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[New details for Blue Dragon DS, due out this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/new-details-for-blue-dragon-ds-due-out-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/new-details-for-blue-dragon-ds-due-out-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/new-details-for-blue-dragon-ds-due-out-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last month, publisher AQ Interactive confirmed that Blue Dragon Plus for the Nintendo DS had been delayed, but that it would be coming this summer. Translations from the publisher's official BDP site (via NeoGAF) indicate the game is set to be a "simulation RPG." The description and subsequent new screenshots remind us of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (not a bad comparison, mind you).

The site also seems to indicate that BDP takes place just after the events of the first Blue Dragon. So with a bold-faced spoiler alert we caution you against clicking on the main website as, once it loads, it gives away a big part of the Xbox 360 version's storyline. Same warning goes for the gallery below.

Gallery: Blue Dragon Plus



[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqNew details for Blue Dragon DS, due out this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aqaq-interactiveaqiblue-dragonblue-dragon-plusbluedragonDSHironobu-SakaguchimistwalkerFri, 01 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon DS delayed indefinitely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/blue-dragon-ds-delayed-indefinitely/#commentsFiled under: ,

French gaming site Jeux-France is reporting that the Nintendo DS adaptation of Mistwalker's Blue Dragon has been delayed without a future release window. The title was planned for a March release, although given its original September revelation, we thought the date was a bit suspect.

Despite the indefinite loss of a portable Blue Dragon, fans of Hironobu Sakaguchi's work can look forward to other DS releases from the studio, including ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat (already out in Japan) and Away: Shuffle Dungeon.

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqBlue Dragon DS delayed indefinitely originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonDSHironobu-SakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiFri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Though its puzzles may occasionally infuriate, the real source of frustration regarding Zack & Wiki stems from the fact that nobody bought it. Every year has its share of titles that deserve an audience yet never find one, and in this regard, Zack & Wiki is easily one of the most tragic games to put an uncontrollable smile on your face. Relentlessly charming and beautifully presented, the debut of Capcom's choc-chomping pirate and his simian sidekick challenges the mind and warms that cynical, meh-spouting lump in your chest. How refreshing it was to overcome obstacles and bosses by choosing the power of the mind over an impossibly large bazooka.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007BlueDragonDirtDSGOTY-2007Metroid-PrimeMetroidPrime3Pac-ManPCPhantom-HourglassPhantomHourglassPhoenix-WrightPhoenixWrightPS3StrangleholdSuperPaperMarioTheDarknessTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryUnchartedWiiXbox-360Zack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureZeldaWed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Wii)

For a port of a two-year-old game, RE4: Wii Edition didn't have a whole lot going for it. It had the same extra features as the PS2 port of the game, not-so-updated graphics, and slightly lower reviews than its original iteration -- and yet, somehow, just by changing how the game is controlled, Capcom created an entirely new adventure. When the peculiar controls for the Wii were first announced, this is the type of interactivity that I imagined from the future games for the system -- responsive, accurate, and realistic. The only way they could have made the gunplay feel any more natural would have been to package the game with an actual gun, which you shot at the on-screen zombies. Once.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007Blue-DragonBlueDragonCrackdownDSGH3GOTY-2007Guitar-Hero-3GuitarHero3MassEffectPokemonPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestResident-Evil-4ResidentEvil4The-BigsTheBigsWiiXbox-360Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker reminds us they have something besides Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mistwalker-reminds-us-they-have-something-besides-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mistwalker-reminds-us-they-have-something-besides-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mistwalker-reminds-us-they-have-something-besides-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under:

When it was revealed that Blue Dragon would make its way onto the DS, albeit in a different shape and form than it appears on the Xbox 360, there was also another title that developer Mistwalker was to bring to the DS. Titled Away: The Kidnapped People, little was known regarding it, other than Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu were working on it directly. Now, courtesy of a Japanese press release (link goes to pdf file), new details regarding the game have surfaced.

It appears that Away: The Kidnapped People is to utilize a unique randomized dungeon system. Described as an action RPG, the fine folks over at Siliconera deduced that since the Japanese press release calls the game Away: Shuffle Dungeon, and with the Blue Dragon random dungeon generator DLC for Xbox 360 being titled "Shuffle Dungeon Maker," that Away must use the same randomized dungeon feature.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMistwalker reminds us they have something besides Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awayblue-dragonbluedragonjapanmistwalkerrpgMon, 12 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blue Dragon items now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-blue-dragon-items-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-blue-dragon-items-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-blue-dragon-items-now-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,


Microsoft sends word that a new piece of downloadable content is now available for Blue Dragon. This is the second bit of DLC for the game, the first -- Hard mode - being released last month. This new DLC is entitled "6 Treasures" gives players access to 6 new items that grant special abilities to their characters. One in particular -- the Shuffled Helmet -- creates the most powerful armor in the game when combined with Shuffled Splint and Shuffled Breastplate. Honestly, we haven't delved into the game, so we don't know how useful all these items are, though they will probably be welcome to those endeavoring to complete hard mode. The DLC is available for 200 MS Points. Check out the all 6 of the items contained in the pack after the break.

Continue reading New Blue Dragon items now on XBLM

JoystiqNew Blue Dragon items now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragondlcmistwalkerxblmFri, 26 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blue Dragon DLC ups the difficulty for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/new-blue-dragon-dlc-ups-the-difficulty-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/new-blue-dragon-dlc-ups-the-difficulty-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/new-blue-dragon-dlc-ups-the-difficulty-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,

For those out there who thought Mistwalker's Blue Dragon was too easy for your tastes, Microsoft has just released new content aimed at upping the ante for the RPG's difficulty. Best of all? It's free.

Dubbed the Ultra Hard Mod, the new content has three aspects. The first is Game Plus, which allows you to start a new game using a saved file from near the end. The other two are specifically for the masochistic: Hard Mode, reportedly twice as challenging as normal, and Impossible, which is meant to play with characters starting at level 50 or higher. (If you want to do the Impossible at level 10, however, by all means go for it. Let us know how that works out.)

JoystiqNew Blue Dragon DLC ups the difficulty for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonDLCmistwalkerxblmXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveFri, 28 Sep 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: What franchise needs to be on the DS?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/23/ds-daily-what-franchise-needs-to-be-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/23/ds-daily-what-franchise-needs-to-be-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/23/ds-daily-what-franchise-needs-to-be-on-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:


With yesterday's DS Daily, we thought about all of the franchises that generally aren't represented or have recently made their way onto the DS. We thought about how a game (take Blue Dragon, for example) could make its way onto the DS, totally disregarding its initial genre, utilizing the unique functions of the handheld.

So, if you could take a franchise and adapt it for play on the DS, what franchise would it be and how would you augment its initial genre and style for the handheld? Would you take a game in the FPS genre and turn it into a side-scroller on the platform? Would you adapt a card game into a shoot-em-up?

Take those two cents out of your pocket and toss them in.

JoystiqDS Daily: What franchise needs to be on the DS? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonfpsrpgSun, 23 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: We're soooo pumped for Blue Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/ds-daily-were-soooo-pumped-for-blue-dragon/#commentsFiled under:


Having several friends who're all kinds of knee-deep in the Xbox 360 game Blue Dragon, we found that we too wanted to get our role-play on and started it up. We didn't get far, but the 2 hours or so of the game got us pumped. We genuinely felt that this game could be excellent beyond all comprehension.

And now it's coming to the DS?! Holy hand grenade, we can't wait for it, even if it's a card-based game. How about you, folks? Are you as excited as we are? Or, could you care less?

JoystiqDS Daily: We're soooo pumped for Blue Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-dragonbluedragonmistwalkerrpgsakaguchiSat, 22 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon demo out on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/blue-dragon-demo-out-on-xbox-live-verifying/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One secret that Microsoft left out of the press conference: a demo for Mistwalker's Blue Dragon is now available on Xbox Live. The enthusiastic description for the 1.1GB download reads as follows: "The Blue Dragon Demo is available! Play the grand adventure in two dungeons filled with Mecha Robos and Ancient Monsters!" Enjoy.

JoystiqBlue Dragon demo out on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragonbreakingnewse3breakingnewsmistwalkersakaguchiXbox-360Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:27:00 EST<![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 scheduled for July 20th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/#commentsFiled under: ,


Can't wait until August 28th to play the Xbox 360-exclusive JPRG Blue Dragon? You could always import the Japanese release and stumble your way through three discs of inscrutable Japanese text or, if you can settle for a slightly smaller experience, just download the demo on Xbox Live Marketplace July 20th. The Japanese language Dengeki Online claims a 1.1GB demo will be released overseas (that's over here, folks) on July 20th, containing roughly 120 minutes of playtime. But you'd best make sure you download it in that 2-week window, since the demo will fly away on August 3rd. Now let's see, if we only play for about three and a quarter minutes a day, this demo should just last us until the retail release. Just ...

[Via X3F]

Gallery: Blue Dragon

JoystiqBlue Dragon demo scheduled for July 20th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragondemoHironobuSakaguchiJRPGMistwalkerSakaguchiXBLMXbox-360Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:00 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[Blue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/blue-dragon-gets-dated-august-28th-24th-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,


We knew Microsoft's Blue Dragon -- the Japanese RPG by famed Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi -- would be barreling into American shores in August, but we didn't know the specific date. Good news for fans of the month of August then, the much anticipated RPG will get in just under the cutoff making an August 28th touchdown for $59.99.

More interesting for European gamers is the August 24th European release date. Originally scheduled for September in that part of the globe, the title has managed to leapfrog the North American release date by four days; however, at £44.99, they're paying nearly $90 for the privilege. We don't think Americans mind waiting. Now, if we only knew when Mass Effect was coming out ...

Gallery: Blue Dragon



Read - Japanese RPG "Blue Dragon" Lifts Its Wings and Flies To Europe

Continue reading Blue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe

JoystiqBlue Dragon gets dated: August 28th, 24th in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragonMGSMistwalkerreleasedatesSakaguchiXbox-360Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:53:00 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 ad campaign wins Cannes award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/blue-dragon-ad-campaign-wins-cannes-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/blue-dragon-ad-campaign-wins-cannes-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/blue-dragon-ad-campaign-wins-cannes-award/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The marketing team behind Blue Dragon, the Xbox 360 RPG out in Japan and coming to North America later this summer, struck gold with their recent "Big Shadow" interactive installation in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Shadows of participants' movements were projected upon a wall in the middle of town. When they perform certain actions, such as raising their arms over their heads, a giant dragon appears above their shadow. Enemy dragons would swoop or attack the shadow humans, and sometimes a giant Monty Python-esque foot would crash down on their heads. Web surfers could even participate in real-time using a webcam!

Creative director Koshi Uchiyama, joined by art director Naoki Ito, and producer Yasuhisa Kudo, received the Gold Lion award for outdoor advertising at the Cannes Advertising Awards, one of the most prestigious award shows in advertising. Check out a video presentation of the installation as well as the awards page for more images.

JoystiqBlue Dragon ad campaign wins Cannes award originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbluedragonmarketingmicrosoftXbox-360xbox360Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:01:00 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 in US this August, Lost Odyssey worldwide by X-mas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lost odyssey1UP recently scored some face time with Mistwalker head Hironobu Sakaguchi, squeezing some vague release dates outta the man who's brave enough paid enough to develop rpgs for Xbox 360. Word is, Lost Odyssey will launch simultaneously in Japan and the US 'round Christmas time (mid- to late-December) worldwide 'round the holidays, a favorable deviation from the release strategy currently being employed for Odyssey's cutesy predecessor Blue Dragon. While Blue Dragon was released in Japan last December, US audiences are still waiting -- and according to Sakaguchi's estimates, they'll be waiting till August. But Lost Odyssey is apparently being developed with an eye toward Western aesthetics; even the lip-syncing will match English voice actors (the Japanese version will be dubbed).

As for Europe, well, we didn't forget about y'all, but Sakaguchi must have. No word on when Mistwalker's rpgs will go PAL. Update: Blue Dragon's European release is scheduled for September. The original Japanese voice tracks will be available in the US release (unconfirmed for PAL version). Sakaguchi has also revealed plans for an unspecified pre-order bonus (more Zippos?).

Gallery: Blue Dragon



Gallery: Lost Odyssey

JoystiqBlue Dragon in US this August, Lost Odyssey worldwide by X-mas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360BlueDragonbreakingnewsfeelplusGDCgdc07HironobuSakaguchiLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkerRPGSakaguchiXbox-360Xbox360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:54:00 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