragon flamethrower. (For toasting marshmallows.) That would be cool.

JoystiqBlue Dragon paraphernalia arrives in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonJapanMistwalkerXbox-360ZippoTue, 06 Feb 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan: What can Microsoft Do? do? do?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/japan-what-can-microsoft-do-do-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/japan-what-can-microsoft-do-do-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/japan-what-can-microsoft-do-do-do/#commentsFiled under:

While those in the west see the Xbox 360 a definite success (so far), Japan is a completely different story. Having only sold 300,000 units throughout the first year in its lifespan, the 360 has a long way to go in the land of the rising sun. Gamasutra sits down with a localization specialist and Kotaku's Japanese correspondent to discuss Microsoft's prospects in Japan. The prognosis: it needs work. While the two disagree on a few points (the localization director sees the glass half-empty, whereas the other sees it half-full) the overall picture is somewhat grim. The Xbox 360 has been gaining some ground in the past few months. Titles like Blue Dragon (and to a lesser extent Gears of War) have helped generate 360 sales, but it's not nearly enough to gain a decent market share. Microsoft's biggest hurdle will be penetrating the culture barrier and understanding Japanese consumers (and apparently Do! do! do! isn't cutting it).

With more Japanese titles on the way (namely Lost Odyssey), Microsoft better get its marketing crew in gear if they want to stand a chance in Japan. If MS can get a foothold in Japan, it means more variety for everyone, and that's always a good thing.

[Via Xbox-Scene]

JoystiqJapan: What can Microsoft Do? do? do? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonconsole warsConsoleWarsjapanlost odysseyLostOdysseyWed, 31 Jan 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop: Blue Dragon roars in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/#commentsFiled under:

We don't always report on GameStop ship dates (you should see the pile of Halo 3 release date tips we get on a regular basis) but this one is special. According to GameStop's Blue Dragon entry, the game is set to hit the US on June 5, 2007. This meshes well with a recent Game Informer cover story claiming that the game would hit this summer (Game Informer, incidentally, is owned by GameStop).

We know that the Japanese version of the game received some decent reviews, but Joystiq sheds what little light it can on the US localized version. Essentially, the game will remain the same apart from translated text and re-dubbed English voices (which can blessedly be replaced with the original Japanese voices if desired). Some of the songs will be re-dubbed in English as well (that should be interesting). Joystiq also notes that episodic content may be available for download after the game is released.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGameStop: Blue Dragon roars in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioMon, 22 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop aims to sell Blue Dragon in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-aims-to-sell-blue-dragon-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-aims-to-sell-blue-dragon-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-aims-to-sell-blue-dragon-in-june/#commentsFiled under: , ,

blue dragonGameStop is now listing Blue Dragon for June 5. The online retailer's release date forecast, which should be considered a placeholder pending official confirmation, follows Game Informer's recent Blue Dragon cover story in which the GameStop-owned publication cited a summer release for Mistwalker's RPG.

There have been few updates regarding the Blue Dragon localization process, but we do know that the original game content will not be altered beyond text translation and English voice dubbing (replaceable with the original Japanese voice acting and English subtitles). The dubbing will also encompass the re-recording of several key songs. Instead of including exclusive content in the localization effort, global product manager Hees Kyung confirmed with Game Informer that downloadable content will have "a significant impact on post-release Blue Dragon around the world." Kyung declined to state specifics, but seemed to imply that future content would be episodic.

Blue Dragon was released in Japan on December 7, 2006.

JoystiqGameStop aims to sell Blue Dragon in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonGameStopLocalizationMistwalkerXbox-360Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[December, 360's best sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/december-360s-best-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/december-360s-best-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/december-360s-best-sales-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no secret that Japan dislikes the Xbox 360, to them it smells of moldy bread covered with motor oil. But with the release of Blue Dragon Microsoft hoped to spur sales, and it actually looks like it helped. IGN reports that Japanese publisher Enterbrain released Japan's sales figures for December 2006 and the 360 has sold in record numbers for the month. Don't get your hopes up though, the install base for Japan is a measly 290,467 units compared to the Wii (just released a month ago) which has moved 989,118 units. Sad, isn't it? But the ray of hope is that 99,798 Xbox 360s were sold in December alone. Yes, that's the "glass is half full" take on the whole situation. Maybe they can start giving away Xbox 360s with the purchase of Blue Dragon ... it's just a thought.

JoystiqDecember, 360's best sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonjapansalesxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's take a tour of Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/lets-take-a-tour-of-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/lets-take-a-tour-of-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/lets-take-a-tour-of-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under:


Over at Xboxyde BlimBlim was feeling a little bored today and started exploring Blue Dragon to document his favorite locations. For those of us who haven't yet got hands-on time with the game, these screen grabs are a great way to see not only the art style, but the different locations in the game. These shots are beautiful, unique, and show off what Blue Dragon is really all about. Even the chef's nose makes us smile with excitement ... it's so round and pudgy. Make the jump for more screen grabs and wish you too could play Blue Dragon.

JoystiqLet's take a tour of Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonTue, 02 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360: The Best of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/xbox-360-the-best-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/xbox-360-the-best-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/xbox-360-the-best-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2006 was a great year for the Xbox 360. We saw tons of great games -- Oblivion, Gears of War, and Dead Rising just to name a few -- Xbox Live Arcade showed signs of maturity, Xbox Live grew by leaps and bounds, and overall 360 sales are closing in on the 10 million mark. Yes, it was a good time to be a gamer if you had a 360. What about the future? What does 2007 hold for the Xbox 360? Read on and join the discussion.

Continue reading Xbox 360: The Best of 2007

JoystiqXbox 360: The Best of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebest of 2007BestOf2007blue dragonBlueDragoncnc3crackdownhalo3live arcadeLiveArcadelost planetLostPlanetmass effectMassEffectprojectoffsetvf5virtua fighter 5VirtuaFighter5xblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeThu, 28 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix (almost) bares all at Jump Festa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jump Festa1UP has again braved the bands of manga-fiending young'ns to investigate the happenings at this year's Jump Festa jumpoff. While all major Japanese publishers (and Microsoft) were present, Square Enix was reppin' in full force, offering playable versions of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP), and Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (both for DS). Trailers for additional titles were also on display (see embedded videos below).

In a private theater, Square Enix previewed more new footage from its upcoming 2007 lineup, including a glimpse at Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3). The montage concluded with a brief flash of an armored man, grimacing as he stood on what appeared to be a battlefield. The teaser shot was followed by the words: "And something new coming in 2007."

Continue reading Square Enix (almost) bares all at Jump Festa

JoystiqSquare Enix (almost) bares all at Jump Festa originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Bandai NamcoBandaiNamcoBlue DragonBlueDragonCapcomDissidiaDissidia-Final-FantasyDragon BallDragon QuestDragonBallDragonQuestDSFightingFinal FantasyFinal-FantasyJapanJump FestaJumpFestaKonamiLost OdysseyLostOdysseyMobileMonster HunterMonsterHunterNarutoPS3PSPSquare EnixSquare-EnixWiiXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Yu-Gi-OhSat, 16 Dec 2006 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[360 sales see huge increase in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/360-sales-see-huge-increase-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/360-sales-see-huge-increase-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/360-sales-see-huge-increase-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

While the above headline is both dramatic and true, it's also not quite as grand as it sounds. The Xbox 360 managed to sell 35,343 units last week. Not exactly a staggering number compared to, say, the DS Lite (310,000 units), but it still marks a drastic increase for our favorite console, which sold just over 4,000 units the week before. Savvy readers would probably guess that Blue Dragon had a big influence on this increase, and such readers would be right. Blue Dragon managed to land in the number 4 spot in software sales, as Joystiq reports the game sold a whopping 80,348 copies. Seeing a sharp increase in both hardware and software sales is definitely a good thing for Microsoft in Japan, but the battle is far from over. If they want 360s to keep moving, Microsoft will have to prove the console's worth by giving Japanese gamers the games they want, and that means more than Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon 2.

Joystiq360 sales see huge increase in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360360 sales360Salesblue dragonBlueDragonjapanFri, 15 Dec 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon busts into Japanese sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/blue-dragon-busts-into-japanese-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under: ,

The first thing you should do when this sort of thing happens is somehow confirm that you're still in the same dimension you were in moments before. Examine newspapers, have a look in the mirror and make doubly sure that nobody is sporting an angry orangutan for a head. With that out of the way, you can return to the matter at hand -- there's an Xbox 360 game sitting in the fourth position of the weekly Japanese software sales chart. With a healthy 80,348 copies sold, it would appear that Microsoft's Blue Dragon is at least making some strides in the publisher's continuing battle against apathy in Japan.

Examining the other bits of the chart on GamesAreFun, it's easy to imagine some of the cheaper headlines that could have been used for this post. "Blue Dragon crushes Zelda in Japanese sales!" While Blue Dragon enters the chart in fourth place, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has since slid down to 17th in its second week. Post-launch Wii shortages could be to blame, as Wario Ware: Smooth Moves also fails to make it past the 23rd spot. The fact that Tales of Destiny and Final Fantasy VI Advance wind up below Blue Dragon, however, could be seen as more reassuring.

Ah, but what about "Blue Dragon defeated by Pokemon?" In its tenth week, Pokemon Diamond occupies the third slot, with second and first place going to Sega's Yakuza 2 and Gundam SEED: Federation vs ZAFT II respectively. The install bases of the PS2 and DS make those games particularly tough opponents, so to snag fourth spot seems like a solid accomplishment. Keep an eye out for the infamous Japanese hardware sales later today to see how effective Blue Dragon is at shifting consoles.

JoystiqBlue Dragon busts into Japanese sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonFinal FantasyFinalFantasyJapanese SalesJapaneseSalesMistwalkerSakaguchiXbox JapanXbox-360XboxJapanFri, 15 Dec 2006 04:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 12.14.06]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-14-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-14-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-14-06/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This week, we've left this post a bit late in the (release) day so that we talk in the past tense and tell you how we bought a copy of Motorstorm for ¥5280 (which is about $45 in Digitiser's trademarked Earth Money), and how we can state with some confidence, having played the game for a grand total of 23 minutes, that it is, you know, quite good. And how we can bring you an exclusive Blurry Pic (after the break, courtesy of our Samsung keitai) of the new Blue Dragon... gachapon. And we can use italics in excess because this release day, dear readers, is over. Here are the other big games of the day. Of the day:
  • Earth Defense Force 3 (where's the ant powder?; Xbox 360)
  • Phantasy Star Universe (you're late, Sega; Xbox 360)
  • World Soccer Winning Eleven X (you're late, Konami; Xbox 360)
  • Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon (miraculous yellow chickens; DS)
  • SNK Vs. Capcom Card Fighters DS (our Neo-Geo Pocket Colour is sent to the old folks' home; DS)
  • Motorstorm (at least 23 minutes' worth of dirty pleasure; PS3)
  • Pokemon Battle Revolution (gotta buy 'em all; Wii)

Continue reading Japanese release day highlights: 12.14.06

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 12.14.06 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonChocoboDSgachaponJapanMotorstormPS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Read a Blue Dragon review (in English!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/read-a-blue-dragon-review-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/read-a-blue-dragon-review-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/read-a-blue-dragon-review-in-english/#commentsFiled under:


CVG, a professional website mysteriously lacking a favicon, has posted an English review of Blue Dragon. In short, the game is good, and the review contains nothing but praise. Seriously, not one flaw is listed. Frankly, it's hard to trust reviews that are entirely positive, but it still likely means good news for RPG fans. Overall, the review states that the game just feels incredibly polished, that it "reeks of class." The graphics are clean, the battle system doesn't get old, and there is plenty to do. We won't be seeing Blue Dragon stateside until next year, but it looks like the wait may be worth it after all. Hit the read link for the full review.

Has anyone else out there actually played the game?

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqRead a Blue Dragon review (in English!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosTue, 12 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon moves some Xbox 360 hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/blue-dragon-moves-some-xbox-360-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/blue-dragon-moves-some-xbox-360-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/blue-dragon-moves-some-xbox-360-hardware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blue Dragon is Microsoft's attempt to truly break into the Japanese console market. The Blue Dragon launch can be billed the REAL Xbox 360 launch day in Japan; at least, Microsoft hopes it is.

According to a confusing machine translation from GameSpot China, the Xbox 360 sold either 27,000 or 70,000 units to accommodate the release of Blue Dragon. If 70,000 is the correct number, an additional 43,000 units of Blue Dragon sold (which is the bulk of the Japanese owners who previously purchased an Xbox 360). In either case, this is certainly a nice boost for Microsoft.

If the 70,000 is the correct version of the translation, it would certainly be odd to see the Xbox 360 sitting at a solid #3 on Japan's weekly sales chart. Microsoft hopes to sell 200,000 copies of Blue Dragon in Japan, which means Microsoft hopes to have around 200,000 Xbox 360 units in Japanese households. While not impressive from the standpoint of, say, the DS -- Nintendo sells that many in two weeks -- Microsoft should enjoy the sales boost and the publicity that goes along with it.

JoystiqBlue Dragon moves some Xbox 360 hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Blue DragonBlueDragonMistwalkerMistwalker StudiosMistwalker StuidosMistwalkerStudiosMistwalkerStuidosXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 11 Dec 2006 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon flying high in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-flying-high-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-flying-high-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-flying-high-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


Websites (including us) have been spouting Blue Dragon's significance for ages now -- just look at all these stories -- and it's finally time for the game to put up or shut up. The game released today -- both individually and in a spiffy bundle -- and Joystiq reports that it already looks to become the most popular 360 game in Japan by far. Of course, that's not really saying much, though it is important to note that the game is also driving hardware sales. If Microsoft has any hope in the Land of the Rising Sun, it rests in the arms (wings?) of Blue Dragon. After all, if the RPG dream team of Hironobu Sakaguchi, Akira Toriyama, and Nobuo Uematsu aren't enough to entice the Japanese, there just isn't much more that Microsoft can do. Hit the read link for more pictures.

We've asked this question before, but do you think Microsoft needs Japan in order to win the new-gen console war?

JoystiqBlue Dragon flying high in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchinobuo uematsuNobuoUematsuThu, 07 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon sets Japan ablaze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-sets-japan-ablaze/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-sets-japan-ablaze/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/blue-dragon-sets-japan-ablaze/#commentsFiled under: ,


Akira Toriyama, Nobuo Uematsu, Hironobu Sakaguchi: all three are famous names in Japan. And all three are closely associated with Blue Dragon, the Mistwalker Xbox 360 RPG that was released in Japan this morning. For an Xbox 360 title here in Japan, where the format has to date been failing spectacularly, Blue Dragon is set to become the system's most successful game by some distance.

Pre-orders for the Blue Dragon Xbox 360 hardware bundle sold out some weeks ago, while gamers queued for their copies in Akihabara this morning. We had no problem finding a copy of the game in Osaka today, however -- it's popular, but it's not unobtainable. Regardless, at this rate, Blue Dragon could still become a flagship series for Microsoft in Japan. No wonder Sakaguchi recently revealed plans for Blue Dragon 2...

Jump for more photos from this morning's in-store launch event at Akihabara's Yodobashi Camera.

Continue reading Blue Dragon sets Japan ablaze

JoystiqBlue Dragon sets Japan ablaze originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AkihabaraBlue DragonBlueDragonJapanMistwalkerNobuo UematsuNobuoUematsuXbox-360Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Blue Dragon bundle: the unboxing [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-blue-dragon-bundle-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-blue-dragon-bundle-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-blue-dragon-bundle-the-unboxing/#commentsFiled under:


Yes, we know. You've already seen the Blue Dragon box. Why show us again, you say. Dear friends, that was merely a box. Now this, this is a bundle, and as bundles go, the Japanese Blue Dragon bundle is a monster. The bundle comes packed with goodies, first of which is of course Blue Dragon itself. Also included in the box: a 360 Core system, a 2007 Blue Dragon calendar (though 2007 is actually the year of the pig), a Blue Dragon faceplate, and five (!) figurines representing each character from the game. It's a little odd that the bundle includes no way of saving your game (kind of an important feature in RPGs), but then we expect Microsoft is hoping to make few bucks on hard drives and memory cards. Some of you may have heard that Blue Dragon received an impressive 37/40 from Famitsu, Japan's biggest gaming mag, so it will be interesting to see how this bundle fares at retail. Oh, and lest we forget, it should be available in Japan today. Head over to 1UP for more pictures.

Update 2: This bundle has no hard drive.

JoystiqJapanese Blue Dragon bundle: the unboxing [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioThu, 07 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 12.07.06]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-07-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-07-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-07-06/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's getting really cold in Japan. Like, two pairs of socks cold. And as the outside gets colder, the inside gets warmer. Inevitably, we stay indoors more and play more games. This is the time of year when Thursdays become even more important to us. And today's shop for new games should be a particularly warming one.

Here's what we plan to pick up in Osaka's Den Den Town:
  • Blue Dragon (the biggest Xbox 360 game in Japan to date -- a 3-DVD set that scored 37/40 in Famitsu)
  • Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 (aka Yakuza 2 -- by orange-skinned Toshihiro Nagoshi; PS2)
  • Ape Escape Racer (like Mario Kart, but with more monkeys and some disco balls; PSP)
  • PaRappa the Rapper (Chop Chop Master Onion gets cut up and refried for the PSP)
  • Power Pro Kun Pocket 9 (big-headed baseball from Konami; DS)

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 12.07.06 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonDSJapanPS2PSPToshihiro NagoshiToshihiroNagoshiXbox-360Thu, 07 Dec 2006 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon: more discs = better game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/blue-dragon-more-discs-better-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/blue-dragon-more-discs-better-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/blue-dragon-more-discs-better-game/#commentsFiled under:


The first game to bite the DVD format bullet and come on three (yes count 'em, three) DVDs is none other than Blue Dragon. IGN has pictures of the packaging in all its three disc glory. Amazingly enough, all the discs fit in one normal sized DVD case. Microsoft is also throwing a launch party in Japan and beaming a countdown to launch clock on the side of an abandoned building. But back to the goods. Three discs could be seen as the negative effects of not including an HD player into the 360 ... but I'm the optimistic type and say three discs is extremely bad ass. You could use the extra discs as ninja stars! Anyway, I'm putting my yearly blogging salary ($4.65) on Halo 3 coming out on seven discs ... any takers?

[Thanks, Nitin]

JoystiqBlue Dragon: more discs = better game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We missed the Blue Dragon update last week, so this week we have two new videos for you. The first -- embedded above -- is Blue Dragon's playable opening sequence. It's very serene and poetic in that Howl's Moving Castle sort of way, though we're not sure how much we like the robotic voice that announces what you're doing. Hearing the digital female voice say "item" as you pick something up sort of pulls you out of the narrative. Still, the game is gorgeous. The second video -- embedded after the break -- showcases a shooting sequence, which takes place in (what else?) an airship. The shooting sequence is in real time, which might allay some of the fears of RPG fans that are more accustomed to KOTOR. Watch both videos and tell us what you think . (As always, high definition versions are available at the official Blue Dragon site.)

Continue reading Watch Blue Dragon's opening sequence

JoystiqWatch Blue Dragon's opening sequence originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosMon, 04 Dec 2006 21:30:00 EST