Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Dragon Quest IV DS remake coming September 16http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/dragon-quest-iv-ds-remake-coming-september-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/dragon-quest-iv-ds-remake-coming-september-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/dragon-quest-iv-ds-remake-coming-september-16/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A slime approaches, and by slime we of course mean the DS remake of 1990 Famicom classic Dragon Quest IV. A NeoGAF poster has found that Square Enix has quietly launched the official teaser site for Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, listing the still unannounced localization for release stateside on September 16.

Even more interesting, the site also shows off logos for upcoming remakes Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride and Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie as well, though sans release dates, all but assuring that North American role-playing enthusiasts will be neck-deep in metal slimes for the foreseeable future.

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]]>dragon-questdragonquestsquare-enixsquareenixJason Dobson2008-05-21T08:30:00+00:00Dragon Quest Swords unsheathed Feb. 26http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dragon-quest-swords-unsheathed-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dragon-quest-swords-unsheathed-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dragon-quest-swords-unsheathed-feb-26/#commentsFiled under: ,

And be sure to have your brain thank us for the last-minute headline edit which saw the removal "unshwiithed." It's best we use a concise sentence to inform you that Dragon Quest Swords is, in fact, a Wii game due for release in North America on February 26th, 2008. Oh, and there's a subtitle too: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors. Where most games would settle for just a masked queen or a tower of mirrors, Square Enix goes the extra mile and gives you both for the price of one game. Watch out, Orange Box!

As for the game itself, the press release dutifully reminds us that it's essentially a foray into first-person fencing, placing "a mighty blade, protective shield and special attacks all in the palm of your hand." We're not sure how much of a chance you stand with such teeny tiny weaponry, but hardened Dragon Quest fans should do alright.

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]]>AkiraToriyamaDragon-QuestDragon-Quest-SwordsDragonQuestSquare-EnixSquareEnixLudwig Kietzmann2007-12-10T17:50:00+00:00Today in Joystiq: August 30, 2007http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/today-in-joystiq-august-30-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/today-in-joystiq-august-30-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/today-in-joystiq-august-30-2007/#comments Make no mistake, Pete, they're just waiting for you to fall asleep before they steal all your hit points. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq and PSPFB hands on with PSP-2000: Part 1
Red Ring of Death visits Orland for lunch
Rock Band: The next great franchise (an interview with Harmonix)
Today's squintiest video: NiGHTS phonecam clip

News
GameTap Thursday: A Thief in the deadly shadows
PS3 60GB are officially all out in the wild
Family Guy coming to 360 Video Marketplace Sept. 2
Watch video of two new stunts from Jackass game
UK has 1 million Wiis to play with
Small Arms getting even smaller on phones
Mass Effect goes into effect Nov. 20
Manhunt 2 heading to Holland
Cyberball, Fatal Fury on XBLA next week, limited price drops this weekend
Worms going to space on Wii
TimeShift alters past, demo phases into Xbox marketplace
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars shines gold

Culture & Community
E for All does damage control regarding EA, Sony and Microsoft
Virginia finds no link between violent games and V-Tech murderer

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]]>dailyrecapdragonquestRoss Miller2007-08-30T23:59:00+00:00Dragon Quest IX delayed until 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dragon-quest-ix-delayed-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dragon-quest-ix-delayed-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dragon-quest-ix-delayed-until-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,


Dragon Quest IX, the textbook definition of "surefire sales phenomenon" (we hear sociologists are still studying its effects on modern civilizations), has been pushed back from its 2007 Japanese release until sometime next year, according to IGN.

Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada had previously said that Dragon Quest IX would be released after some remakes, later revealed to be DQIV, V and VI. Given that, and the general lack of information of the title thus far, we're not too surprised by the delay. DQIX was not going to make a 2007 release outside of Japan anyways, but we're still hoping to see it come to North America and PAL regions before 2009.

[Via DS Fanboy]

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]]>dqixdragonquestdragonquestixsquareenixRoss Miller2007-08-27T13:55:00+00:00Square Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonighthttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/square-enix-opening-us-merchadise-store-midnight-tonight/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've got any marrow or plasma to spare, you'd better go get it sucked out now because at midnight tonight, Square Enix opens the online merchandise store to the United States. The online store has been available to Japanese consumers for quite some time now, offering everything from Dragon Quest stationary to replica Gunblades from Final Fantasy VIII.

The US store will have a modest opening, sticking mostly to figurines. A full list and descriptions of featured items are available after the break.

FINAL FANTASY III TRADING ARTS mini
A set of five adorable miniature figurines based on the characters from FINAL FANTASY III, now appearing on Nintendo DS. Available only at the official online store.

Item: Ingus (Knight), Luneth (Freelancer), Arc (Red Mage), Refia (Devout & Dragoon).
SRP: $17.99

FINAL FANTASY / KINGDOM HEARTS MASTER ARMS
No detail has been overlooked in these lifelike weapon replicas from the FINAL FANTASY and KINGDOM HEARTS series. Take the power of the Gunblade or Keyblade into your own hands, faithfully recreated at up to 10 inches. Sold separately, online-exclusive versions available (while supplies last).

Items: Squall's Gunblade from FINAL FANTASY VIII
Seifer's Gunblade from FINAL FANTASY VIII
Cerberus from FINAL FANTASY VII -DIRGE of CERBERUS
Kingdom Key from KINGDOM HEARTS
Kingdom Key 〜Dark Side〜 from KINGDOM HEARTS (online exclusive)
SRP: $34.99 (each)

FINAL FANTASY MASTER CREATURES Vol. 2
The Summons of the FINAL FANTASY world have been recreated in spectacular detail. This collection includes Summons from FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY VIII, FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY XII.

Items: Knights of the Round (FINAL FANTASY VII)
Diablos (FINAL FANTASY VIII)
Odin (FINAL FANTASY IX)
Yojimbo (FINAL FANTASY X)
Mateus, the Corrupt (FINAL FANTASY XII)
SRP: $22.99 (each)

FINAL FANTASY MECHANICAL ARTS
The MECHANICAL ARTS series features mecha from the FINAL FANTASY series fully realized as breathtaking figures. The first release includes mecha from FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN.

Item: Highwind (FINAL FANTASY VII)
Sister Ray (FINAL FANTASY VII)
Continental Circus, also known as Fahrenheit (FINAL FANTASY X)
Fenrir (FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN)
Kadaj's Motorcycle (FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN)
SRP: $22.99 (each)

FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN SCULPTURE ARTS
Online Store Exclusive Edition
Cloud and Sephiroth sculptures come together to recreate their unforgettable aerial battle in
FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, the award-winning CG sequel to the 1997 PS one game console hit, FINAL FANTASY VII. Relive one of the most memorable scenes of the movie with this detailed masterpiece sculpted completely in polystone. A glowing flame effect has been added to these online store exclusive editions!

Item: Cloud Strife
Sephiroth
SRP: $200.00 (each)

FINAL FANTASY XII PLAY ARTS
The characters of the twelfth installment in the FINAL FANTASY series join the line of PLAY ARTS figurines! Vaan, Ashe, Balthier and Gabranth are recreated in intricate detail, complete with movable joints. Collect all four to complete the FINAL FANTASY XII experience.

Items: Vaan
Ashe
Balthier
Judge Magister Gabranth
SRP: $24.99 (each)

KINGDOM HEARTS II PLAY ARTS (Phase One)
From the phenomenal series created by Disney and Square Enix, Sora, Roxas, Axel and Kairi are brought to life as highly articulated action figures that can be posed and equipped in a variety of ways. Relive the excitement of the game that shipped over 10 million units worldwide.

Item: Sora
Roxas
Axel
Kairi
SRP: $24.99 (each)

KINGDOM HEARTS II PLAY ARTS (Phase Two)
Pick your favorite, or collect all three forms of Sora in his battle gear! Equipped with various Keyblades and gear, relive the adventure with these colorful recreations of Sora in his Final, Master, Wisdom and Limit forms.
Item: Sora (Final Form)
Sora (Master Form)
Sora (Wisdom Form)
Sora (Limit Form) (Online exclusive)
SRP: $24.99 (each)

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS TRADING ARTS
Character designer Akihiko Yoshida's illustrations have been faithfully recreated for this set of four miniature figures based on FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS. Available only at the official online store.

Items: Ramza
Agrias
Delita
Ovelia
Release: November 2007
SRP: $29.99

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]]>dragonquestfinalfantasykingdomheartsmerchandisesquareenixJared Rea2007-08-20T18:28:00+00:00Dragon Quest IV, V, VI remakes bound for DShttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-iv-v-vi-remakes-bound-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-iv-v-vi-remakes-bound-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-iv-v-vi-remakes-bound-for-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

New scans from Japanese gaming magazine Jump show that the Nintendo DS will be receiving three Dragon Quest remakes -- IV, V and VI -- each as separate titles. The scans can be found on the NeoGAF forums; according to a translation from IGN, the first game (DQIV) is expected to be released in Japan this winter.

The scans show that the games will be receiving a graphical upgrade from their original form. While these games are only going to further cement the DS's dominance in Japan, the RPG trio is not guaranteed for release in other regions; of the three, only DQIV has ever received an official launch elsewhere.

A word to Square Enix: you're running out of games to remake.

[Thanks, hvnlysoldr]

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]]>dragonquestsquareenixRoss Miller2007-07-30T17:25:00+00:00Rumors: new Bionic Commando, and four RPGs from Level 5http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/rumors-new-bionic-commando-and-four-rpgs-from-level-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/rumors-new-bionic-commando-and-four-rpgs-from-level-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/rumors-new-bionic-commando-and-four-rpgs-from-level-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly's Quartermann rumor mill is coming with a fresh set of rumors to peruse. The juiciest hearsay is that Capcom's Bionic Commando, once rumored to be getting the remake treatment, is now being developed as a full-fledged installment for the PlayStation Network.

Dark Cloud developer Level 5, whose current PlayStation 3 project White Knight Story has been outside of the limelight since wowing us with footage from last year's Tokyo Game Show, is rumored to be announcing four new RPGs at this year's TGS in September. And they're not necessarily PS3 games, either.

Also mentioned? Incoming Dragon Quest remakes, but this isn't exactly a rumor since we heard Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada explicitly say remakes were coming before Dragon Quest IX. The Quartermann does add some details, however, reporting that the first remake will be Dragon Quest IV for the DS.

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]]>bioniccommandodragonquestlevel5rumorssquareenixwhiteknightstoryRoss Miller2007-07-27T21:40:00+00:00New Dragon Quest Swords footage is looking acehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/new-dragon-quest-swords-footage-is-looking-ace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/new-dragon-quest-swords-footage-is-looking-ace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/new-dragon-quest-swords-footage-is-looking-ace/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Wii exclusive Dragon Quest Swords was released in Japan this week and GameVideos has begun to slash and waggle their way through the first Square-Enix title for Nintendo's console. It's come a long way since its original debut and is looking quite nice by any standards. A knack for pleasant art will do that for you.

Using the Wii remote as a sword and a shield, Swords appears to play like an intensely updated Crossed Swords -- a true, unsung classic of the Neo-Geo. IGN was the last outlet to go in-depth with the title, should you wish to learn more.

[Update - What? No nunchuk shield? Weak.]

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]]>dragonquestdragonquestswordsJared Rea2007-07-13T23:20:00+00:00Dragon Quest maps, Google stylehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/dragon-quest-maps-google-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/dragon-quest-maps-google-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/dragon-quest-maps-google-style/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A Dragon Quest fan who goes by the handle XB-LIM has done what every retro RPG gamer would have killed for two decades ago: mapped the first four Dragon Quest games in the style of Google Maps. They're zoomable, they're scrollable, and one of them even has bubble annotations (in Japanese). Kind of takes the fun out of wandering around and exploring, which is half the entertainment value of classic RPGs. Fighting hundreds of random battles to gain a few levels so you can actually make the trek to the first town is the other half.
[Via GamersWeb]

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]]>dragonquestdragonwarriormapsnesrpsJohn Bardinelli2007-07-10T21:45:00+00:00Square Enix unveils new release dates with E3 2007 lineuphttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/square-enix-new-release-dates-with-e3-2007-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/square-enix-new-release-dates-with-e3-2007-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/square-enix-new-release-dates-with-e3-2007-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


What do you do with a shrunken E3 floor space? Only have playable portable games, of course! Square Enix has unveiled its lineup for this week's E3 2007 summit. Of the seven, we're looking at three Final Fantasies, two Dragon Quests, and an innumerable amount of androgynous protagonists. Release dates were also revealed for most of the titles (Dragon Quest Wii notwithstanding). The playable titles include:
  • Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (DS; November 6)
  • Heroes of Mana (DS; August 14)
  • Final Fantasy II (PSP; July 24)
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP; October 9)
  • Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS; November 20)
  • Front Mission (DS; October 23)
Additionally, the following titles will be shown but not playable:
  • Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (Wii)
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS; Spring 2008)
  • Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess (PS2, Xbox 360, PC; Winter 2007)
Not caught up on your Square Enix portable titles? Check out our features on the PSP and DS lineups.

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]]>DragonQuestE307FinalFantasySquareEnixRoss Miller2007-07-09T15:25:00+00:00Square Enix in your pocket: DS editionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/square-enix-in-your-pocket-ds-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/square-enix-in-your-pocket-ds-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/square-enix-in-your-pocket-ds-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Unlike its PSP counterpart, the Nintendo DS has been no stranger to North American Square Enix releases. Chocobo Tales, Final Fantasy III, Children of Mana and Dragon Quest Rocket Slime have all graced their presence on Western shores. And Square Enix is far from done supporting Nintendo's money-printer.

Of the eight titles, we've got 4 Final Fantasy games, 3 strategy games, 2 remakes, and one surefire Japanese phenomenon by way of Dragon Quest IX. Have a look at the publisher's upcoming selection after the break.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates


The GameCube version of Crystal Chronicles was a fun and lighthearted multiplayer experience, released at a time when the price of admission -- four Game Boy Advance portables and four GBA-GCN cables -- was too high. (The full experience can still cost you $165.)

Single player and multiplayer portions are somewhat disparate, according to Gamespot's hands-on of the game at this year's Square Enix party. Also new is the ability to walk away from other party members in multiplayer, but you still must be together to leave an area.

There are five character classes this time: warrior, archer, black and white mage, and a support class that can make magic orbs (spells will require you to lose orbs to cast). You can now pick up characters, which will reportedly be used for combat and moving through areas (e.g. throwing a party member across a chasm.)

Ring of Fates is bound for Japan August 23; a North American or European release date has not been announced.



Final Fantasy IV


Much like they did with Final Fantasy III, Square Enix is revamping this once-Super Nintendo title (then released in US as FFII) and giving it a 3D makeover. It's no surprise, then, that Matrix Software, who did the FFIII release, is also handling this update.

Final Fantasy IV used the age-old story of a noble Dark Knight saving the world from an evil force. The game introduced Active Time Battle, which has been used in every Final Fantasy title since.

A recent Japanese trailer for the game stated the game was coming in 2007, with no indication if it'll make it outside of Japan by the end of the year.



Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings


The first (and so far only) announced Final Fantasy XII spin-off title, Revenant Wings is part of the so-called Ivalice Alliance, named for its use of the world of Ivalice in each related game (FFXII, the FF Tactics series).

The title is a strategy game ... a real-time (gasp!) strategy game, though videos of the game in action liken the pace and style to that of Dragon Force more so than, say, Warcraft.

Released April 26 in Japan, Revenant Wings unsurprisingly topped the charts. The game is coming this winter to North America.



Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Sky


The great coup that caught everyone by surprise: Enix's legendary Dragon Quest series going exclusively DS for the next installment. The franchise, which is such a phenomenon in Japan it cannot be released on a weekday without fear of harming the economy (on account of everyone making sick days), is likely to have a massive impact on the DS' already-impressive sales. (As Ludwig quipped, "Square Enix just handed Nintendo the keys to the Death Star.")

Expect DQIX to stick with the traditional turn-based battle system while adding a multitude of character customization options. No word on a Japanese release date yet, but comments by Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada indicate there are plans to release as-of-yet unannounced Dragon Quest remakes for Defenders of the Sky see the light of day.




Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Sealed Hole


Almost everything about this sequel to the Game Boy Advance FF Tactics gives us the impression that the game was initially designed for the single-screen and then moved to DS once it took its throne. Most notably, there is no touch-screen support.

Speaking to IGN, game director Yuichi Murasawa said, "We wanted to incorporate the major part of the battle system from the GBA version, so from that perspective, the touch screen wasn't a suitable answer."

The mechanics of FF Tactics A2 don't stray far from those of its predecessor, while touting enhanced visuals, new jobs and new races. The strategy title is expected to come out later this year in Japan; no US release date has been announced.




Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker


Capture, raise, and battle monsters. Sound familiar? The million-selling DQM: Joker has been in Japan since the end of December 2006, reportedly receiving a 36 out of 40 in respected Japanese gaming periodical Famitsu.

The game boasts non-random encounters, three monsters out each battle, cel-shaded animation similar to Dragon Quest VIII and IX, and online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi.

Joker is due out later this year in North America.

Heroes of Mana


The latest title in the World of Mana franchise is real-time strategy title that takes place 19 years after the events of Japan-only Seiken Densetsu 3.

Heroes of Mana came out in Japan March 8 and will reach North American and European shores on August 14 and September 14, respectively.




Front Mission 1st

A remake of the 1995 title Front Mission that has since been seen on Wonderswan Color and PlayStation One, the DS release will mark the first time it comes to North America. (FM 3, 4, and 5 have also come out in North America.) In a nutshell, it's mech ... er ... wanzer-on-wanzer action, with separate health bars for the arms and legs and countless robot customization options.

This version will include new missions, parts, accessories, characters, etc. The game was released March 22 in Japan; a North American version has been confirmed in Nintendo Power (via N-Sider).

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]]>CrystalChroniclesDragonQuestDragonQuestIxDragonQuestMonstersenixFinalFantasyFinalFantasyIvFinalFantasyXiiFrontMissionFrontMission1stHeroesOfManamanaRevenantWingsRingOfFatessquareSquareEnixSquareEnixPocketWorldOfManaRoss Miller2007-07-05T08:00:00+00:00Square Enix launching US online storehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/square-enix-launching-us-online-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Role-playing game powerhouse Square Enix have put up a teaser site for an upcoming online merchandise store. Though we're not expecting software titles to be sold, figurines from Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy are likely (we saw a huge display of fine-crafted figures from those series at Tokyo Game Show last year) and probably clothing with various logos.

Our prediction for best-sellers? Anything with a Slime character on it: key chains, styluses, plush dolls, etc. Our prediction for worst-sellers? Anything sold with actual slime on it. Ew. No date has been given for the grand opening of the store.

[Via 1UP]

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]]>dragon questDragonQuestfinal fantasyFinalFantasykingdom heartsKingdomHeartsslimesquare enixSquareEnixRoss Miller2007-06-20T15:55:00+00:00Square Enix chief: 360, PS3 too fancy for today's markethttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-chief-360-ps3-too-fancy-for-todays-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-chief-360-ps3-too-fancy-for-todays-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-chief-360-ps3-too-fancy-for-todays-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Though the exact word used by the Financial Times article is "over-engineered," a word we deemed too complex for today's headline. Yoichi Wada, chief executive of Square Enix, feels that consoles such as the PS3 and 360 are over-engineered and out of place in today's gaming market, noting that handheld platforms will be the ones to dominate this year. After handing Dragon Quest IX (and thus the keys to Japan) to the Nintendo DS and inundating the PSP with remakes, Wada's belief should come as no surprise.

"There is a new breed of gamers in the market - we have to make games for all kinds of people," he says. "In the old days, we could just focus on the PlayStation or the GameBoy, but the environment has changed completely." It's the same story we've been hearing for months, that one filled with flailing grandmas and casual players shouting "Blue!" at the top of their lungs. Wada isn't giving up on the hardcore gamer just yet, though. Despite thinking that "there are too many specs" on the more advanced systems, he reckons they'll fare better in "a year or two years." Isn't that about the time Final Fantasy XIII comes out?

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]]>Brain AgeBrainAgeDragon QuestDragon Quest IXDragonQuestDragonQuestIxFinal FantasyFinalFantasySquare EnixSquareEnixWii SportsWiiSportsLudwig Kietzmann2007-06-12T20:54:00+00:00Dragon Quest remakes coming before DQIXhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/dragon-quest-remakes-coming-before-dqix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/dragon-quest-remakes-coming-before-dqix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/dragon-quest-remakes-coming-before-dqix/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Star Ocean has remakes. Final Fantasy has remakes, as does its spinoffs. So why shouldn't Square Enix delve into Dragon Quest's extensive catalog and return to some of the older titles?

Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada confirmed that remakes are being planned prior to the release of Dragon Quest IX. "This summer, we'll release Battle Road in arcades and Sword for the Wii," he said during a Q&A session following a financial briefing, according the online version of Japan's Mainichi Shimbun reported by IGN. "Following that, we're thinking of a release for 9 once we've released remake versions and so forth."

As to which games will be remade and what the "so forth" means we're not sure. Also, seeing as Dragon Quest titles have never quite reached the same popularity in North America as they have in Japan, these releases may never be released outside the region.

[Thanks, Rob Accomando]

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]]>dragon questDragonQuestRoss Miller2007-05-23T23:30:00+00:00Today in Joystiq: May 17, 2007http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/today-in-joystiq-may-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/today-in-joystiq-may-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/today-in-joystiq-may-17-2007/#commentsFiled under:

The appropriately-named Albert Art sent us a collection of some of his videogame-themed art. Though we do like the one where Mega-Man's dog Rush leaves his owner a power pellet, we love the look on the lower slime's face as his bigger sibling gets stabbed (and ultimately, multiplies). Check out the highlights for today:

Sony Gamers Day
Joystiq hands-on with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Joystiq hands-on with Heavenly Sword
Joystiq hands-on with LittleBigPlanet

Joystiquery
Off the Grid reviews some Cheapass Games
Scratch teaches game programming, commenting etiquette
Today's most is-it-Halo-yet video: Red vs Blue orientation

News
High Velocity Bowling is ... bowling its way onto PS3
Folklore journeys from the Netherworld to PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3 becomes a source of Pain
PS3's Stranglehold coming with Woo's Hard Boiled in HD
Sony announces SOCOM Confrontation for PS3
Warhawk back on Blu-ray, with beta and Bluetooth headset
Syphon Filter coming back to PSP with new features
In a 'Haze' of modern issues
Grimm news for GameTap and American McGee
ESA gets new boss, Mike Gallagher
Microsoft stands by their HD DVD man
Ignored island politician lumps V-Tech Rampage with GTA IV
PSP Store is 'long overdue,' Sony admits
Friendly free stuff reminder: Aegis Wing on XBLA
Warhawk beta starts next week, application up now
Rampage around the world today on PSN
Best Buy adds Common Sense ratings, but whose common sense?
Puzzle Fighter to be priced the same for Xbox Live, PSN
Pursuit Force dishing out Extreme Justice this Fall
Pawn shop law delays used game purchases
Microsoft booting modders off Xbox Live
April NPD: Nintendo dominates, industry sales up 20%
Eidos Montreal studio developing new Deus Ex

Rumors & Speculation
Analyst: PSP getting a 'hardware refresh' later this year

Culture & Community
Halo-wood Party: The Devil Wears Combat Boots
Forty years of video games: how are we doing?
PGR screenshot used to promote PS3 ... again
Halo 2 and Halo 3 comparison video

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]]>daily recapDailyRecapdragon questDragonQuestslimeRoss Miller2007-05-17T23:59:00+00:00Dragon Quest IX screenshots! All hail cel-shaded graphics!http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-ix-screenshots-all-hail-cel-shaded-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-ix-screenshots-all-hail-cel-shaded-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-ix-screenshots-all-hail-cel-shaded-graphics/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The upcoming DS exclusive Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Sky is looking nothing short of gorgeous. Grainy videos and magazine scans don't do it justice. Looking at these along with the recently released Phantom Hourglass shots makes us wonder if cel-shaded visuals aren't the greatest thing for the DS since the hand crank battery recharger.

We kid, we kid. But it does back up Vicarious Visions' point: the DS isn't a weak system, per se, it just isn't being squeezed for all it's worth.

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]]>dragonquestdsnintendorpgsquareenixJohn Bardinelli2007-05-01T17:51:00+00:00Dragon Quest IX stays turn-based, ups customizationhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/dragon-quest-ix-stays-turn-based-ups-customization/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/dragon-quest-ix-stays-turn-based-ups-customization/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/dragon-quest-ix-stays-turn-based-ups-customization/#commentsFiled under: ,

Contrary to previous rumblings, the upcoming Dragon Quest IX for DS will not abandon its turn-based roots for a more action-oriented system. According to the latest issue of Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump, enemies will be visible on screen and contact will commence battle, where you will input commands in a turn-based style classic in Dragon Quest titles. A similar system will also be implemented for the multiplayer.

Also revealed is the ability to visually customize your main character. Weight, height, face, hair and clothing will all be adjustable. Will this affect the protagonist's immersion into the storyline? According to the translation by 1Up, Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Sky will be shown at a Square Enix party May 12 along with nearly a dozen (seriously) Final Fantasy titles.

[Via DS Fanboy]

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]]>dragon questdragon quest ixDragonQuestDragonQuestIxRoss Miller2007-04-26T17:28:00+00:00Square Enix party details make us want to buy a ticket to Tokyohttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/square-enix-party-details-make-us-want-to-buy-a-ticket-to-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/square-enix-party-details-make-us-want-to-buy-a-ticket-to-tokyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/square-enix-party-details-make-us-want-to-buy-a-ticket-to-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

IGN has some of the details for the upcoming Square Enix party in Japan, which could result in overload for Final Fantasy fanboys and fangirls in attendance. The tip of the iceberg includes:
  • Dragon Quest Monster Joker (DS, playable)
  • Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wing (DS, playable)
  • Final Fantasy Tactics (PSP, playable)
  • Itadaki Street DS (DS, playable)
  • Dragon Quest Swords (Wii, playable)
  • It's a Wonderful World (DS, playable)
  • Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII (PSP, playable)
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (DS, playable)
  • Final Fantasy XI (PS2, X360, Windows, playable)
  • Final Fantasy (PSP, video)
  • Final Fantasy II (PSP, video)
  • Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road (Arcade, video)
  • Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete (Blu-Ray, video)
  • Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, Mobile, video)
Partygoers will also be able to play a slew of mobile game demos, and will be going home with exclusive Square Enix goodies, some of which can be seen here. Give us the slime from Dragon Quest, and we might be able to pretend like we experienced all this first-hand.

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]]>Crisis CoreCrisisCoreDragon QuestDragonQuestEnixFinal FantasyJapanpartySlimeSquareSquare EnixTokyoKevin Kelly2007-03-26T15:24:00+00:00What's that racket? It's the Dragon Quest orchestra warming up!http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/whats-that-racket-its-the-dragon-quest-orchestra-warming-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/whats-that-racket-its-the-dragon-quest-orchestra-warming-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/whats-that-racket-its-the-dragon-quest-orchestra-warming-up/#commentsFiled under:


This is what happens when the composer of soundtracks for Godzilla vs. Biollante (great flick, by the way) and Enix' Dragon Quest series gets his own way. Dragon Quest fans in Japan are advised to form an orderly queue right about now, for Koichi Sugiyama and his band are coming to a town near you*! The composer, who bears an eerie resemblance to a cheerier clone of former NCL dictator Hiroshi Yamauchi, is conducting a five-date tour in venues across Japan. It all kicks off (we predict a riot) in Tokyo on February 26. Tickets are on sale now, starting at ¥3,000 ($25 in real money).

*Assuming, that is, you're somewhere near Tokyo/Nagoya/Sapporo. And if you are, check out Sugimania.

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]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestEnixGodzillaJapanTokyoJonti Davies2007-01-15T00:30:00+00:00Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitabilityhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/#commentsFiled under:

super marioAs noted earlier, a list published by UK newspaper The Independent reveals what many already assume; Nintendo's Mario is the best-selling franchise of all time. Coupled with the second best-selling franchise Pokémon (also a Nintendo property), the two series, which have sold a combined 348 million games worldwide, account for nearly 34% of the total sales of the top-twenty best-selling franchises; which include two additional Nintendo IPs ranked in the top ten, Donkey Kong and Zelda. So what's Nintendo's secret?

Cross-culture appeal, spin-offs (e.g., racers, sports titles, puzzlers), brand saturation (e.g., apparel, card games, TV shows), and E-ratings all appear part of a profitable formula built for the long haul.

The list:

  1. Mario (Nintendo): 193 million (games sold worldwide)
  2. Pokémon (Nintendo): 155 million
  3. Final Fantasy (Square Enix): 68 million
  4. Madden NFL (Electronic Arts): 56 million
  5. The Sims (Maxis/Electronic Arts): 54 million
  6. Grand Theft Auto (Rockstar): 50 million
  7. Donkey Kong (Nintendo): 48 million
  8. The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo): 47 million
  9. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega): 44 million
  10. Gran Turismo (Sony): 44 million
  11. Lineage (NCsoft): 43 million
  12. Dragon Quest (Square Enix): 41 million
  13. Crash Bandicoot (Sony/Vivendi): 34 million
  14. Resident Evil (Capcom): 31 million
  15. James Bond (Various): 30 million
  16. Tomb Raider (Eidos Interactive): 30 million
  17. Mega Man (Capcom): 26 million
  18. Command & Conquer (Westwood Studios/Electronic Arts): 25 million
  19. Street Fighter (Capcom): 25 million
  20. Mortal Kombat (Midway): 20 million

Note: James Bond is the only licensed franchise to crack the top twenty. Madden and Bond are the only licensed franchises to crack the top twenty.

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]]>CapcomCrash BandicootCrashBandicootDonkey KongDonkeyKongDragon QuestDragonQuestEAEidosElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsFinal FantasyFinalFantasyFranchiseGran TurismoGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoGranTurismoGTAJames BondJamesBondLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaLineageMarioMega ManMegaManMidwayMortal KombatMortalKombatNCsoftNintendoPokemonResident EvilResidentEvilRockstarSegaSonicSquare EnixSquareEnixStreet FighterStreetFighterThe SimsTheSimsTomb RaiderTombRaiderZeldaJames Ransom-Wiley2007-01-10T18:23:00+00:00