Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/#comments ImageOn the 15th anniversary year of the North American debut of Harvest Moon, Natsume will introduce a new 3DS edition of the farming game with features never seen before - you know, to keep the vegetation from growing stale.

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning puts an emphasis on customization, allowing you to build your own character, buy and design furniture for your house, decorate the nearby village, and move stuff on your farm around ... which can't be good for the crops.

In A New Beginning, you start a farm up around Echo Village to revitalize the town and bring people and animals back. It'll be out this year, and will be shown off as part of Natsume's Harvest Moon celebration at E3.

Continue reading Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS

JoystiqStart (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsharvest-moonharvest-moon-a-new-beginningnatsumenintendoTue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yasuhiro Wada waxes nostalgic about Harvest Moon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/yasuhiro-wada-waxes-nostalgic-about-harvest-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/yasuhiro-wada-waxes-nostalgic-about-harvest-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/yasuhiro-wada-waxes-nostalgic-about-harvest-moon/#comments Yasuhiro Wada has been engaged in the games industry for over 20 years, but lately he's been more into management than actual game production. With the formation of Toybox Inc, however, he joins the ranks of Japanese developers like Yuji Naka and Keiji Inafune - developers who left top management positions at major companies to pursue more active creative roles at smaller startups. While his name might not be the biggest in the biz, he's responsible for one of the most quietly influential games in the industry: Bokujou Monogatari, known outside of Japan as Harvest Moon.

Wada grew up in the countryside, where he dreamed of eventually making his way to the big city. When he finally did get to Tokyo, however, he learned that there are some elements to good ol' country living that deserve appreciation. It was this experience that served as the inspiration for a game idea: A non-combative game that conveyed the simple pleasures of country life. It wasn't an easy pitch, and Wada had to build rapport at his company first with a portfolio of small successes. It took about 2 years to build both the record and the budget necessary to propose Harvest Moon to his higher-ups, but his patience paid off in both development and marketing experience.

[Image: GameFAQS]

Continue reading Yasuhiro Wada waxes nostalgic about Harvest Moon

JoystiqYasuhiro Wada waxes nostalgic about Harvest Moon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-game-postmortemgdcgdc-2012harvest-moonyasuhiro-wadaSat, 10 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Classic game postmortems return to GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/classic-game-postmortems-return-to-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/classic-game-postmortems-return-to-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/classic-game-postmortems-return-to-gdc/#comments Last year, for the 25th anniversary of the show, GDC featured a series of "Classic Game Postmortems" on games like Pac-Man, Prince of Persia, Another World, and Marble Madness. These new looks at old games proved so popular that the show is bringing them back for the crucial 26th anniversary event.

This year's set of classic games to go under the microscope includes Alone in the Dark (with designer Frederick Raynal), Fallout (with designer Tim Cain), Gauntlet (with creator Ed Logg) and Harvest Moon (with producer and former Marvelous CEO Yasuhiro Wada). Forget about all those new games! This is why we really go to conferences.

JoystiqClassic game postmortems return to GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkclassic-game-postmortemfalloutgauntletgdc-2012harvest-moonWed, 08 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inafune, Suda 51 signed for mobile development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/inafune-suda-51-signed-for-mobile-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/inafune-suda-51-signed-for-mobile-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/inafune-suda-51-signed-for-mobile-development/#comments DeNA's popular Japanese mobile gaming platform, Mobage, is getting a major boost from some of the nation's leading gaming industry figures. During a press conference held earlier today (as translated by Andriasang), DeNA revealed that five famed producers will develop games for the platform, including Keiji Inafune, who's creating a game titled J.J. Rockets with his new studio Comcept, and Suda 51, who will make a new installment in the No More Heroes franchise.

Other contributors include Marvelous Entertainment's Yoshifumi Hashimoto, who is working on a Harvest Moon mobile title, former Sonic Team lead Yuji Naka, who will develop an adventure game with his new studio Prope, and Crafts & Meister co-founder Noritaka Funamizu. Sounds like a pretty great lineup, though we wish the five would also collaborate on a single project. The idea of a No More Heroes farming simulator is, well, the best idea.

JoystiqInafune, Suda 51 signed for mobile development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denaharvest-moonjapanjj-rocketskeiji-inafunemobagemobileNo-More-Heroesnoritaka-funamizuyoshifumi-hashimotoyuji-nakaMon, 25 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous caps 3DS game development at $1.8M per title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/#comments During a recent investor call, Marvelous Entertainment, the publisher best known for its Harvest Moon games, revealed its budget range for 3DS game development. According to the transcription of the call's Q&A session (as translated by 1UP), a Marvelous representative said that, "while costs vary based on game content," the company would spend an estimated ¥50 million to ¥150 million ($600K to $1.8M) on the development of a single 3DS game. Currently, Marvelous has two 3DS projects in the works, a Harvest Moon game and a zoo sim called Animal Resort.

Not surprisingly, Marvelous' 3DS spending money is significantly higher than the ¥4.4 million to ¥43.9 million per title (roughly $50K-525K) Japanese companies spent on developing (regular) DS games last year, according to data gathered by TGS sponsor and promotional organization CESA. More interestingly, Marvelous' ¥150-million cap for a 3DS game represents a figure more than double the cost of the last year's most expensive Japanese PSP title, which, while unnamed, cost ¥59.2 million to develop by CESA's account. (The cheapest PSP game cost its maker just ¥3 million.)

If Marvelous' budget is indicative of other companies' 3DS game costs -- and, certainly, some of these guys are likely to splurge -- then developing for the platform could prove more expensive than for Wii, where last year's most expensive Japanese project topped out at ¥116 million. In an era when budget gaming is dominating the handheld market, and following the disastrous combination of costly PSP game development and rampant piracy, the 3DS could be as ill-fated as the 3D technology that requires you to wear glasses.

Well, that, or it'll just "print money" ... in 3D.

JoystiqMarvelous caps 3DS game development at $1.8M per title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-resortbudgetcesacostsdevelopmentdsharvest-moonharvest-moon-3dsmarvelousmarvelous-entertainmentnintendoFri, 19 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon 64 probably not coming out on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/harvest-moon-64-probably-not-coming-out-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/harvest-moon-64-probably-not-coming-out-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/harvest-moon-64-probably-not-coming-out-on-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In our experience, there are two types of people in this world: Folks who think Harvest Moon 64 is the best game in the series, and total weirdos. The first group will likely be dismayed to read NerdMentality's recent interview with Natsume exec Graham Markay, who, when asked whether the title would ever make it onto the Virtual Console storefront, responded, "It will not. It will not. And it's not from lack of trying."

Markay explained that the code of the original title is "not an easy transfer," later adding "I shouldn't say it's never going to come out, but there's just a really, really, very small chance that it would ever come out." Great, Markay. Just leave that door open. Just keep us hanging onto that one sliver of hope as we attempt to get our fix by pulling 48-hour FarmVille binges. You're killing us, dude.

JoystiqHarvest Moon 64 probably not coming out on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonharvest-moon-64natsumenintendovirtual-consolewiiSat, 14 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous focuses on PSP development in fiscal 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/marvelous-focuses-on-psp-development-in-fiscal-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/marvelous-focuses-on-psp-development-in-fiscal-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/marvelous-focuses-on-psp-development-in-fiscal-2011/#commentsIt shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given the company's recent executive pay cuts and low sales figures, that Marvelous Entertainment is looking to cut costs in fiscal 2011 by reducing its lineup of games slightly. Siliconera points out a slide from the company's latest earnings report (Japanese PDF downloadable at the bottom of the window) that shows only ten releases for the period between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. That's down two from the previous year. The biggest move comes from the DS lineup, which is reduced from six games to just one.

Also unsurprisingly, Marvelous is putting emphasis on PSP games. PSP development was the segment of Marvelous's game business that paid off in the last year, and the publisher is putting out more games there -- four -- than anywhere else in fiscal 2011. That includes the RPG Fate/Extra and the humiliating fighter Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact, as well as two currently unannounced games.

The rest of Marvelous's lineup includes the already-released No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise on PS3 and 360, Harvest Moon: Twins' Village on DS, one unknown PS3 game, and two unknown Wii games.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMarvelous focuses on PSP development in fiscal 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfate-extraharvest-moonharvest-moon-twins-villageikki-tousen-xross-impactjapanmarvelousmarvelous-entertainmentmarvelous-interactivemmvNintendono-more-heroes-heroes-paradiseWiiTue, 25 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/#comments
PSN Tuesday's big draw this week is kickin' the tires on Split/Second, developed by the same folks that brought us the equally gorgeous Pure. For those interested in DLC, there's new stuff for BioShock 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum and, naturally, LittleBigPlanet.

PSP owners can pick up Harvest Moon: Hero Of Leaf Valley and Worms: Battle Islands. Split/Second isn't the only racing game with a demo -- ModNation Racers is also available for a test drive. Check out the full update after the break.


Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harvest-MoonHarvest-Moon-Hero-of-Leaf-ValleyMarvelous-InteractiveNatsumePSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklySimulationsplit-secondTue, 11 May 2010 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Yasuhiro Wada stepping down from Marvelous position]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/yasuhiro-wada-stepping-down-from-marvelous-position/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/yasuhiro-wada-stepping-down-from-marvelous-position/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/yasuhiro-wada-stepping-down-from-marvelous-position/#comments "Personal reasons" mark the departure of Yasuhiro Wada, the creator of the Harvest Moon franchise, from Marvelous Entertainment Inc., Kotaku reports. Wada will relinquish his current position at the end of the month, but will continue to serve the company in an advisory capacity.

Wada has been critical of Marvelous as of late, voicing his concerns about the publisher's lack of brand recognition. While we'd agree that not every gamer out there knows about Marvelous, we'd also argue that producing one of the best games of 2009 is certainly a big step toward gaining consumer trust.

JoystiqYasuhiro Wada stepping down from Marvelous position originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSharvest-moonmarvelousMMVANintendoWiiyasuhiro-wadaWed, 24 Mar 2010 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley coming to PSP this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/#comments Natsume continues milking the Harvest Moon franchise, with a new game coming to the PSP later this year. Hero of Leaf Valley promises to be "the biggest PSP Harvest Moon adventure yet." This time around, players must farm their hearts out in order to save Leaf Valley from the evil Funland Corporation. Multiple endings are promised -- we hope one of them involves your vegetables combining to form a mech that destroys Funland Corp. (That might be unlikely, though.)

Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley will be available in April for $29.99.

Gallery: Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley coming to PSP this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonharvest-moon-hero-of-leaf-valleyMarvelous-InteractivenatsumeSimulationThu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Rising Star regains rights to Marvelous games after stock sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/#commentsEven though Marvelous Entertainment just sold off its controlling stake in European publisher Rising Star Games, Rising Star will continue to bring Europeans Harvest Moon, No More Heroes and other Marvelous games.

Due to low sales in the West, Marvelous sold its stake in Rising Star to Japanese publisher Intergrow. When this deal was announced late last week, it led to speculation that Rising Star and other publishers would then have to license Marvelous games on a case-by-case basis to publish them in Europe. However, Rising Star managing director Martin Defries told MCV that Rising Star has reacquired the publishing rights in Europe. "I am delighted to have secured further additional backing from an important Japanese company, whilst continuing our content relationship with Marvelous Entertainment," Defries said.

Sales would suggest that an unfortunately small number of people are affected either way, but it should be comforting to some of you to have a reliable pipeline for Marvelous products.

JoystiqReport: Rising Star regains rights to Marvelous games after stock sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeharvest-moonintergrowmarvelouspublishingrising-star-gamesMon, 25 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Natsume announces new cheery, squishy games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/natsume-announces-new-cheery-squishy-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/natsume-announces-new-cheery-squishy-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/natsume-announces-new-cheery-squishy-games/#commentsNatsume's E3 lineup features mostly what you would expect from Natsume (Harvest Moon and lots of it, plus the previously announced Afrika on PS3), but the company revealed a few unannounced games, some of which are even surprising.

The WiiWare Harvest Moon game, Harvest Moon Ranch Store, is being localized as Harvest Moon: My Little Shop, which is pretty adorable. The company has also announced a new cheerleading game called Cheer We Go for the DS, as well as Squishy Tank, a puzzle game about little animate tanks. If it looks familiar to you, you were probably a really attentive DS Fanboy reader: it's a localized version of Yawaraka Sensha, a licensed puzzle game released last year in Japan by Success.

Gallery: Squishy Tank (DS)

JoystiqNatsume announces new cheery, squishy games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheer-we-goharvest-moonharvest-moon-my-little-shopnatsumepuzzlesquishy-tankwiiwareThu, 28 May 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Tuesday: WarioWiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/vc-wiiware-tuesday-wariowiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/vc-wiiware-tuesday-wariowiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/vc-wiiware-tuesday-wariowiiware/#commentsBetween Virtual Console and WiiWare this week, Japan has seven new games to download. Well, six if you don't count Konami's WiiWare edutainment screensaver thing (which also acts as kids' introduction to offensive DLC) as a game. And 79 if you do, and also count each available minigame in Asobu! Made in Ore. It's a big week, is what we're saying.

WiiWare is especially sparkling this week, with the aforementioned Asobu, which lets players upload and play games made in the DS Made in Ore (also out this week), as well as the Japanese debut of Bit. Trip: Beat and the Harvest Moon WiiWare spinoff. As for Virtual Console, we're hoping to see Banamco's arcade sci-fi track and field game Numan Athletics make the long, long, long jump out of Japan!

Virtual Console
WiiWare

JoystiqVC/WiiWare Tuesday: WarioWiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asobu-made-in-orebit-trip-beatharvest-moonmade-in-orenuman-athleticswariowareyoukai-douchuukiTue, 28 Apr 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous Entertainment asks 17% of staff to retire, downgrades to 'Okay Entertainment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/#commentsMarvelous Entertainment, whose game division develops and publishes the Harvest Moon series, in addition to publishing games like No More Heroes, Muramasa, and Hero for 30Sec, is seeking "voluntary retirement" from around 20 staff members as a cost-cutting measure.

Employees are incentivized to take the company up on its "offer" between now and April 3 with a special severance package. The retirements will take effect April 30 -- right around when Muramasa comes out in Japan. That's kind of unfortunate, because it'll make playing this awesome-looking game in a bit more bittersweet for all those former employees.
[Via Edge]

JoystiqMarvelous Entertainment asks 17% of staff to retire, downgrades to 'Okay Entertainment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonlayoffsmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeno-more-heroesTue, 24 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Set up shop in the first Harvest Moon for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/set-up-shop-in-the-first-harvest-moon-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/set-up-shop-in-the-first-harvest-moon-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/set-up-shop-in-the-first-harvest-moon-for-wiiware/#commentsMarvelous Interactive's first WiiWare Harvest Moon game is unconventional in more ways than its delivery method. Harvest Moon Series: Makiba no Omise (Ranch Store) allows players to open and operate their own store in the Harvest Moon universe.

Players can choose the type of business to run, design the look, and then man the store, making and selling the products. In the magazine scans, we can see a soft-serve ice cream shop, in which fresh milk is used to create ice cream, which is then dispensed and sold; an Easter egg shop (yeah, that's a little weird), in which the player decorates and sells eggs, and a juice shop in which you can turn the farm's fruits and veggies into juice, which you presumably sell back to the farmers.

Ranch Store goes on sale in Japan April 28 for 1,500 Wii Points. We feel pretty confident Natsume will bring it over here.

JoystiqSet up shop in the first Harvest Moon for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonmarvelouswiiwareThu, 05 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Harvest Moon title coming March 2009 in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-harvest-moon-title-coming-march-2009-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-harvest-moon-title-coming-march-2009-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-harvest-moon-title-coming-march-2009-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:


According to Weekly Famitsu, a brand new Harvest Moon title will be making its way onto on the PSP this upcoming March in Japan. In Harvest Moon: Sugar Village, the third PSP title of the farm simulator franchise, you are responsible for the fate of a ... you guessed it, village. Gameplay elements include the ability to make home improvements to your house and to woo girls -- honestly, this sounds just like every other Harvest Moon game. No word yet on whether this game will see a release in the Western market.

[Via PSPHyper]

JoystiqNew Harvest Moon title coming March 2009 in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonmarvelous-interactivenatsumeWed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of December 8th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-8th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-8th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-8th/#commentsFiled under:

Looks like everywhere is skinny on games this week. On the one hand, that's probably good; these release-heavy weeks can be hard on the ol' pocketbook, and this is supposed to be a season of giving, not a season of going out and buying all the games you want. On the other hand, if you're in Europe, you're looking at just one game this week. At least it's Harvest Moon and not Teddy Bears Go Shopping or something.

So who's up for C.O.R.E.?

  • Build-a-lot
  • Cate West The Vanishing Files
  • C.O.R.E.
  • Driver's Ed Portable
  • Left Brain Right Brain 2
  • Slingo Quest

Gallery: C.O.R.E.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of December 8th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of December 8th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobocoredecemberharvest-moonreleasesMon, 08 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Welcome to the debut trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Can you keep up with all these Harvest Moon games? It's getting pretty difficult, but the recently-announced Harvest Moon: Welcome to the Wind Bazaar should be memorable, thanks to the multiplayer elements ... but it's still Harvest Moon, and that means farming.

As with Animal Crossing, you can invite friends to visit your farm, but in Welcome to the Wind Bazaar, you can put them to work! You know someone's a good friend when they start taking care of your business.

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Welcome to the debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonmarvelous-interactivemultiplayersimulationWed, 22 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rune Factory 2 manufactures U.S. release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/rune-factory-2-manufactures-u-s-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/rune-factory-2-manufactures-u-s-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/rune-factory-2-manufactures-u-s-release-date/#commentsFiled under:


Marvelous has confirmed it will release Rune Factory 2 into the crowded, choppy waters of the Christmas games market, announcing a November 18th release date for the fantasy-themed farm-me-do.

As that's still four weeks away, we advise passing time by reading up on our hands-on experience with the title, planning crop strategies, and preordering at either Gamestop or Amazon for your very own plush squirrel. Oh yes, and saving money. We're not kidding. Have you seen the DS line-up for November 18th? Yowza.


[Via press release]

JoystiqRune Factory 2 manufactures U.S. release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonmarvelousnatsumerune-factory-2Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Rising Star reveals four for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/tgs08-rising-star-reveals-four-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/tgs08-rising-star-reveals-four-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/tgs08-rising-star-reveals-four-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rising Star Games just unfurled an official list of Marvelous games that it plans to localize for Europe, including Luminous Arc 2, Avalon Code, Rune Factory 2, and a fourth game that is yet to be announced for North America: Steal Princess. We expected most (if not all) of these to reach us at some point, mainly because Rising Star Games is totally awesome and we love them.

Previous evidence has suggested that Steal Princess and Luminous Arc 2 won't be appearing before the end of March 2009, but we can't be mad at Marvelous. The company has had an action-packed Tokyo Game Show, and this is the cherry on top of a whole pile of other excellent announcements for Nintendo fans. Make the jump for screens, screens, and more screens!

Gallery: Steal Princess

Continue reading TGS08: Rising Star reveals four for Europe

JoystiqTGS08: Rising Star reveals four for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusavalon-codeclimaxeuropeharvest-moonimage-epochlocalizationluminous-arc-2marvelousmatrix-softwarenatsumepuzzlerising-star-gamesrpgrune-factory-2srpgsteal-princessMon, 13 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rune Factory 2 preorder bonus is nuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/rune-factory-2-preorder-bonus-is-nuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/rune-factory-2-preorder-bonus-is-nuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/rune-factory-2-preorder-bonus-is-nuts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, nut. Acorn, really. Plush acorn ... in the grip of a plush squirrel. Never mind. Chances are, if you're a fan of, uh, fantasy-themed farming simulations, you've already got a copy of Rune Factory 2 preordered -- if only because there are no games in that narrow subgenre that aren't called Rune Factory.

But hey, even if you don't care about growing whatever or tending whatever or fighting whatever, Natsume will give you this plush squirrel if you preorder their game from Amazon. They keep trying to use cute plushes to sell us games ... and it continues to have a shockingly powerful effect on our resolve. Marvelous is at least as talented at designing adorable, plush-ready mascot characters as they are at designing repetitive, addictive games.

JoystiqRune Factory 2 preorder bonus is nuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonmarvelousnatsumeplushrune-factory-2Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo conference screen mega-roundup!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Click for full-sized image
Nintendo announced a lot of games last night at their Japanese conference. Many of them, like Punch-Out!! here, were brand new. Some, like Supan Smasher and Cosmic Walker, we still don't know anything about. But we've got screenshots. So many screenshots.

After the break, you'll find galleries of all the new games, along with new screens of some upcoming games we've known about for a while. Of special interest to us: the previously-announced Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, coming to the US as Muramasa: The Demon Blade, because it looks super hot, Karaoke Joysound Wii, which appears to have art by Parappa creator Rodney Alan Greenblat, and Takuto of Magic (Wand of Magic), which appears to be a followup to Taito's LostMagic on the DS.

Continue reading Nintendo conference screen mega-roundup!

JoystiqNintendo conference screen mega-roundup! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>428Adventureanimal-crossing-city-folkanother-codearc-rise-fantasiaArikacosmic-walkerdynamic-combatEndless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-AdventuEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEndless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-Worldenglish-conversation-trainingExplorationfamily-skiforever-blueharvest-moonjoysoundkaraoke-joysound-wiikensaxklonoaline-attack-heroesNintendooboro-muramasa-youtoudenOpen-Worldpunch-outrune-factory-frontierrygarshape-boxingstart-with-100supan-smashertaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintakuto-of-magictatsunoko-vs-capcomtrace-memorywaku-waku-animal-marchThu, 02 Oct 2008 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our Japanese is not quite good enough to ascertain the nuances of this dramatic scene, but what we could understand was self-evident anyway. In this ad for Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March, the frog wants the cow to give him a ride like the animals in the game do.

The cow (spoilers!) relents, and the frog gleefully hops on, only to find the ride slow. The cow complains about being out of energy, and the frog cheers him on, telling him to summon his "cow power." Then the frog takes off on a date with Keromi-chan.

In the second part, after the break, the frog and cow decide to make use of Waku Waku Animal March's photo features. Wackiness ensues, culminating with the frog asking the cow to take some "sexy" shots.

And that's why you should buy Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March.

Continue reading Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Animal-ParademarvelousMarvelous-InteractivenatsumepuppetsSimulationwaku-waku-animal-marchTue, 30 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Harvest Moon art to win a bumper crop from Natsume]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/draw-harvest-moon-art-to-win-a-bumper-crop-from-natsume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/draw-harvest-moon-art-to-win-a-bumper-crop-from-natsume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/draw-harvest-moon-art-to-win-a-bumper-crop-from-natsume/#commentsFiled under:

Do you like drawing Harvest Moon cows over, and over, and over again? We're not going to go investigating (for the same reason we try not to investigate any fanart on the intertron), but we suspect that there is a thriving Harvest Moon fanart community -- and they're going to love this.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the farming series, Natsume is giving away a pile of stuff, including a DS Lite Kit, a plush cow and chicken, strategy guides for both Island of Happiness on the DS and Tree of Tranquility on the Wii, and unspecified "additional goodies!"

All you have to do is draw a picture (like, on paper) featuring any character and any animal from a Harvest Moon game, and mail it in. Twenty winners will get stuff! Official rules can be found at the link.

JoystiqDraw Harvest Moon art to win a bumper crop from Natsume originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonmarvelousnatsumesimulationtree-of-tranquilityTue, 02 Sep 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of August 25th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/#commentsFiled under:

You want a game? We got your game right here, from titles that were already supposed to be out, to those featuring teeny, tiny ninja dudes. And ... what's this? It seems we barely heard a whisper of From the Abyss, both for its Japanese release and subsequent localization, and now here it is. That can't bode well for the ARPG, but we'll be keeping a few fingers crossed, just in case.
  • Commando: Steel Disaster
  • Digimon World Championship
  • Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
  • From the Abyss
  • Garfield's Fun Fest
  • Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness
  • My Chinese Coach
  • MLB Power Pros 2008
  • N+
  • PictoImage
  • The Sims 2: Apartment Pets
Head past the break for the other major market releases for the week.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of August 25th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of August 25th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustdigimonfrom-the-abyssharvest-moonmy-chinese-coachnreleasesMon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March uses WiiConnect24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-march-uses-wiiconnect24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-march-uses-wiiconnect24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-march-uses-wiiconnect24/#commentsFiled under: ,

The official website for Bokujou Monogatari: Waku Waku Animal March has updated with new screens and art of all the super-adorable animals that will be featured -- the ones above can even be kept as pets. But even more heartwarming than cartoon pandas is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo on the front page. The game supports WiiConnect24 in some as-yet-unspecified way -- sharing crops? Sending pictures of yourself riding a goat along the beach?

Marvelous has also announced the Japanese release date: October 30. Since this is a Harvest Moon game, we expect Natsume to pick it up for release here, but they've got to finish with Tree of Tranquility first. Less likely to leave Japan is the promotional campaign associated with Animal March, in which lucky winners will receive Harvest Moon stickers ... or yogurt.


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March uses WiiConnect24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Animal-ParademarvelousMarvelous-InteractivenatsumeSimulationwaku-waku-animal-marchFri, 22 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Magical Melody port may take root in US soil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/harvest-moon-magical-melody-port-may-take-root-in-us-soil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/harvest-moon-magical-melody-port-may-take-root-in-us-soil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/harvest-moon-magical-melody-port-may-take-root-in-us-soil/#commentsFiled under:

Harvest Moon: Magical Melody was released on the GameCube in 2006 in the US. Rising Star Games, Marvelous's European branch, then ported it to the Wii with new motion controls, releasing that version in March of this year. This makes sense for Europe, since the Wii was out by the time the GameCube version would have been released.

According to a Siliconera interview with Natsume president Yasuhiro Maekawa, the company is considering an American release of that ported Magical Melody. "If we were to release the Wii version of Magical Melody", Maekawa said, "we would most likely be looking at a limited release aimed at our hardcore and loyal fans. We have had quite a few requests to release this game and are looking into it." Limited-edition releases have the power both to tempt fence-sitters and to save money for publishers, so this approach is a smart one.

The rest of the interview discusses the history of the series and of Natsume's involvement, and is an excellent read for anyone with an interest in fake farming.

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Magical Melody port may take root in US soil originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefarmingharvest-moonmagical-melodynatsumeportWed, 20 Aug 2008 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Wii Fanboy tends farm in Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-wii-fanboy-tends-farm-in-harvest-moon-tree-of-tranquility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-wii-fanboy-tends-farm-in-harvest-moon-tree-of-tranquility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-wii-fanboy-tends-farm-in-harvest-moon-tree-of-tranquility/#commentsFiled under:

Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility is a big game. The first thing that I noticed was just how large the game world is. You aren't restricted to just one farm, instead able to spread many a seed across many a land. Aside from that, the game very much feels like all of the other Harvest Moon titles, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on whether you're a fan of the series or not.

Continue reading E308: Wii Fanboy tends farm in Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility

JoystiqE308: Wii Fanboy tends farm in Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308harvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Tree-of-TranquilityjoystiqfeaturesMarvelous-InteractivenatsumesimSimulationtree-of-tranquilityThu, 24 Jul 2008 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DS Fanboy raises its spirits with Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-raises-its-spirits-with-harvest-moon-island-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-raises-its-spirits-with-harvest-moon-island-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-raises-its-spirits-with-harvest-moon-island-of/#commentsFiled under:

To be honest, the last time I played a Harvest Moon game, it was on the GameCube. We're talking years ago, folks. But, like riding a bike, Harvest Moon is an experience that doesn't change much over time. Fans like it that way, I imagine. And, just as I expected, Island of Happiness featured a lot of the same things previous titles in the franchise offered.

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy raises its spirits with Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness

JoystiqE308: DS Fanboy raises its spirits with Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308harvest-moonHarvest-Moon-DS-Island-of-Happinessisland-of-happinessjoystiqfeaturesMarvelous-InteractivenatsumesimSimulationThu, 24 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-explores-the-lands-of-rune-factory-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-explores-the-lands-of-rune-factory-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/e308-ds-fanboy-explores-the-lands-of-rune-factory-2/#commentsFiled under:


When hitting up Natsume's meeting room at E3, I kept catching myself wishing I wasn't alone. In fact, I wished that one specific person was with me, because all of these games that the company had on display were based on franchises I, frankly, didn't have the most experience with. That's not to say I went in biased, just that I prefer to be as well-informed as possible going in.

Imagine my surprise when I played Rune Factory 2 and it was like Harvest Moon had a baby with Secret of Mana.

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2

JoystiqE308: DS Fanboy explores the lands of Rune Factory 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308harvest-moonjoystiqfeaturesnatsumerpgrune-factoryrune-factory-2simThu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A smattering of Natsume simulation screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-smattering-of-natsume-simulation-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-smattering-of-natsume-simulation-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-smattering-of-natsume-simulation-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Natsume released the slightest trickle of media for Rune Factory 2 and Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness in honor of E3, and because we love them, we'll accept it. Grudgingly. In much the same way, E3 itself has been as skimpy; like these updates -- particularly the Rune Factory 2 art -- every release has packed a punch, but it feels like it's only a taste of something greater. Must we state the obvious?


JoystiqE308: A smattering of Natsume simulation screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308harvest-moonHarvest-Moon-DS-Island-of-Happinessisland-of-happinessMarvelous-Interactivenatsumerune-factory-2simulationWed, 16 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Rune Factory Frontier even dazzles us in motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-rune-factory-frontier-even-dazzles-us-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-rune-factory-frontier-even-dazzles-us-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-rune-factory-frontier-even-dazzles-us-in-motion/#commentsFiled under:



After seeing this new Rune Factory Frontier video (not to mention the new screens in our gallery below), we can't help but crow on again about how wonderful this game looks.

We haven't learned many new facts about the game at E3 -- at least, not yet. We did find out, though, that the little fairy-like creatures hanging around in certain screens are actually spirits. As more spirits gather, you might run into larger and rarer creatures.

While we know Frontier won't be a sandbox style game, the video makes it look like there will be a lot of exploring to do. This could become a pain in a Rune Factory game (having to plant certain crops in a certain dungeon because of its season, and then constantly having to run around and take care of those crops), we love the idea of having a big area to feel out. We really can't wait for this one -- 2009 won't come fast enough.

Check out the screens in the gallery if you'd like, but make sure to click on the "High Res" button to get a feel for their full beauty.


JoystiqE308: Rune Factory Frontier even dazzles us in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argiculturee3-2008e308farmingharvest-moonmarvelousrpgrune-factoryrune-factory-frontiersimxseedTue, 15 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Channel video updates for this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/nintendo-channel-video-updates-for-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/nintendo-channel-video-updates-for-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/nintendo-channel-video-updates-for-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This week brings plenty of videos for you to watch on the Everyone's Nintendo Channel. From a look at how All-Play works in Tiger Woods 09, right down to another video of Alyson with Wii Fit. So, check out the list below, situated in handy bullet-point form:
  • Get Wii Fit with Alyson: Balance Games
  • Major League Eating info video
  • MLB Power Pros 2008 info video
  • Carnival Games info video (DS)
  • Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility info video
  • Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness info video (DS)
  • The Sims 2 Apartment Pets info video (DS)
  • Tiger Woods: PGA Tour 09 All-Play Video 2

JoystiqNintendo Channel video updates for this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-playcarnival-gameseaharvest-moonmajor-league-eatingnatsumnintendo-channeltiger-woodstree-of-tranquilitywii-fitMon, 14 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Bushels of excitement sprout as Harvest Moon trailer is revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-bushels-of-excitement-sprout-as-harvest-moon-trailer-is-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-bushels-of-excitement-sprout-as-harvest-moon-trailer-is-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-bushels-of-excitement-sprout-as-harvest-moon-trailer-is-re/#commentsFiled under: ,

A simple, relaxing day on the farm. Sounds like a perfect treat to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities, hostile takeovers and estate settlements. The Pensky file will have to wait, because the brand new trailer for Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness has arrived, and it will charm the pants off you.

Natsume was quick to deliver its E3 lineup, and they have already begun showering us with fertile, productive videos and news. Nice one! Go on -- use your powers of vision to check out the above video, then use your powers of purchasing to buy the thing when it comes out. Harvest Moon is a pretty failsafe franchise.

JoystiqE308: Bushels of excitement sprout as Harvest Moon trailer is revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308farmingharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-DS-Island-of-Happinessisland-of-happinessMarvelous-InteractivenatsumesimulationMon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: We fit into Natsume's niche]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-we-fit-into-natsumes-niche/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-we-fit-into-natsumes-niche/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-we-fit-into-natsumes-niche/#commentsFiled under:

Natsume will be sharing some DS love at this week's E3 convention, showing off Princess Debut and Rune Factory 2 for the first time. Island of Happiness and Hamtaro will also be on the company's E3 agenda, balancing out the lineup nicely.

Harvest Moon fans (like ourselves) will probably be the most excited by this schedule, as we'll get more media and details on Island of Happiness and Rune Factory 2, which come out this summer and fall respectively. At the same time, we can't help but be intrigued by Princess Debut. Depending on how the "adventure" parts work, it might be the closest thing to an otome (girl's dating game) that we've seen for the DS outside of Japan. We're also not going to complain about the rhythm-based dancing segments, as we're rhythm game fiends.

Granted, all these titles are rather niche, but we wouldn't take Natsume any other way.


JoystiqE308: We fit into Natsume's niche originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308hamtaroharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-DS-Island-of-Happinessisland-of-happinessMarvelous-Interactivenatsumeprincess-debutrune-factory-2SimulationMon, 14 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Menagerie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/harvest-menagerie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/harvest-menagerie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/harvest-menagerie/#commentsFiled under: ,


Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility already features some wild and exotic animals not usually found in the adorable farming series, like friendly ostriches. The newly-announced sequel seems to be going even further down that wacky path. For one thing, it's called Bokujou Monogatari: Waku Waku Animal March (Harvest Moon: Exciting Animal March). For another, animals like a lion, a giraffe, a hippopotamus, and a zebra can be seen in the art found on the new game's website.

Other than the new animals and a new, older-looking pair of player characters, Waku Waku Animal March looks strikingly similar to Tree of Tranquility. Check out the screens at Famitsu and more at Dengeki. It will be interesting to see if Natsume picks this up for localization or if the new Marvelous USA takes care of it themselves (through XSEED).

[Thanks, ASH!]

JoystiqHarvest Menagerie originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonmarvelousnatsumesimulationwaku-waku-animal-marchSun, 13 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Natsume makes us a happy blog with new Harvest Moon screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/natsume-makes-us-a-happy-blog-with-new-harvest-moon-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/natsume-makes-us-a-happy-blog-with-new-harvest-moon-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/natsume-makes-us-a-happy-blog-with-new-harvest-moon-scree/#commentsFiled under:

The fine folk at Natsume just sent over a couple of new screens from latest installment in their popular Harvest Moon franchise, upcoming DS title Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness. For those of you familiar with the franchise, you should pretty much know what to expect. Farming, tending to livestock and interacting with NPCs is usually the order for the day, so we don't expect this title to be any different. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you. We like taking care of virtual cows as much as the next DS-obsessed blog.

Hit up our gallery below for the new screens from Island of Happiness.

JoystiqNatsume makes us a happy blog with new Harvest Moon screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmfarmingharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-DS-Island-of-Happinessisland-of-happinessMarvelous-InteractivenatsumesimSimulationMon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Ostrich of Mobility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/harvest-moon-ostrich-of-mobility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/harvest-moon-ostrich-of-mobility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/harvest-moon-ostrich-of-mobility/#commentsFiled under:

Natsume is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Harvest Moon franchise* in the best possible way: with new Harvest Moon games. They released new screens today of the Wii farming game Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility, which feature all the best parts of Harvest Moon: planting stuff, caring for animals, riding around on an ostrich -- wait, what? In case all the tomato-growing hadn't quite lured you into the world of Harvest Moon yet, maybe the allure of awkward livestock vehicles may do the trick.

*They say it's the ten-year anniversary, but Harvest Moon came out in Japan in 1996 and the U.S. in 1997. It is the ten-year anniversary of the PAL release of Harvest Moon SNES, so it still counts!


[Via press release]

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Ostrich of Mobility originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Tree-of-TranquilitymarvelousMarvelous-InteractivenatsumeSimulationtree-of-tranquilityvictorMon, 07 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rune Factory commands you to use the ring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rune-factory-commands-you-to-use-the-ring/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rune-factory-commands-you-to-use-the-ring/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rune-factory-commands-you-to-use-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rune Factory Frontier is looking too hot for its own good, as evidenced by these newest screens. We gobble up every piece of Frontier media with such frenzy, it's as if we grew them ourselves! Get it? Growing, eating, the whole Harvest Moon thing? Funny? No?

These images need a wee bit of explanation. The above menu represents the new ring command system, allowing for maximum efficiency while harvesting those sweet, sweet runes. Different items can be assigned to each slot in the item ring, so you can grab anything you need on the fly. It's not the most mind-blowingly original feature (any attacking runes for massive damage?), but rather more evidence that Rune Factory Frontier won't disappoint. More screens after the break!

Continue reading Rune Factory commands you to use the ring

JoystiqRune Factory commands you to use the ring originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingfune-factoryharvest-moonrpgrune-factory-frontierMon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How tranquil is this Tree of Tranquility trailer?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/how-tranquil-is-this-tree-of-tranquility-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/how-tranquil-is-this-tree-of-tranquility-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/how-tranquil-is-this-tree-of-tranquility-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lack of press? Lack of press? Why, that's all wrong ... now. The latest trailer for Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility has surfaced, in English and everything. Well, there's only five spoken words from the cheerful announcers, but the gameplay content features some items the harvesting hero is working with, like "perfect turnip" and "used hoe."

It looks like a lovely, peaceful game (aside from the vicious attacks). The mix of farming and socializing has always been a great feature of Harvest Moon, and the wait for a full-fledged title on the Wii has been agonizing. Not long now -- August 26th is the time to plant to evergreen seeds of fun. And tranquility.

JoystiqHow tranquil is this Tree of Tranquility trailer? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agriculturecowfarmingharvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Tree-of-TranquilitymarvelousMarvelous-Interactivenatsumesimulationtree-of-tranquilityTue, 24 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST