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[Mistwalker taking a stab at iPhone development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/mistwalker-taking-a-stab-at-iphone-development/#comments Aside from updates on how sexy the best 'stache in the business is looking, Hironobu Sakaguchi's site is also good for updates on his many game projects. The latest post reveals a Mistwalker iPhone game is in the works -- a title Sakaguchi says we can all expect to see "soon." As interesting as this news is on its own, it becomes very interesting when seen through the prism of Mistwalker and Microsoft's historical relationship.

Frankly, if it isn't about Andy Gibb-style Sakaguchi surfing on terry cotton waves while trying to keep his K-9 companion from falling into the fluffy ocean, we don't even want to hear about it. OK, we still want to hear about it, but come on. Who wouldn't want to play that?

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMistwalker taking a stab at iPhone development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleHironobu-SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchiiPodmistwalkerMon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco bringing Away Shuffle Dungeon stateside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/majesco-bringing-away-shuffle-dungeon-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/majesco-bringing-away-shuffle-dungeon-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/majesco-bringing-away-shuffle-dungeon-stateside/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Majesco announced last month that it would dedicate the bulk of its 2008 lineup to the Nintendo DS, we took this to mean that the company would do its part keeping store shelves stocked with casual games and cooking sims aplenty. We were unprepared, however, for the Cooking Mama evangelist to take up publishing duties for Away Shuffle Dungeon, the oddly named DS "roguelike" RPG from Mistwalker and AQ Interactive.

Offering a mix of both 2D and 3D gameplay, Away Shuffle Dungeon promises to cast players in the role of a lone hero branded with the unfortunate name, Sword, as he races to collect treasure and rescue prisoners caught in dungeons before they "reconfigure," hurting anyone left inside. The game also boasts some impressive credits, which include such luminaries as Final Fantasy sire Hironobu Sakaguchi and esteemed composer Nobuo Uematsu, as well as character designs by Sonic creator, Naoto Oshima.

Even so, we're still having a hard time getting over that title, and even now have simply begun referring to Away Shuffle Dungeon by a label more fitting its newly-named publisher. Readers, we give you Dungeon Mama.

JoystiqMajesco bringing Away Shuffle Dungeon stateside originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveawayDShironobu-sakaguchihironobusakaguchimajescomistwalkernaoto-oshimanobuo-uematsunobuouematsushuffle-dungeonshuffledungeonTue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Odyssey will require patience, reading glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/lost-odyssey-will-require-patience-reading-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/lost-odyssey-will-require-patience-reading-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/lost-odyssey-will-require-patience-reading-glasses/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Xbox 360 exclusive Lost Odyssey may be a beacon of hope for the console's anemic Japanese user base, but that success will come at a price -- your eyes. According to Lost Odyssey architect Hironobu Sakaguchi, the upcoming plot-heavy RPG will feature several "1000 Year Dream" sequences, 34 to be precise, each designed to flesh out the narrative penned by Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu; and each told not through cut scenes, but rather with pop-up text, taking upwards of 5 to 10 minutes to read.

Sakaguchi admits that he once entertained the idea of using voice overs for the sequences, but opted instead to make the player experience Shigematsu's work in its 'purest form', namely written word. You mean, we have to read?! The idea of spending 4 or more hours scrolling through text on the screen is not our idea of fun, and we immediately feel sympathy for those players without bionic vision, or just those playing on smaller than average sets.

We'd like to think that there's a method to Sakaguchi's madness, though his admission that Lost Odyssey will clock in at 40 hours, with 20 of these devoted to non-interactive story sequences, seems to stretch the boundaries of what can be considered a game, rather than just an interactive storybook. Nevertheless, Japanese Xbox 360 owners can pick up Lost Odyssey on December 6, while those in North America and Europe will have to wait until February to go blind.

JoystiqLost Odyssey will require patience, reading glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyesfeelplusHironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchiKiyoshi ShigematsuKiyoshiShigematsuLost OdysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftmistwalkerRPGXbox-360Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[ASH still pretty, still sans motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/ash-still-pretty-still-sans-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/ash-still-pretty-still-sans-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/ash-still-pretty-still-sans-motion/#commentsFiled under:


There's no doubt about it -- Archaic Sealed Heat continues to be one of the prettiest DS games we've seen in ... well, maybe the prettiest game we've seen ever, at least in stills. Everything from character art to the pre-rendered scenes that make the game unique looks fantastic, and obviously, Mistwalker has put a lot into the art direction in their effort to create a fully-realized and immersive world. But with less than a month to go until the title's Japanese release, we can't be the only ones burning for a little video. Even our trust in Mistwalker head Hironobu Sakaguchi only goes so far.

Jeux France has a few fresh images, from character art to screens, that may be worth a moment's perusal ... and comments there indicate that we are not the only ones waiting impatiently for something more.

JoystiqASH still pretty, still sans motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaicsealedheatartASHhironobusakaguchimistwalkerrpgsrpgMon, 10 Sep 2007 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sakaguchi working on Xbox 360 MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/rumor-sakaguchi-working-on-xbox-360-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragoncry onCryOnhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkersakaguchiXbox-360Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker developing 360 MMO?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/mistwalker-developing-360-mmo/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking to gaming site TVG at a Paris anime event, Hironobu Sakaguchi apparently revealed that his Mistwalker Studio is currently working on an unannounced MMO title for the Xbox 360. According to Sakaguchi, the new title -- which isn't Blue Dragon 2 or Cry On -- is "50% MMO and 50% RPG." Nothing else is known about the title at this point in time. With both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey preparing for release this year, we don't expect to hear about any new projects anytime soon. Of course, that doesn't mean we're abandoning hope that we'll hear something at E3 next week.

JoystiqMistwalker developing 360 MMO? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu sakaguchihironobu sakagucjiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudiommosakaguchiFri, 06 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We knew that it would be a while after Mistwalker's late 2005 announcement before we'd see Archaic Sealed Heat's release, but with little-to-no new media on the SRPG since its unveiling and half of 2007 gone by without word on its status, it was hard to convince ourselves that the game still existed.

Shonen Jump's latest issue confirms that, yes, ASH is still being worked on for a holiday 2007 release, and that the graphics look just as impressive as ever. Check past the post break for the scanned magazine page to see a sampling of the ASH's artwork, CG cutscenes, and screenshots!

Continue reading New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game

JoystiqNew Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaic sealed heatArchaicSealedHeatashdshironobuhironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkernintendonintendo dsNintendoDsSakaguchiscanscansshonenshonen jumpShonenJumpsrpgFri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon demo scheduled for July 20th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/blue-dragon-demo-scheduled-for-july-20th/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

[Via X3F]

Gallery: Blue Dragon

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueDragondemoHironobuSakaguchiJRPGMistwalkerSakaguchiXBLMXbox-360Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurogamer takes Blue Dragon for a spin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/eurogamer-takes-blue-dragon-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under:


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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studioMistwalkerStudioWed, 27 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi gives tiny Lost Odyssey update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/sakaguchi-gives-tiny-lost-odyssey-update/#commentsFiled under:

Details on the progress of Lost Odyssey are few and far between these days, so we'll take what we can get. According to IGN, Hironobu Sakaguchi, head of Mistwalker, has given a small update on Lost Odyssey to Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu. According to Sakaguchi, the game's background music and packaging are complete. Also, an outside development team known as Feel Plus is currently tweaking the wall system and other gameplay systems. Readers will recall that Lost Odyssey uses a system in which soldiers in the front lines must protect the vulnerable but powerful magic users in the rear.

Sakaguchi notes that there will be new details revealed in the near future. IGN speculates we may hear more at E3. Considering this is one of Microsoft's biggest projects, we're inclined to agree.

JoystiqSakaguchi gives tiny Lost Odyssey update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplushironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseymgsMicrosoftmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosnobuo uematsuNobuoUematsuRPGsakaguchiWed, 06 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi reveals new Lost Odyssey details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sakaguchi-reveals-new-lost-odyssey-details/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Famitsu (translated by IGN), Hironobu Sakaguchi reveals new details of Mistwalker's current Xbox 360 project Lost Odyssey. The game is now 70% complete, and the development team has reached the "balancing and tuning" phase of production. The music (composed by RPG legend Nobuo Uematsu) is nearly done. Sakaguchi notes that the game's theme focuses on "humanity" and that the music conveys inner emotions. The camera will remain fixed in the game, though there will be cinematic rumbling and focus effects used.

Finally, Sakaguchi reveals more information about Lost Odyssey's combat. Lost Odyssey will use a wall system that requires the front lines to defend those in the rear. This is crucial, as magic users cause the most damage and must be protected (this is in line with what Sakaguchi told us at GDC) Also revealed, certain items will require skills to equip and the game features a crafting system that binds magical items to weapons.

More Lost Odyssey details are expected soon.

JoystiqSakaguchi reveals new Lost Odyssey details originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplushironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkermistwalker studiomistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudioMistwalkerStudiosRPGsakaguchiMon, 07 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kim "realistic" on 360's performance in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/kim-realistic-on-360s-performance-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchijapanlost odysseyLostOdysseyshane kimShaneKimWed, 28 Mar 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sakaguchi-praises-xbox-unimpressed-with-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking with GameSpot during GDC, Final Fantasy creator and head of Mistwalker Studio, Hironobu Sakaguchi, had some interesting things to say about his recent projects, Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey, as well as a few choice thoughts on Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and game development in general. One nice bit of info: There will be a playable demo of Blue Dragon available on Marketplace before the game ships in August (Sakaguchi hopes for a June or July release for the demo).

Continue reading Sakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3

JoystiqSakaguchi praises Xbox, unimpressed with PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studiomistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudioMistwalkerStudiossakaguchiTue, 20 Mar 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker treads lightly on the PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/mistwalker-treads-lightly-on-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/mistwalker-treads-lightly-on-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/mistwalker-treads-lightly-on-the-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mistwalker, the team formed to create Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey for the XBox 360, the team comprising of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, have admitted to testing out the PlayStation 3. He admitted this when asked how programming for the 360 stacks up to other consoles. He didn't go any further -- didn't say any games were in development or if he would talk about it later. With the aid of a translator, he did divulge a little bit about programming for Sony's system. He said: "PS3 is difficult". So, maybe we'll see those 360 RPG's on Sony's console eventually anyway. Maybe not. What do you guys make of it?

JoystiqMistwalker treads lightly on the PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchiMistwalkerPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyWed, 07 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Lost Odyssey 2007 worldwide launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/gdc-07-lost-odyssey-2007-worldwide-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,

We mentioned it briefly in "Sakaguchi part one," but we felt it worthwhile to post separately as well, so here it is: Hironobu Sakaguchi announced today that Lost Odyssey will launch simultaneously worldwide this holiday. That's right, a game that most of us weren't expecting until 2008 will be spinning in our Xboxen before Christmas. Once we shake off the head asploding nightmare that is liveblogging, we'll post our impressions of Lost Odyssey in "Sakaguchi part two."

JoystiqGDC 07: Lost Odyssey 2007 worldwide launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc 07GDC-2007Gdc07hironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchilost odysseyLostOdysseymistwalkersakaguchiTue, 06 Mar 2007 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon in US this August, Lost Odyssey worldwide by X-mas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blue-dragon-in-us-this-august-lost-odyssey-worldwide-by-x-mas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

Gallery: Blue Dragon



Gallery: Lost Odyssey

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360BlueDragonbreakingnewsfeelplusGDCgdc07HironobuSakaguchiLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMistwalkerRPGSakaguchiXbox-360Xbox360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop: Blue Dragon roars in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/gamestop-blue-dragon-roars-in-june/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

[Via Joystiq]

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchinobuo uematsuNobuoUematsuThu, 07 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Blue Dragon's opening sequence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/watch-blue-dragons-opening-sequence/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/watch-blue-dragons-opening-sequence/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/watch-blue-dragons-opening-sequence/#commentsFiled under:


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

Continue reading Watch Blue Dragon's opening sequence

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosMon, 04 Dec 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon 2 already in the works?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/blue-dragon-2-already-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/blue-dragon-2-already-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/blue-dragon-2-already-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:


Blue Dragon, Microsoft's great white blue hope in Japan, isn't even available yet, and rumors are already flying about Blue Dragon 2: the Dragoning*. According to Strategyinformer.com, Famitsu is reporting that Mistwalker is already in production on Blue Dragon 2. It's a well-known fact that Microsoft is pinning all its hopes on Blue Dragon to lift limp 360 sales in Japan. If a sequel is already in development, they must be very confident that it will do just that. Then again, the article doesn't actually mention what platform the game would appear on, so it's possible that Blue Dragon's developer, Mistwalker, is planning to take the game multi-platform. Whatever MS and Mistwalker have up their sleeves, we'll wait to see how good the first Blue Dragon is before we start clamoring for a sequel.

*This is a fake (though hilarious) subtitile.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqBlue Dragon 2 already in the works? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The official Blue Dragon website has been updated yet again with a new video (and new screenshots, too). The video features some of the game's non player characters (NPCs) that the player can interact with. They range from weird looking Snifit doppelgangers to minotaurs. Our favorite in the video is what appears to be a living mural on a wall. Check out the video after the break. Oh, and be warned, the music is ... different.

Continue reading Video: Blue Dragon non player characters

JoystiqVideo: Blue Dragon non player characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's windy and cold outside Fanboy Towers today, and we're betting it's a cold day in Hell, too. First, EA's Superman Returns demo is actually good, and now an Xbox 360 game is in the top 5 on Famitsu's most wanted list. Blue Dragon has landed in 3rd place on the recent poll, outdoing both Metal Gear Solid 4 and the beloved Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. We've blogged (probably too much) about Blue Dragon's importance before, but it now stands at an all time high. With the Playstation 3 launched (and sold out) and the Wii as well, Microsoft has their work cut out for them if they want to make a dent in the Land of the Rising Sun. Ironically, this is also their biggest opportunity. With the PS3 sold out, Microsoft has a big chance to take money away from those who were unable to get a PS3 (hell, with PS3 money you could buy the Blue Dragon bundle and have enough yen left for a sushi dinner).

Still, one game may help Microsoft gain a foothold, but it is not enough to sustain interest. If they don't keep rolling out the Japanese flavored content, Japan could quickly drop the 360. As our sister site, Joystiq, points out, the Japanese are not shy about buying a system for one game and then selling it. Then again, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 has managed to crack the number 15 spot. Maybe that will be enough to hold Japan until Lost Odyssey.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqJapan: Blue Dragon bigger than Zelda, MGS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchijapanmistwalkermistwalker studiosMistwalkerStudiosWed, 15 Nov 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video, Lost in a boring Odyssey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/video-lost-in-a-boring-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/video-lost-in-a-boring-odyssey/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/video-lost-in-a-boring-odyssey/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, first thing's first: we apologize. Yesterday, we lamented that the Lost Odyssey demo was exclusive to Japan and isn't available to the rest of the world. Having watched a long, long video of the demo on Xboxyde, we take it back. Of course, we'll reserve final judgment for the game proper, but this video is bo-ring. The graphics are nice enough, the CG is incredible, and for all we know the story is great, but the combat ... ick. Sure, not everybody likes turn-based combat, but this is a stretch even for fans. Whoever played this demo almost completely avoided anything that would make the combat interesting. In the entire video, he uses one spell -- though he does stop for some hot trash can kicking action later. Lost Odyssey is obviously designed with Final Fantasy fans in mind, and it probably won't disappoint them. Honestly though, Blue Dragon looks more interesting at this point. If you can manage to sit through this video, tell us what you think. Will it scratch your RPG itch, or will this disc never hit the tray?

JoystiqVideo, Lost in a boring Odyssey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There are two new Blue Dragon videos up on the official site. The first, set to some of the most terrible rock music imaginable, demonstrates the game's shadow combat system. Somehow, the music gives it a very weird twist. It's as if it were a joke. Seriously, it sounds like Bob Dylan after a stroke. The second video showcases one of Blue Dragon's most overlooked features: walking! If you've ever wanted to see a kid walking around looking at stuff, now's your chance. Both videos are embedded after the break.

Continue reading Blue boy walking, new Blue Dragon videos

JoystiqBlue boy walking, new Blue Dragon videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Godfree over at Gamertag Radio sent us a note that a demo of Lost Odyssey was available in Japan. Eager to try it out, we went and fired up our Japanese Live account to download it. After minutes of frantic searching, we gave up; it wasn't there. That's about the time that we finished reading the note. It turns out that a Lost Odyssey demo disc is available in the latest Famitsu. It's not known whether or not an English demo is in the works. Still, the fact that it's far enough along to release a demo bodes well for an early 2007 release.

We don't really understand the aversion to putting big titles on Marketplace in Japan (they did the same thing with Ninety-Nine Nights). Does having it on a physical disc make it special somehow, like a collector's item? Would any of our readers in Japan care to comment?

JoystiqJapan gets Lost Odyssey demo, we get squat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today we bring you two entirely new screens from Blue Dragon, that wacky Japanese system seller. We particularly enjoy the screen above, with its "big fish eats smaller fish" mentality. But that's not all, we have even more Blue Dragon goodness: a new video of the game's combat. Check out the video after the break, and check Xboxyde for some screen grabs taken from the video.

Continue reading Blue Dragon fight video, new screens

JoystiqBlue Dragon fight video, new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to YouNEWB.com (we've never heard of them either) a Japanese blog is claiming that Japanese retailer , eDigi, has sold every single Blue Dragon pre-order bundle. What's more, they were reportedly sold out within five minutes. The article doesn't have a lot of specifics. For example, we don't know how many units the retailer had to sell. It could be five or fifty for all we know. So, the info is a little tenuous but good news for Microsoft if true. Would any of our Japanese savvy readers like to take a stab at translating the blog?

[Via YouNEWB]

JoystiqJapanese Blue Dragon bundles sell out? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTube shaky cam be damned! Microsoft is set to bring us the real goods on both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey tomorrow. That is to say, we'll be getting big, beautiful high definition trailers for both games on Marketplace. Make sure you grab 'em tomorrow and soak up the high resolution goodness.

Makes us wish the 360 could queue up scheduled downloads, Tivo style.

[Thanks, Sjohn]

JoystiqHD Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If there is one completely memorable moment for us in the Microsoft TGS press briefing, it was seeing DOAX2 announced as a "sports" title. That ... is hilarious. Xbox.com has posted two videos of the Microsoft TGS briefing. One is the entire briefing, full of Japanese goodness, and the other is only Peter Moore's remarks. The whole conference clocks in at just under an hour. There are no trailers or anything we typically associate with press briefings so, if you don't speak Japanese, we'd suggest you stick with the Peter More video.

The conference does a good job of emphasizing all things Japanese -- complete with Peter Moore humbling himself to Pac-Man creator, Toru Iwatani. Of course, Blue Dragon gets its fair share -- Sakaguchi-san talks it up for quite a while near the end. Perhaps the most bizarre bit is Microsoft's marketing slogan for Japan: "Do! Do! Do!" Let's hope that didn't come from the same marketing team that did all those "playtests" of the original Xbox control.

We'll go ahead and say that things look better than they have in the past for MS in Japan. As usual, it's the games stupid, and Microsoft showed up with more actual Japanese titles than ever before. Will it help? Who knows, but they're definitely heading in the right direction.

[Via Major Nelson]

360 at the Tokyo Game Show:
Today's Marketplace content, 9/21
DOAX2 video makes us feel naughty
Lost Odyssey intro video
Video of Trusty Bell
See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally)

JoystiqMicrosoft TGS briefing video now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yet more cinematic RPG goodness from the Tokyo Game Show, this time from the other Mistwalker game, Lost Odyssey. Lost Odyssey is a game about a man who has lived for over a thousand years. If this intro video is any indication, he apparently lived that long by kicking ass. Check out the video after the break. Be sure and watch the very end when the intro snaps right into real time play. Very slick.

Continue reading TGS: Lost Odyssey intro video

JoystiqTGS: Lost Odyssey intro video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue DragonWired's Game|Life blog has posted an early, albeit vague, impression of Hironobu Sakaguchi's pair of upcoming Xbox 360 RPGs, Blue Dragon & Lost Odyssey. During today's media briefing in Shibuya, Japan, Sakaguchi took the stage and demoed (read: picked up controller and played) his studio's new projects.

While Game|Life doesn't provide many specifics, its post does draw some big comparisons, describing Blue Dragon as a fusion of Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, with "maybe" a dose of Grandia. Game|Life notes that enemies are on-screen (i.e. no random battles) and that the Job Change system (from Final Fantasy V) is featured in Blue Dragon.

Game|Life's description of Lost Odyssey is even more provocative, as it declares the game to look like a "much more dramatic" Final Fantasy. We're sure that Microsoft has its fingers crossed that this impression will stick -- and spread. We'll hit you with our own from the show floor in the coming days.

In the meantime, see for yourself:

JoystiqTGS: Blue Dragon = Dragon Quest + Chrono Trigger + Grandia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue DragonBlueDragonChrono TriggerChronoTriggerDragon QuestDragonQuestfeelplusGrandiaHironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchiJapanLost OdysseyLost-OdysseyLostOdysseyMicrosoftMist WalkerMistWalkerRPGTGSTGS06Tokyo Game ShowTokyoGameShowXbox-360Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/tgs-see-blue-dragon-gameplay-finally/#commentsFiled under: ,


Xboxyde has scored actual in game footage of the would be killer app for Microsoft in Japan, Blue Dragon. Split into two parts, the video shows off the game's graphics and combat system. For the RPG buffs out there, it's worth noting that battles are not random and that enemies can be seen before the player decides to engage them (or not). Beyond that, the game is very nice to look at. We know that a lot of readers will disagree on this point, but these graphics are solid and polished beyond belief. The gameplay, on the other hand, looks fairly standard. There are big chests with items in them, turn-based battles, summoning techniques, and a boss battle (complete with craptastic rawk music).

Granted, the quality of the video makes it difficult to pick apart the intricacies of the combat, but it all looks pretty traditional. Then again, it also looks an awful lot like Dragon Quest -- a game so popular in Japan it's practically a national holiday when a new sequel is released. Will bundling Blue Dragon with a core system be enough to entice Japanese buyers? Only time will tell.

Update: It looks like Xboxyde's servers are getting beaten up by the demand for this video. See the embedded YouTube video after the break.

Update 2: Fixed some weird formatting.

Continue reading TGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2]

JoystiqTGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's expects their arrangement with legendary game designer, and father of the massively popular Final Fantasy series, Hironobu Sakaguchi to earn them a considerable amount of sales in Japan. Sakaguchi's new studio, Mistwalker, is working on two RPGs exclusively for the Xbox 360: Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey.

Microsoft announced today that Blue Dragon will lead the console's Japanese push this holiday, along with over 110 other games. Microsoft was unable to confirm what percentage of those titles are digitally distributed Xbox Live Arcade games versus retail DVD-based games, though the North American numbers are about 110 DVD-based, 50 XBLA.

As a sign of the strategic importance of the title, they'll begin bundling Blue Dragon with the recently revealed Core version of the console, creating an intoxicatingly affordable package. Like the HD-DVD announcement, there is no release date for regions outside Japan. Blue Dragon will be playable for the first time at TGS, so we'll be sure to get our hands all over it.

Microsoft's TGS press briefing:
HD-DVD add-on hits Japan Nov. 17th for ¥19,800
Xbox 360 to add 1080p support, PS3 to lose bullet point

JoystiqTGS: Blue Dragon hits Japan this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mistwalker has re-released the extended trailer for Blue Dragon, the original RPG from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. Many have said that this is one of the titles that will make or break the 360 in Japan. What do you think? Can one title really make that much difference? Check out the video after the break. If you're a Japanese gamer who reads this site, tell us what you think (come to think of it, are there any Japanese 360 fans dedicated enough to visit a site called Xbox 360 Fanboy?)

Continue reading Blue Dragon, could it save Japan?

JoystiqBlue Dragon, could it save Japan? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira toriyamaAkiraToriyamablue dragonBlueDragonhironobu sakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimist walkerMistWalkerWed, 02 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Yuji Naka set to leave Sega]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/rumor-yuji-naka-set-to-leave-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/rumor-yuji-naka-set-to-leave-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/rumor-yuji-naka-set-to-leave-sega/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yuji Naka, Sega of JapanYuji Naka, the original programmer behind Sonic the Hedgehog and arguably the most influential man at Sega (next to Yu Suzuki, of course), is rumored to be leaving Sega.

Citing sources "close to Sega," Next Generation claims that the influential leader "is planning to set up his own studio." If true, this action would mirror those of other game industry greats such as Tetsuya Mizuguchi (who founded Q Entertainment) and Hironobu Sakaguchi (who started Mistwalker).

Unfortunately, this kind of rumor is difficult to confirm as you don't know for sure whether someone's leaving a developer until he's actually gone. With all the organizational changes at the company, however (especially since Sammy bought Sega), such a move wouldn't be too surprising. We just hope the next-gen sequels to Sonic are in good hands.

See also:

JoystiqRumor: Yuji Naka set to leave Sega originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Mar 2006 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchileavingMistwalkerNext GenerationNextGenerationPS3Q EntertainmentQEntertainmentSammySegaSonicstudioTetsuya MizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiWiiXbox-360Yu SuzukiYuji NakaYujiNakaYuSuzukiSat, 18 Mar 2006 21:45:00 EST