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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Items of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/#commentsFiled under: ,



How is Dragon Quest IV holding up for you, dear readers? Did you run out and buy yourselves a copy, and power through the game? Does the whole feel of the title scream "Classic!" or does it reek of archaic sensibilities? Perhaps you were part of the faithful minority in the great debate of RPG fandom, at the beginning of the week. Personally, as a little kid growing up in the halcyon days of the Famicom (and later, Super Famicom) era, the opening track of the Dragon Quest series is more memorable and more emotionally stirring than the Japanese national anthem.

So... You may be knee deep in Dragon Quest IV goodness right now, and enjoying its tale of many heroes and heroines. Once you come to that inevitable conclusion, what have you got to look ahead to? Why, Dragon Quest V, of course. Today in Items of Import, we'll take the opportunity of the recent release of the fourth in the series in the Western markets to see what's to look forward to in the second entry of the Zenithia trilogy.



Continue reading Items of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V

JoystiqItems of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestdsdsliteimportjoystiqfeaturesrpgThu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

JoystiqDragon Quest IV DS remake coming September 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questdragonquestDSsquare-enixsquareenixWed, 21 May 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanswag: And the Dragon Quest Swords winner is ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/wii-fanswag-and-the-dragon-quest-swords-winner-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/wii-fanswag-and-the-dragon-quest-swords-winner-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/wii-fanswag-and-the-dragon-quest-swords-winner-is/#commentsFiled under:


Well, folks, our latest giveaway has come to an end and it's time we hooked someone up with our review copy of Dragon Quest Swords. Many have entered, but only one can be crowned victorious. Let's all congratulate:
Well, Justin, that's about to change! Consider yourself a winner! So, congratulations and better luck next time to the rest of you. We've already got our next giveaway up and running, in case you're looking to try your luck again.

Gallery: Dragon Quest Swords

JoystiqWii Fanswag: And the Dragon Quest Swords winner is ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dqswordsdragonquestsquaresquare enixsquare-enixsquareenixMon, 17 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft to bring Square Enix games down under [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ubisoft-to-bring-square-enix-games-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ubisoft-to-bring-square-enix-games-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ubisoft-to-bring-square-enix-games-down-under/#commentsFiled under:


Ubisoft loves Australia, it seems, as they've worked out a deal with RPG powerhouse Square Enix to bring some of their games to the region. Ubisoft will be bringing two titles to the country in Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates. Gamers down under can look forward to getting these titles in early 2008.

Any Aussies here glad they won't have to import these games?

Update: According to JeuxFrance, Ubisoft is going to be bringing the games to not only Australia, but also to Europe. So, good news is now made even better.

JoystiqUbisoft to bring Square Enix games down under [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiadragonquestffccozsquare-enixubisoftMon, 26 Nov 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: New trailer for Dragon Quest IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-new-trailer-for-dragon-quest-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-new-trailer-for-dragon-quest-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/tgs07-new-trailer-for-dragon-quest-iv/#commentsFiled under:

Having just received a release date and price for Japan, we knew the game would be on-hand in Tokyo, but nothing in the way of video managed to climb out from under the already suffocating amount of news. That is, until now. And, while the above video is mainly just some pan shots of concept art with small portions of gameplay tossed in for good measure, it's still enough to get you pumped for the game.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTGS07: New trailer for Dragon Quest IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dqivdragon-questdragon-quest-ivdragonquestdragonquestivsquareenixtgs07Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IV and others playable at TGS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/03/dragon-quest-iv-and-others-playable-at-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/03/dragon-quest-iv-and-others-playable-at-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/03/dragon-quest-iv-and-others-playable-at-tgs/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's nice to see that even though Nintendo won't have a booth at the Tokyo Game Show this year, our favorite handheld will still be properly represented at the convention by companies like Square Enix (Sanuk Software, too!).

Square Enix has announced its sequels, remakes, spin-offs, and casual titles the company plans to present at the event, most notable on the list -- at least for us -- being a playable Dragon Quest IV. Dragon Quest IX, recently pushed back for a 2008 release, will only show up in video form. Check past the post break for Square Enix's full list of DS RPGs and Style Games for TGS.

Continue reading Dragon Quest IV and others playable at TGS

JoystiqDragon Quest IV and others playable at TGS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dqivdqixdragonquestdsstylefinalfantasyrocketslimesquareenixtgstgs07Mon, 03 Sep 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: August 30, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecapdragonquestThu, 30 Aug 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqDragon Quest IX delayed until 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dqixdragonquestdragonquestixDSsquareenixMon, 27 Aug 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DQIX gets pushed back to 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dqix-gets-pushed-back-to-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dqix-gets-pushed-back-to-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/dqix-gets-pushed-back-to-2008/#commentsFiled under:

Those of you who've been eagerly awaiting Square Enix's latest title on the DS will have to wait extra long, as the company has announced that Dragon Quest IX has been delayed until 2008. The reason for delaying the game? Square Enix apparently needs to improve the quality of the game, but we're going on machine translation, so it isn't the best.

Who will be joining us for a cry session in the corner?

JoystiqDQIX gets pushed back to 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9dqixDragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-SkiesDragon-Quest-IXdragonquestJRPGLevel-5NintendoRPGSquare-EnixsquareenixMon, 27 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IV website launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/dragon-quest-iv-website-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/dragon-quest-iv-website-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/dragon-quest-iv-website-launches/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Japanese website for Dragon Quest IV has hit the net and, as far as websites go, it's one of the better ones. Sure, it may take a little longer to load, but the presentation and content are well worth it. There are some character bios to check out, as well as some in-game screens. Overall, it's what you'd expect for a Square Enix site launch.

Is it just us, or does Dragon Quest IV look awfully pretty?

JoystiqDragon Quest IV website launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dqivdragonquestjapansquareenixTue, 21 Aug 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix opening US merchandise 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/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.

Continue reading Square Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonight

JoystiqSquare Enix opening US merchandise store midnight tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestfinalfantasykingdomheartsmerchandisesquareenixMon, 20 Aug 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IV scheduled for winter release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/dragon-quest-iv-scheduled-for-winter-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/dragon-quest-iv-scheduled-for-winter-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/dragon-quest-iv-scheduled-for-winter-release/#commentsFiled under:


Square Enix knows how to develop a game quickly: already have developed the whole thing twice. You'll be able to see this efficiency through redundancy at work this winter, when the first of the three DS Dragon Quest remakes hits Japan.

The company has opened the official Dragon Quest IV-VI website, which is probably not based on any NES-era websites, and, as such, doesn't have much content yet beyond the vague release schedule for IV and its CERO rating of A (All Ages). If this is coming out this winter, does it mean that it'll be competing with Dragon Quest IX? Or will IX even come out this year? It is a powerful mystery.

[Via Dengeki]

JoystiqDragon Quest IV scheduled for winter release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestdragonquestivdragonquestvdragonquestviThu, 02 Aug 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqDragon Quest IV, V, VI remakes bound for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestDSsquareenixMon, 30 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest Remake Mania]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-remake-mania/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-remake-mania/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/dragon-quest-remake-mania/#commentsFiled under:

Square Enix has announced DS remakes of Dragon Quests IV, V, and VI. Everybody freak out ... now. And ... done. Back at the Square Enix Party, Yoichi Wada mentioned that some of the Dragon Quest games would be remade, but not which ones or how many.

These three games comprise an informal "Zenithia" trilogy, linked by the appearance of the same aerial castle in all three games. The blurry screens visible in the scans indicate that the remakes are based on the engine from the Playstation remake of Dragon Quest IV, which used 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds. We hope that all of them come out in the US, since V and VI would be new to us, and it would be awfully nice to have a new version of IV with a better translation and actual availability. Full-size scans after the break!

Continue reading Dragon Quest Remake Mania

JoystiqDragon Quest Remake Mania originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestdragonquestivdragonquestvdragonquestvirpgsquareenixMon, 30 Jul 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

JoystiqRumors: new Bionic Commando, and four RPGs from Level 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioniccommandodragonquestlevel5PS3rumorssquareenixwhiteknightstoryFri, 27 Jul 2007 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqDragon Quest maps, Google style originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestdragonwarriormapsnesrpsTue, 10 Jul 2007 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix unveils 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/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.

JoystiqSquare Enix unveils new release dates with E3 2007 lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DragonQuestDSE3E307FinalFantasyPCPS3PSPSquareEnixWiiXbox-360Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

Continue reading Square Enix in your pocket: DS edition

JoystiqSquare Enix in your pocket: DS edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystalChroniclesDragonQuestDragonQuestIxDragonQuestMonstersDSenixFF4FinalFantasyFinalFantasyIvFinalFantasyXiiFrontMissionFrontMission1stHeroesOfManamanaMatrix-SoftwareNintendoPS2RevenantWingsRingOfFatesRPGsquareSquare-EnixSquareEnixSquareEnixPocketWorldOfManaThu, 05 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A road map of Itadaki Street]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/a-road-map-of-itadaki-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/a-road-map-of-itadaki-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/a-road-map-of-itadaki-street/#commentsFiled under:


Having never come out in the US, the Itadaki Street franchise is somewhat of a mystery. But the series has been thrust into our attention with its entry on the DS and the included Mario and Dragon Quest characters. We know we like the characters, and we are vaguely aware of a board game of some kind, but how exactly does the game play?

Siliconera, who previously helped us identify all the Dragon Quest folks, has a piece up now about the game that's half review, half tutorial. It's an excellent resource for the Itadaki curious, and should help you in your soul-searching about whether or not you're interested in a Japanese board game about property.

JoystiqA road map of Itadaki Street originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board gameBoardGamedqdragondragon questDragonQuestdsds liteDsLiteitadakiitadaki streetItadakiStreetmarionintendoqueststreetTue, 26 Jun 2007 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqSquare Enix launching US online store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestfinal fantasyFinalFantasykingdom heartsKingdomHeartsslimesquare enixSquareEnixWed, 20 Jun 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix chief: 360, PS3 too fancy for today's 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/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?

JoystiqSquare Enix chief: 360, PS3 too fancy for today's market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brain AgeBrainAgeDragon QuestDragon Quest IXDragonQuestDragonQuestIxDSFinal FantasyFinalFantasyPS3PSPSquare EnixSquareEnixWii SportsWiiSportsXbox-360Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix CEO calls PS3 and Xbox 360 "over-engineered"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-ceo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-over-engineered/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-ceo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-over-engineered/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/square-enix-ceo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-over-engineered/#commentsFiled under:

The CEO of Square Enix had some strong words about the state of console development recently. Speaking with the Financial Times about the company's recent decision to develop Dragon Quest IX only for Nintendo's DS system, Yoichi Wada believed certain consoles were "over-engineered for today's gaming environment," saying "there are too many specs." The CEO provided elaboration, stating "you also need a high definition TV, a broadband connection and a deep knowledge of gaming," and clarified that in "a year or two" the consoles would fare better when they are not as "mismatched."

We'd have to disagree, only because we're a part of the hardcore category of gamers that are always thirsting for faster and better hardware. Broadband has been a staple of our diet for the last ten years and most of us already have an HDTV in our living rooms, if not a second one for the bedroom. But Mr. Wada's statements were made about today's global gaming consumer, and we'd have to agree that in a year or two, the PS3 will likely come down in price and become more accessible to those that (still) haven't yet adopted to HDTV or broadband technologies. Again, Mr. Wada was elaborating on recent decisions for the company to focus on handheld development due to their widespread appeal and market share (units sold).

As always, we'd like to invite your thoughts and comments on Mr. Wada's recent statements as they pertain to our console of preference. Should the PS3 have been watered down, so as to cater more to a global audience immediately (aka, those without broadband or HDTV's right now)? One could assume that in doing so, the price point would be lower, making the entry a lot easier to swallow for non-hardcore types. Along that line of thought, a second and third assumption can be made in that PS3 sales might have been higher and third-party support might be increased due to the system's affordability and widespread appeal. What do you think?

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqSquare Enix CEO calls PS3 and Xbox 360 "over-engineered" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestDShandheldmismatchednintendo dsNintendoDsover-engineeredsquare enixSquareEnixsqueenixyoichi wadaYoichiWadaTue, 12 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guide to Itadaki Street characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/guide-to-itadaki-street-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/guide-to-itadaki-street-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/guide-to-itadaki-street-characters/#commentsFiled under:

Confession time! We haven't played a Dragon Quest game since the first one. And that was in the ancient times-- we were basically playing it on an oscilloscope. As such, we don't know any of the characters besides slimes (who could forget slimes?).

If you're like us (old and anachronistic), you might need a lesson on who all these adorable Dragon Quest characters are in Itadaki Street. That is exactly what Siliconera has done, because we asked for it just now. Oh, there we go with the anachronism again.

Finally, we know the names and origins of Guy Who Looks Kinda Like Dante and Spikey-Haired Guy. Now we're ready for the US version of the game, which will probably never exist.

JoystiqGuide to Itadaki Street characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angeloboardboard gamesBoardGamesdqdragondragon questDragonQuestdsds liteDsLiteenixitadakiitadaki streetItadakiStreetlitemarionintendonintendo dsNintendoDsquestsesquarestreetyangusFri, 08 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqDragon Quest remakes coming before DQIX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestWed, 23 May 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: May 17, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdragon questDragonQuestslimeThu, 17 May 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest, Super Mario, Boy and Girl in Itadaki Street DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/dragon-quest-super-mario-boy-and-girl-in-itadaki-street-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/dragon-quest-super-mario-boy-and-girl-in-itadaki-street-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/dragon-quest-super-mario-boy-and-girl-in-itadaki-street-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Itadaki Street DS apparently didn't have enough characters to choose from-- the entire Mario and Dragon Quest casts are just too limiting, you know? Besides, nobody can relate to wacky characters like a plumber and a plumber's brother, who is also a plumber.

Square Enix has nicely included some characters who will do less to draw players' attention away from the serious business of strategic board game play: "Boy" and "Girl." They look just like we would if we were three feet tall and didn't have noses!

We've got some screens of Boy and Girl, and of Itadaki Street in general, after the break. And check the link for character art and a few board layouts.

Continue reading Dragon Quest, Super Mario, Boy and Girl in Itadaki Street DS

JoystiqDragon Quest, Super Mario, Boy and Girl in Itadaki Street DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard gameboard gamesBoardGameBoardGamesboydonkey kongDonkeyKongdqdragon questDragonQuestdsds liteDsLiteenixgirlitadakiitadakistreetmarionintendonintendo dsNintendoDssquaresquare enixSquareEnixstreetwarioFri, 11 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

JoystiqDragon Quest IX screenshots! All hail cel-shaded graphics! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonquestdsnintendorpgsquareenixTue, 01 May 2007 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest Swords makes with the new gameplay screenshots, details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-swords-makes-with-the-new-gameplay-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-swords-makes-with-the-new-gameplay-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/dragon-quest-swords-makes-with-the-new-gameplay-screenshots/#commentsFiled under:

Some new screenshots for Dragon Quest Swords were recently posted on Famitsu. There're some gameplay shots, a companion select screen and a few bits of in-game scenery.

It looks like the Wiimote is going to be fully integrated into the game; what looks like a pointer can be seen in the battle shots. The article promises that the game will detect the sword strokes made by the player, with the direction of swing apparently matching the players action.

How well the first person swordplay works could well be the critical factor in the success of this game.

The game's 3 companions are also pictured, choose from soldier Dean, fatherly Boudo, or monk Seteia, who appears to have skipped on the brown cloth tunic and gone straight for the traditional pink bodice and leather wrist strap. We know who we'd choose.

Dragon Quest Swords is penciled in for a July 12 release (Japan).

Continue reading Dragon Quest Swords makes with the new gameplay screenshots, details

JoystiqDragon Quest Swords makes with the new gameplay screenshots, details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragon Quest SwordsDragonQuestDragonQuestSwornintendorpgSquare EnixSquareEnixWiiTue, 01 May 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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]

JoystiqDragon Quest IX stays turn-based, ups customization originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questdragon quest ixDragonQuestDragonQuestIxDSThu, 26 Apr 2007 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[A few more Itadaki Street screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Any time mascot characters from different game companies converge, it's a big deal. As mascot-converging deals go, it doesn't get much bigger than Itadaki Street DS, which forcefully jams the worlds of Dragon Quest and Mario together onto a game board. There's also the fact that another long-time Square Enix franchise heading to the DS is likely to cause a sales supernova. We enjoy keeping tabs on this game in anticipation of that upcoming cosmic event.

While you wait for that June 21st release date, and ponder learning how to read "slime" in Japanese (????), why not take a look at some new screenshots?

Continue reading A few more Itadaki Street screens

JoystiqA few more Itadaki Street screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboardgameboardgamescrossoverdqdragondragonquestdsds liteDsLitegamesitadakilitemarionintendonintendo dsNintendoDsqueststreetsupersuper marioSuperMarioFri, 06 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix reveals their party plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/square-enix-reveals-their-party-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/square-enix-reveals-their-party-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/square-enix-reveals-their-party-plans/#commentsFiled under:

We don't usually sit around wishing we lived in Japan, but sometimes there's an overriding temptation that throws everything into a tailspin ... and wouldn't you know that dastardly Square Enix is behind it. The source of our agony? That the fabulous franchise festival known as the Square Enix Party 2007 is going to go on without us. The pain.

Thanks to the series of tubes that connects us with Japan, we at least have loads of video to look forward to -- and now that SE has announced a formal list of titles that will be available at the event (both playable and video-only), we're starting to get a little excited. Playable games on display include FFXII: Revenant Wings, Itadaki Street, It's a Wonderful World, and the new Crystal Chronicles for the DS. That may in fact be more Final Fantasy than we could shake a stick at. Also verified: an unknown Final Fantasy title, but we have to admit that it may be attached to those other guys. We won't begrudge them that; we've got plenty of games here to drool over.

[Via Wired]

JoystiqSquare Enix reveals their party plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrystal ChroniclesChrystalChronicDragon QuestDragonQuestDSFFFinal FantasyFinalFantasyItadaki StreetItadakiStreetNintendoPSPSquare EnixSquare Enix PartySquareEnixSquareEnixPartyWiiWed, 28 Mar 2007 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

JoystiqSquare Enix party details make us want to buy a ticket to Tokyo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crisis-CoreCrisis-Core-Final-Fantasy-7Crisis-Core-Final-Fantasy-VIIDragon QuestDragonQuestDSEnixFinal FantasyFinal-FantasyJapanpartyPS3PSPRPGSlimeSquareSquare EnixSquare-EnixTokyoWiiXbox-360Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[New images from Itadaki Street]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/new-images-from-itadaki-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/new-images-from-itadaki-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/new-images-from-itadaki-street/#commentsFiled under:

Square Enix's Itadaki Street DS, schedule for this summer in Japan, is shaping up to be a pretty good looking little game. We can't wait to see more on the WiFi multiplayer, since that's what board games are built for. Is it too much to hope that this one sees an English release? Ponder that while you check out the screens, which are hidden away behind the jump.

Continue reading New images from Itadaki Street

JoystiqNew images from Itadaki Street originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestDSItadaki StreetItadakiStreetMariomultiplayerNintendoWiFiTue, 13 Mar 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Square-Enix, still the loyal PlayStation enthusiasts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/square-enix-still-the-loyal-playstation-enthusiasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/square-enix-still-the-loyal-playstation-enthusiasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/square-enix-still-the-loyal-playstation-enthusiasts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yoichi Wada put on his "President of Square-Enix" hat and recently talked about the future of the PlayStation 3 and, uh, Dragon Quest. Here's what's worth gleaning:

  • Even though Dragon Quest IX is being developed for and released on the Nintendo DS, Wada claims that Square-Enix is not changing its development strategy. The DQ titles aren't moving permanently to the handhelds.
  • Wada follows that with: "Following portable machines, we see the market for the PlayStation 3 and other next generation consoles taking off, so we will develop for that."
  • Wada feels that the PlayStation 3 will take off once HD-TV's are in place in most homes. "We have expectations from the PS3. However, it's still early. For us to do business [on the platform], it will take a bit more time...Once the television environment is in place, at last the true game business will form. I see the PS3 market taking off starting around 2008."
  • Wada even takes a shot at us bloggers, who seem to fully encompass the terms "impatience" and "rumor hunting mercenary flamebait revolution-inciting bastards"... or something. "Some journalists don't understand that there's a difference in the amount of time hardware takes to spread and have taken the tone of 'the world of high vision, high quality gaming has come to an end.' However, once you see the world of high vision, there's no going back." That's true. I can't play on my other, non-HD televisions anymore.

Wada concludes with saying that casual gamers will snag up the Wii, DS, and PSP. Those who want a "fuller experience" will seek out the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360. All we can say is: indeed. Personally, I don't mind waiting until 2008. I've a huge backlog of games to get through anyway.

JoystiqSquare-Enix, still the loyal PlayStation enthusiasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonySquare-EnixYoichi WadaYoichiWadaMon, 12 Feb 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: On franchises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/ds-daily-on-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/ds-daily-on-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/ds-daily-on-franchises/#commentsFiled under:

Despite the fact that some franchises just don't port well, the subject of whether or not any given property should make an appearance on the DS inevitably comes up. Square Enix is bringing their big franchises to the handheld. Mortal Kombat will be making an appearance. Katamari Damacy, however, rolled on by. We could go on, but we figure you get the drift. What we want to know is -- which franchises do you really want to see on the DS, and which ones do you hope stay far, far away?

JoystiqDS Daily: On franchises originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Feb 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestDSdsdFinal FantasyFinalFantasyKatamariMortal KombatMortalKombatNintendowish listWishListSat, 03 Feb 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What'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.

JoystiqWhat's that racket? It's the Dragon Quest orchestra warming up! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestEnixGodzillaJapanTokyoMon, 15 Jan 2007 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[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/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.

Continue reading Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability

JoystiqNintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomCrash BandicootCrashBandicootDonkey KongDonkeyKongDragon QuestDragonQuestEAEidosElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsFinal FantasyFinalFantasyFranchiseGran TurismoGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoGranTurismoGTAJames BondJamesBondLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaLineageMarioMega ManMegaManMidwayMortal KombatMortalKombatNCsoftNintendoPokemonResident EvilResidentEvilRockstarSegaSonicSquare EnixSquareEnixStreet FighterStreetFighterThe SimsTheSimsTomb RaiderTombRaiderZeldaWed, 10 Jan 2007 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release day highlights: 12.28.06]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-28-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-28-06/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/japanese-release-day-highlights-12-28-06/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Takuma Sato is arguably the world's most interesting Formula 1 driver. He has moves that occasionally serve to make one of the most predictable motorsports slightly less predictable. So that's who we picked for a quick spin around Monaco on our PS3 this afternoon. Sato's race was typically bathetic, dropping from a place among the points to a spectacularly silly retirement with one bizarre maneuver in the tunnel on the last lap. (It wasn't our fault.)

Based on our initial 23-minute playtest, these are the Good Things about PS3 Formula 1 Championship Edition:
  • Really wet rain
  • Feels like an arcade game
  • Features the Van Halen-tastic Japanese F1 theme tune
And these are the Bad Things about PS3 Formula 1 Championship Edition:
  • No multiplayer
  • Feels like an arcade game
  • Features the Van Halen-tastic Japanese F1 theme tune
Oh, and Dragon Quest Monsters (DS) was also released in Japan today. But we didn't buy it because we're still too Dragon Quested out after DQVIII.

JoystiqJapanese release day highlights: 12.28.06 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon QuestDragonQuestDSFormula 1Formula1PS3Takuma SatoTakumaSatoThu, 28 Dec 2006 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Akira Toriyama wrote a letter on DQIX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/akira-toriyama-wrote-a-letter-on-dqix/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/akira-toriyama-wrote-a-letter-on-dqix/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/akira-toriyama-wrote-a-letter-on-dqix/#commentsFiled under:

Akira Toriyama, the lead character designer for Dragon Quest, as well as the creator of Dragon Ball, recently sent out a letter commenting on the announcement that Dragon Quest IX would be on the DS. The letter (pictured after the jump), tells of Toriyama's surprise at the announcement, as well as his new-found enthusiasm to get cracking on the franchise again, which he had become bored with recently.

Translation, provided by the awesome folks posting over at NeoGAF, as well as a picture of the letter is available after the jump.

[Via NeoGAF]

Continue reading Akira Toriyama wrote a letter on DQIX

JoystiqAkira Toriyama wrote a letter on DQIX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira:toriyama:dragon:balldragonquestdsnintendonintendodsnintendodslitesquareWed, 20 Dec 2006 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix (almost) bares all at Jump Festa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/16/square-enix-bares-all-at-jump-festa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Bandai NamcoBandaiNamcoBlue DragonBlueDragonCapcomDissidiaDissidia-Final-FantasyDragon BallDragon QuestDragonBallDragonQuestDSFightingFinal FantasyFinal-FantasyJapanJump FestaJumpFestaKonamiLost OdysseyLostOdysseyMobileMonster HunterMonsterHunterNarutoPS3PSPSquare EnixSquare-EnixWiiXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Yu-Gi-OhSat, 16 Dec 2006 20:15:00 EST