Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/#comments ImageSquare Enix's E3 lineup is packed with unannounced iOS and Android games (packed), but the one that seems most noteworthy is Final Fantasy Dimensions, due this summer on both iOS and Android. "Drawing upon the roots of the series with such features as beautiful 2D pixel art, job-driven character growth, additional scenarios in which to inherit the jobs of your adventuring companions, and a classic story of light, darkness, and crystals," the description reads, "FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS delivers the best of FINAL FANTASY, retro and fresh alike, directly to your smartphone."

It sounds like a new game in the classic Final Fantasy style. Judging by the logo, we're guessing it's a smartphone conversion and localization of the Japanese cell phone game, Final Fantasy Legends, which was released episodically in 2010.

The other newly announced game that piqued our interest the most was "Demons' Score", an Unreal Engine 3-powered "breakbeat action game that seamlessly fuses music and battles."

Continue reading iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer

JoystiqiOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddemons-scorefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-dimensionsiosiphonemobilesquare-enixWed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Great Moment: Climbing Final Fantasy IV's Mt. Ordeals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/great-moment-climbing-final-fantasy-ivs-mt-ordeals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/great-moment-climbing-final-fantasy-ivs-mt-ordeals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/great-moment-climbing-final-fantasy-ivs-mt-ordeals/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
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I find Cecil interesting, which is not something I can say for many other video game protagonists. For instance, he's in a solid, mature relationship with a strong woman right off the bat. And from the very beginning, he's grappling with a clear moral dilemma--break his oath and step down or continue slaughtering innocents in the name of the Empire? It's evident that Cecil has a lot in his mind right from the beginning, which is all the more impressive for the fact that he's only a tiny 16-bit sprite.

In fact, there was a lot going on with Final Fantasy IV's story in general. The cast is huge, and the heroic sacrifices and heroic twists almost constant. But the best moment happens early on, when Cecil climbs Mt. Ordeals with the twin mages Palom and Porum in a quest to shed his darker half and become a Paladin.

Continue reading Great Moment: Climbing Final Fantasy IV's Mt. Ordeals

JoystiqGreat Moment: Climbing Final Fantasy IV's Mt. Ordeals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FF4final-fantasyFinal-Fantasy-4jrpgTue, 15 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The delightful smoothness of classic Japanese role-playing games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-delightful-smoothness-of-classic-japanese-role-playing-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-delightful-smoothness-of-classic-japanese-role-playing-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-delightful-smoothness-of-classic-japanese-role-playing-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This week, Rowan Kaiser and Kat Bailey have switched roles -- with Rowan taking lead in this week's column focusing on the wonderful world of Japanese role-playing games.
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I was only defeated once in Suikoden. Even that was an accident - I thought it was a fight I was supposed to lose. Calling the game "easy" is something of an understatement. With a little bit of planning, you can win virtually every fight in the game, including the final boss battle on auto-pilot using the "Free Will" option in the combat menu. Yet, despite this easiness, Suikoden is one of my favorite Japanese role-playing games. "Easy" isn't the right term for it exactly. Instead, Suikoden is smooth.

"Smoothness" isn't a common criteria used to judge games. If anything, it's the opposite. Getting the difficulty level just right, so that the game seems like a challenge but is completable with practice, seems like it's an ideal. Or, you can use Sid Meier's model of games as "interesting choices" - but if the game isn't challenging, those choices don't seem to matter, right? I think acceptance theories like those are part of the reason that Japanese role-playing games are considered less important than they used to be.

Continue reading The delightful smoothness of classic Japanese role-playing games

JoystiqThe delightful smoothness of classic Japanese role-playing games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrono-triggerfinal-fantasygolden-sunjrpgradiant-historiarowan-kaisersuikodenThu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hits iPad for $18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-ipad-for-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-ipad-for-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-ipad-for-18/#comments Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has been available on the iPhone for about seven months at this point, and when it finally launched back in August of last year we were a bit surprised by its $15.99 price tag -- the equivalent of a hundred million dollars in App Store terms. Square Enix has never released sales information for the iPhone version, but it must have found some justification in its pricing structure as the iPad version just launched for $17.99.

Now, we're not saying War of the Lions isn't worth almost 20 dollars, but for a game that isn't a Universal App, and is also available on PSN for a single sawbuck, it's kind of a tough pill to swallow.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hits iPad for $18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp-storeFFTfinal-fantasyFinal-Fantasy-Tactics-The-War-Of-The-Lionsiosipadmobilesquare-enixuniversal-appThu, 23 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Music from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/#comments
Before Swedish megastudio Grin collapsed back in aught nine, it was juggling a trillion different projects for a trillion different publishers. One such project that never saw the light of day was a Final Fantasy franchise entry titled "Fortress," which we got a peek at not long after we learned of Grin's closure. And now we're able to hear some music sampled from the game as well, as former music director Erik Thunberg dropped one such track on his portfolio website.

So, uh, you may wanna line up these shots of the game with the music playing in another tab, to try and recreate the feeling of the Western-born Final Fantasy game that never was. Hold that Chocobo plushie extra tight.

JoystiqMusic from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-thunbergfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-fortressgrinmusicsoundtracksquare-enixswedenMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeNA and Square Enix bringing Final Fantasy Brigade to Japan's smartphones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dena-and-square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-brigade-to-japans-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dena-and-square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-brigade-to-japans-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/dena-and-square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-brigade-to-japans-s/#comments Square Enix's smartphone-based social RPG, formerly titled Final Fantasy x Mobage, was detailed and properly titled during a recent press conference hosted by Japanese cell network operator DeNA. It's now titled Final Fantasy Brigade, and will allow players to team up with their friends' characters and perform quests while exploring the world, unlocking series-standard jobs and summons along the way.

You can check out a few screens (like the one posted above) over at 4Gamer, and take a moment to soak in its Theatrhythm-esque charm. Or, you know, be completely disgusted by it. We're not going to tell you how to live.

JoystiqDeNA and Square Enix bringing Final Fantasy Brigade to Japan's smartphones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denafinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-brigadejapanmobagemobilerpgFri, 02 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to fix Final Fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/how-to-fix-final-fantasy/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.
Let's be real: Final Fantasy is broken.

Sure, Square Enix's influential JRPG series might still be popular, its most recent single-player entry shipping 6.2 million units worldwide. And it might still be spawning more sequels, spin-offs and remakes than a Hollywood producer.

But it can do so much better. I mean, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 moved 6.5 million copies in twenty-four hours.

How do we get that much milk out of the Final Fantasy cash cow? What's the magical formula for appealing to American tastes? How can we fix a series that some say has been treading water for over a decade now?

Here are a few ideas.

Continue reading How to fix Final Fantasy

JoystiqHow to fix Final Fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3square-enixxboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Final Fantasy Type-0 getting international release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/report-final-fantasy-type-0-getting-international-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/report-final-fantasy-type-0-getting-international-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/report-final-fantasy-type-0-getting-international-release/#comments According to Andriasang, Square's Ultimania guide for Final Fantasy Type-0 includes an interview with director Hajima Tabata, who reportedly reveals that his team is currently working on the international version of the PSP title. This would be the first official confirmation of the game's upcoming arrival in Europe and North America -- though the interview doesn't bring up any details about the timetable for said localizations.

Andriasang also reports that the interview contains Tabata's plans for the franchise's future. He reportedly wants to make a direct sequel to the game, titled (what else?) Type-1, and would like to see the next installment on a home console. We've contacted Square for a comment on ... well, everything you just read.

JoystiqReport: Final Fantasy Type-0 getting international release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-agito-xiiifinal-fantasy-type-0japanlocalizationplaystationpspsonysquare-enixultimaniaWed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix opens Android store in Japan, fills it with classics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-opens-android-store-in-japan-fills-it-with-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-opens-android-store-in-japan-fills-it-with-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-opens-android-store-in-japan-fills-it-with-classics/#comments Having decided that there still aren't enough platforms upon which to play Final Fantasy, Square Enix recently launched its own marketplace on the Japanese Android app store. The splintered-off storefront allows users to purchase downloadable Square Enix titles like Chaos Ring, Crystal Defenders and the iOS remake of Final Fantasy. The store will be updated with each new mobile release from the publisher, like the upcoming Chrono Trigger re-release.

The store will go live in Japan for KDDI users on December 1, while subscribers of DoCoMo and other cell networks will have to wait an unspecified amount of time. Considering how ubiquitous these games already are, we can't imagine they'll be forced to wait too long.

JoystiqSquare Enix opens Android store in Japan, fills it with classics originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinal-fantasyjapankddimobilesquare-enixMon, 21 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console's classic JRPGs: What holds up?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/virtual-consoles-classic-jrpgs-what-holds-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/virtual-consoles-classic-jrpgs-what-holds-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/virtual-consoles-classic-jrpgs-what-holds-up/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.
Last week, we dug into the PlayStation Network's library of old-school JRPGs, suffering through blocky graphics and annoying voice acting in a valiant effort to figure out what games are still worth playing in 2011.

This week, we attack the Wii's Virtual Console. Granted, Nintendo hates American JRPG fans, as evidenced by the publisher's refusal to localize critically acclaimed games like Xenoblade, but its Wii Shop Channel has a surprisingly robust selection of classics, mostly thanks to the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. We had it good during the 16-bit era. Real good.

Like last time, I'll be spending 30-60 minutes with each JRPG -- certainly not enough time to properly review a game, but enough to get a feel for whether it holds up today, and how it compares to my memories of it. (I've played each game to completion at various points over the past two decades. Some of them multiple times.)

Let's roll.

Continue reading Virtual Console's classic JRPGs: What holds up?

JoystiqVirtual Console's classic JRPGs: What holds up? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-iiijrpglandstalkerphantasy-star-ivsecret-of-manavirtual-consoleFri, 18 Nov 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeris returns to life as Theatrhythm bonus character]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/aeris-returns-to-life-as-theatrhythm-bonus-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/aeris-returns-to-life-as-theatrhythm-bonus-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/aeris-returns-to-life-as-theatrhythm-bonus-character/#comments It should come as no surprise that Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, which features music from throughout the series, also features more characters for your onscreen party, drawn from a variety of Final Fantasies. It's even less surprising that Final Fantasy VII's iconic, dead Aeris would be among those redone in the music game's signature style (originally found in character art for Kingdom Hearts Mobile).

The latest issue of Jump revealed this information, Andriasang reports, along with the following: Snow (FFXIII), Prishe (FFXI), Vivi (FFIX), Faris (FFV), Cid (FFIII), and Princess Sara (FF). They'll be unlockable as "sub characters," and can be swapped into your party. Not that it really matters who walks along the bottom of the screen as you tap icons rhythmically!

JoystiqAeris returns to life as Theatrhythm bonus character originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaerisfinal-fantasyindies-zeronintendosquare-enixtheatrhythm-final-fantasyMon, 14 Nov 2011 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Get caught in FFXIII-2's dark embrace via NYCC trailer and screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/get-caught-in-ffxiii-2s-dark-embrace-via-nycc-trailer-and-scree/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII 2 may not arrive in the US until early next year, but that doesn't mean you can't immerse yourself in its timey-wimey mythos ahead of time. Debuted at the ongoing New York Comic Con, the above trailer and below screenshots offer a fairly in-depth, potentially spoilersy look at Square Enix's latest romp through Cocoon.

We're not sure if something can still be considered a "trailer" when it lasts longer than most Adult Swim cartoons, but an extraordinarily long cinematic experience should feel like a warm, tender hug to anyone interested in a Final Fantasy sequel-sequel.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (NYCC 2011)

JoystiqGet caught in FFXIII-2's dark embrace via NYCC trailer and screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftnyccnycc-2011playstationps3Square-EnixxboxSat, 15 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix announces Final Fantasy 10 remake for PS Vita - and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-10-remake-for-ps-vita-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-10-remake-for-ps-vita-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-10-remake-for-ps-vita-and/#comments The title says it all. As one of the few well-received bits of news during this morning's Sony TGS press conference, Square Enix announced that it will bring the PS2 hit, Final Fantasy X, to the Vita and its big brother in remastered form. Details on exactly what this means were scarce, but we imagine it'll look prettier and prettier-er on the Vita and PS3, respectively.

JoystiqSquare Enix announces Final Fantasy 10 remake for PS Vita - and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sonysquare-enixtgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011vitaWed, 14 Sep 2011 01:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2 has time travel, we have new screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-time-travel-we-have-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-time-travel-we-have-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-time-travel-we-have-new-screenshots/#comments Listen up, Cher: With Final Fantasy XIII-2's time travel/plot device the "Historia Crux," you can turn back time, and maybe even find a way, provided you find the right stuff. By locating hidden "Artefacts," Cher can unlock new locations and times for Noel and Serah to visit via the Historia Crux, which serves as the sequel's main vehicle for story progression and world navigation.

As any seasoned time traveller will tell you, changing stuff in the past changes stuff in the future, and because of that XIII-2's overall experience is said to be much less linear and direct than its predecessor. According to director Motomu Toriyama, Square Enix is aiming for a "much more player driven concept," with the "gameplay and story itself" changing around the player's actions. You can also expect to encounter younger (and potentially older) versions of characters from Final Fantasy XIII proper along the way.

This may be Final Fantasy's first and last hoorah in the realm of time travel, however. Toriyama says that each entry in the series receives its own unique gameplay system, and that have no intentions of making time travel key in future installments. Additionally, player-testing has already revealed strong comparisons to Chrono Trigger, and while Toriyama doesn't categorize that information as being especially negative, we doubt Square Enix wants to seem iterative or uninspired.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (TGS 2011)

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2 has time travel, we have new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiii-2microsoftplaystationps3Square-EnixTime-travelxboxSun, 11 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hits iPhone this Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-iphone-this-thu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-iphone-this-thu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-hits-iphone-this-thu/#comments
While it may have missed the "July...twen..blah..blah.." release window that was promised before, Square Enix will finally bring menus and moogles to mobiles this Thursday. That's when the strategic wizards-on-a-grid simulator, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, lands on Apple's iPhone.

It's important to note that the game will only be compatible with iPhone 4s and 3GSeses, and that iPad players will need to wait for the iPad-specific version, which should be launching around a month from Thursday. Historically, though, it's never been a good idea to count your chocobos before they've hatched.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hits iPhone this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocoboFinal-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-TacticsFinal-Fantasy-Tactics-The-War-Of-The-Lionsiphone-3GSiPhone-4mobilemooglesSquare-EnixMon, 01 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 3DS rhythm game, Theatrhythm, revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/final-fantasy-3ds-rhythm-game-theatrhythm-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/final-fantasy-3ds-rhythm-game-theatrhythm-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/final-fantasy-3ds-rhythm-game-theatrhythm-revealed/#comments We've interacted with the world of Final Fantasy in so many ways. We've stabbed guys, changed outfits, even made Chocobos have sex with each other, but we're still waiting on the Final Fantasy game where battles are conducted by rhythmically tapping on the screen along with prompts. (Actually, that might have been in a Final Fantasy game at some point. We've not been so diligent about finishing them lately.)

Regardless, our odd itch will soon be scratched by the just-announced Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, a 3DS game that includes dungeons and towns, and has you tapping on the screen to conduct battles. Other details are light in the report (found in Japanese mag Jump and translated by Andriasang), but we know the game will include music and chibi-style versions of characters like Lightning and Cloud from throughout the franchise.

After the break, you'll find a screen from Jump that, while fuzzy, sends the perfectly clear message that this is unlike any Final Fantasy game before it ... as far as we know.

[Thanks, Dean]

Continue reading Final Fantasy 3DS rhythm game, Theatrhythm, revealed

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 3DS rhythm game, Theatrhythm, revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinal-fantasyjapanjumpnintendosquaresquare-enixtheatrhythm-final-fantasyWed, 06 Jul 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix offers chance to meet Nobuo Uematsu in London]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/square-enix-offers-chance-to-meet-nobuo-uematsu-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/square-enix-offers-chance-to-meet-nobuo-uematsu-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/square-enix-offers-chance-to-meet-nobuo-uematsu-in-london/#comments Are you going to be around London on November 5? Would you like to meet longtime Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu at the sold-out "Distant Worlds" concert? Will you be able to show enough restraint to leave your Cait Sith costume at home?

Continue reading Square Enix offers chance to meet Nobuo Uematsu in London

JoystiqSquare Enix offers chance to meet Nobuo Uematsu in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distant-worldseuropefinal-fantasynobuo-uematsusquare-enixsquare-enix-membersukFri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Final Fantasy collection for sale on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massive-final-fantasy-collection-for-sale-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massive-final-fantasy-collection-for-sale-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massive-final-fantasy-collection-for-sale-on-ebay/#comments This Final Fantasy collection for sale on eBay is one of the most impressive assemblages of video game titles we've ever seen. Not only are all of the numbered Final Fantasy games brought together by this seller, but almost all of the various spinoffs and versions are included as well. From the very first Final Fantasy cartridge on Famicom up to three different versions of Final Fantasy 8 on the PC -- and even an Advent Children Cloud Black PS3 console bundle.

In short, just buying this collection could set you up as the curator of your own Final Fantasy museum, dedicated to huge swords and great battle themes from throughout the years. The price for such an honor? It's currently sitting at around $15,000, with no bids as of this writing. If that's something you want to invest in, we can only wish you good luck ... and could we borrow a buck?

JoystiqMassive Final Fantasy collection for sale on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncollectionebayfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-8final-fantasy-xiiirpgsquare-enixWed, 25 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy III available on iPad today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/final-fantasy-3-available-on-ipad-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/final-fantasy-3-available-on-ipad-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/final-fantasy-3-available-on-ipad-today/#comments Before they became mopey, meteorologically named belt-enthusiasts, Final Fantasy protagonists used to be heroic, cheerful and chosen youths, with names like "Ingus" and "Luneth." Thankfully, Square Enix hasn't lost touch with that younger generation of yesteryear, having released a 3D remake of Final Fantasy III on DS, the iPhone and iPod Touch, and -- as of today -- the iPad.

The latest version is based on the iPhone release, which Touch Arcade called the "definitive version of a classic RPG." Consider that praise as well as warning, since Final Fantasy III remains an occasionally harsh, old-school experience. But then, there's also someone called "Refia."

Find it on the App Store for $16.99.

Continue reading Final Fantasy III available on iPad today

JoystiqFinal Fantasy III available on iPad today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3ipadmobilerelease-datesquare-enixThu, 21 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 6 coming to PSN in Japan April 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/final-fantasy-6-coming-to-psn-in-japan-april-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/final-fantasy-6-coming-to-psn-in-japan-april-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/final-fantasy-6-coming-to-psn-in-japan-april-20/#comments We're at the end of our wit-rope, you guys. We're not sure how much more of these injustices we can suffer -- we thought that, with the North American PSN release of Vagrant Story and Xenogears, we were on track to catch up to the Japanese PSN's RPG offerings. However, Square Enix's Shinji Hashimoto revealed on Twitter yesterday that Japan would be receiving the PSOne remake of Final Fantasy VI on the PSN's Game Archives platform on April 20.

For those keeping score, that means the only pre-PS2 Final Fantasy title missing from the platform will be Final Fantasy IV -- though, considering it got its own PSOne remake in 1997, it's really only a matter of time before it shows up. And once it does, you'll be able to hear our anguished cries across the globe.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 6 coming to PSN in Japan April 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-vijapanplaystationplaystation-storeps3psnpspsonysquare-enixFri, 15 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy review: A tale of souls and buster swords, eternally retold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-review/#comments As far as lumbering, big-budget franchises go, Final Fantasy's a bit of an anomaly. Yes, yes, the giant swords, giant-er hair styles, and comparatively small horse birds contribute to that, but indulge me for a moment while I discuss business trends.

In an ocean of same-y sequels where all the major players seem content to tread water, Final Fantasy's willingness to regularly reinvent itself is pretty damn impressive. Well, when it comes to the main series, anyway. Spin-offs, it seems, don't count - at least, if Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy is any indication. So, remember all that intense love/hatred/apathy you felt toward the original Dissidia? That's pretty much what you'll be getting here as well.

Gallery: Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy (2/8/2011)

Continue reading Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy review: A tale of souls and buster swords, eternally retold

JoystiqDissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy review: A tale of souls and buster swords, eternally retold originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidia-012-final-fantasyFinal-FantasyplaystationPSPSonySquareEnixFri, 01 Apr 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Square gets in on AR with Dissidia [duodecim] iOS app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/square-gets-in-on-ar-with-dissidia-duodecim-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/square-gets-in-on-ar-with-dissidia-duodecim-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/square-gets-in-on-ar-with-dissidia-duodecim-ios-app/#comments Feeling just a little bit jealous of your 3DS-owning friends and their fancy new AR games? Well, if you've got an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can enter the augmented reality of Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy with a (pricey) $5 app that lets you put its character models in real-world settings.

[Thanks, Ben]

JoystiqSquare gets in on AR with Dissidia [duodecim] iOS app originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storearaugmented-realitydissidia-012-final-fantasydissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyFinal-FantasyiosmobileSquare-EnixThu, 31 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/#comments If you missed Square Enix's 3D remake of Final Fantasy 3 when it made its way to DS back in 2006, you can now catch it on an even tinier device. The RPG is now available on the iOS App Store for the somewhat prodigious price of $15.99 -- fairly high for an iPhone game, sure, but fairly low for a DS game. (That's how we're choosing to look at it, glass-half-full thinkers as we are.)

If your sorrowfully slim bank account is preventing you from grabbing Square's latest, you might be pleased to learn that most of its catalog of iOS titles (and art gallery apps?) has been discounted until March 31. Check out the list of price cuts after the jump, right below the trailer for the new Final Fantasy 3 port! Man, it's getting crowded down there.

Continue reading Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleFF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3iosiphonemobileportsquare-enixThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Final Fantasy III is based on the DS version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/iphone-final-fantasy-3-is-based-on-the-ds-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/iphone-final-fantasy-3-is-based-on-the-ds-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/iphone-final-fantasy-3-is-based-on-the-ds-version/#comments Final Fantasy III on iPhone isn't based on the Famicom original, according to Famitsu magazine. Instead, it's a remake of the polygonal DS remake from 2006.

The magazine reports (via Andriasang) that the iPhone version will have undergone significant re-remaking when it's released in Japan next month. The graphics will be in high resolution, the sound will be updated, and the monster viewer will be reformatted for ease of use. No images of the new version are available yet; however, with the magazine issue out today, we can expect to see official screenshots on Famitsu.com within a couple of days.

This makes the iPhone, in our opinion, the weirdest place for Final Fantasy games, since it houses Final Fantasy I and II, which are based on the PSP versions, and soon the DS-originated Final Fantasy III. If you just downloaded them all from the App Store without knowing any of the history, you'd be baffled as to why they looked so different.

Update: A post on the European Square Enix Members site reveals that FF3 is due on the App Store in Europe this March, as well.

JoystiqiPhone Final Fantasy III is based on the DS version originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3iphonemobilesquare-enixWed, 23 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix bringing Final Fantasy III to iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-iii-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-iii-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/20/square-enix-bringing-final-fantasy-iii-to-iphone/#comments Japanese manga magazine V-Jump recently outed Square Enix's plans to dominate the iPhone App Store's RPG offerings, coming in the form of two major titles set to launch this year in Japan. The first we already knew: Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, which is (still!) due out sometime this Spring. The other is an iOS-friendly version of Final Fantasy III -- which is to say, the NES game which only just came stateside on the Nintendo DS in 2006, and not Final Fantasy VI, which came to the U.S. under the title Final Fantasy III, which will never stop being confusing.

V-Jump didn't share any details on when the game would arrive, or if it would be ported stateside; though Square Enix has a pretty good track record for bringing their games to the U.S. hastily. It's unclear which version of the game we'll get, though: The original NES title? The cancelled WonderSwan version? The 3D-modeled DS version? The 2D fighting game featuring NBA superstars? Oh, wait. Scratch that. We confused Final Fantasy III with Shaq-Fu again.

JoystiqSquare Enix bringing Final Fantasy III to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3Final-Fantasy-Tactics-The-War-Of-The-Lionsiosiphonemobilesquare-enixSun, 20 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 1 and 2 PSP remakes coming to PSN in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/final-fantasy-1-and-2-psp-remakes-coming-to-psn-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/final-fantasy-1-and-2-psp-remakes-coming-to-psn-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/final-fantasy-1-and-2-psp-remakes-coming-to-psn-in-europe/#commentsIn case you missed out on the UMD releases of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy 2 (or if you have a PSP Go), Square Enix is giving you the chance to get them from the comfort of your own, European hotspot. The Square Enix France Facebook page has announced that the two games will be released on the European PSN for €9.99 each -- a significant discount over what Square Enix tried to get away with for the UMD versions. Final Fantasy will be available to download next Wednesday, February 16, and Final Fantasy 2 will follow on March 2.

In addition, a coupon included with Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy will reduce the price of the first Final Fantasy by half. A coupon for Final Fantasy 2 at half-price will come included with The 3rd Birthday. Square Enix hasn't announced this offer nor the downloadable releases for North America, though odds are good it won't pass up the opportunity to sell the first two Final Fantasies again.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 1 and 2 PSP remakes coming to PSN in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-iiplaystationpsnpsprelease-datesonysquare-enixFri, 11 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Types 1-3 also trademarked, mystery grows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/final-fantasy-types-1-3-also-trademarked-mystery-grows/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/final-fantasy-types-1-3-also-trademarked-mystery-grows/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/final-fantasy-types-1-3-also-trademarked-mystery-grows/#comments With Square Enix's Final Fantasy Type-0 still an enigma, little can be discerned from the company's recent trademarks of Final Fantasy Type-1, Type-2 and Type-3. Whereas Type-0 was met with domain name registrations, these subsequent names have not, causing Siliconera to postulate that these could be "protective trademarks," to be used in case Type can be capitalized into a franchise.

But why stop at Type-3? Why not register 4, 5, and beyond? If Square Enix doesn't act quickly enough, who knows what the company will lose to squatters? Heck, we already put in a registration for Final Fantasy Agito Tredecim: Type-13-2: Final Mix.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Types 1-3 also trademarked, mystery grows originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-type-0final-fantasy-type-1final-fantasy-type-2final-fantasy-type-3square-enixtrademarkMon, 17 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix trademarks 'Final Fantasy Type-0' in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/square-enix-trademarks-final-fantasy-type-0-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/square-enix-trademarks-final-fantasy-type-0-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/square-enix-trademarks-final-fantasy-type-0-in-europe/#commentsGuys, you're not going to believe this: it looks like Square Enix has another Final Fantasy game on the way. Or at least another Final Fantasy something. Square Enix filed a European trademark (number 009631144) for "Final Fantasy Type-0," covering everything from "Computer game software" to "toy swords."

A video game seems like a safe guess, being the primary format for Final Fantasy media, but Square Enix did just start an online manga shop. Siliconera also found a filing for the above logo, featuring "Type zero" in Japanese kanji. Yes, it's Type "zero" and not "o," dashing that joke we wanted to make about a Type O Negative role playing game.

JoystiqSquare Enix trademarks 'Final Fantasy Type-0' in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-type-0square-enixtrademarkThu, 30 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia 012 [duodecim] trailer full of feats (also, some feet)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/dissidia-012-duodecim-trailer-full-of-feats-also-some-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/dissidia-012-duodecim-trailer-full-of-feats-also-some-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/dissidia-012-duodecim-trailer-full-of-feats-also-some-feet/#comments
Here's the latest trailer out of Japan for the upcoming Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy, featuring lots of Final Fantasy-flavored fighting and fan service. Make sure to turn on captions (not that they'll help), and stay tuned at 4:38 to see some feet that fans claim belong to Yuna.

Continue reading Dissidia 012 [duodecim] trailer full of feats (also, some feet)

JoystiqDissidia 012 [duodecim] trailer full of feats (also, some feet) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidia-012-final-fantasydissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyenglishfinal-fantasylightningplaystationpspsonyvaanyunaFri, 24 Dec 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy Tactics for iPhone strategically delayed until spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/final-fantasy-tactics-for-iphone-strategically-delayed-until-spr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/final-fantasy-tactics-for-iphone-strategically-delayed-until-spr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/final-fantasy-tactics-for-iphone-strategically-delayed-until-spr/#commentsFinal Fantasy Tactics: The War on the Lions was originally set to be released on iPhone September 15, but was then delayed to a "TBD" date. Square Enix has just announced a release window of Spring 2011 on Facebook, and posted a few screens showing the new touchscreen interface for the strategy game.

Feeling sad about the long wait? Don't worry: as one of Sony's "PSP Favorites," the PSP version of the same game retails for just $9.99. So you can play Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions while you patiently hold out for the release of Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.

Gallery: Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (iPhone)

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Tactics for iPhone strategically delayed until spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysfinal-fantasyFinal-Fantasy-Tactics-The-War-Of-The-Lionsmobilesquare-enixTue, 14 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December Final Fantasy XI update to increase level cap once again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/december-final-fantasy-xi-update-to-increase-level-cap-once-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/december-final-fantasy-xi-update-to-increase-level-cap-once-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/december-final-fantasy-xi-update-to-increase-level-cap-once-agai/#comments Square Enix has announced a free update to its flagship MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI, which might just make you say "World of What-craft: What-aclysm?" Fine, nobody would ever say that under any circumstances, but the fact remains: This patch has a lot to offer the game's faithful player base.

Continue reading December Final Fantasy XI update to increase level cap once again

JoystiqDecember Final Fantasy XI update to increase level cap once again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FF11Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-11microsoftpcplay-onlinesquare-enixxboxSun, 05 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix working on a Final Fantasy trading card game (not Triple Triad, sadly)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/square-enix-working-on-a-final-fantasy-trading-card-game-not-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/square-enix-working-on-a-final-fantasy-trading-card-game-not-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/square-enix-working-on-a-final-fantasy-trading-card-game-not-tr/#comments Square Enix has already proven itself entirely capable of creating compelling collectible card games within the virtual worlds of its Final Fantasy franchise -- in fact, occasionally, those mini-games became more engrossing than the adventures which surrounded them. That's why we can't wait to see what Square and CCG manufacturer Hobby Japan can do with the recently announced Final Fantasy Trading Card Game when it launches February 25, 2011.

Potential players can start bolstering their collections by picking up the Japanese version of The 3rd Birthday, which will include a promotional card. Though a handful of samples have been revealed (pictured above), the actual rules of the game haven't been detailed. We're going to assume that you have to play it over and over and over again until you're strong enough to win. Also, playing summon cards will take three to six minutes, depending on the strength of said summon. Also, Chocobos have gots to be up in the mix.

JoystiqSquare Enix working on a Final Fantasy trading card game (not Triple Triad, sadly) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardsccgfinal-fantasyhobby-japanjapanrpgsquare-enixthe-3rd-birthdaytrading-card-gameTue, 30 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakaguchi provides glimpse into Final Fantasy IX development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/sakaguchi-provides-glimpse-into-final-fantasy-ix-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/sakaguchi-provides-glimpse-into-final-fantasy-ix-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/sakaguchi-provides-glimpse-into-final-fantasy-ix-development/#comments Legendary Final Fantasy game designer Hironobu Sakaguchi has dug up some old notes from the making of Final Fantasy IX, and they're an interesting read for anyone who's a fan of the adventures of Zidane, Vivi and Steiner. There's a lot of interesting stuff in there, especially if you love the old game (lots of fight sequences were planned differently than they went in the final code). If nothing else, it's fascinating to see the game designer's mind working to plan on paper what eventually became a classic PlayStation RPG.

Sakanguchi is both cinematic with his descriptions ("like steady cam," he says at one point to describe the game's opening shot) and very interested in characters (describing Vivi as "introversive [sic], quiet, obedient, indecisive, pure in heart and kind"). He glosses over spell and game specifics, leaving things like gearing up only described as "able to collect weapons and protective gears here."

That all makes sense, of course -- he and the team wouldn't need to figure out the numbers until later. But the little script is a fascinating look at the very early stages of a classic Final Fantasy title, and just how centered on character and storytelling Square was back in those days. Sakaguchi's notes are a must-read for fans of the JRPG genre.

JoystiqSakaguchi provides glimpse into Final Fantasy IX development originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentfinal-fantasyFinal-Fantasy-IXhironobu-sakaguchiplaystationps3pspsonySquare-EnixTue, 30 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Sports Mix features one behemoth of a boss battle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/mario-sports-mix-features-one-behemoth-of-a-boss-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/mario-sports-mix-features-one-behemoth-of-a-boss-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/mario-sports-mix-features-one-behemoth-of-a-boss-battle/#comments Well, here's a ... weird ... thing. We knew that Mario Sports Mix would feature characters from the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises, but we weren't aware of the other aspects the athletic Wii title would borrow from those two RPG franchises. TheBitBlock recently uncovered a bizarre gameplay clip from Mix -- apparently, at one point, you have to face off against one of Final Fantasy's Behemoths, using your epic volleyball skills. Yes, really.

Check out a video of a Final Fantasy Moogle and a Super Mario Toad going two-on-one against the boss monster posted after the jump. We wonder if he drops any good loot -- like coins, or a mushroom, or a Masamune.

[Thanks, Franco!]

Continue reading Mario Sports Mix features one behemoth of a boss battle

JoystiqMario Sports Mix features one behemoth of a boss battle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothboss-fightsfinal-fantasymario-sports-mixnintendosquare-enixwiiSun, 28 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest heroes get into Mario Sports Mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/final-fantasy-and-dragon-quest-heroes-get-into-mario-sports-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/final-fantasy-and-dragon-quest-heroes-get-into-mario-sports-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/final-fantasy-and-dragon-quest-heroes-get-into-mario-sports-mix/#comments Unsatisfied by their stellar performance in Mario Hoops 3-on-3, a number of characters from the Final Fantasy universe will once again show their athletic prowess in Square Enix's Mario Sports Mix. Gaming news site The Bit Block recently compiled a bunch of gameplay clips from the title's official website, featuring the special moves of the White Mage, Black Mage, Cactuar, Moogle and Ninja. The Mario Sports Mix website also references some Dragon Quest cameos -- though none of those appear in the aforementioned reel, which is posted after the jump.

Once again, the Final Fantasy characters appear to be really sportsmanlike about the whole thing. For instance, that Black Mage would have a much easier time of making a three pointer if he took out all his defenders with a well-timed Ultima, yet he takes his knocks like everyone else. Good form, Mr. Black Mage.

Continue reading Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest heroes get into Mario Sports Mix

JoystiqFinal Fantasy and Dragon Quest heroes get into Mario Sports Mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questfinal-fantasymario-sports-mixnintendosquare-enixwiiThu, 11 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[This Chocobo shirt is something we would like to own]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/this-chocobo-shirt-is-something-we-would-like-to-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/this-chocobo-shirt-is-something-we-would-like-to-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/this-chocobo-shirt-is-something-we-would-like-to-own/#comments Look, everyone should own a piece of apparel with a Chocobo on it, alright? That's just a scientific fact. We can't imagine doing better than this entry on democratic T-shirt retailer RIPT: Titled "Hold Your Chocobos," the shirt features the graphic above and, for today only, will cost you just $10.

Continue reading This Chocobo shirt is something we would like to own

JoystiqThis Chocobo shirt is something we would like to own originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelchocobofinal-fantasysquare-enixt-shirtWed, 10 Nov 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY coming to North America, name intact]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-north-america-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-north-america-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-coming-to-north-america-na/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We were sure Square Enix would localize the sequel to Dissidia Final Fantasy, its PSP fighting-RPG hybrid thing. But we also vainly hoped the company would alter the title for the American version to something that makes even the slightest bit of sense. No such luck.

Square Enix announced that DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY will arrive on PSP in North America sometime next year, bringing new characters (Kain, Tifa, and Lightning, so far), a playable Chaos storyline, and a new, RPG-style mode along with it. We now hope it'll be available on PSN so we don't have to look another human being in the face when we buy something called DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY. Why would you do this to your own game, Square Enix? If you don't want anyone to buy it, just don't release it.

Gallery: Dissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy

Continue reading DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY coming to North America, name intact

JoystiqDISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY coming to North America, name intact originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011dissidiadissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyfightingfinal-fantasyplaystationpsprelease-datesonysquare-enixTue, 21 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy playable at TGS, first screens released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasy-playable-at-tgs-first-screens/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix has released the first images of Dissidia: Final Fantasy sequel Dissidia: Duodecim this morning, also announcing the game as playable at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Unfortunately for Dissidia fans, nothing firmer than the already revealed "2011" release window was given.

Acclaimed character designer Tetsuya Nomura will once again lend his talents to the Dissidia franchise, which can be seen in the first four pieces of art from the game in our gallery below. The only two characters revealed thus far are FFIV's Kain and FFXIII's Lightning, but we're sure to hear about more as TGS opens this week.

Gallery: Dissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy

JoystiqDissidia: Duodecim Final Fantasy playable at TGS, first screens released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyfinal-fantasyplaystationpspsonysquare-enixtetsuya-nomuratgs-2010tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2010Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light's 3 bonus items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-the-4-heroes-of-lights-3-bonus-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-the-4-heroes-of-lights-3-bonus-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/final-fantasy-the-4-heroes-of-lights-3-bonus-items/#commentsFiled under: , ,

To help convince you to roll directly from Dragon Quest IX to another Square Enix DS RPG, Square Enix has partnered with retailers to offer pre-order bonuses for Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light, in addition to throwing a bonus item into first-run copies.

Every copy of the game in the initial pressing will include a very cute poster of the characters emerging from a book. Pre-orders from GameStop will get you another poster, featuring the dragon image from the game's box art (also in our gallery). Finally, Amazon pre-orders will include something that isn't a poster, but is welcome nonetheless: a $10 credit on a future game purchase.

Gallery: Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light (box art and bonus posters)


JoystiqFinal Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light's 3 bonus items originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazondsFinal-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-the-4-Heroes-of-LightGameStopnintendopre-orderRPGSquare-EnixWed, 25 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle discounted to $249.99 at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/final-fantasy-xiii-xbox-360-bundle-discounted-to-249-99-at-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/final-fantasy-xiii-xbox-360-bundle-discounted-to-249-99-at-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/final-fantasy-xiii-xbox-360-bundle-discounted-to-249-99-at-amaz/#comments If you pounced on what was already a good deal for the Final Fantasy XIII bundle, then we apologize, because it's been discounted again. Amazon has knocked another $50 off the price tag, bringing the console down to a very appealing $249.99. For a 250GB HDD, two wireless controllers, a copy of Final Fantasy XIII and the console itself (plus the custom faceplate, which Amazon is still throwing in), that's a damn good price -- even if there is a sexier, slimmer console on the block now.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle discounted to $249.99 at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gb-hddFFXIIIFinal-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-13microsoftsquare-enixxboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 14:20:00 EST