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[Mistborn fantasy novels becoming Birthright game, due out Fall 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/#comments Brandon Sanderson is the author who was selected to finish off the popular Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels after Robert Jordan passed away, and of course he's a legitimate author in his own right with a New York Times top ten series called Mistborn. Sanderson has announced on his own blog that he's teaming up with Little Orbit Games (creators of licensed games for Young Justice and Sherlock Holmes) to turn Mistborn's setting into a video game.

The game is set as sort of a prequel to the books, taking place hundreds of years in the past. Sanderson says he's been impressed by Little Orbit from working with them so far, and while there's not a lot of information on the game yet, he says the company "envisioned the game the same way I always had." Sanderson will be staying away from the actual game's design, but he will be writing the plot and dialogue. Mistborn: Birthright is due out on "video game platforms" later on in 2013.

JoystiqMistborn fantasy novels becoming Birthright game, due out Fall 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013brandon-sandersonfall-2013fantasylittle-orbit-gamesmistbornmistborn-birthrightnovelsreleasewheel-of-timeTue, 27 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First screenshot from Dishonored shows off swordplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/first-screenshot-from-dishonored-shows-off-swordplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/first-screenshot-from-dishonored-shows-off-swordplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/first-screenshot-from-dishonored-shows-off-swordplay/#comments
Game Informer has posted the first screenshot from Dishonored, the new stealth/action IP from Arkane Studios. As you can see by the gun, sword and garb, the title takes place in an early industrial world -- one with some fantasy twists. Players will be cast Corvo, a talented (and somewhat supernatural) former bodyguard who's wrongly imprisoned for the murder of an Empress he was supposed to be protecting.

Like Thief and Deus Ex, also games made by Dishonored co-creative director Harvey Smith, the title will be built around a series of open-ended tasks involving stealth and combat. Game Informer mentions using "mobility, powers and gadgets, environment, and AI" to affect the gameplay, and letting the player do things like stop time to distract guards, or summon a rat swarm, and then "possessing" one of the rats to sneak away.

Our interest is piqued, but don't let the excitement get the best of you, just yet -- the game isn't due out until sometime next year.

JoystiqFirst screenshot from Dishonored shows off swordplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkane-studiosbethesdadishonoredfantasygame-informermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/#comments Dragon Age: Asunder, BioWare Lead Writer David Gaider's third novel set in the fantasy realm, will arrive in "late 2011." Gaider had previously chronicled the world of Thedas with Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne and Dragon Age: The Calling -- oh yeah, and both games. Asunder will jump off from Dragon Age 2, with a killer loose in the White Spire, a templar stronghold in the Orlesian Empire.

With any luck, Gaider's Asunder novel won't be perceived as neglecting the "straight male" demographic in the same way Dragon Age 2 was accused of doing. To compensate, expect vivid descriptions of Orlesian breasts and a coupon for Domino's pizza hidden in the novel's pages (not confirmed).

Continue reading 'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011

Joystiq'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebookdavid-gaiderdragon-ageDragon-Age-2dragon-age-asundereaElectronic-ArtsfantasynovelWed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Elemental: War of Magic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/#comments Stardock's Elemental: War of Magic is already extraordinary, smashing genres together that may have been too big on their own in the first place. At its heart, it's a 4X game in the style of Civ or Galactic Civilizations, but it's also a fantasy RPG with a deep and long story, and a tactical battle game. It has a huge singleplayer campaign, a sandbox mode that creates gigantic maps at random, and even a multiplayer mode. It's vast and confusing and intricate, and while there are certain gamers who just won't vibe with all of the numbers and how open the gameplay is, there are others - probably old-school strategy types - who will love it for everything it is.

Stardock's CEO Brad Wardell is one of those for sure -- as he showed me the latest beta of the game earlier this month, his enthusiasm for the game he's built was quite clear. Elemental: War of Magic, like all of Stardock's titles, is as "homespun" as any video game can be, and Wardell's personality and preferences shine through almost all of its (sorry) elements.

Gallery: Elemental: War of Magic

Continue reading Preview: Elemental: War of Magic

JoystiqPreview: Elemental: War of Magic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4xbrad-wardellcivilizationelementalelemental-war-of-magicfantasygenremagicpcstardockstrategyMon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Americans anxious to get down to the business of paying money for a game should know that Bethesda has announced pre-order incentives for its upcoming Unreal Engine 3-powered fantasy RPG, Hunted: The Demon's Forge. Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Steam, Direct2Drive and GameStop will all offer specific bonus content, so head on past the break to get it all straight. (Why does buying a game have to be like this?)

Continue reading Hunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content

JoystiqHunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buybethesdaBethesda-Softworksdirect2drivefantasygamestopHuntedHunted-The-Demons-Forgeinxileinxile-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgsteamvalvewalmartxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Vindictus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-vindictus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-vindictus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-vindictus/#comments 2010 marked Nexon's first appearance ever at an E3, and that says quite a bit about both the company and the free-to-play business model it's adapted for MMO action titles. The South Korean company was showing off three different games at the show: the recently released 2D action MMO Dungeon Fighter Online, an upcoming 3D fantasy MMORPG with a casual bent called Dragon Nest, and this one, Vindictus, an action RPG using a heavily modified version of the Source engine to provide a little physics-based hacking and slashing fun.

While the look of these games is very different, they all have the same origin (free-to-play titles with lots of microtransactions, originating in South Korea and translated over to North America for Western audiences), and the same problems. They all have excellent premises and even some good design ideas, but they just don't have the polish, especially when compared to popular Western games, to make the experience shine.

Gallery: Vindictus (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Vindictus

JoystiqPreview: Vindictus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010fantasyfree-to-playmmonexonnexon-americapcvindictusMon, 21 Jun 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer hopes to start filming Silent Hill 2 in 'late spring']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/#comments Anxious to check out the sequel to 2006's big screen adaptation of Silent Hill? Producer Don Carmody -- who is also working on the upcoming Paul W.S. Anderson film, Resident Evil: Afterlife -- told Fearnet that he's "hoping to start [filming] it in late spring in Toronto." Carmody also reveals in the interview that the first film generated a lot of hate mail. Here's hoping the second go-round invokes a bit less vitriol.

The sequel will once again feature actress Radha Mitchell, but, as we reported last year, director Christophe Gans does not appear to be returning. Is that a good or bad thing? We'll let you decide.

JoystiqProducer hopes to start filming Silent Hill 2 in 'late spring' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-carmodydramafantasyfilmhollywoodmovieradha-mitchellsilent-hillsilent-hill-moviesuspenseThu, 06 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fantasy action game Ravensdale steaming up 360, PS3 and PC in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/fantasy-action-game-ravensdale-steaming-up-360-ps3-and-pc-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/fantasy-action-game-ravensdale-steaming-up-360-ps3-and-pc-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/fantasy-action-game-ravensdale-steaming-up-360-ps3-and-pc-in-20/#comments
Click to enlarge, punk
Fans of steampunk fantasy don't have many choices when it comes to video games which adhere to their beloved genre. Right now, it basically boils down to Arcanum, Penny Arcade Adventures and ... Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts? Maybe? However, German developer Spellbound Entertainment recently announced a new entry into the category: Ravensdale, a "fast paced fantasy action game in a very unique 'steam powered' setting featuring cool and outrageously over-powered gadgetry."

The game, which is expected to launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, is targeted for a 2012 launch. For now, all we've got to sate our curiosity are two pieces of concept art, posted in the gallery below. Make sure you take your time while analyzing them -- you've got about two years to kill.

Gallery: Ravensdale

JoystiqFantasy action game Ravensdale steaming up 360, PS3 and PC in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionfantasygermanMicrosoftravensdalespellboundSpellbound-EntertainmentsteamsteampunkXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: R.A. Salvatore wants you to die]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/#comments Fantasy author R.A. Salvatore took the stage at GDC 2010 today and, while he made it clear that his talk about how to create believable fantasy worlds wasn't specifically about his work with 38 Studios' Copernicus project, he did talk a little bit about what he wants from an MMO game and gave the first mention of what the world of Curt Schilling's game is like. Salvatore talked for quite a while in his thick Massachusetts accent about his time in Everquest, which he said was "the best world in a game I've ever seen." He also lauded the idea of a death penalty in an MMO, and said that during his formative MMO experiences the threat of death (he once lost a hard-earned level when he was killed by an NPC that he accidentally clicked to attack) made living that much better. "If you take the pain out of the world," he said, "you lose the accomplishment of winning."

And while he admitted that the Copernicus designers were fighting with him on whether or not to include a death penalty in the game, the company would at least make sure that a return from death was explained. His team has written over 10,000 years of history for the game's world (all compiled on "a wiki with over hundreds of pages in it"), and one of the major features of the setting's lore is a "device that's perfected" called the "Well of Souls." The Well, "when you die, will bring you back -- if you meet the conditions." He didn't elaborate about what those conditions were, but he asked the audience what a worldwide death-prevention device would do to institutions like kings and religions. "What happens when you take power away from powerful people?" he asked rhetorically. "How would it play out?" And, he suggested, if there were people who "turned the Well on," what if they threatened the rest of the world with turning it off?

Vague, but intriguing. Copernicus still seems like it has a long way to go (Salvatore didn't show any slides or screenshots during his talk), but fans of the old EQ might find the game a return to the old ways if R.A. has his say.

JoystiqGDC: R.A. Salvatore wants you to die originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingdeatheqeverquestfantasygamegdc-2010mmora-salvatoreworldFri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The9 invests nearly $15 million into Red 5 Studios, Fire Rain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/the9-invests-nearly-15-million-into-red-5-studios-fire-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/the9-invests-nearly-15-million-into-red-5-studios-fire-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/the9-invests-nearly-15-million-into-red-5-studios-fire-rain/#comments The9 didn't have the best year in 2009 -- Blizzard decided to take away its ability to run World of Warcraft in China, and as a result, the company reported a Cataclysmic drop in revenues. But the company doesn't want you counting it out of the MMO game just yet: Reuters says that The9 has invested almost $15 million into the ailing Red 5 Studios (which, coincidentally, is staffed by some ex-Blizzard employees) as well as China-based developer Fire Rain. Last we'd heard of Red 5, it was working on some kind of fantasy MMO, though that may have since changed to an MMOFPS. There's definitely an MMO game of some kind; The studio told our buds at Massively that even with The9's help, the game will be aimed at a worldwide market, not just Chinese players.

Time will tell if The9 has a solid strategy to rebound after the big loss of WoW, or if it's desperately trying to invest the last bit of capital to keep the company alive. Red 5's work has always seemed interesting -- here's hoping this infusion is enough to get it to a worthwhile release.

JoystiqThe9 invests nearly $15 million into Red 5 Studios, Fire Rain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardchinadevelopersfantasyfire-rainfundingmmommofpsmoneyred-5-studiosthe9Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix announces Sliding Heroes, an iPhone RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/square-enix-announces-sliding-heroes-an-iphone-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/square-enix-announces-sliding-heroes-an-iphone-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/square-enix-announces-sliding-heroes-an-iphone-rts/#comments While we'd hoped Square Enix's trademark for the title Sliding Heroes would result in a rhythm-based playground toy simulator (with the appropriate inclined peripheral), a Facebook fan page for the game revealed its true format. The game will be an iPhone real-time strategy title where players control standard fantasy archetypes (mage, warrior, cleric, etc.) by tilting their cellular device. In addition to conquering baddies, players will need to deftly avoid traps and hazards placed throughout the game board.

That description (and a pair of screenshots) are all we have to go on right now. Keep an eye on Square Enix's Facebook page for more information about this traction-free strategy title.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSquare Enix announces Sliding Heroes, an iPhone RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplefacebookfantasyiPodrtsslidingsliding-heroessquare-enixFri, 18 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood Bowl trailer everything but a blood bath]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/blood-bowl-trailer-everything-but-a-blood-bath/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/blood-bowl-trailer-everything-but-a-blood-bath/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/blood-bowl-trailer-everything-but-a-blood-bath/#commentsWe haven't seen any gameplay of Blood Bowl yet, and, sadly, this trailer is no different. It does provide us with a taste of the color commentary that will frame the many conflicts taking place in the soon-to-be-bloody bowls, though. There's even a brief look at the many different races and squads that will take to the field in this most literal fantasy football title. In terms of quantity, it looks like the amount of teams will be somewhere between a lot and a whole freakin' lot.

JoystiqBlood Bowl trailer everything but a blood bath originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlcyanide-studiosfantasyfantasy-footballMicrosoftsportsXbox-360Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyanide acquires game rights to George R. R. Martin's 'Song of Ice and Fire' series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/cyanide-acquires-game-rights-to-george-r-r-martins-song-of-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/cyanide-acquires-game-rights-to-george-r-r-martins-song-of-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/cyanide-acquires-game-rights-to-george-r-r-martins-song-of-i/#comments We don't get to talk about books much here at The Stiq, what with our heavy focus on teh gaming and all, but today is a joyous day, as the best series of books ever made -- George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series -- will be turned into games courtesy of Cyanide Studio. Don't bother arguing with us, because we do not sow and these books are so good.

The press release says that R. R. Martin and Cyanide have already begun development, with the combined efforts bearing fruit for "next generation consoles and the PC." Sadly, no other details are available as of now, but we're holding out hope that these games will be more fun than that A Game of Thrones board game ...

JoystiqCyanide acquires game rights to George R. R. Martin's 'Song of Ice and Fire' series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-clash-of-kingsa-feast-for-crowsa-game-of-thronesA-Game-of-Thrones-Genesisa-storm-of-swordsfantasygeorg-r-r-martinpcsong-of-ice-and-fireTue, 12 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overlord II releases June 23, here are new screens and a trailer to tide you over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/overlord-ii-releases-june-23-here-are-new-screens-and-a-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/overlord-ii-releases-june-23-here-are-new-screens-and-a-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/overlord-ii-releases-june-23-here-are-new-screens-and-a-trailer/#commentsCodemasters has confirmed a US release for Overlord II on June 23 (European gamers can get their hands on the game June 26), and, in the latest trailer for the game, it's business as usual for the lord of evil. He bosses around some minions, finds time to stop by the colosseum for a bit of sport, and even crashes a gigantic ship into an equally gigantic spider. It's good times, indeed.

After you check out the trailer above, be sure to hop into the gallery below to see some new screens from the game.

Gallery: Overlord II (5/01/09)

JoystiqOverlord II releases June 23, here are new screens and a trailer to tide you over originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersfantasyMicrosoftoverlord-2overlord-iiXbox-360Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the new boss in Overlord II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/meet-the-new-boss-in-overlord-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/meet-the-new-boss-in-overlord-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/meet-the-new-boss-in-overlord-ii/#commentsTimes change, but some things stay the same. Especially if you're a lowly minion in Overlord II. You see, the new boss is the son of the old one. He's the Overlad.

The video above tells you all of this, but also provides a look at some gameplay, as well as the many mistresses the new Overlord will be able to acquire. It's good to be the king Overlord, you know.

Gallery: Overlord II

JoystiqMeet the new boss in Overlord II originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersfantasyMicrosoftoverlord-2overlord-iiXbox-360Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters talks Overlord, working with Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/codemasters-talks-overlord-working-with-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/codemasters-talks-overlord-working-with-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/codemasters-talks-overlord-working-with-wii/#comments
It might not be a good time to port your game to the Wii right now. With Dead Rising causing many jaws to hit the floor in disgust, confidence isn't in ready supply. Enter Overlord: Dark Legend brand manager Dan Robinson, who doesn't want you to think his game is just being slapped together.

Codemasters "realized quite early on if we just did a port of 'Overlord' or 'Overlord 2' onto the Wii, we'd get slighted," Robinson told MTV Multiplayer. The most important thing for his company is that "the game works with the control system." He explained that when making a game on a Nintendo console, a developer has to "make sure that it hits all the buttons that Nintendo fanboys want," because it can be "dead in the water before you've even started." Viewing the Wii as something more than a system to make a quick buck on ... that is a good start!

Codemasters, like Sega, is looking for that hardcore buck, too. "I think it's definitely more of a hardcore game than you've got on the Wii at the moment," he said. "I think this gives us an opportunity to show them that the Wii can actually do games like this, and it actually works and it can make good fun." Casual players need not feel left out, however, as he thinks there are "elements of it" that will appeal to them.

Overlord: Dark Legend is currently slated for release this summer.

JoystiqCodemasters talks Overlord, working with Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersfantasyinterviewinterviewsoverlordoverlord-dark-legendMon, 09 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios developing 'open-world fantasy' AionGuard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/avalanche-studios-developing-open-world-fantasy-aionguard/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Open-world fantasy news now, with Edge's latest issue taking a first look at "AionGuard," a new Lord of the Rings-inspired project from Avalanche Studios. According to the British mag, AionGuard follows the exploits of an army intent on capturing land that is otherwise "occupied by numerous mythical and magical creatures." As any band of armor-clad warriors will tell you, that's by far the worst kind of land to capture.

It inevitably leads to violence, which is probably why narrative director Odd Ahlgren says it's like "God Of War, but it's a lot more open and you have lots more choice in how to tackle these situations." He insists that the game isn't an RPG, however, and allays fears that action will revolve around grinding. The folks at Avalanche, who previously parachuted into the jungle with Just Cause, have yet to announce a publisher for the Xbox 360 and PS3 title.

Not that they should have trouble finding one -- it says here you'll also be able to pilot dragons. We'd be lairs liars if we said that didn't excite us.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios developing 'open-world fantasy' AionGuard originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AionGuardAvalancheAvalanche-StudiosDragonsEdgeFantasyJust-CausePS3Xbox-360Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: If it were up to you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/wii-warm-up-if-it-were-up-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/wii-warm-up-if-it-were-up-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/wii-warm-up-if-it-were-up-to-you/#commentsFiled under:

So, let's say someone just handed you the keys to a game design studio, and with it came a never-ending pile of cash, with which you could buy the rights to any characters or franchise. Hey, it's a fantasy scenario; we can't have road blocks like laws getting in the way here. So there you are, king of your own gaming castle. What do you direct the legions of programmers to work on?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: If it were up to you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designfantasyplease-god-a-new-good-bushido-bladeMon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[$10 Orcs and Elves on Gamestop shelves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/#commentsFiled under:

This tempting deal applies to brick and mortar stores only, but some eagle-eyed Cheap Ass Gamers noticed that Orcs and Elves is available at Gamestop for $9.99. The game may be a cell phone port, but $10 for John Carmack's fantastical dungeon-crawler is a more-than-fair price.

Ten bucks appears to be the going rate at all Gamestops, but we'll throw in a "your mileage may vary" warning just in case. Unfortunately, you won't be able to snag the sweet-looking wand stylus with this purchase, but cheap gamers like us just have to cut corners sometimes.

You may not be able to buy the game online, but by clicking on the picture or the "Source" link below, you can see if it's available at a Gamestop near you.

Gallery: Orcs & Elves


[Via CAG]

Joystiq$10 Orcs and Elves on Gamestop shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredealdungeon-crawlereafantasyfountainhead-entertainmentgamestopid-softwareorcs-and-elvesrpgWed, 18 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Which kingdom? MySims Kingdom!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/which-kingdom-mysims-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/which-kingdom-mysims-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/which-kingdom-mysims-kingdom/#commentsFiled under:


Ah, new screens from MySims Kingdom, the game in which you build a town of anthropomorphic critters, dig up fossils, and spend your time fish-- no? Oh, that's Animal Crossing. Right. MySims Kingdom is the WiiWare game in which you take on the role of a young king tasked with rebuilding your father's king-- no? That's a Final Fantasy title? Blast! All these games look alike, and with the new medieval/fantasy theme MySims Kingdom is taking on for the sequel, it's looking a lot like My Life as a King.

In fact, instead of directing you to look at the screenshots (which, surprisingly, look a lot like MySims, which means they're cute, but not terribly fresh!), we've prepared a minigame for you after the break. If you happen to prefer the screens, check 'em out in our gallery below -- and hit up Famitsu, where they recently featured some others.

Continue reading Which kingdom? MySims Kingdom!

JoystiqWhich kingdom? MySims Kingdom! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafantasymedievalmysimsmysims-kingdomsimulationWed, 04 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/#commentsFiled under:


Did you forget about Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars? Don't worry, so did we.

This PC port was supposed to come out at the end of last year, but disappeared off the face of the earth instead. We know many of you are RPG starved, though, so you may be glad to know that media for the game has finally surfaced.

IGN has some screens of Data Design Interactive's upcoming Wii game, but we're not sure when to expect the title. As you can probably deduce from the images, Call for Heroes also fits into the fantasy genre, and involves fighting demonic hordes to save the world -- your usual fantasy fare.

Yet, you may find yourselves weary of this game; after all, DDI is the company responsible for traumatic titles such as Ninjabread Man and other shovelware. The PC version (which released last summer) also got an average score of 25% on Metacritic, which is a pretty bad sign.

You can judge for yourself whether or not this game looks good, though, by checking out the screens posted after the break.

Continue reading Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware

JoystiqCall for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcall-for-heroesdata-design-interactiveddifantasypompolic-warsrpgWed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming DS game described as 'Schindler's List meets Alice in Wonderland']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/upcoming-ds-game-describe-as-schindlers-list-meets-alice-in-wonderl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/upcoming-ds-game-describe-as-schindlers-list-meets-alice-in-wonderl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/upcoming-ds-game-describe-as-schindlers-list-meets-alice-in-wonderl/#commentsFiled under:

We never thought anything would ever fall under the category of "Schindler's List meets Alice in Wonderland," but that's exactly how Luc Bernard is describing his new DS game.

Bernard, who is most known for the upcoming Wii Ware title Eternity's Child, is certainly a strange character. At least, we've gathered that much after he made the statement, "Yes games can be art and talk about important subjects like films can, and not just space rats in bondage suits that come down to whip you and put gags on your children while drinking all the vodka in the world."

It can't be argued that he has an interesting mind, though, so our curiosity is piqued in regards to his DS game. Like Eternity's Child, it will deal with genocidal themes. If that alone wasn't enough to warn you that this game would be a heartbreaker, it's titled Imagination is the Only Escape. Yet, we won't find out more information about it until after GDC, according to Bernard.

JoystiqUpcoming DS game described as 'Schindler's List meets Alice in Wonderland' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eternitys-childfantasygenocideluc-bernardWed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/wii-fanboy-review-the-spiderwick-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/wii-fanboy-review-the-spiderwick-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/wii-fanboy-review-the-spiderwick-chronicles/#commentsFiled under:

Thanks to the success of Harry Potter and those Lord of the Rings flicks, Hollywood has seen that the fantasy genre is quite the gold mine, laboring day and night to extract every precious bit of money from those that go to the movies. It's just the way things are now.

Enter The Spiderwick Chronicles, the latest film with a fantasy setting. It revolves around three siblings who have just moved to the creepy Spiderwick Estate after their parents go through a rather nasty break-up. As one might imagine, these grounds aren't what they appear to be, as its home to more than just the family that recently took up residence.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyjoystiqfeaturessierrathe-spiderwick-chroniclesWed, 13 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus announces Rondo of Swords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/atlus-announces-rondo-of-swords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/atlus-announces-rondo-of-swords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/atlus-announces-rondo-of-swords/#commentsFiled under:


Yesterday we found out from Nintendo that Rondo of Swords would be released for the DS in April, leaving us intrigued. Some of us at DS Fanboy (correctly) guessed that it was a localization of Success Corp's Ituwari no Rondo, but that's about it.

Atlus cured our curiosity today, though, by providing a press release about the game. Besides copying and pasting the Wikipedia definition of "rondo" for us (gee, thanks, Atlus!), the publisher announced that the SRPG would be coming to the DS on April 15th. The press release also mentioned quite a few times that the game is "epic," making us wonder if we should have read it out loud with epic voices. Other than that, most of the information about the game can be found at the game's official website here.

For all our snark, we're really looking forward to this game. The combat mechanic makes use of the touch screen, and the idea of a long, challenging game is especially compelling. Unfortunately, we won't find out until April if the game can deliver on its epic promises.



[Via press release]

JoystiqAtlus announces Rondo of Swords originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusepicfantasyituwari-no-rondorondo-of-swordssrpgsuccesssuccess-corpThu, 17 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmack attack: Orcs & Elves developer supports homebrew, wins our hearts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/carmack-attack-orcs-and-elves-developer-supports-homebrew-wins-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/carmack-attack-orcs-and-elves-developer-supports-homebrew-wins-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/carmack-attack-orcs-and-elves-developer-supports-homebrew-wins-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

Homebrew rules. We know it, you know it, and apparently Orcs & Elves developer John Carmack also knows it. He recently told IGN, "It is a shame that homebrew development can't be officially sanctioned and supported, because it would be a wonderful platform for a modern generation of programmers to be able to get a real feel for low level design work."

Okay, so maybe our reasons for loving homebrew are slightly more selfish than his, but we're all on the same page here, amirite? Too bad Nintendo won't ever feel the same way, due to the high potential for piracy.

Carmack also mentioned that the DS was the most fun platform that he has worked on to date. Speak no more, Mr. Carmack -- you had us at hello.

[Via Games Industry]

JoystiqCarmack attack: Orcs & Elves developer supports homebrew, wins our hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAFantasyFountainhead-Entertainmentid-SoftwareJohn-CarmackOrcs-and-elvesRPGFri, 09 Nov 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited edition Orcs & Elves stylus can't cast real spells]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/limited-edition-orcs-and-elves-stylus-cant-cast-real-spells/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/limited-edition-orcs-and-elves-stylus-cant-cast-real-spells/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/limited-edition-orcs-and-elves-stylus-cant-cast-real-spells/#commentsFiled under:


In an attempt to build some hype for the soon-to-be-released Orcs & Elves, EA has unveiled this limited edition stylus. And why not? It worked for another game you may have heard of.

You won't have to pre-order Orcs to get your hands on this stylus, which was designed to match the wand used in the game. However, since it is limited, those of you wanting the game should pick up your copy sooner rather than later. The editions of Orcs with the pack-in will cost the same as regular copies, but they'll only be available at specific retailers. Unfortunately, they'll only be sold in the US, too. Sorry, PALs!

Don't worry about it scratching up your DS, though. This stylus is Nintendo approved. It's also DS Fanboy approved, which is all that really matters, right?

JoystiqLimited edition Orcs & Elves stylus can't cast real spells originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureEAFantasyFountainhead-Entertainmentid-SoftwareLimited-EditionOrcs-and-ElvesRPGStylusThu, 01 Nov 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh Orcs & Elves screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/fresh-orcs-and-elves-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/fresh-orcs-and-elves-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/fresh-orcs-and-elves-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hot on the heels of yesterday's Orcs & Elves boxart comes a sheer avalanche of new screens for id's first-person RPG -- 28 of the things, to be exact, which we immensely enjoyed downloading and then uploading again. Cough.

Anyhow, the game is looking suitably dark, gloomy and dingy, as any good old-fashioned, pointy-eared slice of dungeon-crawling worth its salt should.

Look forward to slaying the orange chap to the right next month, and feast your eyes on the screens below in the meantime.

JoystiqFresh Orcs & Elves screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefantasyfirst-personidorcs-and-elvesrpgTue, 30 Oct 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Overabundance and dearth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-daily-overabundance-and-dearth/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-daily-overabundance-and-dearth/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-daily-overabundance-and-dearth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Water is pretty.The number of DS games given stateside release is now probably beyond 500 (we'd count up all the entries here but we're too lazy), but as in college campuses around the country, diversity can be a tricky beast. We've seen some great titles across the board, of course, but haven't you felt that the DS was a bit lacking in some areas, while watered down in others?

The most obvious absentees are the general JRPG and fighting genres. RPG experiences themselves aren't too difficult to come by, but standard fare (outside of remakes) is a bit harder to find. By and large the best fighting game for the DS, Jump Superstars, has never even been localized. When it comes to puzzle and racing genres, however, we're flooded with low-polish trash. Which genres do you feel are over- or under-represented, and of which would you like to see more?

JoystiqDS Daily: Overabundance and dearth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DiversitydsdFantasyFightingFinalgenreJRPGJumppuzzleracingRPGsuperstarsTue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Rumors are fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/wii-warm-up-rumors-are-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/wii-warm-up-rumors-are-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/wii-warm-up-rumors-are-fun/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whispery.We would put our journalistic integrity at risk by making a full-fledged post out of this stuff. Seriously, check the link: "confirmed reports" of Brawl and Galaxy release dates, new Mario Kart and Zelda for the Wii, a new original IP similar to Final Fantasy VII ... it's a Nintendo fan's wet dream. While we can't completely discount the fact that it's real, being constantly exposed to this drivel has to make one just a bit jaded.

Rumors are fun, there's no doubt ... even if we know it's fake, it's nice to imagine. But who writes this stuff? What kind of odd psychological thrill do they receive, and why are Nintendo fans so willing to ignore the obvious and go along with it? Some of it is impressive (see the Nintendo On video), but it seems that Nintendo is eighteen times more susceptible to ridiculous rumor-mongering than the nearest competitor. Ah well ... it's kinda fun ... we guess. Your thoughts?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Rumors are fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrawlFakeFantasyFinalGAFGalaxyJadedNeoGAFNewsRumorsVIIwwuTue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square-Enix remakes just keep on comin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/square-enix-remakes-just-keep-on-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/square-enix-remakes-just-keep-on-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/square-enix-remakes-just-keep-on-comin/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wow.Not content with releasing eighty remakes of popular Final Fantasy titles and making an obscene profit from said actions, a recent online interview with CEO Yoichi Wada revealed that the company has plans to remake an unknown number of their other mega-popular franchise, Dragon Quest (also known, for earlier iterations, as Dragon Warrior here in the states).

Which titles and how many are as of yet unknown ... the information seemed to just slip right out of Wada-san's vocal cords ... but we'd imagine a compilation similar to Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls. Also, while not officially confirmed for the DS, we can't really imagine these titles going anywhere else. Does this news excite you guys, or are the old-school DQ titles just a bit too old-school?

JoystiqSquare-Enix remakes just keep on comin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DragonFantasyFinalPortQuestRemakeWarriorThu, 24 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[FFIV DS to remove spoony bard?! [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/ffiv-ds-to-remove-spoony-bard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/ffiv-ds-to-remove-spoony-bard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/ffiv-ds-to-remove-spoony-bard/#commentsFiled under:

Spoonylicious![Update 1: Our bad. It appears that, in fact, three-fourths of the original game script was actually left out of the SNES title, and much of it will be added in for the new DS re-release. Still, the probability of a script rewrite is extremely high, so our terrifying supposition remains.]

Unacceptable, we decry! News from yon Square Enix headquarters, which is releasing approximately a dozen Final Fantasy-branded games in the next twelve months, reports that over three-fourths of Final Fantasy IV's script will be completely redone for the upcoming DS re-release. This is generally good news, as Square Enix's early efforts hardly utilized the kind of localization teams they employ today, but this particular instance is blasphemy.

The term "spoony bard" has become a cultural mainstay for today's youth. Why, when's the last time you could even leave the house without hearing it spoken thrice in direct succession? The removal of this phrase, we feel, would be extremely detrimental to the development of future generations. Square Enix, we implore thee, leave this paragon of digital literature be.

[Thanks, zshadow!]

JoystiqFFIV DS to remove spoony bard?! [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardFantasyffivffivdsFinalPortRemakeRPGSpoonySquare-EnixTellahThu, 17 May 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: One more time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/ds-daily-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/ds-daily-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/ds-daily-one-more-time/#commentsFiled under:

Nostalgia is a big factor for veteran gamers. As we long wistfully for the days of yore, full of Opera Houses and Triple Techs, companies scheme to use this wonderful emotion for profit. Square-Enix is a particularly egregious offender, but damned if we're not willing to buy that game we loved just one more time.

Final Fantasy III is a bit of an exception, since the title was never truly released in regions outside of Japan before last year. But how willing are you, as gamers, to buy rehashes of the very same game? We got the entire Final Fantasy Advance series (I, II, IV, V, and VI) and now Square-Enix wants to release a graphically overhauled version of FFIV ... again? With the inclusion of Final Fantasy Chronicles on the Playstation, this will be the fourth release of the same freaking game.

Do you need extra features or updated graphics to re-buy a game, or do you refuse on principal? As we know is that as long as we keep buying them, Square-Enix will keep remaking them. Pah.

JoystiqDS Daily: One more time originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdFantasyFFffiiiFinalPortRemakeThu, 10 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The FFIII engine prints money: Final Fantasy IV remake on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/the-ff3-engine-prints-money-final-fantasy-iv-remake-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/the-ff3-engine-prints-money-final-fantasy-iv-remake-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/the-ff3-engine-prints-money-final-fantasy-iv-remake-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: ,



Well, if you weren't quite convinced that Final Fantasy III DS was worth getting excited over, then try this on for size: rumor has it that the same team has taken on an update of Final Fantasy IV -- one of three Final Fantasy titles heralded as a contender for the title of best game ever.

Whereas the original FFIII was passed over for a U.S. release and featured, prior to update, a nameless band of warriors, the next entry in the series originated many of the qualities that turned the franchise into a global powerhouse. The game debuted the Active Time Battle system and featured an epic storyline that's still held dear in the hearts of RPG gamers everywhere. It's been remade several times -- most recently (and we mean recently) for the GBA -- but a remake using the FFIII engine could give the game new life and improve the only thing that needs to be improved, which is the graphics.

If this is true (and it wouldn't surprise us), we'll most likely hear confirmation on it soon, since the Square Enix Party is this weekend in Japan. According to the rumor, the game is nearly finished as well, so if it's coming, we won't have long to wait.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqThe FFIII engine prints money: Final Fantasy IV remake on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfantasyffiiiffivfinal fantasy ivFinalFantasyIvnintendoremakerpgsquare enixSquareEnixTue, 08 May 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer preps for FFIII in Europe, doesn't pan possible FFVII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/producer-preps-for-ffiii-in-europe-doesnt-pan-possible-ffvii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/producer-preps-for-ffiii-in-europe-doesnt-pan-possible-ffvii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/producer-preps-for-ffiii-in-europe-doesnt-pan-possible-ffvii/#commentsFiled under:

CVG recently sat down with Final Fantasy III producer Hiromichi Tanaka for a chat about the game's release in Europe this week. Much of the interview is given over to discussing the game's unexpected levels of success in Japan and the U.S., and hopes for Europe, though Tanaka had a few interesting things to say about both remakes and the DS. He said that in order to achieve the impressive look and effect of FFIII, they were forced to focus the handheld's power on only one screen, which certainly explains a lot. Since they were getting the chance to give the game a complete visual update, they wanted it to be as beautiful as possible.

But the part of the interview that will stick out and serve as fodder for FF-themed debate is the mention of Final Fantasy VII. CVG mentioned that FFVII is the game many fans hope and pray for on the DS, and Tanaka offered this cryptic response: "The main thing is the timing." If nothing else, it's not a no, so we'll put this one down as a possibility.

[Thanks, zshadow!]

JoystiqProducer preps for FFIII in Europe, doesn't pan possible FFVII originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseuropefantasyffiiiffviifinal fantasyFinalFantasyhiromichi tanakaHiromichiTanakalitenintendorpgsquare enixSquareEnixThu, 03 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates screenshot love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/crystal-chronicles-ring-of-fates-screenshot-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/crystal-chronicles-ring-of-fates-screenshot-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/crystal-chronicles-ring-of-fates-screenshot-love/#commentsFiled under:

Tree!
And it's all for you, dear reader. Resident blogger Alisha has officially declared today, April 25th, "Super JRPG Screenshot Day," in commemoration of not only these great screens but also these, from an equally desirable title.

The vote is pretty much unanimous that Final Fantasy III is the best-looking DS title to date, but it looks like Square-Enix whipped their programmers into making their games even prettier. Which means those men have whip marks everywhere. The problem with the original Crystal Chronicles was the amazingly intense hardware requirement, but if the new multiplayer cooperative system is easy to use, we might have yet another Squeenix bajillion-seller on our hands.

Continue reading Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates screenshot love

JoystiqCrystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates screenshot love originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChroniclesCrystalFantasyFatesFinalRingWed, 25 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix hasn't sipped the Virtual Console Kool-Aid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/square-enix-hasnt-sipped-the-virtual-console-kool-aid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/square-enix-hasnt-sipped-the-virtual-console-kool-aid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/square-enix-hasnt-sipped-the-virtual-console-kool-aid/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems that Square Enix isn't quite convinced about the whole Virtual Console thing. In an interview with Nintendo Dream magazine, Square's Shinji Hashimoto was dubious about the prospects for Final Fantasy games on the Virtual Console, stating that the Japanese audience (which is, of course, the audience that matters) needs physical media for their games. And like the responsible, friendly, consumer-oriented company that Square Enix is, they are happy to provide physical copies of Final Fantasy games. Over, and over, and over, and over again. Of course they don't want to sell a $5 copy of NES FF1 when they've got the PSP remake coming out.

We aren't that upset, since they've already released the best game in their library (in Japan and Europe, at least). Go ahead and argue with us. You know Actraiser is way better than Final Fantasy.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqSquare Enix hasn't sipped the Virtual Console Kool-Aid originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actraiserconsoleenixfantasyfinalfinalfantasynintendo wiiNintendoWiisquarevcvirtualwiiTue, 24 Apr 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Favorites: Jason's top five]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/ds-fanboy-favorites-jasons-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/ds-fanboy-favorites-jasons-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/ds-fanboy-favorites-jasons-top-five/#commentsFiled under:

Katana?!
All this week, the DS Fanboy staff is letting you in on a few of their favorite titles. Each day, a different member of the staff will present their personal top five DS games along with a snapshot of their gaming paraphernalia and habits, in an effort to provide our readers with a little more information on the tastes and personalities of our writers.

It's odd; in the past two years, I've played my DS more than any other system, console or otherwise. However, I very rarely play outside of the comfort of my own room. Sure, I have the ten minute bus ride to campus everyday, and an hour break between classes, but the bus ride is relaxing and the hour I spend on campus, playing chess with some friends. It's really a testament to the quality of the library on the DS, that it would stand against the heavy-hitting consoles without the added advantage of portability.

I'm a bit of a Renaissance gamer, playing titles far and wide. Sure, I've grown tired of the World War II shooters, but if a game is innovative and/or well-crafted, I'll give it a shot. I also like bunnies and salsa dancing and figure skating; I'm so macho.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Favorites: Jason's top five

JoystiqDS Fanboy Favorites: Jason's top five originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CenterdsfanboyfaveDuskElectroplanktonFantasyFinalHotelIIIJusticeLuigiMarioPartnersPhoenixTimeTraumaTraumaCenterWrightThu, 19 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: FFXIII chapter coming to the DS?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/rumor-ffxiii-chapter-coming-to-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/rumor-ffxiii-chapter-coming-to-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/rumor-ffxiii-chapter-coming-to-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Fabula-ous!Final Fantasy XIII will be an odd beast, containing a primary entry (currently an exclusive for the PS3) and several spin-off titles, a la Final Fantasy VII; the collection as a whole will be entitled Fabula Nova Crystallis. However, only two spin-offs had been announced: Final Fantasy XIII Versus, also for the PS3, and Final Fantasy XIII Agito, available for mobile phones. These were apparently the only planned titles until the above (beside?) picture surfaced, clearly showing at least three more unknown entries in the series.

Square-Enix knows how unbelievably profitable the DS is, and recently released review scores of FFXII: Revenant Wings will ensure solid sales in Japan. Personally, we find it hard to believe that one of these titles won't be coming to the DS, and heck, who knows ... there might even be a Wii title in there too.

JoystiqRumor: FFXIII chapter coming to the DS? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AgitoCrystallisFabulaFantasyFinalNovaVersusXIIITue, 17 Apr 2007 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2 screens march forward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/final-fantasy-tactics-advanced-2-screens-march-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/final-fantasy-tactics-advanced-2-screens-march-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/final-fantasy-tactics-advanced-2-screens-march-forward/#commentsFiled under:

Famitsu has updated us with some brand-new screens for the highly-anticipated Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2: The Sealed Grimore. These new images confirm that the map system of old has been updated with what looks like smaller maps for each individual region, held together by one large over-map of Ivalice. Sure, there are other games with the label of Final Fantasy coming to the DS, but out of them all, aren't you most excited about this one? If not, why?

We've gone ahead and put the images past the post break for your viewing convenience.

Continue reading Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2 screens march forward

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2 screens march forward originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsliteenixfantasyffa2finalfinalfantasylitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitesquaresquareenixMon, 09 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Mar. 12 - Mar. 18: Epic fantasy edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-epic-fantasy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-epic-fantasy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-epic-fantasy-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Winnar!
'Cross the sultry plains of Elmer'terath Plains, a cold dust blows at the feet of the barbarian, Golgawii. He sniffs the air, reveling the fresh scent of blood. He did not think much on it, though, for he was a barbarian, and muscles are always inversely proportional to intelligence.

He had just traversed the ultimately inconsequential Amriel mountains range in the far north of the Dractonian lands, in which the Eighth War of The Ages of the Third Rule of the Kings of Men was waged between the elves, ocrs, dwarves, dragons, faeries, gnomes, trolls, ogres, and various other creatures found in Shrek. It totally ushered in a new age.

Golgawii grasped his magical pendant, which contained supermegaawesome power. He received it after trading in his magic ring carved from the Stone of Ancient Wisdom using the Blade of Strength in the ...

Will Tolkien's soul stab us after this? Maybe. The Wii triumphed in an upset victory over the top seeded PSP, which is excellent, and the disqualified DS Lite predictably demolished any possible competition. Enjoy the remainder of the (real) tournament, everyone!

- DS Lite: 121,471 12,959 (11.94%)
- Wii: 67,070 22,575 (50.74%)
- PSP: 43,769 12,406 (22.08%)
- PS3: 21,635 10,480 (32.63%)
- PS2: 13,321 1,264 (8.67%)
- Xbox 360: 2,910 423 (12.69%)
- Game Boy Micro: 727 85 (10.47%)
- GBA SP: 557 122 (17.97%)
- Gamecube: 367 127 (52.92%)
- DS Phat: 159 40 (33.61%)
- GBA: 9 4 (30.77%)

[Source: Media Create]

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Mar. 12 - Mar. 18: Epic fantasy edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EditionEpicFantasyHardwareJapaneseMadnessMarchSalesSat, 24 Mar 2007 00:45:00 EST