Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/#comments Gamasutra has obtained NPD data that puts a new filter on last year's US box-copy software sales, ranking the top ten bestselling 2010 releases for each console and handheld platform (PC excluded). Like the monthly NPD breakdowns, these rankings don't include actual sales numbers, but they do reveal some interesting trends.

By omitting Nintendo's so-called "evergreen" titles (i.e., games released before 2010), Gamasutra found that -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- Just Dance 2 was last year's top-selling 2010 release for Wii, and among six additional third-party games that made the top ten in sales for the platform. On DS, however, Nintendo games filled out half of the top ten, and Pokemon SoulSilver and HeartGold were the only titles to surpass sales of one million units each.

At first glance, PSP software sales look even bleaker, with Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on top and, according to Gamastura, the only PSP title to break 300K units sold; with the other top ten games each falling below 200K. Of course, these rankings don't include digital sales or box-copy games bundled with hardware, so it's unlikely that Birth by Sleep (which isn't available on the PlayStation Store) was the true #1 bestseller among 2010's PSP releases -- let alone the most pirated.

What is certain is that Call of Duty: Black Ops dominated torrents, as well as the games legitimately sold for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Still, both Sony and Microsoft saw two first-party releases make their console's respective top ten sales charts for the year; though each publisher's most critically-acclaimed release of 2010 -- at least, from Joystiq's perspective -- was not present. Perhaps telling of the two console's core player bases, Madden 11 beat out God of War 3 for the #2 spot on the PS3 chart, but fell to #3 beneath Halo: Reach in the Xbox 360 ranking.

Finally, we have to wonder just what were they thinking? They, of course, being all those Xbox 360 owners that purchased Fable 3 and Fallout: New Vegas instead of Mass Effect 2. Three and a half stars plus four still doesn't add up to the Game of the Year, people.

Check out Gamastutra for the complete breakdown of 2010's bestselling releases by platform.

JoystiqNPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010call-of-duty-black-opsdsfable-3fallout-new-vegasgod-of-war-3halo-reachjust-dance-2kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmadden-nfl-11mass-effect-2microsoftnintendonpdplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3pspsalessoftwaresonyusawiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: Volume 2 teased by Final Mix secret ending]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-teased-by-final-mix-sec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-teased-by-final-mix-sec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-teased-by-final-mix-sec/#comments The Kingdom Hearts franchise shows no sign of slowing down. Tucked away at the end of the Japan-only Birth by Sleep: Final Mix is a teaser for Birth by Sleep: Volume 2. Based on the trailer, it looks like it will bridge the gap between Birth by Sleep and the original PS2 game. But will it be a game? And for PSP?

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: Volume 2 teased by Final Mix secret ending

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: Volume 2 teased by Final Mix secret ending originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepkingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-final-mixkingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-twoplaystationpspsonysquare-enixWed, 19 Jan 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix profits down, but not out as familiar franchises keep sales alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/#comments If you think we're going to explain that mess of scribbles above -- fuggedaboutit! What we have parsed from Square Enix's six-month financial report (April-September 2010) is a rather slight net income: ¥1.723 billion ($21.4 million). While any company would take pocket change over a loss, Square Enix profits are indeed down 36 percent from the same period last year, and software sales for the first half of this fiscal year have relied heavily on "contribution from highly profitable carryover sales of major titles released in March" -- in other words: Final Fantasy XIII picked up the slack.

And who were the slackers? Square Enix highlighted five "major titles" released during the period: Finally, Square Enix heralded its recent partnership with Chinese online games publisher Shanda Games; a deal indicative of two of the company's three proclaimed growth strategies: globalization and becoming "network centric." As for the third? Square Enix's three-pronged attack also stresses "strengthening our own-IPs." So when's that next Final Fantasy coming out again?

[Image: Year-over-year comparison of monthly revenues from existing outlets; source: Square Enix]

JoystiqSquare Enix profits down, but not out as familiar franchises keep sales alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-monsters-joker-2dsearningsfinal-fantasy-xivfinancialfy-2011Just-Cause-2kane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysKingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspq1q2salesshanda-gamessoftwaresonysquare-enixxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep 'Final Mix' shakes up Japan this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-final-mix-shakes-up-japan-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-final-mix-shakes-up-japan-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-final-mix-shakes-up-japan-this/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The latest issue of Jump magazine has details on the next Kingdom Hearts release. In typical Square Enix fashion, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is getting a "Final Mix" version in Japan this winter. As with previous "Final Mix" games, this re-release includes all the content from the North American version of the game, including English voices and the sticker system.

Previous "Final Mix" editions have featured hidden teasers for upcoming games in the franchise. (Birth by Sleep, for example, was initially teased in Kingdom Hearts 2: Final Mix.) Maybe this iteration will follow the trend -- and even let PSP Go owners in on the fun as well?

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep 'Final Mix' shakes up Japan this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepkingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-final-mixplaystationpspsonysquare-enixWed, 15 Sep 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep not coming to PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-coming-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-coming-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-coming-to-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Late last year, we heard a pretty troubling rumor about Square Enix's first keybladed outing on the PSP, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep -- that the game wouldn't get a downloadable version on the PSN, thereby preventing any PSP Go owners from getting their hands on it. It's almost nine months later, and Square has finally commented on the rumor, confirming to IGN that "Square Enix, Inc. currently has no plans to release Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep through the PlayStation Store."

Considering Birth By Sleep is one of the highest-profile releases on the platform in some time, this is an awfully disheartening turn of events for owners of the download-only handheld. We've contacted Sony and Square Enix to find out the reason behind the title's absence from the PSN.

[Thanks, Guts!]

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep not coming to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepplaystationpsnpsppsp-gosonysquare-enixSat, 28 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer just needs seven minutes of your time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-just-needs-seven-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-just-needs-seven-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-just-needs-seven-minutes/#comments Though the seven-minute Gamescom trailer for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep isn't what we'd call a "lighthearted romp," it's certainly worth the time investment for fans of the series. Or fans of Square-Enix's trademark overdramatic dialogue, because, hoo boy, this trailer's got it in spades.

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer just needs seven minutes of your time

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer just needs seven minutes of your time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2010Kingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepplaystationpspsonysquare-enixWed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura offers updates on upcoming Square Enix projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-offers-updates-on-upcoming-square-enix-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-offers-updates-on-upcoming-square-enix-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/nomura-offers-updates-on-upcoming-square-enix-projects/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're pretty sure you'd need one of those bulletin boards from TV crime dramas -- you know, the ones with pictures of mafioso higher-ups with multicolored strings and push pins connecting them -- in order to keep track of all of Square Enix's upcoming games. The studio's resident star designer, Tetsuya Nomura, recently gave an update on these projects -- a laundry list which includes Final Fantasy Versus and Agito XIII, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and Re:Coded, The 3rd Birthday, and "a number of unannounced titles."

According to Andriasang's translation, Nomura explained the dearth of news on Versus XIII was due to a number of hardships which have rendered the company's old developmental tricks "completely inapplicable," but that progress is being made. He couldn't be any more specific than that, due to Square Enix's policy of promoting games in the order they'll be released. In that case, we may not hear more on Versus or Agito for some time -- Nomura explained that some of the company's unannounced games would arrive before the next installment in the Fabula Nova Crystallis franchise.

For more info on the fate of Square Enix's future projects, check out Andriasang's translation of the 3rd Birthday Twitter feed.

JoystiqNomura offers updates on upcoming Square Enix projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Final-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiifinal-fantasy-versus-xiiikingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepkingdom-hearts-recodedplaystationps3pspsonysquare-enixthe-3rd-birthdayMon, 09 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix delivers Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep special edition to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/square-enix-delivers-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-special-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/square-enix-delivers-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-special-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/square-enix-delivers-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-special-editi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you find PSP game boxes too small (or PSN game boxes too nonexistent) for your tastes -- and if you like Kingdom Hearts a bunch -- then prepare to be delighted by some Disney magic.

Continue reading Square Enix delivers Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep special edition to Europe

JoystiqSquare Enix delivers Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep special edition to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EuropeKingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-SleepLimited-EditionplaystationpspsonySpecial-EditionSquare-EnixThu, 29 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep into and onto your PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/stick-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-into-and-onto-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/stick-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-into-and-onto-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/stick-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-into-and-onto-your-psp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix's pre-order bonus for Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep might not be extravagant, but it is ... adhesive. Putting money down at Amazon, GameStop or Best Buy will net you the system-bestickering decals shown, in light and dark variants so as to stand out on any color scheme.

JoystiqStick Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep into and onto your PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepplaystationpre-order-bonuspspSquare-EnixWed, 21 Jul 2010 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer features fighting, floating PSPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-features-fighting-floati/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-features-fighting-floati/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-features-fighting-floati/#comments Just past the break, we've got a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, which highlights the PSP title's trio of protagonists: Aqua, Ventus and Terra. As you'd imagine, their keyswordthingy skills are without equal -- except when directly compared to each other, we guess. So where were we?

Oh, right, the trailer -- you can see it yourself just past the break. And if you're wondering what all of the hubbub is about, you probably haven't read our E3 preview yet. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you ... for now.

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer features fighting, floating PSPs

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer features fighting, floating PSPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgDisneyDisney-InteractiveKingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-SleepSquare-EnixWed, 30 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/preview-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/preview-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/preview-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep/#comments At last year's E3, I got a chance to check out Kingdom Hearts' first North American outing on handhelds, 358/2 Days (or, as Google's automatic calculator called it when I just searched to make sure I had the name right, 179 Days). I recall being impressed at how they managed to ape the solid experience the game delivered on PS2 on a portable platform, albeit at the cost of a bit of visual power and general gameplay depth.

To describe Birth By Sleep using these terms would be awfully irresponsible. If 358/2 Days was Square-Enix's attempt to emulate the franchise's previous offerings on a handheld, then Sleep represents the fruits of the studio's developmental labor. It's not just an attempt to squish the core franchise down to a smaller format -- it's a fully realized extension of said franchise.

Continue reading Preview: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

JoystiqPreview: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-RPGe3-2010kingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepplaystationpspsquare-enixThu, 17 Jun 2010 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep coming stateside September 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-coming-stateside-september-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-coming-stateside-september-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-coming-stateside-september-7/#comments A trailer embedded in a post on the U.S. PlayStation.Blog has revealed that Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, which had previously been promised to hit North American store shelves this summer, has received a firm release date of September 7. If you're extra enthusiastic about vanquishing the Heartless, the post explains that you'll also be able to pick up a hardware bundle that includes the game, an unannounced movie, a 4GB memory stick and a "Mystic Silver" (that's fancy-speak for "plain ol' silver") PSP-3000 on the same day.

The PlayStation.Blog post didn't mention a price for this package -- we'd guess it'll be around the usual $199.99 price point that other PSP bundles are currently being offered for, but we've contacted Sony to try and get a more official number. In the meantime, check out the brand new, ever-so-brief trailer for Birth by Sleep that's posted above.

Update: A press release accompanying this announcement just arrived in our inbox, revealing a handful of the game's auspicious cast of voice actors: Mark Hamill, Willa Holland, Jesse McCartney, James Woods and Leonard Nimoy. Oh, Nimoy, our oldest friend. It's been too long.

Update 2: A Square Enix representative confirmed the bundle will retail for $199.99.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep coming stateside September 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleKingdom-Heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleeprelease-daterpgsonysquare-enixMon, 17 May 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura mentions three more Kingdom Hearts games in interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/nomura-mentions-three-more-kingdom-hearts-games-in-interview/#commentsAn interview with Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura, printed in the Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Ultimania guide book, outs the planning of three new games in the Disney/Square action RPG series. And one of them is, for real, Kingdom Hearts III. However, Nomura hasn't started the actual production of the title -- evidently he's busy with Final Fantasy Versus XIII, which is apparently a real game that people are working on.

"We won't take up KH3 until we've reached a certain target with FF Versus XIII," Nomura said, according to Andriasang's translation of the text provided by FF-Reunion. One of the two additional Kingdom Hearts games will be out this year. Another, due later, features multiple protagonists like Birth by Sleep.

Nomura also dashed any hope of another super-deluxe re-release like the Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix. "The voice actors for the overseas version are all high caliber, so it wouldn't be bad to release a Final Mix version," he said. " ... However, because for KH2FM+ we released Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories as a set, we have the feeling that people's expectations for the content of a Final Mix have become extremely high. I'd like to say this here -- we won't do anything that big ever again. (laughs)."

JoystiqNomura mentions three more Kingdom Hearts games in interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyKingdom-Heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepremakerpgspecial-editionsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep to be born unto the U.S. this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-be-born-unto-the-u-s-this-sum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-be-born-unto-the-u-s-this-sum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-be-born-unto-the-u-s-this-sum/#comments Square Enix is sure hoping that the recent release of its long-in-production RPG hasn't caused you to forget about its other long-in-production RPG: The PSP-exclusive Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep. The company recently sent a jolt through the series' dormant U.S. fan base by announcing that the title will come stateside sometime this summer.

According to Squeenix's press release announcement, the North American version of the game will include new features, such as "an extra boss and additional multiplayer options," as well as something called "Crown Stickers." That certainly sounds like powerful weapon in the fight against the Heartless. We hear those guys hate stickers.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep to be born unto the U.S. this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepkingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepq3-2010release-datesquare-enixsummer-2010Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep intro video released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-intro-video-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-intro-video-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-intro-video-released/#comments The latest portable iteration of Squeenix's keyblade-wielding franchise, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, also known as "Not The Card-Battling One" or "Not The One With The Stupid Numbers On The Title," recently got released in Japan. Without hesitation, its purchasers set to capturing its visual delights, which they then posted on the internet. One such delight is the game's intro video, which we've posted after the jump.

As you might've guessed, it's rich with spiky-haired children wielding weapons bigger than they are, slow-motion running, and that one song that's been in every Kingdom Hearts game ever. It was even in the Kingdom Hearts manga, which is impressive as books typically aren't capable of playing music.

[Via Siliconera]

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep intro video released

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep intro video released originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyintrokingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleeprpgsquare-enixvideoMon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally! A 7-minute Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer in Japanese]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/finally-a-7-minute-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-in-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/finally-a-7-minute-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-in-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/finally-a-7-minute-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-trailer-in-ja/#comments You might have noticed a serious dearth of Disney characters speaking in Japanese on Joystiq lately -- we sure have, and it's just tearing us to bits inside. Thankfully, Square Enix seems to have taken note as well, recently updating the Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep website with more than just wallpapers (though you'll find three of those on there, too). How about the entire seven-minute-long trailer from Jump Festa 2010?

We've embedded it above, though if you're dying to know what the people in it are actually saying, we suggest you check out the full translation right here. And then, once you have it in English, you might ask your nearest Kingdom Hearts fan to translate further.

[Thanks, G. Finnsson]

JoystiqFinally! A 7-minute Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer in Japanese originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepdisneygameplayjump-festa-2010kingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmultiplayersquare-enixtrailervideoMon, 28 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura has more unannounced games, one 'not entirely new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/nomura-has-more-unannounced-games-one-not-entirely-new/#comments If you're reading gaming blogs on a regular basis, Tetsuya Nomura needs no introduction. While Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is by no means finished, Nomura is already talking about what's next. In the latest issue of Famitsu (via Siliconera; scan can be seen here), he confirms two additional projects: one that is already fairly far along in development and another unannounced project that's "not entirely new."

Aside from Birth By Sleep, Nomura's other known projects include Final Fantasy Agito XIII and 3rd Birthday, a new game in the Parasite Eve series. Keep an eye on Famitsu's site, where the full interview will soon be available.

JoystiqNomura has more unannounced games, one 'not entirely new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-birthdayfamitsufinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiikingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraTue, 22 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jesse McCartney confirms Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/jesse-mccartney-confirms-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-localiza/#comments It may seem like an unlikely source for video game news, but pop singer Jesse McCartney's Twitter account has confirmed the localization of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Square Enix hasn't announced a US release for the PSP prequel, but considering the franchise's penchant for making money, it certainly was never in doubt.

Birth by Sleep would be McCartney's third foray into the Kingdom Hearts universe, having previously voiced Roxas in Kingdom Hearts II and 358/2 Days. Kingdom Hearts Union suggests that McCartney may be voicing Birth By Sleep's "new" character, Ventus (pictured, right) -- y'know, the one that looks exactly like Roxas (pictured, left).

JoystiqJesse McCartney confirms Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepjesse-mccartneykingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixTue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep not releasing on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/#comments There's a rumor circulating around the wild wild web right now that says Square Enix may not be looking to offer Kingdom of Hearts: Birth by Sleep via digital distribution on PSN, possibly adding insult to injury for all PSP Go owners out there. The rumor originated from Twitter user Magunus, who apparently attended a recent PlayStation event in Japan (we can't figure out which event this is referring to, and there's no mention on the official Japanese blog) where a clerk confirmed it, citing "copyright issues."

This strikes us as odd not only because of the tenuous nature by which this has been reported, but because a lot of Disney Interactive's titles have been made available via digital distribution in the past. We've contacted both Square Enix and Disney Interactive about this and will be sure to let you know what we hear back.

[Via Sankaku Complex (site NSFW)]

JoystiqRumor: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep not releasing on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactive-studioskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleeppsnsquare-enixMon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Kingdom Hearts character is Sakaguchi's doppelganger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/new-kingdom-hearts-character-is-sakaguchis-doppelganger/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/new-kingdom-hearts-character-is-sakaguchis-doppelganger/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/new-kingdom-hearts-character-is-sakaguchis-doppelganger/#comments Exhibit A: Image, left. The creator of the Final Fantasy franchise, Hironobu Sakaguchi. Observe the slightly arched brow. The dark, even surfer's tan. The exquisite mustache and soul patch combo. The look of general disinterest.

Exhibit B: Image, right. The recently revealed character from Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Master Eraquis. Observe the similarly bowed eyebrows. The sun-kissed skin tone. The Guy Fawkes-esque facial hair. The expression of consternation.

What do you think, dearest readers? Is it a cameo, or pure coincidence? We're leaning towards the former. We mean, just look at those eyebrows. Look at them! At the very least, they're identical eyebrow twins.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqNew Kingdom Hearts character is Sakaguchi's doppelganger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameofinal-fantasyhironobu-sakaguchikingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepThu, 15 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep gets ad hoc multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-gets-ad-hoc-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-gets-ad-hoc-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-gets-ad-hoc-multiplayer/#comments According to RPG Site, a recent V-Jump article on Squeenix and Disney's upcoming PSP collaboration Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep revealed an intriguing facet of the spiky-haired title: It includes a three-player cooperative mode using the handheld's ad hoc capabilities. The co-op mode pits players against the "Mirage Arena," which allows Keyblade-wielders to tackle standalone co-op missions, or set up multiplayer rematches against the core game's toughest bosses. In addition, Mirage Arena visitors will have special protective abilities with which to heal their friends or bolster their defenses.

It sounds like a pretty interesting feature -- and should placate PSP owners who've been miffed about 358/2 Days' multiplayer mode. No reason to get upset gang! At least your game's title isn't completely ridiculous.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep gets ad hoc multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-hocco-opdisneykingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmultiplayersquare-enixMon, 21 Sep 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Birth by Sleep awakens in this 'new' Kingdom Hearts trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/birth-by-sleep-awakens-in-this-new-kingdom-hearts-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/birth-by-sleep-awakens-in-this-new-kingdom-hearts-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/birth-by-sleep-awakens-in-this-new-kingdom-hearts-trailer/#commentsThe DS-based 358/2 Days hasn't arrived in the States yet, but Japan is already preparing for the next installment in the hugely popular Kingdom Hearts franchise. The PSP-exclusive prequel, Birth by Sleep, should be arriving in Japan this winter, and Square Enix is prepping its marketing muscle by opening the game's official website -- and with it, debuting a new direct-feed trailer for the masses. (An off-screen capture was taken at last year's exclusive Closed Mega Theater at TGS.)

This story-heavy trailer shows off a number of Disney movies in action, like Cinderella, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland. (Hey, where's Stitch?) Birth by Sleep will be a huge presence at Tokyo Game Show soon, so expect our hands-on reporting later this month.

[Via PSPHyper]

JoystiqBirth by Sleep awakens in this 'new' Kingdom Hearts trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepkingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtgs-2009trailervideoFri, 04 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: No Closed Mega Theater at TGS, but playable FFXIII, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/nomura-no-closed-mega-theater-at-tgs-but-playable-ffxiii-king/#commentsTokyo Game Show attendees will have one fewer giant line to contend with this year: Square Enix will not run its traditional "Closed Mega Theater," during which new trailers are debuted. Producer Tetsuya Nomura told Famitsu (as translated by Andriasang) that the company is putting its efforts into promoting games that are coming out sooner, which means playable demos instead of giant trailers for distant games.

The focus on playable and near-future titles also means that Square Enix won't be showing games like Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Final Fantasy Agito XIII, and The 3rd Birthday -- all of which appeared in trailer form at the last TGS, but still aren't playable. Instead, trailers for a few upcoming games will be shown to attendees who play the demos for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (coming this winter!) or Final Fantasy XIII.
[Image credit, more Birth By Sleep screens]

JoystiqNomura: No Closed Mega Theater at TGS, but playable FFXIII, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiikingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuratgs-2009Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep has three separate adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-has-three-separate-adventures/#comments An interview with Tetsuya Nomura in the latest issue of Japan's Weekly Famistu finally sheds more light on PSP's installment in the Kingdom Hearts series, Birth By Sleep. 1UP reports that, in the article, the series' creator reveals that the game's three main characters will be playable in their own, separate campaigns, complete with unique boss battles. Nomura also estimates that each character's play-through should take about 15 hours.

Famitsu's story also mentions that Birth By Sleep will incorporate the worlds of Cinderella and Lilo & Stitch, the latter set in deep space before the cute-yet-calamitous creature crash lands on Earth. Nomura notes that a release date for the game likely won't be announced until after Final Fantasy XIII's is, but that it's still expected to hit Japan this winter.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep has three separate adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyfamitsukingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraTue, 25 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep to awaken Japan this Winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-awaken-japan-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-awaken-japan-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-to-awaken-japan-this-winter/#comments
Square Enix has been awfully quiet about its upcoming PSP-exclusive Kingdom Hearts prequel. Birth by Sleep takes place ten years before the events of the original PS2 game, and sets to explain some of the long-unexplained mysteries surrounding the franchise. Although we haven't seen much of the game since TGS last year, it looks as though Square Enix is getting ready to put the finishing touches on the game, readying it for a winter release across the Pacific.

If Birth by Sleep follows the footsteps of its DS brethren 358/2 Days, it should only take about half a year for the game to be localized and released stateside. It seems likely (but unconfirmed) that we'll be playing Birth By Sleep in English before next summer rolls around.

[Via PSPHyper]

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep to awaken Japan this Winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepjapankingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixSun, 23 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, The 3rd Birthday TGS trailers leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-the-3rd-birthday-tgs-trailers-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-the-3rd-birthday-tgs-trailers-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-the-3rd-birthday-tgs-trailers-le/#commentsFiled under:


That gorgeous girl above is Aya Brea, the star of the Parasite Eve series of games, in a concept drawing for the latest game in the franchise, The 3rd Birthday . According to Siliconera, the upcoming PSP exclusive (mobile phone version has been scrapped) will be developed by Hexadrive, who was responsible for Rez HD.

What's more, we've got the leaked TGS trailers for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and The 3rd Birthday. The Birth by Sleep one is quite the long one, and it begins at about the 2:00 mark -- it includes both cut scenes and gameplay -- most of us haven't seen the game in action, so this is quite a treat. The trailer for The 3rd Birthday, is considerably less exciting, with no gameplay, but keep in mind this is the first trailer. Check them out after the jump.

Source -- Siliconera
Source -- Youtube

[Thanks, dsvw56!]

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, The 3rd Birthday TGS trailers leaked

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, The 3rd Birthday TGS trailers leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-birthdaybirth-by-sleephexadrivekingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepparasite-evethe-3rd-birthdayWed, 15 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Birth by Sleep and Dissidia: video, Famitsu scans, trailer summary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/birth-by-sleep-and-dissidia-video-famitsu-scans-trailer-summa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/birth-by-sleep-and-dissidia-video-famitsu-scans-trailer-summa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/birth-by-sleep-and-dissidia-video-famitsu-scans-trailer-summa/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wowzers! So there is a lot more information out there on Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep than we anticipated. First we got some translated hands-on impressions gathered from various Japanese sites over at KHInsider, along with a trailer summary. Some of this information we know about already, so here are highlights of the new stuff:
  • The new enemies are called Unbirths.
  • Xehanort and Maleficent are both after the Princesses of Hearts
  • Ven's level is the Castle of Dreams, Cinderella's world. Ven cooperates with Jaq the mouse to collect materials to make Cinderella's dress. After going through a maze and finding the necessary items, a boss fight ensues with Lucifer. No, not Lucifer the demon, but rather the cat from Cinderella.
Secondly, we have 3 pages of Famitsu scans courtesy of PSPHyper. Reading the hands-on impressions while looking at these scans, you can almost pretend you were playing the demo. Lastly, IGN has a few seconds of video footage of both Birth by Sleep and Dissidia from their Game Scoop show. Look for that after the jump.

[Thanks, Kristopher G. and MonkeyKHI!]

Source -- PSPHyper; Famitsu scans
Source -- KHInsider; trailer summary and hands-on impressions
Source -- IGN Video; Game Scoop: Square Enix Party

Continue reading Birth by Sleep and Dissidia: video, Famitsu scans, trailer summary

JoystiqBirth by Sleep and Dissidia: video, Famitsu scans, trailer summary originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepdissidiafinal-fantasykingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixWed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep dated for 2009 in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-dated-for-2009-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-dated-for-2009-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-dated-for-2009-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:


Not only did those who were invited to the ultra-exclusive DKΣ3713 Private Party get a chance to play Dissidia, they also played through two levels of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts prequel Birth by Sleep. As we predicted, Square announced that a Japanese release will occur some time in 2009.

IGN had a chance to play through the two stages, and here's what they had to tell us, after the jump:

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep dated for 2009 in Japan

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep dated for 2009 in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepkingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixMon, 04 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New skillz fo' Kingdom Hearts' Terra]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/new-skillz-fo-kingdom-hearts-terra/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/new-skillz-fo-kingdom-hearts-terra/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/new-skillz-fo-kingdom-hearts-terra/#commentsFiled under:

Japanese publication Shonen Jump is providing us with another small update on the Kingdom Hearts prequel Birth by Sleep. A new special skill for Terra (not to be confused with Final Fantasy VI's Terra, whose name is Tina in the original Japanese version) named Shock Lock System is shown, along with a screenshot of Ven. PSPHyper has the entire scan for you right here.

Nomura has commented before that the DS Kingdom Hearts title 358/2 Days will likely debut before Birth by Sleep. Since the scan shows 358/2 Days coming out in 2008, we can safely assume Birth by Sleep won't be arriving until 2009.

JoystiqNew skillz fo' Kingdom Hearts' Terra originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepkingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixWed, 30 Jul 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep scans reveal bald men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-scans-reveal-bald-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-scans-reveal-bald-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-scans-reveal-bald-men/#commentsFiled under:

Scans are tricky beasts -- they can be blurry and smothered with Japanese text few can understand outside of the country, they can show off new characters or a game's battle system, or they can just make us scratch our heads and wonder what exactly we're looking at. Lucky for us, these new Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep scans deliver on all three of these fronts.

We get to check out images of the main character, who looks quite a bit like Cloud's counterpart, Zack. There's also Roxas, a counterpart for Sora. See, we're already stretching to make connections, like saying this story probably takes place in an alternate world or something. We get to check out profiles of other new characters, like a blue-haired girl, a masked person, and a creepy old dude! The game, visually, is very nice as expected, but since we can't read Japanese, most of the information is left to any kind readers willing to translate as a comment. We'll keep you posted as details emerge.

[Thanks, Saigon!]

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep scans reveal bald men originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepsquare-enixWed, 26 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST