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[XSEED Games Ys-es into Steam market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/xseed-games-ys-es-into-steam-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/xseed-games-ys-es-into-steam-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/xseed-games-ys-es-into-steam-market/#comments XSEED is beginning to publish PC games for Steam, starting with a pair of Ys remakes. Ys: The Oath in Felghana will be available for purchase on March 19 for $14.99. It's coming out a while after the PSP version here, but in Japan this PC release predated the PSP by about five years.

Perhaps even more exciting is Ys Origin, a prequel game that never got an official English release. XSEED plans to put that out on Steam at a later date.

If you've never played an Ys game before, think old-school Zelda with more storyline. And even though Felghana is technically the third game in the storyline, you won't be lost if you jump in there. Basically, all you need to know is that Adol Christin is a really nice guy who will solve everyone's problems and kill everyone's monsters.

Gallery: Ys: The Oath in Felghana

Gallery: Ys Origin

Continue reading XSEED Games Ys-es into Steam market

JoystiqXSEED Games Ys-es into Steam market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcompcq1-2012release-datesteamxseedys-originys-the-oath-in-felghanaTue, 13 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Trails in the Sky finally flies to Europe on Nov. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/trails-in-the-sky-finally-flies-to-europe-on-nov-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/trails-in-the-sky-finally-flies-to-europe-on-nov-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/trails-in-the-sky-finally-flies-to-europe-on-nov-4/#comments
Though Trails in the Sky has already been out in North America for long enough to be the subject of an Amazon Lightning Deal, European PSP owners are still waiting for this branch of Falcom's complicated family tree (unless they imported it).

The wait is almost over: Ghostlight announced today that it will release Trails in the Sky in collector's edition format on November 4. The CE will include a soundtrack disc, along with a lovely turn-based role-playing game.

JoystiqTrails in the Sky finally flies to Europe on Nov. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefalcomghostlightnihon-falcomplaystationpspq4-2011release-datesonythe-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skyTue, 18 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky flying high after shipping 200,000 units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-flying-high-after-shippi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-flying-high-after-shippi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-flying-high-after-shippi/#comments The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky was first released on PSP for Japan in October 2006, and for North America in March of this year, and has since steadily soared to 200,000 units shipped.

Trails in the Sky began with a humble shipment of only 30,000, solidifying the game's status as an unexpected hit. Not to be outdone, the upcoming sequel, titled Trails of Blue, has passed 200,000 pre-orders in advance of its September release in Japan.

JoystiqThe Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky flying high after shipping 200,000 units originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaifalcomJapanplaystationpspsonythe-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skyxseedFri, 19 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Falcom announces NGP launch RPG, Trails in the Sky sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/falcom-announces-ngp-launch-rpg-trails-in-the-sky-sequel/#comments Nihon Falcom, creator of the Ys and Dragon Slayer series, has ardently supported the PSP with games, and will continue this trend into the next generation. According to an interview with Dengeki PlayStation magazine summarized by Andriasang, Falcom is developing a new role-playing game for the NGP, for release in that system's launch window.

Dengeki also announced a sequel to Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, a game that happens to be coming out on PSP in North America. The sequel's name translates to Legend of Heroes: Trails of Blue. If you'd like to read more -- a lot more -- about that series, we can help with that.

[Image: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky]

JoystiqFalcom announces NGP launch RPG, Trails in the Sky sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomjapanlegend-of-heroesngpnihon-falcomplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonythe-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skyvitaWed, 23 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED explains The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky's family history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/xseed-explains-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skys-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/xseed-explains-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skys-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/xseed-explains-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skys-family/#comments
click to embiggen
A few weeks ago, we asked NIS America to explain the semi-inscrutable title of Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel. Having had our minds expanded by that new knowledge, we then went looking for more games with absolutely crucial information you (and we) might not know.

And that's The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Unbeknownst to most gamers, the PSP RPG is part of a very long, very populous series -- one with dozens of games, spinoffs, and even spinoff series. In fact, it's distantly related to the NES's Faxanadu and Legacy of the Wizard.

In response to our query, Tom Lipschultz, localization specialist for publisher XSEED, dropped an unprecedented amount of RPG history on us. If you'd like to know more about Trails in the Sky's lineage than you thought possible, read on.

Gallery: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (PSP)

Continue reading XSEED explains The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky's family history

JoystiqXSEED explains The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky's family history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomplaystationpspsonythe-legend-of-heroesthe-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-skytom-lipschultzxseedTue, 15 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes, more Ys is coming to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/yes-more-ys-is-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/yes-more-ys-is-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/yes-more-ys-is-coming-to-psp/#commentsThe Ys series gets around. Primarily a PC-based franchise, Falcom's action-RPG series is ported to everything that can play games in Japan. It appears on the PSP in the form of Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim, Ys I&II Chronicles, and (soon) Ys VII.

Yet another Ys game is migrating over to PSP, as Falcom announced that Oath in Felghana, a port of the PC game of the same name (pictured), will be released in Japan on April 22, with upgraded controls, voiced "events," and the ability to switch between versions of the soundtrack.

Oath in Felghana is a remake of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, swapping out that game's unusual side-scrolling gameplay for the traditional Zelda-esque Ys style.

JoystiqYes, more Ys is coming to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomremakerpgys-oath-in-felghanaWed, 25 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys sequel and remakes coming to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/ys-sequel-and-remakes-coming-to-psp/#comments Falcom loves the PSP. So much, in fact, that it announced two games for the PSP. The first is yet another remake of Ys I & II, subtitled Chronicles. According to andriasang, he PSP version will be based off the 2001 PC remake but will include new visuals and music.

In addition to a revival of these classic RPGs, Falcom is also planning a brand new Ys game, Ys VII, which continues the story set in the PSP game Ark of Napishtim. Both Adol and Dogi will return, with a twist, in this first Ys game to feature a party system. Perhaps the game will take some inspiration from Monster Hunter?

JoystiqYs sequel and remakes coming to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomysys-sevenys-viiThu, 19 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys Seven might be coming to PSP, PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/ys-seven-might-be-coming-to-psp-ps2/#comments Falcom announced two new games at a fan event in Tokyo over the weekend: Ys Seven and Ys I & II Chronicles. According to Dengeki Online, Ys Seven will feature series hero Adol again, and will follow the story of the "Five Great Dragons of Altago." It's expected to hit Japan sometime this fall. As for Ys I & II Chronicles, not much is known about it, but it could be another remake like the recent Legacy of Ys: Books I & II for DS. That one will be out in Japan by summer.

IGN suspects that Ys Seven might be a game for Sony platforms, seeing as the title will be featured in an upcoming issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine. Falcom did release Ys: The Ark of Nephistim on PSP and PS2 back in 2006, so it's not too much of a long shot to see the next in the series appear on either system (or both).

JoystiqYs Seven might be coming to PSP, PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomysys-sevenys-viiMon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A fitting legacy for your Legacy of Ys preorder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-fitting-legacy-for-your-legacy-of-ys-preorder/#commentsFiled under:

Preorder perk ahoy! For the February 10 launch of Legacy of Ys Books I & II, Atlus will be offering jammy U.S. and Canada-based gamers a sweet preorder bonus: a limited edition soundtrack CD, featuring tracks from both Ys I and Ys II. As far as we know, this will be available at Amazon and GameStop.

The revised translation for this DS remake had already roped us in, but now we're counting down the days hours minutes. As the press release we received notes, the Ys series is renowned for having wonderful music. If you're new to the series, you can head to this part of Atlus' website to listen to a few samples for yourself.


[Via press release]

JoystiqA fitting legacy for your Legacy of Ys preorder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannellegacy-of-yspreordersoundtrackysWed, 31 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brandish remake headed for the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/brandish-remake-headed-for-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/brandish-remake-headed-for-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/brandish-remake-headed-for-the-psp/#commentsFiled under:


Falcom is remaking old school action RPG Brandish for the PSP, according to Dengeki Online. The game made its original debut in Japan on the PC, but Americans will be most familiar with the Super Nintendo port released in 1995. The PSP remake is renamed Brandish: The Dark Revenant , and puts you in the shoes of a swordsman named Ares who ends up in a multi-level dungeon with a scantily-clad sorceress chasing after you.

This blogger actually owns the game on the SNES, but didn't finish it due to the awkward controls and steep learning curve -- hopefully this 3D remake will address those issues. The game will be released in Japan on March 19th -- Siliconera reports that Atlus is in talks currently working with Falcom, so we might actually see this in your neck of the woods.

[Via Siliconera -- thanks, David B.!]

JoystiqBrandish remake headed for the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbrandishbrandish-the-dark-revenantfalcomTue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A new Legacy of Ys translation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/a-new-legacy-of-ys-translation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Atlus may have just given us another reason to buy the DS Legacy of Ys Books I & II instead of (or in addition to) just dropping $8 for the Virtual Console version: for the first time since that release, the games will have a new official translation. Given that Atlus does better localizations than most companies now, they are almost guaranteed to do a better job than circa-1990 NEC.

In a press release, project lead Sam Mullen said "We're not taking this lightly, but we also see this as an opportunity to give the game a 21st-century localization, a new script to match the game's remade features."

We rather like the idea of carefully-considered text in the classic action RPG! Wander into our gallery for new screens of this new-ish game.

JoystiqA new Legacy of Ys translation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannellegacy-of-ysysTue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Ys or no]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-daily-ys-or-no/#commentsFiled under:


Atlus will publish Interchannel's DS remakes of the endlessly remade first two Ys games to North America next year. Japanese gamers are pretty familiar with Falcom and their venerable ARPG series, but it never really caught on outside of Japan, despite a decent number of releases making it over here on the Sega Master System, Turbografx-16 CD-Rom, Super NES, and other systems.

How familiar are you with Ys? Did you pass over the Virtual Console release in anticipation of the announcement of this DS game? Did that recent release pique your curiosity about the series? Or has Atlus's involvement gotten your attention? Alternately, you love these two games so much that you'll pick them up on every available system?

[Wallpaper found here]

JoystiqDS Daily: Ys or no originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgatlusfalcominterchannelremakeysMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zwei RPG breaks out in this debut trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/zwei-rpg-breaks-out-in-this-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/zwei-rpg-breaks-out-in-this-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/zwei-rpg-breaks-out-in-this-debut-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

We don't know too much about this action-RPG for PSP called Zwei!!, but we do know one thing -- it's really pretty. A little research revealed the title was originally a PC game and it's currently being made by Falcom (makers of Gurumin). December 11 is the game's release date for Japan, which isn't too far off. Hopefully, like Gurumin, North America will also get to enjoy this Falcom RPG. Check out the debut trailer posted after the break.

Continue reading Zwei RPG breaks out in this debut trailer

JoystiqZwei RPG breaks out in this debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomzweiFri, 24 Oct 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus eyes Ys for DS in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/atlus-eyes-ys-for-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ys-y for you to say, eh? Eh? Atlus will bring the recent DS remakes of Nihon Falcom's flagship Ys role-playing series to North America on February 10, 2009. Even better, instead of releasing the two titles individually as they were sold in Japan, the publisher plans to bundle the games together as Legacy of Ys: Books I & II. Samuel Mullen, project lead for Legacy of Ys, tells Joystiq that the team "worked closely with the developer to offer both games, Books I and II, on a single DS cartridge."

The package is a pint-sized version of Ys Eternal, which was released on the PC in Japan in 1997, and was itself a rehash of Turbo Duo classic, Ys Book I & II. The series has never garnered the same sort of cult status that it's enjoyed in Japan, but we nonetheless welcome the addition to our DS library, if only for the music (some of which can be heard in the video above) alone.

JoystiqAtlus eyes Ys for DS in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusDSfalcomnihon-falcomysThu, 23 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console adds classic role-playing, tardy fighter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/virtual-console-adds-classic-role-playing-tardy-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


How nice of you to join us. Do you have any idea what time it is? We were expecting you weeks ago! Well, no matter, go and take your seat with the rest of the Virtual Console class so we can begin.
  • Samurai Shodown 2 (Neo Geo, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): SNK's 1994 follow up to Samurai Shodown finally slices and dices its way onto the Virtual Console this week, bringing back most of the original's weapon-wielding cast, as well as several newcomers vying for the opportunity to skewer anything that moves with a pointy blade and sharp Engrish wit.
  • Ys Book I & II (TurboGrafx 16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Nihon Falcom's enhanced remakes of the first two titles in the Ys saga finally levels up for the US Virtual Console. Offering roguelike-style combat and music we still find ourselves humming at the dinner table, this is a download not to be missed by role-playing fans with eyes for the classics.

JoystiqVirtual Console adds classic role-playing, tardy fighter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomnintendosamurai-shodown-2snkvirtual-consolevirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondayWiiysMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, some good news about the Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/finally-some-good-news-about-the-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under:


Thanks to advance notice from two companies, we can now look forward to the Virtual Console releases for once. If Hudson and SNK's plans go through (as in, if a game isn't mysteriously bumped) we can expect both Samurai Shodown II and -- this is totally awesome -- Ys Book I & II.

We've been waiting for Ys since its first appearance on the ESRB ratings database last year, and now we're going to have the opportunity to buy two great action RPGs for eight bucks! There hasn't been a better deal since they packed Ys I & II with TurboDuo systems, and the Wii actually costs less than a Duo!

[Samurai Shodown II news via press release]

JoystiqFinally, some good news about the Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomhudsonsamurai-shodown-2snkysFri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sora no Kiseki the 3rd website revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/sora-no-kiseki-the-3rd-website-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/sora-no-kiseki-the-3rd-website-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/sora-no-kiseki-the-3rd-website-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,

So the popular Japanese franchise from Falcom, Eiyuu Densetsu, has gotten a third title to show off -- a website has been launched to remind the world. If you're proficient in Japanese, you can read up on the announced characters, storyline, and world for the title. There are already a couple of wallpapers and PSP themes for you to download, with more to come every Friday until the game launches at the end of July. Check out the site and if it's your thing, get your import on this July.

[via PSPHyper]

JoystiqSora no Kiseki the 3rd website revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomsora-no-kisekiSat, 10 May 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson 'evaluating' North American VC release for Ys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/hudson-evaluating-north-american-vc-release-for-ys/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an interview about digital distribution (Bomberman for all!), Siliconera asked Hudson's Vice President of Product Development, Sabine Duvall, about the prospects for an U.S. release of the Turbografx-16 CD-Rom version of Ys Book I & II. Her response: "We'd love to make our fans happy, so we're still evaluating if it's right to bring Ys over."

We fully expect the game to show up on Virtual Console here at some point. There's no reason for it not to. It's not even as if Ys is an import title like Battle Lode Runner or DoReMi Fantasy. It was released in the U.S. For that matter, it was bundled with TG16 CD-Rom drives.

But for whatever reason, they've been evaluating this for a long time. Ys was actually given an ESRB rating back in November. We wonder if they're trying to decide between releasing Ys I & II as an $8 VC download and publishing the DS games that recently bombed in Japan.

JoystiqHudson 'evaluating' North American VC release for Ys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcomhudsonysTue, 06 May 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this trailer for Vantage Master Portable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/watch-this-trailer-for-vantage-master-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/watch-this-trailer-for-vantage-master-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/watch-this-trailer-for-vantage-master-portable/#commentsFiled under:

So the PSP gets a lot of RPGs. More specifically, it gets a lot of Japanese RPGs. Ever more so, it gets a lot of Japanese RPGs that are not released in the west. Do you see where we're going with this? It's possible that Vantage Master Portable might be another such game; however, there's still time to prove that thought wrong.

So before we etch things into stone, let's not vex ourselves over such things right now. Instead of wondering and waiting, let it come to you as a surprise when/if we post a western release announcement. For now, be entertained by this trailer.

JoystiqWatch this trailer for Vantage Master Portable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomvantage-masterTue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys I & II DS get bundled, still cost too much]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ys-i-and-ii-ds-get-bundled-still-cost-too-much/#commentsFiled under: ,

The remakes of Ys I & II should have been sold in one package to start with, as 5,040 yen ($49) each is rather a lot to pay for yet more Ys remakes -- especially since they were released on the same day and therefore fully intended by Interchannel to be sold together. All but about 1,000 Japanese DS owners agreed, as the games sold 2,000 copies combined in their first week.

7dream.com, an online retailer run by 7-Eleven and NEC (who used to own Interchannel, the company publishing these games) is now offering a "Special Box" of Ys I & II DS containing both games, a soundtrack CD, and, yes, a special box. While it's awesome to have both games in one deluxe package, the 9,800 yen ($95) price probably won't boost sales that much.

[Via Inside Games]

JoystiqYs I & II DS get bundled, still cost too much originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgbundlefalcominterchannelremakeysSun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys into this new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/ys-into-this-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Ys games have always been heavy on the anime-style cutscenes. It's basically what the series is known for in the West, since it made its first big splash as a Turbografx-16 CD game. Ys still has masterful animated cutscenes, that get us as excited about Ys I & II in this cutscene-rich age as they did back then. The vintage anime style is even more distinctive now.

The music is delightfully old-school as well, especially when the "rock" theme kicks in in the second half of the trailer. That part, by the way, sneaks some gameplay in as well, highlighting the new multiplayer features and the simple fact that Ys is one of the faster-paced action RPG series. For a somewhat more reasonable price, we'd be all over these remakes. If you are similarly all up ons, know that they are actually coming out on March 20th, even though the trailer says February.



JoystiqYs into this new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcomremakerpgysTue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Falcom bringing yet another port to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/falcom-bringing-yet-another-port-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/falcom-bringing-yet-another-port-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/falcom-bringing-yet-another-port-to-psp/#commentsFiled under:


Falcom has found considerable success in porting over their vintage games to Sony's handheld. That's probably why they're looking into releasing Vantage Master Portable to the system (notice the play on words there?). Falcom has a surprisingly devout base of hardcore fans in both Japan and in the States, and chances are they'll happily add this to their Legend of Heroes-heavy collection. There are new additions made for the PSP version, which include a new Ad Hoc mode, and characters from the previously-mentioned Legend of Heroes series.

We're not sure if this'll ever see the light of day in the States, but chances are it will. But how many months will hardcore Falcom fans have to wait?

[Via PSPHyper]

JoystiqFalcom bringing yet another port to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomvantage-masterFri, 21 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys to get JP release in Fb]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ys-to-get-jp-release-in-fb/#commentsFiled under: ,


GAME Watch has revealed the Japanese release date for the Ys remakes: both drop on the same day, February 28th. If you think you'll be in the mood for $92 worth of ported action RPG, these seem like appropriate purchases. Of course, they almost seem worth it based on their boxarts alone. Featuring the original art we previously wowed over, they show that somebody still knows how to make RPG boxarts-- and it's Interchannel, a company who primarily makes dating games.

Check the link for the Ys II boxart, and be sure to poke around the official site for a few screenshots.

JoystiqYs to get JP release in Fb originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgboxartfalcominterchannelrpgysMon, 26 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys I & II remakes look like Ys, on the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/ys-i-and-ii-remakes-look-like-ys-on-the-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Age of Remakes continues, as more old stuff is resurrected for the newly re-energized Japanese game market. Screens for the new Ys remakes for the DS have been released, and they look pretty nice! Somewhat controversially, the environments have been remade in 3D; while the change certainly doesn't make the game look any nicer than the recent PC releases, we think it looks okay.

We're hoping for an American release of these games (at a significantly reduced price), because a handheld release would finally provide us with the impetus to spend some time with Ys I and II. Alternately, we could play the Turbografx-16 CD-Rom version on the Virtual Console in the near future (we're sure), but we'd enjoy the portable option.

Check out our galleries of the games and see if you're up for some vintage action-RPG games!


JoystiqYs I & II remakes look like Ys, on the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcominterchannelremakeysMon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ys inevitably lands on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/ys-inevitably-lands-on-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


The DS has previously seen one not-very-representative entry in Falcom's vaunted Ys series in Ys Strategy, but now some proper action-RPGs will make their way. The first two Ys games will be released for the DS in Spring 2008, at an unfortunate price of 5040 yen ($44) each. The remakes, from Interchannel, will include new multiplayer modes, and the usual DS stuff (stats on one screen, action on the other). They'll also swap out the original bump-into-enemies combat style for the Eternal versions' more conventional attack button.

This had to happen sooner or later. The DS is a system popular with Japanese gamers, and these Ys games have been ported and remade endlessly. Ys, for example, has appeared on seven different Japanese computer formats (not including DOS), Windows, NES, Sega Master System, Saturn, PS2, cell phones, and the Turbografx 16 CD ROM. Most recently, the TG16 CD-ROM version was released on the Wii Virtual Console in Japan.

[via NeoGAF]

JoystiqYs inevitably lands on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpgfalcominterchannelysWed, 24 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Falcom's latest spans multiple UMDs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/falcoms-latest-spans-multiple-umds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/falcoms-latest-spans-multiple-umds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/falcoms-latest-spans-multiple-umds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While some critics have panned the Legend of Heroes franchise, I know many PSP owners love Falcom's RPG series (including my fiancee). Fans of the series should be pleased then to know that the next installment is going to be a huge affair. How huge? Two UMDs huge. You read that right. The next Legend of Heroes will be the first non-golf game to span multiple UMDs. Not a whole lot else is known, other than it seems like the game will feature some 3D elements, will have new characters, and will hit Japan in September. So who among our readers is a Legend of Heroes fan? Do you think this is just the start of multi-UMD releases?

For those interested, screens after the jump ...

Continue reading Falcom's latest spans multiple UMDs

JoystiqFalcom's latest spans multiple UMDs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomgame watchGameWatchlegend of heroesLegendOfHeroesWed, 18 Apr 2007 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a free Gurumin guide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/get-a-free-gurumin-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/get-a-free-gurumin-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/get-a-free-gurumin-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For a limited time, gamers that rush over to the Gurumin official website will get a free 32-page mini-guide, filled with full-color art, tips, and a walkthrough of the game's first chapter. Five lucky gamers will get their guides autographed by the voice cast, which includes the likes of Tara Strong.

Those of you browsing via your PSP will be interested to check out the Downloads page to get your hands on MP3s from the game's lively soundtrack. The cute, anime-inspired, Falcom-developed RPG is heading to the US on February 12th.

JoystiqGet a free Gurumin guide originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestfalcomfreegiveawayguideguruminjrpgmp3rpgwalkthroughFri, 19 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Legend of Heroes III announced for US audiences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/legend-of-heroes-iii-announced-for-us-audiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/legend-of-heroes-iii-announced-for-us-audiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/legend-of-heroes-iii-announced-for-us-audiences/#commentsFiled under:


Just like Bleach on the PSP, some franchises seem to get new versions on a much too frequent basis. Such is the case for Namco Bandai's upcoming US release of Falcom's latest RPG, Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean. The series hasn't been too strong at earning critical acclaim, but it doesn't seem like most PSP RPGs can. Considering how PSP owners will have to wait quite a while before either Crisis Core or Final Fantasy Tactics come out, will the latest Legend of Heroes be able to satisfy the RPG urge? We'll find out when it comes out in January.

See more screenshots after the cut.

See also:
Legend of Heroes trailer

Continue reading Legend of Heroes III announced for US audiences

JoystiqLegend of Heroes III announced for US audiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaifalcomjrpglegend of heroesLegendOfHeroesnamconamco bandaiNamcoBandairpgscreenshotsThu, 14 Dec 2006 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Gurumin footage looks sloppy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/25/gurumin-footage-looks-sloppy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/25/gurumin-footage-looks-sloppy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/25/gurumin-footage-looks-sloppy/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gametrailers.com recently posted two new videos of the upcoming Gurumin, the super-happy-time Japanese action RPG from Falcom. As much as I want to get excited for this game, the sloppy visuals and potentially uninspired gameplay cast a huge shadow of doubt over the game. Check it out, and form your own opinion, after the break.

Continue reading Gurumin footage looks sloppy

JoystiqGurumin footage looks sloppy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomgametrailersguruminrpgvideoSat, 25 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gurumin offers big-eyed RPG fun for only $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/01/gurumin-offers-big-eyed-rpg-fun-for-only-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/01/gurumin-offers-big-eyed-rpg-fun-for-only-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/01/gurumin-offers-big-eyed-rpg-fun-for-only-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gurumin is a super-happy-time-fun Japanese RPG that's coming over to the States this February. It comes from Falcom, developers of Ys (which was eventually ported to the PSP, with absolutely terrifying load times). As seen in the video above, the game appears to have some pretty solid, if not terrifying, big-eyed chibi gameplay. If waiting for 2007 doesn't suit you, then you might be interested to know that Gurumin is $10 at Play-Asia for this week only. Not only will this save you a great deal of time, and money, but it'll force you to improve your Japanese skills. And isn't that far more valuable than simply getting a good deal on a game?

Another video, after the cut.

Continue reading Gurumin offers big-eyed RPG fun for only $10

JoystiqGurumin offers big-eyed RPG fun for only $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falcomguruminplay asiaplay-asiaPlayAsiaWed, 01 Nov 2006 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Legend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/02/legend-of-heroes-sora-no-kiseki-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/02/legend-of-heroes-sora-no-kiseki-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/02/legend-of-heroes-sora-no-kiseki-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Legend of Heroes series keeps on coming back for more on the PSP, even though the previous ones haven't met critical acclaim. The upcoming Sora no Kiseki, the sixth game in the Legend of Heroes series, hits Japan in September, and it looks a lot like all the other games that Falcom makes. It's currently not headed towards the States, but I'm sure Bandai Namco will bring it over here one day or another.

JoystiqLegend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai namcoBandaiNamcofalcomlegend of heroesLegendOfHeroesrpgsora no kisekiSoraNoKisekiSat, 02 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST