Joystiq

NintendoWare Weekly: WiiWare demos, Pokemon Rumble, Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures

David Hinkle — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

This week, we get our first taste of Nintendo's new WiiWare demos. Surprisingly, it didn't take Nintendo that long to flip the switch for North America, considering the company revealed the long-overdue feature -- and day-one annoyance -- only earlier this month. And on top of the free trial versions of select WiiWare titles (five total this week!), there are also two new Virtual Console titles to enjoy, as well as three new DSiWare games. Hit the break for the full list.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: WiiWare demos, Pokemon Rumble, Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures

NintendoWare Weekly: WiiWare demos, Pokemon Rumble, Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

JC Fletcher — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:50:00 EST

Of all the shocks out of Nintendo's E3 presentation, perhaps nothing was as shocking as the revelation that Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is still happening, and even happening in North America. Well, not really. But we must admit that even when we saw the demo station in Nintendo's booth, we didn't really ... believe it was real. And they even let us play it. Really. We played Crystal Bearers. Have a look at some new screens and then check out our impressions after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

Hands-on: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finally, some details on FFCC: Crystal Bearers

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:15:00 EST

The latest issue of Famitsu has a pretty extensive preview for the upcoming Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers, a game that we've only recently seen in action. There's no denying it: Crystal Bearers doesn't look like your average Final Fantasy game, let alone your average Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game. That's because we now know it's set in a uniquely futuristic world that has traded in swords for guns. It's a world where magic has been forgotten and where the Yukes have fought a long, vicious war with the Lilties and lost (as in, like, every Yuke). The Lilties are still around, though, and now use the crystals to help people.

Enter Layle, the person who has been all over the trailers and art for the game (and in the image above this very post!). As a Crystal Bearer of the Clavat race, he has some unique abilities that allow him to manipulate gravity (not everyone forgot magic, we suppose). The story of the game revolves around him and his run-in with one of the supposedly extinct Yukes.

We won't go into the story any more than that in case you're trying to remain pure, but know that the game plans to use the Wiimote in some interesting ways. Since Layle can manipulate gravity, he can do a variety of different things to the environment around him and the objects in it. He can grab demons and toss them at other demons, kind of like a basic attack (though the Famitsu article says Layle will have different options depending on the demon he grabs). If he tries to grab something heavy or stationary (the example given is a ceiling lamp), then it will send him flying toward that object like he's using a grappling hook.

If you want to read IGN's summary of the Famitsu piece, then go ahead and give this a click. For those of you that want to look at the pictures, a scan has found its way online here. Oh, and in case you were wondering why it's taken so long to get details on the game, know that it's due to Square Enix not even having started development on it when it announced the title. Smooth move, Square Enix!

Finally, some details on FFCC: Crystal Bearers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC09: A mess of Final Fantasy games for WiiWare and Virtual Console (that's right, Virtual Console)

JC Fletcher — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:08:00 EST

Iwata just announced two new Final Fantasy games for WiiWare! My Life as a Darklord is a spooky-evil sequel to the WiiWare launch title My Life as a King. Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is the previously cellphone-only sequel to Final Fantasy IV!

Even better, vintage Final Fantasy is coming to the Virtual Console! The Final Fantasy games will be arriving on Nintendo's download service starting later this year.

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS

GDC09: A mess of Final Fantasy games for WiiWare and Virtual Console (that's right, Virtual Console) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FFCC: Echoes of Time makes North American debut this March

David Hinkle — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Those of us who've been seeing what is going on with FFCC: Echoes of Time and happen to live in North America, know that we get our chance to check out the DS-Wii compatible game on March 24th, when both the DS and Wii games will ship to retail. Square Enix has just cleared the game for release in the region, so you can be sure that we'll be looking to check it out then. What about you all? Looking forward to getting your hands on Echoes of Time?

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

FFCC: Echoes of Time makes North American debut this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS releases for the week of January 26th

David Hinkle — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:13:00 EST

Filed under: News

There's plenty available to DS gamers this week. Heck, when is that not the case? Gosh, we love the DS. It just gets so many darn good games. Like, all of the time. So, check out which games are going to be begging for your money this week below.

This week's North American releases are:

The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity
Imagine: Cheerleader
Jojo's Fashion Show
Coraline

Head past the break for the rest of this week's releases around the globe.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of January 26th

DS releases for the week of January 26th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comparing Echoes of Time on Wii and DS

David Hinkle — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: Video

Some new videos for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time have hit GameTrailers and they show us what we're dying to see: integration between the DS and Wii versions of the game. As you all know, playing the two are very similar, so it should be nothing but good times come this spring when the game releases.

Check out the comparison video above, then head past the break for two more videos, which show off character customization and two-player gameplay.

Continue reading Comparing Echoes of Time on Wii and DS

Comparing Echoes of Time on Wii and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy Cattle Drive Chronicles

JC Fletcher — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Screens

The latest update about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, Square Enix's DS/Wii action RPG, shows off some of the extra stuff that can be done in-game with pals. You can get new quests from Stiltzkin the Moogle, who has previously appeared in Final Fantasy IX and both previous Crystal Chronicles games, as well as from people around town.

One of the quests shown: wrangling wayward cattle in a dungeon! Your team must use red flags to direct wandering cows to their destination without allowing any of them to get killed. Now that's adventurin'!

When not corraling, you'll also be able to play a few multiplayer minigames, including boss rush and some kind of game about getting a floating beach ball into a whirlpool.

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

Final Fantasy Cattle Drive Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might as well Jump for new Dragon Quest IX, FFCC Echoes of Time trailers

JC Fletcher — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Video, Imports

We're slowly being converted into full-on Dragon Questism by the Dragon Quest IX hype, and this trailer from this weekend's Jump Festa event is certainly effective in that respect. It just looks like pure fun in a genre that is often dour and pretentious! We are officially in love with Koichi Sugiyama's Dragon Quest theme now. Square Enix and Level-5 may have been planning changes to the gameplay at one point, but any traces of action-RPG are gone now, and this is absolutely canonical Dragon Quest.

After the break, a trailer for another Square Enix RPG that may not inspire as much adoration in so many: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time. Your enjoyment of this trailer may hinge upon whether you think Echoes of Time's cross-platform release is innovative or merely cheap.

Continue reading Might as well Jump for new Dragon Quest IX, FFCC Echoes of Time trailers

Might as well Jump for new Dragon Quest IX, FFCC Echoes of Time trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crystal Bearers trailer included with Echoes of Time

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: News

Anyone who picks up a copy of the Japanese version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time will get a bonus: a trailer for the oft-discussed, much-delayed, and not-canceled The Crystal Bearers. As to whether or not it's an all-new trailer, we can't say. We can only report that it's a "special" trailer. But hey! The real news here is that Square Enix wants us to be reassured that The Crystal Bearers lives, and it's coming. And maybe we'll get lucky and it will be an all-new trailer filled with amazing footage that will knock our socks clean off. We'll find out come the end of January, when Echoes of Time is released.

Crystal Bearers trailer included with Echoes of Time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FFCC Echoes of Time in Europe this spring, English screens now!

JC Fletcher — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports, Screens

The North American release of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time will be echoed in Europe, according to a Square Enix press release. There's no solid date beyond "spring," but the press release specifically mentions both the DS and Wii versions of the game.

The cross-platform RPG features both online and local wireless multiplayer, through which up to four DSes can play together with one hosting, or one DS can host three DS players. The European release features English, Spanish, French, and German language modes, with multiplayer across languages also supported. To aid in communication, Echoes has a selection of fixed macros as well as user-customizable ones.

Check our gallery for the first English screens (of the DS version, mostly)!

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

FFCC Echoes of Time in Europe this spring, English screens now! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echoes of Time gets spring release in North America

Chris Greenhough — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:16:00 EST

Filed under: News, Nintendo Wi-Fi

Square Enix has announced plans to release Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time in North America next spring. The cross-platform ARPG will let players of the DS and Wii editions fight, level up, and build junk together, regardless of which console they're playing on. Both versions will come out on the same day, because that's kind of the point. Worryingly, GameStop has the Wii game priced at $10 more than its DS cousin -- in Japan, both cost the same.

Lumping DS and Wii players together means both games are pretty much identical (minus some on-screen furniture), but also allows us to pass the DS gallery off as a Wii gallery. Handy!

[Via press release]

Echoes of Time gets spring release in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Crystal Bearers not dead (just very badly burned)

Alisha Karabinus — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

After the recent back-and-forth, is-it, isn't-it on the fate of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, Game|Life's Chris Kohler sat down and did a little in-depth examination of the situation, and in his opinion, things aren't looking too great for Square Enix fans hoping for an epic SE experience on the Wii. While he grants that Square Enix stated outright that the game still exists and is still in development, he calls it vaporware and seems to doubt that the title will ever see a release. There's some interesting analysis of SE's press release that's worth looking at, as well as prior statements on rumors from Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Either this is going to be the best game ever, or something -- like Dragon Quest IX and Final Fantasy XIII? -- is diverting resources. Even SE can only make so many sprawling gaming experiences at a time. We diehards need to just settle back and wait for the dust from Final Fantasy XIII and co. to clear (if it ever does); after that, we'll probably get word on The Crystal Bearers. Chris Kohler may not agree, but if Square Enix says The Crystal Bearers are coming, well, we'll just believe they are. Someday, at least.

The Crystal Bearers not dead (just very badly burned) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crystal Bearers finally gone forever? [update]

Alisha Karabinus — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

Update: Huzzah! Square Enix says the game is still on.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is more than just a long title -- it's also a questionable game with a sketchy history. It's a history that may finally have come to a close, however: after back-and-forth rumors of the game's continuation and demise, apparently the latest issue of EGM points toward the game's cancellation. While the EGM rumor may be off track, we're certainly not surprised if it does turn out to be the truth. We've been considering it gone for some time, and only now, as we are reminded of what could have been, are we saddened again. Lament with us in the comments, if you wish.

[Via GoNintendo]

Crystal Bearers finally gone forever? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Your Final choice?

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time‎ utilizes a specifically designed game engine that allows Wii and DS owners to play online together.

Both versions of the title will look, sound, and cost (¥5,040 in Japan) the same, but there are slight benefits to each. Even with its screen-within-a-screen design, the Wii game will still feature a larger viewing area when hooked up to your TV, while the DS edition obviously has the bonus of increased portability. If you are getting Echoes of Time, which platform will you be buying it for, and why?

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (DS)

DS Daily: Your Final choice? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Connect and play anytime, anywhere with FFCC Echoes of Time

JC Fletcher — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Video

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time has received a lot of attention for its bizarre cross-platform release: the same game will come out on the same day on both the DS and the Wii, and it will look the same. So, yes, by virtue of looking good for a DS game, it will be a not-that-great-looking Wii game. But the point is that it can be played anywhere.

And that's what this trailer gets across: any combination of DS players and Wii players, in any location with Internet access, can play Echoes of Time together. If you feel like blowing a bunch of money, you can play it on both systems.

Connect and play anytime, anywhere with FFCC Echoes of Time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echoes of Time (and Miis)

Alisha Karabinus — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

If you were just itching to see someone else's Mii in a DS screenshot of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, then you've come to the right place. Along with some other excellent new shots, we have that very thing in the gallery below. Like the way the game looks? Your lucky day rolls on, because we heard a little rumor that there may be some wallpapers available on the official site by the end of the week.

The DS/Wii release Echoes of Time is slated for January in Japan, and, unofficially, some time that isn't soon enough for the rest of the world.

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (DS)

Echoes of Time (and Miis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echoes of Time to support worldwide play, evidence points to North America release

David Hinkle — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: News

Super sleuth Spencer from Siliconera found something interesting at the Japanese site for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time: a menu screen. It might not seem like a big deal, but one of the selectable options on that menu screen shows the game to have a feature that allows gamers to connect with players from other regions than their home. Why would Square Enix put this in the game if it wasn't destined for release in North America? We really can't think of a reason.

We suggest you head on over to the site and do some poking around. Also, it looks like there'll be some wallpapers and whatnot available for download on October 10th.

[Via Siliconera]

Echoes of Time to support worldwide play, evidence points to North America release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix trademark could be new Crystal Chronicles game

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:08:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

Fans of the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles line-up of games from Square Enix are in for a treat. Not only because the upcoming DS-and-Wii compatible Echoes of Time looks really sweet, but because a recent trademark by Square Enix has opened up the door for another Crystal Chronicles game.

Recently, Square Enix filed a trademark for Crystal Defenders in the US Patent Trademark database. This new trademark has nothing to do with Echoes of Time, seeing as how Square Enix trademarked that back in July. Of course, there's also the possibility that this isn't for anything new and could be tied to a mobile title from the company, Crystal Guardians W1, says Spencer over at Siliconera. We guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Square Enix trademark could be new Crystal Chronicles game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Besides the DSi

Alisha Karabinus — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

Nintendo announced and showed off a lot more than just the DSi, though understandably, it's taking most of the spotlight. This is a new handheld, people: it's big stuff.

But we've talked about it, and we'll keep talking about it. Right now, we want to talk about something else. There's been a boatload of news in general the last couple of days. What else did you see that got your blood pumping? Release date for Rhythm Heaven? Mario & Luigi 3? New glimpses of Kingdom Hearts? New Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles?

DS Daily: Besides the DSi originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six of our favorite Media Summit videos

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:48:00 EST

Filed under: Video

You've already had the chance to examine scores of wonderful screens from new Wii games announced at the Nintendo Media Summit. This new post is dedicated to displaying thousands of more screens (squashed together to create videos) of some of the bigger titles that have been shown at the event.

We settled on placing Nintendo's official Punch-Out!! trailer at the top of this post, but could have easily led with some truly fantastic Sin & Punishment 2 footage, an impressive tech demo of The Conduit, or Yuji Naka's wacky-looking Let's Tap. Instead, all of those (and more) are past the break, and need to be viewed right now. Before you go, though, one final note: if any game released this year has a funkier soundtrack than Let's Tap, we'll be gobsmacked.

Continue reading Six of our favorite Media Summit videos

Six of our favorite Media Summit videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

The worst bit about big industry events for impatient bloggers and readers? The game assets. Oh Lordy, the assets. An absolute landslide of screens, usually scattered about across, ooh, dozens of pages.

But not at DS Fanboy! Not on our watch! Because we wub you, readers, we've collected a big old stack of new screens for your viewing pleasure and placed them all after the break of just one post. This post, in fact. From the well-known to the obscure, we'd be amazed if there's not at least one game that appeals to everyone past that line of blue text. Mario & Luigi 3, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (right), Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel, Shining Force Feather, and Picross 3D is only scratching the surface, so make the jump!

Continue reading DS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up

DS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Final Fantasy lets DS and Wii gamers play at the same time

David Hinkle — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

Fans of Square Enix and their Final Fantasy line of games are in for a treat. The company revealed in the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine that it's developing a new installment in its Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series of games. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is a game that will release on the DS and Wii on January 29th. Also, it will allow DS gamers and Wii gamers to play together online. How neat is that?

Nothing in the way of exact functionality is explained, other than the prospect of transferring your Mii from the Wii version of the game to the DS title (and the previously mentioned co-op). We'll provide more information as it's made available.

New Final Fantasy lets DS and Wii gamers play at the same time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix reveals new Final Fantasy for Wii

David Hinkle — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST

Filed under: News

The latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine in Japan details a new game from Square Enix in the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles franchise, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time. Other than having a ridiculously long name, the title will allow DS and Wii gamers to play alongside each other at the same time online. It will even allow you to transfer your Mii from the Wii version of the game to the DS version!

The game has a release date of January 29th listed and when more info is made available, we'll update you all. Who's excited for some more Final Fantasy on Wii?

[Via Final Fantasy Union]

Square Enix reveals new Final Fantasy for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No more DLC planned for My Life as a King

David Hinkle — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: News, WiiWare

FFCC: My Life as a King's director, Kenichiro Yuji, commented to 1UP that fans of My Life as a King (and fans of spending money on DLC) aren't going to get downloads anytime soon. "All DLC has been available since May 30. That's everything for now, and we have no plans for future DLC at the moment." So much for more downloadable bikini outfits!

How many of you have picked up some DLC for My Life as a King? Want more? Could care less?

No more DLC planned for My Life as a King originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Developers dish on My Life as a King on the Nintendo Channel

Candace Savino — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Video, WiiWare

While we do love all different kinds of trailers and videos to spaz up our normally dull internet lives, we really appreciate when we come away with something useful after watching one. That's why we love developer's diaries, especially ones that involve the beloved Square Enix, and especially when said Squeenix game is WiiWare's My Life as a King.

With the exception of the almost monotonous voice-over work, we found the video and the tidbits of info offered interesting. Note, though, that we're still a little bitter about the "content updates," which is the developers' euphemism for "Square Enix maiming our wallets for stuff that should have been included in the first place."

Nothing else too special hit the video channel, aside from some previews of upcoming games. Here's the full list, though, for you to judge:

Developer's Voice - FFCC: My Life as a King (embedded above)
SPOGS Racing Info Video
Get Wii Fit with Alyson: Strength Training
We Love Golf! Info Video
LEGO Indiana Jones Info Video
Little League World Series 2008 Info Video
Final Fantasy IV Info Video (DS)
Soul Bubbles Info Video (DS)

Developers dish on My Life as a King on the Nintendo Channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Life as a King gets harder every day

Phil Larsen — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

It's easy adding a bunch of content to pretty up your Life as a King, but the latest details for the new Japanese additions are anything but cosmetic. For a price of 300 Wii Points, Infinite Tower is a tough dungeon with plenty of infinitely awesome treasure to find. The Library (200 Points) allows you to teach species-specific abilities and includes an extra dungeon.

Finally, Castle Reform (100 Points) lets you change adventurers names and adds the Temporary Estuary Dungeon. Three content-heavy updates for a grand total of 600 Wii Points. Nothing superficial there .. except that bikini for Chime and new clothes for King Leo -- 100 Points each. Well, lives of kings can't all be explore'n and build'n.

Life as a King gets harder every day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fanboy Weekly: June 5 - June 11

David Hinkle — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii

Before you question how you're able to read Shigeru Miyamoto's thoughts (let alone visualize them in a speech bubble in clear, easy-to-read text), we would like to ask you about your thoughts on Wii Fit? Do you have it? Want it, but can't find it? The latter story seems to be the one most can identify with right now, so we figured we'd compile a list of some alternatives, which consist of past combinations of gaming and exercise (exergaming, if you will), along with a little bit of our own flair tossed in.

Oh, and for those of you who enjoy free stuff, check out our latest Virtually Free giveaway. We're hooking one person up with My Life as a King.

Features

Wii Fanboy Review: My Pokemon Ranch
Check out our review and direct-feed video commentary
Born for Wii: Panzer Dragoon Orta
We reimagine the game for Wii
Wii Fanboy Review: Actionloop Twist
Is this one worth your time, European gamers? We let you know
Can't find Wii Fit? Try these alternatives!
Our compiled list of alternatives to the hot new exercise bundle
Revolutionary: Balance and Options
Columnist Mike Sylvester churns out another good one
Brawl Stage of the Week
Our weekly highlight of user-created stages for the game
Virtually Overlooked: Rex Ronan: Experimental Surgeon
We tell you why it should be on the Virtual Console
VC Monday Madness video wrap-up 6/9/08
Our direct-feed video and commentary to this week's Virtual Console releases in North America

Video Content

This might be the best Guitar Hero III player ever
Seriously
Current TV on the Wii Fit phenomenon
Pretty funny skit about Wii Fit
How to snap a neck in Tenchu IV
Surprisingly easy!
A new habit for nuns
Everyone is into Nintendo's latest console

News of Note

Best Buy replenishes Wii Fit, Karate Kid stock
But when will they clear all those Fast & Furious DVDs out?
Korea's Wii controllers are a steal
Darn cheap to pick up some hardware in Korea
WiiWare developer shares rejection letter
They can't all be winners, can they?

Wii Fanboy Weekly: June 5 - June 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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My Life in the Everyone's Kingdom website

Candace Savino — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:33:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

My Life as a King fan, are you? Then you'll be happy to know that Square Enix created a love-fest site for the game, in which you take a break from being the king and become the adventurer instead.

When you first enter the site (assuming you've logged into your Square Enix Member's account), you'll be greeted by a quiz that will determine your job (this blogger sadly conjured up the lamest of the lame jobs, the white mage). Once you have a job and a house, you can dally around the town.

Different places in the virtual kingdom let you do various things. At the castle, you can write questions, comments, or thoughts about the game to its developers. Throughout the town you can also check out the bulletin to see the "king's behests," download some goodies (like screen savers), see other members' "houses," and other random stuff.

The website is a nice idea for fan service, but to be honest, there's no reason to spend more than five minutes there at the moment. Hopefully Square Enix will add some more neat things to it soon.

[Via Destructoid]

My Life in the Everyone's Kingdom website originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 22:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, WiiWare

The Final Fantasy games have sometimes differed wildly from one another in terms of gameplay and look, but they've tended to have one thing in common: a group of adventurers ends up charged with a Very Important Task. With this latest installment, however, you're the one doing the charging. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King turns the whole formula on its head by placing the player in the role of a king who must rebuild and reclaim his country, and the result is the most unusual Final Fantasy yet.

My Life as a King is about just that: the tasks a ruler must undertake in order to build up his kingdom. Upon your arrival, there's nothing but walls and a castle, and it's up to you to create neighborhoods, train warriors, and master the surrounding terrain, all from the comfort of your cobblestone streets.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King

Wii Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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My Impressions as a King

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, WiiWare

Like a child counting down the days until Christmas, I've been looking forward to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King. I'm a sucker for Square Enix anyway, and the prospect of a $15 game (even if there is pricey DLC) was too much to resist. That's why it was so shocking to discover that my first few game days in Padarak were ... well, boring. Everything was very controlled and linear, and I couldn't run around and explore. Instead, I sat through cutscenes explaining more than I wanted to know at that point, when all I wanted to do was flex my new architek power. And then, once I was free, I had very little in the way of resources! Frustrating.

Several hours later, since I was still playing, I realized that maybe I wasn't so bored after all. The simple directive of get more stuff sucked me in as soon as I had a free hand with the game, and before I even had time to think, I was obsessed with building up my little kingdom. Without my even realizing it, My Life as a King had gone from boring to fun.

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My Impressions as a King originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: WiiWare

Besides checking out what retail Wii and DS games Nintendo had available, Joystiq also managed to spend some quality time with WiiWare and a few of its games. The general consensus? It's a mixed bag.

Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People seems to capture the Flash toon's look and feel, but is fairly linear (at least in the demo available at NMS08). Stern was also able to pry some more info about the episodic nature of the game from the title's marketing director, who said "Each episode, a different designer [is in charge], which is more like they do on TV. ... It's still the same team. [But] it'll be interesting to see how the episodes feel as a result. With Sam & Max, we've had complaints that they feel too similar. We might find with Strong Bad, that each one feels very different."

LostWinds is shaping up nicely, apparently, as Stern commented "Because of game's playful controls, I wish I could have spent the time progressing through the entire game." He says this because LostWinds is actually finished, and the folks behind it hope its in the WiiWare launch lineup.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King is more for the folks that like everything outside of the combat in RPG games. It's very menu-heavy, and you're very much like the manager of the game, sending out your townfolk to find goodies to bring back to you.

Pop seems to have some very interesting multiplayer mechanics and, like LostWinds, is totally finished. The single-player games are "casual and a trance-like way to relax," apparently. They hope that it will be in the WiiWare launch lineup and between 500 and 800 Wii Points.

Major League Eating is offering up a buffet of features for users to take from, including Wi-Fi gameplay and the complete package of competitive eating. There's going to be gross out techniques, as well as actual attack and defensive maneuvers. We're not all about who can eat a billion hot dogs the fastest ourselves, but it looks like this one is shaping up to be a full meal of fun on WiiWare.

World of Goo is something that we've been interested in, surely you all know. And everytime someone checks it out and bothers to write something up on the internet, we're even more convinced this is a must download. Stern's label that this title has the "clever puzzle mechanic" and "irresistible gameplay" we've been hoping may have just cemented its status as a must own for us.

Read - Major League Eating
Read - World of Goo
Read - LostWinds
Read - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
Read - Pop
Read - Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

NMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Fanswag: The Ring of Fates awaits

Alisha Karabinus — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Meta

There's nothing we love more than giving you free stuff, particularly when it's something we've enjoyed ourselves. This time, we invite one lucky reader to join twins Yuri and Chelinka (and friends) on their epic quest. All you have to do to win our copy of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates ($39.99) is answer a simple question: what's your favorite DS game from Square Enix (so far)? Legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) may enter once per day between now and Wednesday, April 9; the contest will end that night at 11:59 PM Eastern time. Please note that, as with most of our contests, you must be 18 or older to enter. Questions? Check the official rules. We'll select one winner in a random drawing on April 10. If you want it to be you, get commenting!

DS Fanswag: The Ring of Fates awaits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiiWare Final Fantasy to charge for downloadable races

Kyle Orland — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Online, RPGs

We've known for a while that Nintendo's just-launched-in-Japan WiiWare service would require an additional fee for some downloadable content. Little did we know that content would include a pretty fundamental part of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King.

SiliconEra is reporting (via Square's Japanese web site) that players who pay 1,500 Wii Shop Points to purchase the ridiculously-abbreviated FFCC:MLaaK will only have access to one of the game's races. Players wishing to recruit any of the other three races will have to spend 100 to 300 Wii Shop Points to construct a home for them. Players will also be able to lay down real money for new character costumes, which don't seem to have any effect on the gameplay.

Given the controversy surrounding the pricing of additional gameplay content for Lumines Live, we can't imagine Wii owners will be happy shelling out 1,500 points for what's essentially an incomplete product. Then again, the wide variety of Final Fantasy collectibles suggests a fan base willing to shell out whatever it takes to get their dose of apocalyptic, Japanese RPG goodness. We'll see soon enough, we suppose.

WiiWare Final Fantasy to charge for downloadable races originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: Shooting crystal bugs edition

David Hinkle — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: What are you playing?

With three high-profile titles releasing in North America this week, we're having a hard time deciding what game (or games) to pick up for this weekend's promised downtime. Should we go with the tried-and-true formula of shooting everything in sight and get Nanostray 2? Or, should we see about putting on our gumshoes and solving a case or two in Insecticide? Perhaps the more epic quest is in order and we should go with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates? Maybe we should just go with them all?

While we try to decide, tell us what you've got going on in your gaming world this weekend. What will you be playing?

WRUP: Shooting crystal bugs edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crystal Bearers continued development possibly confirmed

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

We've been greatly concerned with the fate of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for the Wii, considering the system needs more RPGs, and certainly a Final Fantasy game (outside of Wii Ware). There have been rumors, however, that the game was canceled, and we've been biting our nails and waiting for news. It looks like we've finally got some, though from an unlikely source: an interview about the latest DS games in the franchise.

The staff at Kikizo recently sat down with some of the creative forces behind Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates, and in the course of the discussion, the possibility of connectivity between the Wii and DS Crystal Chronicles games came up. Ring of Fates director Mitsuru Kamiyama indicated that the Wii title is, in fact, still in development. We are so very relieved.

There's just one problem that sheds a little doubt on the Crystal Bearers reference -- either the Kikizo staff wasn't too familiar with the DS titles, or this is an old interview. There are questions asked about well-known features of both DS games (such as the lack of inclusion of Wi-Fi multiplayer), and we're forced to take the whole thing with a grain or two of salt. However, we're willing to hope that we've just been thrown the tiniest of bones reassuring us that we have a Final Fantasy experience to look forward to beyond what's coming on Wii Ware.

[Via GoNintendo]

Crystal Bearers continued development possibly confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS releases for the week of March 17th

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

This week, there are a lot of DS games headed out all around the globe, but it's particularly a great week for those of you who keep your eyes peeled for interesting Japanese releases. Not the import type? That's okay -- there's a lot of other games to consider, and some that aren't even quite games, per se.

Diary Girl
Fantasy Aquarium by DS
GoPets: Vacation Island
Lost in Blue 3
Sega Superstars Tennis

Continue reading DS releases for the week of March 17th

DS releases for the week of March 17th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews

Let me get this out of the way right off: I have always preferred the "older" Final Fantasy games. By that, I don't mean the older titles in the series (my favorites are scattered throughout), but rather, those that feature older main characters. Because of this, I approached Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates with a rumbling feeling of apprehension. It looked good. It sounded much improved, control- and gameplay-wise, over the GameCube's Crystal Chronicles. But would I be able to get into a storyline that revolved around youthful characters?

I need not have worried. Ring of Fates boasts a surprisingly rich coming of age story in a world that is beautifully realized and packed with dungeons just waiting to be looted. Even the most hardcore fans, who prefer a traditional Final Fantasy experience, will find little to disappoint here.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

DS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: Many genres edition

David Hinkle — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: What are you playing?

This week's release list is pretty darn nice, with a variety of genres being represented in the ranks of new titles available for the DS. RPG junkies get their fix with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates, shoot-em-uppers get something new in Nanostray 2 and the niche crime-solving insect genre gets an entry in Insecticide. How's that for a week of releases?

Are you picking up a new game? Going to hammer away at something older? What are you playing?

WRUP: Many genres edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS releases for the week of March 10th

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

What a week for DS releases! Of course, in the shadow of a certain release on the Wii side of the Nintendo fence, a big week was probably necessary, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. Though there are only three DS titles scheduled for release, each one has something going for it. How often does that happen?

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
Insecticide
Nanostray 2

In fact, there's a lot to look forward to all around the world. Europe's scoring Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and Bomberman Land Touch! 2, among other titles, and Japan boasts our beloved Contra 4 (there, Dual Spirits), and the hilarious Duel Love. Surely you can find some time to tear yourself away from beatdowns for one of these.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of March 10th

DS releases for the week of March 10th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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