Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection completely available April 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/final-fantasy-iv-complete-collection-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/final-fantasy-iv-complete-collection-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/final-fantasy-iv-complete-collection-release-date/#commentsSquare Enix fans going through Final Fantasy withdrawal will at last have another opportunity to buy something bearing the series name this spring. Square Enix today announced that it's localizing the Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection for PSP, with a North American release set for April 19. The collection will retail for $30.

Complete Collection includes a new version of Final Fantasy IV (originally released on SNES as Final Fantasy II), with updated graphics designed for PSP and a new soundtrack arrangement. It also includes the game's direct sequel, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, currenly available in North America as an episodic WiiWare release.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV Complete Collection completely available April 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-4-complete-collectionfinal-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearsplaystationpspq2-2011release-datesonysquare-enixTue, 01 Feb 2011 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV and The After Years collected on PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/final-fantasy-iv-and-the-after-years-collected-on-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/final-fantasy-iv-and-the-after-years-collected-on-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/final-fantasy-iv-and-the-after-years-collected-on-psp/#commentsWe're a little surprised it took this long for Square Enix to bundle Final Fantasy IV and its mobile / WiiWare followup, The After Years. Square does enjoy re-releasing Final Fantasy IV after all. The latest version is Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection for PSP, revealed in V-Jump magazine.

Complete Collection includes an updated version of FFIV, like the freshened-up Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy 2 released on PSP, with fancy graphics for spells and new character portraits, combined with 2D character models. The After Years is presented in the same style. The Complete Collection is slightly more complete than just the two games on their own: it also includes an exclusive story connecting the two.

It'll be released in Japan this spring. There's no reason not to expect Square Enix to localize this Final Fantasy game, so it's only a matter of time.

[Image: Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (WiiWare version)]

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV and The After Years collected on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-4-complete-collectionfinal-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearsfinal-fantasy-iv-the-complete-collectionjapanplaystationpspq2-2011release-datesonysquare-enixMon, 13 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia Duodecim: Final Fantasy coming to PSP next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-psp-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-psp-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-psp-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix just revealed in the latest issue of Shonen Jump (via Siliconera) that a sequel to Dissidia: Final Fantasy will arrive on Japanese PSPs sometime in 2011. Titled "Dissidia Duodecim: Final Fantasy," the new fighter was created specifically as a challenge to website copy editors.

Outside of FFIV's Kain and FFXIII's Lightning, no other playable characters have been confirmed. We get the feeling you'll see an expanded roster of fan-favorite brawlers at next week's Tokyo Game Show.

JoystiqDissidia Duodecim: Final Fantasy coming to PSP next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-xiiikainlightningplaystationpspshonen-jumpsonysquare-enixtokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2010Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nintendo downloads: Tales in a Box, Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/european-nintendo-downloads-tales-in-a-box-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/european-nintendo-downloads-tales-in-a-box-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/european-nintendo-downloads-tales-in-a-box-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looksley's Line Up, also known as "that game everyone thought was a 3DS demo," arrives in Europe today under the title Tales in a Box: Hidden shapes in perspective! If your interests lie less in the uncomfortably futuristic, and more in the vintage, Final Fantasy II is available on Virtual Console. This is the one we know now as Final Fantasy IV. See the rest of the Wii and DS downloads at Nintendo UK.

JoystiqEuropean Nintendo downloads: Tales in a Box, Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsDSiWareEuropeFinal-Fantasy-4final-fantasy-ivLooksleys-Line-UpnintendoVirtual-ConsolewiiWiiWareSat, 12 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/#commentsSure, you could play Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 and Xbox 360 this week, but you could also buy a Final Fantasy game whose quality isn't under any debate -- partly because it's really good, and partly because Final Fantasy II for SNES was released in 1991 and the debate has pretty much elapsed by now.

Or you could bypass that whole Final Fantasy thing and play a cute game about a kid and his amazing drawing ability.

Gallery: Max & the Magic Marker (WiiWare)


Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4-travellers-play-spanishdracula-undead-awakeningDSdsiwareelemental-mastersfinal-fantasy-iifinal-fantasy-ivflipsmax-and-the-magic-markerNintendonintendoware-weeklysnesvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareMon, 08 Mar 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix introduces 'Ultimate Hits' line for DS in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/square-enix-introduces-ultimate-hits-line-for-ds-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/square-enix-introduces-ultimate-hits-line-for-ds-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/square-enix-introduces-ultimate-hits-line-for-ds-in-japan/#comments It's a formula gamers are all too familiar with. First step: Release a game (and hope it sells a bunch). Second step: As time goes on and the sales pile up, gain interest in your product again through a discounted re-release. Rinse and repeat.

Enter: Dragon Quest IX, Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest IV and Dragon Quest V, a line-up of games to be branded under Square Enix's 'Ultimate Hits' (partial machine translation) line of DS games. Square Enix is gearing up to re-release these games this March, at a discounted ¥2,940 (around $32). That's cheap, considering most DS games release there for around $50.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqSquare Enix introduces 'Ultimate Hits' line for DS in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtePiazzaCattle-CallDQ5DQ9dragon-questDragon-Quest-5Dragon-Quest-5-Hand-of-the-Heavenly-BrideDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ivdragon-quest-ixdragon-quest-vfinal-fantasy-ivgreatest-hitsJRPGLevel-5NintendoRPGsquare-enixultimate-hitsTue, 12 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The World Ends With You, Crisis Core, FFIV just $10 today on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/world-ends-with-you-crisis-core-ffiv-just-10-today-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/world-ends-with-you-crisis-core-ffiv-just-10-today-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/world-ends-with-you-crisis-core-ffiv-just-10-today-on-amazon/#comments Looking for a ludological stocking stuffer for the RPG fan in your life? Amazon's Deal of the Day has you covered -- three of Square Enix's portable titles (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for PSP and The World Ends With You and Final Fantasy IV on DS) have had their prices rolled back to just $9.78 for today only. At those prices, you've got no reason not to buy one of these for your dearest friends and family. Especially family who writes for the same gaming news site as you, who let you borrow their copy of The World Ends With You in March, which you beat and then traded in, you thoughtless bastard.

[Via CheapAssGamer]

JoystiqThe World Ends With You, Crisis Core, FFIV just $10 today on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncrisis-coredeal-of-the-dayfinal-fantasy-ivrpgsalesquare-enixthe-world-ends-with-youWed, 16 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Tuesday: An impossibly large update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vc-wiiware-tuesday-an-impossibly-large-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vc-wiiware-tuesday-an-impossibly-large-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vc-wiiware-tuesday-an-impossibly-large-update/#commentsThis week is certainly the largest single update the Japanese Wii Shop has had since the launch of the Virtual Console back in December of 2006. It's also, sadly, a feat that probably won't be repeated, given the recent decline in selection. But let's not talk about declines when we've got such an incredible increase this month! Four games on Virtual Console -- and good ones, too, like Final Fantasy IV and Pac-Mania, would be remarkable enough, but they are joined by no fewer than nine on WiiWare.

The WiiWare selection includes genuinely interesting content like Bit.Trip: CORE, the one-button Tomenasanner Wii (seen above), and the three Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games; plus genuinely forgettable content like Sandy Beach, and wild cards like dolphin-training game Sea Farm, Derby Dog, which is, yes, a game about racing different varieties of dog, and a brain training game with its most notable feature being that its title translates to "Make your Square Brain Round."

The complete release listings are posted after the break.

Continue reading VC/WiiWare Tuesday: An impossibly large update

JoystiqVC/WiiWare Tuesday: An impossibly large update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-trip-corecosmo-gangderby-dogfinal-fantasy-ivjapanpac-maniapepen-ga-pengopokemon-mystery-dungeonsandy-beachsea-farmshikakui-atama-wo-Maruku-surutomenasanner-wiivctuesdayvirtual-consolewiiwareTue, 04 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo releases tiny August Virtual Console list for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/nintendo-releases-tiny-august-virtual-console-list-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/nintendo-releases-tiny-august-virtual-console-list-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/nintendo-releases-tiny-august-virtual-console-list-for-japan/#commentsWe don't know why we expect big Virtual Console lineups in Japan -- perhaps because it's the only region where zero-game or one-game weeks aren't the norm, and the only region where Nintendo seems to care enough to, you know, promote it. But only six games were announced for next month, including one game we knew was coming, Final Fantasy IV.

The other offerings include a Kunio hockey game, a Namco cute-em-up, and two maze games: Pac-Mania, the pseudo-3D Pac-Man sequel that adds jumping, and Pepen ga Pengo, an updated, four-player sequel to Sega's 1982 Pengo, and something that we'd love to see released here as an import. You know, if Nintendo ever decides to get back to releasing VC games.
  • Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu! Subete Koron de Dairantou (Famicom)
  • Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom)
  • Pepen ga Pengo (Mega Drive)
  • Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Mega Drive)
  • Cosmo Gang: The Video (Arcade)
  • Pac-Mania (Arcade)

JoystiqNintendo releases tiny August Virtual Console list for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-ivjapanpac-maniapengopitfall-the-mayan-adventurevirtual-consoleFri, 31 Jul 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV coming to Japanese VC Aug. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/final-fantasy-iv-coming-to-japanese-vc-aug-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/final-fantasy-iv-coming-to-japanese-vc-aug-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/final-fantasy-iv-coming-to-japanese-vc-aug-4/#comments
The original Final Fantasy IV -- sans DS upgrades -- will hit Japan's Virtual Console on August 4 for 900 Wii Points. The news comes soon after Final Fantasy IV: The After Years was summoned to the region. The release of the fourth installment seems natural, as Final Fantasy I - III are already available on the VC in Japan.

So, yeah, still nothing new to report about any of the classic Final Fantasy games coming to North America. It appears those seeking a potion of nostalgia will have to consume it across the many iterations released on Nintendo handhelds over the years.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV coming to Japanese VC Aug. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearssquare-enixTue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese FFIV: The After Years release schedule revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/japanese-ffiv-the-after-years-release-schedule-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/japanese-ffiv-the-after-years-release-schedule-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/japanese-ffiv-the-after-years-release-schedule-revealed/#comments
Famitsu has revealed the Japanese release schedule for the episodes that make up Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. Following the July 21 release of the title's initial chapters, Square Enix will stagger episodic releases weekly and bi-weekly. Additional chapters for the game will be priced at 300 and 800 Wii Points.

Already into its seventh (of 13) chapter on the North American WiiWare store, The After Years tells the story of characters following the 1991 SNES classic Final Fantasy IV -- presumably in an effort for Square Enix to tease and ignore all fan desire for a actual Final Fantasy VII remake. The series originally debuted as a episodic mobile game, exclusively in Japan. The Japanese release schedule can be found after the break.

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS



[via Andriasang]

Continue reading Japanese FFIV: The After Years release schedule revealed

JoystiqJapanese FFIV: The After Years release schedule revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearsjapanrelease-datesquare-enixthe-after-yearswiiwareMon, 13 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/#comments Even though we're beginning our hellish descent into the mouth of madness that is E3, Nintendo is still taking the time to unload the downloadable goods to fans. This week, you'll find some fresh DSiWare, and your usual doses of WiiWare and Virtual Console goodies to boot. So, head past the break to check out what's available this week on Nintendo platforms.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boulder-dashc64commodore-64DSdsiwarefinal-fantasy-ivmighty-flip-champsNintendonintendoware-weeklysquare-enixtexas-hold-emtexas-hold-em-tournamentvirtual-consolewayforwardwayforward-technologiesWiiwiiwareMon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV: The After Years to feature four-player multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-to-feature-four-player-multipl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-to-feature-four-player-multipl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-to-feature-four-player-multipl/#comments
The official Final Fantasy IV: The After Years site is live. Siliconera spotted something quite interesting in the game's features page -- support for four player multiplayer? Interesting. Seems as though you won't have to play Square Enix's upcoming WiiWare RPG alone.

We contacted Square Enix for more information, and Klee Kluo clarified: "The game has multiplayer function during battles only, similar to the original FINAL FANTASY IV. Up to four players can participate in battles by connecting the appropriate number of Wii Remotes or Classic Controllers and assign them to the characters." It seems like a neat addition for The After Years, but we're not entirely sure if our friends would want to take such a passive role and engage only in battles. Perhaps it's still best to play The After Years the way it was meant to be played: on a cell phone as a single-player experience.

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV: The After Years to feature four-player multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearsFri, 01 May 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV: The After Years coming to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/final-fantasy-iv-the-after-years-coming-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


It seems that Nintendo's recently discovered trademark for "The After Years" was, in fact, referencing a Wii port of the cell-phone based follow-up to the SNES role-playing classic Final Fantasy IV. An ESRB rating for the sequel confirms that the game will be hitting North American Wiis, though a time frame for its release, or even its release format (retail? WiiWare?) has yet to be revealed. The ESRB stamped the title with an E rating, as it doesn't classify the frequent usage of the word "spoony" as inappropriate for adolescent ears.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, which was released in an episodic fashion on a number of Japanese mobile platforms last year, follows the exploits of Ceodore (the progeny of FFIV protagonists Cecil and Rosa) nearly 17 years after the events of the original game. It'll also feature appearances from other major characters from the SNES title -- well, the ones who survived, anyway. Those who played the title will recall that FFIV was somewhat Hamlet-esque in its final body count.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV: The After Years coming to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivfinal-fantasy-iv-the-after-yearsNintendosquare-enixWiiFri, 27 Feb 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly members award Fallout 3 with GOTY]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/gamefly-members-award-fallout-3-with-goty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/gamefly-members-award-fallout-3-with-goty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/gamefly-members-award-fallout-3-with-goty/#comments
GameFly's sixth annual Q Awards have bestowed Fallout 3 with "Game of the Year" and "Xbox 360 Game of the Year" honors. The winners were selected by tallying over 100,000 votes by the rental service's subscribers. The winners across platforms:
To see the runners-up in each category, check out the Q Awards page at GameFly. Looking at the list (and taking into account GameFly's demographic), is anyone surprised?

JoystiqGameFly members award Fallout 3 with GOTY originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkschains-of-olympusfallout-3final-fantasy-ivgameflygod-of-war-chains-of-olympuskingdom-heartsmetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-PatriotsRPGsuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 17 Feb 2009 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Random Final Fantasy rumor of the day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/random-final-fantasy-rumor-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/random-final-fantasy-rumor-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/random-final-fantasy-rumor-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

It doesn't look like Square Enix is spending much time on the Wii, but rumor has it that the company may change their tune and throw the little white console one of its favorite bones: a port. Producer Takashi Tokita of Final Fantasy IV The After: Return of the Moon -- the game's mobile sequel -- recently dropped some hints that the game may be making its way here in some form. "Currently [the sequel] is available for mobile phones in Japan. We'll do our best to make this game available for our overseas audiences as well," he said.

So your first thought would be the DS, right? Not according to the folks at RPG Site, who tapped mysterious (and unnamed) sources at Square Enix in their quest for more information. The result? Hints that the game may be reformatted for Wii. We would assume WiiWare, but who knows; they're porting Chrono Trigger, after all, without a hint of a graphical upgrade.

Right now, this is the king rumor in all of rumorland, meaning it's completely out there and not too reliable, but it's interesting, to say the least. Have any thoughts on the chances of this one?

[Via videogaming247]

JoystiqRandom Final Fantasy rumor of the day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivreturn-of-the-moonrpgsequelsquare-enixthe-afterMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag winners: Final Fantasy IV and Soul Bubbles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/fanswag-winners-final-fantasy-iv-and-soul-bubbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/fanswag-winners-final-fantasy-iv-and-soul-bubbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/fanswag-winners-final-fantasy-iv-and-soul-bubbles/#commentsFiled under:


When we were going to pick the winner of our latest giveaway, we completely realized that we forgot to announce the winner for our previous giveaway. Also, we received quite a few emails from you all. So, without further delay, here's our winners:
  • jabby wins our signed copy of Soul Bubbles
  • cwk5014 wins our copy of Final Fantasy IV
Congratulations to our winners and best of luck next time to the rest of you!

JoystiqFanswag winners: Final Fantasy IV and Soul Bubbles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivsoul-bubblessquare-enixFri, 19 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Last day for Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/reminder-last-day-for-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/reminder-last-day-for-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/reminder-last-day-for-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under:


We've been trying to unload a copy of Square Enix's Final Fantasy IV on you folks for a whole week now and this is your last reminder: the giveaway ends tonight. If you weren't in the know regarding this latest giveaway, then we suggest you read DS Fanboy more. But, hey, you still have a few hours left, so head on over to the original contest post and read up on how to enter. Good luck!

JoystiqReminder: Last day for Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivrpgsquare-enixWed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/fanswag-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/fanswag-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/fanswag-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under:


Square Enix's recent remake of RPG classic Final Fantasy IV turned a lot of heads. Most found the title to be quite enjoyable. Having done our part and reviewed the game, it's now time we perform the most painful part of our job: give it away to one lucky reader. What must you do to get your hands on this copy of Final Fantasy IV (retails for $40)? Simply leave a comment telling us if you've played the original game or not between now and Wednesday, September 17th at 11:59PM ET, after which we'll choose one lucky winner via random drawing. Entrants may leave one comment per day.

There are a few things you should know before entering. Entrants must be current and legal residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec) and at least 18 years of age or older. Read up on the rest of the official rules right here. Good luck!

JoystiqFanswag: Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixThu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-fanboy-review-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-fanboy-review-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-fanboy-review-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under:


It would be very difficult to not recommend Final Fantasy IV. Even though it's not the very best in the franchise, being second-best for Final Fantasy is often far better than any other comparable game, and this particular installment ranks pretty highly among the franchise's titles.. That also makes it hard to criticize a remake, as Matrix and Square Enix would have to take some pretty severe steps in the wrong direction to spoil the experience. That said, let's just get it out of the way: this is a great game.

That doesn't mean that this particular version is great -- it just means that the DS remake of Final Fantasy IV is built on an excellent foundation. But it's not exactly the game you remember, and if you didn't play it, it's also pretty far removed from many of the other RPGs on the system. The result is an odd hybrid of old school and new.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy IV

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivmatrixremakerpgsquare-enixTue, 05 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/metareview-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/metareview-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/metareview-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under:


Square Enix's latest remake has been on the minds of gamers for a pretty long time now. With it finally releasing, many of you have likely wondered how it would compare to the original, let alone the previous remake, Final Fantasy III. Who else could be better to weigh in than the critics? So, without further delay, let's get to the reviews!
  • GamePro (95/100) says the game is still an epic experience: "Ultimately, Final Fantasy IV remains the same epic experience it was seventeen years ago, and the DS's improvements are a welcome treat for fans of the series and newcomers to the franchise alike. With an engrossing story, ambitious characters, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay, I can't help but recommend Final Fantasy IV as a worthwhile purchase, especially if you missed it the first time around. Even if you aren't a huge Final Fantasy fan, this is still one fantastic role-playing title worth checking out."
  • Gamespot (90/100) thinks the game is great, despite some minor issues with the voice work: "Although it has been rereleased several times throughout the years, this full remake of one of the most celebrated stories in video game history is in many ways more poignant and impressive than it was all those years ago, despite minor irks with the voice acting. With a cast of memorable characters and villains, a more accurate and authentic translation, a new skill-customization system, and a few important new story elements that help to better explain key plot points, this is the definitive version of Final Fantasy IV that everyone should experience."
  • IGN (87/100) is of the mind that FFIV is quite impressive: "It's a rush in the most traditional way, and it's an RPG that makes you feel for your characters, fight for every level, and strategize before battles in ways new role-playing games don't bother to do anymore. For fans, FFIV is an impressive resurrection to an awesome, pioneering RPG. For newcomers, you're about to get a lesson in "hardcore gaming 101," but if you put in the time, and put up with the difficulty, you'll have a chance to really "get" what Final Fantasy is all about."
  • 1UP (75/100) scored the game the lowest of this bunch: "It's not a bad little game -- it is, after all, an upgraded version of a 16-bit masterpiece -- but it's needlessly redundant for anyone who picked up FFIV Advance. Of course, die-hard Final Fantasy fans will want to test their mettle against the crazy-hard new difficulty level while checking out the new voices for old favorites: Cecil is appropriately wussy, Kain sounds as tough as you'd expect, and Golbez now sounds like Darth Vader instead of just looking like him. But everyone else might want to wait it out a few years for that inevitable, definitive next-gen remake. When it comes to Square Enix, what goes around comes around. And around. And around."

JoystiqMetareview: Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixTue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of July 21st]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-july-21st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-july-21st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-july-21st/#commentsFiled under:

It's a tough week. Not only are we coming off the excitement of E3, but we're faced with several great releases this week, too. Will you be shelling out for more than one game? At least in Australia, the choice this week is much, much simpler.
  • Final Fantasy IV
  • Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns
  • The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
  • Nancy Drew: The Mystery of the Clue Bender Society
  • New International Track & Field
Check out the rest of the major markets after the break.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of July 21st

JoystiqDS releases for the week of July 21st originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivizuna-2nancy-drewreleasesthe-mummytrack-and-fieldMon, 21 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Final Fantasy IV edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-games-this-week-final-fantasy-iv-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-games-this-week-final-fantasy-iv-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-games-this-week-final-fantasy-iv-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Wow, it's a great week to be a Wii owner. Well, we mean, it's comparatively great, if only because console competitors Xbox 360 and PS3 are getting absolutely nothing. On the other hand, all those Wii offerings were beat out for the top slot by a DS game that, in its original form, was released 17 years ago, so we guess it's all a matter of perspective.

If you've got a hankerin' for mummy-centric games that star a character that sort of but not really looks like Brendan Fraser we've got a full list after the break.

Continue reading New games this week: Final Fantasy IV edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Final Fantasy IV edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfinal-fantasy-ivnewgamesPCPS2PSPWiiMon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Promotional Consideration: Circuit City savings with Cecil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/promotional-consideration-circuit-city-savings-with-cecil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/promotional-consideration-circuit-city-savings-with-cecil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/promotional-consideration-circuit-city-savings-with-cecil/#commentsFiled under: ,



This week's installment of Promotional Consideration comes with an excellent bonus -- a Circuit City deal for the Final Fantasy IV remake, which ships to stores next week. The electronics retailer is offering a $10 gift card with any purchase of the 3D RPG, on- and offline. Factor in free-shipping for orders totaling over $24, and this makes up for "the Square Enix tax," that extra $10 the publisher often adds to its DS games.

Now that we've done our part to sell the game to you, let's look at how Square Enix has been pushing Final Fantasy IV.

Continue reading Promotional Consideration: Circuit City savings with Cecil

JoystiqPromotional Consideration: Circuit City savings with Cecil originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcircuit-cityffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivmatrix-softwareprint-adpromotional-considerationpromotionalconsiderationremakesquare-enixsuper-famicomSun, 20 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Final Fantasy IV speaks our language -- probably yours, also]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-final-fantasy-iv-speaks-our-language-probably-yours-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-final-fantasy-iv-speaks-our-language-probably-yours-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-final-fantasy-iv-speaks-our-language-probably-yours-al/#commentsFiled under:


If you've already played the SNES version of Final Fantasy IV and think you'll find the DS remake a breeze, then here's one way to make things tougher (which doesn't involve remixed bosses): try playing it in a different language.

Siliconera's Spencer Yip discovered that the North American version of Final Fantasy IV will ship next week with the French, German, Italian, and Spanish dialog from the European edition included. Accessing any of these is easy -- just change the language setting on the main DS menu. Perfect for anyone in the States who doesn't use English as a first language, or any non-English-speaking Europeans who want a cheap import!

Join us after the break, where we'll teach you how to say a popular and useful phrase in many languages!

Continue reading E308: Final Fantasy IV speaks our language -- probably yours, also

JoystiqE308: Final Fantasy IV speaks our language -- probably yours, also originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308ffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsnessquare-enixThu, 17 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/e308-square-enixs-e3-lineup-in-a-few-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/e308-square-enixs-e3-lineup-in-a-few-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/e308-square-enixs-e3-lineup-in-a-few-pictures/#commentsFiled under:

Following the announcement of the titles on display at this year's E3, Square Enix released one screenshot of each of the new games. Above, you'll see the single, very blown-up image of Chrono Trigger DS. After the break, new screen of Final Fantasy IV, Exit DS, The Legend of Kage 2, and Dragon Quest IV.

The Final Fantasy IV and Dragon Quest IV screens definitely feature the English versions of the game, but with the other three, it's kind of hard to tell for various reasons! The Chrono Trigger image has no text, so it sort of doesn't matter if the screen has been localized or not. Exit has English text, but it's the same English text found in the Japanese game. And Kage has both Japanese and English elements in its interface. If we hadn't just been told these games were coming out over here, we wouldn't be sure if these games were coming out over here.

Continue reading E308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures

JoystiqE308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionchrono-triggerdragon-quest-ive3-2008e308Exitfinal-fantasy-ivlegend-of-kagePuzzleSquare-EnixTaitoUbisoftThu, 10 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix E3 lineup loaded with sequels, remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/square-enix-e3-lineup-loaded-with-sequels-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/square-enix-e3-lineup-loaded-with-sequels-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/square-enix-e3-lineup-loaded-with-sequels-remakes/#comments
With 2008's edition of E3 just days away, the role-playing steam engine that is Square Enix has revealed what titles that it will spring on press types as they shuffle past. Of the eleven titles on display, the company's lineup this year is noticeably remake and sequel heavy, with over half of the games representing a return to the well for another drink. Boasting "simultaneous global releases for several platforms," the company has also re-confirmed dates for much of its lineup as well, with the following games also noted as being playable during the show:
 In addition, the remainder listed below will be shown in non-playable form:
And coming soon to a grocery store near you, Star Ocean: Whole Wheat Clusters.

JoystiqSquare Enix E3 lineup loaded with sequels, remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrono-triggerchronotriggerdragon-questdragon-quest-ive3-2008exitfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivinfinite-undiscoverylegend-of-kagesong-summonersquare-enixsquareenixstar-oceanstaroceanthe-last-remnantWed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comparing the old and the new: Final Fantasy IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/comparing-the-old-and-the-new-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/comparing-the-old-and-the-new-final-fantasy-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/comparing-the-old-and-the-new-final-fantasy-iv/#commentsFiled under:


A comparison video between the original SNES game and new DS remake of Final Fantasy IV is available for your viewing pleasure above. As one might expect, the DS title dwarfs the SNES game graphically, showing us a much more alive game world and bringing the events to life in better fashion. But, hey, we're not knocking the SNES game. We're all for the retro around here.

With the release of Final Fantasy IV getting closer and closer, who's ready to ignore their responsibilities for a week to play through this one?



[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqComparing the old and the new: Final Fantasy IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivrpgsnessquare-enixWed, 02 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bother the Final Fantasy IV team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bother-the-final-fantasy-iv-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bother-the-final-fantasy-iv-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bother-the-final-fantasy-iv-team/#commentsFiled under: ,


Square Enix Membership has its benefits. The company has made a web form available through which anyone with a Square Enix Members account (it's free) can submit questions to the Final Fantasy IV team. According to the site's blog, "All of the questions will be forwarded to the team, but only a few will be answered."

If you're curious about changes made to the Final Fantasy IV story or gameplay for the remake, or about the development of a DS game in general, this is a good opportunity! Just try not to submit five thousand questions (or one, even) about a Final Fantasy VII remake. They know.


[Via Square Enix Members Blog]

JoystiqBother the Final Fantasy IV team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-ivmatrix-softwareremakerpgsquare-enixsquare-enix-membersTue, 01 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix fulfills your FFIV screenshot fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-fulfills-your-ffiv-screenshot-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-fulfills-your-ffiv-screenshot-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/square-enix-fulfills-your-ffiv-screenshot-fantasy/#commentsFiled under:

With FFTA2 now shipped and out of its hands, Square Enix has turned its attention to building up the release of its next summer title, Final Fantasy IV. The publisher has fired out over two dozen new screenshots for the RPG, all of them in our gallery below!

For those of you who aren't sure what the 3D remake promises to add to the almost 17-year-old game, here's a quick recap: touchscreen controls, a dungeon-mapping system, additional episodes, a system with which characters can learn abilities from friends, fully voiced cutscenes, an Event Theatre mode for watching past cutscenes, and a minigame for raising your own summon monster. So, there's quite a lot of new stuff!

Look for Final Fantasy IV to ship out to stores on July 22.

JoystiqSquare Enix fulfills your FFIV screenshot fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ff4ffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivrpgsquare-enixTue, 24 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More FFIV media than you can summon a stick at]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/more-ffiv-media-than-you-can-summon-a-stick-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/more-ffiv-media-than-you-can-summon-a-stick-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/more-ffiv-media-than-you-can-summon-a-stick-at/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's okay if you weren't that into Final Fantasy III. As Final Fantasy games go, it's down near the bottom of the list for many people, and even though grinding-on-the-go can be easier than doing the same in your living room, FFIII required a lot of effort.

Final Fantasy IV, however, should totally be pinging your radar in a big way. It's got it all: drama, tension, great characters, epic battles, and it was the first of the triumvirate of awesome (FFIV, FFV, FFVI) that really put the franchise on the map, and next month's remake looks to be doing the classic ultimate justice. The payoff is so much bigger, and in this version, it's beautiful, too. Not convinced? Not only do we have more than forty brand new, English-language images for you in our gallery, we've got new videos hidden away after the break as well. So mount up, get comfortable, and start watching. Next month is going to be a fabulous time for RPG fans.

Continue reading More FFIV media than you can summon a stick at

JoystiqMore FFIV media than you can summon a stick at originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivremakesquare-enixFri, 13 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV videos bring July a little closer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/final-fantasy-iv-videos-bring-july-a-little-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/final-fantasy-iv-videos-bring-july-a-little-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/final-fantasy-iv-videos-bring-july-a-little-closer/#commentsFiled under:


This summer promises to be both funtastic and packed with great Square Enix titles, and now you can have a little sampling, right from the comfort of your monitor! It's like that first big barbecue of the year, except without the greasy fingers and the flies. Or the food. There's no food here. We checked.

What we do have, however, are three videos, neatly lined up for you after the break. Dive right in and get your taste of Final Fantasy IV a month and a half early -- but don't forget your napkin.

Continue reading Final Fantasy IV videos bring July a little closer

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV videos bring July a little closer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixFri, 06 Jun 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV trailer speaks to us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-speaks-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-speaks-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-speaks-to-us/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who wondered after the last Final Fantasy IV trailer if the North American version of the DS remake would have English voices, here's your answer. Well, above here. Up there, in the video part. Turn your speakers on. The latest trailer, focusing on the story of (non-Batman) dark knight Cecil, features fully-voiced cutscenes, in English.

Square Enix may like to charge more for their DS games, but at least they are willing to sink some money into the the development of the things. The high-quality presentation of this game almost justifies the Square Enix Tax.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV trailer speaks to us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-ivmatrix-softwareremakerpgsquare-enixSun, 01 Jun 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[An old Final Fantasy IV trailer is new again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/an-old-final-fantasy-iv-trailer-is-new-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/an-old-final-fantasy-iv-trailer-is-new-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/an-old-final-fantasy-iv-trailer-is-new-again/#commentsFiled under:


Even though we've totally seen the TGS 2007 Final Fantasy IV trailer, it's worth seeing again now. One simple change has made it the perfect promotional vehicle for the North American launch of the game in July. That change is words. In anticipation of the English release of the remake, this trailer has been subtitled.

Despite knowing the story already, and even having seen the trailer, we were still taken aback by the dramatic presentation. We may be 2D for life types, but there's no denying that characters of semi-realistic human proportions, who have faces and can move, do a much better job of conveying emotion than 32x32-pixel sprites.

This new trailer comes from the updated Final Fantasy IV website, which also shows the possibly-final, totally minimalist boxart. We've screencapped it and placed the image after the break for your perusal!

Continue reading An old Final Fantasy IV trailer is new again

JoystiqAn old Final Fantasy IV trailer is new again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixSun, 25 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV trailer gets English subtitles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-gets-english-subtitles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-gets-english-subtitles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/final-fantasy-iv-trailer-gets-english-subtitles/#commentsFiled under: ,


We here at Joystiq HQ are, as you might imagine, savvy world travelers, and therefore have a vast knowledge of the languages of many countries. Swedish, Italian, Esperanto -- one of us (we shall not reveal who) is even fluent in Klingon. Unfortunately, Japanese is one of our weaker subjects, thus a majority of the promotional material for Squeenix and Matrix Software's (the guys who made the DS remake of FFIII) recreation of the 1991 SNES role-playing classic Final Fantasy II (or IV, for purists) has largely gone over our heads.

Luckily for us, this astonishing trailer created from promotional footage already released in Japan comes with English subtitles -- not that words would be required to appreciate the visuals featured in this preview. Regardless of whether those CGI cutscenes make their way into the handheld package, the game's 3D models look fantastic, filling us with unbridled desire for some old-school crystal hunting. July 22 can not come soon enough.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV trailer gets English subtitles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfinal-fantasy-ivfinalfantasymatrix-softwarenintendoremakerpgsquare-enixsquareenixSat, 24 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix Members can play exclusive Final Fantasy IV card games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/square-enix-members-can-play-exclusive-final-fantasy-iv-card-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/square-enix-members-can-play-exclusive-final-fantasy-iv-card-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/square-enix-members-can-play-exclusive-final-fantasy-iv-card-gam/#commentsFiled under: ,


Final Fantasy and card games go together like ... well, the other part of that simile depends on how much time you wasted trying to get rare items by playing Final Fantasy VIII's Triple Triad. In any case, card games and Final Fantasies go way back.

The Japanese version of the Square Enix Members site now has two Final Fantasy IV-themed card games available for free play, requiring only that players sign up. Daifugo is a popular Japanese card game in which players put down sequentially stronger cards with the goal of emptying their hands. Pochika Sodatsusen is, according to Game|Life's Jean Snow, played "in a style similar to Old Maid, with a few new twists, like the ability to capture cards." It is associated with the new Whytkin character.


[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqSquare Enix Members can play exclusive Final Fantasy IV card games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card-gamedaifugofinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivpochika-sodatsusensquare-enix-membersFri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FFIV announced for Europe, screenshots released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ffiv-announced-for-europe-screenshots-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ffiv-announced-for-europe-screenshots-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ffiv-announced-for-europe-screenshots-released/#commentsFiled under:

Making up for the three pitiful images it sent out when announcing Final Fantasy IV's stateside release, Square Enix has accompanied its FFIV announcement for Europe with twenty translated screenshots! The RPG remake doesn't have a firm date yet, unlike North America's July 22nd commitment, but the game should reach PAL territories this summer.

Those of you who've followed its development and release in Japan last December know that Final Fantasy IV DS includes a wide range of additions unavailable in the SNES, PlayStation, WonderSwan Color, or GBA versions -- 3D graphics, touchscreen controls, dungeon-mapping, fully-voiced cutscenes, an expanded storyline, an Event Theatre mode for replaying cutscenes, and a minigame for nurturing your own summon monster.

Hit the gallery below for an English preview of some of those new features!


[Via press release]

JoystiqFFIV announced for Europe, screenshots released originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixThu, 24 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV's bosses remixed, more painful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/final-fantasy-ivs-bosses-remixed-more-painful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/final-fantasy-ivs-bosses-remixed-more-painful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/final-fantasy-ivs-bosses-remixed-more-painful/#commentsFiled under: ,


Spencer over at Siliconera is deep into the Final Fantasy IV remake, and has found more changes beyond new graphics, new abilities and wacky critters. Specifically, the bosses, which were hard enough to be irritating to RPG neophytes anyway, have had their patterns mucked around with, probably to force FFIV devotees to think for a second. For example, the Antlion now has the ability to counter magical attacks, including summons, in addition to physical attacks.

This should help provide a new experience for people who have played through Final Fantasy IV before. For example, this blogger completed the game once, and will now have an opportunity to experience failure to complete the game.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV's bosses remixed, more painful originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivremakerpgsquare-enixMon, 21 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IV hits North American DS on July 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/final-fantasy-iv-hits-north-american-ds-on-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/final-fantasy-iv-hits-north-american-ds-on-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/final-fantasy-iv-hits-north-american-ds-on-july-22/#commentsFiled under: ,


Square Enix sent word by airship today that Final Fantasy II Final Fantasy IV is ready for its 3D re-envisioning on July 22 in North America. This DS version of Final Fantasy IV -- beyond the graphical upgrade -- also features some fully voiced cutscenes and added content.

It appears Nintendo Power was right on the money with a July release -- as one would hope they would be. Other upgrades the title boasts are a remixed score by composer Nobuo Uematsu and "head-to-head battle" via local wireless. The game will retail for $40 and certainly makes for the perfect game to avoid conversation during the end-of-summer family road trip.

Gallery: Final Fantasy IV

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IV hits North American DS on July 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSff-ivffivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ivsquare-enixsquareenixThu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Final Fantasy IV on July 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/its-official-final-fantasy-iv-on-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/its-official-final-fantasy-iv-on-july-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/its-official-final-fantasy-iv-on-july-22/#commentsFiled under:

You can go ahead and just accept that the next few months of your life are likely to belong to Square Enix. Now that we have an official release date for Final Fantasy IV, we're looking at:
  • The World Ends With You this month
  • Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS in June
  • Final Fantasy Tactics A2 in June
  • Final Fantasy IV July 22
And that's just a sprinkling of what's to come. There's so much else to consider, from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days to Valkyrie Profile: The Accused One, and maybe even Itadaki Street. And to think, some people are convinced that third parties have a tough time on Nintendo systems. Not so with Square Enix on the DS, that's for sure.


[Via press release]

JoystiqIt's official: Final Fantasy IV on July 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffivfinal-fantasy-ivmatrix-softwarerpgsquare-enixThu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST